BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESFALL 2011

Library Update

Serials Project

Library is withdrawing backruns of discontinued print journals if we have access to electronic journal Dates, database source and format factor into decision

Goal: Reduce space for print journals to 1 alcove level or less

Why? Very low (<900) use of print journals and increased

need for group study space.

Department-Library webpages

New software called libguidesI personally edit library webpages for your

department

Easier to link more types of files to library webpages.

Share on social media, RSS feeds

Examples BIOL160 – Collins book, CSE style BIOL393 – Link to research interest of faculty

Assignment Analysis

Assignment Analysis

Follow-up to syllabi analysisFaculty sent us library-related assignments

Goals Enhance department understanding and relationship Identify courses needing library research skills and

resources Collection development and budget

Findings

Biology submitted 10 assignments (1.2%)100 level = 4200 level = 1300 level = 4400 level = 1

Across campus – 38% were 300 level courses

Assignment Types

Research Paper = 3 (2@100, 1@400 level)Review = 2 (300 level)Reflection Essay = 2 (100 level)Presentation = 1 (300 level)Reserves = 1Other (poster) = 200No lab assignments submitted (do any lab

reports require background research and journal articles?)

Length of Assignments

Number of Required Library Sources

Sources

Types of required sources not specified often (ie-books or journal articles)

Recommended databases:PubMed, ACS (Chemistry), SciFinder, BioOne, ScienceDirect, Library catalog

Not included in recommendations:GreenFile, BIOSIS

Where to go from here

What other types of assignments use library resources (posters, lab reports?)

Do students have skill level to effectively use and evaluate online and print resources? Are you happy with their library research skills level?