(Especially for ER110 students)
Recalling (or not!) our last class, take a look at this short tutorial on using the Evans Library catalog: http://w2.fmcc.edu/library/Using_FMCC_Catalog/index.html
Once you've done that, complete this short tutorial on using keywords to make searching easier:
http://www.umsl.edu/services/libteach/keyword.html
What makes "sense" about the Evans Library catalog? Does it make finding information easier? What is confusing? Does using keywords and boolean logic help?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Comparing Search Engines
(Especially for ER110 students)
Read this blog post: http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2009-06-07-n71.html and then go to the "Blind Search" link that is mentioned.
Enter a search term and compare the results. Did you choose the results of the search enginge that you usually use? Did it matter if the logo or branding wasn't there? Or, do you like the results or just how the results are displayed?
Me? I'm not sure yet!
Read this blog post: http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2009-06-07-n71.html and then go to the "Blind Search" link that is mentioned.
Enter a search term and compare the results. Did you choose the results of the search enginge that you usually use? Did it matter if the logo or branding wasn't there? Or, do you like the results or just how the results are displayed?
Me? I'm not sure yet!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
You Gotta Have Faith...or trusting the Internet.
(Especially for ER110 students!)
Take a look at this article:
http://ep.fmcc.edu:8081/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=40098826&site=ehost-live
When can Wikipedia be trusted?
What internet sources do you trust?
Why do you trust them?
Take a look at this article:
http://ep.fmcc.edu:8081/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=40098826&site=ehost-live
When can Wikipedia be trusted?
What internet sources do you trust?
Why do you trust them?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dinosaurs (and the Evans Library) Deliver
Although they're still in search of names (we're accepting submissions!) the unoffical library mascots, aka "the dinosaurs" recently took a trip to SUNY Brockport with some of the Evans Library staff. The purpose of the trip, besides getting allowing the dinosaurs to see a bit of the world, was to make sure that the Evans Library staff was updated on providing you, our users, with the best possible document delivery service.
What's document delivery? Without getting too "techy," it's what allows you to order, receive and access materials from other libraries. Or, as the Librarians like to refer to it, "online shopping without any bills!"
Most students and faculty probably know document delivery better as Interlibrary Loan. But for those of you who don't, here's a quick rundown of the services available to you:
Don't see what you need? We can get it for you - fast and free!. Interlibrary Loan lets you borrow books and articles from other libraries. It's really simple and easy. Take a look at the these quick steps, watch the short how-to-video and then start using Interlibrary Loan!
Interlibrary Loan Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?
A: Books and articles that are not available at the Evans Library at FMCC.
Q: Who can borrow books through Interlibrary Loan?
A: FMCC faculty, staff and students, and Empire State College students. InterLibrary Loan services are not available to OpenAccess/SUNY or non-FMCC patrons.
Q: What is the loan period for books?
A: Generally the loan period is determined by the lending library - it's usually three weeks. Renewels are at the discretion of the lending library.
Q: How do I request books or articles through Interlibrary Loan?
A: You must have email and use ILLiad, the library's online service.
Q: How will I know when my request are ready?
A: You will be notified by email when your book or articles are ready - it's best to start checking your email account a few days after you send the request. Books can be picked up at the Evans Library Circulation desk. Articles will be emailed to you directly.
If you want a quick tutorial on using Interlibrary loan to order books, check this out
Ready to use Interlibrary loan? Go here
Interlibrary loan, or document delivery is just one of the many ways that the Evans Library works to make sure that you have access to the information you need and want for your research.
Questions? Stop in and see us in person, give us a call (762-4651 x5611), or shoot us an email (libinfo@fmcc.edu). We're always happy to help!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Welcome to Fall 2009 @ FM! I would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce you to our Library....
Now, wait just a minute, you say. What, exactly, does she mean by that? Libraries don't really need an introduction, do they? I mean, they have books like always, and now they have stuff online that you can get to on their new computers... So what's the big deal?
The big deal is that you might not know that FM’s Evans Library is constantly re-inventing itself -- for you! Just like the libraries mentioned in a recent CNN news report "The future of libraries, with or without books", the Evans Library @ FM is changing, growing, developing.... in essence, it’s evolving into a learning space that is designed especially for you! And, not too surprisingly, by you!
To re-invent ourselves, one of the things we've done over the summer is to listen to your concerns about the atmosphere here at FM’s library. The Spring 2009 Student Satisfaction survey showed that although 79% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the atmosphere here, a number of people weren’t too happy with the noise levels they found in the Library. While there were a few complementary comments (i.e. “The noise level is acceptable and appropriate”), most people wanted to tell us they were not pleased; the Library was: “very loud”, “way to [sic] loud”, “it can get really loud”, and finally “the library is almost always very noisy”.
Now, as you might know, we do have a “Code of Conduct” that outlines acceptable behavior in the Library and I can tell you that the staff does their best to fairly and evenly maintain a library-like atmosphere. However, libraries around the world are changing and they are so much more than just about quiet. So over the summer we decided to change things, to ‘zone’ the areas and to make it easier for people to find places in the Library where they could study and work in a way most comfortable for them. I think one user said it best when they stated “people need to be able to talk AND have quiet”.
And so Ta Da... welcome to the Evans Library, Fall 2009 where you’ll find a Green Zone – a “Commons” area ideal for those who wish to work & talk in groups (moderate conversation and considerate cell phone use welcome!); a Yellow Zone for “Quiet” study (your traditional library atmosphere with whispered conversation & texting only) and finally your Red Zone for “Silent” study (no talking & no phones, just silence!). There are maps at the Library entrance to direct you to the different zones; just pick one up!
We hope that these varied and clearly marked spaces work for you and we’ll do our best to keep the areas clean, comfortable, and disruption-free. You can help us by not only letting us know how our ‘zones’ are working out (look for a quick survey in October), but also by calling our attention to people who are not respecting the zone they’re in.
The Evans Library is for everyone here at FM and we want to do the best we can to make this Library what you need it to be. So come on in and work, read, study & SUCCEED!
Now, wait just a minute, you say. What, exactly, does she mean by that? Libraries don't really need an introduction, do they? I mean, they have books like always, and now they have stuff online that you can get to on their new computers... So what's the big deal?
The big deal is that you might not know that FM’s Evans Library is constantly re-inventing itself -- for you! Just like the libraries mentioned in a recent CNN news report "The future of libraries, with or without books", the Evans Library @ FM is changing, growing, developing.... in essence, it’s evolving into a learning space that is designed especially for you! And, not too surprisingly, by you!
To re-invent ourselves, one of the things we've done over the summer is to listen to your concerns about the atmosphere here at FM’s library. The Spring 2009 Student Satisfaction survey showed that although 79% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the atmosphere here, a number of people weren’t too happy with the noise levels they found in the Library. While there were a few complementary comments (i.e. “The noise level is acceptable and appropriate”), most people wanted to tell us they were not pleased; the Library was: “very loud”, “way to [sic] loud”, “it can get really loud”, and finally “the library is almost always very noisy”.
Now, as you might know, we do have a “Code of Conduct” that outlines acceptable behavior in the Library and I can tell you that the staff does their best to fairly and evenly maintain a library-like atmosphere. However, libraries around the world are changing and they are so much more than just about quiet. So over the summer we decided to change things, to ‘zone’ the areas and to make it easier for people to find places in the Library where they could study and work in a way most comfortable for them. I think one user said it best when they stated “people need to be able to talk AND have quiet”.
And so Ta Da... welcome to the Evans Library, Fall 2009 where you’ll find a Green Zone – a “Commons” area ideal for those who wish to work & talk in groups (moderate conversation and considerate cell phone use welcome!); a Yellow Zone for “Quiet” study (your traditional library atmosphere with whispered conversation & texting only) and finally your Red Zone for “Silent” study (no talking & no phones, just silence!). There are maps at the Library entrance to direct you to the different zones; just pick one up!
We hope that these varied and clearly marked spaces work for you and we’ll do our best to keep the areas clean, comfortable, and disruption-free. You can help us by not only letting us know how our ‘zones’ are working out (look for a quick survey in October), but also by calling our attention to people who are not respecting the zone they’re in.
The Evans Library is for everyone here at FM and we want to do the best we can to make this Library what you need it to be. So come on in and work, read, study & SUCCEED!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Who Am I? Or, Why You Need an ID Card at the Library...
If you're new to FMCC this coming fall semester, or even if you're a returning student remember that you'll need an FMCC ID card to access all the resources available to you in the Evans Library. More than that, as a student at FMCC, you're required to have a card with you at all times while you're on campus.
In short, you gotta have one.
So, you're probably asking yourself, how do I get an ID card? And if you're not asking yourself that questions, you should be! Since there's generally some confusion at the start of the school year the Librarians at the Evans Library are here to help...
1. Contact the Public Safety Office at 762-7651 ext. 7-4000 to inquire about scheduled dates and times for ID processing.
2. Go the the Public Safety Office, P-144 (Physical Education Building).
3. Fill out some forms.
4. Smile for the camera. :)
5. That's it!
Then come to the Evans Library with your ID where you'll be able to:
In short, you gotta have one.
So, you're probably asking yourself, how do I get an ID card? And if you're not asking yourself that questions, you should be! Since there's generally some confusion at the start of the school year the Librarians at the Evans Library are here to help...
1. Contact the Public Safety Office at 762-7651 ext. 7-4000 to inquire about scheduled dates and times for ID processing.
2. Go the the Public Safety Office, P-144 (Physical Education Building).
3. Fill out some forms.
4. Smile for the camera. :)
5. That's it!
Then come to the Evans Library with your ID where you'll be able to:
- Login and use any of the computers in the Library. The back of your ID has a barcode with a string of numbers. The last 6 digits of those numbers are your ID number. You'll then enter the first five letters of your last name. Remember that (you can always look at your ID if you forget) and you'll be all set!
- Check out books/DVDs/CDs. You can't borrow anything from the Evans Library without your ID
- Use headphones (these are popular items and you'll need to have your ID with you to check them out)
- Borrow items (books/articles/DVDs) that your instructors have placed on Reserve.
- Have access to our databases from home. This is key if you're working from home or are taking an online/blended class.
Sounds easy, right? It is. Like we said, there's a lot you can do in the Evans Library with your ID card, and not much to do without one!
As always, if you have any questions - about getting an ID card or anything else - feel free to contact a librarian:
- In person at the Reference Desk during normal hours
- Through email (libinfo@fmcc.edu)
- By telephone (518.762.4651 x5611)
- Through our Ask Us 24/7 Chat with a Librarian service
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
What's new you ask?
Hello,
We hope you all are enjoying your summer. The campus is a bit quiet in the summer months, but that doesn't mean that there isn't work being done to prepare for the upcoming semeter.
We hope you all are enjoying your summer. The campus is a bit quiet in the summer months, but that doesn't mean that there isn't work being done to prepare for the upcoming semeter.So, "What's new at the Evans Library?" you ask. Glad you did. Here's a few things to look forward to when the Fall semester kicks off on September 3rd.
First, we're going to have a lot of new computers for you to use. The IT Department has been hard at work replacing all of the computers in the library. The silver boxes (terminals) on the "S" tables will be gone (and the thumb drive issues should go with them!). That means you will be able to use CDs, DVDs, headphones, etc. on these units. This will be a big step up from last year. The mix of towers and desktops on the other side of the first floor will be gone too. The new units are smaller (and faster). Some are outfitted with nice 20" wide-screen monitors. As a result, you should have a little more room to spread out.
Another place where you will have more room to spread out is in the Information Literacy Classroom on the second floor. The big, old monitors have been replaced with newer flat-screens. The silver boxes have been replaced with newer tower PCs too.
All of our computers will now run Microsoft Vista.
You will also see 10 new databases for you to use on the Find Articles page of the library's website. They'll be hard to miss because they all have a 
icon next to them. We've added databases dedicated to humanities, computer & applied sciences, religion & philosopy, vocation & careers, the environment, and alternative medicine just to name a few. In addition, two of our more widely used databases have been upgraded. Academic Search Premier (in the general database section) is now Academic Search Complete. Business Source Premier (surprise...in the business section) is now Business Source Complete.
icon next to them. We've added databases dedicated to humanities, computer & applied sciences, religion & philosopy, vocation & careers, the environment, and alternative medicine just to name a few. In addition, two of our more widely used databases have been upgraded. Academic Search Premier (in the general database section) is now Academic Search Complete. Business Source Premier (surprise...in the business section) is now Business Source Complete.You can always see what new books and other materials we've added by using the New Books & Other Materials button on the library's main page.
We have a couple of more new things we are working on for the upcoming semester, but we don't want to let all the cats out of the bag just yet. Surprises are fun and you will certainly hear about and notice these things when they happen.
Stay tuned...
-The Evans Library Staff
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