BANR

Due to a change in work assignments for Spring semester, the BANR Blog will not be updated until August, 2008. Thanks for your support of the project. We hope to resume postings in the Fall of 2008.

Posted by Allison Level at 05:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CSU Morgan Library will support the Focus the Nation project by including a book display on changing climates. For more information visit the display in Morgan Library . CSU Focus the Nation events will be on January 30 and 31 in Lory Student Center.

John Calderazzo, Co-Director of Changing Climates @ CSU said, "Focus the Nation is a jolt of energy that all of us need so we may consider the difficult issues around climate change. These two days of talks aimed at students will offer a great way to see the many approaches to climate change problems and solutions that are moving forward at CSU from the angle of so many different academic disciplines. It's good to remember that the core of the word 'universe' appears inside the word 'university,' meaning that a large research university like CSU is primed like almost nowhere else to look everywhere for solutions to one of the most vexing problems faced by the earth.""

SueEllen Campbell, Co-Director of Changing Climates @CSU, remarked, "You can learn a lot from listening to experts. But sometimes there's no substitute for books if you really want to understand a topic as multi-dimensional as climate change. We're lucky at CSU to have an excellent library for learning about the many aspects of this issue. And the more we understand, the better we can feel about taking action."

Posted by Allison Level at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Colorado State University is on semester break. The BANR Blog will be on vacation until the start of Spring semester on January 22, 2008. For information until then, visit some of the blogs and websites that we usually monitor. They are available under the: About BANR link.

Posted by Allison Level at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scientists have an increasing number of sources available for use when navigating the sea of information. What do you rely on as you develop expertise in your subject area? What do you see as trends for the future?

Please participate in the national information seeking behavior survey.

-- Go to the survey online
-- Survey will be open October 23-November 30, 2007
-- It will take about 10 minutes of your time
-- Complete the survey and then register for randomly drawn participant prizes

CSU is one of about 20 academic libraries supporting this national survey coordinated by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The CSU Libraries hope to use the results of this research behavior survey to better understand graduate students’ changing approaches to seeking out and using information.

Questions? Visit the CSU Libraries survey information or contact CSU PI, Allison Level: allison.level@colostate.edu | Ph.970.419.3918.

CSU participation is sponsored by the CSU Libraries. The national study is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Information & Library Science, the UNC Libraries, the Center for Genome Sciences, and the Institute for Renaissance Computing.

Posted by Allison Level at 02:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is your current email address listed in RamWeb?

The CSU Libraries now sends email communication to students, faculty, and staff via the email address that is on file with the University in their RamWeb account (https://ramweb.colostate.edu/index.aspx). You no longer have to provide your email address to the Libraries when you register your PIN. The Libraries will automatically use the address on file via RamWeb. Be sure to update the email address listed in RamWeb .

Posted by Allison Level at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In commemoration of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the Colorado State University Libraries is proud to take part in The September Project, a collection of over 520 libraries in all 50 states and 29 countries worldwide hosting events to celebrate freedom, democracy and active citizenship.

Visit Morgan Library's Democracy at Your Library display from Sept. 11 - Sept. 30 to get engaged:

-- Register to Vote
-- Research Ballot Issues and Candidates, http://lib.colostate.edu/research/election
-- Visit the Constitution Day Display (Sept. 10-21) to checkout books and learn about US founding documents on the first floor of Morgan Library across from the Loan & Reserve desk.
-- Checkout Books & Research Government Documents, http://lib.colostate.edu/research/docs
-- Exercise Your Right to Vote: Voice your opinion on library services and register to win prizes including a $50 gift certificate to the CSU bookstore. The drawing for the gift certificate will take place on September 30th.

More information about the September Project can be found at: http://lib.colostate.edu/about/news/september/

Information for this post is quoted from the Today@CSU article.

Posted by Allison Level at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Put the research resources you most need at your fingertips with the CSU Libraries Toolbar. This easily downloaded browser plug-in, similar to the Google toolbar, provides links to frequently used library resources.

One part of the toolbar includes links to:
CSU Libraries Research Tools
Library Catalog, Regional Catalog, Research Databases, Metalib, Electronic Journals, InterLibrary Loan, Reserves, Research Guides

More information and downloading instructions are available from: http://lib.colostate.edu/help/plugins/toolbar.html .

Posted by Allison Level at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The start of school is upon us. The Library has customized some pages, take a look and bookmark pages of interest: http://lib.colostate.edu/users/.

Remember you can tailor your desktop with the Library Research Toolbar, it puts links to research databases, interlibrary loan, and other services a click or two away.
Toolbar information:http://lib.colostate.edu/help/plugins/toolbar.html

Posted by Allison Level at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We are taking a break from posting to the BANR Blog during the summer. Watch for new and informative posts beginning in September 2007.

Here are some selected prominent science library blogs:
Binghamton Science Blog (http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/mt/science/)
Confessions of a Science Librarian (http://jdupuis.blogspot.com/)
From your Science Librarians Desk (http://scilibrarian.wordpress.com/)
Science Library Pad (http://scilib.typepad.com/science_library_pad/)

Posted by Allison Level at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Open Access and Scientific Research: Are Digital Repositories A Solution?

Monday, April 23, 4:00 pm
Virginia Dale Room/University Club
Lory Student Center, CSU Campus

Presented by Dr. Peter Murray-Rust
Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, UK

Digital repository tools are now being widely promoted for the capture and preservation of primary academic research output, in fact, many institutions and funding agencies are starting to mandate such processes. Such repositories enable faculty, students, and researchers to deposit their research into an openly accessible digital environment. In principle, digital repository efforts can be extended to the data on which scientific research rests and have the potential of generating a huge resource for data-driven practice. When data are properly reposited enormous new opportunities in data-driven science arise. Dr. Murray-Rust will report and demonstrate some of the exciting new developments in this dynamic and rapidly evolving arena.

Wine and Cheese reception to follow. Sponsored by Colorado State University Libraries.

More Information can be found at: http://lib.colostate.edu/about/news/openaccess/

Questions should be directed to:
Jan.Gilligan@Colostate.edu (970.491.4085)
Michelle.Wilde@Colostate.edu (970.491.1860)

Posted by Joanna Blair at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CSU Libraries recently acquired the Gale Virtual Reference Library. This is a searchable collection of over 200 full-text reference titles. Articles from the collection are available in PDF format and researchers can search and download images. The collection is multi-disciplinary and includes sub-collections for Medicine, Environment, and General Science. Some of the notable science titles include Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, and Water: Science and Issues. This collection is accessible from the libraries Research Databases page.

Posted by Joanna Blair at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are two new informational pages about maps. One page focuses on topographic maps, the other focuses on Colorado Historic Maps.

Topo Maps
This page expands information on topo maps on the main page and in particular is arranged from most detailed scale to least detailed scale. Information for topographics outside the US is also included.

Historic Maps
The CSU Libraries have a few historic maps in the collection, with some maps also available in Special Collections. The Fort Collins Public Library should also be a resource for those interested in historic maps.

There are several map libraries in Colorado:
Historic Map Libraries in Colorado:
1. Fort Collins Public Library Local History Archive Map Collection
2. Denver Public Library Western History Collection
3. Colorado Historical Society Research Collections

Entry edited to remove broken links 21 March 2007

Posted by Allison Level at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Online and print resources for finding geology maps at CSU Morgan Library and on the Web are featured in this new Webpage of Map Resources: Geology. The page was created by Doug Ernest, the CSU Libraries Map Librarian.

Posted by Allison Level at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The CSU Libraries Toolbar is a browser plugin similar to the Google Toolbar that provides links to frequently used Libraries and CSU search tools and other pages.

Disclaimer: The CSU Libraries Toolbar software is experimental and minimally supported. Make sure that you understand the potential risk of downloading and installing any software from the Internet. Install and use the toolbar at your own risk.

More information about the toolbar is available.

You may find the CSU Libraries Toolbar useful, especially if:
--You are a frequent user of the CSU Libraries Web site.
--You are a frequent user of several CSU Libraries collections and services.
--You often perform the same search using several CSU Libraries search tools and Web search tools.

Posted by Allison Level at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CSU Interlibrary Loan has been experiencing some difficulties with the interlibrary loan form that links from the FindIt@CSU menu. If you are searching a database and locate an article you need to order via ILL, click on the: Request this item through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

You will then need to log into your IILLiad account. The ILL request form will be computer-generated with citation information including the name of the journal, volume, issue, page, etc. THE DATE FIELD is not being automatically filled out by the form. This a problem that is being investigated.

You will need to fill in the DATE field in the ILLiad form, in order for your request to be completed. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office at 491-1868 or illstaff@library.colostate.edu or IM colostateill on AOL or Yahoo

Posted by Allison Level at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Your students will get more out of the library if you get more of the library into your class.
The Linking Workshop http://lib.colostate.edu/workshop/linking.html URL provides valuable short-cuts for easy ways to link to databases, journal articles, books in the SAGE catalog, and other resources.

Copy and paste examples from the Linking Workshop into your WebCT pages or other instructional materials. All databases have a bookmarkable URL that can be easily imbedded as needed.

Consult Cathy Cranston, the Linking Workshop Presenter, or your Instruction and Research Services Subject Librarian for more information.

Posted by Allison Level at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The staff of the CSU Libraries will be hosting a series of workshops during the fall 2006 semester. You can register for these workshops from the Computer Training & Support Services (CTSS) site.

EndNote for Researchers
Description: EndNote software is used by researchers, scholarly writers, and students to search online citation databases, organize references and images, and instantly create formatted references within Microsoft Word. This session will provide a brief overview of EndNote 9 through demonstration of the most salient features of this powerful bibliographic management application. Participants will be taught how to add references to any EndNote library by using direct export of online database citations, connection files, and import filters.
Date: Friday, September 8, 2006
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Using Blogs and RSS in the Academic Environment
Description: Are you interested in setting up a professional weblog (blog) or learning how to set up your own RSS feeds? This class will summarize some of the ways that campuses are using blogs to foster communication among researchers, as a classroom tool that encourages participation, or to promote services and resources. Characteristics of successful blogs will be discussed. Find out about features of popular blogging software such as Blogger and Movable Type and discover what it takes to set up your own blog.
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2006
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Linking your Students to the Library
Description: Getting your students to use anything other than Google to do their research is a challenge. Help get them acquainted with databases, full-text articles, subject guides, online tutorials, and more by linking directly to these valuable library resources from your online syllabus or WebCT. This half-hour of quick tips for getting direct links set up will help you point your students in the right direction. You’ll save them time and frustration, and you will help endorse the value of using the library and its wealth of information for student research.
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Time: 12:30-1:00 pm

Go Beyond Google: Mastering Online Research
Description: Tired of spending time online and not finding the research materials you need? This workshop will show you how to use the many electronic resources and services available at the CSU Libraries to find journal, newspaper and magazine articles, books, and other library resources. Best of all, you can use these resources from the comfort of your home or office! Attendees will also learn research tips and shortcuts to help you make the most of your research time. Plenty of class time will be provided for hands-on research in your own areas of interest.
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Information for this posting is quoted from http://lib.colostate.edu/workshop/

Posted by Allison Level at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The online tutorials are designed to deliver five-minute instruction sessions on library tools or research skils. Researchers can choose to learn how to Set Limits, Find Books on Sage, Select an Appropriate Database, and more. These tutorials can be used as a self-instruction tool or assigned to a class including a multiple choice quizz. Quiz results can then be emailed to an instructor's account. Macromedia Flash (version 5 or higher) is needed to view the tutorials.

Posted by Joanna Blair at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Your Library Card

Undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff must use their NEW University-issued identification card as their official library card. Community borrowers and affiliate faculty are issued an official library identification card upon completion and acceptance of an application card.

Libraries also offers a Faculty/Staff Authorization plan. Beginning September 1 and running through the following August 31, you may authorize any number of users to check out materials on your library account. Often, this will be graduate assistants or family members. Please note that the Libraries tracks ONLY the individuals who may check-out for you NOT the items they check out.

More information is available from: http://lib.colostate.edu/access/cards.html

Information from this posting is quoted from the Access Cards Information Webpage.

Posted by Allison Level at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The CSU Interlibrary Loan (ILL) office is working to change the ILLiad records to the newly established CSU ID numbers. In some cases, the ILLiad numbers do not match the SAGE ID number and that may create a problem accessing Webview or other ILL services.

If you experience a problem with your ILLiad account or Webview, please contact the ILL office at 970-491-1868 between 8am-5pm or send an ILL email.

You may also IM the staff between 8-5 Monday through Friday. The IM address is: colostateill on either Yahoo Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger.

Posted by Allison Level at 04:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CSU libraries systems have made the switch from SSN to CSU ID numbers. Whether you are requesting books from Prospector or renewing books online the Social Security Number will no longer be accepted. If you encounter any problems using your new CSU ID number through any library service please call the Loan Desk at 970-491-1842.

Posted by Joanna Blair at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Database citations now look a little different.

This is the new look of the SFX button. The functionality of the two buttons are nearly identical. The change reflects a move away from the SFX brand name in favor of descriptive terminology that is clearer to novice users. The FindIt button launches a menu that allows you to automatically search our subscriptions for full text of the article online or in print. It will also automatically populate an interlibrary loan request form. Further information is available at FindIt Frequently Asked Questions

Posted by Joanna Blair at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)