Research Assistance – The Pollak Library Blog http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu News, tips, and reviews from the Pollak Libary. Fri, 21 Apr 2017 22:24:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.3 70490932 Does the Library Have Textbooks? http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2016/09/08/does-the-library-have-textbooks/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2016/09/08/does-the-library-have-textbooks/#respond Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:48:42 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=7711 Finding Textbooks

Image from  the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

Helpful answers and tips regarding a question frequently asked at the start of each semester, brought to you by our Business Librarian, Rob Sage.


Q: Does the Library have textbooks?

A: Mostly…no.
Unfortunately, the Library does not buy current textbooks being used in classes. The Library’s mission is to support CSUF’s curriculum with books, journals, databases and other resources, not be a warehouse for textbooks. Even if the Library did stock current textbooks, it would only end up helping a few—who happen to check-out the books first—leaving thousands of others unserved.

A: But…sometimes.
There are sometimes cases when a textbook will be in the library. For example, if a copy of the textbook was donated to the library or an electronic copy is made available by one of our e-book providers.

Also, Assigned readings are different from textbooks. We do have many assigned readings (example: if you are taking a literature class and have to read Shakespeare’s Hamlet, yes, we have copies of that in the library!)

So to check if the library has a textbook, search the library’s online catalog: http://opac.fullerton.edu:

  • Search by Title or Author.
  • You can also search by the ISBN # too, but don’t rely on it only…textbooks can have varying ISBN #’s.

If you find your textbook, make sure it is the same edition! An older edition may not have the same content.

Search for Reserves: If your instructor has placed a copy of a textbook on reserve in the library (normal checkout period is 3 hours), you can search for it by your instructor’s name. Searching by title or course number will not work. Go to http://opac.fullerton.edu/search/p to search for books on reserve.

Q: Can textbooks be sent from another library (Interlibrary Loan)?

A: Unfortunately…no.
Interlibrary Loan is a great service, but it is for regular library materials, not textbooks. With over 38,000 students at CSUF, the cost to ship thousands of textbooks here each semester would be unsustainable.

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12 Top Tips for New Faculty Using the Pollak Library http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2016/02/04/12-top-tips-for-new-faculty-using-the-pollak-library/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2016/02/04/12-top-tips-for-new-faculty-using-the-pollak-library/#respond Thu, 04 Feb 2016 22:54:58 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=6563 12 Top Tips for New Faculty

The Pollak Library offers a multitude of services for CSUF faculty members. Here are 12 of our favorites.

  1. Start from the website just for faculty
    We’ve developed a guide, Faculty Resources at the Pollak Library, with all the tips and links you need to get started at the Pollak Library or find all our resources from our homepage at http://www.library.fullerton.edu.
  2. Use your TitanCard ID as your library card
    Bring your TtianCard to the Library when you want to check out materials or use other library services. If you would like to have your graduate student pick up items for you, fill out a Proxy form at the 1st floor North Circulation Desk.
  3. Put readings on Course Reserves
    You can place course readings on print reserves through the Circulation Desk. The Library does not order textbooks, but you may place your personal desk copy of the course textbook on print reserves for your students to use for a limited period of time.
  4. Meet your Librarian Subject Consultant
    We have a librarian assigned to each academic department. The Librarian Subject Consultant facilitates communication between the teaching faculty and the Library, as well as helps individual faculty members with research or library instruction needs. See the list of Librarian Subject Consultants.
  5. Schedule a Library Instruction Session for your class
    The Pollak Library offers instruction, tours, and customized online materials designed to teach students about information access, evaluation, and use either in general or integrated with course content. Schedule a class with your Librarian Subject Consultant or online.
  6. Stop by the Reference and Research Services Desk for help with research
    Highly-trained library faculty and staff assist with information and research questions at our Reference & Research Services Desk on the 1st floor of the Pollak Library North. Or visit Ask a Librarian for research help from anywhere. Visit Get Live Help for research assistance 24/7 (after hours-research assistance comes from an academic cooperative).
  7. Borrow from Another Library
    If we don’t have a published item you need, we can request it from another library. You can use the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan system to request books and articles that the Pollak Library does not own.
  8. Add the Library to Your TITANium Course Site
    Empower your students to quickly access library materials and connect with a research expert from anywhere through your course site. If you are using TITANium, encourage your students to use the library resources embedded within your course shell. If they need additional help, they can always chat, call or email a librarian.
  9. Take Advantage of the University Archives & Special Collections (UA&SC)
    Created in 1967, University Archives and Special Collections (UA&SC) preserves and provides access to the institutional history of California State University, Fullerton, The Freedom Center, and Special Collections containing manuscripts, books, maps, photographs, and ephemera.
  10. Learn about Copyright & Fair Use and Open Access
    Learn about intellectual property and the latest trends in scholarly publishing. Librarians maintain online guides that provide accurate, up-to-date information about copyright & fair use, open access, and open educational resources.
  11. Get information about Citation Management
    Visit the Library’s online guides to find information on accessing the CSUF citation management system, EndNote Web. Faculty may also make an appointment with their subject specialist librarian for individualized EndNote training.
  12. Tell your students about the other (non-library) services in the Pollak Library
    Several departments useful to faculty and students are strategically located in the Pollak Library: The University Learning Center, the Writing Center, the Graduate Student Success Center, the Academic Technology Center, and the Faculty Development Center. Starbucks offers coffee, other beverages, snacks, and sandwiches.
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Meet Library Services Specialist Adriana Bernal: Putting Student Success Initiative Funds to Work http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/09/29/meet-library-services-specialist-adriana-bernal-putting-student-success-initiative-funds-to-work/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/09/29/meet-library-services-specialist-adriana-bernal-putting-student-success-initiative-funds-to-work/#respond Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:00:36 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=6290 Adriana Bernal - SSI LSS2

Library Services Specialist II, Adriana Bernal, joined our staff In March 2015.

Beginning in Fall 2014, the campus implemented a $181 per-semester Student Success Fee as part of a comprehensive university-wide Student Success Initiative (SSI). SSI Funding allowed us to hire Adriana as our new Library Services Specialist II in March 2015.

SSI Funding Impact

Kevin Phillips, Head of Circulation, explains how Adrian’s new position allows the Pollak Library and the Irvine Campus Library to meet the additional library hours requested by and funded through the Student Success Initiative.

With her addition we were able to fully staff the Circulation Desk for the semester-long expanded hours of the Library. The SSI funding has allowed us to be open and staff 14 extra hours a week starting in Fall 2014. Adriana also covers one day a week (2 days a week during a colleague’s paternity leave) at the Irvine Campus. During 24/7 she would be the staff member who would stay until 3:00am.


Get to Know Adriana!

What is your name and title?

Adriana Bernal, Library Services Specialist II.

In what section or unit of the Pollak Library do you work?

I work in Access Services, Circulation department.

What is your job in a nutshell?

As a Library Services Specialist, I provide both direct and indirect support to library users such as students, faculty, staff and the general community. Due to the extended hours, I am one of the Staff members that stay until closing to assist patrons during the night shifts. Aside from desk hours, I handle clerical work and also help facilitate the library’s Book Paging service. In addition, I work at the Irvine Campus once a week, where I assist patrons with Circulation Services and research help as well.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on enhancing my knowledge in research assistance. While collaborating with a Reference Librarian, I am learning the basics of how to help patrons with their research questions and recommend them to the appropriate resources. Learning new skills and techniques will be beneficial to further assist patrons when I work at the Irvine Campus.

How long have you been at the Pollak Library?

I became staff this March, but I have been at the Pollak Library for three years.

Have you held any other jobs with Cal State Fullerton?

I was a Circulation Student Assistant for over two years before I became full-time staff.

What has changed since you started at the Pollak Library?

The biggest change has been the closure of the south side of the library. The majority of our books in the stacks collection were located in that portion of the library, and now most of those books have been relocated over to the north side.

Do you have a favorite accomplishment at the Pollak Library?

My favorite accomplishment has to be the fact that I assisted with various important projects as a student assistant, and now as a staff member I can help implement new projects.

What are your passions or interests outside of work?

Hiking is what I love to do outside of work. I enjoy exploring national parks and forests. The views that these places offer are breathtaking and allow for a person to step back, relax and appreciate nature.

What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?

The last book I read for fun was Into the Wild. Lately, I have been researching and reading about backpackers and their journeys. I was intrigued by their inspirational stories.

What is a website, database or digital tool that you recently discovered and recommend?

A digital tool that I highly recommend is the 24/7 Chat Reference on the Pollak Library’s website. It is fascinating that students can access this tool anytime from anywhere, and almost immediately get assistance from a Librarian.

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Top 5 Things CSUF Freshmen Need to Know http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/08/26/top-5-things-freshmen-need-to-know/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/08/26/top-5-things-freshmen-need-to-know/#respond Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:30:41 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=6262 Your Top 5 at Pollak LibraryPssst, freshmen … Want to know what you can do to get a higher GPA and succeed in your first semester at California State University, Fullerton?  Use the Pollak Library!  Research shows that first-year students who use the library and its resources do better academically and increase their chances for graduation. [1]

Take a minute to view the Pollak Library’s Top Five Recommended resources for freshman and get ahead now!

 

Also, explore around in the databases below.  You’ll find excellent and reputable information for your research papers and projects.

Academic Search Premier — Academic Search Premier is a good place to start research.  In it, you will find articles and other sources covering a wide range of topics, including science, art, education, humanities, law, social science, business and technology.

Opposing Viewpoints — Have to write a persuasive paper on a controversial topic?  Need to gather pro/con information on an issue?  Opposing Viewpoints covers a wide range of controversial topics.  Sources include magazines, newspaper or journal articles, and primary sources.

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center — Comprehensive descriptions of careers including salaries, employment and advancement prospects, education and training, experience and skills needed.

Ebooks — Ebooks are available on a wide range of subjects, and we have thousands and thousands!  Plus, they are accessible remotely.

Streaming Video — Pollak Library offers thousands of hours of streaming video.  Watch a new film today!

24/7 Research Help — Click to chat with a librarian at any time of the day or night, 24/7.  We’re here to help you.

Sources:

[1] Tewell, E. C. (2015). Use of library services can be associated with a positive effect on first-
year students’ GPA and retention. Evidence Based Library & Information Practice, 10(1), 79-81. doi: 10.1016/j.acalib.2013.12.002


The followings librarians collaborated on this post:

  • Lettycia Terrones, Education Librarian
  • Joy Lambert, Outreach Librarian
  • Lindsay O’Neill, Instructional Design Librarian
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Faculty Profiles: What Are You Working On, Lindsay O’Neill? http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/02/02/faculty-profiles-what-are-you-working-on-lindsay-oneill/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2015/02/02/faculty-profiles-what-are-you-working-on-lindsay-oneill/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:00:57 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5803 Lindsay O'Neill Profile

Lindsay O’Neill

Ever wonder what the faculty and staff at the Pollak Library are working on? The “What are You Working On?” blog column (borrowed from the National Archives) aims to highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on, and profile our talented library team.

Meet Lindsay O’Neill, our Instructional Design Librarian.


Pollak Library Work

In what section or unit of the Pollak Library do you work?
I have a brand new position at Pollak Library – Instructional Design Librarian! I work with other reference and instruction librarians in the Instruction & Information Services unit.

What is your job in a nutshell so far?
As Instructional Design Librarian, my charge is to design and develop online library/research tutorials and to train librarians and campus faculty to use educational technology effectively.

What are you working on right now?
I’m working on a series of guides and videos on Pollak Library’s Top Online Resources: eBooks, Streaming Video, Research Guides, and more. I’m excited to share these “hidden treasures” with the CSUF community.

Prior Work Experience

Would you like to share a bit about your previous work experience?
I’ve had more jobs than I care to admit. I’ve loaded trucks and cargo planes at UPS. I spent years working in Yosemite National Park, with one freezing but scenic winter spent shoveling snow at Yosemite’s outdoor ice rink. I’ve been a substitute teacher, and a caretaker of historic property at The Ahwahnee Hotel. Most recently I worked on developing digital collections at Arizona State University Libraries.

What motivated you to become a librarian or to work in libraries?
I always wanted to teach college students. I love empowering students with the skills to find and use information that changes their lives for the better.

Personal Information

Would you like to share a bit about your educational background?
Bachelor of Arts in English – University of California, Riverside;
Master of Library and Information Science – San Jose State University;
Master of Educational Technology – Arizona State University.

What are your passions or interests outside of work?
I’m a runner, bike commuter, and triathlete. I’m currently training to run my third half marathon, followed by my first full marathon – 26.2 miles! I’m also planning my first thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, which is 210 miles of breathtaking scenery in the Sierra Nevada.

What is a website, database, or digital tool that you recently discovered and recommend?
I love using Padlet in my instruction sessions to get students to demonstrate what they’re learning!

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Expanded Library Hours for 2014-2015 Year and Finals http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/08/26/expanded-libary-hours-for-2014-2015-year-and-finals/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/08/26/expanded-libary-hours-for-2014-2015-year-and-finals/#respond Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:56:57 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5538 2014-2015 Expanded Hours-promo-web

The Pollak Library is pleased to announce expanded hours!

Due to the Student Success Initiative, the Pollak Library will add an additional 10 hours to its schedule for the fall and spring semesters. This change took effect on Monday, August 25th. The new hours are:

  • Monday – Thursday: 7:00am until midnight
  • Friday: 7:00am until 5:00pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am until 10:00pm.

In addition, the Library will expand to 24/7 access from the Monday before finals week through the Friday of finals week. During these expanded hours in the fall, the library will be open so students may study and use the computers, but no other services will available. In the spring semester, the Circulation desk will be staffed during the extra 10 hours.

Current library and service desk hours can always be checked on our Library Hours page.

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Exploring Research Methods for a Project? Let SAGE Research Methods Help! http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/05/02/exploring-research-methods-for-a-project-let-sage-research-methods-help/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/05/02/exploring-research-methods-for-a-project-let-sage-research-methods-help/#respond Fri, 02 May 2014 18:32:26 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5339 Sage Research Methods promoSAGE Research Methods is an online resource that provides focused, comprehensive support for all phases of the research process.  It is a valuable tool for individuals pursuing or interested in research for advanced studies and graduate work.  In addition, it offers a helpful start for beginners new to the world of conducting research.

SAGE Research Methods offers researchers:

  • Material from approximately 463 book titles, 169 titles from the “Little Green Books” series, 48 titles from the “Little Blue Books” series, 6 major works, 6 dictionaries, 9 encyclopedias, 344 journal articles, and 27 videos
  • A Methods Map feature to visualize the connections to a chosen methodology
  • Helpful tutorials for a resource overview, for help with starting research, and for working with the Methods Map and Methods Lists

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with SAGE Research Methods and to learn how you may benefit from this valuable tool!

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Learn About Irvine Campus Library Services http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/03/11/learn-about-irvine-campus-library-services/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/03/11/learn-about-irvine-campus-library-services/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:00:04 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5321 Irvine Campus LibraryThe Irvine Campus Library offers students access to a wide range of information resources such as books/electronic books and subject specific article databases. The campus librarian and staff are available to help locate books, develop search strategies for finding scholarly articles, and can assist with citing your research sources in MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles.

Research consultations can be scheduled with the librarian for in-depth research assistance. Irvine students can request books, articles, and other items the Irvine Library does not own by using the Fullerton campus book request and interlibrary loan services. Additionally, Irvine students can receive online research assistance day or night 24/7. If you have any questions, please contact the Irvine campus library at 657-278-1664, email the librarian, or consult the FAQs page.

Top Irvine Library FAQs.

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Spotlighting Recent Pollak Library Resources on African American Studies http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/02/18/spotlighting-recent-pollak-library-resources-on-african-american-studies/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/02/18/spotlighting-recent-pollak-library-resources-on-african-american-studies/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2014 23:31:24 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5272 African American Studies Resources

Los Angeles Sentinel.
Access this black owned, black operated weekly newspaper through ProQuest Newsstand. The coverage is May 17, 1934-Dec 29, 2005 (with exceptions). Some current content are available directly from the newspaper website: http://lasentinel.net/.

African American Song.
Hear the voice of history. Listen to audios of jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime, folk songs, narratives, and other styles.  Click here to access a sample of Afro-American spirituals, work songs, and ballads, engineered by the noted folk song collector, Alan Lomax.

Ambrose Video.
Watch stream videos of African American authors in “the Great American Writers Series” on Gwendolyn Brooks, James Baldwin, August Wilson, Toni Morrison, and many more.

Black Thought and Culture.
A quintessential full text collection offering nonfiction, essays, interviews, speeches, letters, and other materials of leading African American authors.  It also offers the complete full text of Black Panther Newspaper.  

Books and Ebooks.
Visit the library in person or virtually. And check out books on some of the important topics featured in this year’s month-long Black History Month celebrations:

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Pollak Library Joins the Western Regional Storage Trust! http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/02/13/pollak-library-joins-the-western-regional-storage-trust/ http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/2014/02/13/pollak-library-joins-the-western-regional-storage-trust/#respond Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:42:15 +0000 http://libraryblogs.fullerton.edu/?p=5264 Pollak Library WEST Parntership

The Pollak Library would like to announce our membership in the Western Regional Storage Trust (WEST), a collaborative and shared print journal archiving program implemented by the University of California’s California Digital Library with support from a Mellon Foundation grant.

The Pollak Library recognizes the importance of archiving and preserving print collections. Participation in WEST will ensure access to print archives as we continue to invest in electronic access to current scholarly literature. WEST member libraries agree to consolidate and manage print journal backfiles at major library storage facilities and at self-identified member institutions. These shared print archives are accessible to WEST member libraries through high-priority interlibrary loan.

By participating in WEST, the Pollak Library is investing in an innovative, cooperative program that seeks to reduce the cost of preserving and housing large print journal collections. This will help the Library invest further in access to e-content, and will provide an opportunity for reclaiming space to meet the increasing needs of our users.

Starting in January 2014, the Library will be working on the first phase of WEST journal archiving. In this phase, a selection of print journal titles/volumes archived by WEST member libraries will be removed from the Pollak Library collection. CSUF faculty, staff and students will still have access to these print journals after their removal via interlibrary loan. This is a win-win situation. Library users will still have access to all content but the library can also recover much needed space.

For more information about WEST, please see their website at: http://www.cdlib.org/west or contact Interim University Librarian, Susan Tschabrun.

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