What can the Library do for you?

As a new or returning student to campus you'll find there are many resources available to you. What can you expect from your Albertsons Library? Here's a quick breakdown:

• Reference assistance: What does a librarian do, really? In a nutshell, we're here to guide and teach you how to discover and use a vast array of print and electronic resources. We teach you to think critically about the sources you use in your research, to use the most relevant books or articles for your topic, and to navigate your way around scholarly databases. We also offer this expertise via chat, e-mail, phone, or in person. Stop by the reference desk or visit our "Ask a question" page.
• Computers: We have over 80 computer stations in the first floor, with another 25 on the second floor. All have Microsoft Office 2007 and all print using the BroncoPrint system. Use your Bronco Card as your print card (it's also your library card). You can also check out Macs and PC laptops from the Circulation Desk on the first floor.
• Books! Well, that's the obvious one. The library has a growing collection of over half a million books. Use the WorldCat Local search box on our homepage to search our collection and the collections of just about every (public, school, academic) library in the United States. It is that powerful :D
• The Second Floor: Is where you will find the Special Collections department , which houses all our rare books and archives related to Idaho, Boise State University history, and more. There's also the Curriculum Resource Center, where you'll find all our multimedia (DVDs, VHS, books on tape/CD, Music CDs), curriculum materials, and the Juvenile and Young Adult literature collections.
• LibGuides: These are research guides on steroids. Librarians create these guides for most departments (and in some cases, individual classes) to provide you with an overview with your top resources for a specific discipline or subject. You can find a list of available guides at our "Resources by Subject" page.
• Classrooms: Chances are your professor will bring you to the library to learn about the resources mentioned above, so they'll have you come to rooms L203 or L201C. Both of these rooms, on the second floor of the library, are where the librarians will help your class get a jump start on your research.

These are but a few of the services Albertsons Library puts at your disposal. As the semester progresses we will highlight other services or electronic resources that can help you succeed here at Boise State. Remember, all you have to do is ask!

Meet Margie, New Reference Librarian!

Greetings Boise State students and faculty! I recently moved to Idaho from Indiana (think corn fields, John Mellencamp, and humidity) where I served as a reference librarian at the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to that, I worked as the education liaison librarian at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I earned a Masters in Library Science at Indiana University Bloomington and a B.S. in Elementary Education at USI.

As a Reference Librarian at Albertsons Library, I am looking forward to providing library services by answering your questions at the Reference Desk, teaching you search strategies, and using information technology applications. A really cool thing about Albertsons Library is that you can get research help in person on the 1st floor, or you can chat with us off-campus, call us, or email us (all available through the library's home page). Please, don't hesitate to ask me or any other librarian for help with your project!

I will also help select books and e-resources for the library that support research and learning in the College of Education, including core education topics, children's literature, literacy, and materials for the Curriculum Resource Center. Faculty and student input helps to create a stronger library collection, so please email or call me with specific titles or subject areas in education you would like to recommend: 426-1323 or margieruppel@boisestate.edu.

I look forward to working with you!

Margie Ruppel

http://works.bepress.com/margieruppel/

Graduate Student Open House

Mark your calendars for the Graduate Student Open House! Albertsons Library, with the support of the Graduate College, is holding an open house where you can meet the librarians who work with you and your departments, learn more about the library, and tell us what kinds of instruction sessions you would like us to hold for you.

Along with the many librarians attending the event, Jodi Chilson and Jim Allen from the Graduate College will be on hand to answer your questions. The open house will be held in the Graduate Student Lounge in the Albertsons Library on the Third Floor. We’ll provide drinks, snacks, and smiles!

For your convenience, we will hold two sessions: Wednesday, August 26 from 10 am - 2 pm and Thursday, August 27 from 2 pm - 6 pm. To RSVP please select this hyperlink and choose the date you plan on dropping in. Also, please indicate if there are any workshops you are interested in attending during the Fall semester.

Gearing up for Fall 2009

We have had many changes in the library since May, including a slew of new databases, new liaison librarians, new carpeting (hey, that counts!), and a commitment to student success!

For Boise State Faculty, we have created and revamped a page just for you. Here you will find a variety of library resources based on your scholarly and teaching needs, a plethora of library services and collections, and location and contact information for your library liaison.

For students, we have additional computers with Office 2007, laptops (Macs & PCs) for checkout, library pages geared toward your scholarly needs (check it out: Undergrads and Graduates), and extended hours. Don't forget, we are available to help you with your research via our reference chat, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Albertsons Library is committed to ensure the academic success of Boise State University students, faculty, and staff. If you have questions or comments, please let us know, or call us at 426-1204.

We hope you have a fantastic Fall 2009 semester!