Northern Maine Community College Library

Do you handle information overload?

2012-02-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

Most of us receive too much information on a daily basis. Just stop and think of the number of things you need to read, reply to, act on, and listen to each day. How do you handle it? Do you ignore some information? Do you organize it in a way to make it easier to review and digest? Have you found great ways to deal with the ever increasing information you are expected to process? If yes, share some of your strategies here.

If not, then read this. There might be some useful ways to gain control over the information you need to focus on each day.

New stuff in the library

2012-02-10T06:52:00.001-05:00

Here's a quick way to see what's on the new shelf. Look here.

Google Dashboard

2012-02-10T06:51:00.001-05:00

Learn about Google Dashboard. View this video.

Google Dashboard tells all.

How do you determine if research is trustworthy?

2012-02-06T06:03:00.000-05:00

What do you look for to determine whether the studies you are reading are valid or meaningful?

How do you know to select one study over another in terms of accuracy?

Is it trustworthy and what does that really mean?

Here's one way to understand research.

Why you should spend time in libraries and archives

2012-02-05T13:07:00.006-05:00

Because you never know what you'll find and learn:

Via NPR: Lost Malcolm X Speech Heard Again Fifty Years Later

Quick survey

2012-01-30T10:27:00.003-05:00

Why are you in the library today?

This survey will take you two minutes or less to complete.

Eric Pelkey Shares 10 Top Reads

2012-01-29T11:31:00.002-05:00

Thanks to NMCC instructor Eric Pelkey for sharing his Top 10 Reads of All Time:

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Devil on the Cross by Ngugi wa Thiong'o
The Trial by Franz Kafka
An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
American Pastoral by Philip Roth

Modern Library 100 Best Novels

2012-01-29T08:01:00.001-05:00

If asked, could you create a list of the 10 best novels you have ever read?

Here's the Modern Library best 100 list to get you started. Have a favorite you want to share? Post it here, or stop by the library and add yourself to our reading recommendation shelf.

Policies and Privacy

2012-01-26T06:15:00.001-05:00

Do you ever take the time to read the policies we are all sent? Google just sent out an updated privacy policy and terms of service. Effective date is March 1, 2012.

You can read it here. Do you have any thoughts to share?

What is a digital object identifier (DOI)?

2012-01-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

What is it? Do you need to know? How do you find one? How do you use it in your citations?

This is what a digital object identifier looks like: DOI 10.1007/s00464-009-0772-0

Need to know more about this?

APA blog has some great entries on this.

Use CrossRef to lookup a DOI.

DOI and URL flowchart.

DOI primer.

Some Google Tips to help your search

2012-01-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

Take a look and see if any of these tips will help you get better search results.

Something fun to watch

2012-01-19T10:11:00.002-05:00

Let's face it, you can't study all day long. Take a few minutes to watch this video and learn a little about searching.

For English 227

2012-01-19T09:19:00.001-05:00

These links are for the students in Jen Graham's English 227 Advanced Comp class.

Today I'll be visiting the class and talking about information literacy. We'll review student learning outcomes for information literacy instruction at NMCC.

We'll discuss Eli Pariser's book, The Filter Bubble: What the Internet is Hiding from You and also view his video on TED.

We'll take two quick surveys:

Info Lit Initial Assessment Spring 2012

Information Literacy Pre-Test Spring 2012

If there is time, we'll also look at Dan Russell's blog. He's a research scientist at Google and has lots of helpful tips to make you a more effective searcher.

How to start a blog

2012-01-17T15:46:00.003-05:00

Begin 2012 by creating your own blog. Do you have one blog you read every day? Share the link.

Best blogs of 2011.

Spring Common Read

2012-01-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

We'll be reading The Help by Kathyrn Stockett as our first common read this semester. Then we'll read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Details to follow.

Great video The Joy of Books

2012-01-10T07:03:00.002-05:00

The Joy of Books.

Tinman decked out for the holidays

2011-12-28T07:03:00.000-05:00

The jolliest person we know on campus!

Sculpting with books

2011-12-27T06:56:00.000-05:00

Take a look at these. What a wonderful way to repurpose books.

Book Sculptures

Get ready for break

2011-12-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

Before you leave campus for the break, stop by the library and take a pile of books home and relax and read during the holidays.   Think you might be getting an e-reader or tablet for the holidays? Then visit the library page and click on the Maine InfoNet ebooks link. You'll find free ebooks and audiobooks to use. All you need is your 14 digit ID.

Questions?   Just contact us.

Happy Holidays!     See you in January 2012.

Snacks to Get You Through

2011-12-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

The semester is almost over. We have snacks hidden in the stacks. Walk around, browse the shelves, and find a treat while you are studying in the library.

Good luck with the end of the semester and finishing all of your projects and papers and tests!

Locating Information Quickly

2011-11-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

It's crunch time. You need to locate information quickly. Begin your search with Google and then use some of the library databases and the ebooks in our Ebrary collection. This will give you all you need to begin writing that research paper.

To help, here are some tips and places to look.

Google basic search help.
Google search tips.
Google search features

Library databases

Need APA or MLA help? Visit OWL at Purdue.

Ebrary ebooks.

You also have the library and academic success center to help.

.

Google Help

2011-11-24T16:26:00.000-05:00

If you use Google, look at this for some great tips.

What if we pull out some of the stacks?

2011-11-24T16:12:00.000-05:00

We need your help. If you are a student, we want your input on how to rearrange the library. We are in the process of removing lots of outdated books that no longer need to be on our shelves. Maybe it's time to remove some of the shelves. If we do, what would you like to see us do with that space? More tables and chairs? Maybe just some nice leather chairs?

Share your thoughts. We need your comments.

Swim at your own risk

2011-11-06T19:15:00.000-05:00

Signs like this are wonderful. You know immediately that help is not available. You are on your own. If you aren't a strong swimmer, you may want to just stay on shore.

Luckily, college isn't that way. On the NMCC campus, you are not on your own and help is never far away.

If you need help locating information, citing sources, and evaluating information, library staff is always available to assist you. Want to try some new apps on the iPad? Come to the library. Need to borrow a laptop or reserve a group study room? We've got you covered. Want a quiet place to work without distractions? There's a seat waiting for you.

Need some tutoring help? Visit the Academic Success Center. Can't make it to the Center? Then Skype in and connect with a tutor.

NMCC counselors are available to help you whenever you need it.

Stop by Financial Aid to ask questions about your FAFSA and work-study.

All over campus, there are people here to help you succeed. Stop by Student Affairs, the Business Office, IT department, Health Center, Bookstore, and many other departments on campus and get your questions answered.

We are here to support your success as a student.

New Books in the Library

2011-11-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

We have a new book shelf in the library to browse and you can locate new books here.

We take recommendations for purchase throughout the year. Contact us and let us know what you would like to have added to the collection.

Author talks, booksignings, library events

2011-10-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

In northern Maine we are pretty far from the crowds and cities of the rest of Maine. This has many advantages and a few disadvantages. Libraries in more remote parts of Maine often have difficulty getting authors or speakers to visit for events. The travel time is usually longer than the event itself. It takes a lot to travel 3-5 hours one way for an event. When authors and speakers do agree to come, we are very appreciative of the extra effort. We know that without these events at libraries our cultural offerings in rural areas would be limited.

This raises the question of whether or not library events are important to NMCC students. Do you attend events? Do we publicize and market them in a way that you get the information? We use the library blog, Facebook, Twitter, library web page, college newsletter, posters on campus, newspaper, and more. Do you have ideas on how to market our events to reach a larger audience?

Any event does not just happen on its own. It takes lots of planning and work prior to the event. Many people on campus contribute and many departments are involved in the process. We want to put our efforts towards events that are relevant to NMCC students. After all, that's the reason we are all here. We are your support system through college. Your comments, suggestions, and recommendations are important. So share them with us and post a comment on this blog or contact the library.

Author Visit - Jacques Poitras - Imaginary Line: Life on an unfinished border

2011-10-01T08:52:00.000-04:00

An award-winning author and journalist, whose latest book tackles the Maine-New Brunswick border in a revealing and thought-provoking way, will introduce his work at an event in Presque Isle on Thursday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the Edmunds Library at Northern Maine Community College.
Jacques Poitras will read from his new book, Imaginary Line: Life on an unfinished border, and lead a discussion on the topics covered in the publication, including how activity along the international border serves as a microcosm for relations between the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Poitras will sign copies of the book, which
will be available for sale ($19.99 + tax) at the signing event.

Read the press release.

Jacques Poitras bio.

Acceptable Use Policies

2011-09-21T17:19:00.000-04:00

Are you aware that the college has acceptable use policies? Do you know where to find them on the portal?

Click here to see a list and to read them.

Acceptable Use Policies

    Information Technology Usage and Support Policy
    Northern Maine Community College Acceptable Use Policy
    Maine Community College System Acceptable Use Policy
    NEARnet Network Acceptable Use Policy
    NSFNET Acceptable Use Policy

Visit to classes

2011-09-20T19:40:00.000-04:00

The assistant dean of learning resources is giving a presentation to Pam Crawford's Management class on Friday to talk about ways to use the databases, journals, ebooks and more to help you complete your projects for the course.

We'll cover business plans, leadership, small business, stocks, company profiles, articles, and more.

Looking for the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and other business publications? We have them and will show you how to get them on campus and at home.

Peer Reviewed Articles / Databases / Library Assistance

2011-09-20T19:35:00.000-04:00

Information literacy checkup 101

After visiting David Raymond's Maine History course, I'd like to ask students in the class who are working on their papers the following questions.

Have you located enough information on the Great Awakening? Did you use the database Academic Search Premier? Did you use any other library databases? Do you know how to build a good search? Remember to use Boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT). Do you know the difference between a magazine and a peer reviewed journal? Did you vary search terms? Keywords versus subject headings?

Have you used ebooks in the Ebrary collection?

Do you know that you can use Noodlebib to cite your sources?

Have you used Google Scholar or Google Books?

Did you check the library online catalog to see what books are available on the Great Awakening?

Did you find what you need to complete the assignment? If not, contact the library for some help.

Locating information should be easy. You can do this from home. Get what you need exactly when you need it.

If you started with Wikipedia, don't end there. Do a thorough job with your research and writing your paper will be easier than you think.

CTRL+F to search a webpage

2011-08-24T06:11:00.001-04:00

Can you type CTRL+F?

Read this and see if you are one of the people they are talking about. If you don't use it, here's a helpful tip. When searching a webpage for a word or term, use CTRL F and your life will be made easier. You'll get what you need faster. And isn't that always the point?

Give it a try today. If you already use this feature, then you can smile smugly! :)

Giving Credit

2011-06-13T06:47:00.000-04:00

When you write your research paper for your English instructor you are told to credit your sources. Many students follow this instruction without understanding the importance of citing sources and giving credit to words, images, music, and ideas that are not their own.

We are planning an information literacy day at the college to be scheduled this fall. A part of the program for that day will be to share information on plagiarism, copyright, and crediting sources.

Take a look at this story and see if you think it was acceptable or unacceptable.

Do you think about copyright when you use images for your projects? Read this and post your reaction.

When you are in doubt, be sure to cite.

Ebsco Mobile

2011-06-08T11:22:00.000-04:00

Check this out for searching on mobile devices:

Ebsco Mobile

Let us know what you think.

How do you cite an interview in APA style?

2011-05-05T16:57:00.000-04:00

You do not cite it in your references list. You can cite in your paper.

Read more here.

What's a reference list for?

2011-04-18T17:20:00.000-04:00

Great post via the APA Style blog:

What’s a Reference List For?

Show Me Good Land Book Signing on April 13th @ 7 pm

2011-04-11T14:03:00.000-04:00

Please join us in the E. Perrin Edmunds Library at Northern Maine Community College for a book signing by author Shonna Milliken Humphrey.

Wednesday, April 13th at 7 pm.

Shonna will be signing copies of her new book, Show Me Good Land.
Music by Travis Humphrey.

Contact Jan Grieco at 768-2765 or Gail Roy at 768-2734 for additional information.

Creative Writers Reading Series in April

2011-04-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

The Creative Writers Reading Series will be held at noon on the following dates in the NMCC library:

April 13th     Shonna Milliken Humphrey
April 20th     Michael Macklin
April 27th     (to be announced)

NMCC students and featured guests will read from their work. Both campus and community members are invited to attend.

Information Technology Maintenance Today April 8, 2011

2011-04-08T09:25:00.001-04:00

All NMCC information technology related resources will be down for system maintenance from 2 pm - 4 pm on Friday, April 8th.

The following areas will be affected: college website, portal, internet access, email, network storage, database servers, wireless, and printers.

Best topic ever for a research paper

2011-04-07T12:45:00.002-04:00

Additional responses:

The best topic was music therapy. It was a fascinating topic and had tons of available information.

The paper I most enjoyed writing was about science fiction and its value to American culture. I have always been a huge science fiction fan, and I learned so many new things while I was writing that paper. Most of it didn’t even make it into the paper in the end but it was exciting to learn about something that I enjoy so much.

Sign language for hearing children.

What is the best topic you have ever written a research paper about?

2011-04-07T12:43:00.002-04:00

What is the best topic you have ever written a research paper about?

The best topic I’ve ever written about was the annual migration of the short-nosed sturgeon.

Share your research paper nightmare story

2011-04-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

Please share your research paper nightmare story for other NMCC students.

The NMCC students in English 227 did just that. Read their comments below:

I have not really had any researching nightmares as of yet, but I fully expect to by the end of the semester.

The worst time I can remember having with a research paper was when I had to write about a cultural issue. It wasn’t finding the information that was difficult, but simply the paper itself. In some cases, a personal connection with a topic may either hinder or help your ability to write about it. I came into it thinking, “This was my lifestyle. I can write about that.” However, I found it was harder to find the right words—especially when time is against you.

I have had many nightmare stories, even to the point of having nightmares while sleeping. The most common nightmare is the time it takes me to type a paper and not being able to collect what I would like to write about off of websites. I feel that more needs to be taught to students concerning the methods to collect materials off the Internet.

My idea of a research paper nightmare is not being able to pick a thesis. I started out writing about the Grimm Brothers and how their work related to their personal lives. I could not think of a thesis that really stood out to me. I thought about it for a couple days. I decided to do some research on Paul Bunyan instead and was able to plan out my whole paper in less than 5 minutes. When you have reached this point you know you have a good thing going.

Doing a research paper on Japan’s side of World War II.

The worst paper I had ever written was a topic that was hard to find proof. Just trying to find sources that backed up my point of view was a nightmare. Try to pick topics that are proven and have accessible sources to support your thesis. This will only make your life easier.

The biggest nightmare for me when writing a paper is realizing that I had left out some vital information that would tie the entire paper together and it’s the day that the paper is due so I am quickly going back into the computer having to find that area that I needed to add the information only to realize that the paper wasn’t fully saved so I had to retype the entire paper with only an hour before class starts.

Using “I” is my nightmare story. I continue to put “I” just out of habit.

Losing a paper the day before it was due and not having a draft printed or saved. I had to redo it from scratch. Nightmare!

My nightmare research paper would have to be freshman year high school, a whole 5 page paper on the simple machine A Screw. This paper took lots of information to find uses and history on such a simple device.

Be extra careful when saving your work. Save often and make sure you save it to a USB thumb drive or to the L drive. I’ve lost over half a paper because I didn’t save often or saved to the wrong place.

My nightmare story was not giving myself enough time to finish my papers and logically think about them. Also not having enough research has made my papers sound flaky and unsure of me and I did not get the point across in my paper that I was trying so hard to say.

Research, research, research..............

2011-04-07T08:22:00.002-04:00

“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?”

                                                                                          ~Albert Einstein

Do you think it is important to learn how to conduct research from various sources (online, print, e-resources, interviews, media, etc.) Does it matter? Why or why not? Do you learn new skills when doing this? Is it important to learn how to select a topic, refine your topic, locate and evaluate information on that topic, and convey your research to others? Is it useful to be able to sift through information and create a well reasoned presentation of data that forms a logical conclusion. What about citing sources and giving credit to others? Will these skills be useful in other areas of your life?   Can you see yourself writing business reports or giving presentations where the information you share and the way you present it will be extremely important in your professional life? Can you imagine searching for financial or health information and having the ability to successfully navigate the barrage of information available and select only the most reliable, up-to-date, and relevant information for your needs and purposes?

Share your thoughts.   Additional comments from NMCC students will be posted soon.

Advice on Research Papers

2011-04-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

The students in English 227 responded to the following question and are the guest bloggers for the library blog this week.

Thanks for the great ideas and advice for other students. Special thanks for the shout out to the library and academic success center!

What have you learned/what advice would you give to students writing research papers at NMCC?

I have learned to punctuate sentences and write in a form that is better for the reader to understand.

My only advice to a person writing a research paper is to make sure you pick a thesis that you believe in.

USE THE LIBRARY! Our librarians can help with all your research needs. Inter-library loans can provide information that you would not necessarily have right at your school.

Get out of habits like writing in the first person and use the research tools that the library provides. The library is where you will find the best research. Stay off Google and Wikipedia.

Save more than one copy of your drafts. Print them out each time you make some changes. Losing a research paper is one of the most stressful things that can happen and has happened to me. Do more research than you think you need. It may work its way into your paper. Always, when possible, go to the ACS [Academic Success Center] so someone can look over your paper.

Advice I would give students would be to use many sources of information. The library is a great resource and having someone in the academic success center proofread the paper can help to make the paper better.

Some advice that I can offer to other students who are writing research papers here at NMCC would be to make sure that you keep all of your research material organized and to make sure that if you have an outline follow it closely and continue to make changes to it as you go along with the paper so that they match up.

I have learned to use different resource materials, such as, databases and periodicals. I have also learned how to expand my searches by changing the way I word my search and terms. If there was any advice I would give to another student it would be to not be afraid of the research process and don’t feel stupid about asking questions. Our library is a great source of information and it is there to help you.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Get a head start on the research at the earliest opportunity, and always choose a topic that interests you.

Take advantage of all your resources. Use Noodlebib for your works cited page, use the library’s databases, and ask librarians for help. If you’re doing a report that touches on a subject that you learned in class once, ask the instructors for help.

I would give advice to clearly think your papers through and make them flow together. Having a paper that is unorganized and messy with no logic is not going to help anybody learn anything, let alone confuse them. Also, research as much as you can without using websites such as Wikipedia because it is unreliable and you will find you have different answers and research about a certain topic. The more research you do the better! Also give yourself enough time to have many drafts of your paper and to write it over a period of time rather than rushing through it.

Do not get overwhelmed. Writing a research paper can be a massive project and it can be overwhelming. Research can be difficult when you become overloaded with information. Take your time and pick only the articles that relate the most to your paper. You do not have to use every article you find. Back up your rough drafts on a flash drive and save them on your computer as well. That way you do not have to worry if you lose your flash drive or your computer crashes because you already have another copy. This means no starting over for you and at the end of the semester this could save your life.

Keep your goal in mind. What is it you’re looking for? What questions are you answering? What is it you want readers to remember or take away from your paper?

Make an outline! Research papers can get pretty lengthy, and you could be faced with more information than you know what to do with. An outline helps to keep you organized and on track.

Use www.noodletools.com for citing! It makes citing your research so much faster and easier. It even helps you with parenthetical references.

If given the option to choose a topic, be sure it’s something you care about. If you don’t care, then why should anyone else?

Remember to have order to your thoughts (paragraphs) and use transitions. You don’t want to jump from one area of interest to the next, because this will only leave them confused. Keep in mind you have had more time to learn about your topic and they are relying on you for the information.

English Advanced Comp ENG227

2011-04-05T13:58:00.001-04:00

Thoughts on the value of writing a research paper from Jennifer Graham's comp class. Students were asked to reply to the following question:

The research paper is the "exit assignment" for ENG 111 students at NMCC. What do you think about writing research papers--is it a valuable experience? Why or why not?

Here are some student comments:

Writing a paper, let alone a research paper, is extremely valuable for anyone trying to broaden their education. It teaches students how to formalize their ideas and how to communicate them on paper. The ability to be able to write efficiently is crucial in participating in life. If no one understands what you're trying to get across; then no one is going to listen. I often find that how we write and talk reflects our education level. We subconsciously make judgments on others intellect based on how they represent themselves through actions or words (be it oral or written).
The research aspect of the project is equally important. Information is leaking from more sources than ever--just waiting for someone to make use of it. Humans by nature are curious; all a research paper does is feed the craving. Not only that, but when you have an idea about something, or you're passionate about something; you have to have facts to back it up. Not only does it prove you know what you're talking about, but it makes you look more credible and believable to others.

It's an essential tool to learn critical thinking. It can be a pain, simply because it is time consuming, but it truly is a valuable tool.

Writing research papers is valuable. Not only do you get to learn about a new topic, but also read other people's work, interpret it, re-write the information in a different format.

Writing research papers is valuable because you learn a lot about particular subjects through research. It broadens your knowledge widely and knowing how to write a well organized paper is important in school, work, and everyday life. If I had never written a research paper, I wouldn't have the knowledge I do today.

I don't always like writing research papers but it is a valuable experience. If one intends on going on in their education they really need it. It is important to be able to communicate on paper and provide evidence to back it up.

I think that writing research papers is a great experience. Writing research papers requires a lot of thought, asking questions, and growing as a writer. It allows the writer to receive feedback, improve as a writer, and learn a great deal about the subject of the paper at the same time.

When students write research papers they learn valuable lessons that they will need throughout their college experience. Such as MLA or APA format, doing research, sorting through research, putting it all together, and doing peer reviews. Students will continue to use these new skills in the following years of college and if they have mastered them it will be very helpful. Research papers also can introduce students to the resources available in the library which is an important asset as well.

Initially, I was afraid to write research papers. But over time I have grown to enjoy the challenge of learning new material, analyzing it and writing papers on a topic. It is a great way to educate both myself and those who may read my paper. I feel that writing research papers is a valuable experience that I will take with me when I move on to a 4-year college.

Student Thoughts on Research Papers

2011-04-04T20:14:00.001-04:00

The students in NMCC instructor Jen Graham's English 227 Advanced Comp class were asked to be guest bloggers for the library blog.

They were given the following questions on the topic of research papers and everyone shared their thoughts.
Their responses will be posted over the next week.

1) The research paper is the "exit assignment" for English 111 students at NMCC. What do you think about writing research papers--is it a valuable experience? Why or why not?

2) What have you learned/what advice would you give to students writing research papers at NMCC?

3) Share your research paper nightmare story.

4) What is the best topic you've ever written about?

Selecting Peer Reviewed Sources

2011-03-15T07:20:00.000-04:00

You need some reliable, authoritative, and peer-reviewed journal articles for your research paper.

Where do you begin and how can you tell whether or not a journal is peer-reviewed? How do you distinguish it from a magazine or trade and business publication?

You can begin by watching this.

Next visit the library or use the databases and select peer reviewed as one of your limiters in your search.

It's easy once you know. Your instructors want you to use peer-reviewed research. So what is stopping you?

Sit down right now and do a quick search in Academic Search Premier database. Review your results. Having problems? Contact a librarian.

Focus the Nation

2011-03-08T06:46:00.000-05:00

Focus the Nation on NMCC campus March 9th Edmunds Conference Center.

Read about the students who coordinated this event.

Great article in MaineBiz.

If you didn't create it, it's not yours to take (at least not without asking permission)

2011-03-07T17:04:00.002-05:00

I was led to this site by a tweet from UT Libraries.

utlibraries UT Libraries

Great photo of the Architecture Library RT @hellosole: Photo: Paper-writing on campus today in the Architecture Library http://ow.ly/48XIa

The blog belongs to a University of Texas student named Kayla Moses. There was a great photo of the architecture library at University of Texas on her blog. Kayla took the photo and owns it. This is her property. By posting it she does not relinquish ownership. If I want to use that photo on my blog, I need to ask permission from Kayla.

Photo used with permission of Kayla Moses.

Photo of Architecture Library at the University of Texas at Austin.

Kayla posted the following on her blog about rights and requesting permission of artists and authors (see end of this post). This really caught my attention because I know many college students don't seem to notice or care about copyright and intellectual property. So, before you take something you didn't create, please take a minute to send an email, tweet, or IM to the owner and request their permission before you use it.

I sent an email to Kayla and she very nicely granted me permission to use her photo and to use the information I posted below that came from her blog. She told me she hopes it will make students more aware of the need to ask first.

For any NMCC students reading this please share your thoughts. Do you respect the rights of authors or do you think anything on the internet is free? If you created something and put it online and saw it reposted without your permission, how would you feel?

Hey, also: Don't be a naughty thief.

Don’t steal, kiddies.

I’m serious. There are things in life that are just abhorrent. Stealing someone’s writing, images, or anything - even if it is just from some nonsensical bloggy business - does not constitute it as any less miserable.
Don’t do it. Ask nicely. You’ll find that most people will smile, perhaps offer you coffee, and be quite pleasant.

Sole. by Kayla Moses is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

On Loan from the Presque Isle Historical Society

2011-03-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

The Presque Isle Historical Society has loaned a traveling exhibit on Vera Estey.

Stop by the library and view the materials in the display case near the circulation desk.

You can also visit the Estey House on Third Street in Presque Isle.

Want to help support the work of the historical society? Learn about membership here.

Why Can't I Just Google?

2011-03-06T08:07:00.000-05:00

This video will give you an idea of why just using Google isn't enough to get an A on your research paper.

The best way to find accurate, reliable, and scholarly information is to do several searches using many resources. The library gives you access to many resources via the library page.

Let's use buying a new computer as an example. If you were thinking of making a big purchase you might go to the store and look at the computers for sale, talk to friends about their computers, read reviews online, read PC magazine or Consumer Reports, talk with a sales rep, or post something on your FB page asking for recommendations. There are many ways you would seek out information. When all that information comes back to you, you would evaluate it and make your final decision.   The salesperson at the store might have a bias in selling you a certain computer if they make a larger commission on one model. Your cousin with limited computer skills might not be the best resource to use. A friend who is pro-PC and anti-Mac might present only their view. Likewise the pro-Mac and anti-PC friend would have a bias. Reviews that seem to be unbiased and provide objective information might be better to use. Ultimately, it falls on you to read, examine, think, and evaluate the information to decide if it is credible, reliable, and unbiased.

In college, students are asked to write research papers using specific formats and guidelines (APA or MLA style). A research paper follows a specific format and style manuals provide the layout instructions (see OWL Purdue Online Writing Lab for excellent instructions and helpful tips). The library also has copies of the APA and MLA manuals. When you are ready to create your references list you can use Noodlebib to help make the process much easier.

In research, scholarly articles that are published in peer reviewed journals are a good way to ensure that the information you use has been reviewed and evaluated by experts in the field. You find these articles by searching databases. The databases are provided by companies like Ebsco, ProQuest and many others. Databases provide a clear interface and an easy way to search for information. Libraries purchase databases based on the needs of the students and programs at their institutions. Databases are not free. Annual subscriptions are paid to vendors.   Databases come with many rules and limitations. Only NMCC students can use the databases our library purchases. When you are on campus, a simple click gets you directly to the search screen. Off-campus you will be asked to authenticate your NMCC status by entering your 14 digit student ID (you find this on the front of your student ID).

The next time you need to find information for your research paper, visit the library web page and click on one of the many database links you see there.   Most of the databases provide full-text and you can have the article in a matter of seconds.   It is fast, easy, and best of all, what you need to complete your paper.

If you are having trouble finding what you need, connect with someone in the library for assistance.   We'll show you how to get things done quickly so you can move on to your next project.

Seriously, why waste your time searching online and citing all the sources your instructor doesn't want to see cited? Find what is relevant and useful   The outcome will be a better grade and you'll learn more about critically evaluating information.

Begin by getting a nice overview of your topic. Start with a Google search or any search engine you like. Maybe try Google Scholar. Read a Wikipedia article and look at the references at the end of the article. Search a few library databases and retrieve some scholarly articles. Look for books and e-books. Find some podcasts or videos. Maybe consider DVDs or other formats.   To build a good paper with substantial information to support your topic and thesis, you will need to draw from many sources.

The information on the library page will make it so you can find things quickly.   Try it and give us your feedback.

Next post: Description of our databases. Marvel! and more.

Go Blue Day at NMCC

2011-03-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

If you missed it, here are some photos.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=280635&l=d4ea5035bb&id=47208068025

The I's of a Diary

2011-03-05T08:23:00.001-05:00

NMCC adjunct instructor Pam Sweetser will be delivering a talk entitled, "The I's of a Diary" on March 17th from 1-2 in the Edmunds Conference Center.

“The I’s of a Diary: writing history from personal narrative” is a lecture that contextualizes two sets of unpublished diaries, and that discusses a strategy for reading them.

Owned by Miriam Hoyt Gregg and Wayne R. Sweetser, these diaries, written by mother and daughter, Adwina (Addie) O’Brien Richardson (1851-1941) and Amy Richardson Sweetser (1896-1958), span nearly a century from 1871-1950. The two women lived in Maysville and Presque Isle, Maine, their entire lives.

Though most entries are brief, they fill more than 100 separate journals, weaving a rich tapestry of personal and public experiences that draw the reader into their worlds in ways that detached, third-person history cannot.

Diaries, frequently characterized as “windows,” give us restricted views that, as historical sources, must be contextualized within both personal and public spaces. To reconstruct lives from diaries, we must chose a strategy for reading them that allows us, when we write, to make the lives accessible and the telling legitimate. The reader must account for the ways in which sex, age, class, and race in the context of time and place affect both the personal narratives that appear in the diaries, and the ways in which they are interpreted.

Pamela Snow Sweetser has taught at Hampden Academy for more than 30 years. She also taught at Fort Fairfield High School. An Aroostook County native, Pam has retired from education and spends her time writing and farming with her husband Wayne. She is a doctoral candidate in U.S. Women's History at the University of Maine, Orono. Her dissertation title is, "The harder I work, the more there is to do: rural women and modernization, Aroostook County, Maine, 1870-1940."

Go Blue Day at NMCC

2011-03-02T06:21:00.000-05:00

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

NMCC instructor Chuck Kelley is a colon cancer survivor. All proceeds from this event will be donated in Chuck Kelley's honor to the Colon Cancer Alliance.

On March 4th help support a great cause. Dress in Blue and stop by the Christie Lobby from 9-1 for the Blue Bake Sale. Funds raised will be donated to the Colon Cancer Alliance.

Visit the bookstore and vote to see who will get a pie in the face for this great cause. See posters all over campus and vote for your favorite person.

Group photo at noon in the Christie Lobby.

To learn more about early detection click here.

Closing early today

2011-02-14T11:17:00.002-05:00

The NMCC Campus will close today,Monday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m. All Afternoon and Evening Classes are canceled, including Husson University Classes at NMCC.

Ebsco Scientific & Medical Images Database

2011-02-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

Looking for scientific and medical images? See our new Ebsco SMART imagebase.

SMART imagebase scientific and medical art will help you locate the images you need for your papers and presentations.

Try it out and give us your feedback.

New Database

2011-02-08T09:24:00.003-05:00

Just added: Ebsco Nursing Reference Center

Use it for your searches and let us know how you like it. Need some help? Contact a librarian.

Click here or visit the library page.

American Journal of Nursing / Book of the Year Awards 2010

2011-02-06T11:27:00.000-05:00

The American Journal of Nursing produces a Book of the Year Awards list in their January issue. This year they have selected many works to be included in the most valuable texts of 2010. You can view them here free online. There are EPUB and PDF options.

To read the judges' descriptions, click here.

The librarians at NMCC review this list to locate new titles to add to the collection. NMCC students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit their requests for new purchases to the library.

Stop by and see what's new in the nursing section. We also have ebooks and many online nursing resources.

African American Read In February 11th @ noon

2011-02-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

Take part in the African American Read-In on Friday, February 11, 2011 at noon in the library. The program is informal. You select a work (or section of a work if very long) to read aloud with fellow participants. The choice is yours: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, diary, etc. Must be by an African American author.

Read your selection and tell the group why you selected it.

Want some help locating a selection? Visit the library and see the display of works by African American authors.

If you would like to participate, contact NMCC instructor Jennifer Graham. Prefer to sit in the audience and listen? That's fine too. Come and join us on Friday, February 11th at noon in the library.

Common Read for Spring Semester

2011-02-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Our common read for March is Choosing Civility. We will have books available at the circ desk. Participants will read the book and then we'll meet in March (time/date to be announced) for a book discussion.

It is a wonderful book and raises some excellent issues and items for discussion. What is civility? How would you define it? What does it mean to be civil? How can we improve how we interact with people in the world? Wouldn't it be a nicer world if we all practiced a bit more civility, understanding and showed respect for our fellow humans.

So, start reading and join us in March. It's a guaranteed good read and we will all take away something useful.

Library Research Prize Awarded

2011-02-03T08:37:00.002-05:00

The library sponsored the first research prize competition in the Fall 2010 semester. Students were encouraged to submit their research papers (written for a course in Fall 2010) to be judged for this award. Many wonderful papers were submitted and several judges were involved in the review process. Special thanks to all students who submitted their work. The prize is meant to encourage students to think about information literacy, research skills, and proper citation style.


Pam Dooner, NMCC Student and Gail Roy, Assistant Dean of Learning Resources

Pam Dooner is the recipient of the Library Research Prize for her paper entitled, “Synesthesia: A colorful condition."

Pam is a first year liberal studies major at NMCC. Pam selected her topic because she always had an interest in neurological disorders and synesthesia was of particular interest. She is a student in Jennifer Graham’s English composition course. Pam received a $100 gift certificate to the college bookstore.

She started her research with a Google search and read a Wikipedia article to obtain an overview of the topic. She realized that she then needed to include scholarly works and to seriously evaluate her information sources. She used a variety of library resources to seek out peer-reviewed literature and included books, journal articles, an MP3 lecture series, a movie and online sources in her bibliography.

Congratulations Pam!

Top 10 Reasons to Participate NMCC's African-American Read-In

2011-01-31T09:04:00.000-05:00

NMCC English instructor Jen Graham is coordinating the African American Read-In scheduled for Feburary 11th at noon in the library. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Please contact Jen for further details and to coordinate readings. Each participant is asked to select a work by an African American author, read the work (or a portion of it), and then share why they chose the selection.

The National African American Read-In is an annual event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Additional information can be found by visiting their site.

Jen has created a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Participate

Top Ten Reasons to Participate In (or Attend!)

NMCC’s

2011 African-American Read-In

10. Keep your New Year’s Resolution to overcome your
       fear of public speaking.

9.    Learn more about America’s history and culture.
       It’s the right thing to do.

8.    Maybe your picture will appear in Towards Excellence.

7.    Seriously…what else are you doing on Friday at noon?

6.    You’re paying a lot of money for your college
        education…enjoy the perks.

5.    It’s going to be fun.

4.    Gain a cultural edge…to impress potential dates at cocktail parties.

3.    All the cool kids will be there.

2.    Eat free cookies.

1.    Over a million participants can’t be wrong.
       Make your voice heard and be counted!

Getting Started with Ebooks

2011-01-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

Did you get an e-reader as a gift? Decided to purchase one yourself? Love ebooks?
Not sure and still thinking about it? Wondering which device to purchase?
Here is a helpful chart:

Getting Started with Ebooks: A Beginner's Guide

Look for ebooks on our library page

We offer ebooks via Maine Info Net and Ebrary.

Choosing Civility / Common Read Scheduled for March

2011-01-22T09:21:00.001-05:00

This semester our common read will be Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct by Dr. P.M. Forni.

This book was written in 2002 and it is highly appropriate today. Let's join as one campus to read this book and discuss what it means to be civil in our world today. Civility does matter and Dr. Forni presents many issues and ideas that will make this work beneficial to us all.

Visit his website to learn more about the book and the project.

The exact date, location, and time will be announced soon. The library will have copies available. All are welcome to join us.

Maine Libraries Snapshot Day

2011-01-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

Do you value the libraries you use everyday? See some great statistics and photos from the annual Maine Libraries Snapshot Day.

Thanks to the Maine State Library and all libraries in the state for submitting statistics and photos and producing this beautiful report!

Search Tips for Google

2011-01-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

Even if you think you are a great searcher, it always helps to take a look at the tips and tricks provider by the company providing content. If you are using databases, take a look at the help files. If you search Google all the time, then take a look at the helpful tips and hints from Google.

Here are a few to get you started:

Explore Google Search (Videos)

Google Help Center and things you look for every day.

Google Search Basics

Google Search Results Page

Checking your library account

2011-01-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

If you want to view your library account, click here.

Enter your name and the 14 digit number on the front of your student ID.

Did you know that you can also request materials via inter-library loan through our catalog?

If you do not locate what you need, contact a librarian or stop by the front desk.

College Anniversary Celebration A Success

2011-01-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

If you were at the party, we know you had a great time. Good food, music, events and lots of laughter.

Here are a few pictures for those who could not attend.

Let's Celebrate! January 12th

2011-01-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

There is still time to dress up and participate in the kick off celebration for the college's 50th Anniversary.

From a recent press release:

Hoola hoops and poodle skirts, the “Hand Jive” and “Mashed Potato,” diner fare and malted milk shakes were the sights, sounds and tastes of the early 1960’s, but on January 12, they’ll make a comeback at Northern Maine Community College as the campus officially kicks-off its 50th Anniversary by going retro. The community is invited to join the students, faculty and staff at NMCC for a 60’s “sock hop”celebration complete with a D.J. spinning Rock ‘n Roll hits from the era and the NMCC Diner serving up free burger and hot dog baskets with a soda fountain counter featuring milk shakes and ice cream sundaes. Festivities will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12, in the College Gymnasium and run through the noon hour, concluding in the early afternoon.

Join us! Guaranteed to be a good time for everyone.

Group study rooms to reserve

2011-01-05T06:43:00.000-05:00

It's the beginning of a new semester and we hope you drop by the library to relax, study, and refresh.

Did you know that the library has two group study rooms that can be reserved in advance? The room in the front of the library seats 6-8 people and the room in the back of the library holds 10-12.

Rooms can be reserved at the circulation desk. If you need a comfortable place to study, this is it. Give it a try this semester.

If all our study rooms are full, drop by the Academic Success Center and see if their study room is available.

Photos from the College Archives

2011-01-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

As part of the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration for the college, we have been going through boxes of old photos and we are trying to identify people and places. Throughout the semester, we'll be posting photos online and asking for help in accurate identification. Even if you can't help identify them, they are fun to see.

Here are a few selected at radom:

The Best Part of Reading

2011-01-02T10:46:00.000-05:00

I'd like to play a video game based on one's reading ability and comprehension skills. Something fast paced and challenging where your moves are based on words flashing across the screen at lightning speed. If you can read and understand everything quickly, you'll make the right moves that will win the game. Then again, it may be too stressful and unlike the actual act of reading that is calming, relaxing and at times even meditative.

I just finished reading The Lost Art of Reading: Why books matter in a distracted time by David L. Ulin. You can easily finish the book in one sitting. It's only 151 small pages and I'll bet you could even read it while distracted. The book is a pleasure to read and the author raises many great thoughts about reading in today's world.

The library has a copy of the book. If you are an avid reader, it's a guaranteed like. If you wish you were a reader, you'll find it interesting. If you never read, just wait for the movie.

What is the best part of reading? It's different for each of us. Perhaps finishing a book you really enjoyed, selecting the next book to read, sharing books with others, or loading books on your reader.

With the beginning of a new semester, I'd like to wish everyone some quiet time to read, relax, and reflect.

Happy New Year!

Follow us on Twitter

2010-12-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Many NMCC students already do follow us on Twitter. If you haven't yet, give it a try.

Create a free Twitter account and follow NMCC Library. We'll keep you posted with library news and information about events on campus.

NMCC Library on Twitter

http://twitter.com/NMCCLibrary

NMCC 50th Anniversary Celebration January 12, 2011

2010-12-22T06:25:00.001-05:00

Get ready to celebrate!

On January 12th we'll be celebrating in the gym on campus and launching a year of celebration in honor of the college's 50th anniversary.

Details from a recent press release:

Activity on campus will begin shortly into the New Year with the start of the new semester, when the community is invited to join students, faculty, staff and alumni of NMCC, and its forerunners Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute and Northern Maine Technical College, for flashback to the early 1960’s. A sock-hop, complete with music and entertainment from the era, a noon time malt shop themed meal, and indoor drive-in theatre will be held in the NMCC Gymnasium on Wednesday, January 12, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“We wanted to kick-off our celebration with a fun event that our students, employees and community members could all take part in and enjoy,” said Jason Parent, NMCC director of development and college relations and a member of the NMCC 50th anniversary celebration planning committee. “The idea of a sock-hop was developed as a way to celebrate the popular culture at the time of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s as the College came to be.”

NMCC 50th Anniversary

2010-12-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

The College's 50th anniversary begins in 2011. The legislation to establish the school was signed in 1961. A kick off celebration will be held on January 12, 2011 in the gym. We'll have a big 1960's themed party. So get out your poddle skirt, cat-eye glasses, saddle shoes and join us. Lunch and games in the gym. Think late 50's and early 60's.

If you want to sing or perform, contact Jason Parent or Betsy Harris. Or just stop into the library and let us know what you would like to do and we'll relay the information. If you have any memorabilia you would like to display from the 50's or 60's, contact the Development Office.

Come and be part of the fun! The celebration begins at 11:00 am.

National Christmas Tree Ornaments By State

2010-12-18T08:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some great photos of the ornaments created for each state for the National Christmas Tree.

Note that Maine's ornament is a library!

University Times from University of Maine at Presque Isle

2010-12-15T06:15:00.002-05:00

We always pick up copies of the student newspaper, University Times, from the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI). Whenever possible, we try to have a stack of them in the library.

The November 19th issue has a very interesting article by Jim Stepp on finding astronomy information. Jim is the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of Residential Life at UMPI. Jim has always had an interest in astronomy and writes about it often. His articles are always interesting and enlightening. In this one, he mentions many astronomy sites that I thought would be of interest to NMCC students. I contacted Jim and with his permission I am posting some of the sites mentioned in his article.

Astronomy Calendar

Sunrise Sunset Calculator

Skymaps

Space weather

Space News

Space Imagery

New books shelf

2010-12-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

Stop by the library and scan the new book shelf. Make a request. Let us know what you would like to see in the library.

Campus Closed Today Due to Weather

2010-12-06T06:20:00.002-05:00

Classes are canceled today (December 6th) at NMCC due to the weather. This includes day, evening, and Husson classes held on NMCC campus.

Presque Isle Webcam

2010-12-04T08:04:00.002-05:00

If you can't make it to the Light Parade on Sunday night, take a look at it via this webcam

Annual Presque Isle Light Parade Rescheduled

2010-12-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

The Presque Isle Light Parade has been rescheduled to Sunday, December 5th. The parade begins at North Street at 6 pm and heads up Main Street. The route ends at University of Maine at Presque Isle. If you have never seen the Light Parade, it is an amazing site. There are many beautiful floats and brightly decorated trucks. Everyone has a great time at the parade. Various groups and agencies hand out toys and books to children throughout the route. NMCC has partnered with ACAP to collect gently used children's books to distribute along the parade route. Special thanks to all community members, businesses, and service organizations that donated books, time, and funds to support the project.

It's a wonderful event. Make plans to attend and you'll be glad you did.

One Book One College Discussion Group

2010-11-18T19:39:00.000-05:00

Join us in the Edmunds Conference Center on November 19th at noon for a discussion on the book Here If You Need Me.

Lunch will be provided.

One Question to Many Students

2010-11-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

How do you use the library?

We think we know, but we'd like to hear from you.

Traditional books versus digital books

2010-11-04T13:20:00.001-04:00

Our library has both print and e-books and the combination meets the needs of everyone who visits the library (online or in person). There are some people who love the physical book and will never read an e-book. There are others who find that e-books and e-readers are perfect for them. Then, there are those who use both depending on the situation.

Here are a few links for additional reading. To the student writing the research paper on Kindle Versus the Book, be sure to do a few searches in the library databases to find additional articles.

The Whither and Why of Books

Of Two Minds About Books via NYT

Library of America Story of the Week

2010-10-31T20:48:00.000-04:00

When you have some time, take a look at the Library of America's Story of the Week.

Wikipedia - What you know and don't know about it

2010-10-30T07:15:00.002-04:00

Let's all be honest here. You use Wikipedia all the time. Why wouldn't you? It's fast and easy and you are happy with the results. But, your instructors tell you not to use it and not to cite it in your research (unless you are writing a paper about Wikipedia).

So, what are you going to do? First, understand that you can get a nice overview of a topic by reading an article. You can also look at the links at the bottom of the page such as, references, external sources, further readings, primary sources, scholarly studies, etc. Take some time to look at these. Look for sites with .gov, .edu, .org extensions. Visit those sites and read and learn more on the topic.

Once you have a better understanding of your topic, then visit the library page and use the databases to locate scholarly or peer reviewed articles. On the library webpage you'll also find links for ebooks. Take a minute and locate one you can use. Now you have several sources and you can begin working on your paper.

Want to read what Jimmy Wales the founder of Wikipedia says about using it in your research? Read more here.

Here's one quote by Jimmy Wales from the article in the Chronicle of Higher Education:

“For God sake, you’re in college; don’t cite the encyclopedia."

Items to loan

2010-10-29T17:03:00.000-04:00

For all NMCC Students

The library has the following new items to loan: iPad, Sony Reader, laptops.

Stop by the circulation desk.

Ebooks and Audiobooks via MaineInfoNet

2010-10-26T19:17:00.000-04:00

Want a good read? Try the ebooks and audio books and let us know how you like them.

Visit the library page or click here.

Whoopie Pies

2010-10-17T17:16:00.000-04:00

They are everywhere in Maine. Everyone seems to have their favorite recipe. They are huge and sugary and delicious. They come in a variety of flavors. You can bake big ones or mini whoopies. They make the best gifts for friends and relatives out of state. The ultimate Maine comfort dessert.

Stop by the library and take a look at this new book, Making Whoopies: The Official Whoopie Pie Book by Nancy Griffin.

Read about the history of whoopies and much more.

Maine Warden Service

2010-10-17T16:20:00.002-04:00

Here If You Need Me / One Book One College Read this semester

As part of our One Book One College program, here are some links for further information about the Maine Game Warden Service.

History

Warden Service

Job Description and Requirements

In the Line of Duty Down East Article (Maine Game Warden Neal Wykes of Naples)

A mystery that includes game wardens, The Poacher's Son.

Search Engine

2010-10-17T10:24:00.000-04:00

Whatever search engine you use, take a minute and read the search tips or help page.

It will help you learn how to search faster and smarter and locate what you need in record time.

For Google start here.

For Bing start here.

Primary versus Secondary sources

2010-10-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

Do you know the difference between a primary and secondary source of information?

If not, watch this video clip.

One Book One College

2010-10-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

For those currently reading Kate Braestrup's book Here If You Need Me:

A nice video interview with Kate.

We will be meeting in the Edmunds Conference Center on Friday, November 19th at noon for a group discussion. A light lunch will be served.

Try New OneSearch

2010-10-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

Try this new OneSearch feature. In a single search you will find items in Marvel, MaineCat, and more.

Info Lit Tip #1

2010-10-10T15:46:00.000-04:00

Boolean Operators

AND / OR / NOT

Check out the Boolean Machine to see how they work.

Read this ProQuest handout on Boolean operators.

Boolean searching info from Library of Congress.

Boolean operators are used in your searches to narrow (AND), broaden (OR), and refine your search by excluding items (NOT).

Come to one of the library's information literacy workshops to learn more.

See additional examples here.

Banned books in academic libraries

2010-10-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

Every year the American Library Association celebrates Banned Books Week to raise awareness of bans and challenges to books.

Banned Books Week was celebrated this year from September 25th - October 2nd. Annually libraries offer creative displays, presentations, and new methods to educate about censorship, book challenges, and explain why free societies should have access to all points of view. Intellectual freedom is a requirement in a free society and allows us all access to a wide variety of available information. Even when information is unpopular or not within our personal belief system, it is important that we not censor information for others.

View this ALA Chart: Number of Challenges by Year, Reason, Initiator, & Institution

It is interesting to note that there were only 29 challenges to academic libraries. Academic institutions encourage diversity of ideas and exposure to many perspectives and points of view.

View ALA's Frequently Challenged Books of the 21st Century

The issue of intellectual freedom and access to information will always be one that is discussed, reviewed, and challenged at times. Every library has a policy to deal with challenged materials. Every patron has a right to make their objections known. Every reader in our society has a right to the information they want or need.
Libraries make it possible to uphold the ideals of intellectual freedom and to provide access to information without the filter of censorship.

One particularly interesting case is that of the Pernkopf Anatomy Atlas and medical libraries. You can read an article about this here.

Careers in Wind Energy

2010-10-09T12:43:00.000-04:00

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics Green Jobs section information on careers in wind energy:

Read more here.

Using Google Wonder Wheel

2010-10-09T12:22:00.000-04:00

Using Google Wonder Wheel

Step by Step Procedure

Google

2010-10-09T12:04:00.000-04:00

We all search Google every day. Most everyone thinks they are experts at searching. Test your knowledge and abilities by reviewing some of the information posted below. Here are some links where you might learn something new about Google. If any of this information is new to you, then share it with a friend. Better yet, come to one of the information literacy workshops in the library this semester and learn more about searching.

Google Guide

Google Search Basics

Google WonderWheel

Do you have a favorite Google tip to share? Post it here.

Finding Information on genetic diseases

2010-10-04T14:59:00.004-04:00

For the students in Greg Thompson's Biology 114 class. This will get you started on your research for genetic diseases/disorders.

Medline Plus Genetics Disorder Page

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/geneticdisorders.html

NORD National Organization for Rare Diseases

http://www.rarediseases.org/

Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases Mt. Sinai Hospital

http://www.mssm.edu/jewish_genetics/

American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy

http://www.asgt.org/

Gene Tests University of Washington

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/GeneTests/?db=GeneTests

National Human Research Genome Institute

http://www.genome.gov/

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) Family Support Group

http://www.msud-support.org/

National Newborn Screening and Genetics Center

http://genes-r-us.uthscsa.edu/

National Urea Cycles Disorder Foundation

http://www.nucdf.org/

Save Babies Through Screening Foundation

http://www.savebabies.org/

American Society of Human Genetics

http://www.ashg.org/

Genetic Alliance

http://www.geneticalliance.org/

March of Dimes Birth Defects

http://www.marchofdimes.com/

National Society of Genetic Counselors

http://www.nsgc.org/

Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders

http://www.jewishgenetics.org/

Chromosome Disorder Outreach

http://www.chromodisorder.org/CDO/

Madisons Foundation

http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/

Progeria Research Foundation

http://www.progeriaresearch.org/

Alpha 1 Association

http://www.alpha1.org/

Alpha-1 Foundation

http://www.alpha-1foundation.org/

NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research

http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/

National Tay Sachs & Allied Diseases Association, Inc.

http://www.ntsad.org/

NINDS Tay Sachs

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/taysachs/taysachs.htm

NINDS Huntingtons

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington.htm

Huntingtons Disease society of America

http://www.hdsa.org/

NINDS Pompe Disease (acid maltase deficiency, glycogen storage disease)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pompe/pompe.htm

Association for Glycogen Storage Disease

http://www.agsdus.org/

NLM Genetics Home Reference

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/

Genetic and Rare conditions Site

http://www.kumc.edu/gec/support/

Genetic Alliance

http://www.geneticalliance.org/

Orphan Net (Rare diseases and orphan drugs)

http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php

Genetic Medicine.org

http://www.searchnut.com/?domain=www.geneticmedicine.org

OMIM Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=OMIM

Genome.gov

http://www.genome.gov/10001204

National Human Genome Research Institute

http://www.genome.gov/10001204

BOOKS
Start with the ebooks collection on the library webpage.

Check the following books in the library and search our online catalog for books on specific genetic disorders.

Genetic Disorders Sourcebook REF RB 155.5 G455 2000

Merck Manual REF RC 55 M4 2006

Physicians’ Guide to Rare Diseases REF RC 69 P49 1992

NORD Guide to Rare Disorders (National Organization for Rare Disorders) REF RC 48.8 385 2003

DATABASES

Visit the library webpage and click on the databases link

Click on Stat Ref and enter your search term

You can also search within individual titles such as AAFP Conditions A-Z, Merck Manual, Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Review, and ACP Pier & AHFS DI Essentials.

Also search within nursing and health databases for the specific disease/condition.

Check out some local blogs

2010-10-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

One of our favorites in Northern Maine is Northern Maine Birds.

There are some wonderful photographers who contribute photos to this blog.

If you are stuck inside on a rainy day, this blog will cheer you up.