EVENT: Game Night – September 20

Join us this Thursday, September 20th for our very first Game Night.

For this event we’re featuring the classic card games Rummy, Canasta, and Spades. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a place for you at the table and an opportunity to earn a spot on the leaderboard.

Don’t know how to play? No worries. We’ll have the rules handy.

Don’t have any cards? We got you covered there, too.

Feeling too famished to play games? We’ll have some light refreshments (that comply with the library’s food policy, of course.)

Got more questions? Contact Beth Smedley (ElizabethSmedley@clayton.edu, 678-466-4331)

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EVENT: Midterms voter registration drive

Usually when we talk about preparing for midterms, we share tips for searching databases, citing sources, or securing group study space. We’ll definitely get to that later, but there’s another set of midterms we want to make sure you’re ready for, too: the 2018 Midterm Elections.

Midterm elections don’t always get as much press as presidential election years, and voter turnout is usually lower. But all elections have consequences, and midterms are especially important when it comes to local impact. Between the House, the Senate and governor races across the country, voters have the opportunity to decide the fate of over 500 elected officials. In Georgia, all 10 executive offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, etc.) are on the ballot. Georgia voters will also select their representatives to the U.S. House and vote on various measures. Lastly, there are a number of county and local office on ballots across the state.

And that’s why we want to help you help your state. Midterm elections take place on November 6, 2018, and the last day to register is October 9th. To make sure we are all ready, the Library is partnering with the Political Science program to participate in National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 25, from 9am – 4pm, in the Library and Clayton Hall lobbies.

First started for the 2012 presidential election, National Voter Registration Day has become a 50-state holiday where thousands of organizations and volunteers organize to ensure our family, friends, and neighbors are registered to vote. As a nonpartisan coalition of organizations, National Voter Registration Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved no matter what party you support or which issues matter most to you.

Want to get involved? RSVP for National Voter Registration Day. Volunteer opportunities are available. Contact ErinNagel@clayton.edu with questions.

UPDATE: Library reopens Sunday, 8/19

We have excellent news! The HVAC renovation has been progressing smoothly, and we are on schedule to open as planned. In some ways we are even ahead of schedule. Keep reading for details.

All desktop computers are installed, and our SmartPrint printers are working. Our photocopiers are not back yet, but the document scanner is operational. The monitors in the group rooms are back on the walls, and the room reservation system is up and running. However, a few rooms (140, 212, and 230) are still unavailable.

When you visit us, please be mindful and aware that there may be exposed wires, debris, and perhaps even workers present. Also, we may continue to experience fluctuations in temperature, and there may be times when it is quite cold. We recommend coming prepared with extra layers you can add and remove as needed. Any interruption should be minimal, and we appreciate your patience. We are committed to providing you a welcoming environment conducive to study and research, and this project is part of that effort.

Reopening Schedule

Sunday, August 19

The Upper Level will be open 1pm – 10pm, but the Lower Level is still closed. If you need an item from the Circulating Collection, inquire at the information desk or submit a request online.

Monday, August 20

The Upper Level will be open 8am – 10pm and the Lower Level will open from 1pm – 10pm.

Tuesday, August 21

Regular semester hours resume.

Monday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm (Upper Level only)
Sunday: 1pm – 10pm

As always, our electronic resources are available 24 hours a day from our website. Please reach out to us at library@clayton.libanswers.com with any questions or concerns.

 

Fall semester renovation UPDATE

The official start of Fall 2018 semester is just days away. It’s time, then, for an update on the library’s HVAC renovation.

(If this is all news to you, catch up on the renovation history here.)

We will be moving out of our temporary home in Arts & Sciences G-101 soon, but the library building will still be inaccessible. We know that this may cause extra inconvenience during the start of the semester, but we, as always, are committed to providing excellent service and keeping you informed. Read below for how to access the library from now through Fall semester.

Please be aware that the information below may change due to unexpected delays. Please return to the blog or follow us on Twitter for the latest status updates.

Today, Thursday, August 9

Find us in Arts & Sciences, G-101. Pickup and return GIL Express, InterLibrary Loan and Clayton State owned items here. Limited laptop computers are available for use in G-101 or for 6-hour loan. You may send documents to SmartPrint from our laptops. Pick up your print jobs at one of the many other SmartPrint locations. Get help in G-101, by phone (678-466-4345), email, or chat.

Friday  August 10

We will be relocating equipment and resources from our temporary locations back to the Library building. Reference phones, email, and chat will not be monitored regularly. Please direct urgent library questions to Adam Kubik (678-466-4337). You may also reach out to specific library employees who may be monitoring their individual lines of communication. Item pickup and return is unavailable.

Monday – Tuesday, August 13-14

The library building is still closed. Reference phones, email, and chat will not be monitored regularly. Laptops, equipment, and reference support will be available from 9am – 4pm Monday on Main Street and Tuesday on the lower level University Center near the Information Desk and Dining Hall.

Wednesday – Friday, August 15 – 17

The library building is still closed, but reference support is available via phone (678-466-4346), email, and chat. Course reserves, laptops, and in-person reference support will be available Main Street from 1pm – 4pm on Wednesday and from 9am – 4pm Thursday and Friday.

beginning Sunday, August 19

Library Upper Level will open to the public with full reference support and limited computer access. Lower Level will still be off limits. Submit circulating item requests online. Pick up and return GIL Express and InterLibrary loan items at the Upper Level Information Desk. Group room access may be limited. Continue to pick up your print jobs at other SmartPrint locations until further notice.

Fall semester hours are Monday – Thursday, 8am – 10pm, Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 1pm – 10pm.

NOTE: In order to complete testing of the HVAC system, it will be necessary for the temperature in the library to be kept at 55 degrees. Please dress accordingly.

Upcoming Library Events

UPDATE: Due to complications the Minute Clinics have been postponed until later in the semester.

• Wednesday, August 15 – Department Day, 11am –  1pm, UC Main Street
• Thursday, August 16 – Minute Clinics – 11am – noon, 3pm – 4pm, UC Lobby near Information Desk
• Tuesday, August 21- Minute Clinics – 11am – noon, 3pm – 4pm, UC Lobby near Information Desk
• Wednesday, August 22- Minute Clinics – 11am – noon, 3pm – 4pm, UC Lobby near Information Desk

Thank you for your continued patience as we work to provide a more welcoming and comfortable environment for all of your library needs. We look forward to seeing you soon.

UPDATE: Library relocated end of summer term

As part of the ongoing renovations to the HVAC system, the library is experiencing intermittent closings this semester. One of these closings, July 12 – August 13, will occur during Summer finals. Below are a few recommendations to promote a successful end to the semester.

1. Start early
   This is something we always recommend, but it’s even more important with these interruptions.
   1. Students: Start your research early so we can help access any materials you may need.
   2. Faculty: Assign projects requiring library access earlier in the semester so students have time to make arrangements.
2. Ask for assistance
   Likewise, this is a typical suggestion that is more relevant now. Much of our collection is, literally, under wraps and inaccessible to the public, but we go daily to pull requested books. We can also direct you to digital resources when physical ones are not available.
   1. Students: Book an appointment with a reference librarian to get connected to the best information sources.
   2. Faculty: Invite a librarian to your class to provide an overview of helpful resources tailored to your subject area and assignments.
3. Identify alternative spaces
   Use this time to explore other useful spaces on campus. Find quiet study space outside the Provost suite on the 2^nd floor of the University Center. Power your laptop at one of the tables in the UC Commons. Contact the Center for Academic Success to reserve a study room, and cozy up in comfy seating with lake views at the Lakeview Discovery & Science Center.

We’re still here for you
Even though the library building is closed to the public, WE are not, and we will work to make library resources and services as accessible as possible during this time. Beginning Friday, July 13, Library staff will be available in room G-101 in the Arts & Sciences building. Visit us there to:

• Check out and use course reserves – Reserves materials will be housed in G-101 and available for loan. A document scanner and DVD player will be available for materials that can’t leave the premises.
• Borrow laptops and equipment – Laptop computers and small equipment like phone chargers and webcams will be available for 6 hour loans.
• Pick up library owned physical resources – Request library-owned materials using the Item Pickup Request Form and pick them up in G-101.
• Pick up GIL Express/ InterLibrary Loan items – Submit requests online and pick up in G-101.
• Get Reference Assistance – Reference librarians will be available during normal hours in G-101 and remotely via chat, email, phone, and text.

Timeline
The relocation process will begin July 9, and access to some resources and services will be impacted then. We will close at 5pm on July 11 and remain closed July 12 to allow for final preparations and equipment relocation. Library staff and limited resources will be available in G-101 beginning July 13. Hours for the remainder of summer semester are: Monday – Thursday, 8am – 9pm and Friday 8am – 5pm. The library is closed Saturdays and a librarian is available for virtual support only on Sundays, 12 – 9pm. Beginning Tuesday, July 24, we will be available in G-101, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.

Faculty and staff of the Clayton State Library are committed to providing quality service and support to the Clayton State community during this project. Follow us here on our blog and our other social media channels to stay up to date on the progress of this exciting renovation, and please reach out to us at library@clayton.libanswers.com with any questions or concerns.

Be a library rock star! Apply today

Are you a problem solver? Do you enjoy helping others reach their goals? Are you a quick learner, comfortable with new technology? Then the library might have a job for you.

We are looking for some stellar student assistants to work in the library during Fall 2018.

Responsibilities

General duties will include answering basic library questions, greeting patrons in person and over the phone, assisting with library equipment, checking in and out library materials, and maintaining order of library collections on the shelf. In addition, student assistants may monitor the online chat service, provide basic reference and technology assistance, and assist with closing the library. Specific duties will vary depending upon which floor assistants are assigned to work, but students will receive training for all tasks.

Requirements

The right candidates will demonstrate a commitment to customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Dependability and flexibility are also required. Candidates should also demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills and have some computer experience. The library uses an Integrated Library System, so the ability to learn new technology is required.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must be an undergraduate student in good academic standing. We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2018 semester. Student assistants may work a maximum of 19.5 hours per week. Assigned weekly hours will vary depending on student availability and library coverage needs. Most student assistants work between 12-15 hours per week.

This could be you!

How to apply

If this sounds right for you, please download, complete, and submit the Library Student Assistant application to: LibraryJobs@groups.clayton.edu.

Please direct all questions to LibraryJobs@groups.clayton.edu

NOTICE: Construction affects library access

If you’ve taken a look around campus lately, it’s no surprise that there are a number of construction projects going on. The Clayton State Library, as part of these planned campus projects, will be undergoing renovation of the entire heating and cooling system.

Over the years we have listened to your comments about the temperature in the library, and we hope that this update will provide for a more comfortable internal climate and better temperature control throughout the building.

However, in the words of American writer, Max Beerbohm, “No fine work can be done without concentration and self-sacrifice and toil and doubt.” As you can expect, a project of this magnitude will require some sacrifice, specifically in the form of disruptions in service and access to the library.

Below are the expected dates of impact to the library and how we are planning to mitigate their effects. Please be aware that specific dates are subject to change. (Updates will be posted here in RED.)

May 8 – May 21 The physical library and University Archives will be inaccessible.

• Library staff will be relocated temporarily.
• Phone lines accessible: 678-466-4235 (Main), 678-466-4345 (Circulation), 678-466-4346 (Reference)
• Virtual reference assistance available via chat Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm.
• In-person reference assistance available on Main St., Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm, May 9-18.
• Electronic resources available 24/7 from library website.
• Patrons requiring physical resources should use GIL Express and InterLibrary Loan services during this time.
• UPDATE: Request items from the Circulating Collection to be picked up the next day with the Circulating Item Request Form.
• Patrons who use the library for printing services should use other SmartPrint locations.
• Return library books to exterior book drops (near Jazzman’s and library courtyard entrance).

May 22-July 12

• Upper Level of the library will be open to the public during regular summer semester hours: Monday – Thursday, 8am – 9pm; Friday, 8am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 9pm.
• University Archives reopen
• Lower Level of the library will be closed to the public.
• Patrons may request items from the Circulating Collection to be pulled and held for pick up on the Upper Level using the Circulating Item Request Form.
• GIL Express and InterLibrary Loan materials will be held for pick-up on the Upper Level.
• Course reserves available on the Upper Level.
• Most electronic equipment, such as public desktop computers and group room display monitors will be housed in temporary storage.
• Limited number of public desktop computers will be available for use in the library.
• Equipment lending (laptops, chargers, webcams, etc.) is not impacted and will be available on the Upper Level.
• Most group rooms will be available throughout this period, and the reservation calendar will be updated accordingly. Groups with special needs should contact Heidi Benford to request accommodation. HeidiBenford@clayton.edu
• Librarians will travel to classrooms for in-class instruction during this time frame only.

July 13-August 13 The physical library and University Archives will be inaccessible. Same conditions apply as during May 8 -21.

“We will make every effort to update the campus community regarding the availability of our resources and services during this phase,” says Dr. Gordon Baker, Dean of Libraries. “While we can’t predict exactly what will happen and when, what we are certain of is our commitment to delivering quality service and support to the Clayton State community. The dates presented in this news item are projections.  As with any construction project, dates are flexible. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you the best library experience possible.”

Follow us here on our blog and our other social media channels to stay up to date on the progress of this exciting renovation, and please reach out to us at library@clayton.libanswers.com with any questions or concerns.

Help us celebrate National Library Week

Each year in April the American Library Association sponsors National Library Week, a week for celebrating the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions. April 8-14, the Clayton State University Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs and expertise they offer.

The Clayton State Library helps lead the community by offering research support and innovative programming and resources to our campus and its visitors. Here, students will find quiet spaces for study and reflection, group study rooms for collaborative projects, and technology resources to help accomplish their academic goals. Our library offers access to approximately 35,000 ebooks and countless journal articles that can be accessed in person or online. We provide all of this without sacrificing the traditional role of the library’s print reference and circulating book collections and quality, personalized reference services. In addition, we have collaborated with other groups to offer exhibits and bring unique programs to our campus and community. In the past year, we have explored the fantastical world of Harry Potter and the harsh realities of World War I.

This year the Clayton State Library is celebrating National Library Week with some fun and games (educational of course) on Main Street and online. We hope you’ll join us throughout the week as we recognize the impact of all libraries on their communities and lead the fight against Fake News.  See more details of our National Library Week activities below:

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National Library Week (April 8– 14)

Main Street games
Find us on Main Street Tuesday (4/10) through Thursday (4/12) from 11am – 2pm for fun opportunities to learn about Fake News. We’ll have interactive games so bring your competitive spirit and a wi-fi enabled device to play along. Let’s show the world that Lakers don’t like Fakers.

Bad News game
Learn how fake news is spread by trying to get as many followers in the Bad News Game. Play on your computer, phone, or tablet.

 

 

 

Where did the library lead you? Promotion
Share your library story for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card and a copy of “Firebird,” the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book by Misty Copeland, 2018 National Library Week Honorary Chair. Details here.

 

National Library Workers Day

National Library Workers Day is April 10th. Stop by the library to thank a library worker in person or leave a thank you note on any of our social media networks (http://facebook.com/claytonstatelibrary; http://twitter.com/claytonstatelib; http://instagram.com/claytonstatelibrary). Library patrons can also nominate library workers to the “Galaxy of Stars”

From ALA.org: To show appreciation for library workers and the work they do every day, the public is invited to “Submit a Star” by providing a testimonial about a favorite library employee at http://ala-apa.org/nlwd/#galaxy. Examples of nominations can include how library staff helped with learning a new technology, writing a cover letter, starting a small business or researching a topic for a term paper. Each testimonial (listing first names, library type and city/state location only) will be posted in the “Galaxy of Stars” on the NLWD website to honor deserving library workers. To follow or post on Twitter, the public can use the hashtag #librarystars. In addition, those celebrating National Library Workers Day can share their celebrations on Twitter, using #nlwd18 and/or posting to the NLWD Facebook page http://facebook.com/NationalLibraryWorkersDay. For more information, please visit http://ala-apa.org/nlwd/.

Star flickr photo by Bitterjug shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

EBSCO Retiring its eBooks App

EBSCO announced that they will be retiring their eBooks app in late May 2018. If you have been using EBSCO’s app on any of your devices and would like to continue using something similar for your electronic books, EBSCO recommends the Bluefire Reader or any other app supported by Adobe Digital Editions.
Fortunately, users are not required to use any of the aforementioned applications. Most EBSCO eBooks can be viewed on any PC or Mac as PDF or HTML files.
EBSCO plans to focus on the EPUB format according to their announcement:

“With EPUB files becoming increasingly advanced, EBSCO has invested in this format to provide a robust online and mobile experience. EPUB allows for reflowable text, display modification and increased compatibility with screen readers, so we are confident that the future of EPUB will provide the best user experience for our customers and your users. Since the current EBSCO eBooks app is not compatible with this advanced functionality, we have decided to re-evaluate our mobile offering.”

Have questions about electronic books or how to access them on your mobile device?  Clayton State University librarians can help.  Our eBooks @ the Clayton State Library LibGuide details all of our ebook holdings plus tips on how to use them.
Have questions about other topics? LibAnswers is available 24/7 for the answers to frequently asked questions and all of our contact information.

March Featured Resource: Nexis Uni

LexisNexis Academic has long been on of our most popular resources. It recently underwent a massive interface upgrade and name change. You can still find the same newspapers, medical journals, company financial information, wire reports, and law reviews, but you’ll find a more intuitive and customizable interface in Nexis Uni. Registration is recommended to set personal preferences and customizations.

You will find you have access to:

• over 15,000 news, business, legal, medical and reference publications
• local, regional, international, and foreign language newspapers
• broadcast transcripts and wire service reports
• state & federal statutes, regulations, Shepard’s Citations
• legislation, Supreme Court opinions back to 1790, law reviews
• domestic and international company financial information, economic data, and SEC filings and reports

Need Help?

• Compare LexisNexis Academic vs Nexis Uni
• Top 10 Features in Nexis Uni

Technical issues have been reported and are being addressed by LexisNexis. To report an issue, contact the GALILEO support team, http://www.galileo.usg.edu/scholar/clayton/contact.