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Turfgrass Information File


The most comprehensive index of turfgrass information in existence – the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) – became available at the touch of a button to all GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members as a member benefit in 2008. Pete Cookingham and and Dr. Cliff Haka from the Michigan State Libraries will be on hand in New Orleans to help GCSAA members learn how to utilize this vital tool for any golf course superintendent and facility.

All professions have a baseline 'body of knowledge' which is the bedrock of research, training, and practice. TGIF is the 'body of knowledge' for turf professionals. TGIF inventories the full range of print and electronic resources relating to turfgrass science and management, as well as the management of turf-based facilities. It is the continuing record of where the profession started, where it has been, and where it is at today.

TGIF Training

Pete and Cliff will be available in the GCSAA Answer Zone on the trade show floor as well as hold classes Friday afternoon and Saturday mid-morning through early afternoon. Below is the complete schedule for TGIF training:

The Answer Zone; Booth #3470 on the trade show floor

Thurs., Feb. 5:

1 – 2 p.m.
3 – 4 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 6:

10 – 11a.m.

Training Room #282; located on the second level

Fri., Feb. 6:

1:30 – 2 p.m.
2:30 – 3 p.m.
3:30 – 4 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 7:

10:30 – 11 a.m.
11:30 – 12 p.m.
12:30 – 1 p.m.

In all, the TGIF contains more than 130,000 records and continues to grow daily. Among its holdings is the complete digitized archive of GCSAA's Golf Course Management magazine and its predecessor from 1933 to the present.

Here are just a few examples of what TGIF can do for a turf professional:

  1. Identify documentation to support decision-making
  2. Validate product claims
  3. Review/overview a specific issue or topic
  4. Investigate new areas of responsibility, need, or opportunity.
  5. Identify a specific item 'you remember seeing somewhere'.

The following are highlights of what will be covered in the training

  • TGIF vs. other search engines - when do you use which, and why
  • The 'invisible web' - and why it matters.
  • The potential value of searching the history of your course or maybe your next course
  • Searching vs. browsing
  • What hasn’t changed because of online access?
  • Precision vs. recall - always the tradeoff
  • TGIF tricks and tips

*TGIF itself does not recommend or evaluate or diagnose. It is a professional tool, to be used in support of decision-making by professionals. It includes a very wide range of viewpoints and opinions.

 
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