Mining the treasure of technical information: a research project for all disciplines

Engineers and technology practitioners often find themselves required to locate technical and nontechnical information from a variety of sources. They may be called upon to generate quotes, research equipment specifications, research market shares, delineate proposed manufacturing process, find company profiles, retrieve demographics data, determine compliance with engineering standards; or research any one of countless other pieces of information. The research may involve books, CDs, periodicals, newspapers, corresponding via email, fax, letters or the worldwide web. Accreditation agencies, such as ABET, have long recognized the need for ´library´ and ´computer´ usage in engineering and technology programs. This paper details strategies for an innovative student research project which leads to direct and useful experience applicable to engineering and engineering technology practitioners in any discipline. It is called the ´Treasure Hunt´ because of the value added nature of the process rather than just the results. With minimal effort, a customized version of the project could be instituted in virtually any class at any level. It is readily adaptable to changing technology, any textbooks, and has now been in continuous use each semester since 1982. As implemented, it has been cited by two ABET visiting teams for innovation and as an excellent example of continuously improved instruction. Over the years it has grown to become one of the more noted experiences cited in both student exit interviews and in graduate surveys.