9/4 Library session
-- Start log: Tuesday, September 4, 2001 2:04:53 pm AlaMOO time --


Eileen shows slide #1.

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Hello. My name is Eileen Oliver. I am a reference librarian at the San Antonio College Library.


During this online session I will provide you with an overview of library services for distance education learners and their instructors. Feel free to stop me with questions at any time during this session.

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Eileen displays slide #1 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/susan/outlib2.htm>.
Lennie cheers
Eileen says, "Hello, since it is just the three of us, I won't ask everyone to introduce himself/herself. "
Lennie says, "I like the picture of Moody"
Lennie says, "OK with me."
Eileen says, "Yes, Lennie is a good photographer"
Eileen says, "I meant to write Leonard"
Lennie says, "If I had a better camera..."

Eileen shows slide #2.

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Click on **Research Process Tutorial**.

This tutorial consists of three sections. The first provides instruction in searching the online catalog. The second provides instruction is searching the databases, and the third provides instruction in searching the web. Each section ends with an interactive quiz from which students receive immediate feedback.

Scroll down a bit and click on the Tutorial's **Table of Contents** to get an idea of what the tutorial covers.

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Eileen shows slide #2.

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The Library's homepage is the best place to begin doing research. The homepage provides links to the Library's online catalog and research databases, the WWW, and a variety of Library services.

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Eileen displays slide #2 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Lennie says, "This homepage has a lot on it!"
Lennie goes home.
Maria say, "Eileen do you actually want me to click on Table of Contents?"
Eileen says, "Maria, I made a mistake. Right now we are just looking at the library homepage. You may click on whatever you want just to see what we have. "
Maria say, "okay."

Eileen shows slide #3.

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Let's take a look at the online catalog. This catalog includes the holdings of all ACCD campus libraries, and it can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet. No password is required to use the catalog.

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Eileen displays slide #3 on WebP1:
<http://library.accd.edu/>.

Eileen shows slide #4.

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Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Now click on the **View Your Patron Record**.

At this screen you would type in the information requested and then you could view a list of the books that are currently checked in your name, and you could renew them. (But don't try to do that now, because you will get exited from the MOO.)

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Eileen displays slide #4 on WebP1:
<http://library.accd.edu/patroninfo>.
Eileen says, "Just a reminder to everyone out there--please stop me with your questions at any time."
Tri-C [Guest] arrives.
Lennie arrives.
Lennie waves at Tri-C
Eileen says, "Hello guest from Tri-C. Is that you David? You can answer by typing in the word say before you type in what you want to say"
Eileen says, "We have just been looking at our catalog. Now we will continue on if there are no questions"
Lennie says, "Sounds good to me."
Maria say, "We can go on."
Tri-C_[Guest] says, "yes its me, but I have no idea what to do here"
Lennie cheers at David talking!
Eileen says, "Thats okay--just follow along for now and pipe in with questions when you have them"

Eileen shows slide #5.

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Let's go back to the Library homepage. Now, click on **Databases & Indexes**.

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Eileen displays slide #5 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Maria say, "Hang on, David. These people will get you through. Basically, I plan to let Eileen do the driving."

Eileen shows slide #6.

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This is the page from which you can access citations and abstracts to as well as the full text of some magazine, journal, and newspaper articles. If you are accessing the resources on this page from off campus you will need to reconfigure your web browser to use the Library's proxy server. Let's take a look at how to do this. Click on **How to Use the Databases & Indexes from Home**.

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Maria say, "If I don't click, and Eileen does, will I be okay?"
Eileen displays slide #6 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/links/databs.htm>.
Lennie says, "I am impressed with all the indexes and databases these days."
Eileen says, "If you don't click Maria, you will be taken directly to the page once I bring up the web page"
Maria say, "Our librarians have really done a tremendous job of exploiting the Internet."

Eileen shows slide #7.

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First, note that you will need a Password and User Name to access the databases from off campus.
>>
Next, take a look at the list of remote access user computer requirements.
>>
Finally, look for your browser type at the bottom of the page.
>>
Click on your browser type and take a look at the instructions. I'm going to view the instructions for Netscape Navigator 4.

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Eileen displays slide #7 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/links/remote.htm>.
Lennie says, "I need a moment to look this stuff over."
Eileen says, "Take your time. There a lot of instructions on this page."
Lennie goes home.
Eileen says, "I see we have a new guest--Hello, and thanks for joining us."
Eileen says, "At this point, we are discussing how to reconfigure your browser at home in order to be able to connect to the databases from off campus."
Tri-C_[Guest] says, "Sorry, but I have papers to grade and classes to prepare. Have fun Mooing."
Eileen says, "Thanks for joining us (however briefly!)"
Tri-C_[Guest] has disconnected.
The housekeeper arrives to remove Tri-C_[Guest].

Eileen shows slide #8.

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Remember to print out the instructions before trying to reconfigure your web browser at home. The instructions for other browser types look similar to these. Are there any questions about accessing the databases from home?

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Eileen displays slide #8 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/links/netscape.html#v4>.
Maria say, "Eileen, is the process the same for faculty members -- we use the SS# and not the vmcms password?"
Eileen says, "Yes Maria, the process is the same for students and faculty."
Eileen says, "Students need to remember that they must do this process every semester"
Maria say, "I think it may help to tell them to reset the proxy too. When the server goes down, it creates the impression that the browser is inoperable because the proxy won't open."
Eileen says, "Thanks for reminding us about that Maria."
MargaretHyde [Guest] arrives.
Lennie arrives.
Eileen says, "Hello Dean Hyde. Thanks for joining us."
Lennie cheers at Dean Hydes remarkable teleporting abilities.
Maria say, "Hi, Dean Hyde! "
Lennie says, "Now that you are here, you can simply click the SAY button on the right side of the text entering box. That will make talking easier."
Eileen says, "Are we ready to continue? Or are there more questions about reconfiguring your browser?"
Maria say, "I'm ready to go on."

Eileen shows slide #9.

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Let's return to the Databases & Indexes page. The Library offers access to more than 100 databases, and two thirds of them offer the full text of magazine, journal, newspaper, or encyclopedia articles. Take a minute to peruse some of the database titles and descriptions in one or more of the subject areas.

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Eileen displays slide #9 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/links/databs.htm>.
Lennie says, "I was wondering if there is some sort of common keyword operator protocol for all these databases?"
Maria say, "If I click on a link and Eileen drives us somewhere else, will her instructions call me back?"
Maria say, "How can a person tell which ones are full-text?"
Eileen says, "Most of the databases make use of boolean operators when doing a keyword search. So when you want to find articles on say women and culture in japan, you would type in "women and culture and japan""
Eileen says, ""and" is probably the operator used most often. "
Lennie says, "It seems like with so many that some sort of guide would be helpful. (That sounds like a big project to me."
Eileen says, "Each databases usually has a help page(s). Some are better than others. You can usually find that page on the initial screen."
Lennie says, "I see that there are a lot more literary databases."
Lennie says, "I suppose you get to know them by using them."
Maria say, "Because my time is so short, I think I'd like a table sorting them into full-text and not full-text. User-friendly and all that."
Eileen says, "Additionally, you can always ask a librarian in person, or on the phone for help in constructing a good search strategy. And, what Lennie just wrote is true."
Lennie says, "Our configuration of databases is also unique to SAC, no?"
Eileen says, "At this point we have more than 100 databases and two thirds of them offer at least some full text. It seems we are adding new databases all the time."
Eileen says, "Yes, SAC subscribes to many databases that the other ACCD campuses don't and the other campuses subscribe to some that we do not have."
Eileen says, "Any more questions about databases?"
Lennie says, "I think these databases are incredible and not as well known as they ought to be."
Maria say, "The literary and criticism database yielded some online sources on Langston Hughes that were not on the web, so I know we're special."
Eileen says, "I think you are right! The fact that many are full text is a real help to students who can't come to campus to search for articles."
Lennie says, "I'm ready to move on if you are."
Maria say, "Would it be possible for you or me to do a session for my web class?"

Eileen shows slide #10.

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Okay, back again to the Library's homepage. From our homepage students can access the WWW in two ways. First, they can click on **Search the World Wide Web** to view a list of search engines and search the web on their own.

Second, they can click on **Selected Web Links by Topic** and browse through a list of subject categories that contain links to web sites selected by SAC librarians. Click on either one of these links and take a look around.

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Eileen displays slide #10 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Eileen says, "Maria, lets talk about that session. I'd be glad to help out."
Lennie says, "If you need to browse BACK hit your right mouse button and pull down to BACK."
Maria say, "Sounds good."
Lennie says, "I have used the Links page with my students before. It is good."
Lennie says, "I kind of wish that news organizations weren't tucked under the title Hot Topics."
Eileen says, "Thanks. Also, its good to know that there exist "rating search engines" like Britannica.com. Students can surf the web with these and get some very good results."
Maria say, "Now that we have a Moo, I can too. (sorry about the awful poetry, but really, this capability has not been here before for my internet students!0"

Eileen shows slide #1.

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Let's return to the Library homepage. Doing library research requires skills that your students may not have learned. Students can learn these skills online through the Library's new Research Process Tutorial. Scroll down the homepage a bit, and then click on **Library Instruction Program**.

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Lennie pours a cup of steaming hot coffee from the pot!
Eileen displays slide #11 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Lennie takes a sip of hot coffee..
Eileen says, "the link is located on the right"
Lennie takes another sip of coffee. .

Eileen shows slide #2.

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Click on **Research Process Tutorial**.

This tutorial consists of three sections. The first provides instruction in searching the online catalog. The second provides instruction is searching the databases, and the third provides instruction in searching the web. Each section ends with an interactive quiz from which students receive immediate feedback.

Scroll down a bit and click on the Tutorial's **Table of Contents** to get an idea of what the tutorial covers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lennie takes another sip of coffee. .
Lennie says, "This Library Research Process Tutorial is very good."
Eileen says, "We haven't had a chance to advertise much yet, but we are hoping to introduce this ttutorial to students this semester"
Lennie takes another sip of coffee. .
Lennie says, "I think it has it all."

Eileen shows slide #3.

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Let's return to the Library Instruction Program page. Now click on **Library Research Skills Program**.

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Eileen displays slide #12 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/gis/default.htm>.
Lennie says, "I'm particulary impressed with the quiz aspect, so it is more geared for independent learning."
Eileen says, "Yes it is. The quizes change everytime you take one too."

Eileen shows slide #4.

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This program consists of three classes that are offered several times each semester. The skills learned in these classes are similar to those in the tutorial. Distance learners who can make it onto campus may wish to attend one or more of these sessions. Take a minute to read about this program.

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Lennie says, "Have any teachers required their students to get certified?"
Eileen says, "I'm not sure. I think a some counselors and some English instructors require their students to attend."

Eileen shows slide #5.

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Okay, let's go back to the Library's homepage. Scroll down the page and click on **Ask a Librarian**.

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Eileen displays slide #16 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.

Eileen shows slide #6.

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Ask a Librarian is a service that is very important for distance education students. It allows students to email us their reference questions. We try to answer most questions within 24 hours. Students can also call the reference desk at (210) 733-2477.

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Lennie says, "How much email traffic does this site generate?"
Eileen displays slide #17 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/exec/ereform.htm>.
Eileen says, "During the fall and spring semesters we get about a question per day."
Lennie nods at the need for email verification...
Maria say, "Do the librarians take turns or is one lucky person the designated email person for the day?"
Eileen says, "Several librarians volunteer to answer questions 1 or 2 days per week. "
Lennie says, "I'm curious too about how you all handle the emails that you get."
Eileen says, "We reply directly to the person asking the questions and we also save all correspondence for statistical purposes and to compile "ready" answers to frequently asked questions."
Lennie says, "Do you have a frequently asked questions place?"
Eileen says, "At this time not for the public."
Lennie nods

Eileen shows slide #10.

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Thanks for joining us in our first AlaMoo library online session!

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Eileen says, "Hi -- we are not done yet--I put up the wrong slide!"
Lennie says, "Whoops."

Eileen shows slide #7.

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Once again, let's return to the Library's homepage. Scroll down a bit and click on **Resources for Distance Learning**.

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Eileen displays slide #18 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.

Eileen shows slide #8.

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You'll notice that this page duplicates much of what we have already seen. We will be revising this page in the future.

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Lennie says, "This page looks good. "
Eileen displays slide #19 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/librns/rani/disted/Dist2.htm>.
Lennie says, "You mentioned that you all will be revamping this, true?"
Eileen says, "Yes, we are going to be revamping our homepage and many other pages as well."

Eileen shows slide #9.

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We'll return to the Library's homepage one last time. Take a look around and feel free to ask questions about any of the resources or links that you see.

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Maria say, "I don't see a link to the proxy instructions. Do they not need them here?"
Eileen displays slide #20 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Lennie says, "I'm going to look too."
Eileen says, "Do you mean from the homepage Maria?"
Lennie says, "Maria there is a link from the Navigation bar on the left."
Maria say, "No, from the distance ed page. I think it would be very easy to overlook."
Eileen says, "I'll have to go back and look . "
MargaretHyde_[Guest] has disconnected.
The housekeeper arrives to remove MargaretHyde_[Guest].
Lennie says, "It is called Off Campus Access. Oh I get what you are saying. You mean from Helen Torres' site?"
Eileen says, "Maria, the instructions are located under "Off Campus Access""
Eileen says, "Maybe we need to change /clarify the wording?"
Maria say, "I see the link. Thanks, Lennie. You mean we're supposed to actually pay attention to the nav bar on the left? ;-)"
Eileen says, "Well, we are almost done. Let's return to the homepage"
Lennie says, " OK"
Eileen displays slide #20 on WebP1:
<http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc/>.
Maria say, "No, I just need to remind my students to look at all of it, and myself, too!"
Eileen says, "I'm glad we had a chance to do this session together. Any other questions?"
Lennie says, "Can students have any books or tapes or anything mailed to them?"
Eileen says, "No, we don't mail materials to students at this time. "
Lennie says, "I can see why."
Maria say, "Any plans to moo with students individually as you do email?"
Eileen says, "However, students can get materials through ILL--Inter-Library Loan. These are materials we have mailed from other libraries to our library ."
Lennie says, "Can a student in a way reserve a book or tape and then come pick it up?"
Lennie says, "You mean that through ILL students can have books mailed directly to them?"
Eileen says, "Maria, we are hoping to do some kind of "live" online reference in the future. We will probably want to get together with Lennie to discuss this."
Eileen says, "Lennie, if a student can identify a book, video, article or other item that we do not have in our library, we will locate a library that does have it and ask them to send it to us. "
Maria say, "When we offer the online session to the class, will we be able to set up the proxy to we can go through the moo into a database?"
Eileen says, "Students get to keep the articles that are sent (the photocopies) and they get to borrow the books and other items for a set period of time."
Lennie says, "Students still have to come in person to pick it up though."
Lennie says, "I was just thinking about a student searching in the online catalogue. If they identified a book they wanted, they probably would want to reserve it for pick up."
Eileen says, "At this time we don't "hold" items for students--I think its a manpower problem."
Eileen says, "Maria, about the proxy server set up. I think that could be done."
Lennie nods with understanding. Woman power too...
Eileen says, "Wow--I h aven't typed so fast in a long time!"
Lennie says, "I am really impressed."
Maria say, "Sounds good. "
Lennie says, "Good job Eileen!"
Lennie claps wildly!
Eileen says, "This was fun. I hope we can get more attendees next time."
Maria say, "Thanks so much. Will get together soon about that web session for Inet English 1302!"

-- End log: Tuesday, September 4, 2001 2:49:51 pm AlaMOO time --