Library Notes

Yesterday we learned that the dates for the on-campus visits of the two finalists for the Associate Dean of Library Services have been set. The primary visit dates for the two will be Tuesday, May 16th and Tuesday, May 23rd. Each finalist will fly into Springfield on the respective Monday before, and fly back out on Wednesday morning. In next week’s Library Notes we’ll provide the names of the two finalists, links to their resumes, and the schedules for their visits. At…

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In 2015, the library developed 12 key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs include data (numbers) collected each month through Google Forms that various people submit. Can you tell someone how many people walked in the building last year? Do you want to quickly see if our website usage has gone up or down recently? Just take a look at the KPIs to find out. There are a variety of levels at which you can examine the numbers. For quick references, look…

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The Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate Change provides a multi-authored, academic yet non-technical resource for students and teachers to understand the importance of global warming, to appreciate the effects of human activity and greenhouse gases around the world, and to learn the history of climate change and the research examining it. The site includes a Reader’s Guide, with broad subjects like ‘Atmospheric Sciences’ and ‘Climate Models’ that provide links to more specific subjects, an A to Z list of encyclopedia…

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The Meyer Library has recently acquired two sets of Google Cardboards as an alternative offering to our virtual reality services at Music and Media.  The Google Cardboard is simply a VR viewer that works with a smartphone.  If your smartphone is relatively new (Android 4.1 or iOS 8.0), you can view 360 degree videos and photos, interactive maps, explore VR apps installed in your phone.  Google has also made the Cardboard specifications open to all, so you can make one…

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Earlier in April the MSU Testing Center, a unit of the MSU Libraries, added ten more test-taking cubicles, bringing the total available seats to 65, including the 3 DRC (Disability Resource Center) accommodation rooms.  At present, the new cubicles are being used as additional paper-based exam stations, until additional network access and computers are installed. Once network access and computers have been set up, the Testing Center will be able to accommodate an additional 5 Pearson Vue stations, bringing that total…

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A total of $40,000 has been made available this summer for internal, competitive innovation grants. The purpose of the Summer Innovation Grants is to support MSU Libraries faculty and staff members who want to create or improve a service, a body of content, and/or a space (real world, online space, virtual world, mixed reality, augmented reality, etc). All six submitted proposals were funded. Raegan Wiechert will continue her good work enabling users to search by genre terms. Shannon Mawhiney will add…

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MSU Libraries is now contributing records from its Digital Collections to the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) through a partnership with Missouri Hub (MoHub).  The DPLA ties together records from across the country into a unified portal for searching, which are contributed by libraries, archives, and museums alike, many of which are connected by service hubs (like MoHub). DPLA includes various ways of searching records also, including by map or by timeline.  Other contributors to DPLA include HathiTrust, the…

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Travel through time and across the globe with Daily Life through History. This comprehensive collection of primary and secondary sources provides direct insight into the social history of societies ranging from the Australian Aborigines all the way to 21st-century China. This versatile database supports coursework and research in history, literature, cultural studies, and more with its focus on cross-disciplinary historical topics such as work, religion, language, art, food and cooking, clothing, housing, and social customs. In Daily Life through History, students and…

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Our 3D printer has served our community well since we began offering 3D printing services a year ago!  Printed items include models for class projects, souvenirs, game figures, and prototypes.  These days it is not difficult to find print-ready 3D objects online. Many from the 3D community are sharing their models on repositories such as Thingiverse or YouMagine.  Recently too, our patrons have been bringing in 3D files of parts they have designed themselves.  It is encouraging to know that…

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TRIO Student Support Services, located in the northeast corner of the First Level of Meyer Library, assists qualified students while they attend college, graduate, and become educated adults. TRIO staff and volunteers provide a supportive environment by offering tutoring, academic advising, and advice about study skills and habits. TRIO serves first-generation students, low-income students, students with disabilities, and students with academic need. TRIO also helps qualified students to explore and engage in volunteer and leadership activities, as well as to…

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