University Library News - University Library at Florida Gulf Coast University

Are you looking for research help with your final papers? Do you have questions about reliable sources? Our librarians are offering Rapid Research assistance at the Circulation desk Monday 11/30 – Friday 12/4 between noon and 4pm. Stop and see us for answers to your questions. Also remember, we still offer online chat assistance M-F, 9am-6pm and Sun 1pm-5pm.

Recent Posts

Getting the Most Out of Google Scholar

Join us on Monday, March 10, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a virtual workshop that will help you enhance your Google Scholar skills. Google Scholar, a subset of Google Web Search, is a search engine that helps users find scholarly literature such as articles, books, and theses. Google Scholar gets its information from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities, and other websites. Many students and faculty use Google Scholar, but are you getting as much out of it as you can? In this virtual workshop you will learn the following: How to set up Google Scholar to connect to our FGCU Library holdings How to use Advanced Search functionality How to set up your Google Scholar profile And more Register on the library’s calendar page to get our link to this virtual workshop. CLICK HERE....

Celebrating FGCU Presidents

By Emily Murray, Archives Coordinator Happy Presidents Day! To celebrate, the University Archives and Special Collections looks back at the visionary leaders who have shaped Florida Gulf Coast University. From its founding to today, FGCU’s presidents have guided the university’s growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Join us as we honor their contributions and the lasting impact they’ve made on our students, faculty, community, and future generations to come. First President:In April 1993, Dr. Roy E. McTarnaghan was appointed as the founding university president, and shortly thereafter, the Florida Legislature named the institution “Florida Gulf Coast University.” On November 28, 1995, more than 600 people gathered for the university’s groundbreaking ceremony. However, it wasn’t until August 1997 that FGCU welcomed students. Approximately 2,584 students started that semester. Dr. McTarnaghan served as president for six years, playing a pivotal role in planning, shaping, and launching Florida’s 10th public university before retiring in May 1999.Second President:William C. Merwin served as Florida Gulf Coast University’s second president from July 1999 until his resignation in January 2007. Under his leadership, FGCU saw significant growth, including the development of its athletics program, an increase in enrollment to over 8,300 students, the expansion of campus housing, and the successful raising of more than $175 million in private gifts and donations. Third President:In August 2007, Scott Lutgert, chair of the FGCU Board of Trustees, announced that Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw would be the University’s third president. During his tenure, enrollment increased by 60% to nearly 15,000 students, the number of degrees granted annually doubled, several new campus buildings were constructed and he helped launch FGCU’s first doctoral program. Dr. Bradshaw served as president until his retirement in 2017. Fourth President:Dr. Michael V. Martin served as the fourth President of Florida Gulf Coast University from 2017 to 2023. During his presidency, he secured over 23.7 million dollars in funding for FGCU, led the institution through a global pandemic, increased four-year graduation rates to 19%, increased six-year graduation rates by 4.6%, and officially launched the Water School in 2019. Fifth President:Dr. Aysegul Timur was selected to become Florida Gulf Coast University's fifth president on May 4, 2023. Prior to serving as president, she was the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Strategy, and Program Innovation. Overall, she’s been a part of the FGCU community since 2019. Dr. Timur is widely known for building collaborative teams of university and community stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives, including workforce alignments. Find out more information about the past Florida Gulf Coast University Presidents in their collections: President Roy E. McTarnaghan President William C. Merwin President Wilson G. Bradshaw President Michael V. Martin ...

Are you interested in learning about the ins and outs of copyright? Join Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi on Monday, February 10, from 11 a.m. to noon for a virtual session that will provide an overview of important laws involving copyright. This session will include a PowerPoint presentation, a Q&A period and a demonstration of the Library’s Reading List tool. Our presenter, Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi, is an Associate Professor and Founding Program Coordinator of Legal Studies here at FGCU. He brings an array of experience to the table having been a lawyer for 39 years and a member of the Massachusetts and Florida bars. In addition to law, he possesses degrees in accounting, communication and taxation. Dr. Diotalevi’s work has also been published in several journals worldwide. Register on the library’s calendar page to get our link to this virtual workshop (https://fgcu.libcal.com/event/13690337). ...

5 Tips for Getting Started with Archival Research

Row of archival boxes from University Archives, Academic Affairs By Victoria Jones, University ArchivistIt’s the beginning of a new year and a new semester! With the hope and excitement that brings, it also means new assignments. Discussion posts, research papers, posters, and presentations are just a few of the many assignments that Florida Gulf Coast University students will be working on this semester. Some students may find that archives research is required in or could help their coursework. Archival research can be daunting for beginners; so, University Archives and Special Collections is providing five tips for getting started with archival research to make the process a little easier. What Are Archives? Before we begin discussing tips for using archives, it is important to understand what archives are. One definition for archives is, “collections of records which have been selected for permanent preservation because of their historical value.” We use the word record as a catch-all term to describe all the different types of materials that archives may house like letters, books, cassette tapes, film, maps, film, etc. Archival research can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are five tips for beginners just getting started: 1. Preparing for a VisitThe best place to begin your archives research journey is our website! Unlike libraries, materials in archives are not openly available in the stacks. Instead, they are held in secure locations and brought to researchers upon request. That means that visitors need to have an idea of what they would like to see before they visit. Researchers can use the archives’ website to access our digital primary sources, our collection guide, and our finding aids. University Archives and Special Collections’ webpage2. Handling Archival MaterialThe first time that a researcher handles archival material can be nerve-wracking. Records housed in archives are rare and unique and patrons often share that they are worried about damaging the items. To prevent the likelihood of that happening, users can expect to follow these guidelines in the Reading Room: Food and drinks are not allowed to prevent spills. Researchers use pencils instead of pens to protect materials from ink stains. Go slow and use items one at a time in order to keep records in the correct order. Archives Assistant, Cameron Kryder, showing proper handling of archival material.3. Take Good NotesSince archives material cannot be checked out, taking good notes can make or break a visit to the archives. As you go through your material make sure to write down interesting quotes and questions that you have. Also, make sure that you take note of the citation information – the collection, box, and folder number – so you can remember where you got your information. 4. Ask QuestionsNever be afraid to ask questions! Archival collections can be difficult to fully understand, but archivists are accustomed to the organization of the materials. Researchers should feel comfortable using archives staff as a resource. Ask us questions about specific materials or collections. We are always happy to help! You can ask questions by calling us at 239-745-4476, emailing us at libarchives@fgcu.edu , or scheduling a research consultation. Archives Assistant, Olivia Bechdel, answering a question from Spring 2025 Intern, Samantha Seibert.5. Attend Archives WorkshopsArchives research gets easier and better with practice! One way to improve your primary source research skills is to attend Archives Workshop. We offer a session that focuses on a specific skill or tool related to archives each month. This semester, we will offer four workshops. This month’s workshop, Treasure Maps of the Archives: Learn to Navigate Finding Aids, will teach attendees how to navigate finding aids to locate primary sources. It will be held on Tuesday, January 21, at 3 p.m. in the University Archives and Special Collections on the third floor. Keep up to date with our monthly workshops on the Library Calendar. Archives research shouldn’t be intimidating. It can be a fun and illuminating process, but the most important part is getting started. We hope to see you as you perfect your practice and work towards becoming an expert archives researcher! ...

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