University Library News

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10/21/2024
Anna Karras
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November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). During this time, people all over the world set a goal to write 50,000 words of a new novel in 30 days. 

 

Since 1999, NaNoWriMo has given both writers and non-writers the opportunity to unleash their creative minds through a fun and empowering writing challenge. 

 

Throughout November, and in collaboration with the Department of Language & Literature, the library invites you to take up NaNoWriMo at our weekly two-hour write-ins. These write-ins might possibly include writing prompts, writing sprints, raffles and snacks. 

 

This event is a perfect opportunity for any and all students to learn some fun techniques that will aid in your tackling of NaNoWriMo. 

 

Every event will be held at the Data Visualization Wall on the 1st Floor of Library West. Please bring your laptop, notebook, or whatever you need to write! Registering on Eagle Link is encouraged, but not required. 

 

To learn more about NaNoWriMo, visit their website at nanowrimo.org. We hope to see you there! 

 

09/30/2024
Anna Karras
No Subjects
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Over one hundred Eagles sailed across the library during our welcome event. Throughout their hunt, students learned about specific library resources while collecting lots of coins, candy and fun prizes. 

 

The Media Production Studio’s photo booth was a big hit during the scavenger hunt. A digital background of a pirate ship was used to make the theme come alive.

 

After participants completed their hunt, they spun the wheel for a prize. Some of the prizes included tote bags, stress balls, pencil pouches and more. It was a thrill to see so many students stop by the library to learn about and utilize our services, as well as meet many of our staff members who made this event possible! 

 

09/23/2024
Anna Karras
No Subjects
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By Alejandra Velez, Archives Assistant

 

Oof, archival work is no joke! I spent a full year processing a collection that completely changed my view on academic institutions like Florida Gulf Coast University. Throughout this experience of processing and learning the ins and outs of archival work, I’ve come to realize one thing… I really like it. Dealing with such a long and extensive collection was both rewarding and frustrating. I’d come to work and spend eight hours a day processing an extensive paper and photograph collection. I often found myself repeating the same tasks daily: coffee, then processing, another coffee break, and more processing. Some days I would have to take a step back and remind myself why I was sorting through thousands of letters, photographs, newspapers, university policies, and materials. The answer was the same every time: no matter how long it took me to complete a box, the sense of relief I felt when finished was better than the sense of frustration. I also rewarded myself with a treat sometimes!  

 

I learned so much about FGCU and its amazing past while scouring through the material. Like this project, the University has had its ups and downs in its relatively short history. Despite our academic institution being only 27 years old, it is filled with a rich history that brought together all members of the Southwest Florida Community. Working on the Susan Evans Papers Collection made me realize that the people in our own communities have the potential to be the biggest influence in our lives. I’ll be the first to admit this was no easy task for me to complete and sometimes I felt like I was in over my head, but the sweet reward was well worth it in the end. For me, this brought me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming an archivist.  

 

09/16/2024
Anna Karras
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Every year, the library’s FGCU Authors & Artists Program recognizes faculty and staff scholarship in its varied formats. Our 2025 recognition reception will honor these faculty and staff. In addition, the library will feature each faculty and their work on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. 

FGCU faculty and staff that have authored or edited book publications or creative works including artwork, performances and musical scores between 2023 and 2024 are eligible to be considered for the 2025 celebration event. 

If you meet the above criteria, we encourage you to fill out the submission form THIS YEAR by clicking HERE. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Research, Scholarship, & Instruction department at libref@fgcu.edu. 

09/09/2024
Anna Karras
No Subjects
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Ahoy, Eagles! Join us for our Welcome Event on Thursday, September 12. Follow the treasure map and discover what the FGCU Library has to offer as you start your voyage to graduation! Sail across the library on a scavenger hunt, collect doubloons and discover our top-notch resources. Finally, enter the drawing and spin the wheel for your chance at treasure.  

 

We have been doing a Welcome Event since 2013. Each year we have a different theme, this year’s is pirate-themed. “This event is an opportunity to have fun and see the library as a welcoming place, while also learning about the library’s resources and services,” said Outreach Librarian Heather Snapp. 

 

Make your way to the first floor of Library West. We will treasure hunt from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come and go as you please! Even if you have 20 minutes between classes, we’d love for you to join us. You will also have an opportunity to meet lots of faculty, staff and students who work in the library. See you there! 

08/28/2024
Anna Karras
No Subjects
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Hi everyone! I'm Em Farmer and I'm the new research impact librarian for the FGCU library. I have an MLIS from Valdosta State University and my bachelor's in psychology from Oglethorpe University. 

      

Research impact refers to the effects that research has on society, the economy, and fields of study. It's a way of measuring how research influences practices and policies in real-world contexts. Assessing research impact involves looking at various indicators, such as citation counts, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback. It's a way to demonstrate the broader value and significance of research beyond just academic achievements.

 

Evaluating research impact is important for researchers for many reasons. On the large scale, it can help to justify investment to stakeholders, increase transparency in the research process, and promote accountability for researchers. On an individual level, it can be evidence for applying for grants, getting promoted, and earning awards. 

 

As stated in the strategic plan, FGCU prioritizes high impact practices. By emphasizing impact on an individual level, we get closer to achieving our university's vision. Having high levels of research impact can help the university's ranking, secure funding, and attract students and faculty. Focusing on issues and research on a larger scale like this also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. 

 

I'm so excited to work here and help the university achieve its goals. Please reach out to me (emfarmer@fgcu.edu) if you are interested in maximizing your impact.

08/14/2024
Matt Losey
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The University Library has just unveiled an exciting new feature: the One Button Studio. This innovative space is designed to make media creation simple and accessible, whether you’re a student, staff, or faculty member.

What Is the One Button Studio?

The One Button Studio is a user-friendly space equipped with a high-definition camera, professional lighting, and quality microphones. The magic happens with just a single button press that starts the recording process, taking care of all technical adjustments for you.

Why It Matters

  • Enhances Learning: Perfect for recording lectures, class assignments, or working on multimedia projects, the studio supports various academic and creative needs.
  • Accessible to All: It eliminates the technical barriers to high-quality media production, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to create professional content.
  • Fosters Creativity: By simplifying the recording process, the studio encourages more innovative and engaging projects across the university.

Getting Started

  1. Book Your Time: Reserve your slot via the library’s website or Main Circulation Desk.
  2. Prepare Your Content: Plan what you want to record beforehand.
  3. Record Easily: Follow the simple instructions, press the button, and let the studio handle the rest.
  4. Edit and Review: Use the library’s resources or your own software to finalize your content.

The One Button Studio is a game-changer for anyone looking to produce high-quality media with ease. We’re excited to see the creative projects that will emerge from this new addition to our library.

If you have any questions, please email Matt Losey, mlosey@fgcu.edu, Creative Commons Lab Coordinator.

 

08/14/2024
profile-icon Anna Carlin
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FGCU Library staff have been busy looking at the list of textbooks for next semester and have prepared over 1500 course materials lists that correspond with courses on offer during the fall semester. The library covers over half of the fall 2024 textbooks with library-owned materials either in print or electronic format!

If you are a student, check and see if there are reading lists for courses you are taking (or are interested in taking). Your course textbook could be available for you to borrow or to view online at no cost to you!

If you are an instructor, check and see if we have already made you a course reading list. If there is a reading list for your course with library-owned materials in it, be sure to share with your students by activating your lists in your Canvas courses. You can easily add more books, videos, articles, and websites to any pre-made reading lists to make them your own. If you don’t have a pre-made list, you can always create one!

Course Reading Lists are available for any FGCU faculty member to create or edit. These course readings lists can be fully integrated into Canvas, making it easy for students to connect with course readings and resources. Course Reading Lists can be used to create low-cost or zero-cost courses using library resources or Open Education Resources (OER). See our complete guide to Course Reading Lists to learn about the possibilities.

How to Read a Library Created Course Materials List

The library creates online "reading lists" for courses each semester. We start those reading lists with required textbook information we get from the bookstore. If the library owns a print or electronic copy of the textbook, there will be a link or location information linked to that citation. If we do not own the textbook, only the title and ISBN information will appear, along with an indication that the book is available from the bookstore.

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FGCU's ScholarsCommons is a public portal that highlights the scholarship and expertise of FGCU's community of scholars. It provides access to their collective research activities and allows anyone to view works including articles, book chapters, creative works, theses and dissertations and more. Works can be browsed or searched by subject, author, college/unit, or research type.

To date there are over 8,000 total works in ScholarsCommons, 63,325 views, and over 6,000 downloads worldwide. 

Please contact Kaleena Rivera (krivera@fgcu.edu) for more information, or to help answer any questions.

 

 

 

04/23/2024
No Subjects

The University Library presents Pressbooks, an open-source application that you can use to create engaging and interactive Open Educational Resources that are freely available to your students on the first day of class. Create or compile multimedia-rich content that engages students and enhances their learning experience.

Register for an account here. Please note, however, that due to limited capacity, accounts will be approved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Don't miss out! Contact Regina Beard (rmbeard@fgcu.edu) with questions.

Join the Pressbooks community today and transform your teaching materials into dynamic assets that inspire learning.

Field is required.