EM 515 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Greetings to EM 515 Audiobridge Participants--

The information in this FAQ (frequently asked questions) file is intended
to provide you with basic course information, along with some URLs I have
identified to be helpful along the way.

What should I do first in this course?

Be sure to send me an e-mail message with basic introductory information.
When we begin class, we will be starting with the text, since there is so 
much to cover.

When you are sending e-mail, please submit *plain, vanilla* e-mail as I do
not read e-mail with MIME attachments.

By the way, we will be communicating through email throughout the course.

When can I go to the site lab?

Remember that your site lab assistant will be available *all* sessions, in
the event that you need assistance with your assignments, going
online, searching, etc.

What do I do if I have online problems?

If you are having a computer or technical support problem, you will need to 
contact the people who handle these activities.  Main Help Desk (800-541-6682), ext. 4357 

How do I get my questions about the class answered?

Any questions that relate to the EM 515 class or course content should be 
sent to me through email.  GTEP staff cannot answer these questions for you.

I don't have an online account.  Can I use my husband's/wife's, 
sister/brother-in-law's, daughter's/son's, etc., account?

Please know that I cannot send information that relates to you, or your
activities as a student, to any email account other than your own.  Please
do not send me a message through someone else's account and expect me to
return a message of significant content to you.  Although I am in no way an
Internet policeperson, I would caution you against doing this since you
never know who might question your use of accounts.  NSU and FIRN frown on
this practice--big time!  Many of our students use free personal accounts
through Hotmail .

How can I forward my NSU e-mail to another account?

For information on forwarding your NSU e-mail to another e-mail address, follow 
these instructions.

What about using FIRN accounts?

On March 2, 1999, we were notified that "FIRNmail is being retired," and
will be completely deactivated by January 1, 2000.  If you would like to
register for a POPmail account (that requires a high-speed modem), then
follow these directions that were provided by FIRN:

"You can register for POPmail via the dial-up process:
    1)	Dial and connect to a FIRN number
    2)	for username, type netreg (must be lower case)
    3)	for password, type firn (must be lower case)
    4)	read the screen info presented then type netreg again
    5)	select the POPmail account option
    6)	complete the registration information
    7)	PLEASE NOTE: your POPmail username and password will be assigned 
        and given to you online during registration - NOTHING will be 
        postal mailed to you so be sure to write them down.

You can register for POPmail via a direct connect at school or via another 
ISP Internet access:
    1)	telnet to wizard.firn.edu
    2)	read the screen info presented then type netreg
    3)	select the POPmail account option
    4)	complete the registration information
    5)	PLEASE NOTE: your POPmail username and password will be assigned 
        and given to you online during registation - NOTHING will be postal 
        mailed to you so be sure to write them down.

If you have questions, please phone the FIRN Helpdesk at 800/749-3476."

Is there anything special I should do at/before audiobridge?

For the consideration of all participants, turn off any speakerphone feature 
before calling into class.  Although I know this feature is very convenient 
for the student who is using it, speakerphones distort the sound quality for 
the rest of us.  

It is expected that all students and facilitators submit data sheets on the 
first day of class.  Forms are available online at the NSU Educational Media Web Page.

How can I help the instructor to speed up answers to my e-mail?

When sending messages to me, please note the course number to which you are 
referring.  I work with many students, facilitators, and lab monitors each 
term, and this notation would certainly help me to speed information 
along to you.

What is the first page for an assignment?

Remember to put a heading or a cover sheet on every assignment that
you submit.

How long does it take to get assignments back?

I do my best to return assignments to you as soon as possible.  To speed up
this process, submit your assignments directly to me (P.O. Box 273404, Boca
Raton, FL  33427) and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the
return of the assignment.  Obviously, physical turnaround takes a bit
of time, not to mention the time that it will take me to evaluate what has
been submitted.  Nevertheless, I will try to proceed rapidly. Please be sure
to keep a copy of all messages that pertain to grades.

Do you have any recommendations for online articles?


Do you know where I can get free magazines on technology?


Are there any tricks to finding out about library resources for distance learning students at NSU?

Libraries Having Formal Agreements with Nova Southeastern University


The following libraries have formal agreements with NSU stating that NSU
students have use of the library and, sometimes for a fee, NSU students are 
eligible for a library card.  According to the Directory of Selected Academic
Libraries Near Off-Campus Program Sites, a document issued by NSU's Office
of Resource Information for External Programs, "NSU programs usually will
reimburse a student for one library card at an appropriate institution.
However, some programs set limits of $50.00 or $100.00 per student" (p.
iii).

According to this document, GTEP students are eligible for services in the
following sites (listed in order, as listed in the Directory):

Florida  -  Daytona Beach Area

1.  Stetson University - DeLand, Florida ($35/$100)
2.  University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida (No fee stated)
3.  University of Central Florida - Orlando, Florida ($60)
4.  Rollins College - Winter Park, Florida ($50)
5.  Bethune-Cookman College - Daytona Beach, Florida (No fee stated)

         -  Fort Myers Area

1.  Eckerd College - St. Petersburg, Florida ($30)
2.  New College of the University of South Florida - Sarasota ($50)
3.  University of South Florida - Tampa, Florida ($50)
4.  University of Tampa - Tampa, Florida ($20)

         -  Gainesville Area

1.  University of North Florida - Jacksonville, Florida (No fee stated)
2.  Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, Florida (No fee stated)
3.  University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida (No fee stated)
4.  Stetson University - DeLand, Florida ($35/$100)
.
         -  Melbourne Area

1.  Florida Institute of Technology - Melbourne, Florida ($50)
2.  University of Central Florida - Orlando, Florida ($60)

         -  Orlando Area

1.  University of Central Florida - Orlando, Florida ($60)
2.  Stetson University - DeLand, Florida ($35/$100)
3.  Orlando College - Orlando, Florida (No fee stated)
4.  Rollins College - Winter Park, Florida ($50)

         -  Sarasota Area

1.  University of Tampa - Tampa, Florida ($20)
2.  University of South Florida - Tampa, Florida ($50)

         -  Tampa Area

1.  University of South Florida - Tampa, Florida ($50)
2.  Eckerd College - St. Petersburg, Florida ($30)
3.  University of Tampa - Tampa, Florida ($20)

         -  West Palm Beach Area

1.  Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, Florida (No fee through
SEFLIN Card Privileges)
2.  Palm Beach Atlantic College - West Palm Beach, Florida (No fee stated)

Nevada   -  Las Vegas

1.  University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Nevada (No fee stated)

If there is *No fee stated*, you must usually provide some proof of
residency, picture ID, driver's license, local library card, etc., and then
fill out a form.  The fee is usually charged for borrowing privileges and
other services, such as interlibrary loan.

For reimbursement, send a copy of your receipt and a written request to 
Mr. Tim Shields at the North Miami Beach GTEP Site.


Are there any other library resources for South Florida Students?

SEFLIN SERVICES FOR STUDENTS IN BROWARD, DADE, and PALM BEACH

Let's imagine a situation where you cannot find the library
materials that you wish to use at the NSU Einstein Library.  What
are your alternatives?  You could request interlibrary loan
services, or you can use the services of another library, such as
your public library.  But, you still have other options!

Did you know that if you are a student, faculty member, or
professional staff member of NSU that you are eligible for user
privileges at the following libraries that are members of SEFLIN
(Southeast Florida Library Network)?

Which libraries are included in SEFLIN?

Broward Community College 
     (North and South Regional Campuses)
Florida Atlantic University 
     (Boca and Palm Beach Gardens Campuses)
Florida International University 
     (North Miami and University Park Campuses)
International Fine Arts College
Lynn University
Miami-Dade Community College 
     (All campuses)
Northwood University
Palm Beach Atlantic College
Palm Beach Community College 
     (Central Campus)
St. Thomas University (Main Campus)
Trinity College at Miami

What do you need to do to use library services of SEFLIN
member libraries?

1. Get a student identification card made at the NSU Registrar's
Office. (Call for business hours.)
2. Go to the NSU's Einstein Library in the Parker Building and
request a SEFLIN card.
3. Take the SEFLIN card, NSU identification card, and driver's
license to the library circulation desk of the college/university
at which you wish to use library services.  (You may wish to use
the services of several libraries and you will need to apply for
services at each separate library.)
4. You will be given a library card for that particular
university which you will have to present each time you borrow
materials. 
5. All privileges are determined by the lending library.
6. Review the rules of SEFLIN and know your responsibilities.

NOTE:  You will probably have to fill out forms for each library
from which you request a card, but you will need only ONE SEFLIN
card, regardless of how many different library cards you apply
for.)

Additionally, in addition to the sites listed above, faculty 
members are able to use the following libraries:

Barry University
Broward Community College 
	(Central Campus)
Palm Beach Community College
	(Belle Glade and Eissey Campuses)
University of Miami
	(Richter Library)

Enjoy this great service that NSU provides for you!  And don't
forget that many of these universities provide web-page library
information.  Search before you go!

What are the electronic databases available to me at NSU?

Go into the "el" (Electronic Library) to check the many valuable databases that are 
free for your use as a GTEP student.  

Did you know that you have access to the online Book Review Digest through
el?  Try it out!

If a media specialist were using the Internet to answer reference questions,
which source would be your first choice?

That is a tough question.  My latest favorite search engine is Hotwords, but I am also 
fond of using Altavista.  You will probably enjoy using Ask Jeeves with your students. 

One of our discussions centers on the "traits" of the reference librarian.
Are there identified traits?

Just as you know there are traits and behaviors that apply to effective teachers, there are 
indicators of successful reference librarians.  The ALA division that applies to 
reference activities is RUSA (Reference and User Services Association), formerly RASD.  
In 1996, RASD proposed Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information 
Services Professionals.  The document will be very interesting to you, as will the Association's 
other documents on topics such as cooperative reference service policy, interlibrary loan, faxing, 
electronic information resources, etc.  You will wish to monitor the latter listing 
as long as you are providing reference services.

What do I do when I receive a difficult question that I can't
answer?

The following information describes a great source for media specialists who 
are working in single-professional sites and who have exhausted all resources 
for those difficult reference questions.  This source is the archive of
STUMPERS housed at Rosary College.  

What is a STUMPER?  A STUMPER is a reference question that STUMPS you when 
you cannot answer it using any of the available reference
sources in your center.  (When you are first stumped, you may wish to turn
to your public library reference desk personnel or to other media
specialists in your nearby area.)  In addition to offering an e-mail
mailing list (STUMPERS-L) and e-mail digest (STUMPERS-DIGEST), the School
of Library and Information Science of Rosary College also archives
messages that are contained in the e-mail formats.

Why would you wish to rely upon the archive, rather than the e-mail
versions?  Both STUMPERS-L and STUMPERS-DIGEST are *heavy* listserv groups.
This means that you will have your e-mailboxes stuffed with messages daily.
Even in digest format, I often receive 5-10 digests of 800-1000 lines each.
So, I've found for my day-to-day use it is often easier to first go to
search the archive to see if someone has already posted an answer to my
question, rather than wading through all of these messages.

Why would you wish to subscribe to the mailing list, knowing that you will
receive beaucoodles of messages?  A beginning reference student should find
the types of information requested to be indicative of those reference
areas which are difficult to support.  In addition, you will be pleasantly
surprised to find that there *are* nice, helpful people who find answering
these questions to be challenging and fun.  I'm serious about the latter.

So, to get a feel for the listserv, I suggest that you subscribe and
monitor it for about a week.  This should provide ample time for you to
develop an understanding of the group and more of the difficulties of
answering reference questions.

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>X-within-URL: http://www.cuis.edu/~stumpers/
>To: yates@fcae.nova.edu
>Subject: http:--www.cuis.edu-~stumpers-
>Content-Type: text
>Content-Length: 1405
>
>
>    [INLINE]
>   
>                                  STUMPERS-L
>                                       
>   Welcome to the Stumpers-L electronic mailing list official home page.
>   Sponsored by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at
>   Rosary College, Stumpers-L was founded as an email-based resource
>   where reference librarians can help each other find the answers to
>   difficult questions.
>   
>                     GUIDE TO THE STUMPERS-L MAILING LIST
>                                       
>   [INLINE]
>   
>     * Welcome to Stumpers, the official guide and list protocol.
>     * About the Stumpers Archives
>     * Search the Stumpers Archives
>     * The Stumpers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
>     * Bibliography about Stumpers-L
>     * WWW: Wonderful World of Wombats,the unofficial Stumpers-L page,
>       wherein you will find an explanation of "wombat" allusions,
>       collections of wombat wit and wisdom, and unofficial documentation
>       abo ut Stumpers-L. (The pages you'll find following this link are
>       not maintained by Rosary College)
>       
>   
>   
>   [IMAGE]
>   
>   Copyright [INLINE] 1995, 1996 Rosary College
>   This page is maintained by the moderator of Stumpers-L.
>   Please send comments to the current moderator at:
>   roslibrefrc@crf.cuis.edu
>   Last update: Dec 16, 1996.
>     _________________________________________________________________

Are there any listserv sources for reference, besides STUMPERS-L?

This a message from LIBREF-L, another e-mail mailing group (listserv) that
deals with reference services and questions.

Look at the first message for an example of a form that can be developed
for older students to use when they submit reference questions.  You will
probably be able to improve this form for your own uses.

Also, look at the last (third) message as an example of the type of
question that can cause you problems in a school center.

By the way, LIBREF-L is a *lighter* listserv, and it addresses more of the
management issues of reference services.  You may wish to search our online
*lynx* utility under the section on Internet to get the subscription
information.

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Forwarded message:
>From owner-LIBREF-L@LISTSERV.KENT.EDU Fri Apr  4 00:20 EST 1997
>Message-Id: <199704040520.AAA02316@fcae.acast.nova.edu>
>Date:     Fri, 4 Apr 1997 00:02:47 -0500
>Reply-To: Discussion of Library Reference Issues 
>Sender: Discussion of Library Reference Issues 
>From: Automatic digest processor 
>Subject:  LIBREF-L Digest - 2 Apr 1997 to 3 Apr 1997
>To: Recipients of LIBREF-L digests 
>Content-Type: text
>Content-Length: 5452
>
>There are 3 messages totalling 129 lines in this issue.
>
>Topics of the day:
>
>  1. Passing on Reference Questions
>  2. Position Announcement--Reference Services
>  3. young adult fiction (fwd)
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Date:    Thu, 3 Apr 1997 13:34:48 EST
>From:    Debby Emerson 
>Subject: Passing on Reference Questions
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>We have a brief form that we have patrons fill out to refer
>their questions to a reference librarian. We use this same
>form to refer questions from one librarian to another (for
>example, I might refer a question to someone with more
>expertise in the subject area if I get stuck).
>
>It's a half-sheet of paper, titled "Pending Reference
>Question"
>
>PENDING REFERENCE QUESTION                      Date:
>                                                Time:
>
>NAME:________________________________
>
>STUDENT ID #:__________________________
>
>Question of Information On:  (several lines here)
>
>Sources already checked: _______________________
>
>Librarian: ________________________
>
>Attach answer or indicate source of information.
>
>This is pretty simple, but it meets our needs. We've used it
>for several years to refer questions when needed.
>
>Debby
>************************************************************************
>Debby Emerson                Tel.: 716/292-2308
>Leroy V. Good Library        Fax:  716/424-1402
>Monroe Community College     SUNYNET: smccva::emersond
>P.O. Box 92810               INTERNET: emersond@smccva.lib.monroecc.edu
>Rochester, NY  14692-8910
>************************************************************************
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date:    Thu, 3 Apr 1997 13:34:58 EST
>From:    Dinah Williams 
>Subject: Position Announcement--Reference Services
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Title:            Humanities Reference Librarian
>
>Location:         Reference Department, Sandel Library
>                  Northeast Louisiana University
>                  Monroe, LA  71209-0720
>
>Academic Rank:    Assistant Professor, Full-Time
>                  (12-month appointment)
>
>Salary:           Currently 24,000
>
>Qualifications:   Required--Master's degree in Library Science from an
>                  ALA accredited institution; undergraduate degree in
>                  humanities; subject master's degree desirable.
>
>                  Preferred--Strong interpersonal and organizational
>                  skills; initiative and self-motivation; and evidence
>                  of excellence or potential for excellence in
>                  information service skills.
>
>Responsibilities: Provides reference service utilizing print and
>                  electronic resources in a centralized Reference
>                  Department with night and weekend hours;
>                  instructs groups and individuals in the use of the
>                  library and research materials; serves as liaison
>                  to humanities faculty; and develops/maintains the
>                  humanities collections.
>
>Experience:       Demonstrated familiarity with the literature of the
>                  humanities; experience in searching and manipulating
>                  electronic databases; strong public service
>                  orientation; and good verbal and written skills.
>
>Available:        The position is available immediately and will
>                  remain open until filled.  You may call
>                  (318) 342-1050 to determine the job status.
>
>Application:      Applications with names, addresses, and telephone
>                  numbers of a minimum of three references should be
>                  sent by May 15, 1997 to:
>
>                     Donald Smith, Dean of Information Services
>                     Sandel Library
>                     Northeast Louisiana University
>                     Monroe, LA  71209-0720
>                     E-MAIL:  LIBDSMITH@ALPHA.NLU.EDU
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date:    Thu, 3 Apr 1997 13:36:17 EST
>From:    "Wendy M. Scalfaro" 
>Subject: young adult fiction (fwd)
>
> --please send replies to the original requestor (kvalenzu@toto.csustan.edu)
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>Can anybody help this person out?
>Thanks
>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 10:40:05 -0800
>From: Kimberly Valenzuela 
>Reply-To: CIRCPLUS - LIBRARY CIRCULATION ISSUES 
>To: Multiple recipients of list CIRCPLUS 
>Subject: young adult fiction
>
>I have not had any luck searching for a book that I need.  The book is
>made up of four short stories dealing with the same group of people.  A
>group of boys have some wonderful adventures - one of the stories deals
>with a great balloon race, one deals with the discovery of a dinosaur
>egg, one deals with the celebration of the founding of the boys' hometown
>and how a Ms. Kimball is involved.  Does this sound familiar to anyone??
>Does anyone remember a title??  I saw it about 13 - 15 years ago in
>paperback.  Talking to one of my assistants - she thinks it was a
>series.  Anything??  Thanks
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes my principal brings me difficult questions that pertain to
state statute.  I don't like using the print versions.  Is there a trick to
getting information on statutes?

Did you know that you could access Florida Statutes online?  Can you tell
me what type of document this would be considered?  Try to search for
statutes on education to see what's being debated.  

Try Online Sunshine - The Official Guide to the State of Florida Legislature!
   
I am always getting strange questions from teachers that I don't have
answers for.  For example, yesterday a mathematics teacher brought her
classroom to the media center to do research!  She wanted an immediate
listing of female mathematicians for the students to research!  What do I
do in situations like this?

Remember that it will take a while to get your reference "bearings," but,
in the meantime, start collecting sites and articles that you think will
apply to a variety of curricular needs in your school.  For example,
this is a great source with links to short biographies of each person.  
Check out this site, and keep its existence in the back of your mind.  
Generating this list, alone, would require quite a bit of research on the 
part of the media specialist who is wishing to encourage students to pursue 
this topic.

So, to answer your question, develop your own file file by collecting sites,
articles, participating in listserv activities, and reading professional
literature.  Until then, for mathematics, try Chronological Index of Women Mathematicians

Is it reasonable that I should be able to direct teachers and
administrators to available conferences?

Sure, this would be a legitimate reference question.

Go to the Virtual Library at ERIC and choose "ERIC Conference Calendar"
or try 
ERIC Calendar of Education-Related Conferences.

Now, I have students and administrators asking me to help with their
research work.  Is this a good use of my time?

Remember, as a media specialist, you are also a special librarian for
teachers and administrators.  As such, I believe that we should try to help
everyone with their informational needs.  If you teach the reference
process to the professionals, don't you think that the benefits will pass
on to the students?  Here is an example of how you can teach searching.

Imagine that a GTEP student came to you and asked for assistance with
finding topics for her practicum.  Where could you go online to find this
very useful source?  HINT:  Key in "el" and read the listing very
carefully.  When you have found the source, search for a practicum entry
for media by keying in the term "media."  Should you also search for
"Media," and "MEDIA" to be sure that you find all variants of the term?

There sure is a lot of information to know for this course.  Can you
help me to organize the tools for studying?

I know that many of you are wondering how you are going to categorize much
of the information of your text into meaningful memory?  To aid in this
process, I am offering you a listing of terms and sources that I believe to
be of importance to the school library media specialist.  Obviously, it's
almost impossible to remember *all* of the text's titles, but this listing
should help you begin to emphasize the more important title.

I hope this listing will help you as you continue with your study of
reference materials.

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ABI/Inform
Abstract
Annotation
ASCII
Bartlett's Famous Quotations
Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia
The "best" encyclopedias for children, young adults, and adults -
p. 197 (Print and CD-ROM)  
Bibliographic Index
Bibliographical Network (OCLC)
Books in Print
Boolean Logic
Bowker's Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac
CD-Newsbank
Chase's Annual Events
Children's Magazine Guide
Children's Catalog (Also Elementary and Middle and High School
Citation
DIALOG
Dissertation Abstracts
Electronic Library
The Encyclopedia of Associations
Emily Post's Etiquette
ERIC (RIE & CIJE)
Evaluation points, p. 25, V. I
Facts on File
Famous First Facts
FirstSearch
Guide to Reference Books (Balay)
Guinness Book of World Records
Hypertext
ILL
information)
Internet (WWW, listserv)
Interview techniques
Journal titles for evaluating reference materials
LAN
Library Literature
Library of Congress Subject Headings
LISA
MAS, Middle Search, Primary Search/EBSCO
McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
MEDLINE
Microsoft Bookshelf
Multimedia
National/trade bibliography
National Union Catalog
Networks
New Columbia Encyclopedia
New York Public Library Desk Reference
New York Times Index
OED
PDR
Peterson's/Lovejoy's
Poetry Index
Points of encyclopedia evaluation, p. 202, V. I
Print, CD-ROM, online indexes
Proquest/UMI
Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature
Reference interview steps, p. 163, V. II
Sears List of subject Headings
Short Story Index
Statesman's Yearbook
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Subject indexes in el (See Chapter 6 in V. I for more SUNLINK
Suggested atlases for K-12
TOM/Infotrac
Types of reference sources, pp. 22-24, V. I
Types of reference questions
Ulrich's International Periodical Directory
Unabridged dictionary
Union list
Universal bibliography
Whole Library Handbook
WorldCat

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Do we really need to be concerned about how to list bibliographic
information in a reference list?

Yes.

You should have a copy of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association.  Also, there are online Websites that offer
examples of APA form and style, such as Electronic Style - APA.


When considering information for the citation, don't forget
appropriate volume, issue, and page numbers.  In other words, the citation
should provide enough information so that I can track down the exact same
source that you used to answer your question.  Also, even if you photocopy
the page that answers the question, I will still need the complete
citation.

Back to the teachers, should I help them locate lesson plans too?

Yes, this is also a legitimate reference questions.  Think back to your
first year of teaching.  New teachers often have curriculum questions and 
need to look at examples of other teachers' lesson plans, so be sure to 
consider this source.  You may also wish to bookmark 
THE TEACHERS.NET LESSON EXCHANGE for your EM 520 course.

Speaking of professional issues, is there a source I can use to help me
during budgeting time?

Here's a question that may be dear, and near, to your interests in your
state and professional laws.  A media specialist, who is having particular
problems with budgeting, is seeking as much support as possible for the
school library media program.  In developing her media budget proposal, she
wishes to reference state law (including statute numbers) that address K-12
media centers.

Question:  What are the state statutes, and statute numbers, that mention
	   the school library media center program?  

(Remember where to find this information?)

Is there a resource that could supply information on current topics of
interest?

Consider as a reference tool the online archive of National Public Radio
for audio clips of news programs.  Each program has its separate section,
and you must use Real Audio (a free program) to listen to the clips.  Here
are a few items that may be of interest to you, from a school library media
specialist's viewpoint:

1.  All Things Considered broadcast of 4-30-97 in an interview with Melissa
Block on the EEOC and mental illness.  A reference librarian was used as
one of the subjects.

2.  All Things Considered broadcast of 5-7-97 in a correction segment.  A
reference librarian questioned (and was correct) about information
broadcasted on the first live radio broadcast.

3.  All Things Considered broadcast of 5-10-97 in a segment on Cliff's
Notes.  This program is not yet archived, nor is it in the Listen to the
Latest Program section, but it should be appearing in one or the other
either today or tomorrow.

While you are at this site, you will probably wish to browse around for 
clips of other areas of interest.  Can you find more recent examples of 
media specialists/librarians in the news?

Be sure to take a glance at Talk of the Nation's Science Friday.

Is there a good resource that we could use for demographic information
for our school?

Try the U.S. Census Information Web Page.

Also look at How to Effectively Locate Federal Government Information on the Web.

This URL and opening Web page message lead to a fairly short and 
simple introduction to the location and use of online government documents.  
The section on statistics should be particularly helpful and one that you will
wish to bookmark for your future days as a ready reference information
provider.

Regarding more information for teaching reference, is there another
online resource for us?

One of the models for bibliographic instruction for K-12 students is
referred to as The Big Six.

When you have located this information, consider if the model is one that 
you will use when you are teaching reference skills to your K-12 students.  
How does the model resemble the reference process as described by Katz?

It seems that the ERIC site provides a lot of information for teachers.
Can you explain how it is set up?  I get confused with the numbers on the
documents.

Before you have completed EM 515, be sure that you completely understand
the difference between items indexed by ERIC (Educational Resources
Information Center - http://ericir.syr.edu).  RIE (Resources in Education)
indexes the ERIC documents (ED numbers).  CIJE (Current Index to Journals
in Education) indexes journal articles about educational topics that are of
interest to educators.  These articles have EJ (ERIC journal) numbers.

An ERIC document is an item that is submitted to ERIC that may be a
non-published article, pamphlet, proceeding recording, etc.  The items from 
CIJE, that are also included in the ERIC database, are journal articles 
from other publications.  Only the bibliographical information for these 
articles are included in the database.  The actual article is pulled from
the journal.

So, there is a great difference between ED and EJ items and numbers.  Why?
Because the numbers and their prefixes determine how you go about getting
a copy of the item.  If you have ordered through el (Electronic Library),
you know that a request for an ED requires the document number, author, and
title; an EJ (journal) request requires that you submit the author, title
of the article, journal title, volume and issue numbers, and page numbers.
EJ items are available by accessing the journal itself.  ED items are only
available through a library that subscribes and receives the documents,
usually in microfiche format.

Do you know how to submit an item to ERIC?  If not, go to the ERIC site or
check your text.

To see the difference between ED and EJ when ordering, go to el and look at
the options under ordering.  If you haven't experimented with ordering
through el, this would be a good opportunity!

Is there a jury-refereed journal for media specialists?

Before you leave this course, be sure to visit the new home for SLMR 
(School Library Media Research)--the only jury-refereed journal for 
school library media specialists!  I believe this topic on information 
overload for students is timely, don't you?  Also, for those of you who 
are beginning to think about practicum topics, you should become very 
familiar with this title for the wealth of ideas on trends and subjects 
to research.

How will document delivery affect us in a school?

As a reference media specialist, you will definitely be involved in
document delivery and interlibrary loan (ILL).  You will probably be the
person who facilitates the request and delivery of articles, books, etc.,  
that are not on hand in your media center.  As such, you will wish to make 
note of the change in the library postage rate (4th class book
rate) that will take effect in 1999!  Remember, with SUNLINK, the *sending*
school pays the postage out and the *returning* school pays the postage
back.  Now--the tricky part--how will the handling of these packages be
done in your school?

Why would I have to develop reference policies for a school?  It's not
like we're a large public library.

In case you haven't yet thought of how to set reference policies, a good
starting point will be to list a variety of items to consider.  To start off,
have you considered the issue of whether to charge for printing?  Does this
constitute censorship if some students cannot afford to pay?  How much
should be charged?  Is the charge per page?  Will you allow downloading to
disk?  Will the student be expected to provide her/his own disk?  Will the
media center sell disks?  If so, at what price?  Will your administrator allow
you to have access to the profits?

What is the process for taking tests and getting grades?

Your test will be administered at your site. This test is a closed-book/no 
note test that covers many of the topics discussed during audiobridge, 
facilitated sessions, in assignments, and through e-mail messages.  

Please be sure that you have submitted all of your assignments either
through your facilitator or by mailing them directly to me.  All materials
are due by the last class meeting.  Grades are to be submitted within one
week of the last class meeting, however, this is usually not possible since
we do not receive materials from the sites by that time.

You will received notice of your grades through the Registrar's Office in a 
few weeks after the class ends.  Just so that you know the process, as soon 
as I have received and reviewed your assignments, I submit the grades to 
Mr. Cedric Thompson at GTEP.  He then inputs the grades into the online SIS 
(Student Information System).  The Registrar's Office then processes grade 
reports and sends them to the student.

Do you have any other URLs that we can use for this course?

Reference and Information Services Links

Are there other general URLs that we can use for other courses, too?
Professional Information, Organizations, Etc.

Now, I need some resources for technology for my school.  Do you have more URLs?


Online Resources and Utilities



If you have further questions, please contact Jan Yates.

This FAQ is copyrighted by Jan M. Yates, 1999.  All rights reserved.