For an accessible version of this neweletter, email kharrell@tamut.edu or bmackey@tamut.edu
Aug 2020
Issue 16 of Library Newsletter now available In this issue: Library Return-to-Campus Statement Chat with a Librarian Spring and Summer for the Library Staff Missing the Library? Database Connection EagleCon 2020 Pictures Virtual Library Week Ebooks and Audiobooks on Overdrive
Library Return-to-Campus Statement From the TAMUT Guide to Returning to Campus, Version 1.0. Library Changes The library is actively working to have safety plans in place for the return of students, faculty and staff to our campus space. There is now a designated third floor entrance and exit to help coordinate traffic flow. Since the library is a public area, facemasks must be worn. Hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes will be available for users. The number of soft seating chairs, study tables and computer workstations has been reduced and rearranged to follow social distance guidelines. Users can select the type of workspace needed and will be limited to that space. A library seat reservation system will enable one to view available seats and reserve a spot from an electronic device or the Library Kiosk located outside the third floor entrance. Users will then check in and out of the space with their smartphone by scanning a QR code or using a mobile-friendly webpage. This process will help easily identify spaces to clean between uses. Because of limited seating, an initial two hour time slot will be imposed but not enforced unless the space is needed by another person. The stacks will be closed for browsing but the library will fill requests to retrieve books or media items to checkout for library pickup. Gloves will be used to pull items and all returned items will be quarantined between uses. Curbside Pickup/Contactless Checkout options will also be available. Users place holds through the library catalog and the staff will contact the requestor to coordinate check-out/pick-up option. Normal library hours are under review and will be posted closer to the campus reopening. Regardless of an open or closed campus, the library will continue to provide services. • • •
Find our chat, email or phone contact at http://libguides.tamut.edu/help For library updates see http://libguides.tamut.edu/blog For FAQ’s see https://libanswers.tamut.edu/
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! HELP
CHAT WITH A LIBRARIAN
by Sydney Custer & Kendra Harrell
BAM! The paper that you knew was going
to be due tomorrow is now due. You never cease to amaze yourself with how far you will go to procrastinate. Do not fret! The library has afterhours 24/7 help with Chat with a Librarian. On the library home page (http:// library.tamut.edu) there is a perfectly exclaimed Help! button you can click that will take you to the information you need.
The page provides library hours, a phone number, a number to text, a chat box for 24/7 help, and a helpful librarian you can email directly for assistance. You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
Use the chat if you need help with...
• Figuring out which databases to use for your research • Perfecting a search so that you actually find the information you need • Reporting an access problem with a database (we can troubleshoot some issues, and some we will have to refer to IT) • Research methods questions • Finding out about events in the library • Planning a research project • Questions about a library service
Spring and Summer for the Library Staff The library’s Administrative Coordinator, Barbara Mackey, grew some really nice tomatoes! She also planted 12 baby Saw Tooth Oak trees on her property, and shared her daily work with her work from home buddy!
Library Specialist Claudia Gorse has gotten 2 haircuts from her mom since May. Working from home, her cat Peter Pan has been a big help.
Librarian Kendra Harrell had a busy few months. She spent some time with her dogs and doing art, celebrated her birthday, moved to a new house, got kittens, dyed her hair, and made lots of masks!
Archivist Katy Elkins’ husband loves Zinnias. She’s not that fond of gardening, but she’s doing her best to bring a smile to his face!
Missing the library? There’s so much of the John F. Moss Library that you can access online from home! Check us out at https://ibrary.tamut.edu
Our website has:
24/7 librarian chat Database searching for research articles, ebooks, and videos
Leisure reading and audiobooks through Overdrive
Streaming video through Feature Films for Education
We know it’s not the same as being here yourself, but even when you’re studying or working from home,
the library has your back. If you need help, please ask. We are here to help you and support your educational goals!
Research guides by topic or class
Human anatomy is known to be a challenging subject to master and teach, but traditional resources and lab materials are often limited, making it difficult for students to comprehend essential concepts. Now you can breathe new life into the study of Human Anatomy with Gale Interactive: Human Anatomy, an innovative learning aid that allows students to examine virtual 3D dissections and immerse themselves in interactive research. These powerful tools can be used for in-classroom demonstrations or help with homework and research assignments. Students in Human Anatomy college courses can access a flexible and robust learning experience with Gale Interactive, allowing them to: • delve deep into concepts with tools to zoom, rotate, and explore models. • experience guided interactive lessons aligned with course curriculum. • view relevant reference content from Gale for further study and research. • use self-assessments to ensure concept comprehension. • access resources on their computer at any time through multiple web browsers.
From https://www.gale.com/c/interactive-human-anatomy
On the very day that the university’s temporary closure was announced, the library held our 2020 Eagle Con!
Stephanie Mann won the award “How long did that take you?” for her Nebula costume.
We tried out a new “photo booth” setup for our pictures, and it was a great success!
Library student worker Abram Garza won the “Most Original” award for dressing up as former student worker Josh Oden.
“NO CAPES!”
It was a great (temporary) goodbye to the library! We enjoyed the day and many thanks to those who attended!
Our annual Library Week celebration was all virtual this year, as the university was closed during the pandemic.
Book selfies!
Library student workers put a lot of time and effort into making instructional videos for databases and other library topics. Take a look at those and more pictures of Virtual Library Week on the library’s blog page at https://libguides.tamut.edu/blog
The Edible Book Festival went virtual this year as well, with photo entries!
Librarian Kendra Harrell did a live storytime at the end of the week, reading “Nobody Hugs a Cactus,” by Carter Goodrich. This children’s book is available on Overdrive!
Great leisure reading and listening available on
Through the library, you have free access to hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks in OverDrive! Here’s a small selection of the titles you can check out!
To access OverDrive, use the library’s A-Z Database list through library.tamut. edu, or go directly to tamus.overdrive.com and login with your EagleID
John F. Moss Library
7101 University Ave, University Center, 3rd Floor South Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 223-3100 library.tamut.edu
Newsletter content by Sydney Custer, and Kendra Harrell Edited by Ginger Mann & Teri Stover Layout & Graphics by Vecteezy.com & Kendra Harrell Questions about this newsletter? Contact kendra.harrell@tamut.edu