Although many things have changed since the days of our fathers, some tools have simply been altered and renamed to reflect the modern era. The Rolodex, a contact organization tool, is not as obsolete as one might think. No longer are large, circular paperweights adorning desks of CEOs and salesman who remember the strife of those in Glengarry Glen Ross – they are located on our computers. And with the progression of technology, these Electronic Rolodexes are now used for so much more. Researchers are now using them to categorize and organize the information they come across during their study. ERD could simply stand for Electronic Rolodex, but it can also be an abbreviation of the term, Electronic Research Documentation.
With an ERD, one can document the source of their information. Items such as author, title, date and city of publication, and location of the source can be inputted into an ERD. Further, much like an annotated bibliography, notes, comments and critiques can be added into the file. This aids researchers by allowing them to return to the file and determine which articles should be used when synthesizing their findings into a scholarly writing without poring over a cluttered desk rife with useless material. Establishing an ERD is not only useful, it is easy to accomplish as well.
By utilizing Microsoft Word, one can create a table for the information they wish to save. Items such as the aforementioned as well as an area for critical reflection are commonplace in ERDs. By storing the file on the computer, a cluttered desk is now a sanctuary for personal knickknacks and photos of family. As technology changes, so too does the image of a productive work-space. Save yourself from insanity and stress by implementing the use of your computer for more than surfing the web and emailing clients. Use an ERD next time you wish to organize your contacts, products, research or simply as a task manager.
