Monday, January 9, 2012

Misleading free download ebook

This afternoon I helped a student to locate an e-book through Internet. I noticed that event though the links say free download, the book  is absolutely NOT FREE. Readers will have to register and sign in and pay a certain amount of fees to access the e-book. If it is the general practice, why so many links say "free download"? - Misleading and ... make readers frustrated. You thought the download is free, yet as soon as you click on the link, you will be asked to registered and pay for the download. ("sigh")

Uncataloged library materials

I took up extra responsibilities this semster - working at two campuses' libraries. I only started for a week; yet I found very interesting things at the new location library. There are so many uncataloged library materials are interfiled with the circulation materials. Really?

"Out of sight, out of mind" - it did the job for a while.

Spring 2012 semester

The Spring semester will begin next week; yet students are coming back to the library this week - looking up their courses and syllabus. Unfortunately libraians are not allowed to access Blackboard; thus we, the librarians, most of the time are unable to answer any questions that related to the Blackboard. In addition, the students Spring printing accoutns are not available until next week. Most students found themselves are unable to print the course syllabus. Mmm.. the library should do a better job of communciating with IT department.

Classes are not yet begun; the frustration is already in place. ("sigh")

Friday, January 6, 2012

Working with Non-traditional Students

I have been working with non-traditional students for a few years while I work at a state unviersity at the same time. I do respect for their enthusiasm and optimism being back to school and pursuing a degree for themselves. These focus students need a lot of help yet in general they are better students than tradtional students.

According tot he National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education (2011), typically non-traditional students are associated with their background such as gender, race, age (over 25), residence (on-campus vs. off-campus), and enrollment in a degree occupational program.

Adventure of Huckleberry Finn

I read this book when I was a little girl. Yesterday I chatted with one of my colleagues. I am glad that the local school districts still list this book on the "must-read" list.  - Something shouldn't be changed anyway.

Free Statisitics Tutorials on the Web

Statistics, statistics... One of the students suggested that itune you is a very useful link for locating statisics related topics.

Fortunately our university's Writeing Center provides free statistics tutoring three times a week. So I can refere students to the Writing Center!

I also notice that our library houses very old statisitcs textbooks. They are "outdated" yet something shouldn't be changed. I still believe that students will get some help from those books.

Statistical class and Students' Anxiety

The class has not yet started; yet many students who enrolled in the statistical methods class are getting very nervous. They are looking for supplemental materials - other than the textbook. Some of them even asked me what kinds of calculator should be used for statisitcs course. Oh boy! I can tell fromt heir faces. Everyone is very nervous. I am the librarian not the course councelor. I hope I can give them extra support and relieve some of their stress.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Chinese Children's Picture Books during Mao's era

I am always interested in children literature. Recently I have focused on the children's picture books that were written and printed during Mao's rule in China. After months searching and reading, I found two libraries that house over 120 Chinese children's picture book that published between 1949 to 1976:

(1) Library of Congress has 133 items which were calssified as "cage materials". It means that you cannot request via ILL;

(2) Princeton University libraries houses mover than 186 Chinese children's books that printed when Mao was in power.

I am assuming that libraries in major research university in CHina and Hong Kong might have a larger collection. That would be a good research project during my next term break.

New year, new work environment

Over the holidays break, things happened. First the academic dean was "let go" (fired?), then the campus director was publicly fired right before the holiday party. How aweful! Of course, no director, no party. After working for so many years at public sector, I realized that working at a private college is a different ball game. You never know what's going to happen next in term of the firing and promoting. ("sigh"). It does not matter whether you work for a company or a private college.

Oh, boy! 2012 just started for a few days. I do not have a good feeling for the upcoming year - except for my doctoral studies.

New Year Day earthquake in Japan and Ohio state

2012 just stepped in then natural disaster kicked in immediately. I heard from the news that earthquake happened in Japan and Ohio state.

Semester started together. I walked by clasrooms and noticed that there were only a few students there. Apparently some students are still in holidays clock and mood. They simply forgot to come in for their classes!