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Library
 A Quarterly Publication of Muskegon Community CollegeVol. 5, No. 2 - Dec 1999 - Feb 2000Inside this issue:
WebCat is Here!New Online Catalog Now AvailableWe are pleased to announce that our new online catalog is now available to anyone with an Internet connection. Check WebCat out at http://library.muskegon.cc.mi.us. Though we will have to take the system down for an hour or two a week for administrative updating, the new system will be available virtually 24 hours a day every day of the week.WebCat is much more sophisticated in searching operations, in displaying of records, and in navigating between records. And, one of the nicest things about WebCat is that it is much easier to use than our old system. Users may use WebCat to locate books, videocassettes, periodicals, and CD's. The faculty reserves collection is also being added to this new system. Our new online library catalog, WebCat is part of an integrated library system produced by Sirsi, Inc. In December we began using the circulation component of the new system. This has meant developing a new patron information database. All library users will be required on check-out to apply for a new library card. Our Information Technology Department played a major role in our conversion to this new system. Bo Stewart played an integral part in the system migration and we are very grateful for his time, efforts and expertise. In September, the library staff had a luncheon for Bo to formally thank him and wish him well in his new job in California. Our Information Technology Department continues to be very generous in their support and expertise and we are grateful to them.
New Journals AddedThe following new titles have been added to our periodical collection. Some issues may not yet be available.
Class OrientationsLast year, orientations were given in the library to 956 students as part of their regular class activities. Most of these were English 101 classes, but other areas were represented as well. In addition, librarians visited classrooms where specific information resources were targeted.To schedule a library orientation, call Roger Stoel at x260. To schedule a classroom demonstation, call Carol Briggs-Erickson at x416.
Check These Out! Noteworthy New BooksAmerican National Biography. Edited by John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes. Oxford University Press, 1999. Located in our Reference section: E 176 .A457 1999 24 volumes.This set is published under the auspices of the American Council of Learned Societies. For years the set was published by Charles Scribners Sons under the title Dictionary of American Biography or called DAB for short. The set included eight supplements and needed to be republished and updated as a new cumulated set. Scribners bowed out on this project and the prestigious Oxford University Press agreed to publish a new edition but had to change its title. This new 24-volume work includes noteworthy Americans (deceased) who have made a significant contribution to the history of the United States. The American Council of Learned Societies votes upon candidates to be included in the set. There are nearly 17,500 biographies in the new set. Some of the unique indexes in volume 24 include:
This scholarly work is an excellent addition to Umbreit Library's Reference Collection.
Free Magazines and JournalsWe currently subscribe to over 300 journals and magazines. For research purposes, we need to keep many years of back issues. Since our space is limited, it is necessary to keep older issues on microfiche. Once we receive the microfiche, we withdraw the print version of the journal or magazine. Those withdrawn periodicals are available on a table in the lower level of the library. Stop by and pick up some of the recently withdrawn titles:
Tax FormsIf you need tax forms, the library is the place to be. As in previous years, we have the most-requested federal forms, schedules and instructions. These are kept near the reference desk. If we do not have the forms, schedules or instructions that you need and if they are available at the IRS Internet site, we will download them and print them for you.Michigan forms may also be downloaded and printed. Call the reference desk at X326 if you would like us to send you any of the available materials.
Fall Reference SurveyOur seventh annual reference survey was conducted from October 29th through November 12th. The number of surveys given increased from last year due to an increase in reference desk activity. We were very pleased with the increase in reported satisfaction levels as well. A much higher percent of our students, staff and community members who asked for assistance at the reference desk reported being very satisfied.
Internet ExchangeNew StationsDue to heavy Internet usage, in the fall we added two more Internet stations. We now have four stations that are available to all patrons of Umbreit Library. Anyone using the stations must sign in and comply with our Internet Guidelines. Our Internet users have been excellent in complying with our guidelines. There is a half hour time limit on these computers.
We are frequently asked about filters for libraries. Our stand is that the current filters are poor and inefficient. The filters based on keywords filter out valuable scholarly resources and other newsworthy sources. Consequently, filters can be detrimental to efficient, comprehensive research. Consider this quote from Barb McMillan in Internet Filters:
The alternative filters, which act on domain names, are also inefficient since new Websites are continuously added.
Internet Searching Workshop March 9. 2:30 to 3:25 in Room 160. Learn how to effectively search using the top search engines and subject catalogs. We are frequently asked to assist in Internet searches for staff and students. In this workshop we share the most useful sites for effective Internet searching. The free workshop is open to staff and students. Call the reference desk at X326 to register.
Library Hours(Jan 5 - April 26) Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday Mid-Semester Vacation Monday - Friday Spring Session Monday - Thursday Friday No Weekend Hours
Umbreit Library Currents is published quarterly by the staff of the Allen G. Umbreit Library at Muskegon Community College. The mission of Umbreit Library Currents is to aid in our goal to keep all Umbreit Library users current about resources, policies, and staff activities. Editor: Contributing Editorial Staff: Back to Currents Main Directory
MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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