Behavioral Science, Public Service, and Education

Beginning the semester, plus an interesting read

August is a tricky month here in New England for those of us in education as we attempt to simultaneously remain in our summer "vibe" and prepare for the upcoming semester. I have some general updates and reminders as you peek into Canvas and do some general dusting:

1. Please check the "library resources" tab on the navigation menu in your Canvas course. If the LibGuide is not what you want, let me know! LibGuides can be built for a general subject, but they can also be course or assignment specific. 

2. While in Canvas, check your links to any Films on Demand or library eBooks you have embedded. The content in our databases changes often and I can see where individual pieces are used. 

3. I have multiple videos and modules available for use in Canvas, from the basics of database searching to evaluating sources to managing the research process and am always ready to create more. Let's chat!

Check your department page on this guide to see the new purchases, both print and electronic, for your discipline! I will highlight a few every month but don't want you to miss it!

 In the current hybrid online and video-teaching environment, library instruction can happen multiple ways:

• For ONLINE Classes: work with your liaison librarian on embedding a custom research module into your course. 
• For Video Conference/Remote Courses:  a "live" library session with your class via Zoom, which would closely mirror an in-person library session. 
• Individual meetings with a librarian: this works best for upper level courses with a substantial research project; you can require that your students meet with a librarian at some point during their research process. Librarians can meet with students via Zoom or telephone.
• Traditional in-person session, either in the library or in the on campus classroom space.

 And for a little light but interesting reading, here is an article from Wired about Google's effect on Democracy and the "IKEA effect" of personal research. 

I look forward to hearing from, or seeing, you all over the next couple of weeks!

~Erin