Tisch Library has introduced two new tools - one electronic and one in the library - to make searching databases and working in groups easier.
Find It @ Tufts, a new database tool, will provide the full text of a database article if the library has access to that database. Articles can be browsed according to subject. Previously, students had to search through individual databases, organized alphabetically.
According to Associate Librarian Laura Walters, head of reference and collections, if the library does not have access to an article, the system will link to the inter-library loan form to request access. Throughout the year, all of the library's databases are expected to be added to the system.
The library also introduced what planners hope to be the first of several new collaborative workstations. Located on the second floor, the workstation is a group of chairs around a table with a computer monitor. A wireless keyboard and mouse allow the group members to work on the same screen.
Tisch Director Jo-Ann Michalak said the expansion of the program to more workstations depends on student feedback.
Library staff members are also preparing to host an exhibit on Abraham Lincoln. Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the exhibit will be comprised of 12 display panels and will be accompanied by speakers and events.
The exhibit, entitled Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation, will run for six weeks. It is co-chaired by Library Assistants Abigail Al-Doory and Beverly Gobiel and Public Relations and Reference Coordinator Stephanie St. Laurence.
The electronic component of this library enhancement will help navigate their way through the multitude of databases available for research. Find It @ Tufts allows students to more quickly locate a specific article once it appears in search results. After entering an item into the search function on the library's database list, the articles that come up will appear with a Find It @ Tufts link. This then brings the user to the full text of the article, if the library has it, or it will give the user directions to find the article in print. If Tisch does not have the article online or in print, Find It @ Tufts will link to the Interlibrary loan form. As the year progress, all of Tufts' databases will be entered into the Find It @ Tufts function.
The database finder is a new program that allows students to search for databases by subject matter. Previously, databases available to students were only listed in an alphabetical format.
One of the more physical changes to the library this fall is the introduction of collaborative workstations on the first floor. Designed to help students involved in group projects, these workstations feature several chairs grouped around a table with a computer monitor visible to all. A wireless keyboard and mouse allow all members of the group to work on the same project. Currently there is only one such station in the library, but if feedback from the project is positive, more may appear
With the beginning of the fall semester, Tisch library has introduced several new features designed to enhance students' research and schoolwork experiences. The library is also preparing for a traveling exhibit on Abraham Lincoln which opens in October.
As librarians work to get these projects up and running, Tisch is getting ready to host a large exhibit funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Along with 12 panels to be displayed in the library, numerous speakers and events will be part of the six week exhibition entitled Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln's Journey to Emancipation.
