Colgate University Libraries News and Events

Happy New Year to you! Have you made any resolutions yet? I have a big list already and changing ALL of my passwords is definitely not on it. But after checking out this comic, I'm reconsidering. Not only is the idea that an eight letter password can be hacked in two hours a bit frightening, but the Daring Librarian gives some excellent suggestions for keeping track of all your passwords. Plus she recommends completely separate, not used anywhere else, passwords for Facebook and banking. I couldn't agree with that more.
 
New New Years Resolution? Password upgrade!

Courtesy of the Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research, we are providing you with a comprehensive listing of spaces available to students at the end of the semester.  If you have any questions, please contact Renée Chapin at rchapin@colgate.edu.

Study Spaces at Colgate
Fall 2011
Primary Uses Key
 S = Individual quiet study
 G = Group study/discussion
 C = Computers available
 
Spaces with Greatest Numbers of Seats
 
Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology (S,G,C)
Open 24/7 December 4, at 10 AM through December 16, at 5 PM. Hours for the Case-Geyer and for Cooley Science Library are available at http://exlibris.colgate.edu/about/hours.html.
 
Cooley Science Library (S,C)
Mon–Thu 8 AM–Midnight     •     Fri 8 AM–10 PM     •     Sat 10 AM–10 PM     •     Sun 10 AM–Midnight
 
Commons (S)
Mon–Thu Open 24 hours for study
 
Lawrence Hall
Humanities Lounge (G)
Mon–Thu 6 PM–2 AM     •     Sat & Sun 10 AM–2 AM
 
O’Connor Campus Center (Open 24/7 December 4 through December 15)
Fireplace lounge and TV lounge (S,G)
Mon–Fri 8 AM–2:30 AM     •     Sat & Sun 11 AM–2:30 AM
 
Computer Lab (C)
Mon-Sun 10 AM–10 PM
Additional Spaces
 
ALANA Cultural Center (G,C) – Lounge, Computer/Study Room
(Seminar Room and Multipurpose Room are available when not in use for ALANA functions.)
Mon–Thu 8 AM–10 PM     •     Fri 8 AM–8 PM     •     Sun 4 PM–10 PM
***Extended hours December 5―December 15 open until 12 Midnight, no overnight stay is allowed.
 
Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research (S,G,C)
Mon–Thu 8 AM–11 PM     •     Sun 7 PM–11 PM
***Extended hours December 5―December 15 open until 12 Midnight, no overnight stay is allowed.
 
Center for Women’s Studies (S,G,C)
Mon–Thu 8 AM–9:30 PM     •     Fri 8 AM–5 PM     •     Sun 4 PM–9:30 PM
 
Ho Science Center (S,G)
Public access study spaces and the atrium area, including the small end-of-hallway study areas.
Mon–Fri 7 AM–12 Midnight    •    Sat & Sun 10 AM–11 PM
 
Lathrop Hall 109, COVE (S)
Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM (when not in use for COVE–related meetings and events)
 
Lawrence Hall
Classroom(s) 101, 109, 110, 118 (S,G)
Mon–Thu 6 PM–2 AM     •     Sat & Sun 10 AM–2 AM
 
Classroom(s) 203, 209, 210, 220, 304, 310, 320 (S,G)
Mon–Thu 6 PM–2 AM     •     Sat & Sun 10 AM–2 AM
 
Keck Humanities Resource Center (C)
Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–11 PM     •     Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM     •     Sat 11 AM–6 PM     •     Sun 11 AM–11 PM
 
Memorial Chapel Garden Level (S)
Mon–Sun 8 AM–12 Midnight (when not in use for Chapel functions)
 
Persson Hall
Bridge (S)
Mon–Sun 8 AM–1 AM
 
Classroom/Lab 209 (S,C)
Mon 4 PM–12 Midnight
Tues 4 PM–12 Midnight
Wed 4 PM–6:30 PM & 8:30 PM–12 Midnight
Thu 4 PM–12 Midnight
Fri 4 PM–6 PM
Sat 12 PM–6 PM
Sun 12 PM–12 Midnight
 
Saperstein Center (S)
Mon–Thu 4 PM–10 PM     •     Sun 12 PM–10 PM
 
Wynn Hall, lobbies 1st and 2nd floors (S)
Sun–Thu 8 AM–11 PM     •     Fri–Sat 8 AM–7 PM
 

Did you know that Colgate is a member of the Center for Research Libraries? The CRL makes available approximately five million publications, archives, and collections and one million digital resources to its member libraries to supplement their own humanities, science, and social science holdings. They are especially strong in area studies collections and foreign and US newspapers. Better yet this material can be borrowed for extended loan periods. Senior thesis writers take note!   For a collection overview click here.

Looking for a good book to read?  You can now search “Living Writers” as an author in our catalog, and find books written by guest speakers past and present. More authors are being added to the search, year-by-year.
 
Search the catalog for Living Writers 2011 
Search the catalog for Living Writers past and present
 
Started 30 years ago by renowned novelist Frederick Busch, Living Writers brings 10 acclaimed authors to campus every fall. The 2011 series focuses on writing set in New York. All of the readings are free and open to the public and also are available through live webcasts at the Living Writers website. This year they are also supporting online book discussions, blogs, and other interactive material! 
 

The decennial census is well underway. Mandated by the Constitution, this head count of the people living in the United States happens every 10 years, and has significant consequences that last until the next Census. Census results are used to help determine the number of representatives for each state in the House of Representatives, and to equitably distribute federal funds for social programs, infrastucture, and emergency services. Closer to home on a college campus, many of the statistics that you use in your research, papers, and projects come from the census.
You should have received a decennial census form in the mail, and I hope that you have returned it (it's not too late). Right now, only 64% of the people living in the village of Hamilton have. Didn't get or lost your form? Call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance toll-free number 1-866-872-6868. Students: have a question about whether or not to indicate that you live in Hamilton on your form? The quick answer is yes, the full answer is at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/where-counted.php ; click on "Students".

FAQs are on the Census 2010 website. Start with http://2010.census.gov/2010census/about/whole.php . As the federal documents librarian, I get 2 questions/comments: "I don't want just anyone knowing about me and my household" and "How come the survey is so short?". The response to the first comment is that the Census takes your privacy very seriously, and does not provide public access to individually identifiable information. Check out http://2010.census.gov/2010census/privacy/index.php . The answer to the second question is that the Bureau of the Census now runs an annual survey called the American Community Survey, which is sent to a sample of the U.S. households each year. See http://www.census.gov/acs/www/SBasics/ for more information. Yes, you may get both surveys this year.

One is tempted to ask "Why is "Census Day" was April 1st, but there it is. Proof that the federal government has a sense of humour!

Studious students will continue to study while off campus during the Thanksgiving break. A common question about this time is “can I / how do I access library resources when I’m off campus?” Here are some answers:
 
Books
 
You can search catalogs (Colgate’s, ConnectNY, WorldCat) from off campus. You can continue to request materials from ConnectNY and WorldCat (via MyLoan) as well. You can also request materials to be retrieved from LASR. Loaned and retrieved materials will be held for pick-up at the Case-Geyer circulation desk for a limited time after the break.
 
Journal Indexes, Databases and Articles
 
Off campus access to journal indexes, databases and articles is dependent on the resource’s vendor policy. Information regarding resource availability from off campus is found on resource launch pages that are linked to from the libraries’ Databases A–Z page. The statement “Remote Access Allowed” is on every launch page, and is usually followed by “Yes” or “No”. If remote access is allowed, a login page will appear when you click on the link-button that states “Connect to: some resource.” At that point you enter your network credentials, and a connection should be made. Details about proxy access to library resources are on the “connect from off campus” page.
Happy Thanksgiving!

The end of the semester is in the headlights.  Thanksgiving break is around the corner, and where are you at with your term paper projects?

Haven’t started? Oh No!

Don’t panic, we can help, in a number of ways.

Assignment Calculator

Initially, you can plan your research activities using the Assignment Calculator.  Use this tool to enter the start date for your research project (TODAY,) and its due date to create a schedule of tasks necessary to complete your project.  The resulting schedule suggests how much time to allot each task, and provides links to information resources that explain the task.

Ask A Librarian

Secondly, contact a reference librarian.  They are here to help you in a variety of ways; discussing your research interests, assisting you to articulate your project, finding vocabulary to define your project, and finding resources that are germane to your research.  You can contact a librarian in a variety of ways.  Don’t be shy, they are truly interested in facilitating your learning.

RefWorks

Lastly, use RefWorks to collect, organize and expound your research.  If you are unfamiliar with this bibliographic management tool, contact a librarian, and they can show you how to use it in thirty to forty-five minutes.
 

Welcome to the Colgate University Library.  We provide a comfortable environment for study, research, collaborative work, and even coffee and relaxation.  Our mission is to assist you in getting connected to research and technology help, in your discovery of useful scholarly resources, and in the creative expression of your own ideas.     

To get started, here are my top ten survival tips.

Best wishes,

Joanne A. Schneider
University Librarian

1.  Get to know your reference librarians. 

     They offer expert advice on the best resources for your assignments and research.  Stop by the Reference Desk on the main floor of Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology, make an appointment for a one-on-one research consultation, or contact them by email or chat.  Budding scientists also can ask for help at the Service Desk in Cooley Science Library, McGregory Hall.

2.  Bring your laptop to the library and connect quickly to the new campus wireless network called ‘ColgateStudents.’ 

     ITS has upgraded the wireless network over the summer.  See how fast it is.  Check out http://wireless.colgate.edu to find how to best configure your laptop and, remember, calling x7111 will connect you to the ITS HelpLine. 

3.  Or, use the computers in the libraries.

     The two libraries provide you with over 140 computers for your use.  They include both PCs and Macintoshes and some have specialized software for editing audio and video or to help students with disabilities. 

4.  Read a good book.

     Or ebook.  Or enjoy a CD or DVD by simply requesting them from LASR (Library Automated Storage and Retrieval system) through the Encore online catalog. 

5.  Find a quiet place.

     Levels two and four in Case Library are ‘quiet zones’ with many study carrels and tables.  Cooley Science Library provides space that is quiet and cozy. 

6.  Keep up to speed on new assignments.

     Locate materials for your courses placed on reserve by your professors at http://library.colgate.edu/search/r.   Also, check out the Libraries’ ‘Information for Students’ web page to find information on using the library catalog, check out class and subject guides, request materials from other libraries, and get many of your questions about the library answered. 

7.  Get organized!

      The Assignment Calculator will help you create a timeline for successfully completing your work on time.  Another online resource, RefWorks, will help you build your own database of references for creating a bibliography when writing a research paper.

8.  Connect from your dorm room.

     Connect to library databases from anywhere on campus.  Find out how to connect from off campus.   

9.  Test your ‘information literacy’ skills.

        Get ahead of the crowd by using the Searchpath online tool to help you learn how to best find and critically evaluate information sources. 

10. Check out the group studies for collaborative work.

         Case-Geyer has ten group studies, some outfitted as digital viewing & listening rooms, available as on-demand reserved spaces with information available at http://exlibris.colgate.edu/about/facilities.html.   

The sun is coming out. The ambient temperature outdoors is rising. Is that music I hear? I can start my paper tomorrow…
 Recently researchers at University of Washington's Information School investigated undergraduate students’ research behaviors and learned something that is usually treated as common knowledge. Students procrastinate. Specifically, their study found that “a large majority of students reported spending three hours on research and another two hours on writing—one or two days before a 5-7 page course-related research paper was due.” (1)
 The librarians at Colgate would like to help you avoid passively joining this crowd. The following services and resources are now available in addition to regular reference assistance at both libraries.
 A. Augmented research assistance.
 Reference librarians are poised to offer in-depth and extended research assistance through personal appointments. You can make arrangements via a web form:
 http://exlibris.colgate.edu/about/write/mailto_appointment.html
 and use a variety of other means for getting assistance:
 http://exlibris.colgate.edu/services/reference.html
 B. The Assignment Calculator
 The Assignment Calculator is a tool for organizing and scheduling the work flow involved in doing a research project. It is found at:
 http://libscoolsv01.colgate.edu/assncalc/
 C. RefWorks Workshops
 The workshop provides instruction in managing and using information for research papers using the citation management resources of RefWorks. You can also discuss your project with a librarian at that time. The workshops will be held:

• Thursday, 16 April, 3:30-5PM, Case-Geyer 501 (Cronin Lab)
• Monday, 20 April, 3:30-5PM, Case-Geyer 501 (Cronin Lab)

These are drop-in sessions. You are invited to come anytime before 4:30PM.  In addition, you are encouraged to make personal appointment using the means listed above.
 So, nose to the grind-stone. The weather will be warmer and music louder and much more enjoyable when the work is finished.
------------------------------
1. Head, A.J., Eisenberg, M.B. “Finding Context: What Today’s College Students Say about Conducting Research in the Digital Age.” Project Information Literacy Progress Report February 2009. p.7.<Accessed from http://projectinfolit.org/pdfs/PIL_ProgressReport_2_2009.pdf on 8 April, 2009>

The Assignment Calculator is a tool that helps one to schedule the numerous steps (13 steps here, of course ;^) needed to start and complete a research project.  In addition there are links to numerous resources that explain and provide informational support for each of the steps.

The Assignment Calculator is a means to avoid procrastination and research overload.  Use the calculator as soon as you know when a research paper is due, and there will be ample time for completing the entire research process with less stress and more opportunity to produce better research.

Like fresh vegetables, however, if you leave the Assignment Calculator unused in the near term, its utility wanes and becomes less and less helpful.

So take a look, try it out.   The only thing you have to loose is research time.