McMullen, Susan

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Connections, Spring, 2003; Issue Three

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Roger Williams UniversityDOCS@RWUConnections University Libraries5-1-2003Connections, Spring, 2003; Issue ThreeSusan McMullensmcmullen@rwu.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://docs.rwu.edu/libnewsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Libraries at DOCS@RWU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Connectionsby an authorized administrator of DOCS@RWU. For more information, please contact mwu@rwu.edu.Recommended CitationMcMullen, Susan, "Connections, Spring, 2003; Issue Three" (2003). Connections. Paper 4.http://docs.rwu.edu/libnews/4CONNECTIONSroger williams university LibrariesMAY, 2003           ISSUE THREEFrom the Dean’s DeskThe University Library has joined many others in conducting comprehensive planning sessions, aimed at definingthe scope and purpose of library services and programs for the changing needs of our student and faculty users.The Library’s strategic plan, presented first at an administrative retreat in early February, unites compelling immedi-ate needs with longer-term projects — all contributing to a fundamental transformation of traditional information services intoinnovative models for tomorrow’s academic library.  With the instruction of the end-user as the core initiative of the strategicplan, the Library faculty defined five other primary components: personnel needs, technology applications, space andfacilities, collections and information resources, and new partnerships for progress. Each of these initiatives depends onincreased coordination and collaboration within the library and among its primary constituents.  The successful implementa-tion of this strategic plan will position the University Library as an exemplary model academic information service agency.Library Instruction and Information Literacy:…And the Difference Is…?By Barbara KenneyBibliographic instruction has come a long way in the last decade.Library orientation has been supplanted by interactive instruction,with students engaged in activities designed to help them exploreand understand the information universe. While being instructed inthe use of library resources, students learn to be critical informationconsumers, who can match an information need with an appropri-ate resource. Information literacy instruction challenges students totake an active role in identifying and evaluating sources. They learnhow information is organized and how to locate information using avariety of formats. Students are introduced to the scholarly publish-ing process, the concepts of intellectual property, copyright andprivacy.The most effective information literacy instruction is the result ofcollaboration between classroom faculty and librarian instructors.Classroom faculty set the goals and objectives of the course anddetermine the research assignment. Librarians assist faculty andstudents in charting the research course by introducing the tools andconcepts used in the research process. Working together, instructorsand librarians plan sessions designed to engage students in thecritical thinking activities required of an academic researcher.Options for an instruction session cover a wide spectrum of activi-ties, including task definition, development of a research strategy,identifying and locating information sources, and synthesizing andproperly citing sources. We may begin with a brainstorming session,with students identifying the requirements of the assignment, maintopics and concepts, keywords, and possible resources. Librariansteach how to use the library catalog as a tool to focus their search.We review periodical literature and discuss the difference betweena popular publication, a trade journal, and a scholarly publication.Database instruction includes searching techniques, identification ofsubject-specific databases, and the interlibrary loan process.Students are encouraged to approach research as a process, a se-ries of manageable steps, with librarians available for individual con-sultation along the way.The overwhelming nature of the information universe has mostLearning to Bridge the Worldstudents running to the Web to complete assignments.  While agreat source of information, students need guidance in navigatingthe Web, evaluating the information they find, and avoiding thetemptation to plagiarize. Web instruction sessions include siteevaluation, and an introduction to the effective use of searchengines.Information is power and the ability to locate, evaluate, synthesizeand use information competently cannot be overstated. To besuccessful in any postgraduate endeavor, students must possess ahigh degree of information fluency. Understanding how informationis created, organized and accessed is a valuable skill, whichcreates pro-active information consumers. Whether buying a car,finding a mortgage, choosing a graduate school or deciding ona presidential candidate, the ability to identify sound and appropri-ate information is critical to intelligent decision-making.  Librariansare collaborating with subject specialists to integrate these compe-tencies into instruction sessions designed to teach skills that will lasta lifetime.The instruction librarians are introducing a new Library InstructionScheduling Form, available online at the RWU Library Web Site(http://library.rwu.edu/eforms/instructform.html). When requestinglibrary instruction for a class, faculty is asked to identify whichinformation literacy components they would like covered.  Pleasetake a moment to review the form to see how information literacyskills might be integrated into your class. And if you have anyquestions, please contact Barbara Kenney, Information LiteracyLibrarian at bkenney@rwu.edu or 254-3559.Focus on IraqAs events unfold in Iraq all eyes have been focused on this ancientand historically complex area.  The war in Iraq and the expectedtransformation of this country in the coming months and years willcontinue to command the attention of the world.  Within this contextit is important to be informed not only about the contemporary scenein Iraq, but also the historical events and cultural developments thatare significant to today’s situation.  How did we get from the Cradleof Civilization to the Battle of Baghdad?Mark Sawoski of the Political Science Department, RWU’s residentexpert in international affairs, has provided a list of resources (seeinsert) that he has found useful in assessing the events as they unfoldin Iraq.  Resources include websites, journal articles, studies, andbooks.  The list is available online from the RWU Libraries Homepageat http://library.rwu.edu/subjectguides/iraqwar.html.  The Libraryhas also assembled selected readings on Iraqi history, politics andculture on the display book shelf near the New Books Area.  Pleasefeel free to stop by and check them out.Meet John Schlinke, Access Services LibrarianYou may occasionally have questions about library services andcollections.  How do I place material on electronic reserves for aclass I am teaching?  How do I make an interlibrary loan request?Why can’t I get access to a library database?  When questions likethese arise, please call John Schlinke, our new access serviceslibrarian, for helpful answers.John comes to the Roger Williams University Library from ProvidenceCollege, where he worked as a part-time reference librarian.  Hisresponsibilities in the Main Library include circulation, reserves, inter-library loan, and copyright matters.  In addition, during the spring2003 semester he is filling in at the Architecture Library for our archi-tecture librarian, Betsy Peck Learned, who is currently on sabbatical.John graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2002 with aMaster in Library and Information Studies.  He also holds a Masterof Architecture degree from Rice University and a Bachelor ofScience in Architecture from the University of Virginia. Prior tobecoming a librarian, he practiced architecture for eight years, andtaught architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design forfour years.Please join us in welcoming John to the Roger Williams Universitycommunity.Learning to Bridge the WorldLibrary Services for FacultyThese are just a few of the questions that can be answered from ournew Services for Faculty web page.  This web page is meant toprovide faculty with a centralized location for finding out about thedifferent services that the library offers for teaching and classroomsupport.  It also includes links to new library materials, links toresearch tools and additional information for research support.  Ofspecial note is the section, “Resources for Plagiarism and CopyrightInformation.”  It contains links to articles and web sites that providehelpful advice on preventing and detecting plagiarism in studentassignments.  The Services for Faculty web page is located at:http://library.rwu.edu/about/faculty.htmlFriends of the LibraryThe 2002-2003 academic year included some new and importantpartnerships with both the Friends of the Library and the RogerWilliams Family Association.  The Friends sponsored two annualprograms, attracting more than 50 members and communityresidents to each.  The October 2003 program featured a localexpert on the Rhode Island ties of both Edgar Alan Poe and H.P.Lovecraft.  The May 2003 program represented a “homecoming”for retired library dean, Carol DiPrete, with timely observationsabout her recent life and work in Dubai (The United Arab Emirates).Additionally, the Family Association and Friends co-sponsored a verysuccessful October program featuring Mary Lee Settle, award-win-ning author of “I, Roger Williams”.  A new and ongoing academiclecture series (inaugurated by the Friends of the Library in February2003) featured University faculty from the Feinstein College of Artsand Sciences (James Tackach, Lincoln’s second inaugural address),the School of Justice Studies (Christopher Menton, the impact of aliberal education), and the Gabelli School of Business (KathleenMicken, understanding materialism).  Approximately 30 personsfrom the University and Bristol communities attended each “FirstWednesday” lecture in the Library periodical reading room.We appreciate the support of our Friends group, and look forwardto our second season of academic lectures (featuring faculty fromeach of the University’s schools and colleges), beginning in Octo-ber 2003.  The Library web site will provide details and dates forthe entire 2003-2004 series.HomecomingThe University Library has collaborated with the Alumni Affairs staffin preparing a retrospective exhibit from the early years of the institu-tion.  This exhibit welcomes alumni (from the Classes of 1947-1970)to a June 14 reunion.  Thanks to the interest and vigilance of Univer-sity Facilities employee, Eddie Borden, the University Archives,managed by Mary Wu (Cataloging and Database ManagementLibrarian), has received many important publications and memora-bilia salvaged and saved over the years.  Some of these items willbe featured in the Library’s homecoming exhibit from mid-Maythroughout the summer– reminders for returning alumni, and reflect-ing traditions for new students throughout the summer orientation.400 Years OldThe University will be the site fora celebration of Roger Williams’birth, 400 years ago on June 7.State and local officials will joindescendants of Roger Williamsfor a mid-day birthday party,hosted by the Roger WilliamsFamily Association.  The Univer-sity Archives houses the officialdocuments of the Family Association.How can I access library databases from home?How can I link to online journal articlesfrom Blackboard?How can I request a library book purchase?Where can I find help in detecting plagiarism?Learning to Bridge the WorldOne Old Ferry RoadBristol, RI 02809-2921401-254-3375 or 401-254-3031Email: libret@rwu.eduwww.rwu.eduRequest Video Purchases for Fall 2003Looking for videos for your classes? The Audio Video Departmenthas catalogs and other resources to find the right material for yourclass. Stop by and talk to our media Services Librarian VeronicaMaher (x3114; vmaher@rwu.edu).Requests for new videos or DVDs needed for the fall semester shouldbe forwarded to Veronica Maher, Media Services Librarian(vmaher@rwu.edu). If approved, all requests will be purchased ona cost share basis.  All requests must be in by June 1st for fall avail-ability. Requests received after June 1st may not be processed untilSeptember.  In addition to the title, please include other availableinformation such as director, producer and distributor. You can visitthe Media Services office in the library, email or call x3114 foradditional information.Check out the New Videos List from the Library website. This list willbe updated in the fall.  It is available at:http://library.rwu.edu/about/newvideos2002.html.Your Personal Online Bibliographic ManagerNeed help in managing references for bibliographies andmanuscripts?  Do you want to save hours of typing time anddecrease the number of errors in creating bibliographies?RefWorks is your answer.  This new tool, accessible from the libraryhome page or at http://www.refworks.com is a web-basedbibliography and database manager.  Users can set-up their ownsecure account, import references from text files and online data-bases, and then use those references for writing papers andpreparing bibliographies.  Supporting a wide variety of style sheets(including APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian); RefWorks canformat a paper and its bibliography in seconds.  Import Filters allowyou to import citations found from most of the library’s online data-bases directly into your RefWorks database or you can enter refer-ences manually.  For more information or help in using this newresearch tool please see the Library’s “Guide to Using RefWorks”located at http://library.rwu.edu/researchhelp/refworks.html orcontact Barbara Kenney, Susan McMullen, or Veronica Maher.RefWorks

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