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.