In a world of information overload, learning where and how to locate and curate digital information can seem a daunting task. How do I narrow, sort and filter thousands of search results? How do I determine trusted sources and test the reliability of the content I consume? I’ll be the first to admit that my search techniques are often less than strategic. A simple entry into the search bar is my go-to when I require a quick answer to an inconsequential question (and maybe sometimes a consequential one … Thanks, Dr. Google). But what if the answers I require are more complex? And how do I ensure that the information I find is not only useful, but correct? Where will I store this information once I’ve found it? And (how) will I share it with others?
During my brief self-education, I have come to discover that effective content curation, in many ways, mirrors the habits of effective leadership. If done correctly, both can enrich the surrounding culture and positively impact the performance of others (Al Khajeh, 2018; DiFranza, 2019; Good, 2017). When curating information, as in good leadership, it is important to start with an assessment of the situation, recognizing what is needed in or missing from the space, and formulating a clear vision and plan to respond accordingly (Al Khajeh, 2018; DiFranza, 2019; Good, 2017). Two-way communication is key. An effective content curator should be able to seek out diverse opinions, listen to and learn from best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation – adding value by sharing current and emerging perspectives, and adapting strategies and viewpoints as more is learned (Al Khajeh, 2018; DiFranza, 2019; Good, 2017). Finally, an effective curator and leader should confront challenges with an open mind, be persistent in their search efforts and view roadblocks in their research as an opportunity to learn and grow (Al Khajeh, 2018).
So, where do I begin on my journey to improve my own content curation? A good place to start is to invest time in developing searching competency by improving internet search habits. As a start, Googling “improving internet searches” yields many helpful and similar results. Most common suggestions (many of which I was proud to realize I already knew and employed) include being specific and using key words, including the use of quotation marks when searching exact terms, using Boolean Logic including “+” and “-“, and taking advantage of website specific features such as autocomplete and advanced search options, as well as exploring the other suggested searches that often pop up as you scroll (Murrumba State Secondary College, n.d.; Norton, 2011). Additionally, finding “good” information requires persistence, creativity and flexibility, the engagement of professionals where possible, and “recogniz[ing] the value of browsing and other serendipitous methods of information gathering”(American Library Association [ALA], 2015). Further, when a standard Google search does not do the trick, it is necessary to evaluate search methods and change tactics, keeping in mind information needs and matching those to appropriate search tools (ALA, 2015).
Once searching methods have been improved, an important next step is to evaluate the information retrieved. The need for quality information has become readily apparent in recent years. Daily, millions of (self-proclaimed) “experts” spam the internet with their “hot takes”. With every click, view, and share, there risks the opportunity for ill-informed opinions and poorly researched posts to go viral, further entrenching them in the collective conscious. With so much information available it is paramount to audit what we find. In the blog post Getting ‘REAL’ with web evaluation (n.d.) author Kay Oddone details Alan November’s “REAL” test for source reliability. November, known for his work in educational technology, recommends that consumers read the URL (R) paying attention to the domain name and domain extension (ex. “.edu” or “.org”) to locate credible sources; examine a site’s content and history (E), paying specific attention to when the information was published or last updated; ask about the publisher (A), noting who hosts the site or has taken ownership of the material; and look at the links (L), while simultaneously developing an understanding of “search engine optimisation”, the process by which web pages become more visible in search results, regardless of the accuracy of their content (Odonne, n.d.). A top search result will not always be the “best” or most correct.
The importance of information audits was recently highlighted in my own life, as I assisted my nine-year-old son to complete his first major school project. As I reviewed the information he had dutifully transferred to slides, it became obvious that he had not been taught to properly source content, question what he found, or reference the information he chose to use. Media literacy had focused on internet safety but had failed to address other important aspects of being a responsible digital citizen. That evening, my son and I sat together, reverse engineering a reference page as I explained the importance of being critical in his future research. We examined sources (once we “re-found” them) to ensure they presented valid and correct information and discussed the importance of crediting another’s work. Plagiarism is a hefty word for a nine-year old.
Once quality information has been located, a final step is to curate and store sources for future use and sharing. Despite my above-noted abilities in the context of Grade 4 social science, I still consider myself a novice as far as curation and synthesis. At present, my chosen methods for storage include a Word document (for themed information where entries will be contributed over time), a bookmark used on my phone or computer (for an article of interest I wish to (re) read later) or a Post-it note (in those instances where I need to record the information quickly before my focus shifts to making yet another snack for a hungry child). While all of these “tools” are easily accessible to me, they add little value to the broader conversation. Luckily there exists a host of curation options, easily discoverable by (yet another) simple internet search, or, as I have recently learned, through knowledge-sharing with peers. A quick web search of “content curation” + “tools” leads to several comprehensive lists and articles which identify platforms and explain their functionality, level of difficulty and whether they exist behind a pay wall. Even the most amateur curator (read: me) can find a tool that will match their vision and meet them at their ability level. Popular tools such as Twitter (of which I am a recent convert) and Pinterest to non-mainstream options such as Flipboard and Pocket (which I intend to try) allow users to easily find and collect information, organize it into a visually appealing format, and follow others whose interests align with their own. With so many options, the prospect of information curation and dissemination seems exciting and accessible.
I cannot say I am entirely ready to give up my Post-its, but I look forward to future curation as I endeavour to become an effective leader in health and a more active part of the conversation.
References
Al Khajeh, E. (2018). Impact of leadership styles on organizational performance. Journal of Human Resources Management Research, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5171/2018.687849
American Library Association. (2015, February 9). Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework
DiFranza, A. (2019, March 27). Transformational leadership: How to inspire innovation in the workplace. Northeastern University. https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/transformational-leadership/
Good, R. (2017, September 19). The key benefits of content curation. Medium. https://medium.com/content-curation-official-guide/the-key-benefits-of-content-curation-7d83837c2163
Murrumba State Secondary College. (n.d.). Tips for effective internet searching [PDF]. https://murrumbassc.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/ParentWorkshops/Workshop6/Efffective-Internet-Searching.pdf
Norton, A. (2011, April 27). 10 tips for smarter, more efficient internet searching. Tech Republic. https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-tips-for-smarter-more-efficient-internet-searching/
Odonne, K. (n.d.). Getting ‘REAL’ with web evaluation. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/information-and-critical-literacy-in-the-web-world/getting-real-with-web-evaluation/
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