Library & Computing News

Changes to the JCU wireless network

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000

Central Computing has announced changes to the JCU wireless network setup. In 2012, existing JCU wireless users will be required to switch from Walkabout to Eduroam. Walkabout will continue to be supported until 1 July 2012. However, as of Friday 20 January, Walkabout will be changed to non-broadcast mode to encourage JCU wireless users to switch to Eduroam. Please check out the recent Central Computing Bulletin for more information, and have a look at the Eduroam wireless setup instructions on the Computing Services webpage.

InfoHelp Tutorials and Orientation Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:57:00 +0000

Discover how to use email, find information for assignments and surf the web! InfoHelp Tutorials start next week and are free. All students are welcome to attend. See full details and session times for Townsville and Cairns. Workshops include:

Townsville:

Library Orientation Tours
Wireless Clinics
Getting Connected@ JCU: Hands on skills for JCU online
Studying@JCU
Up and Running with LearnJCU
Top Ten Assignment Research Tips
Finding Journal Articles
Referencing
EndNote.

Cairns:

Library Orientation Tours
Wireless Clinics
Getting Connected@ JCU: Hands on skills for JCU online
Up and Running with LearnJCU
Top Ten Assignment Research Tips
Finding Journal Articles
Referencing
EndNote.

EndNote Training in Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000

By using the reference managing application EndNote you can:

Create your own personal library of references to articles, books and other materials you have collected during your research.
Select and insert in text citations from your library into a Word document
EndNote will create a listing at the end of the document in you chosen referencing style to create your reference list
Share your library or groups in your library with your co-authors

Content of workshop:

2-3pm will be an introduction to the basics of EndNote
3-4pm will be how to share libraries using EndNote web and a few quirks and workarounds to assist with more complex issues

Note: EndNote X5 is now loaded onto the GATCF computers, however please bring your laptop with EndNote loaded if you have one. There are 20 computers available in the room.

When: Tuesday, 7th February, 2-4 pm
Where: B1.104 in the Library

Please RSVP to me by COB, Monday 6th February.

Schedule for more EndNote workshops is available here.

Anthropology Online - Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Neil R) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:15:00 +0000

Anthropology Online is a collection of written ethnographies, field notes, seminal texts, memoirs, and contemporary studies. These books and text resources complement Ethnographic Video Online (a service subscribed to by JCU) and would be integrated with it if JCU subscribes.

This trial is available until 6 March 2012. Trials are available both on campus or off campus (with a JCU user name and password). The trial links are also to be found on the library Trials web page.

Observations or comments (positive and negative) on the trials and value of the services are always appreciated and may be directed to the Faculty and School Librarians or to Neil Renison, Information Resources. Alternatively, you can complete our online Database Trial Feedback form.

New Look for Library Web Site

noreply@blogger.com (Alan @JCU Library) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

The Library launches a refreshed home page on 6 February 2012.

The site has been redeveloped after consultation and testing with JCU students.

The home page uses less library terms and has been designed to reflect four goals:

Find knowledge and academic resources (e.g. article, book or other library resource)
Learn how to acquire an information skill (e.g. referencing)
Connect to ICT resources and services (e.g. mobiles )
About the Library - who we are, what we do and how we can help you

The home page is your portal to library resources and services for learning, teaching and research.

A big thank you to the students who participated in the usability testing and our ongoing thanks to all staff, students and community who provide comments, and suggestions!

Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please use the News and Suggestions button to provide your feedback.

Phase Two Under Construction

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon B) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:05:00 +0000

Phase one of the Mabo Library redevelopment is complete and a number of our new features are now open - such as the new service desk, the new south entrance and the new Assistive Technologies lab. Now Phase Two has commenced! The result will be the new 24 hour Information Learning Commons and a suite of iLearning rooms.

Acoustic hoarding has been installed to minimise noise and dust; and the noisiest work will be done after hours when the Library isn't open. But there will be some noise. You are encouraged to go to the western side, top floor of the building to avoid the most noise.

Progress updates will be posted on the website

Thank you for your patience.

Heather Gordon
Director, Library & Information Services
Deputy Head, University Services Division
Eddie Koiki Mabo Library
James Cook University
Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811

Indigenous Family History at Townsville City Council

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Wadda Mooli,

Libraries are a great place to learn about that aspect of history in school we often fail to realise- our ancestors were living and breathing during eventful times, lived differently and held values often completely opposite of what we hold today. One way to bring the big picture history to life is to learn about your private family history.

Townsville City Council is hosting a session by the Department of Communities and Personal Histories for Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australians when tracing family histories and genealogies encounter issues like some other Australians that no records exist in Birth, Deaths and Marriages. Often due to the history of Australia since 1788 Aboriginal Australians existed politically and socially outside of the European Australian society of the time, often were in open conflict with the trespassers or being increasingly subjected to exclusion or control by colonial state forces. These all affected the types of ways Aboriginal people were recorded and how and what records were preserved. For me I only have to go back two generations to the 1930s til the 1970s and members of my family appear in Exemption Certificate Records and controlled wages funds. To go further like my Uncle (Murri Way) T. Rose did means oral histories are to be explored by looking at station records for wage entries, store purchases or diary entries visiting grave yards and looking at old newspapers.

If you are a Murri or Islander or have friends or family who are point them at this,

2 Day Indigenous Family History Workshop

Get along to this popular workshop.

Kathy Frankland,

Department of Communities and Personal Histories

Brisbane will share vital information on the Indigenous Australian

Family history.

All welcome.

When: Friday, 24 February, 9.30am-3.30pm

Saturday, 25 February, 9.30am-3.30pm

Audience: Adult

Venue: CityLibraries Thuringowa Central

Cost: Free

Bookings are essential.

Contact Janeese Henaway Phone 47278317

Book online at www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities/libraries or contact your local library.

http://host7.evanced.info/townsville/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?ln=ALL

Looming threat to global research

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:56:00 +0000

The United States House of Representatives is currently debating a new bill, The Research Works Act. This bill is supported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the Copyright Alliance, and opposed by the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition, the Alliance for Taxpayer Access, the American Library Association, the International Society for Computational Biology, and prominent open science and open access advocates. If enacted, this bill will benefit publishers by putting significant limits on freely sharing US scientific research. If the Research Works Act is passed, then it is quite likely that we will see similar actions commenced by the Australian publishing industry. Limiting access to quality research via some kind of open access means (ie. University repositories or open access publishers like PubMed) can only diminish the quality of research produced across the globe.

For more news on this topic have a look at:
Academic publishers have become the enemies of science
A small bill in the US, a giant impact for research worldwide
The Research Works Act: A damaging threat to science

One Search now includes eJournal Titles and improved coverage of eBooks

noreply@blogger.com (Alan @JCU Library) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

The latest enhancement to the Library's One Search service is the inclusion of tens of thousands of eJournal titles we subscribe to.

You can limit One Search to just a journal title search by checking the Journal/eJournal box and you will see both our print and electronic journals. To limit to only those available online check the Items with full text online box.

In addition our substantial eBooks collection is now also fully listed in One Search.

Scheduled outage: ProQuest

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:17:00 +0000

ProQuest will be performing infrastructure maintenance on Sunday 5th February. As a result, ProQuest databases be unavailable for a period of approx 12 hours (from 1pm on Sunday 5th February to 1am on Monday 6th February).

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please see the staff at the InfoHelp desk if you need any assistance.

EndNote Training February 2012 - Townsville

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Swift) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Are you writing a research paper or working on your thesis? You need EndNote!

Using EndNote, you can create your own personal library of references to articles, books and other materials you have collected during your research. You can select and insert references from your library into a Word document and EndNote will create an in-text citation for the reference. EndNote will also create the bibliography entry at the end of the document. These entries can be configured to conform to any bibliographic style you choose.

You are invited to attend Introductory EndNote training at the Townsville Campus. Times are shown below. Content includes:

Creating a new library and entering references manually

Importing references from journal databases and library catalogues

Using EndNote to cite-while-you-write in Microsoft Word

These will be demonstration sessions of EndNote X5, but attendees are welcome to bring their own laptops.

Sessions will be in the InfoHelp Training Room on the top floor of the Mabo Library (18.229) at these times:

Monday 6th Feb – 11.00am to 12.30pm
Tuesday 7th Feb – 11.00am to 12.30pm
Wednesday 8th Feb – 2.00pm to 3.30pm

No bookings necessary!

EndNote X5

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

EndNote X5 is now available. CDs can be borrowed from the Library loans desk in Townsville and Cairns, and the new version will also be available for download from the Web in the near future – see Getting Started in our EndNote LibGuide.

EndNote X5 has some useful new features, including:

Add and Transfer File Attachments to the Web
EndNote X5 users can access file attachments and figures within their EndNote Web records. File attachments can be added directly to an EndNote Web record or transferred between a local library and the Web to see the same reference detail in both environments. EndNote X5 users will also receive increased Web storage for up to 25,000 references and 1GB for their file attachments.

View and Annotate PDF files within EndNote
A new PDF viewer joins the “Quick Edit” tab in EndNote X5, enabling users to review an attached PDF and edit a record in one place. The PDF viewer makes it easy to navigate between multiple attachments as well as annotate the file with highlights and comments. Users can search the entire PDF including comments and use many familiar options common to PDF viewing.

Update References Automatically
Existing references can now be updated easily with a new option that lets EndNote search online for more complete reference detail. When a match is found, EndNote highlights the differences in a side-by-side comparison of the new and existing reference. Users can decide whether to update the empty fields only, replace all the fields, or copy-and-paste specific information. While any field can be updated, the new feature saves time for existing references that now require article identifiers such as PMCID and NIHMSID numbers for grant submissions.

Advance Australia Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

This Thursday 26 January is Australia Day. Traditionally Australians use this day to get together with friends and family - often over drinks, at a barbecue, at the beach, or at a public event. Have a look at the Australia Day website to find an Australia Day event near you.

Getting into the Australia Day spirit, the Mabo Library, Townsville is currently featuring an Australia Day display on the first floor. The display features some great books about Australian history, social customs, sport, culture, and the environment. Come in and have a look.

Library opening hours

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:07:00 +0000

The Cairns and Townsville Library opening hours for semester one are now available. Go to the Library Opening Hours webpage to plan your library study time.

InfoHelp Townsville has moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

The first stage of renovations to the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, Townsville is complete. InfoHelp staff have moved into the into the newly renovated section of the ground floor. The first floor InfoHelp Desk has also moved to a combined InfoHelp/Lending Services Desk on the ground floor. We look forward to seeing you at our new digs!

General knowledge brainteaser

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +0000

This week’s brainteaser is to test the breadth as well as the depth of your knowledge.

In “Sesame Street” and the “Muppet Show”, what sort of animal was Kermit?
Which rock group released albums called “Their Satanic Majesties Request” and “Sticky Fingers”?
The word “Hock” is used to refer to wine from which country?
Which animal is usually associated with Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac?
Monza is well known for its motor-racing circuit. In which country is Monza?
“Zn” is the symbol for which chemical element?
Was the film “Casablanca” made before, during, or after the Second World War?
Who was the predecessor of John F. Kennedy as president of the United States?
What shape is the pitch in Australian Rules football?
What name is usually given to Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony?

Use Credo Reference to find out the answers to the questions you don't know, or go to the Credo Reference General Knowledge Brainteaser answers.
Quiz by Tony Augarde.

Mabo Library building southern entry starts today!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:55:00 +0000

Access to the Mabo Library building is now available from the new southern entrance/exit located adjacent to the Library car park.

Please note that the existing northern entrance/exit and new cafe entrance/exit are temporarily closed for renovations.

Today is Friday the 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:05:00 +0000

The belief in many parts of the Western world that Friday the 13th (also known as Black Friday) is an unlucky day is fairly widespread. Credo explains some of the history and possible origins of this superstition. However, it seems that the main reason for the survival of this superstition is due to today's media outlets looking for material to fill news timeslots. The history of the day does make for interesting reading though.

Reading in French

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon B) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0000

"Speak in French when you can't think of the English for a thing!" Declared the Red Queen in Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll.

One of the best ways to learn a language is to use it. One of the best ways to use it is to read it. One of the best ways to read it is to get some books written in it. One of the best ways to get books written in it is to find them in a library (it's free, that way).

It just so happens we have books in French suitable for all reading levels. We have a number of readers specifically designed to give reading practice at different levels, as well as children's books and adults' novels. We also have poetry and plays written in French as well, if you want to try your hand at those.

Some of our French literature collection has side-by-side English translations, which can help you with texts that might otherwise be too difficult, but it is worth your while trying to find a book that suits your reading level and just spending some time with the language.

At the moment, we have a small display of our French language literature and readers on the first floor of the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library - along with some books on French Grammar, to help you along.

Why not come in and take a look at them? You can take some home, if you would like.

You can also "follow them home" - that is, go to the shelves where we found them and see what else you can find.

French literature is located at 840 in both the Main and Curriculum collections (contains a mixture of French language and English translations). French learning material is located in the 440s - and the graded readers are at 448.64.

Also, make sure you check out the Modern Languages LibGuide (http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/languages) - the French tab links to more resources to help with your reading and listening skills, and the Learning Languages tab has some good advice for using books in language studies.

My Library Information in Tropicat functioning normally again

noreply@blogger.com (Alan @JCU Library) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:33:00 +0000

The vendor has applied the patches and tweaks required and Tropicat is again allowing LDAP (JCU login & password) access. Renewals and reservations are functioning normally again.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Tropicat Login and Renewal Problems (update postponed 24 hours)

noreply@blogger.com (Alan @JCU Library) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:44:00 +0000

Since a minor upgrade to Tropicat's software just prior to the summer break users have been experiencing problems logging in to Tropicat to renew items and place holds.
Working with the vendors we hope to do the work required to resolve these issues early on Friday morning (6th January 2012). Tropicat will be unavailable from 4:30 to 6:00am on that day.
If you wish to renew items or place a hold before then please call either 07 4781 5500 (TSV) or 07 4042 1777 (CNS) and select option 2 'Library Services' and we will do it it on your behalf.
We apologise for any inconvenience these issues have caused.

New Year's resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:20:00 +0000

New Year's resolutions are on our minds at this time of year. What would you like to do better in 2012? JCU Library holds resources which may set you on the right path.

Advances in Motivation in Sport and Exercise
Better Nutrition
Essential Study Skills: The complete guide to success at university
Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring
Quitting Smoking 1: The patient's viewpoint
Setting Your Development Goals: Start with your values.

Hooray for 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:22:00 +0000

We hope you had a lovely Christmas-New Year break, and we look forward to seeing you at the Library in 2012.

Reminder: GATCF Lab closures over the summer break

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Information Technology and Resources staff will be performing upgrades to the facilities in the GATCF and School based teaching labs on Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay campuses over the summer semester break. All computer labs will be unavailable from 9am Monday 28th November 2011 until 9am Monday 13th February 2012 (unless otherwise timetabled), with the exception of the following facilities:

Townsville
All Library based computers will be available during Library opening hours. Building 2 Annex (DA2-101, 102, 103, 104 and 107) open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday with swipe card access outside those hours.

Cairns
All Library based computers will be available during Library opening hours. B1.030 has 24 hour card swipe access.

All GATCF facilities on Townsville and Cairns campuses will be closed for the Christmas Break commencing Midday (12 Noon) Friday 23rd December 2011 with the selected facilities above re-opening 9am Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

Big changes coming for CSA and Proquest databases

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ovaska) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

A new look for CSA and Proquest databases

The good people at Proquest have revamped their product, and we will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour when JCU Library is migrated to the new platform in early January. The new platform will combine Proquest and CSA databases. This will affect:

ABI/INFORM Complete
Accounting & Tax
Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA)
ARTbibliographies Modern (ABM)
Banking Information Source
Canadian Business & Current Affairs Business
Canadian Business & Current Affairs: Education
Design and Applied Arts Index (DAAI)
ERIC
Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts
Pharmaceutical News Index
PILOTS
ProQuest
PsycARTICLES
PsycINFO
Social Services Abstracts
Sociological Abstracts
Zoological Record Plus.

For more information, have a look at the new Proquest platform highlights for library users.