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The UMUC Information and Library Services Newsletter
Summer 2007 • Volume 7, Issue 2
Previous Issues
Contents:
- From Kim Kelley
- Electronic Resources - What's New!
- Hot Sites
- For Your Information...
- Faculty Corner
- ILS Hours and Locations
From Kim Kelley
Vice Provost and Dean, Academic Resources and Services
Along with everyone at Library and Information Services, I extend a warm welcome to all new and returning UMUC students, faculty, and staff as we begin our summer semester. We hope your relationship with UMUC is a successful and rewarding one that enables you to achieve all your educational and professional goals. Please take a moment to read about some of the exciting new developments and services at ILS since our last newsletter.
As part of our collection management assessment for fiscal year 2008, we have performed a careful review of UMUC's library databases in light of current budget constraints. As a result, we have discontinued 21 databases, switched out two databases for two others that provide better content, and added a new electronic resource that we feel will be of great value for UMUC's students and faculty. Please see below for more details on these changes. As always, ILS remains prepared to support your research needs through our databases and other electronic resources!
At the biannual National Conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries held in Baltimore on March 30, 2007, John Coogan, Systems Librarian at UMUC, and Dr. Ingrid Hsieh-Yee, Professor of Library and Information Science at The Catholic University of America, presented a poster session comparing Academic Search Premier to Google Scholar, which was well-received by conference attendees. Congratulations to Mr. Coogan and Dr. Hsieh-Yee on their work.
In keeping with our ongoing effort to find new ways to connect with our students, ILS has established a presence on MySpace. Please continue reading to learn more about this new development.
To further integrate information literacy into course curricula, UMUC library liaisons recently collaborated with various faculty members of the School of Undergraduate Studies (SUS). This issue of the newsletter contains more information regarding this collaborative effort.
ILS brought new meaning to the term "distance education" when UMUC librarians used Adobe Connect software to furnish library instruction to Doctor of Management students located in Taiwan. This pilot project was an unqualified success and we look forward to similar efforts in the future. ILS also offered an online Google Universe workshop that introduced faculty members to new products and services offered by Google, as well as how to incorporate these products into the classroom.
UMUC faculty and staff now have access to EDUCAUSE ECAR (EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research) research studies, research bulletins, case studies, and other resources. More information about EDUCAUSE ECAR appears below.
We have also included articles in this issue of the newsletter about new features in our databases, "hot" homeland security Web sites, the CTLA 607 faculty workshop, the CTL e-book workshop, the library liaison program, and information for faculty on instruction.
At Information and Library Services, our mission continues to be providing you with the means to fill all your information needs. Any comments regarding our resources and services are welcome. Please to do not hesitate to contact us with suggestions for improvements.
Electronic Resources News
Collection Management Assessment
As part of our collection management assessment for fiscal year 2008, Information and Library Services (ILS) has performed a careful review of UMUC's library databases in light of current budget constraints. Factors taken into account included the number of times the database was accessed in the previous fiscal year, whether similar content was also available in another database or on the Web, UMUC’s curriculum and how instrumental a database was in supporting it, whether it was full text and FindIt enabled, how often it was used by ILS librarians for instructional purposes, and its cost. Input was also solicited from ILS's Faculty Library Liaison Group, an advisory committee consisting of 18 UMUC faculty members. Below is the list of specific databases selected for discontinuation on July 1, 2007, based on the above criteria. Because many of these overlapped with other databases, be assured that ILS remains prepared to support your research needs through our 126 databases and other electronic resources. Be sure to see our subject guides for appropriate databases in your area of study.
Also as part of this strategic collection management process, we will be substituting Education Research Complete for Education Abstracts, as Education Research Complete includes more full text and unique titles, and Computers and Applied Science Fulltext for Applied Science and Technology Abstracts, as the former is less expensive and includes more full text. We will also be adding online access to the CQ Press Political Handbook of the World, an important resource for our students across a variety of disciplines.
Electronic Resources Discontinued
as of July 1, 2007Vendor Interface
Art Abstracts
OCLC FirstSearch
Article First
OCLC FirstSearch
Arts & Humanities Search
OCLC FirstSearch
Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
CSA Illumina
Biography and Genealogy and Master Index
Gale
Biography Index
OCLC FirstSearch
BioMedCentral
BioMedCentral
Book Review Digest
OCLC FirstSearch
Curriculum Resource Center
Facts on File
Curriculum Resource Center : Junior Edition
Facts on File
Design and Applied Art Index
CSA Illumina
ERIC
OCLC FirstSearch
GenderWatch
CSA/ProQuest
GeoRef
EBSCOHost
GPO Monthly Catalog
OCLC FirstSearch
Grove Music Online
Oxford University Press
Index of Christian Art
University of Princeton
Index to Legal Periodicals
OCLC FirstSearch
Inspec
EBSCOHost
Internet and Personal Computing Abstracts
EBSCOHost
IRIS
University of Illinois
Medline
OCLC FirstSearch
PapersFirst
OCLC FirstSearch
ProceedingsFirst
OCLC FirstSearch
Ready Reference Shelf
Gale
RILM
EBSCOHost
Women & Social Movements
Alexander Street Press
World Almanac
OCLC FirstSearch
New Features in Our Electronic Resources!
Several of our electronic resources have come out with new features and updates:
- Emerald: More full text and support functions
- NetLibrary: New history, philosophy, and science e-books. For the first time, NetLibrary is also including audiobooks.
- ProQuest: Improved full text linking
- RefWorks: New tutorials
- Science Direct: Live chat and RSS feeds
Take a look and let us know what you think!
Hot Sites... Homeland Security
Find the latest issues, controversies, and developments in the field of homeland security. These Web sites cover areas as diverse as terrorism, immigration, natural disaster planning, and more.
- Department of Homeland Security
This is the official Web site of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition to security issues, the Web site also has information on emergency management, immigration, border control, transportation, as well as the latest developments in security related science and technology.
- Ready.gov
Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, this Web site is intended for the American public. Included are sections for the general public, businesses, and children designed to teach all three groups how to plan for disasters, whether natural or man-made.
- Homeland Security Institute
The Homeland Security Institute's research agenda covers the spectrum of homeland security issues and activities, including threat trends and adversarial perspectives, information sharing and interoperability, border and transportation security, law enforcement, infrastructure protection, preparedness, emergency response, training, and more. HIS also publishes the Journal of Homeland Security.
- Global Security
Find current news, video, and articles on security issues, defense policies and programs, intelligence, weapons of mass destruction, and issues relating to outer space--all from a global perspective. The site includes many links to outside resources, as well.
- Interpol
Interpol is the world's largest police organization, with 186 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. The organization also co-ordinates the circulation of alerts and warnings on terrorists, dangerous criminals, and weapons threats to police in member countries. Find information and analysis here about suspected terrorist individuals and groups and their activities.
- UN Action to Counter Terrorism
This is the Web site of the official United Nations program to counter terrorism in member states. Find information from the multitude of offices, programs, and specialized agencies of the United Nations system that work to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Information on national counter-terrorism legislation is also found here.
For Your Information...
“Google Scholar vs. Academic Search Premier: A Comparative Analysis” Presentation at ACRL
John Coogan, Systems Librarian at UMUC, and Dr. Ingrid Hsieh-Yee, Professor of Library and Information Science at The Catholic University of America, presented a poster on Google Scholar (GS) vs. Academic Search Premier (ASP): A Comparative Analysis at the National Conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries in Baltimore on March 30, 2007. In the process of their analysis, they conducted searches on four research topics in both databases and compared the top 10 results from each in terms of number and currency of retrieved items, number of relevant items, full text availability and access effort, set overlap and database overlap, and effectiveness of advanced search modes.
Mr. Coogan and Dr. Hsieh-Yee found that ASP’s top 10 results were more recent, while GS’s results were more highly cited. Searching ASP's citations (metadata) produced the most highly relevant results. ASP full text searches produced a higher number of full text articles than GS and required less effort (number of clicks) to access full text. Also, ASP's advanced search features were more effective than those of GS in improving search results. The researchers concluded that, overall, ASP is a more effective “one-stop shopping” search tool than GS, although GS is a competitive supplemental tool.
Information and Library Services Presence on MySpace
The UMUC library has created a presence on the popular social networking Web site MySpace! The library publishes a blog with library and research related information; maintains links to Ask a Librarian, electronic databases, and the library catalog; and also features a calendar of library events.
Over 11,000 UMUC students and over 4,000 alumni currently access MySpace; this provides a great opportunity for the library to interact with students, faculty, and staff in new ways. So log on to MySpace and request to become a “friend” of the library!
EDUCAUSE ECAR Resources Now Available for Faculty and Staff
Information and Library Services (ILS) is pleased to announce the availability of EDUCAUSE ECAR (EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research) research studies, research bulletins, case studies, and other resources for UMUC faculty and staff.
To register for access to ECAR holdings, simply visit the ECAR Web site and select the login key at the top right of the page to create or manage your EDUCAUSE profile. Registration takes only a few minutes. You should visit this area if you have forgotten or wish to change your ECAR/EDUCAUSE passwords. Please note that this service is for UMUC faculty and staff only and requests for access through your EDUCAUSE profile are subject to approval. Once registered, simply log in to your EDUCAUSE Profile, go to the ECAR Web site, then select Research Publications from the left-hand menu.
About ECAR (from the ECAR Homepage):
The EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research (ECAR) provides timely research and analysis to help higher education leaders make better decisions about information technology. ECAR assembles leading scholars, practitioners, researchers, and analysts to focus on issues of critical importance to higher education, many of which carry increasingly complicated and consequential implications. ECAR provides educational leaders with high-quality, well-researched, timely information to support institutional decision-making.Here is more information about the resources that are available (taken from the ECAR Web site):
Research studies
Research studies reflect substantial research efforts of strategic importance to higher education such as IT security, networking, IT engagement in research, and student and faculty uses of IT. ECAR publishes four such studies annually.Research bulletins
These frequent electronic updates provide credible, thoughtful, and timely analysis of key IT developments and illustrate their impact on higher education. Research bulletins are concise, insightful treatments of current topics that may range from products/services to policy.Case studies
Case Studies are institution-specific or topic-specific reports designed to exemplify important themes, trends, and experiences in the management of information technology investments and activities. Case Studies relate to, and are undertaken as part of, specific ECAR Research Studies.Roadmaps
ECAR Roadmaps synthesize important IT issues and provide recommendations for action in higher education. The content draws from ECAR Research Studies and Case Studies. ECAR Roadmaps are available to the public.
Faculty Corner
ILS Assists in Creation of SUS Information Literacy Assignments
UMUC librarians recently participated in an exciting collaborative initiative with School of Undergraduate (SUS) faculty to further integrate information literacy into the curriculum. SUS is undergoing a program level assessment of its seven designated Core Learning Areas (CLA). Information literacy, defined by the Office of Outcomes Assessment (OOA) as the ability to "demonstrate the ability to use libraries and other information resources to effectively locate, select, and evaluate needed information" and one of the CLAs, was chosen to be assessed in the first phase.
As part of this formal assessment program, faculty from each department determined program outcomes, learning objectives, related coursework, and methods of assessment, usually a course-specific assignment. UMUC Library liaisons Robert Miller, Ed O’Donnell, and Ryan Shepard, along with Beth Mulherrin, Collegiate Associate Professor/Academic Director LIBS Program, provided assistance by:
- Suggesting language to emphasize to students the need for proper citation of sources
- Suggesting links and language to more accurately describe the full scope of library resources available to students
- Suggesting links and language to help students better understand the peer-review process, and how peer-reviewed journals differ from popular publications
- Structuring assignments to require that students evaluate Web content for authority, accuracy, currency, and coverage
Participating faculty represented a diverse group of UMUC programs, including Accounting, Biotechnology, Communication Studies, Computer Science, English, Environmental Management, Fire Science, Gerontology, History, Humanities, Legal Studies, Management, Psychology, and Sociology. The assignments will be piloted in the fall for a sample section of each subject area, with assessment of the pilot assignments occurring in spring 2008.
ILS Uses Adobe Connect to Provide Library Instruction to Overseas Graduate Students
In fall 2006, the first cohort of Doctor of Management students from Taiwan started classes at UMUC. These students spent their first week of the program on site in Adelphi. On their very first day here they received a library orientation session from Julie Arnold, liaison to the Graduate School of Management and Technology. During their first semester this cohort also took Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills (UCSP 611) as part of their coursework.
During the second semester, spring 2007, Research Design and Specialization Framework (DMGT 730) was a required course. In collaboration with the faculty member for this course, Dr. Christine Hannah, the UMUC Reference and Instruction Librarians provided a one-on-one consultation with each student as part of the course requirement. Because of geographic constraints, students and librarians met during a pre-arranged consultation time using the web conferencing software Adobe Acrobat Connect. Consultations were offered early in the morning, later in the evening, and even on the weekends. During the consultation the librarians assisted in developing search terminology and strategies, selecting appropriate databases, and finding seminal works and authors. Library instruction modules were posted the same week to provide a place for students to ask questions. This conference area of the classroom was monitored for two weeks.
As part of the assignment, each student was required to create and submit a Literature Search Strategy. Dr. Hannah created a grading rubric and each student sent his/her strategy to the librarian with whom he/she consulted to be graded. The librarian graded the assignment, and the grades were posted in the classroom. This assignment counted as 10% of the overall grade.
At the beginning of week 5 of the course, the students participated in an optional Adobe Acrobat Connect session on RefWorks, taught by Julie Arnold, which two thirds of the class attended. Supplemental library instruction modules on plagiarism and citation were posted in the classroom and were monitored for two weeks.
The pilot project was a success. The second cohort began in January and this consultation opportunity will be repeated in fall 2007 for this group.
ILS “Google Universe” Online Workshop a Success!
Twenty-five faculty members from around the world participated in the Google Universe online workshop offered by ILS from April 16 to April 23. UMUC librarians Ed O’Donnell and Ryan Shepard, assisted by Kee-Young Moon, Advanced Technologies Librarian, created the course content and facilitated the workshop, which aimed to teach faculty members the advantages and disadvantages of using Google as a tool for academic research. Some of the topics covered included:
- Performing advanced searches in Google that afford more precise and useful results
- Linking to full text of articles in Google Scholar search results using our custom “find it at UMUC” links
- Finding white papers, conference proceedings, and other grey literature using Google Scholar
- Searching for books using Google Books and determining whether full text is available online
- Accessing and generating maps using Google Maps and Earth and using them as instructional tools
- Using Google Images, understanding copyright restrictions and obligations surrounding the service, and conveying this knowledge in the classroom
Workshop members participated in lively forums and completed several assignments, all of which provided excellent opportunities to learn more about using Google’s search tools effectively. Overall, the workshop was a great success, with one participant lauding it for having, “Superb design, not too much work and lots of excellent information!”
CTLA 607: Beyond Library Basics: Choosing, Using, but Not Abusing Information Resources
Information and Library Services, in collaboration with the Center for Intellectual Property, is again offering an online workshop under the auspices of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Beyond Library Basics: Choosing, Using, but Not Abusing Information Resource covers such topics as:
- Advanced database searching
- Creating a reading list and using the library’s e-reserves database
- Copyright issues in online learning
- Promoting academic integrity through effective assignment design
- Setting up an account with the plagiarism detection service Turnitin
- The use of citation management software
- A review of Journal Finder
- An introduction to Google Scholar
The workshop is offered to faculty worldwide via WebTycho. Please check the schedule of upcoming workshops offered through the Center for Teaching and Learning.
CTL E-Book Workshop for Faculty is Coming Again! July 23-July 30
In this online workshop for faculty, you will learn to use UMUC's collection of almost 17,000 e-books, locating useful titles and incorporating them effectively into course assignments. By the end of the workshop you will be able to find information quickly within a text, bookmark or highlight sections, take notes electronically, and more. Also learn about free e-book resources on the Web. Join in a discussion of cutting edge e-book trends and what they may mean for you. There will be a live Adobe Connect presentation during the workshop. To register, click on the Online Workshops link from the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) page.
Information and Library Services provides library liaison services to UMUC faculty. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with faculty to provide tailored library services to individual classes, whether it be visiting your online or face-to-face class, assisting in adding information literacy components to specific course assignments or projects, or providing handouts or online resources customized to your discipline or current course topic. Keep the liaison librarians in mind when you have library related questions, need extra help with research, or need instruction on how to use our resources.
Julie Arnold - Liaison to the Graduate School of Management and Technology
Ed O'Donnell - Liaison to SUS Business and Management Studies (BUSN)
Ryan Shepard - Liaison to SUS Computer Information Systems and Technology (CITE)
Robert Miller - Liaison to SUS Social, Behavioral, Natural, and Mathematical Sciences (SCIP)
In addition, Elizabeth Mulherrin, SUS Academic Director, LIBS150, is liaison to SUS Communication, Arts, and Humanities.
As the summer 2007 semester begins, Information and Library Services librarians look forward to working with you and your classes, either face-to-face or via WebTycho, in the provision of library resources instruction. The transferable skill building and concept understanding that librarians offer in these sessions provide both a deeper comprehension and comfort level for your students in locating, evaluating, and using information relevant to their studies. This preparation and reinforcement will hold your students in good stead as they deal with the vast amount of available information during their academic careers and as productive employees and citizens. Please complete the Faculty Request for Library Instruction form to schedule one or more sessions for your classes.
Questions? Comments? Need more information? Please contact Barb Mann, Assistant Director for Public Services, or Information and Library Services (library@umuc.edu).
We look forward to working with you and your classes!
ILS Hours and Locations
Need to find us? Please visit Locations and Hours for more information.