September 29, 2014

LibGuides: A to Z Database List

Next in our series of LibGuides informational posts is the A to Z Database List. Conveniently located with our collection of course guides, library instruction guides, and research guides, the LibGuides A to Z Database List is a helpful resource for locating and identifying journal, e-book, open source, and internet portals for research.

The A to Z Database list is located directly below the Library Hours, Updates, and News box on the LibGuides home page.

Select the purple Go to A-Z List button for access.
The main A-Z Database list page provides several options for locating AU Library & OhioLINK database resources.

Use the search box, select an entry from the alphabetical listing, or use one of the drop down menus to find a database by subject, type, or even vendor.
The A to Z Database list is conveniently presented on a single page.

Each entry includes an icon, or icons, next to the title indicating what type of resources is available. For database details, click 'more' to expand the entry and read additional information.
LibGuides A to Z Database list is an additional resource;  the AU Library web site provides a comprehensive, searchable Library Database Directory. If you need help accessing a database from off campus,  visit on the library web site Connecting from Off Campus page.  If you would to schedule a reference appointment for help with your research and/or using our databases, feel free to use the online form or call the reference desk at x5402.

September 21, 2014

Banned Books Week: September 21 - 27, 2014

It's time to celebrate Banned Books Week; this year's theme is "Celebrating the Freedom to Read." What is Banned Books Week?
"Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular." -- ALA Banned Books Week

Interested in learning more about Banned Books Week? There's a Banned Books Week LibGuide for that! The library guide presents an overview of  Banned Books Week history and challenged books, Library Resources and Internet Resources for celebrating Banned Books Week, links to frequently banned and challenged books for the last ten years - and - challenged classics,  an interactive timeline highlighting 30 Years of Challenged Literature, and the IRC Pinterest site.


The IRC Pinterest site features a Banned Books Week board with additional resources.

Follow IRC's board Banned Books Week on Pinterest.


Get involved by sharing your Banned Books Week story on Twitter using the hash tag #bannedbooksweek, following Banned Books Week on Facebook, enjoying a variety of Read Outs on the Banned Books Week YouTube Channel, and find great display ideas from the Banned Books Week Pinterest page.

*This story was originally published on the IRC News Blog 9/18/14

September 18, 2014

LibGuides: E-Reserves

First in our series of LibGuides information posts is Electronic Reserves, or E-Reserves. Faculty may place items on E-reserve for course use; items are secure, access is password protected, and each course has a unique password which is provided to the
instructor for student use both on and off campus.

Interested in E-Reserves? 
The following information will help you get started.

Already have a course or instruction LibGuide? 
E-reserves may be added as a dedicated tab for quick and easy access.

E-Reserves are accessible through AU Library web site and LibGuides portal. From the library web site, select the research guides link directly below OneSearch.


An E-Reserves search box is located directly below the A-Z Database List.

Use the search box to find a course by number or instructor name, or simply select “go” to access the E-Reserves home page.
The main E-Reserves page lists each course alphabetically by number / name.

Navigate using the tabs for course, instructor, or term, or enter information in the search box.
Course E-Reserves have a customized page which includes course number, name, instructor, and term.

Take time to read the copyright statement, enter the e-reserves password, and click ‘go’ for E-Reserves access.

About Electronic Reserves

A variety of file formats are accepted including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, and image (.jpeg or .gif, great for infographics). AU Library and OhioLINK database links and general Internet resources may also be included in course e-reserve selections.

To submit an item for electronic reserve, complete the submission form and return it with a clean, readable copy of the reserve item to the circulation desk. Images may be submitted via email attachment on an as needed basis. Please allow seven to ten days, Monday through Friday, for access to new reserve items.


For additional information, or to place an item on E-Reserve, contact Judi Humphrey, Head of Circulation and Reserves via email jhumphre at ashland.edu or ext 5400.

September 15, 2014

LibGuides: Overview

LibGuides? What is LibGuides?
"LibGuides is an easy to use Content Management System used by many thousands of libraries worldwide. Librarians use it to curate knowledge and share information by creating online Guides on any topic, subject, course, on any process, on any thing." - Springshare
Ashland University Library was one of the 'early adopters' of LibGuides. We have been creating and sharing library information and resources using the LibGuides platform for five years. What does LibGuides have to offer? Here's an overview of a few things we can do - and are currently doing -with AU Library's LibGuides.


In addition to the refreshed content layout, our recent migration to LibGuide v2 includes a refreshed E-Reserves platform and easy to use A to Z Database list.  Learn more about how LibGuides can provide library support for your class by contacting your library liaison. Contact Judi Humphrey, Head of Circulation and Reserves, for information about placing items on e-reserves.