After completing bachelor's and master's degrees in China, Jinlong Guo came to the United States to earn his doctoral degree at GSLIS. Despite his knowledge and expertise in the field, he continues to be impressed by the interdisciplinarity and potential of research in LIS.
Why did you decide to pursue an LIS doctoral degree?
My path to the LIS doctoral degree seems very straightforward. I earned my bachelor’s degree in information management and information systems and my master’s degree in library and information science. Through these two degree programs, I developed my interest in information/knowledge management that aims at helping people to better utilize information/knowledge. This is actually a very big topic. Fortunately, an LIS doctoral degree provides the breadth to explore my interests.
Why did you choose GSLIS?
Besides the fact that GSLIS ranks number one in LIS programs, the interests I share with the faculty of the Socio-technical Data Analytics (SODA) program and the Center for Informatics Research in Science and Scholarship (CIRSS) were another reason for me to choose GSLIS.
To reflect a bit after the first year of my PhD, I am glad I chose GSLIS. The faculty and staff are always so nice and supportive here. You are always given priority to pursue your own research interests. I am particularly thankful to Dr. Cathy Blake not only for her guidance in my academic pursuits but also for her kind support in my transition to an absolutely new studying environment in the U.S.
What particular LIS topics interest you most?
Specifically, I am now interested in text mining of scientific literature to accelerate the process of knowledge discovery. My research draws on knowledge from many different subjects: the study of knowledge from philosophy, natural language and knowledge from linguistics, and automatic information processing from computer science. The ultimate goal is to better use those information/knowledge techniques to serve people, which is a main focus of library and information science.
What surprises you about the field of LIS?
The field of LIS keeps surprising me.
Diversity: Interesting interdisciplinary research topics appear to me frequently, and the breadth of research diversity never stops amazing me. Exposure to such diverse interdisciplinary topics promotes my understanding of knowledge itself. I am glad that we are given so many opportunities and freedom to pursue our own interests.
Sharing: In LIS, you not only study knowledge, but at the same time you also apply your knowledge as much as you can. The best way to test and apply what you learn is by teaching others. What I have learned is that only by transferring it is the value of knowledge really fulfilled. Here in GSLIS, it's such a great place for learning and sharing that the knowledge, both explicit and implicit, seems to naturally flow to me.
Possibility: Along with the diversity of research topics is the possibility of research potential. Previously, I was only focusing on mining data that are already there (e.g., scientific literature, biodiversity description) and trying to attach semantics or metadata to the data. However, from a data lifecycle perspective, why can't we design tools that can add semantics at the beginning of data generation? Data science really gives you a new perspective to see how data functions within the workflow.
What do you do outside of class?
Outside of class, I like doing sports (basketball and badminton are my favorites) and reading for pleasure. I also enjoy cooking.
What career plans or goals do you have?
Ultimately I would like to work in a research university, but I am also open to industry positions where my skills can be applied.