Library course in Blackboard

First, we just wanted to remind everyone that the college will be closed this Friday, July 3rd, for the July 4th holiday.  This means that the library will be closed on Friday as well.

Need to continue your research this weekend while the library is closed?  Well, not only are the library’s online resources available to you 24/7, these links are now available in the library’s brand new Blackboard course!  What does this mean for you?  No more passwords!

For those who are already in a class that uses Blackboard:

Great news! You’re already enrolled in the Library Resources course.  All you need to do is log into Blackboard and look for the Library Resources class in your list of courses.  Once you’re in the course, click on the Articles & eBooks button and you’ll find the entire list of online resources.  When you click on one of the resource links, you’ll go directly to it without having to enter a password.

For those who don’t have a class that uses Blackboard:

No problem! You can still enroll in the Library course.  First, you’ll still need to log into Blackboard (using your assigned username and password).  Once you’re in, click on the Courses tab.  To your right you’ll see a course catalog section that includes a link to CAC Student Resources.  Click on this link and you’ll find the Library Resources course listed with an enroll button to the right of it.  Click on the enroll button, which will send an email to the library letting us know that you want to enroll.  Once we approve your request, you’re enrolled in the course and ready to research!

Remember, if you ever have a question about using the library’s resources or need help with your research, be sure to contact us!

The value of information

When doing research, we always ask our students to consider where their information is coming from (for credibility sake) and to cite the information they use (for ethics sake).  What we don’t talk about much is the value of information.

For example, most of the information you find on websites doesn’t go through an editorial process.  There are a few exceptions to this, but the rule of thumb is to play it safe and carefully evaluate what you find.  However, when you use one of the library’s online resources, the information has been reviewed and published by publishing entities (books, magazines, journals, etc.).  Although this information is more reliable, it comes with a hefty price tag and access agreements.

Discussing the costs and availability of information is when you begin to discuss the value of information.  Why bring this up?  We heard about a bill that was brought to Congress that, if passed, would require radio stations to pay a performance right tax on the songs it plays.  The issues involved are whether the radio stations are fairly compensating performers versus the compensation radio stations already pay, and whether some smaller radio stations will have to be shut down as a result.

What do you think?  Before deciding, take a look at the websites for both sides (it’s always important to be well-informed!):

MusicFirst – the originator of the proposed legislation

No Performance Tax - in opposition of the proposed legislation

Leave a comment and let us know what you think the value of information is worth?

Embed a YouTube video into Powerpoint

Looking for an easy way to liven up your powerpoint presentation?  Try embedding a YouTube video into one of your slides!  There’s a great YouTube video on how to do this (of course!) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yzUxNbi1h4. 

However, for those who don’t want to take watch the video (or if you watch the video once but don’t want to watch it again for a refresher) here are the steps you’ll need to follow for embedding a YouTube video in Powerpoint 2007:

First, if you don’t already have it, you’ll need the Developer tab showing.  To get it:

- Click on the Windows icon in the upper left corner and then click on Powerpoint Options button in the lower right corner of the menu box.

- Check the box next to “Show Developer tab in the Ribbon” and click OK.

Once you have the Developer tab showing, go the powerpoint slide where you want to embed your video. 

Now switch over to YouTube and find the video you want to embed.  When you’re at the page where you play the video, you’ll have a box to the right that contains a URL for your video (if you don’t see it, click on the more info link). 

 

 

 

 

 

Before you can embed the video’s URL, you need to make a minor change to it.  Here’s an example URL from YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yzUxNbi1h4

You’ll modify the url by removing ‘watch?’ and ‘=’ so that the url ends up looking like this:

http://www.youtube.com/v/4yzUxNbi1h4

Once you have your video’s url, go back to your Powerpoint slide and do the following:

- Select the Developer tab and then click on the “more controls” icon, which looks like a hammer and wrench.

 

 

 

 

- From the list, select Shockwave Flash Object.

- In your powerpoint slide, make a box as large as you want your video to be shown.

- In the box you’ve created, right click and select Properties.

- In the Properties box, click in the blank box next to movie and paste your YouTube url (with the modifications from above) and make sure the box next to EmbedMovie option is set to False.

- Close the Properties box and then run  your slideshow to see the video embedded in your slide.

That’s it!

Chat is back up!

Our wonderful CAC technology folks discovered the problem behind our disappearing chat widgets, fixed it, and we’re now back up and chatting!

And now that our technology woes are behind us (for now at least), we can get back on track.  Be on the lookout for information on the library’s latest online resources, useful websites, and technology tips and tricks!

Technology frustrations

Technology.  It saves us time, connects us with long lost friends, and allows us to shop from the comfort of our homes… when it’s working. 

As you might have noticed, if you’re on campus and go to the library’s Get Help Now page of the website, our two chat boxes have become large white boxes of nothing.  What you aren’t able to see is that the librarians are also unable to access the Meebo website where we log in and chat with you.  So even if you’re off campus and able to see the chat boxes, we still can’t log in and chat. 

Unfortunately, as is the case with technology, there has been some difficulty in getting this fixed.  We promise you that we’re working on finding a solution and we hope to have chat back up soon!  In the meantime, feel free to use one of the other ways of contacting us from the Get Help Now page.

Welcome to the summer session… sort of

For many, today is the start of summer session classes.  Welcome! 

However, amidst the confusion we’ve seen today, many summer classes don’t start until next Monday (June 1st).  Enjoy your reprieve!

Not sure when your class starts?  You can check the summer class schedule online.  Select the Summer 2009 schedule, which will open in a pdf format.  Find your class (make sure you match the CRN number!) and below it you’ll find the start and end dates.

Time to relax

Congrats to all of the students, faculty, and staff who survived the spring semester!  Take some time to relax and prepare yourself for the next step – whether it’s summer session classes, transferring to a university, starting a new job, or simply using newly learned skills.

Another round of congratulations goes to all of our graduates.  You worked hard for your achievement and we’re all proud of you!

Staying updated on the H1N1 Flu

If you’ve been anywhere near a news resource in the last few days you’ve heard about the “Swine” or H1N1 Flu.  As with the peanut butter recall that took place a few months back, we decided to provide you with some informational links that will hopefully provide some answers about this type of flu, why it’s causing global concern, and what you can do to avoid getting sick.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has the official word on the H1N1 Flu.  This site has daily updates, a lits of confirmed cases by state, and travel notices.

MedlinePlus has an overview of the swine flu, including symptoms, and how you can avoid getting it.  The site also has news updates and a link to the CDC’s Twitter page.

The US Dept of Health & Human Services has created an entire site, pandemicflu.gov, aimed at keeping citizens up to date on what’s happening here in the US. 

Keeping in mind that this is an issue affecting us globally, you might want to check out the World Health Organization’s information on the H1N1 Flu. 

Finally, for a local perspective, you can check out the information Arizona’s Dept. of Health Services is providing.

As you listen to various news reports, try not to overreact to what you hear.  Instead, stay informed and follow the usual guidelines for staying healthy!

Student Art Exhibition at Signal Peak

Need a break from the stress of final papers and projects?  Stop by the Student Services Building (M Bldg) on the Signal Peak Campus and check out the student art exhibition on display.  Pieces range from paintings and sketches to jewelry and ceramics.  The Library’s own Barbara Gibson even has some of her work in the exhibit!

Check out a Culture Pass

Do you happen to live in Maricopa County or know someone who does?  If so, check out a Culture Pass from a participating public library in the county and get some culture this summer!

The link above will take you to the website with all of the details, but here’s the deal:

Go to one of the public libraries in Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe.  You’ll need a library card, so if you live in the county and don’t have a library card, apply to get one (you should have one anyways!) and if you don’t live in the county find someone who does and drag them with you.

Once you have your library card, you can check out your Culture Pass to get admission to one of several museums, the zoo, or the desert botanical garden.  After you get your pass, you have seven days to use it before it expires and the pass is good for free admission for up to four people. 

Not a bad deal, eh?