I think we should start seeing other people

First thing to make clear- it's not you, it's me.

I just think it's all been getting a bit too 'cosy' lately and you know I need my space sometimes. I told you this when we started seeing each other.

So here's my suggestion. Go and see what other blogs are out there. Experiment. Find out what you're interested in, whether it be blogs by social workers, criminologists, politicians or pretty much any other professional role you can think of. Just remember that bloggers are people too and their opinions will be their own. The easiest way to search for blogs is via the Google Blog search option which you can find here.

Just remember I'm not kicking you out. Think of it more as a trial separation. Don't look at me like that though or I'll lose my nerve and beg you to stay and then you'll end up resenting me and...well you know how it goes.

And if you'd like me to recommend some specific bloggers for your subject area email me or just ask if you see me around the library.

Now if you don't mind I think I've got something in my eye...

Journal Articles vs Books: the verdict

Students ask me sometimes if journals are better than books which is rather like asking if rivers are better than mountains; my answer is both have their place, they complement each other and if you're lucky you can experience both simultaneously.

How far you're currently into your course will partly dictate how familiar you are with reading and using journal articles. If you're relatively new to study then you'll probably be using mostly books and if you're currently writing a dissertation then journals should be your main source of reading.

But that somewhat oversimplifies the situation. The reason for this is straightforward-books and journals are both useful throughout your course and need to be used as and when they're required.

Here's an example; if you're a third year currently reading journal articles about a sociological issue related to feminism you need to understand feminist theory. A journal article won't explain that to you in any depth because it'll probably assume you already know enough. So sometimes going back to the books for the underlying theories is absolutely the right thing to do. Similarly, if you're a first year who's looking at journal articles which keep referring to theorists who you've never heard of, then you can't possibly understand what you're reading. In which case find a book chapter on that theorist to help with the background.

So ultimately it comes down to 'do I understand what I'm reading and is it useful for the task in hand?'
I'm currently writing a new Prezi on the benefits of reading so hopefully I'll get the chance to show it to you before too long.

Female Genital Mutilation

Yesterday was an international day of zero tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

I was listening to Woman's Hour and they had an interesting piece on FGM which you can find here. If you want to go straight to it then fast forward 14 minutes in.

The Guardian has also put together a very good page of resources, interviews and information on FGM which is well worth a look. You can find it here.

If you're searching for journal articles on DISCOVER related to this issue remember to try the abbreviated and full three word phrase.
Any other help needed, then just ask.