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Tag: K-State Libraries

Ask a Librarian: IT and library equipment Q/As

Posted on by Betsy Edwards

The Equipment category of the “Ask a Librarian” pages has common questions (and answers) about IT equipment available in the K-State Libraries.  The Q/As often include  pointers to IT resources outside of Hale Library, including branch libraries and the Salina campus.

Current questions/answers about available technology:

  • Cameras: Can I check out cameras here?
  • Collaboration stations: What are they? How can I use them?
  • Wireless access: How can I connect my laptop to the wireless (wifi) network?
  • Computers: Where is there an open computer in Hale Library?
  • Computers: What hardware and software is available on the computers?
  • Fax machine: Do you have a fax machine?
  • Projectors: Can I check out projectors here?
  • Headphones: Can I check out headphones here?
  • Laptops: Can I check out laptops here?
  • Copier: How do I use a photocopier (copier) and how much does it cost?

For more FAQs, see the Ask a Librarian homepage that also provides a chat interface (during library service hours) plus email, phone, and texting communication channels.

Extramural Funding Awards Database available for K-State researchers

Posted on by Martin Courtois

Developed by K-State Libraries and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs,  the Extramural Funding Awards Database was released this summer.  It provides information on funding awarded by federal, state, local, and private agencies to Kansas State University faculty and researchers, including the award title, dollar amount awarded, funding agency, investigators, and the college/department of the investigator(s).

The database features a keyword search and can be browsed by college, department, investigator, or sponsoring agency. Coverage includes grants, contracts, and other funding awarded within the last five years and will be updated quarterly. Current coverage is through March 2011.

Questions about information contained in the database should be directed to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, 785-532-6195, research@k-state.edu.

QR codes (+ free tools): Quick access to all kinds of data

Posted on by Betsy Edwards
Image of QR code for K-State IT Help Desk URL
QR code for the website of the K-State IT Help Desk

K-Staters may have noticed some funny-looking images of black-pixeled boxes popping up around campus lately, notably in Hale Library. So, what are they used for and what can you do with them?

These are “QR codes” or Quick Response codes (also known as QR barcodes). This technology allows the public to access information fast through graphical links.

QR code readers

To access the information behind a QR code, you first need to download a free QR reader to your smartphone and then scan/capture (take a picture of) a QR code. (Some smartphones may come with a QR reader already installed.) Here are a few that seem to work well:

  • For the iPhone, RedLaser is a free, general purpose barcode reader app.
  • For Android smartphones, Barcode Scanner is a free app that has received positive feedback.

For more choices, do a Google search for “QR code reader”. Continue reading “QR codes (+ free tools): Quick access to all kinds of data” →

Events planned for Open Access Week, Oct. 18-22

Posted on by Martin Courtois

At universities, research centers, and libraries around the world, a revolution is brewing, and next week, we’re going to shout about it. Open Access Week (Oct. 18-22) is a time to call attention to the need for public access to scientific and technical research.

At K-State, these events are planned for all students, faculty, and staff:

  • Open Access Week Open Forum
    2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, second floor of Hale Library
    Presentations by Michael Wesch (associate professor in Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work), Christopher Sorensen (distinguished professor of Physics), Dale Askey (associate professor in Hale Library), and Danny Unruh (K-State student body president)
  • The Beauty of Some Rights Reserved: An Introduction to Copyright, Publishing and Creative Commons
    2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, Hemisphere Room, Hale Library
    Presentation by Molly Kleinman,  special assistant to the Dean of Libraries and former copyright specialist, University of Michigan

Continue reading “Events planned for Open Access Week, Oct. 18-22” →

K-State Libraries have the tech you need to succeed

Posted on by dfe

K-State Libraries logoThe librarians and staff of K-State Libraries welcome you back for another great year at K-State, and want to make sure you’re aware of all the amazing technology we have ready for you.

You may see some large, fancy-looking screens in Hale and wonder what they were, and who forgot to put them away. These, my friends, are collaboration stations. And they’re out on purpose, just for you. Plug in your laptop and park yourself in one of the comfy new booths or near our mobile whiteboards with your classmates while you tweak your presentation to perfection, show off the work you’ve done on your group paper, or have everyone plug in headphones to watch a video.

When you need help finding materials or using library resources, but don’t want to lose that great spot you’ve just set up, librarians are ready and waiting to give you a hand via IM. Continue reading “K-State Libraries have the tech you need to succeed” →

IT Orientation session March 4: Library Technology

Posted on by Sarah Silva

At the March 4 IT Orientation session, learn more about library technology at K-State. The one-hour session will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4, in 401B Hale Library. It is open to all K-State faculty, staff, and students but requires pre-registration.

After this session, there will be one last session this spring on Emerging Technologies at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10 in 401B Hale Library.

See the IT Orientation website for details on the sessions.

Faculty, grad students: Gain technology skills at Library Day Feb. 18

Posted on by dfe

Looking to add a little technology to your library skills? Faculty and graduate students are invited to attend Library Day Thursday, Feb. 18, in Hale Library. Classes cover topics such as:

  • Customizing your laptop to get the most out of your library experience
  • Using databases such as ARTstor, Naxos Music Library, and LexisNexis Congressional to enhance your teaching and scholarship
  • Using RefWorks to manage all your bibliographies online

Continue reading “Faculty, grad students: Gain technology skills at Library Day Feb. 18” →

Reminder: Fair Use webinar Monday, Nov. 2

Posted on by dfe

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for K-State Libraries’ brownbag webinar, Music, Movies & Online Media: Fair Use Do’s & Don’ts for Higher Ed at noon-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in Hale 301.

There is no charge to attend. No reservations are required, but seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your lunch and join your colleagues for this practical and interesting webinar. See last week’s article for the specifics, or contact Beth Turtle (bturtle@k-state.edu) or Marcia Stockham (stockham@k-state.edu) at Hale Library for more information.

Libraries sponsor Fair Use webinar Nov. 2

Posted on by dfe

Have you ever wondered exactly what constitutes Fair Use in your classroom? The increased use of music and movies for educational purposes can make these determinations confusing. Join K-State Libraries for a 60-minute brownbag webinar, Music, Movies & Online Media: Fair Use Do’s & Don’ts for Higher Ed at noon-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in Hale 301. Highlights of the webinar include:

  • How to avoid copyright violations when using DVDs and CDs
  • Guidelines for applying fair use law to music and movies
  • Keys to handling personal and institutional liability issues
  • What your rights are for copying DVDs, CDs, movies, and video clips
  • Fair Use and YouTube videos in the classroom

Continue reading “Libraries sponsor Fair Use webinar Nov. 2” →

Faculty: Let K-State Research Exchange increase the impact of your research

Posted on by Martin Courtois

Want to increase the number of citations to your articles, book chapters, and other scholarly work? After it’s published, deposit your work in K-REx, K-State’s Research Exchange repository!

More than 50 K-State faculty already know the benefits of making their work available in K-REx. For example, Jana Hawley’s (Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design) book chapters on textile recycling have been viewed in K-REx more than 600 times.

Continue reading “Faculty: Let K-State Research Exchange increase the impact of your research” →