Blog 10

The resource I use most often is the UTEP library – the place offers a great service. I particularly appreciate the fact that I can meet with someone who is specialized in the subject area I’m researching. Because typing in the right key word(s) is the secret to success, consulting with a specialized librarian has helped me out many times, especially in areas other than kinesiology. Just recently, I discovered a feature called Digital/Commons@UTEP, where students and faculty post articles, reports and more. There are some really interesting papers from 1942 until today under “Theses and Dissertations.” It may take a while to discover a specific document, but it is worth the time. Another library service I’m frequently using is the Interlibrary Loan (ILL), which allows me to get hold of useful articles that are available online as abstract only. Concurrent with the UTEP library I’m using the UTTC Digital Library including D-Doc, which provides enrolled students access to material that is not available through the library. Besides the library and its databases, I’m using Google Scholar for my research. It has a plethora of information – some of which is useful and some that is not. The key to locating what you need is to specify or minimize your search; if not, you will spend precious time reading through material you won’t need . . .

Other helpful sources for my research are my adviser and other faculty members I come in contact with as a TA. I’m also using the expertise of the researchers at the Hispanic Health Disparity Research Center. Because I got grant money for my study from the center, I have to attend a workshop every second week. It’s a bit time consuming, but very helpful; besides, I’m free to use all their resources. For my teaching activities, both my professor and my students are the most valuable resources. My professor always helps me out when I get stuck and thus, gets me going; and my students are the ones telling me whether they are able to follow me in the direction I'm going.