Using the Evans Library Catalog

(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?

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!

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:

• 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

The Evans Library is starting off the summer session with a fresh display of newly acquired books! You’ll find this display immediately upon entry as well as the usual location of new books – on the wall next to the Writing Center.

A sample of some these new titles paired in what we thought were some interesting connections:

Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of the Honey Bee and the Coming Agricultural Crisis
with
The End: Natural Disasters, Manmade Catastrophes, and the Future of Human Survival

Atomic Tragedy: Henry L. Stimson and the Decision to Use the Bomb Against Japan
with
Deadly Decision: How False Knowledge Sank the Titanic, Blew Up the Shuttle and Led America into War

Life Explained
with
Freaks of Nature: What Anomalies Tell Us About Development and Evolution

Three Men, Five Great Wines and the Evening that Changed America: Dinner at Mr. Jefferson’s
with
Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson

There’s more, many more so be sure to stop by and look them over and then check one out at the Circulation Desk. Want to take a look before you come in? Check out our new books here And if you think there's a book we should get - fill out this form!

Happy reading!