Welcome New Employee

The library is pleased to announce our new  Cataloging & Technical Services Associate, Juanita Greenwell.  She labors primarily behind the scenes processing new materials before they go on the shelves, but you may catch a glimpse of her putting  books on the New Books display case.  We are very pleased to have such an experienced and collegial professional joining our team.  Welcome Juanita!

New Link Resolver Service: finding a journal title & finding full text

The Fitzgerald Library is switching link resolver services. What is a link resolver and what does this mean for you? The link resolver works to connect users to the full text of an article, whether it is located in another database to which we subscribe or in another library's collection--in which case an interlibrary loan request form is provided.  The link resolver also provides a search mechanism for journal titles, so that users can discover whether the library owns a particular journal and, if so, where that journal can be accessed.

Starting on October 30th, our Journal Finder will be called Journals A-Z.   It will have a different look, but will still provide the same service, along with enabling a search for eBook titles. To see how it works watch a tutorial for Journals & eBooks A-Z.

When you are looking for articles in most of our databases, instead of the “find it”  button that appeared in the past when the link resolver was needed to get you to another database or to an interlibrary loan request form, you will now see “Full Text Options--SMU.”

Some database vendors have elected to use different approaches to finding full text.  In Science Direct the link resolver is hidden in the “Bibliographic Information” drop down box on the right of the screen.  In Project Muse the user clicks on “Find using open URL.” Sage does not support any link resolver use; users needing full text can contact a librarian to order.

Questions? Just ask a librarian

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read.  This year it runs from September 30th to October 6th. Librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, journalists, and readers of all stripes band together to support the right to read and to express ideas freely.  Although the first amendment  guarantees our right to free expression, some groups continue to try to restrict access or ban outright certain materials.  To get some idea about what has been banned in schools and libraries watch a host of Virtual Read Outs on YouTube, take a look at the American Libraries list of Banned and Challenged Classics and Wickipedia's list of books challenged during the 1990s, or just come to the library to see banned books on display.  To understand some of the implications of censorship turn to Bill Moyer's new video essay or watch independent bookstore chain, Bookmans', YouTube effort.

Welcome Students & Faculty

The library staff extends a hearty welcome to all  in coming students & faculty this fall. Please stop by the library to study and do your research in air conditioned comfort.
Students can find out all about the library on our Undergraduate Services page and get specific research information on our Course Guides page. 
Faculty can refer to our Faculty Services page.


We look forward to servicing your information and research needs.

Meebo Chat Service to End

Google has purchased Meebo, the company that has provided our library and hundreds of others with a chat service.  As a result of this purchase Meebo will no longer be offering chat services.  The Fitzgerald will be replacing Meebo with a chat service from Mosio, the company that provides our "Text a Librarian" service.  Look for this new chat service to commence in mid July.  Meanwhile you can continue to reach the library through email, texting, or the good old telephone.  Just use our Ask a Librarian page for links.

The film that just won the Oscar for Best Animated Short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, is available to watch on YouTube.   A fun little movie and all about books!  Take a few minutes off to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adzywe9xeIU

TaxTime Links

Tax time is upon us again.  Here are links to the IRS forms you may need:

Federal Forms and Publications

Minnesota Forms and Publications

Tax Forms All 50 States