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UAM Receives Approval For Leadership Program

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   As the school year begins anew, students begin settling into the groove of attending class, completing homework assignments and inevitably, utilizing the University’s library.

   No matter the field of study, students will at some point in their journey of academia need to step through the automatic doors of the Fred J. Taylor Library here at UAM. Though seemingly daunting, the kind folks involved in maintaining the library have sought to make the inevitable much easier and less stressful through the re-vamping of the library’s Web site.

  When questioned about the new Web site, Paula Reaves, Technical Services and Reference Librarian, stated, “I think it’s going to be great for our users.” Reaves also mentioned that a usability survey concerning the Web site prompted the re-vamping.

   No longer must students dread the search for appropriate research materials and books. The new site covers everything down to pictures and phone numbers of the librarians and staff members.

   The Web site features an online catalog containing every book, article, magazine etc. in the library’s possession. The online catalog also features an advanced search option complete with catalog navigation to aid in pinpointing the precise item a student needs.

   In addition to featuring an online catalog with an advanced search option, the new Web site enables students to renew books online. By simply logging in under the “My Account” tab, students may renew books without even going back to the library. This should reduce and hopefully eliminate the occurrence of late returns.

    Another feature of the Web site, the Subject Guide allows students to click a subject, take Biology for example, and find article databases, print journals, electronic journals, reference materials and internet sources all categorized for their convenience.

   Jeff Dickens, Electronic Resources and Reference Librarian, seems confident that students will find the new site more user friendly and helpful.

   In addition to the new features and layout, Jeff mentions another new section entitled “Library Guides” in which he covers topics of interest for students including author information, source evaluation, internet research and most notably, avoiding plagiarism.

   Though it may seem too soon to start thinking about research papers and projects, the Fred J. Taylor Library offers a plethora of resources for students to peruse and yes, enjoy. And while it may be an out-dated concept to the busy student, plenty of leisure reading material exists within the library as well.

  With the restructuring of the library’s Web site, students can access information much easier.

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