EM 500 Information for Managers and Engineers Sara Memmott, Librarian

Where do you go when you need information?

Outline Your personal information network Scientific Information Management/Organizational Information Gathering Information In-Class Assignment

Creation of Scientific Information Event Person/Researcher Primary Sources – may be refereed Secondary Sources - news Tertiary – compiled information

Example - Secondary

Example - Primary

Management/Organizational Information Background or “big picture” information that is valuable in the workplace Trends Competitors

Examples

Information Reduces Uncertainty Information helps you anticipate change Crucial for strategic planning and problem solving

Use of information What information is needed? Collect the information Analyze the information: create knowledge or intelligence Take action

Types of Information Internal – created within an organization External – created outside Primary – created for a specific purpose Secondary – useful, but created for another purpose

Types of Information

Evaluating Information Intelligence – not just facts Is the information useful: Current Valid Objective Complete Original

Gathering Information Regular Reading Library Resources: Collections Databases Librarians

Library Collections Start at library web site Library Catalog

Search for Topics - Databases Engineering: Science Direct Emerald Library – Engineering & Mangement

Search for Topics - Databases Business & Management: Articles: ProQuest Direct Lexis/Nexis Company Information: Mergent Online Lexis/Nexis

Assignment In-Class Assignment