Wednesday, May 28, 2014

How Informationally Literate Are You?

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
Did you ever think of a great topic to write about, but couldn't find the right information to support it? Information literacy is becoming a challenge today in a world of overwhelming resources, and the problem is not finding information, but finding the right information. A search engine, with thousands of pages of results, makes sifting through information long and tedious and is not the fastest or most reliable way to search.


Narrowing down your topic to get the results you want requires an understanding of where to research (database, search engine, directory, etc.), how to search (by keyword, author, title), and how to evaluate the results to see if they are right for your topic.

But it doesn't have to stop at research papers. What if you want to start your own business don't know where to begin? What if you had a wonderful meal and want to find the recipe? Finding information in today's digital world is an essential skill for everyone.

So, how informationally literate are you?

Take this Information Literacy Quiz to see how much you know about researching.

Whether you get a 100 or a 1 on the quiz, remember that CSU librarians are here to help you in any way they can to connect you to the information you need. Take time to see our subject librarians and get help with your research project.

Friday, May 23, 2014

CSU Libraries Closed 5/26 in Observance of Memorial Day



CSU Libraries will be closed on Monday, May 26th, for Memorial Day and will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, May 27th.


Thursday, May 22, 2014

Summer of Sci-Fi and Fantasy



Immerse yourself in strange worlds and explore the unknown. Read some of the the most well-known sci-fi and fantasy books like Harry Potter and Ender's Game by going to the  McNaughton collection on the first floor of Simon Schwob Library. All of these books are winners of the Nebula and Hugo Awards, which recognize the best science fiction and fantasy published in the US. Also, get a chance to read a little about the authors before you check out the book.




Monday, May 19, 2014

Maymester Begins

Maymester begins today! Take care of all your study needs at Columbus State University Libraries. Maymester dates are May 19th - June 6th. Click here for Simon Schwob Library hours and here for the Music Library hours.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Maymester Hours

Simon Schwob Library will have the following hours for Maymester. The library will be closed for Memorial day on May 26th. Visit our hours page for more information.

Maymester Semester Hours

Day(s)

Hours

Monday - Thursday     8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday     8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday     Closed
Sunday     1:00 pm - 6:00pm










Friday, May 9, 2014

Welcome Paul Luft


Paul has  Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University and a BS in Pharmacy from Butler University. He has experience as a Hospital Pharmacist at the Madison Center and Hospital in South Bend Indiana and Dukes Memorial in Peru Indiana as well as a librarian at Ancilla Domini College in Donaldson Indiana. Paul brings with him a great deal of experience in evidence based clinical education as well as enthusiasm for teaching undergraduates the research skills necessary to be successful students. Please join us in welcoming Paul to CSU!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Summer Reads


























Look at your room, now look at these books, now back to your room. Sadly, these books are not in your room, providing hours of entertainment at all times of the day, but they can be. Each student, staff, and faculty member of Columbus State University libraries has access to the McNaughton book collection, books chosen for casual reading, so take advantage of the extra hours during the summer to catch some new great reads. These shelves are by the forum area in Simon Schwob Library. Bring a CSU ID card, and you can have each of these lovely books for up to three weeks at a time.


Friday, May 2, 2014

4 Study Tips for Finals Success


1. Alternate Study Spots—Location matters!  Pick places that are quiet and allow focus (like the 2nd and 3rd floor of the library).  Once you find your spots move around. Research has found that students who study in more than one location do better than those that stick to one spot. Please be considerate of noise levels during finals time and remember to close group study room doors.


2. Minimize Technology Distractions—Who hasn’t found themselves caught in the black holes of Buzzfeed, Facebook, Email, Wikipedia…
Try turning your phone on airplane mode, or off altogether, to minimize the urge to check in.  If you need to use a laptop for studying don’t keep a Facebook tab open for distraction.  Instead, try setting small study goals and rewarding yourself with a 5-minute Facebook break.  The goal is to focus instead of multitasking and dividing attention.

3. Write it Down—If you’ve ever had an instructor who’s allowed you to bring in a problem sheet or note sheet you may have noticed that just the act of writing it out helps to remember. Studies have found that note taking is more effective on memory then mental rehearsal. Note taking allows you to process and synthesize the main points of the lecture in your own words and you are more likely to listen closely when you are not just planning to fall back on handouts of the slides.  If you haven’t taken your own notes all semester, rewrite the main points of the chapters or power points.  If you have a study guide fill it out by hand. 

4. Take Care of Yourself—Be aware that your consumption of content is not the only thing effecting your exam performance.  It’s tempting to stay up into the wee hours studying and surviving on take-out and coffee but that could leave you a stressed, tired mess on exam day.  Plan to eat healthy, drink water, and get in exercise and sleep.

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