Journalism @ the BSU Libraries

June 2009 library newsletter

2009-07-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider is available at www.bsu.edu/libraries/virtualpress/libinsider/libinsiderv7i6.pdf. Articles in this issue included:

University Libraries Awarded Second Runner-Up Award in IGI Global Library Technology Excellence Recognition Program
Muncie Railroad History is Subject of New Publication, Exhibit, and Digital Collection by Mr. Michael Johnston
Steinbeck Monograph Series Added to Ball State’s Digital Media Repository
Libraries’ Personnel Recommend Wide Range of Books for Great Summer Reading
Indiana Highlights in the Architecture Images Collection
Handcrafted Books in Archives and Special Collections Inspire Student’s Thesis
Relax in Style: Joseph O. Cezar Architectural Records Collection Offers Unique Resources for Students and Faculty
Upgrades to ESRI GIS Software Now Available to Ball State GIS Community
University Libraries’ Toolbar for Firefox 2.0.1
Librarians’ Liaison Program Develops Relationships between Academic Departments and the University Libraries
Bracken Library Hosts Jewish Studies Program

May 2009 library newsletter

2009-07-08T16:03:00.003-04:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter is available at http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/virtualpress/libinsider/libinsiderv7i5.pdf. Articles in the May 2009 issue included:

Size, Versatility, Low Cost — Contributing Factors to Netbooks’ Popularity
Libraries Provide Desktop and Wireless Printing Services for Students and Faculty
University Libraries Provide Digital Access to Muncie Redevelopment Commission Minutes and Other Community Resources
Changes in Technology Bring Closure to Bracken’s Periodicals/Reserves/Microfilm Desk
University Libraries’ Sixth Annual Faculty Technology Showcase a Success
Recent Art Purchase Award Helps to Beautify Bracken Library
College of Architecture and Planning and the University Libraries Collaborate on the Drawings and Documents Archive
Bracken Library Hosts Adobe Day for Students, Faculty, and Staff
University Libraries Offer Composite Research Experience to Students and Faculty
The Libraries Upgrade E-Journal Access with MultiLink
Library 2.0: Inexpensive Web Site Redesign

New York Times photojournalism blog

2009-05-20T17:55:00.003-04:00

The New York Times recently launched a photojournalism, video and visual journalism blog called "Lens." From their website:

Lens is the photojournalism blog of The New York Times, presenting the finest and most interesting visual and multimedia reporting — photographs, videos and slide shows. A showcase for Times photographers, it also seeks to highlight the best work of other newspapers, magazines and news and picture agencies; in print, in books, in galleries, in museums and on the Web. And it will draw on The Times's own pictorial archive, numbering in the millions of images and going back to the early 20th century.

Check it out at http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/.

April 2009 library newsletter

2009-05-13T16:58:00.002-04:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter is now available at http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/virtualpress/libinsider/libinsiderv7i4.pdf. Articles in the April 2009 issue included:

Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library Enjoy Sneak Preview of National Road Documentary at Annual Dinner
The Ball State University Libraries: Key Accomplishments FY 2008-2009
The University Libraries’ Goals: FY 2009-2010
Beyond Twitter: Developing Growth Strategies for the University Libraries 2020
Ball State University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections Now Providing Reference Services in Second Life
Bracken Library Hosts Explore Majors Fair to Help Students Learn about Career Options
Archetype Exhibit Provides Educational Experience for Art Students
Ball State University Libraries’ Personnel Share Expertise at the Midwest CONTENTdm User Group in March 2009
University Libraries’ Sixth Annual Copyright Conference — Lauded as Unique, Excellent, and Helpful by Attendees
Circulating Digital Equipment — Laptops, iBooks, Video Cameras, Digital Cameras
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Updates from the University Libraries
Web 2.0: Video Chat
Profile: The University Libraries’ Metadata and Digital Initiatives Unit

Historic newspapers digitized

2009-04-15T17:01:00.003-04:00

The Library of Congress' Chronicling America website offers free digitized versions of over 100 newspapers published between 1880 and 1910. You can also find information about the newspaper industry from 1690 to present. Check it out at http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/, and find more resources like this at http://bsu.libguides.com/journalism.

March 2009 library newsletter

2009-03-19T08:51:00.002-04:00

Check out the latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter at http://www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ virtualpress/ libinsider/ libinsiderv7i3.pdf. Articles in this issue discussed:

Libraries' Personnel Recognized for Years of Service, p. 1
Supporting a Teaching, Learning, Research Environment, p. 2
Libraries Receive Two LSTA Mini-Grants, p. 2
U.S. First Division Oral Histories Now Accessible, p. 3
Ball State Monographs Rejuvenated in Digital Format, p. 3
Partnership with Local Historical Society, p. 3
OCLC Awards Enhance Status to BSU Libraries, p. 4
New Events Calendar Introduced on Web Page, p. 4
National Road Program Presentation at Friends Dinner, p. 4
Libraries Sixth Annual Copyright Conference April 15, p. 4
Windows Vista Productivity Suite Used at Libraries, p. 5
Exhibit: Archetype: Future Designers Inspired by the Past, p. 5
Dept. of Theatre and Dance to Perform at Bracken, p. 5
Graduate Library Student Shadows BSU Librarian, p. 6
New Opportunities from Changes in Government Publications, p. 6
Music Librarian Presents Poster Session at Music Library Association, p. 7
Finale Music Notation Software in Bracken, p. 7
Top 10 Popular CDs at Bracken, p. 7
Web 2.0: My Library @ BSU

February 2009 library newsletter

2009-02-24T16:26:00.002-05:00

You can read the February 2009 issue of the Library Insider at www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ virtualpress/ libinsider/ libinsiderv7i2.pdf. Articles in the issue included:

Students and Faculty Express Valentine Feelings for Bracken Library, p. 1
Sororities and Fraternities are a Good Partnership, p. 1
Librarians Create a Mobiquitous Environment, p. 2
Renovations Begins to Create the Schwartz Digital Complex, p. 2
From Chained Books to Global Access through Digitization, p. 3
Libraries Provide New GIS Datasets to Henry and Delaware Counties, p. 3
New Professional’s Perspective Following ALA Midwinter, p. 4
Libraries’ New MultiSearch Allows Multiple Database Searching, p. 4
Labeling Flash Drives with Identification, p. 5
Cell Phones are Collaborative Tools, p. 5
University Provides BSUGuest WiFI Network, p. 5
Using Virtual Serviers to Expand Services in the Libraries, p. 6
Conveniences Using Bracken’s Study and Conference Rooms, p. 6
Library 2.0: Evernote Software, p. 7
Gartner Resources Bring Valuable Content to Campus, p. 7
Profile: Helen A. Ulrich, Architecture Library Coordinator, p. 8

January 2009 library newsletter

2009-02-24T16:23:00.001-05:00

In case you missed it, the January 2009 issue of the Library Insider newsletter is available at www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ virtualpress/ libinsider/ libinsiderv7i1.pdf. Articles in the issue included:

Libraries: Experiencing Critical Thinking and Visual Rhetoric, p. 1
Digital Development Success in Past Year, Future Plans, p. 2
Upcoming Exhibit to Celebrate African-American History, p. 2
Libraries Announce MultiSearch Software, p. 3
EndNote 2X Citation Management Software, p. 3
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Provide Christmas Cheer, p. 3
Mystery Collect: A Collection Management Perspective, p. 4
Web 2.0” Using a Library Web Laboratory, p. 5
Unique Services of the Libraries’ Copyright Office, p. 6
New Technology Solutions for Improving Access to Archives, p. 6
Google Agreement: Its Impact on Libraries, p. 7
Text Messaging Reference Services, p. 7
Profile: Kristi Pittsenbarger, Secretary to Dean, p. 8
Students, Faculty, Staff Watch Inaugural at Bracken, p. 8

December 2008 library newsletter

2009-01-08T12:58:00.004-05:00

Check out the latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter, available at www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ virtualpress/ libinsider/ libinsiderv6i12.pdf.

Articles in this issue include:

Campus Community Experiences Cultural Diversity at Bracken Library, p. 1
Libraries Complete another Excellent Semester, p. 2
New Vice President for Information Technology, p. 2
Grant-Supported Projects Build Digital Resources, p. 3
Highlights from November 2008 at the Libraries, p. 4
Sandy K. Duncan, Interlibrary Loan Assistant, p. 5
Chat Widgets Increase Number of Reference Questions, p. 5
Bibliography for University’s Customer Service Training, p. 6
Libraries’ Tour Familiarizes Fraternity Members with Resources, p. 6
Libraries Update CitationLinker, p. 7
Bracken Offers Temporary Learning Spaces for Displaced Classes, p. 7
Workshop Addresses Usefulness of Wikipedia, p. 8
Embedded PDF Files and Media Players in CONTENTdm Records, p. 8
Architecture Library Inventory Project, p. 9
New “Library Materials Request Form” Improves Communication, p. 9
Library 2.0: Collaboration Tools – Wiki, p. 10
API Programming Extends Capabilities of the Integrated Library System, p. 11
An Overview of the Sixth Annual Digital Institute, p. 12
Libraries’ GIS Expert Receives Certification as a GIS Professional, p. 12
Two Librarians Contribute to Book – Digital Scholarship, p. 13

November 2008 library newsletter

2008-11-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

The latest issue of the Ball State University Libraries' newsletter, the Library Insider, is available at www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ virtualpress/ libinsider/ libinsiderv6i11.pdf
Articles in this issue included:

Tech4U Showcase of Emerging Media and Other Technologies, p. 1
Applying Metrics to Measure Outcomes, p. 2
Highlights from October at the Libraries, p. 3
Technology Training Support Services: Making an Impact, p. 4
French Revolution Pamphlets Available in Digital Format, p. 5
Library 2.0: Jing Project – Another Free and Useful Tool, p. 6
ATM at Bracken Library, p. 6
University Libraries Green, p. 6
Program Honors Native American Heritage Month, p. 7
Native Americans at the Crossroads, p. 7
Interlibrary Loan Services, p. 7
Bracken Hosts International Festival, p. 8
GIS Specialist Creates Maps for Indiana Education Project, p. 9
Friends Holds Annual Fall Board Meeting, p. 10
Zoomify Technology Used to Enhance Digital Collections, p. 11
Profile: Diane E. Hill, Media Librarian, p. 12

October 2008 library newsletter

2008-10-30T14:10:00.004-04:00

The latest issue of the Ball State University Library Insider newsletter is now available online at www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles in the October 2008 issue included:

Libraries’ Personnel Make a Difference by Volunteering, p. 1
Libraries Promote an Undergraduate Research Culture to Support Immersive Learning, p. 2
Steinbeck Lecture Series Featured Dr. B.A. Heavilin, p. 3
Internship in the Archives and Special Collections, p. 3
Get Well Soon Wish to Dante Love, p. 4
Mystery Collection by Women Authors, p. 5
Displays Promote Collection Use, p. 5
Libraries’ New Video Shares a Student’s Testimony, p. 6
Library 2.0: Free and Useful Web Tools for Librarians, p. 6
Ball State’s Institutional Repository, p. 7
How to be Green While Providing Red Hot Technology, p. 7
Election Resources, p. 8
Brian Knowles’ Choice to become an Archivist, p. 9
Ball State’s Digital Policy Institute’s National Conference, p. 9
Profile: Kenneth W. Fadely, p. 10

August 2008 library newsletter

2008-08-24T14:00:00.000-04:00

The August 2008 issue of the Library Insider, a newsletter from the Ball State University Libraries, was recently published. You can check it out online at http://www.bsu.edu /library / virtualpress /libinsider. Articles in this issue included:

Garnett (Women’s) Mystery Collection at the University Libraries, p. 1
Indiana Libraries Become Members of SOLINET Library Cooperative, p. 2
Report about Computer Printing in the University Libraries, p. 2
New Fund Established to Expand Facilities for the Archives, p. 3
New Link on Libraries’ Website to Highlight Artwork in the Libraries, p. 4
Web of Science Improves Research Process for Students, Faculty, p. 4
Libraries Extend Loan Period for DVDs, Circulating Equipment, p. 5
Implementing Zoomify technology into CONTENTdm, p. 6
Libraries’ Amanda Hurford Speaks at ALA, p. 7
Libraries Host Indiana SirsiDynix Users, p. 8
Libraries Have Historic Map of Hungary from WW I Era, p. 9
Update about the Libraries’ Staff College Summer Sessions, p. 10
Performing Historic GIS Research at the Libraries, p. 11
Libraries’ Stacy Chaney-Blankenship Judge at 4-H Reading Project, p. 12

Best websites for reporters

2008-08-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

Do you know where to go on the Internet to look at old websites? How about how to find SEC filings or property records online? The Specialized Information Publishers Association has recently released a list of websites every reporter and information professional should know, including:

http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp (inmate locator)
http://www.archive.org/index.php (old web site pages)
http://numbrary.com/ (statistics)
http://www.switchboard.com/ (phone numbers)
http://www.info.gov/phone.htm (government phones)
http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/stats.html
http://www.guidestar.org/ (non-profits)
http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm (SEC info)
http://www.secinfo.com/
http://www.reporter.org/desktop/tips/johndoe.htm (backgrounding guide)
http://www.pipl.com/ (great people finder)
http://indorgs.virginia.edu/portico/home.html
http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-secretary-state.cfm
http://www.allwhois.com/ (domain lookup)
http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp (domain lookup)
http://publicrecords.netronline.com/ (property records)
http://www.virtualchase.com/ (research site)

View the complete list of recommended websites in the SIP Alert online.

July 2008 library newsletter

2008-07-17T13:00:00.001-04:00

The latest issue of the University Libraries' online newsletter, the Library Insider, is available online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles in this issue included:

University Libraries Provide Many Benefits to Students, Faculty, p. 1
Libraries' Services, Collections Heavily Used by Students, p. 2
Digital Rejuvenation through the Libraries' Digital Media Repository, p. 3
Microsoft Office 2007 Productivity Suite, p. 4
e-Mail Signature Blocks Provide Marketing Opportunities, p. 4
University Libraries Build Buying Power for e-Resources, p. 5
Books Help Us Discover the Past, Understand the Future, p. 6
About the University Libraries' Military Collection, p. 6
Information Services Outreach to Indiana Academy Parents, p. 7
Digital Humanities Summer Institute 2008, p. 7
Architecture Libraries' Visual Resources Curator, p. 8
Euro 2008 Soccer Brings Students to Bracken Library, p. 8

For more information, please contact your library liaison, Stacy.

June 2008 library newsletter

2008-06-25T14:28:00.000-04:00

You can read the latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles in the June 2008 issue included:

Meet Some Friends’ Board of Governors Members, p. 1
University Libraries’ Program Goals for 2008-2009, p. 2
Newly Received LSTA Grants Support Digital Collections Development, p. 2
Upgrading Desktop Computer in Scholar Carrels, p. 4
Cardinal Kids Camp Explores Hero Theme at Bracken, p. 4
What Some of our Libraries’ Personnel are Reading this Summer, p. 5
Ditsky Collection Donated to Libraries to Enhance Stein Research, p. 6
Libraries’ Marketing Communications Manager Speaks about Library Marketing, p. 6
Contemporary Chairs Added to Bracken Library, p. 7
OCLC and Google Partnership Facilitates Research, p. 8
Membership in ALI Consortium Saves Libraries Money for Obtaining Databases, p. 8
Art Exhibit at Bracken Focuses on Human Drawings, p. 9

May 2008 library newsletter

2008-06-11T18:40:00.001-04:00

The May 2008 edition of the Library Insider newsletter became available on May 19. Check it out online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles in this issue:

University Libraries’ Danny Taylor Receives Prestigious A. Jane Morton Award, p. 1
Ball State’s 152nd Commencement, p. 2
Furniture Outside Bracken Library Provides Additional Gathering Place, p. 2
Libraries Sponsor the Fifth Annual Copyright Conference, p. 3
Online Testing Proves Popular New Service at Bracken Library, p. 3
How a Digital Collection Grows, p. 4
Campus and Indiana Landscapes Available for Viewing and Study, p. 4
Donors Honored at the Friends’ Annual Dinner, p. 5
Student’s Thesis and Exhibit Focuses on Typographer Frederick Goudy, p. 6
Bracken Library’s Open Microphone Poetry Night, p. 6
Improving Research and Learning through Innovation, p. 7
Libraries Participate in Access World News Beta Test, p. 7
Libraries’ Employees Participate in University Sponsored Health Programs, p. 8
University Libraries’ Personnel Contribute to Midwest CONTENTdm Users, p. 9
Libraries Provide Students Rich Resources and Access to Food, p. 9
Media-Rich Summer Faculty Development Programs, p. 10
Ming-ming Shen Kuo to Retire from the University Libraries, p. 11

April 2008 library newsletter

2008-05-01T15:50:00.002-04:00

You can read the April 2008 issue of the Library Insider newsletter at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles in this issue included:

Joint Exhibit at Bracken Focuses on History of the Printed Word, p. 1
Bracken … Students’ Place of Choice for Getting Things Done, p. 2
Sustainability Planning and Implementation for the Libraries, p. 2
Libraries Offer Array of Emerging Media Technologies, p. 3
WebJunction Indiana Helps Librarians Provide Better Services, p. 4
Proactive Education Integral for Curtailing Copyright Infringement, p. 4
Accomplishments, Strategic Directions for Libraries Digital Initiatives, p. 5
Fifth Annual Technology Showcase, p. 6
Ball State Hosts Second Annual “Enhancing Online Learning Conference,” p. 6
Comment … Use of CONTENTdm for Institutional Repository, p. 7
New Collections Accessible through Digital Media Repository, p. 7
Government Publications Service Completes Federal Biennial Survey, p. 8
Libraries’ Toolbar … Free Download, p. 8
Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack … Free Download, p. 9
Update on Cardinal Scholar Institutional Repository, p. 9
Native American Resources at the University Libraries, p. 10
Gartner Resources Brings Valuable Content to the Campus, p. 11
Personnel Profile: Teresa L. Story, Collections Development Assistant, p. 12

March 2008 library newsletter

2008-04-11T07:37:00.001-04:00

The University Libraries published a new issue of the Library Insider on March 4, 2008, at www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider. Articles in this issue included:

Gift to Promote Special Collections, Digital Resources, p. 1
Libraries Host Pledge Recital by Music Fraternities, p. 1
Libraries Partner in Grant to Develop Visual and Oral History Project, p. 2
Report from Annual Indiana GIS Conference, p. 2
College Mentors for Kids Group Visits Bracken Library, p. 3
Yasemin Tunç Part of Team that Receives Grant, p. 3
New Large-Format Plotter and Laminator Units New Available, p. 3
Managing and Accessing e-Journals at the University Libraries, p. 4
Libraries: A destination for research, learning, and … Facebook Fans, p. 4
Ball State Discusses Her Book at Bracken Library, p. 4
Enhanced Multimedia Computing Environment at Bracken, p. 5
Video Camera Lending Program Introduced at Bracken. p. 5
New Web Site Simplifies Finding DVD/VHS Items in Collection, p. 5
House Enrolled Act 1279: Enriching Access to Digital Content, p. 6
Profile of Annie M. Gholer, Standing Order Assistant, p. 7
Jade J. Metzger Wins Awards, p. 7
Friends Sponsored Events at Bracken Library, p. 7

January-February 2008 library newsletter

2008-01-24T18:20:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/.

Articles in this issue:

Libraries’ Staff College Builds Personnel Knowledge, Skills, p.1
Closer Look at the Ball State University Libraries, p.2
Libraries’ Première Cardinal Scholar Institutional Repository, p.3
McVicker Civil War Letters Added to Digital Media Repository, p.3
Live Chat at the Libraries: What are they Asking? p.4
MAC OS X Dashboard Widget for the Libraries’ Catalog, p.5
Online Study Room Reservation System, p.5
New Media Finders for Locating Online References, p.6
New Video Tutorials Help Students Learn about Library Resources, p.7
Open Invitation – Become of Friend of the Libraries, p.7
New GIS and Map Tutorials Available, p.8
Visits to Off-Campus Sites Present Opportunities, p.9
Ball State Student Literary Magazine Added to the Virtual Press, p.9
New Subject Guides, Pathfinders, p.10
New Public Catalog Feature to Find Popular Items, p.10

December 2007 library newsletter

2007-12-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter is now available online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles in this issue include:

Heavy Foot Traffic Kept Paths to Bracken Library Open during Season’s First Snowfall, p. 1
Libraries Complete Another Excellent Semester, p. 2
Digital Assets for Learning, Teaching, Research Increase in 2007, p. 3
New Web Site Created to Showcase Digital Resources for Alumni, p. 4
Librarians Present at Indiana Online Users Group, p. 5
Student Videographers Capture Aspects of the Libraries’ Mission, p. 6
Expanding Awareness, Support for CONTENTdm-based Digital Collections in Indiana, p. 7
Strategic Information Initiatives Partnership between Digital Policy Institute and the University Libraries, p. 8
Cost-Effectively Managing Large Collections of TIFF Files—One Solution, p. 9
Libraries’ Ongoing Collaboration with Center for Middletown Studies, p. 10
Reference by Appointment Personalizes Research Help, p. 11
Online Recalls/Holds Keep Information Flowing, p. 11

Congratulations, Daily News!

2007-11-29T17:26:00.000-05:00

Several student journalists from the Ball State Daily News received awards at the recent Collegiate Media Advisers convention in Washington, D.C. To read more about the students' projects and their awards, please see the complete article at http://www.bsu.edu/ update/ article/ 0,1898,-5107-56027,00.html.

November 2007 library newsletter online

2007-11-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

You can read the November 2007 issue of the Library Insider newsletter at http:// www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/.

Articles in this issue included:

Students, Faculty, Community Visiting Bracken Library Experience Cultural Diversity at Ball State’s International Festival, p. 1
Preparing for Next Generation Digital, p. 2
University Libraries Reach Out to BSU’s Transfer Students, p. 3
Libraries’ Outreach to Students in Residence Halls a Success, p. 4
New GIS Resources Available in the Libraries’ Geospatial Resources, p. 5
Must Have Add-ons for FireFox Browser, p. 6
Dual Monitors Enhance Student Productivity When Using Computers, p. 7
Libraries’ Chat Services Continue to Grow, p. 7
Architecture Library Displays Student Exhibit, p. 8
Libraries’ Physical Processing Staff Demonstrate Book Repair, p. 8
Ball State University’s Virtual Press, p. 9
Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library Board Holds Annual Fall Meeting, p. 10
Steinbeck Scholar Mimi Gladstein Delivers Inaugural Steinbeck Lecture, p. 10
Ball State Cardinal Scholar International Repository, p. 11
Student-Run Radio Station WCRD Broadcasts from South Plaza, p. 11
Student-Run TV Station Uses Libraries’ North Plaza, p. 12
University Libraries’ Upcoming Events, p. 12
University Libraries Present Digitization Workshop on Nov. 9, p. 13

Westlaw Campus Research library database

2007-11-09T15:26:00.001-05:00

The University Libraries added a new library database to our collection this fall. The Westlaw Campus Research database (available here, log-in required for off-campus users) includes law reviews and news articles useful for corporate and legal research. In addition to these resources, it provides access to journals in advertising and marketing as well as telecommunications. Also of note, the Westlaw Campus Research library database offers online access to many broadcast transcripts, including those from several Indianapolis news programs as well as national news shows, such as NPR and CNN programs.

For additional information on this or any other library database, please contact Stacy. As an Information Services librarian, she can provide research assistance and training to individuals or an entire class.

October 2007 newsletter online

2007-11-01T15:11:00.000-04:00

The October 2007 issue of the Library Insider newsletter for the University Libraries is available online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles in this issue included:

We Listen! Intercept Survey about the Libraries, p. 1
Family Donates Art Collection to Libraries in Memory of Son, p. 2
Digital Oral History Conference Hosted by Libraries, p. 3
Kurt Vonnegut Marathon Reading in Bracken, p. 4
Librarians Collaborate with Business Students on Vera Bradley Project, p. 5
V.P. O’Neal Smitherman to Leave Ball State University, p. 6
Changes in Libraries for Computer Network Guest Accounts, p. 6
Libraries’ Staff College Helps Personnel Maintain, Improve Skills, p. 7
Marketing/Communications Conference Successful, p. 8
Libraries and Student-Run Radio Station Produce Ads, p. 8
Librarians Bring Research Workshop to Students at Scheidler Apts., p. 9
Doll Collection Newest Addition to Digital Media Repository, p. 10
Books on Trial Program Held at Bracken, p. 11
Inaugural Program in New Steinbeck Lecture Series, p. 11
Recent Additions to Libraries’ Electronic Resources, p. 12
Oral Histories Conference Showcases Methods to Make Audio Resources Accessible, p. 12
Libraries’ Upcoming Events, p. 13

September 2007 library newsletter

2007-10-04T17:36:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter is now available at www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles included in the September 2007 issue are:

Libraries Host Statewide Resource Sharing Conference, p. 1
Ball State University Libraries as a Third Space after Dormitory/Home, Classroom, p. 2
New Archives and Special Collections Homepage Offers More Access, p. 3
Bracken’s Study and Conference Rooms Offer Quality Space, p. 3
University Libraries’ Upcoming Events, p. 3
University Libraries Contribute to Indiana’s Digital Memory Project, p. 4
Banned Book Week Program Features Authors of Books on Trial, p. 5
Oral Histories with Muncie Labor Leaders Now Accessible Online, p. 5
Mozilla Firefox: Browser of Choice by Many Libraries’ Personnel, p. 6
Libraries Offer Laptop Computer Clinic for Incoming, Returning Students, p. 6
Libraries’ CD Collections Provides Listeners Large Selection, p. 7
Microsoft Office 2007 and Other Software Update for Public Access, p. 7
Local Artist Nana Ekow Maison’s Work Exhibited in Bracken, p. 8
Librarian Liaisons Use Technology, Face-to-Face to Share Info with Faculty, p. 9
A Low-Cost Way for Achieving Global Access to Your Library’s Assets, p. 10
Distance Education and the Copyright Law, p. 11
Introducing the Libraries’ Graduate Assistants for 2007-08, p. 12
Profile: Diane L. Frankland Collection Supervisor, p. 12

Newspaper website design

2007-09-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

The Bivings Report blog recently listed their 10 best newspaper websites. You can view the list here: http://www.bivingsreport.com/ 2007/ top-10-best-newspaper-websites. Newspapers are recognized for layout and design, as well as value-added online applications. Check it out to see what's new in website design and the features that make an online newspaper user-friendly.
(Link thanks to the InfoManiac blog.)

August 2007 newsletter online

2007-08-21T13:24:00.000-04:00

Check out the August 2007 issue of the Library Insider newsletter at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles in this issue include:

Renovation of the Science-Health-Science Library, p. 1
Bookmark Café @ Bracken Library Offers Expresso and Blended Frozen Drinks, p. 1
Program Goals and Business Plan for the Libraries, p. 2
Changes to the Libraries’ Public Services, p. 3
Libraries Use Research Methods JumpStart Online Tutorial for Research Introduction, p. 4
Libraries’ Photo Galleria as Visual Art, p. 4
iGoogle as a Powerful Personal Information Management Suite, p. 5
Preserving and Digitizing Veterans History, p. 6
Libraries Explore Second Life Virtual Space for Its Promise, p. 7
TEACH Act Professional Development Audioconferences, p. 8
How to Copyright Your Work … and Why You Should!, p. 8
Libraries’ Musical Instrument Collection is New Addition, p. 9
Video Materials in Libraries’ Educational Resources Collections, p. 11
New Library Standard Aims to Simplify Resource Discovery – FRBR—p. 12
Upcoming Events at the University Libraries, p. 13

Login to CardCat: A new service from the University Libraries

2007-08-15T16:20:00.000-04:00

The University Libraries have added a new feature to CardCat, our online library catalog. You now have the ability to log-in to your library account from the CardCat start page using your BSU username and password.

This enables you to place holds, review item due dates, renew your library items, create a list of favorite titles, and more during your CardCat session. You can find out more about logging-in to CardCat on this page of frequently asked questions. Of course, you can still use CardCat without logging-in, which is useful when you're in a hurry or just want to do a quick search of the library catalog.

Go ahead, give the new CardCat log-in a try! And let me know what you think of this new feature.

New library webpage for journalism

2007-08-01T13:15:00.000-04:00

A new University Libraries webpage features resources helpful for journalism research and instruction. Faculty, staff, and students in journalism and related fields will want to use the new page to find recommended databases, selected resource guides, highlighted library serves, as well as a customized web search engine. Take a look at the new page, and let me know what you think: http://www.bsu.edu/library/services/liaison/journalism!

July 2007 newsletter available online

2007-07-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter at www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider. Articles in the July 2007 issue include:

Historic 1915 silent film now available in the Digital Media Repository, p. 1
Libraries explore presence in Second Life Virtual Environment, p. 2
Students can now use email credentials to access online public catalog, p. 3
Libraries’ personnel to conduct digitization workshop at Indiana State Library, p. 3
First Ditsky Awards for Steinbeck Scholars, p. 4
Libraries complete Middletown Digital Oral History Project, p. 4
Upcoming September 20 Conference on Digitizing Oral Histories, p. 5
OCLC Unveils WorldCat Local Pilot, p. 7
Google gadget searches collections of over 9,000 libraries, p. 8
Global e-book survey finds challenges, benefits, p. 8
A glimpse of Libraries’ book circulation statistics, FY 2006-07, p. 9
Student ownership of their coursework, p. 10
Libraries call for help to develop a graphic identity, p. 11
Additional electrical outlets installed for laptop use, p. 12

Congratulations, Professor Summer

2007-07-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has recognized David Summer, BSU Journalism professor, as the "Magazine Educator of the Year." To read more about this honor and his accomplishments, please see this Daily News story.

June 2007 newsletter online

2007-06-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

You can read the June 2007 issue of the Library Insider newsletter at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles in this latest issue include:

Harriet Whitney Frishmuth’s Sculpture Scherzo Beautifies Bracken Library, p. 1
Libraries Collaborate on Immersive Learning Experience for Students, p. 2
Faculty and Student Comments about Immersive Learning Project, p. 3
Student Assistants Value Employment at the Libraries, p. 4
Providing Customer Service at the University Libraries, p. 5
PC Workstations Favorably Received in the Libraries’ Scholar Carrels, p. 5
Libraries Unveil New Homepage, p. 6
Bracken Provides Space for Meetings, Conferences, Even Weddings, p. 6
Newly Developed Software Increases Office Efficiency, p. 7
Time-Saving Benefits Provided Students, Faculty by the Libraries, p. 8
Technique for Making a Library’s Digital Assets Known Globally, p. 9
Intellectual Property Issue: Faculty Academic Ownership, p. 10
Libraries’ Public Workstations Cleaned, Sanitized Regularly, p. 10
Personnel Profile: Danny L. Taylor, p. 11

Congratulations, Timothy Andrews

2007-06-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

The Advertising Specialty Institute recently named Timothy Andrews, a 1984 graduate of Ball State University and member of its journalism Hall of Fame, as their president and CEO. To read more about Andrews' accomplishments and the ASI, please see the recent Daily News article linked here.

Web searching made better

2007-06-06T11:35:00.000-04:00

A custom search engine from Google allows you to search a group of select websites to find highly-targeted information in a specific field of study. I have used this tool to create a Journalism Research custom search engine that searches reputable journalism and media resources on the web. You can try it out by using the search box found below or in the right-hand column of this blog, or by going to the search engine’s homepage linked here. Good search examples include research topics such as “audience analysis,” “plagiarism,” or “racism in the media.”

Is there a blog about that?

2007-05-30T18:19:00.000-04:00

If you like the idea of reading blogs for professional development, then you may want to check out the Academic Blog Portal at http://academicblogs.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page. This website serves as a directory of blogs written by or about academics, organized by discipline. For example, check out the list of media and communication blogs.

[screenshot]

New homepage

2007-05-24T15:39:00.000-04:00

The homepage for the University Libraries recently underwent some changes. You can view the new look of the website at http://www.bsu.edu/library/. We aimed to create a better organized page as well as cut down on text "clutter" in this new design.

We hope that you like the new page. Should you get in a pinch, however, we have linked to the previous library homepage on the lefthand side (under "Resources" > "Previous Homepage"). You will also find a feedback form linked from the previous homepage, so let us know what you think of the new website design.

May 2007 newsletter online

2007-05-15T15:27:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest issue of the of the Library Insider newsletter at www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider. Articles in this issue include:

Students and Faculty Benefit from Recent Updates to the Architecture Library, p. 1
Going Global: Institutional and Corporate Collaboration Advances the Digital Future, p. 2
Using Technology to Facilitate Search Committee Work, p. 3
Proactive Enforcement of “Terms of Use Agreements” as Part of Library’s Responsibility, p. 3
Libraries’ Report Shows Graduate Students are Heavy Users of Interlibrary Loan, p. 4
Dali’s Illustrations in the Archives and Special Collections, p. 4
University Libraries Receive Notice about LSTA Grant, p. 5
Improvements in Authentication Process to Allow Mac Users Access to Streaming Content, p. 6
NPR’s Broadcast on “Fair Use” Exception in the Copyright Law, p. 6
Activities of the all-University Library Committee, p. 7
Students Share Projects with Community by Exhibiting at the Libraries, p. 7
Mississinewa Press’ Back in Business to Print Poetry Chapbook Collections, p. 8
Staff Profile: Kathy S. Reed, Bibliographic Control Supervisor, p. 9
Bookmark Café @ Bracken Library’s Summer Hours, p. 10
Summer Technology Training Opportunities for Faculty and Staff, p. 11
Conveniences Offered by a Convertible Tablet PC, p. 12
Looking at Office Suite 2007 Features, p. 12
Libraries Upgrade to ILLiad’s version 7.2, p. 13
Student Artwork Continues to Beautify Bracken Library, p. 13
University Libraries’ Identify Most Significant Accomplishments 2006-2007, p. 13

April 2007 newsletter now online

2007-05-09T14:16:00.000-04:00

You can read the latest edition of the Library Insider newsletter from the University Libraries online at www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Articles in this issue include:

Fourth Annual Copyright Conference at Ball State Well Received, p. 1
Tragedy at Virginia Tech, p. 1
Bookmark Café @ Bracken Library Grows in Popularity, p. 1
Improving Libraries’ Services by Listening/Implementing Suggestions, p. 2
Libraries Initiate “Free” Laptop Wireless Printing, p. 3
Many Academic Databases Offer Convenient Citation Feature, p. 4
Libraries Welcome New Faculty, p. 4
Otis R. Bowen Center for Public Affairs, p. 6
Vision for Archivist’s Role in the Digital World, p. 6
Friends Annual Dinner Features Program on Digital Oral Histories, p. 7
Report about Geospatial Information System Trends, Data Sets, p. 8
Graduate Students Read from Creative Thesis Work, p. 8
Report about Two Campus-Wide Surveys, p. 9
Diane L. Calvin Recognized for Twenty Years of Service, p. 11
Annual Staff Recognition and Retirement Award Program, p. 11
Updates Improve Desktop Computing in the Libraries, p. 12

March 2007 newsletter now online

2007-03-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

You can read the March 2007 edition of the Library Insider newsletter online at www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. Topics covered in this issue include:

Grand Opening for the Libraries’ already Popular Bookmark Café @ Bracken Library, p. 1
Free Downloads of U.S. Federal and State Tax Forms, p. 2
Fourth Annual Faculty Technology Showcase Highlights Classroom Technology, p. 3
Student Participation in Library Instruction in e-Classrooms is High, p. 4
What Classroom Faculty Say about Library Instruction Services, p. 4
Educational Resources Center Provides Materials in Multiple Formats, p. 5
Bracken Library Showcases Students’ Metal Artwork, p. 5
Course Reserves Support Teaching and Learning, p. 6
Discovering a Family Picture in the Archives, p. 6
The Google Book Search Project: Its Promise for Students and Faculty, p. 7
Bracken Library’s Lobby Provides Space for Students and Organizations to Meet, p. 7
African-American and Jewish Oral History Interviews from Muncie, p. 8
Friends of Bracken Library Annual Meeting and Dinner Scheduled, p. 8
Valuable and Useful Features of Microsoft Vista Operating System Software, p. 10
Ball State’s First Technology Enhanced Teaching in Distance Education Conference, p. 10
Blog Entries Provide Update on Collection News, p. 11

February 2007 newsletter online

2007-02-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

The February 2007 of the Library Insider newsletter is now available at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. It includes the following articles:

Students Studying, Learning at Bracken Take Some Time to Watch Super Bowl XLI, p. 1
University Libraries’ Deployment Strategy for Microsoft’s New Vista, p. 3
Libraries’ Digital Commons Provides One-Stop Access, p. 4
Fourth Annual Copyright Conference Carries Continuing Legal Education Credit, p. 6
Oxford African American Studies Center Now in the Libraries, p. 7
Public Broadcasting Core Metadata for Digital Video Encoding, p. 8
Libraries Place Computer in Individual Study Rooms for Students, Faculty, p. 8
Libraries Reorganize First Floor Newspaper Area, p. 10
Technology Training for Faculty, Staff More than Workshops and Mini-Courses, p. 11
Upcoming Program Explores Women’s Roles, Lifestyles from Victorian Era to 20^th Century, p. 12

[Category: News]

January 2007 newsletter online

2007-01-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

You can read the latest edition of the Library Insider newsletter at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider. The January 2007 issue includes the following articles:

Bookmark Café @ Bracken Library Opens January 8, 2007, p. 1
Portable DVD Players Available for Loan, p. 1
Update on Libraries’ Digital Commons for Desktop Access, p. 2
Digital Media Repository Offers Collection of Collections, p. 2
Exhibit about Muncie’s Civil Rights Movement, p. 4
Integrated Library System Upgrade, p. 4
Libraries’ Instruction Program Strengthen Student Technical, Information Literacy, p. 5
Staff College Provides Libraries’ Personnel Learning Opportunities, p. 5
Connecting with Students Using Web 2.0 for Collaborative Communication, p. 6
Libraries Expand SFX Link Resolving Technology, p. 7
Xrefer Features Ball State University Libraries in Upcoming Case Study, p. 7
Interlibrary Loan Response Time Continues to Improve, p. 8
Developing Custom PowerPoint Application with CONTENTdm API, p. 9
Libraries Add ZUULA.com to Libraries’ Favorites, p. 9
Chapbooks Now Cataloged, p. 10
Historic Chapbook Collection for Research, Learning, p. 10
Stephen Abram’s 25 Technologies and the University Libraries, p. 11
Videos, Public Service Announcements Highlight Libraries’ Programs, Services, Collections, p. 12
WIKI Facilitates Collaboration at the University Libraries, p. 12

[Category: News]

Welcome back, BSU!

2007-01-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to Ball State University for spring semester 2007!

Be sure to contact me, your library liaison, to set-up a library instruction session, one-on-one reference consultation, or for help finding library materials and answers to your research questions. I will even meet you in your office, if needed!

Let me help you and your classes make the University Libraries part of your success this semester!

Upcoming University Libraries' hours

2006-12-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

The library will observe special hours during finals and the holidays. (Click the image below to enlarge the calendar.)For a complete list of dates and hours the University Libraries will be open, please go to http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ article/ 0,,14625--,00.html.

Library open during Thanksgiving Recess

2006-11-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

The University Libraries will close at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, and reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, in observance of Thanksgiving Break. Ask a Librarian services, including chat and email, will also resume Saturday morning.

For more information about the University Libraries' hours and calendar, please go to http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ article/ 0,,14625--,00.html.

November 2006 newsletter online

2006-11-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

You can read the November 2006 issue of the University Libraries' Library Insider online at http://www.bsu.edu/ library/ virtualpress/ libinsider/. Articles of interest may include:

University Libraries Host Student Government Association’s Meeting, p. 1
Libraries Developing a Digital Commons Web Page, p. 2
Libraries Offer Workshops for University’s Staff to Digital, Print Resources, p. 3
Libraries Offer Access to the Homeland Security Digital Suite, p. 4
Find It @ BSU Points to Lexis-Nexis Academic Database, p. 4
Improved Desktop Technology for Students, p. 5
Teaching Archives and the Digital Media Repository, p. 6
Libraries’ GIS Workshop and Assistance Connects Researchers to Data, p. 8
Indiana Memory – Formerly “The Indiana Digital Library,” p. 9
New Books, Bestsellers in High Use at Bracken Library, p. 9

Check out the entire issue online today!

Election day resources

2006-11-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

As you wait for the final election results to be posted, you may want to check out some of these related resources (that are good after election day, too):

1. "Voting controversies" report by P. Katel in CQ Researcher (15 Sept 2006).
This report provides an in-depth look at voting rights and controversies surrounding this fall's election. You can access this resource from any on-campus internet connection at the link above, or by searching the CQ Researcher database when off-campus.

2. Access World News database.
This database of worldwide newspapers allows you to keep up with news from around the U.S. It includes the Indianapolis Star and the Muncie Star Press, so you can read editorials on the issues and candidates or come back tomorrow to find local election results. You can find Access World News listed on the University Libraries' databases webpage.

3. LexisNexis Congressional database.
Haven't voted yet? Look at your incumbant's voting records and check out congressional news using this LexisNexis database. Try searching by your representative's last name or search on key issues. You may also want to check out the "Political News / Hot Topics" section of the website, listed on the lefthand side of the screen.
An example of a LexisNexis Congressional search:

4. FirstGovSearch.gov search engine.
This free search engine allows you to search for federal and state government information. It clusters search results into related categories, and allows for quick and easy searching of all online government information.

Check out the resources, and leave a comment to let me know what you think. Did you find them helpful? Are there others you would suggest?

Fall Break hours

2006-10-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

Bracken Library will remain open as usual over fall break, except for closing at midnight on Sunday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 30. Stop by and see us if you're in town!

You can view the University Libraries' hours and calendar here.

October 2006 newsletter online

2006-10-18T16:25:00.000-04:00

The University Libraries' October 2006 issue of the Library Insider is now available online at http://www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider/. Articles in this month's issue include:

Improving Customer Service: Saying "Yes" when "No" has been the Answer, p. 1
Automated Card-Swipe Locks are Key to Bracken Library's Convenience and Security, p. 1
Sights and Sounds of Learning in the University Libraries, p. 2
University Libraries' Instructional Services Program, p. 3
Information Fair Connects Students with Campus Organizations, p. 3
Computers and Library Information Systems for Access to Global Information, p. 4
Roy S. Simmonds Papers Added to the John Steinbeck Collection, p. 5
Personal Tribute to Roy S. Simmonds by Prof. Tetsumaro Hayashi, p. 5
Two Outstanding Steinbeck Scholars Receive Pruis and Burkhardt Awards, p. 6
University Libraries' Regularly Reported on by The Ball State Daily News, p. 6
Architecture Images Collection Strengthened by Donations, p. 6
Instructional Technology for Student Engagement, p. 7
Deyang City Delegates from the People's Republic of China Tour Bracken, p. 7
Libraries' Digital Media Repository Mentioned in Microform and Imaging Review, p. 7
ISI's Web of Science Interdisciplinary Citation Database Now Available, p. 8
Murry M. and Edith C. Wise Library Fund Established, p. 8
Supporting the University Libraries - Tribute with Books, p. 10

Blogs for professional development

2006-10-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Blogs, (or web-logs) like this one, allow you to easily keep up with developments related to your field and profession. Many types of professional blogs exist, and they cover a variety of topics. Basically, anything you can think of writing about, you can find a blog discussing it!

A good example of a professional blog, Teaching Online Journalism discusses the use of multimedia and technology in teaching and journalism. Written by a professor in Florida, you can read Teaching Online Journalism at http://tojou.blogspot.com/.

The Editors Weblog is published by the World Editors Forum and looks at "editorial solutions for the newspaper renaissance." You can read the blog at http://www.editorsweblog.org/.

You can find lots of blogs by using a search engine. One of my favorite blog search tools, Technorati, will also allow you to rank your search results by levels of authority.

Congratulations, NewsWatch and NewsLink Indiana

2006-09-25T09:18:00.000-04:00

The "NewsWatch" and NewsLink Indiana broadcast programs at Ball State University will partner with MSNBC for the opportunity to have student productions seen by a national audience. Congratulations on this great opportunity!

Read more at http://www.bsu.edu/update/.

September 2006 newsletter online

2006-09-15T14:20:00.000-04:00

You can read the latest issue of the Library Insider at http://www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider/. The newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest news and events at the the Ball State University Libraries.

This month's issue included information about new library funding, additions to the music collection, the increased availability of full-text journals through the University Libraries' online databases, instructions on how to care for optical discs, and more. Read all the articles in the September 2006 issue online.

McClatchy-Tribune collection

2006-09-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Ball State University users can access the McClatchy-Tribune Collection from the University Libraries' databases page: http://www.bsu.edu/ libraries/ electronicresources/ databases.asp. This database, formerly known as the Knight-Ridder Collection, includes newspaper articles published in the last 90 days. Over 100 newspapers from around the nation published by McClatchy are available in the database; this includes the Chicago Tribune, Orlando Sentinel, Seattle Times, and others.

You can search the database for keywords or browse by publication. For example, this sample keyword search of the database will find articles on Sept. 11th remembrance activities. You can also browse publications by title and date; for example, this link takes you to all the articles from the July 4, 2006, issue of the Chicago Tribune.

If you have questions or would like additional training on library resources, please contact Stacy. To find out more about the University Libraries' latest resources, check out the News & Events blog.

Washington Post blogs again

2006-09-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

Over the summer, the Washington Post launched a collaborative online project called PostGlobal. Using the blog format, thirty contributors respond to and discuss a question of global significance each week. You can read more about the project at http://blog.washingtonpost.com/ and on the Surprise Highway blog.

What do you think of this new type of "news"? How might it affect journalism, especially news creation and consumption? Will this format gain popularity, or prove too difficult to maintain (like other Post blogging experiments, explained here and here)?

Congratulations, Professor Pritchard

2006-09-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Robert Pritchard, assistant professor of journalism, for his recognition as an outstanding junior faculty member at Ball State University and his many other achievements. (Read more at http://www.bsu.edu/ccim/journalism/.)

Labor Day hours

2006-09-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

Bracken Library will open at noon on Monday, September 4, 2006.

For a complete listing of the University Libraries' hours, please see http://www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,14625--,00.html.

Add the University Libraries to your class schedule

2006-08-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

In order for your students to do their best work it is important for them to be familiar with, and know how to use, the resources available to them. Instructional Services offers library instruction sessions designed around your students' class assignments. Subject-specific sessions are designed to help them locate and evaluate relevant resources. Librarians will help your students develop the information-seeking skills necessary for their academic success. You may sign up for a session in person, by telephone at 765-285-8017, or by e-mail at LibrInstr@bsu.edu. They are located in BL 101 on First Floor West. Please schedule your class at least two weeks in advance.

(Thanks to Steve at News & Events for this tip.)

Schedule your library instruction session today!

August 2006 newsletter online

2006-08-09T14:50:00.000-04:00

You can read the latest issue of the Library Insider at http://www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider/.

Articles in the August 2006 issue include:

Ball State Librarians Reflect on Experience at 2006 ALA in New Orleans, p. 1
University Libraries Finish-Up a Great Year, FY 2005-2006, p. 2
Librarian and Educator Frederick G. Kilgour, 1914-2006, p. 3
Libraries Offer More Software Selections at Public PC Work Stations, p. 3
New Collections Enhance the Digital Media Repository, p. 3
Indiana Writing Project Summer Institute Comes to Bracken, p. 4
Libraries’ Community Development Website Offers One-Stop Solution, p. 4
Rare Copy of 1942 Ostland Atlas Added to Collections, p. 4
Workshop Prepares Volunteers to Conduct Oral Histories, p. 5
Interlibrary Loan Services – World’s Resources at Your Desktop, p. 6
Friends of the Libraries Make a Difference, p. 7
Array of Professional Development Opportunities for Faculty, p. 7
Architecture Librarian Reaches Out to Users, Different Audiences, p. 8
Jacob L. Harris Receives ALA Spectrum Scholarship, p. 8
Streaming Music Course Reserves for Music History Students, p. 9
Contributing Financially to the University Libraries, p. 10

The Library Insider is a publication of the Ball State University Libraries. You can also read articles from the Insider at http://ballstatelibrarynews.blogspot.com.

A new resource for biographies

2006-08-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

“Information Gathering” researchers and other journalism students will be glad to hear of a new library resource for biographies. The Biography Reference Bank, available at http://www.hwwilson.com/_promotrials/amigos/login.cfm, allows online access to basic biographical information on over 500,000 people, including over 60 contemporary journalists.* You can read more about the database at http://www.hwwilson.com/databases/biobank.htm.

To access the current trial version of Biography Reference Bank, sign-in using the password bracken@bsu.edu.

To use the database, select the Biography Reference Bank from the list of databases on Wilson Web, and type in your search criteria, as shown here (click image to enlarge):

Then, choose the correct reference from the list (click image to enlarge):

And view the additional information (click image to enlarge):

The University Libraries' trial of the Biography Reference Bank database ends on December 31, 2006. Please consider purchasing this resource with your department's library funds if you wish to continue using it.

For more information or to schedule a training session on using this database, please contact
Stacy.

(*Data from a search for journalists born since 1970.)

Scheduled CardCat outage on Aug. 5 & 6

2006-08-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

CardCat, the University Libraries' online catalog of library resources, will be unavailable between 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, and 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 6. This is due to a scheduled outage for system maintenance.

Users who need to search for materials can still use the other tools available at http://www.bsu.edu/library/, including the WorldCat database for finding books. To search for just those materials in the Ball State University Libraries in WorldCat, use the library code "IBS" in your advanced search.

Questions? Please, ask a librarian for more details.

Scheduled computer outage on July 30

2006-07-26T10:54:00.000-04:00

UCS has posted a notice that the main computer room will undergo an electrical infrastructure upgrade this Sunday, July 30, from 12:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. This upgrade requires a complete power outage; all computing resources in the computer room will be shutdown during this time. Internet connectivity, e-mail, all Ball State websites, and the IBM mainframe will be unavailable during this outage.

Several online services will not be available at the University Libraries during this time. These include CardCat, ILLiad, and other web-based services. The University Libraries will have someone available to troubleshoot any problems if the system does not resume as scheduled on Sunday morning.

RSS feeds and other offerings from Project Muse

2006-07-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

From a database's recent news release:

Project MUSE is very pleased to announce the implementation of RSS feeds for all journals in MUSE. The RSS feed is an alert tool that provides users with instant notification about news, updates and additions to titles within the MUSE collection. The RSS feeds complement our e-mail journal alert service. Both offer students, librarians, researchers and faculty valuable tools for staying current with information about their favorite titles from the over 300 journals in the MUSE collection. The new RSS feed for Latest Issues enables users to easily survey the contents of the four most recent issues of a journal by linking to the corresponding Tables of Contents. MUSE subscribers have direct access to the full text articles from the RSS feeds. Information about subscribing to the feeds is found at the Project MUSE RSS Syndication page (http://feeds.muse.jhu.edu). Please visit this page often, as additional feeds will be added soon.

Journal titles available in the Project Muse database of interest to journalism and communication faculty may include:

A complete list of titles available in this database can be found at http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/.

To find out more about subscribing to RSS feeds, please see the previous blog post about using RSS feeds. Other databases offer RSS alert services, including Communication and Mass Media Complete as well as other databases provided by EBSCO.

If you need help using databases or subscribing to RSS feeds, please let Stacy know!

Interlibrary loan: An easy way to get more resources from your library

2006-07-17T14:14:00.000-04:00

On the About Us webpage on the University Libraries website, you will read:

Our collections consist of 1.5 million print volumes, over 2,900 periodical subscriptions, over 1 million microforms, nearly 98,000 government documents, and over 120,000 maps.

Despite all the books, journals, microforms, documents, maps and other materials available at the University Libraries, you may still find times when you need to interlibrary loan resources from other libraries.

Interlibrary loan at the University Libraries allows Ball State users to request materials from other libraries across the world. The University Libraries will process your requests and make the materials easily available, usually at no cost to you. By using resources like WorldCat and other databases, you can identify other books and materials that may help you in your research. By using interlibrary loan, you will find a nearly limitless supply of library resources made available to you by the University Libraries.

The University Libraries recently re-launched their electronic request system for interlibrary loan, called ILLiad. This system allows you to easily request books, articles, and other materials from other libraries using your own computer. You can access ILLiad and read more about interlibrary loan at http://www.bsu.edu/library/collections/ill/.

What titles will you request?

[Categories: News, Resources, Tell Students]

Government may add restrictions to FOIA

2006-07-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

According to a July 5, 2006, article in USA Today:

The federal government will pay a Texas law school $1 million to do research aimed at rolling back the amount of sensitive data available to the press and public through freedom-of-information requests. (R. Willing, “Tax dollars to fund study on restricting public data,” available at www.usatoday.com.)

Depending on the results of the research, requesters may find less information available to them through the use of the Freedom of Information Act.

Making the connection with books

2006-07-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

Help support the common reader discussions at Ball State University by volunteering to serve as a study group leader. This year's selected title, First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung, provides for many opportunities to discuss the social and political aspects of warfare, among other topics.

According to Melinda Messineo, assistant professor, 30 faculty and staff volunteers are still needed to lead discussions on the afternoon of August 20, 2006. You can contact her for more information.

Scheduled maintenance for features in CSA databases

2006-07-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

From a Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA) alert:

As a result of CSA's product expansion, CSA will be performing scheduled server maintenance on Saturday, July 15, 2006. The Administrative Tools module, Saved Searches, Search Alerts, and Journal Issue Alerts may be unavailable from approximately 8 a.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST.

This maintenance will provide CSA with the appropriate infrastructure to continue servicing your needs now and in the future. We do not anticipate this scheduled maintenance to affect your access to searching on the CSA Illumina platform.

Please email support@csa.com if you have any questions.

CSA databases include ERIC, PAIS, Sociological Abstracts, and others. Please, plan around this scheduled maintenance. Thank you!

The history of FOIA

2006-07-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

George Washington University's National Security Archives revisited the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in an article available at http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/NSAEBB NSAEBB194/index.htm (Blanton, 4 July 2006). The article included a look at the political culture surrounding President Johnson's signing of the FOIA over forty years ago.

The FOIA provided journalists and others with a process by which they could request access to previously guarded government information. For more information about the act, see the U. S. Department of Justice's FOIA website at http://www.usdoj.gov/04foia/.

Independence Day hours

2006-06-30T10:02:00.000-04:00

Bracken Library will open at noon on July 4, 2006.

For a complete listing of the University Libraries' summer hours, please see http://www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,14625--,00.html.

Toolbar for quick access to the University Libraries

2006-06-30T09:54:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wanted to look up a book in the online card catalog, but didn’t want to navigate back to the Libraries website? Do you want one-click access to library databases and resources? Then the University Libraries’ Toolbar is your answer.

This browser add-on works with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox to give you easy access to key library services and resources. By installing the Libraries’ Toolbar, you can quickly search CardCat, go directly to databases, easily navigate to the Ask-a-Librarian help page, and more. Once installed, the Libraries’ Toolbar looks like this (click to enlarge):

It could save you time when researching online. For instructions on installing the University Libraries’ Toolbar, go to http://www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,42835--,00.html. If you have questions, feel free to ask Stacy.

July 2006 newsletter online

2006-06-27T16:25:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of the Library Insider newsletter is available at http://www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider/. Articles include:

Summer Reading Survey of Libraries’ Personnel Reveals Variety of Interests, p. 1
Using Social Software to Stimulate Content Engagement with Distance Education Students, p. 2
Ongoing Improvement for the University Libraries: Inside and Outside, p. 2
Reflection on Bracken Library: Yesterday and Today, p. 3
Statistics Show Increase in Use of New Civil War Digital Resources, p. 4
Libraries’ Homepage Undergoes Usability Testing, p. 5
Listening Center is Music to Ears of Aria Summer Academy Participants, p. 5
University Libraries Provide Resources to Enrich Lives, Stir Imagination, p. 6
Documenting Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses, p. 7
Answers to the Libraries’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), p. 8
Libraries Recognized for Outstanding Brochure Design, p. 8
University Libraries’ Marketing Working Group Completes Term, p. 9
Libraries’ Large Format Plotter in the Geospatial Center and Map Collection, p. 9

Articles are also available in RSS format at http://www.bsu.edu/library/rss/.

News photo archives online

2006-06-13T16:12:00.000-04:00

The Library of Congress has digitized about 40,000 photographs and made them available online at http://memory.loc.gov/pp/ggbainhtml/ggbainabt.html. The photographs come from the George Grantham Bain collection, which focuses on American life in the early 1900s. Many photographs were taken in New York City. For more information about the online collection, check out the Research Buzz review.

For more photographs online, check out the University Libraries' Digital Media Repository; it includes many scanned images in addition to documents, letters, and other primary sources. Also, the research guide "How to Find Images" can help you find more materials available from the University Libraries' databases and resources.

June 2006 newsletter online

2006-06-08T08:48:00.000-04:00

You can read the latest edition of the Library Insider newsletter online at http://www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider/. The June 2006 issue included articles on the Ball State University Libraries' major accomplishments in 2005-2006, an update on interlibrary loan processes, and other updates on technology and collections at the University Libraries.

You can also receive periodic updates from the Library Insider newsletter by subscribing to the RSS feed for the Ball State University Libraries' News.

How to bring the blog to you (Part 2): Getting email updates

2006-06-07T17:40:00.000-04:00

In addition to RSS feed readers and aggregators (discussed here), you can sign-up with web services that will make it easy for you to stay up-to-date with the blog.

Several different service providers can enable you to read blog updates in your email; examples include the services by Squeet and FeedBlitz. By signing up with either of these providers, you will automatically receive an email each time a new entry is posted to the blog. A sign-up form for FeedBlitz is provided in the right-hand column of this blog, under "Sign-up for Email Updates." Some services, like Squeet, will even allow you to create an email subscription to a blog that does not publish updates in that format. Both of these service providers require registration in order to use them.

Do you have more questions about how to get blog updates? Feel free to contact Stacy or leave a comment below.

How to bring the blog to you (Part 1): Using RSS feeds

2006-06-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It provides a way for readers to catch-up on blog posts without actually having to visit the blog. Basically, RSS is the method by which website updates are delivered to a blog reader or aggregator. It is also referred to as the “site feed," and is actually made up of a messy combination of text and XML code itself.

Here is how you can get RSS to work for you. First, choose the method by which you want to read the blog posts, such as a favorite aggregator or reader. A RSS reader will convert the site feed into a clean version of the text, without the code; an aggregator will convert the feed and allow you to collect many different feeds in one place. A lot of people have found the Bloglines and Pluck aggregators easy to use; Yahoo users could include the site feed on their personalized page, too.

Once you have chosen a RSS reader or aggregator, locate the section on this blog labeled “Site Feeds,” in the right-hand column. Then, just click on the appropriate button to set-up your subscription. If you don’t see your preferred aggregator or reader listed, use the generic atom feed to subscribe.

Now, you are ready to go! Every post to this blog should appear in your reader or aggregator. Feel free to check back here to leave comments or just read the posts, as well.

If you need more help setting up your RSS feed, you may want to check out the more in-depth Getting Started with RSS tutorial, which includes graphics, or the related FAQ page. Also, feel free to contact Stacy or leave a comment for more information.

Many regularly updated websites provide RSS feeds of their content, which gives the reader a quick and easy way to see what’s new. For example, you may find that your favorite online newspaper has a RSS site feed for new articles. Also, several of the University Libraries’ databases provide RSS feeds for new material related to keyword-searches and journals. (Just let Stacy know if you need help setting these up.) The University Libraries and Ball State offer several other blogs and RSS feeds. By using RSS feeds you can stay up-to-date on this blog as well as other sources of regularly updated information, including the latest scholarship in your field.

Next time, we will cover how to get blog posts delivered to your email inbox.

Television now online

2006-06-01T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Internet and technology have changed the way we view television, according to an April AP story ("Networks rush TV shows online," available on Wired News). Currently, networks are exploring this model of releasing television shows to the internet, paid for by a subscription or single-episode purchase. If successful, this could have implications for broadcasting and advertising.

What do you think? Will online television shape the future of journalism?

Memorial Day hours

2006-05-26T12:56:00.000-04:00

Bracken Library opens at noon on Memorial Day, May 29th.

You can get more information about the University Libraries' summer hours on the Hours & Calendar webpage.

New books and library materials

2006-05-23T09:36:00.000-04:00

Wondering what's new at the library? The University Libraries makes it easy to stay up-to-date on our ever-growing collection of books and materials.

One way to keep up-to-date on new titles in your field is to use the University Libraries' list of newly acquired materials. Updated monthly and arranged by subject, this list will alert you to titles recently added to the Libraries' collection. You can also browse new books on the first floor of Bracken Library, next to the bestseller collection.

For more information about the University Libraries, check out the News & Events page. It includes updates about services as well as recently added databases and other electronic resources. Another source of library news, the Library Insider provides monthly updates and in-depth analysis on library services. More University Libraries blogs and online updates are listed here.

What services would you like to know more about? Let us know by commenting below or e-mailing Stacy.

Campus computer outage on May 21st

2006-05-18T10:37:00.000-04:00

University Computing Services has planned a computer outage on Sunday, May 21, from 12:00 am until 8:00 am. Internet connectivity, e-mail, all BSU websites and the IBM mainframe will be unavailable during this outage in order to allow for an upgrade.

The University Libraries' vision

2006-05-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

According to Dr. Hafner, dean of the University Libraries, the Libraries' vision is to "support students’ pursuit of academic success and faculty endeavors for classroom instruction and research for knowledge creation. Stated in other terms, the University Libraries’ programs, services, and collections make the Libraries a destination for research, learning, and friends."

This might mean improving library instruction by meeting with your instruction librarian to customize your library sessions. Or it could mean getting trained on a new database or technology at the University Libraries. Of course, there are many other applications for the journalism faculty and students.

Please, tell us what you think, too. How does this fit into your curriculum? How can the University Libraries better serve you? Send your ideas to Stacy or comment below.

Congratulations!

2006-05-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the American Advertising Federation student chapter at Ball State University for their win at the district National Student Advertising Competition. For more information, see the article in the Muncie Star Press.

Do you have a kudos you would like to share? Please contact Stacy or comment below.

New York Times historical database

2006-05-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

The University Libraries recently added the New York Times historical database to its collection. It includes complete digital copies of the newspaper from 1851-2003, with updates coming. Users can search the newspaper, read the articles, and view PDF images of the full page as it appeared in the New York Times. In addition to articles, advertisements, obituaries, stock pricing, media supplements, and more are included.

As an historical database, the content will always lag two years behind. Current coverage of the New York Times is available via the Lexis Nexis Academic News database (article text only).

The New York Times historical database has the potential to help those studying journalism history as well as those interested in media advertising, with many other possible applications. What do you think?

If you would like additional training on this database or any other library resource, please feel free to contact Stacy in the University Libraries.

New look

2006-05-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the new look of the Journalism @ BSU Libraries blog. Please, bear with me as I get the new template up and running correctly. Thanks!

Gear up for the hunt

2006-04-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

Finding Career Resources and Research
Thurs., Apr. 20, 3:00-3:50 p.m.
"Looking for an internship? A new job? Before you start pounding the pavement, come to this workshop to learn about researching a company, finding job ads, and preparing for interviews. Taught in conjunction with the Career Center.
"To register online, visit this link and follow the directions. You can also call Instructional Services at 285-8017, or send us a note at libinstr@bsu.edu! Sessions are conducted in Bracken Library room 104.
"'Gear Up for the Hunt' is part of our Spring Workshops 2006 series, open to all Ball State faculty, staff, and students."

Library open 24 hours

2006-04-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

Have a question at 6 a.m.? Why not ask a librarian?

Starting this week, the University Libraries will remain open throughout the night. The new hours started at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, and continue until Bracken Library closes Friday night. Reference librarians and other library personnel will be available throughout the time to help students with research and answer questions. For a more detailed breakdown of the hours, go here. Also, see the related Daily News story for more information.

It may look authentic

2006-03-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

The New York Times published an article on January 24, 2006, titled "It may look authentic; Here's how to tell it isn't." (Subscribers to the free online version can read the article here; BSU users can access it through Access World News here.) The author, Nicolas Wade, told how scientific journals caught authors editing images to enhance data and findings in their articles. Wade also mentioned a test by the Journal of Cell Biology intended to weed out such manipulated images.

The article brings to light many issues for those in the publishing industry, including the ethical implications of photo manipulation as well as the value of the peer-review process.

News or fad? Google and Current TV

2006-02-22T14:12:00.000-05:00

Google has partnered with Current TV, a satellite and cable television station, to create Google Current. This television program airs every thirty minutes, and uses the most popular Google searches to generate its story topics. According to the February Google Friends Newsletter, "from hybrid cars to human-animal hybrids, from Paris riots to Paris Hilton photos, your searches guide Current stories."

TVEyes for broadcast news searching

2006-02-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

Search spoken word from news broadcasts using the free, web-based TVEyes service. TVEyes uses voice-recognition software to index hundreds of news broadcasts from sources such as CNN, MSNBC, FOXNews, and other mainstream outlets. It will look for your search terms in its database, retrieve your results, and queue up the video to the correct segment.

For more information about the service, read this Search Engine Watch review of TVEyes.

Welcome

2006-02-02T17:34:00.000-05:00

This blog intends to alert you to the latest happenings at the University Libraries relevant to BSU's journalism program. This could include new books, web resources, and more.

Please, use the comments or email me to let me know what you think!