I have been doing a lot of wondering lately about my topic (Chicago). I have definitely experienced all of the emotions that Carol Kuhlthau describes in her ISP model. After experiencing the "brief elation" that came with the Selecting a Topic stage, I unfortunately fell deep into the pit of the Exploring Information Feelings, particularly the uncertainty and doubt feelings. I have been struggling with developing a focus for my project. I knew I wanted to learn about all Chicago has to offer, especially for families with children, but I wasn't sure which path to take. The feeling of self doubt has definitely been a factor in the way I have viewed my project. Second guessing my choice of topic, thinking that this could not possibly be what the instructor wants. Surely my topic is too frivolous; it needs to be more meaningful, more life-changing. It just seemed much too practical to be the topic of my assignment! Honestly, these are the thoughts that I plague myself with daily. I guess my many years of being a student have taught me to expect assignments to be disconnected from the real world.

It has been interesting for me to take the time to analyze my emotions as I progress through this project. It does give me such empathy for students, and I feel like I have deepened my understanding of how they feel. It is a good reminder. I think that this particular stage of information inquiry that I have been experiencing, the exploring information and deciding on a focus stage, can be paralyzing for some students. It is an overwhelming feeling, particularly to a perfectionist like me (and so many of you who will read this blog) who wants to do everything correctly. Overcoming the fear of making mistakes is an important life skill that I want to share with students. But first, I need to get over it myself!

Happily, I can tell you that I was able to push past this stage, and I am feeling much better about my project because I have been able to develop a focus that I feel good about. I will share about this in my next blog.

Kuhlthau, Carol Collier (1985, 1994). Teaching the Library Research Process. West Nyack, NY: Center for Applied Research in Education. Scarecrow Press.