Medicine Hat College Library Services Blog

When to Include a Page Number in an APA Citation

2012-01-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

In response to some recent confusion about when page numbersshould be included in an APA in-text citation, please see the followinginstructions from the Publication Manual of the American PsychologicalAssociation:

Paraphrasing Material

“When paraphrasing or referring to an idea contained inanother work, you are encouraged to provide a page or paragraph number,especially when it would help an interested reader locate the relevant passagein a long or complex text” (American Psychological Association, 2010, p.171).

Thus, including a page number is not required but could behelpful when the paraphrased material comes from a lengthy and/or complicatedsource such as a textbook.

Example :

It is suggested that management theories, developed in themid-1980s, put forth the idea that branding is as important to corporatesuccess as the actual product that is produced (Klein, 2000).

Direct Quotation of Sources

“When quoting, always provide the author, year, and specificpage citation or paragraph number for nonpaginated material” (AmericanPsychological Association, 2010, p. 170).

Example:

Klein (2000) noted that some management theorists suggest,“that successful corporations must primarily produce brands, as opposed toproducts” (p. 3).

When in doubt, consult theassignment guidelines and/or contact your instructor or Library InformationDesk Staff.

"Like Us on Facebook" Draw

2012-01-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

You don’t have to love us, but please Like us on Facebook! Help us reach our goal of 500 “Likes” by liking Medicine Hat College Library Services on Facebook.

Afterward, check our Facebook wall to find the link to our contest entry form. Simply enter your name & e-mail address for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Click here to access Library Services' Facebook page!

*Draw to take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012.

*You must like us on Facebook AND enter your name and e-mail address in the contest entry form to be eligible for the draw. Please note: your personal information will only be used for the purpose of this draw and will be deleted after the contest ends.

New Database: JSTOR

2012-01-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Library Services has added JSTOR to its list of database resources!

This multidisciplinary database indexes nearly 2000 scholarly journals, many of which are available in full-text. Additionally, nearly 500,000 articles published prior to 1923 in the U.S. and prior to 1870 elsewhere are freely available.

JSTOR can be accessed on and off campus by faculty, staff, and students of Medicine Hat College. To directly connect to the resource, click here.

JSTOR, as well as other databases, can be located on the Library Services website in the Databases section. It will be listed alphabetically under the Complete Database List and the General/Multidisciplinary links.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

New Materials Lists Updated - December 2011

2012-01-04T16:10:00.002-07:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of December 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

228 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Default Login for Blackboard, Computers, and Email

2012-01-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

When logging into most online services (Blackboard, computers, and e-mail) at the college, you will initially use the following pattern:

For new students and returning students who have had the logins reset recently:

User name: firstname.lastname
Password:

First 3 letters of month of birth with first letter capitalized
4 digits of your year of birth
Last 3 digits of student ID #

For more information about Campus ID card, please click here.

For password assistance, please see the library's Information Desk or the Information Technology Services' Help Desk (located near B223 on the second floor of the B-wing).

Library User of the Month - January 2012

2012-01-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

Ryan Toews, Nursing/UT Science student

“I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Nursing program at the Medicine Hat College. I have incorporated a variety of UT Science classes into my degree, as upon completion, I plan on furthering my education through a Doctor of Medicine program. Apart from coursework, I am involved in multiple volunteering events and am president of the Science and Engineering Undergraduate Society (SEUS).

The Vera Bracken Library has been my home for the past three years, and without it, I would not be where I am today. I have utilized many of the resources available through the library, such as online databases, A.V. equipment, referencing guidelines and above all, the studying areas. I would like to express my gratitude towards the library staff for creating a positive learning environment through their accommodating and compassionate attitudes.”

Seasonal Hours in Effect

2011-12-19T15:30:00.002-07:00

The seasonal hours for both libraries are as follows:

VERA BRACKEN LIBRARY

20 December 2011: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
21 December 2011: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
22 December 2011: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
23 December 2011-2 January 2012: Closed
3 January 2012: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY

19 December 2011-3 January 2012: Closed
4 January 2011: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

With the seasonal break in operations, comes suspension of e-mail, instant messaging, telephone, and text/SMS information services; all services will resume on 3 January 2012. Any questions in the queues will be resolved then.

Both libraries will resume regular hours of operation on Wednesday, 4 January 2012.

For more information on the libraries' hours, click here.

Interlibrary Loan Service Outage: December 18th

2011-12-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Please note: Library Services’ interlibrary loan system willbe unavailable on December 18th between the hours of 10 am and noon.

Users will be unable to submit newinterlibrary loan requests during that time.

Fireplace Installed in Southwest Lounge!

2011-12-06T13:18:00.001-07:00

Just in time for those frigid winter temperatures, an electric fireplace has been installed in the Vera Bracken Library's southwest lounge for the enjoyment of all!

Donate to the Santa Claus Fund at the Library

2011-12-02T11:09:00.001-07:00

This holiday season, Medicine Hat College Library Services is collectingdonations on behalf of the Santa Claus Fund. Money raised will help provide Christmasgifts for children in need.

Cashdonations for any amount can be dropped off at the library’s information desk anddonors will receive a decorative stocking to post on the café window in thelibrary.

Santa says "help children in need by making a donation at the Vera Bracken Library today" (personal communication, December 2, 2011).

New Materials Lists Updated - November 2011

2011-12-01T11:30:00.001-07:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of November 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 400 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Extended Hours December 2nd-18th, 2011

2011-11-30T13:11:00.001-07:00

The Vera Bracken Library will be extending its hours of operation from Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 18th. The extended hours will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The hours for those days will be as follows:

Friday: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (+2 hours)
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (+3 hours)
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. (+2 hours)

The library will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday as normal. For more information about the libraries' hours (including the Brooks Campus Library), click here.

Employment Opportunities at Vera Bracken Library

2011-11-28T14:15:00.001-07:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its team as a Library Clerk III (Audiovisual Department).

Two positions are available: one part-time sessional and one casual. Both positions are based at the Vera Bracken Library at the Medicine Hat Campus. Capable students, as well as the general public, are invited to apply. Please note that the deadline for applications is 2 December 2011.

For more details about the part-time sessional position, click here.
For more details about the casual position, click here.

For details on how to apply, click here.

Mango Languages App Available for iOS Devices

2011-11-24T13:31:00.001-07:00

Learn languages on the go with the new Mango Languages appfor iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch!

To getstarted, users must first access Mango Languages on a computer via Library Services’ databases page and sign up for a free account. Then,simply download Mango Languages from the Apple App Store and sign in with yourMango account. Visit the Mango Languages site for more details.

Mango Languages is anonline language instruction program that will help develop a user’s knowledgeof a particular language, in the following fields: comprehension, culturalinsight, grammar, pronunciation, retention, and vocabulary.

Mango Languages currentlyprovides instruction in 34 languages, which are:

Arabic (Levantine)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dari
Dutch
Farsi (Persian)
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Haitian Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Indonesian

Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian
Pashto
Portuguese (Brazil)
Russian
Slovak
Spanish (Latin America)
Tagalog
Tamil
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese

New Look for Bowker's Global Books in Print

2011-11-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Bowker’s Global Books in Print database has been revamped to make the interface more attractiveand easier to use.

Bowker’s Global Booksin Print is a resource that lets you search for bibliographic informationfor more than 12.5 million in-print, out-of-print, and forthcoming books, audiobooks, and videos. The database also contains more than 2.2 millionprofessional reviews.

Students, faculty, and staff can access Bowker’s Global Books in Print on campus or from home via LibraryServices’ databases page. Simply clickthe Advanced Article Search link on the main library page, choose Referencefrom the subject areas list, and then click Connect next to the entry for Bowker’s Global Books in Print. If you are accessing this database from home,you will be prompted for your student or staff/faculty ID number.

Whiteboard Wall Installed in Group Study Room

2011-11-03T10:21:00.000-06:00

Forget what your mother told you about writing on the wall! Library Services has installed a wall-sizedwhiteboard in group study room B132. Students,staff and faculty can now write anywhere on the south wall in that roomusing a dry-erase marker.

Group study roomscan be booked by filling out the appropriate sign-up sheet located outside eachroom in the Vera Bracken Library.

New Materials Lists Updated - October 2011

2011-11-02T14:24:00.000-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of October 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 300 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Library User of the Month - November 2011

2011-10-31T15:08:00.000-06:00

Ramotu Jimoh, Communication Studies, Athabasca University

Iam in my fourth year of the Bachelors of Art Degree, Communication Studies,through Athabasca University. There is no doubt that without the help of thestaff of the Vera Bracken Library I would not have been able to complete myassignments especially in the area of materials, references and citations forthe assignments. They never let me feel different although I am an AfricanCanadian. The library feels like my second home especially because I have kidsand I need a quiet place to study, so the library is a perfect choice for me.My favourite area in the library is the Quiet Study Room and Computer Lab.

Iwould like to thank the entire staff of Vera Bracken library especially theones who are at the Information Desk for their patience, kindness and theirwilingness to help me at anytime the library is open with their great smiles.

Refworks Now Available

2011-10-28T11:44:00.000-06:00

RefWorks is a web-based bibliography and database managerthat allows you to create your own personal database by importing referencesfrom text files or online databases and other various sources. You can usethese references in writing papers and automatically format the paper and thebibliography in seconds.

Students, faculty, and staff can access Refworks on campusor from home via Library Services’ databases page. Simply click the Advanced Article Search linkon the main library page, choose Reference from the subject areas list, andthen click Connect next to the entry for Refworks. If you are accessing Refworks from home,you will be prompted for your student or staff/faculty ID number.

Please note:

You must create an account (no cost for MHC students, faculty, and staff) in order to use Refworks
Library Services encourages users to proofread all citations produced by Refworks or any other electronic citation tool

If you have questions about Refworks or would like more information, please contact the Vera Bracken Library's Information Desk at 403-504-3544.

Save Your Borrowing History!

2011-10-26T12:16:00.003-06:00

By default, Library Services does not track your borrowing history (i.e., once returned, we do not know what books, periodicals, videos, etc. you borrowed).

If you want to track your personal borrowing history, you need to log-in to your library account and opt in to that feature. Library Services staff do not have access to your borrowing history if you elect to track it—assuring your privacy.

To opt in, follow these directions:

STEP 1: Log in to your library account (see Figure 1). You can log-in from the Library Services homepage or the online catalogue.

Figure 1. Library account log-in page (click to enlarge).

STEP 2: Select "Reading History" from the left-hand column (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Select "Reading History"
(click to enlarge).

STEP 3: Select the "Opt In" button. It will then switch to "Opt Out" (see Figure 3). NOTE: Your record will start to build/retain your checkout history when you next borrow an item.

Figure 3. Opting in (click to enlarge).

VIEW YOUR HISTORY

When you next log-in to your library account and select the "Reading History" option, your borrowing history will be displayed (see Figure 4). NOTE: You can opt out to stop the tracking history or delete selected records.

Figure 4. Borrowing history display (click to enlarge).

If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please make use of our information or social media services.

New Printer Names

2011-10-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

Public printers at the Vera Bracken Library have been renamed to make it easier for users to distinguish between the black & white and colour printers:

Library_6360 is now Library_Colour
Library_5030 is now Library_BW

The cost for colour printing is 50 cents / page while black & white is 5 cents / page.

Default Login for Student Accounts Created or Reset after October 1, 2011

2011-10-05T13:20:00.001-06:00

Student accounts (Blackboard, Gmail, MyMHC, Campus Computers)created or reset after October 1, 2011 will be accessible via the instructionsbelow:

Username: firstname.lastname

Example:
Name: John Doe àUsername: John.Doe

Your password will be the first three letters of your monthof birth with the first letter capitalized, followed by the 4 digits of youryear of birth, and the last 3 digits of your Student ID number.

Example:
Birth Date: February 20, 1983
Student ID#: 123 456 789

Password: Feb1983789

Please Note: These instructions apply only to accounts thatwere created or reset after October 1, 2011.

New Materials Lists Updated - September 2011

2011-10-04T15:39:00.002-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of September 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 430 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Human Library a Success!

2011-10-03T14:08:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Erin Penzes,Jacquie Penner, Dr. Linda Schwartz, and Dr. Nancy Brown, who made ourfirst-ever "Human Library" at the Medicine Hat College awonderful success! What a great way to celebrate Alberta Arts Days.

Human Library This Sunday!

2011-09-29T14:33:00.001-06:00

Come and “check out” one or all of the fascinating books that willbe available in the MHC “Human Library” collection on Sunday, October 2^ndfrom 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Thanks to Linda Schwartz, Vice President Academic; Dr. NancyBrown, Science faculty; Jacquie Penner, Dean of Business; Erin Penzes, Dean ofAdult Development; and Deborah Forbes, Arts faculty for making our first “HumanLibrary” come ALIVE!

Library User of the Month - October 2011

2011-09-28T09:12:00.000-06:00

Travis Beck

Business Student, Accounting

Having been a student,as well as an employee, and most recently, a student again, I have spent manyhours within the library walls. Whether it be just another late night doinghomework, checking out a book, or simply just stopping by to talk to thelibrarians, the library has become much like a second home for me. In fact, Ithink there are even some people who would consider it to be my first. Aftermany nights having been kicked out by the flashing light just before closingtime, I have gotten to know this place very well. With librarians who are nevershy to lend a helping hand, which is always welcome with the increasing demandsfor APA writing, the library has become not only a place for learning, but alsoa place to find a friend. Even greater than the many resources offered by thelibrary, are the great people here who really make this facility into what ithas become. Thank you to everyone here as I am honored to be the 2011, OctoberLibrary User of the Month.

New Database Added: Films on Demand

2011-09-26T15:01:00.001-06:00

Library Services now subscribes to the Films on Demand database. With Films on Demand, students, staff, and faculty have instant access to thousands of full-length, high-quality educational videos.

Films produced by organizations such as BBC, History Channel, and PBS are available in dozens of subject areas. Users can also organize & bookmark clips, and create & share playlists.

This database can be accessed on campus or from home. Film titles have been added to the library’s catalogue as well and can be identified by the [electronic resource (video)] notation in the item title. Simply click on the Available Online link in the catalogue record to access the film.

Those who prefer to browse can access Films on Demand via Library Services’ databases page. Simply click the Advanced Article Search link on the main library page, choose General/Multidisciplinary from thesubject areas list, and then click Connectnext to the entry for Films on Demand. Ifyou are accessing the database from home, you will be prompted for your Studentor Staff/Faculty ID number.

If you have questions about Films on Demand or would like more information, please contact the information desk at 403-504-3544.

“Human Library” Available October 2nd

2011-09-20T11:34:00.000-06:00

Inconjunction with Alberta Arts Days 2011, the Medicine Hat College Library iscelebrating the culture of our college by hosting a “Human Library” on Sunday,October 2^nd from 2:00 pm –3:00 pm in the library.

We believe that this MHC “Human Library” will provide ameans of accessing information in an innovative way. Patrons will be able tograb refreshments and “check out” a person of interest for 15 minutes and‘read’ their life by conversing with them.

MacBook Pro at Vera Bracken Library

2011-09-19T16:28:00.001-06:00

The library has acquired a new MacBook Pro computer for students toborrow. The MacBook can be borrowed for4 hours at a time.

Eight More Computers in the Vera Bracken Library

2011-09-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Library Services has installed an additional eight computersin the Vera Bracken Library. This bringsthe total number of computers in the library to 87.

Terminals are located near the InformationDesk, inside the library classroom (Room B130), and in study carrels scatteredthroughout the facility.

Students, staff, and faculty can login to an available computerusing their College username and password.

New Materials Lists Now Available for July & August

2011-09-09T16:15:00.001-06:00

Discoverwhat new titles were added to the library’s collection over the summer months! Lists are available for both the Vera Brackenand Brooks Campus libraries. Click this link to get started.

MHC Wireless - Log On Now Required

2011-09-09T15:40:00.001-06:00

The college has moved to anauthenticated wireless network service where students and employees needto use their college username and password to log on. This service will providea greater number of more reliable connections than our previous open service.

To connect to the network:

Select MHC-WiFi from your computer or mobile device
Once connected open your web browser
You will be directed to a page indicating the terms of use in accessing the network. Please read this and scroll to the bottom of the page
If you accept the conditions, enter your username and password
For this system, the username and password is the same one used to connect to MHC computers and networks in labs and offices
Click the green-coloured Submit button

These steps were reproduced from the MHC Information Technology Services blog: http://mhcit.blogspot.com/

Book an Appointment with Library Staff

2011-09-08T09:45:00.000-06:00

Don’t know where to find a scholarly article? Need help using the library catalogue? Not sure where to begin with your research project?

Library Services is pleased to announce the launch of a one-on-oneappointment service for students, faculty, and staff. Enjoypersonalized assistance from a library staff member dedicated to helping yousucceed!

To get started, visit theLibrary Services home page and click the “Book An Appointment” button locatedin the “Get Assistance” menu. After youfill in and submit the form, Library Services will contact you to confirmappointment details.

This service is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student appointments usually take place in the Vera Bracken Library
For faculty and staff, we are happy to meet you in your office on campus if preferred

Discover Library Resources via. Encore Synergy

2011-09-06T16:58:00.001-06:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is pleased to announce the launch of an integrated single search application that is made possible through our long term partnership with Innovative Interface Inc. and its product -- Encore Synergy.

The single search box responds to searches with local book holdings, e-books, scholarly and popular articles, audiovisual collections, and more. The smart search technologies, the advanced discovery tools such as facets, search history, recently added list, the unique Web 2.0 feature such as tag cloud that invites users to contribute and exchange ideas, will for sure promise our users a whole new and exciting search experience.

The following figure captures the presentation of Encore Synergy through the Library Services website:

(Single Encore Search Box, click to enlarge)

If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact Library Services via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

Student Login: Username and Password

2011-09-06T11:35:00.000-06:00

User name: firstname.lastname
Password: last five digits of student ID#, followed by the first three letters of last name (with the first letter capitalized)

For returning students who haven't updated their logins recently:

User name: firstname.lastname
Password: last four digits of student ID#, followed by the first three letters of last name (with the first letter capitalized)

Where to Wikipedia

2011-08-31T15:22:00.002-06:00

Wikipedia has just turned ten this year. Library Services co-sponsored and participated an interesting panel discussion to explore the past, present, and future of Wikipedia.

Our guest speaker, Sarah Polkinghorne, public services librarian from the University of Alberta, gave an informative presentation to answer some of the foundational questions about Wikipedia: what is Wikipedia really? How does it work exactly? Who created it and who uses it? Where is it headed? It is interesting for the participants to get to know that 90% of the Wikipedia contributors are male and there are so called five "pillars" that summarize the fundamental principles by which Wikipedia operates.

The panel and participants further explored issues such as: potential classroom uses for Wikipedia; the changing face of "peer reviewers"; individual versus collaborative intellectual property; critical thinking in the age of Web 2.0; quality research and non-print literacy; writing for Wikipedia as scholarly activity.

The panel members created a wiki page that lists some inspiring articles about Wikipedia. It can be accessed @ http://wiki-panel.wikispaces.com/ The wiki-panel wiki page can also be a perfect spot to carry out some further discussions on Wikipedia.

Panel members (l-r): Lilian Li, Terry Chapman, Avril Torrence,
Sarah Polkinghorne, Leigh Cunningham, Lorne Jeal

Thanks to the sponsors (Division of Arts, Library Services, Faculty Association Professional Development Committee) and to the participants for making this event a success.

Library Services Website Has Gone Mobile!

2011-08-26T13:46:00.011-06:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is pleased to announce the launch of a new mobile library site that enables library-users-on-the-go to access library services any time, any place through mobile web on any mobile devices.

The library mobile site features catalogue search, hours and locations, news and events, access library account, search for articles, and various ways to get hold of us for assistance. To bookmark and access the mobile site, users can initially go to the Medicine Hat Collge Library Services website. The "Go Mobile" button will take you over there!

Figure. Access library mobile site (click to enlarge).

We will continue to enhance the mobile site so stay tuned! Hope you enjoy the service and find it convenient and efficient! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact Library Services via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

Digital Books and Geekapalooza 4.0

2011-08-25T16:00:00.005-06:00

Library Services participated in Geekapalooza 4.0, the annual event for college faculty and staff. Leigh Cunningham, Collections and Instruction Librarian, presented a session, How to Read an eBook, which provided an overview of the various types of eBooks and eReaders available today as well as issues to consider as the market matures. Various online sources for acquiring eBooks were also demonstrated, including Project Gutenberg, Google eBookstore, Medicine Hat Public Library’s Library To Go System, and the MHC libraries’ ebrary online resource.

Leigh Cunningham is holding one of the library's Kobo touch screen readers.

The Medicine Hat College Libraries provide access to more than 15,000 eBooks that can be read online on a computer, laptop, or mobile device with an internet connection. Search for eBooks through the Library Catalogue.

Five Kobo eReaders, including two new touch screen models, are available for 2 week loan periods from the library. Geekapalooza attendees had a chance to test drive the eReaders and engage in some great discussion about the potential of the technology. Thanks to those that participated; see you next year!

New Networked Colour Printer Now Available

2011-08-23T12:58:00.021-06:00

In the past, we handled colour printing jobs manually by the Information Desk staff in the library – meaning students had to bring their files to the staff; staff printed the document and handed it back to students, with cash involved. It is not the case anymore! Library Services just added a networked colour printer that student can manage all their printing jobs, either black/white or colour, straight from the desktop that he/she is working on and from one consolidated printing account.

The newly added colour printer and the existing black/white printer are located side by side right outside the library computer lab. The charges for the printings are as follows:

Black/White: 5 cents per page
Colour: 50 cents per page

(Figure 1: Image of the printers, click to enlarge)

Make sure to select the right printer for your job as it determines the charges that are put through your printing account.

(Figure 2: Printer selection window, click to enlarge)

It is always a good idea to check the balance and how much the printing is going to cost before sending your job. Here is the last dialog window you will see during the process that shows the information (in this case, we don’t have enough balance in the printing account therefore the printing job will never reach the printer! – time to talk to our circulation desk staff to add some more money!)

(Figure 3: Balance information dialog window, click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy the service and find it convenient and efficient! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact Library Services via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

APA Handouts Revised

2011-08-03T14:52:00.001-06:00

Library Services has revised two of its American Psychological Association (APA) citation guides. The guides that have been updated are the APA Style Guide and the To Quote, Paraphrase or Block Quote? – APA Style. Both of these guides cover the sixth edition version of the citation style. Additionally, the What is Plagiarism? handout has also been revised.

APA STYLE GUIDE [PDF/DOCX versions]

The 12 page format has been retained, but some new examples of citations have been supplied—not all of which are in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition). Some of new and revised examples include:

notes on Canadian legal documents
dictionary entries
basic web pages
Facebook posts
Twitter posts

TO QUOTE, PARAPHRASE OR BLOCK QUOTE? – APA STYLE [PDF/DOCX versions]

The document is largely unchanged, but the language/phrasing employed in the examples has been modified to be more consistent.

WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? [PDF/DOCX versions]

Though it is not strictly related to the APA style of citation, our What is Plagiarism? document is a complement to the aforementioned guides that not only outlines what constitutes plagiarism, but the consequences of doing so at Medicine Hat College.

You can download and view these and other guides by visiting the "How-to and Research Guides" section of the Library Services website.

In all cases, we strive for accuracy in these documents. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact Library Services via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

Save Your Borrowing History!

2011-08-02T16:13:00.000-06:00

Figure 1. Library account log-in page (click to enlarge).

STEP 2: Select "Reading History" from the left-hand column (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Select "Reading History"
(click to enlarge).

STEP 3: Select the "Opt In" button. It will then switch to "Opt Out" (see Figure 3). NOTE: Your record will start to build/retain your checkout history when you next borrow an item.

Figure 3. Opting in (click to enlarge).

Figure 4. Borrowing history display (click to enlarge).

If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please make use of our information or social media services.

Two New Databases: Computers and Applied Sciences Complete &Points of View Reference Center

2011-07-29T13:30:00.002-06:00

Library Services has added two new databases to its collection of resources. The new databases are EBSCO's Computers and Applied Sciences Complete and the Points of View Reference Center.

COMPUTERS AND APPLIED SCIENCES COMPLETE

This database provides the latest information on research and development in computer sciences and related disciplines. It will not only provide insight into the latest technologies, but also the business and social implications of those technologies.

It has nearly 2,200 periodicals are indexed and full-text is provided for more than 1,000 titles. Coverage for each title will vary, but some full-text and indexing is as early as 1970. Click here to view the database's holdings.

In addition to being listed under the Complete Database List page, Computers and Applied Sciences Complete can be found alphabetically under the Sciences and Trades & Technology headings on our Databases page.

POINTS OF VIEW REFERENCE CENTER

This database provides a wide variety of essays on controversial subject matter that affects all aspects of society. The essays present both the pro and con aspects of the debate and are designed to provoke further discussion, thought, and study of the subject matter.

The Points of View Reference Center is listed under the Complete Database List page, but can also be found under the General/Multidisciplinary heading on our Databases page.

Each database is accessible by staff and students from on-campus or at home. You can view our complete database collection by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

Brooks Campus Library Photos

2011-07-28T09:07:00.003-06:00

If you were not aware, Library Services does have a full service library at the Brooks Campus. We now present you some external and internal photos of the Brooks Campus Library:

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY (internal)

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY (external)

To view more photos from Library Services, please visit our Flickr sets or our Facebook albums.

August Hours: Closures & Holidays

2011-07-25T15:55:00.000-06:00

For the month of August, the Vera Bracken Library will be closed on the following days:

Monday, August 1st – Heritage Day
Wednesday, August 24th – College Day

The Brooks Campus Library will not be affected by the College Day closure, but will be closed on Monday, August 1st for Heritage Day.

Both libraries will maintain their summer hours until September 1st. For more details on the individual libraries' hours, click here.

New Database: Career Cruising

2011-07-23T15:33:00.001-06:00

Library Services has added Career Cruising to its list of database resources!

Career Cruising is a career guidance and planning resource. Some of the tools available in the database include: a built-in résumé builder; an employment guide and job search tool; an interest based assessment tool; skills assessment; a learning styles inventory; 550+ career profiles; and information about colleges, universities, and apprenticeship training.

Career Cruising can be accessed on and off campus by faculty, staff, and students of Medicine Hat College. To directly connect to the resource, click here.

Career Cruising, as well as other databases, can be located on the Library Services website in the Databases section. It will be listed alphabetically under the Career & Vocational Guidance, the Complete Database List, the General/Multidisciplinary, and the Reference links.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

New Database Added: Criminal Justice Abstracts with Full Text

2011-07-20T08:21:00.003-06:00

Library Services has added EBSCO's Criminal Justice Abstracts with Full Text database to its collection of resources. This database is replacing the ProQuest Criminal Justice Periodicals database.

Justice sends mixed messages by Dan4th

The Criminal Justice Abstracts with Full Text database provides information on many criminal justice topics that include: criminology, corrections and prisons, criminal investigation, forensic sciences and investigation, substance abuse and addiction, and probation and parole. The database offers full-text coverage for more than 200 periodical publications, and also includes full-text books and monographs.

Coverage for each title will vary, but some periodical titles are available as far back as 1910. For a complete list of the database's holdings, click here.

This database is accessible by staff and students from on-campus or at home. You can view our complete database collection by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

New Materials Lists Updated - June 2011

2011-07-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of June 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 280 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Employment Opportunities: Library Shelvers

2011-07-14T10:23:00.001-06:00

Library Services is seeking three candidates to assume roles as Library Shelvers in the Vera Bracken Library (Medicine Hat Campus).

The job of a shelver is ideal for students wanting to make a little more money over the school year. These are term positions that run from September 7, 2011 to April 20, 2012 and have a starting wage of $13.60 per hour.

Click here to read more about the position.

The deadline for application will remain open until suitable candidates are found, so apply early and include a copy of your class schedule! For details on how to apply, click here.

Employment Opportunity: Library Services Specialist

2011-07-13T12:35:00.000-06:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its team as the Library Services Specialist!

The position is in the Vera Bracken Library at the Medicine Hat Campus. Qualified candidates can submit their applications until 29 July 2011.

For more details about the position, click here.

For details on how to apply, click here.

Blog Updated

2011-07-06T14:39:00.002-06:00

Original Blog Design and New Look

After many years of service, the Library Services Blog has updated its look. The blog will continue to function as a source for Library Services' achievements, history, services information, and updates. It will function in conjunction with our other current social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter.

We hope you like the new look and watch as we continue to layer additional services into the updated blog design.

Kobo eReader Touch Edition: More to Love About E-books

2011-07-04T14:26:00.006-06:00

Library Services has added two new Kobo eReaders to its collection. These new e-book readers are the Kobo eReader Touch Edition model, which means you will no longer need to use the direction pad found on older models to "turn pages" like you did with our older Kobo eReaders.

Kobo eReader Touch Edition

The new readers each contain more than 50 popular titles, plus more than 100 popular public domain titles that will satisfy the interests of almost any patron. To view the availability and contents of each new reader, select either:

Regardless of which of the five Kobo eReaders you borrow from Library Services, all will feature Jessica Grant's Come Thou, Tortoise—Medicine Hat One Book One Community's 2011 book selection!

The new e-readers also feature better quality screens, faster response times, and less "page turning" screen flicker than previous versions. Like the previous versions, the new readers feature microSD card slots that allow our patrons to view their own compatible e-books and files on the devices. For complete technical specifications and information on compatible file types that can be viewed on the Kobo eReader Touch Edition, click here.

Patrons of the Vera Bracken Library can ask for an available device from the Circulation Desk, while Brooks patrons can see the Services Desk at the Brooks Campus Library.

Library User of the Month - July 2011

2011-07-01T00:01:00.005-06:00

Erin Rothwell
Student Recruiter, Student Services

I really love the Vera Bracken Library. It is one of my favourite places on campus and I enjoy taking out reading materials (so much that I have difficulty returning them on time) for personal enjoyment and to enhance what I am doing in my work. As a student recruiter, I enjoy bringing students to the library because I believe it is one of the nicest physical spaces on campus in terms of its large windows, natural light, and beautiful view of greenery and animals; it provides a welcome retreat for students to study, visit with friends and even just relax. Prospective students are often visibly awed by the facilities, and, because of the comfortable, accessible environment, can often envision themselves in this space. The VBL demonstrates some of Medicine Hat College’s best attributes in terms of being friendly, open and accessible to students, staff and community members; the staff is always extremely willing to facilitate events, tours, library cards and ID cards for new students. The library’s unique array of services enhances the college experience for students and staff members. I have recently joined the Good Food Club facilitated through the library and enjoy the monthly assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables this membership provides. The library has also came in handy once or twice with our Student for a Day groups in initiating an icebreaker among particularly shy groups of students—let’s text the library a question and find out who has the best/closest answer! As a word of advice, asking students what year Bryan Adams was born is a great way to open up communication with a group of previously unacquainted students.

Canada Day Closure - 1 July 2011

2011-06-29T12:01:00.001-06:00

Canada Day 2010 by jp1958

The Vera Bracken Library will be closed on Friday, July 1st, 2011 for the Canada Day holiday. With the exception of that day, the library will operate according to regular hours.

If you want more information on events that are happening across Canada, click here. For a schedule of events in Medicine Hat, click here.

For more information on the libraries' hours, click here.

Text Message a Record from the Online Catalogue

2011-06-27T14:22:00.006-06:00

Library Services has introduced a new feature in our online catalogue. This feature will allow patrons to text message the primary information of a record to themselves. The information that will be texted includes: title, call number, and location.

WHY?

With this service, patrons do not have to write down the record information to retrieve the material from the shelves. Patrons will also be able to retain that record information on their cellular device.

HOW IT WORKS

When in a record, look for the "Send via Text Message" text and icon (see Figure 1) and click it.

Figure 1. "Send via Text Message."
(click to enlarge)

In the dialogue box (see Figure 2) enter your cellular phone number with all 10 digits (without dashes, spaces, etc.).
Figure 2. Enter cellular number.
(Click to enlarge)
You will also need to select your cellular provider (see Figure 3; we currently provide service to all of Canada's major cellular providers).

Figure 3. Available cellular providers.
Click "Send" and a "Message sent!" dialogue box will appear.

If you decide not to send a text, click "Clear" to return to the record.
You will then receive a text message similar to the one in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Received record information.

WHAT ABOUT QR CODES?

This services does not replace the use of QR codes in the catalogue—it is a complement or alternate means of delivery to the use of QR codes.

Special thanks to our partners at the University of Lethbridge that made this service possible.

Please note that charges may apply if your service plan does not include free/unlimited text messaging. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please make use of our information or social media services.

Instant & Text Messaging Summer Hours

2011-06-24T10:27:00.004-06:00

Starting on Saturday, June 25, 2011, Library Services' remote information services will be moving to their summer hours.

The hours for the instant messaging and text messaging services will now be:

Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Text on the Beach: "Im on th beach where r u?" by Doug Waldron

MHC Libraries Read Posters

2011-06-22T12:39:00.000-06:00

Over the past academic year (2010-2011), Library Services has created and displayed its MHC Libraries Read posters throughout the libraries. These posters feature staff and students with some of their favourite book selections.

The posters have been published in our Facebook album and now they have been collected and posted in our Flickr album. We hope you enjoy the posters and the staff's reading selections!

Summer Hours Start June 25th

2011-06-21T08:42:00.000-06:00

The libraries will be moving to their summer hours of operation starting Saturday, June 25th, 2011. The hours for each library is as follows:

VERA BRACKEN LIBRARY

Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY

Monday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday: Closed

These hours will persist until September 1, 2011. For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Summer Skies over Rathcoffey by Bart Busschots

Library Services wins the college's Environment Week Challenge!

2011-06-16T12:46:00.004-06:00

From June 5th to 11th, various departments in Medicine Hat College participated in the Environment Week Challenge. This event prompted departments and staff to reflect on how they interact with the environment as groups and as individuals.

Part of the challenge entailed staff members in each department scoring themselves in various categories about the degrees to which they practice environmental conservation. Personal scores were totaled as a department and then divided by the number of participants in each department, producing an average score.

Library Services proudly took top honours for this year’s challenge! In recognition of our win, we were awarded a certificate of achievement from the college’s Environment Committee and the honour of displaying Kermit the Frog in our service area.

Pictured (l-r): K. Walker, B. Banasch, J. Malinsky, A. Baxter (with Kermit), J. MacDonald, G. Rose, J. Clarke, L. Cunningham, R. Smith, H. Lewis-Futrell

Individual honours were also won by Vera Bracken Library staff members! Darlene Graham and Gloria Rose tied for the top personal scores. Each received a $20 gift card to the Windmill Garden Centre.

As a department, Library Services has been very conscious of environmental concerns. We recycle as many consumables as possible, which includes batteries, cardboard/paper, electronic equipment, glass, and plastics. Library Services has also added more than 15,000 e-books to its collection in the past couple years and also employs Kobo e-readers for many popular titles, which means less paper being used and more space for our patrons.

Library Services was not without stiff competition from the other departments though, so congratulations to all the participants and we look forward to next year’s event. In the end, we all know that the environment is the real winner!

New Materials Lists Updated - May 2011

2011-06-13T12:23:00.000-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of May 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 220 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Windows 7 & Upgraded Network Wiring

2011-06-05T17:02:00.002-06:00

Library Services has always tried to take a leading roll in experimenting and implementing new technologies in the college. Over the past week Information Technology Department (ITS) has been upgrading our student computers with Windows 7.

For those people that were not fans of the Vista stations, we hope that you will be pleased with this implementation. The machines will continue to provide the Microsoft Office 2007 Professional suite of applications, Adobe Photoshop Elements, SMART Board and Classroom Performance System tools, and more.

Additionally, ITS and Pro Comm have been upgrading the network cables in the Vera Bracken Library, which should translate into a faster and smoother network experience on those computers.

There is more to come, so stay tuned as we continue to move forward and coordinate with ITS to enhance your computing experience in the libraries.

Oxford Dictionaries Online Now Available

2011-05-24T10:31:00.003-06:00

Library Services has added Oxford Dictionaries Online to its databases collection.

Oxford Dictionaries Online is a comprehensive and fully searchable dictionary of American, British, and World English. This resource defines more than 350,000 words and includes audio pronunciations. The Oxford Dictionary Online provides regular updates to the dictionary as the English language continues to develop.

In addition to the definitions and updates, Oxford Dictionaries Online provides: 600,000+ antonyms and synonyms in its thesauruses; more than 1.9 million example sentences; and guides for grammar, spelling, and writing. The “My Oxford Dictionary” service allows you to create a personal profile to save entries and searches.

Oxford Dictionaries Online can be found in the databases section of the Library Services' website. It can be located under the Complete Database List, Education, English (Language & Literature), General/Multidisciplinary, Language Learning, and Reference headings.

Faculty, staff, and students can connect to the resource from on-campus or at home. To connect to the Oxford Dictionaries Online, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

New Materials Lists Updated, April 2011

2011-05-12T13:31:00.000-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of April 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 260 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

Victoria Day Closure, 23 May 2011

2011-05-09T08:41:00.001-06:00

The Vera Bracken and Brooks Campus Libraries will be closed on Monday, May 23rd for the Victoria Day holiday. Both libraries will be open on the Tuesday following the holiday.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Her Majesty the Queen (Victoria), ca. 1897¹

¹Source: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1964-99-1

Mango Languages: Language Learning Resource Added

2011-05-02T11:39:00.003-06:00

Library Services has added Mango Languages to its list of database resources. Mango Languages is an online language instruction program that will help develop a user’s knowledge of a particular language, in the following fields: comprehension, cultural insight, grammar, pronunciation, retention, and vocabulary.

Mango Languages currently provides instruction in 34 languages, which are:

Arabic (Levantine)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dari
Dutch
Farsi (Persian)
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Haitian Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Indonesian

Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian
Pashto
Portuguese (Brazil)
Russian
Slovak
Spanish (Latin America)
Tagalog
Tamil
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese

You can learn more by visiting Mango Languages TV.

Mango Languages can be accessed on and off campus by faculty, staff, and students of Medicine Hat College; to directly connect to the resource, click here.

Mango Languages, as well as other databases, can be located on the Library Services website in the Databases section. It will be listed alphabetically under the Complete Database List or the Language Learning links.

If you have any questions, please contact the library's Information Desk via email, instant messenger, text message (403.866.5872), telephone (403.504.3544), or in person.

NOTE: Library Services' subscription to Tell Me More, our other languages learning resource, will be discontinued on 31 August 2011.

Library User of the Month - May 2011

2011-05-01T00:01:00.023-06:00

Constable Desiree Mitchell, Reg# 58774
St. Albert RCMP

Well I am quite surprised and flattered to be featured as the Library User of the Month for May 2011. I have traveled a long road in becoming an RCMP officer. When I attended Medicine Hat College in 2002 to 2006 I always went to the library and enjoyed speaking and visiting with the staff about school homework and just getting to know them as a person. In 2009 I was accepted into the RCMP training program in Regina, SK for 6 months and now am currently an active member for the St Albert RCMP. My career choice is both rewarding and difficult at the same time but I know I did not do this alone and I give many thanks to the people for their prayers, encouragement and guidance throughout my journey to get me where I am today. One of those encouragers was the staff at the Medicine Hat College Library. Thank you again for your support as it was and still is greatly appreciated.

Inventory 2011

2011-04-30T15:29:00.000-06:00

Library Services staff have been taking inventory of the collections over the past week. The reason for doing this is to account for our resources and correct issues in records that might prevent our patrons from accessing the full set of resources available to them.

What do our collections look like in terms of numbers? The breakdowns are as follows:

VERA BRACKEN LIBRARY

78,900 circulating books
47,846 periodicals (549 titles)
8,031 audiovisual items (CDs, DVDs, VHSs, etc.)
3,516 reference materials (almanacs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.)
2,819 curriculum materials (to support Education Program students)
720 paperbacks

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY

7,135 circulating books
4,196 periodicals (46 titles)
536 reference materials
334 audiovisual items
171 paperbacks

Library Services is constantly expanding its collections and services to our patrons. You can review monthly lists of new resources in our "New Materials" lists and follow any of our social media sites (Blogger, Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter) to discover all things new in the libraries.

If you have questions about the collections (or anything else), you can submit an email to information services or contact us by telephone at 403.504.3544.

New Materials Lists Updated - March 2011

2011-04-12T09:32:00.000-06:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of March 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 280 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month!

April 2011: Closures & Spring Hours

2011-04-08T12:47:00.001-06:00

Following our extended hours period, which runs from April 1st to 17th, the libraries will change their hours of operation for the upcoming Spring semester. The changes and closures for each library will be as follows:

VERA BRACKEN LIBRARY

April 18–20: 7:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
April 21: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Reduced hours)
April 22–25: Closed (Easter Long Weekend & Inventory)
April 26: Spring hours start.

Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY

April 18–20: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
April 21: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
April 22: Closed (Good Friday)
April 25: Spring hours start.

Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Library User of the Month - April 2011

2011-04-01T00:01:00.015-06:00

Mack Oerlemans
General Studies

Mack Oerlemans, Library User of
the Month, April 2011

I have found the library at the college to be an ideal place to do some quiet studying or use the computers for my assignments. The staff is always willing to help me find whatever I need or point me in the right direction if I am less than certain about what I am looking for. I have recently discovered the quiet study room in the corner as a good resource for when I need to focus on a difficult subject or think more creatively on a writing assignment. The awareness week bookshelf usually brings things to my attention that make a visit to the library even more interesting week to week. Also the artwork displays over by the printers are very creative when you take time to look at them.

Extended Hours: April 1st-17th, 2011

2011-03-30T14:51:00.008-06:00

The Vera Bracken Library will be extending its hours of operation from Friday, April 1st to Sunday, April 17th. The extended hours will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The hours for those days will be as follows:

Friday: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (+2 hours)
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (+3 hours)
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. (+2 hours)

The library will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday as normal. For more information about the libraries' hours (including the Brooks Campus Library), click here.

The Multiples Project: Students' Sculptures in the Vera Bracken Library

2011-03-24T18:07:00.003-06:00

The Vera Bracken Library is now hosting "The Multiples Project" in its Reference Collection.

This show displays the sculptures created by the students in the ARFN 233 class at Medicine Hat College. Their task was to "use multiples of a small object to create a sculpture that makes a statement." You will see that the results were very impressive.

If you cannot see the display in person, then browse the slideshow [enlarge the slideshow to discover more about the each piece and the artists]:

Stay United With Your Flash Drive!

2011-03-23T09:06:00.005-06:00

Due to their small size, it is very easy to lose a flash drive. In some cases, it is the loss of the information that is more infuriating than the loss of the actual physical device.

Fortunately there are many Good Samaritans at Medicine Hat College and lost flash drives are regularly turned in to us. Library Services does try to reunite flash drives with their owners by identifying names in files and sending an email to *@mymhc.ca accounts.

Basic File Naming &
Contact Information
(Click to enlarge.)

HELP US TO HELP YOU

Provide Contact Information

You can help us connect you to your lost drive by including a simple little text file (*.txt) that provides basic contact information. Your name and *@mymhc.ca should be sufficient information—never provide ID numbers or other confidential information.

Naming the Text File

When naming the text file with the contact information, give it an obvious/simple name. Some examples are: CONTACT INFORMATION, IF LOST CONTACT, OWNER INFO, etc.

If you think your flash drive was lost in any place other than the library, please check with the Information Technology Help Desk (B223) or the Security office (F128)—both desks have lost & founds as well.

Please note that in cases where ownership of a flash drive is not obvious (e.g., numerous names in files), we do not send an email, so please check with any of the aforementioned service desks for assistance. Additionally, we do not send emails to accounts other than *@mymhc.ca.

Student Appreciation Week - March 2011

2011-03-21T08:06:00.018-06:00

It is Student Appreciation Week in the Vera Bracken Library!

From Monday, March 21st to Friday, March 25th, Library Services would like to extend its appreciation to our student population.

During the week, students will receive free black-and-white photocopying in the Vera Bracken Library. Additionally, a whiteboard has been set-up for students to express themselves and inspire their peers.


Library Improvements based on Student Suggestions

On the opposite side of the whiteboard, you can read what Library Services has done to improve itself based on student suggestions. Please keep the suggestions coming, because we are not done yet!

These are just some of the ways, we would like to express our appreciation to our student population.

Reporting Feature Films & Television Programs: What You Need to Know

2011-03-11T08:56:00.005-07:00

Many thanks to those who have taken the time to fill out and submit the reporting forms when showing a feature film or using recorded television programs in their classroom thus far! Keep them coming!

The Medicine Hat College’s agreements on public performance of these types of materials stipulate that the college must record and report their usage. Reporting is simple, easy to do and it only takes a minute or two. Anyone using a video/DVD copy of a major motion picture or a videotape of a recorded television program (does not include use of television programs in commercially available prepackaged box sets or the like) can use the handy paper form that is distributed with the audiovisual equipment or visit the Faculty Service web page on the Library Services’ website and download the reporting form found there.

For further information concerning these licencing agreements as well as any other questions concerning copyright matters, please contact Jason MacDonald, Copyright Information Officer, in the Vera Bracken Library.

QR Codes: Information in an Instant

2011-03-09T08:31:00.003-07:00

WHAT ARE THEY?

You might have seen an image such as the one to the left, but were not aware of its purpose. The image is called a quick response (QR) code and it is a two dimensional barcode.

QR codes can hold a variety of information that could include: calendar events, contact information, phone numbers, plain text, text messages, URLs, and more.

The QR code's purpose is to connect you to information quickly. You will find them embedded in print advertising (take a look at a movie poster when you are at a theatre), websites, television commercials, and more.

HOW DO YOU READ THEM?

To read a QR code, you need the following:

A web-enabled phone with a camera. The 4th generation iPod Touch will also be able to read QR codes with a Wi-Fi connection.
A QR code reading application. Free or low cost applications are readily available from your device’s app store. The i-nigma Reader is a popular reader that is freely available and compatible with a variety of handsets.

Phones running Google Android and modern Nokia handsets have the QR code reader built-in.
Scan the QR code. With your QR code reading application, scan the QR and retrieve the information encoded in it.

HOW WILL THE LIBRARY BE USING THEM?

To start, Library Services will employ QR codes in the following ways:

Library Catalogue

QR Codes in the Catalogue
[Click to enlarge.]

You will start to see QR codes in the library’s online catalogue records.

You can perform your search on a computer, capture the QR code with your mobile device, and have its record information displayed on the device. The information will include the title, location, call number, etc. You will no longer need to record the information on a piece of paper; it will now be conveniently accessible on your mobile device.

Library Promotions & Signage

QR Codes in Library Ads
[Click to enlarge.]

You will also start to see QR codes in some of Library Services’ promotional materials and signs. These QR codes will provide supplemental information and links related to library activities.

Library Services will continue to explore different means of implementing QR codes to facilitate access to information easily and quickly.

How to Use QR Codes

New Materials Lists Updated - February 2011

2011-03-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of February 2011. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 230 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month.

The Chair Project: Student Art in the Vera Bracken Library

2011-03-04T13:55:00.002-07:00

The Vera Bracken Library is currently hosting projects that were produced by the students in the ARFA 305 class. The works are located in the library's Reference Collection.

The students of ARFA 305 were asked to design a chair that combines their own aesthetic with that of a contemporary, award-winning architect, using a specific building as their inspiration. They then built a half-size prototype of this chair. Each of the works is accompanied by a photograph of the original building of inspiration.

If you cannot make it into the library, you can checkout the impressive pieces in the slideshow [enlarge the slideshow to discover more about the each piece and the artists]:

You can also view this gallery from our Facebook or Flickr sites.

Library User of the Month - March 2011

2011-03-01T00:01:00.007-07:00

Ashley Rode
Business Administration, Marketing

For the two years I’ve been attending Medicine Hat College, I’ve been part of both the student body and staff, and I’ve loved it! It’s an honour to be chosen for the March library user of the month. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful facility. With so many places to read, do homework, and use a computer, I don’t think I can pick just one part that is my favorite. I love the free wi-fi, research resources, ability to sign out video cameras, and the wonderful people I get to work with! Don’t forget to be awesome!

Library Noise Zone Guidelines

2011-02-24T16:32:00.014-07:00

One of the common concerns expressed by students in the Vera Bracken Library is the level of noise. As an academic institution, we encourage intellectual discourse; however, sometimes the conversations can carry. This does not always prove to be an environment that is conducive to the academic endeavours of other patrons.

To this end, Library Services has established guidelines for moderating conversations within the facility. There are four zones, which are:

Green – Normal conversation.
You can expect conversations to be carried out at a normal volume. These areas are group study and social areas within the library.
Yellow – Quiet talking.
Conversations are expected to be carried out in a discrete and quiet manner.
Blue – Quiet study.
These zones are for quiet studies and no social conversations will be allowed.
Red – Silent.
The expectation is that these areas are quiet study zones and there will be no conversations.

Vera Bracken Library Noise Zones [Click to enlarge.]

Library Services would like to maintain its policy of not “policing” the noise zones. Regardless of what zone you are in, please be considerate of your fellow students and other library patrons. If you do believe that noise is excessive in your area and you are not comfortable approaching those patrons, please contact the library’s Information Desk in-person, by e-mail (reference@mhc.ab.ca), instant messenger, or text message (403.866.5872).

Library Services is continuing to examine other means of dampening sound in the library to promote a healthy and productive academic environment for all patrons.

If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact us at the Information Desk in-person, by phone (403.504.3511), e-mail (reference@mhc.ab.ca), instant messenger, or text message (403.866.5872).

You can also discuss or share your opinions about the guidelines and defined noise zones via Facebook or Twitter.

Freedom to Read Week - 20-26 February 2011

2011-02-20T00:01:00.021-07:00

It is Freedom to Read Week in Canada! This is a week to celebrate freedom of expression and give recognition to those individuals and organizations that actively work to expand and maintain this liberty in Canada.

Library Services is a proud supporter of Freedom to Read Week. To show our support, we will have a book display that will present a collection of titles that have been banned or challenged. The display will be near the library's entrance and some of the titles that you will find include:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
It’s Perfectly Normal: A Book about Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robbie H. Harris
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

For a list of challenged books and magazines, and the reasons they were challenged, click here. To learn more about current censorship issues in Canada, read: Freedom to Read (Vol. 27).

A very special thank you to the students that participated in our MHC Students Read Banned Books! poster.

"Southern Alberta Newspapers" Database Cancelled

2011-02-15T09:34:00.004-07:00

Due to changing fee structures and low usage, Library Services has discontinued its subscription to the Southern Alberta Newspapers database.

This database permitted users partial access to digital content produced by the: The 40-Mile County Commentator, The Coaldale Sunny South News, The Lethbridge Herald, Medicine Hat News, The Prairie Post, The Prairie Post West, Taber Times, and The Vauxhall Advance newspapers.

If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please contact Library Services at: reference@mhc.ab.ca, or by telephone at: 403.504.3544.

Family Day Hours/Student Study Break - 21-25 February

2011-02-14T09:04:00.005-07:00

The Vera Bracken Library (Medicine Hat Campus) and the Brooks Campus Library will be closed on Monday, February 21^st for the provincial Family Day holiday.

Though classes will not be running for the Student Study Break (21-25 February 2011), the Vera Bracken (Medicine Hat Campus) and the Brooks Campus Libraries will both be open regular hours.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Whether you spend this week on the beach, on the slopes, or in your books, we hope you have a good time!

Photo: Beach (Beach, Nilandho, Faafu Atoll, Maldives) by shazwan

Good Food Club: Great Produce, Low Price

2011-02-08T13:08:00.006-07:00

Staff members of the Vera Bracken Library have coordinated distribution of produce for the Medicine Hat Good Food Club for the past several years. The club is an initiative of the Community Food Connections Association, whose stated goal is to improve "the quality of life for everyone and believe healthy food is a right and not a privilege."

WHAT IS IT?

With 220+ members currently in the club, the group is able to purchase top-quality fresh fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices through the power of bulk buying. The Good Food Club is available for faculty, staff, and students at Medicine Hat College.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Faculty and staff:

$30/year for non-volunteers
$10/year for volunteers with the Good Food Club

Students:

FREE

Each month you choose the size of box you would like. The boxes are valued at: $10, $15, or $20 (this is in addition to the annual membership fee). Payment is due before the last Tuesday of each month.

WHEN DO I PICK UP THE PRODUCE?

Delivery is on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

HOW TO JOIN

To join the club, please contact Barb Banasch or Valarie Westers of the Vera Bracken Library—they proudly organize this endeavour at the college. You can visit them in-person in the Vera Bracken Library or reach them by telephone at: 403.529.3867.

MONTHLY PRIZE DRAW

Even if you do not join the club, you still have opportunities to benefit from the club. Library Services will have a prize draw for a food box each month. The draw can be entered during the week prior to the boxes' delivery to the Vera Bracken Library.

If you are a member of the community and want to join the club, discover other pick-up locations, or want to read the full guidelines, please visit the "Initiatives" page of the Community Food Connections Association for more details.

The Community Food Connections Association and Library Services, working to develop healthy bodies and minds!

Pictured (l-r): Large, medium, and small produce boxes' contents.

Library User of the Month - February 2011

2011-02-01T00:01:00.003-07:00

Bonnie Dirk
Lab Assistant (retired), Division of Science

Prior to the construction of the B Building, which houses the library, one of my favorite places to enjoy a few moments of relaxation during a coffee break or lunch hour was this exact spot where the library is situated. One could choose a bench in the sun or under the shade one of the huge poplar trees. After lunch you could read a book, a newspaper or just have a snooze. So, when I heard that I was going to lose one of my favorite spots on campus, I was of course a little sad. Little did I know that, despite now being indoors, the small southwest corner of the library near the newspaper and the fiction section, would soon become my favorite place on campus with the bonus of being able to enjoy it all year round. During the freezing months of winter, one can still enjoy the light and warmth of the sun, sitting in the comfy chairs.

The library for me is pure pleasure. I have a passion for reading, cooking, gardening and learning languages and the library is an endless resource of information and learning tools. Part of that pleasure also, is chatting with any of the staff who are so willing to help in their area of expertise. As I leave my position as Lab Assistant in the Division of Science to pursue a career in retirement, I know I will be returning on a regular basis as a community member to benefit from the library atmosphere and services.

One Book One Community 2011: Book Suggestions Needed!

2011-01-19T12:05:00.022-07:00

The One Book One Community committee of Medicine Hat is busy preparing for its 7th annual event to be held in October 2011 and they need your help! For each event, OBOC chooses a book to be read by all of Medicine Hat from suggestions made by the community.

Throughout February 2011, you can submit your suggestions via an online suggestion form. You can also submit your suggestions in person at Coles The Book People (in the Medicine Hat Mall), the Medicine Hat Public Library, and the Vera Bracken Library (Medicine Hat College).

Your suggestions can be either fiction or nonfiction, but must be:

(a) Canadian,

(b) available in paperback format, and

(c) substantial enough to generate discussion and debate.

For more about information about OBOC, visit their website at http://obocmh.ca. You can keep up-to-date with the latest OBOC news by subscribing to their blog or joining their Facebook page.

Please contact Leigh Cunningham at 403.504.3654 or obocmh@gmail.com for any additional information.

Medicine Hat College Library Services is a proud sponsor of One Book One Community.

New Materials Lists Updated - December 2010

2011-01-17T09:19:00.001-07:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of December 2010. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

More than 200 new audiovisual and print resources were added this month.

New TVs in Group Study Rooms

2011-01-14T08:39:00.013-07:00

In January, the Vera Bracken Library took receipt of 5 new HD (720p) televisions and DVD/VCR combo players for the Group Study Rooms. The new televisions feature a 32" panoramic display, which is a significant improvement over the the previous 19" CRT televisions.

The Group Study Rooms provide a convenient place for students to perform group projects in by giving them an environment that allows them to focus on the work at hand or have discussions.

ABOUT THE GROUP STUDY ROOMS:

Faculty, staff, and students can book the Group Study Rooms.
Rooms can be booked for as long as 2 hours.
Access is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis—sign-up sheets for the current week are outside each room.
Booking for subsequent weeks can be made at the Circulation Desk.
Groups requiring a room take precedence over any one individual occupying any Group Study Room.
If a group is 10 minutes late, the room goes to the next waiting group.
The rooms also have access to basic cable television and whiteboards for collaboration—whiteboard erasers and markers can be checked-out from the Circulation Desk.

Lost Your USB Drive? Check @mymhc.ca E-mail

2011-01-13T10:54:00.001-07:00

The Vera Bracken Library not only houses an excellent collection of audiovisual media, books, periodicals, and more, but it is also home to a large collection of a discarded or lost USB flash drives.

Currently the library has more than 65 USB flash drives that are unclaimed. Library Services staff do make an effort to reconnect the owners with their drives though. More than 90% of the owners have been contacted via their @mymhc.ca student e-mail accounts, but the drives still go unclaimed. Drives that are not claimed prior to the start of the subsequent semester will be reformatted and distributed to students that will make use of them.

So please, check your official college e-mail and see if your lost USB drive is waiting for you at the Vera Bracken Library's Information Desk.

If you think that you lost your USB drive anywhere else on-campus, please see the Information Technology Help Desk (second floor of B-wing) or the Security Office (F-128).

Employment Opportunity - Audiovisual Clerk

2011-01-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its team as a Library Clerk III (Audiovisual Department).

The position is in the Vera Bracken Library at the Medicine Hat Campus. Capable students, as well as the general public, are invited to apply for the position. Please note that the deadline for applications is 14 January 2011.

For more details about the position, click here.

For details on how to apply, click here.

A Colour Copier That Does More . . .

2011-01-10T09:36:00.008-07:00

The Vera Bracken Library has added a colour photocopier to its repertoire of services.

The new copier can do more than print in colour though; it adds the following new features as well:

Duplex (double-sided) printing. This feature will help conserve paper which is good for the environment and backpacks.
A document feed tray. This is a great feature for duplicating large articles from the Reserve Collection that students might want to retain for studying purposes.
USB printing of PDFs. Patrons of the library can print files that are in the PDF format from their flash drives to the photocopiers via the copier's onscreen interface.

The copier can duplicate/print to legal and letter sized paper. Costs for duplicating are as follows:

black & white:
- $.10 (single-sided)
- $.20 (double-sided)

colour
- $.50 (single-sided)
- $1 (double-sided)

Assistance with the new machine can be provided by the Circulation Desk staff.

E-mail Information Services: Farewell AAQ, Hello to Us

2011-01-05T08:43:00.010-07:00

After successfully participating in The Alberta Library's (TAL) Ask A Question (AAQ) e-mail information service for the more than 10 years, Medicine Hat College Library Services will be venturing out and launching its own in-house e-mail information service.

With our new submission form, we have streamlined the process to submit a question and users will also be able to submit a formatted e-mail message to us.

Despite the change in service delivery, patrons can still expect the same level of quality in the answers that they will receive. The Library Services Information Desk team will also be able to reply with formatted e-mails and provide attachments if necessary, both of which are helpful for APA and MLA citation questions.
ACCESSING THE SUBMISSION FORM

Patrons can locate the e-mail submission form by selecting the "ASK A QUESTION" link on the homepage or by selecting "E-mail Information Services" via the left-hand navigation menu on any Library Services page.

If you submit a question, please "white-list" the e-mail address: askus@mhc.ab.ca. Replies from the service will be delivered via this address and whatever e-mail service you employ might flag our reply as spam.

Patrons that want to use TAL's AAQ service can still do so, but Library Services' staff will not be replying.

Library User of the Month - January 2011

2011-01-04T13:12:00.008-07:00

Jonathan Horsman
Instructor, Division of Science

As library user of the month, I would like to thank the library staff for the premier service they provide to all library users at Medicine Hat College. The quality of staff determines the difference between a good library and an exceptional library and we truly have an exceptional library. I find I look forward to my almost daily ritual of visiting the library staff for a friendly smile and helpful service. The library provides the resources and environment for students to pursue their dreams and achieve their academic goals while at Medicine Hat College. It is usually the first place I look for my research, education, and technology needs. It is truly one-stop shopping, except it doesn’t cost you a penny. I hope everyone takes a minute out of their day to thank the staff of the Vera Bracken Library for their exceptional commitment to quality resources and exceptional service.

Database Updates 2011

2011-01-04T08:41:00.011-07:00

Every year libraries across the province of Alberta have to negotiate access to database resources, which are used to access journal, magazine, and newspaper articles. Fortunately organizations such as The Alberta Library (TAL) and the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL) make negotiations easier. Despite a relatively health economy, libraries are still feeling the effects of the latest economic recession.

Library Services' administration has tried to maximize the resources available through the aforementioned organizations, but we will still lose access to some databases. The databases that will no longer be available include:

Agricola (EBSCO)
Association Unlimited (Gale)
Computers and Applied Sciences Complete (EBSCO)
Film and Television Literature Index with Full Text (EBSCO)
Gale Virtual Reference Library (Gale)
Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition (EBSCO)
International Bibliography of Theatre and Dane with Full Text (EBSCO)
MEDLINE (EBSCO)

Agricola and MEDLINE are still free and searchable indexes (with some full-text content) that are made available by the United States' Departments of Agriculture, and Health and Human Services, respectively.

Though we have lost several resources, we have gained some World Book Encyclopedia resources. Those new World Book products include:

Encyclopédie Découverte (French language)
World Book Kids
World Book Student

ADDITIONAL CHANGES

Some additional changes to be aware of are:

The "Nursing/Health Studies" section of the database directory has been renamed. It will now be titled "Health Studies/Nursing." The URL will remain the same, so there is no need to change your bookmark.
The following headings have been removed from the database directory: "Career Development," "Media," and "Philosophy," because we no longer subscribe to specific databases related to these fields of study.

Databases under the General/Multidisciplinary heading can be used for these subject areas.

If you have concerns regarding these changes please contact the Library Services Information Desk at: reference@mhc.ab.ca, or by telephone: 403.504.3544.

Library Services' Staff SPCA Drive

2010-12-17T15:05:00.007-07:00

As we moved into the season for giving, the staff of Library Services decided to give to our oft forgotten friends of the four-legged variety. The staff donated cat and dog food/treats, cat litter, and a play tunnel. In addition to food and play items, an additional $25 in cash was raised for the Medicine Hat SPCA.

We encourage anyone concern with animal welfare to visit the Medicine Hat SPCA's website to discover more about this organization.

New Materials Lists Updated - November 2010

2010-12-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of November 2010. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/Library/Resources/New_Materials.aspx

During this month, more than 125 new audiovisual and print resources were added.

Seasonal Hours: 18 December 2010 - 4 January 2011

2010-12-15T09:04:00.005-07:00

Following the conclusion of exams on Friday, 17 December 2010, the libraries will be changing to their seasonal hours of operation.

Starting on Saturday, 18 December 2010 and running until 4 January 2011, the hours for the libraries will be as follows:

VERA BRACKEN LIBRARY

18-19 December 2010: Closed
20-22 December 2010: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
23 December 2010: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
24 December 2010-3 January 2011: Closed
4 January 2011: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

BROOKS CAMPUS LIBRARY

18 December 2010-3 January 2011: Closed
4 January 2011: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

With the seasonal break in operations, comes suspension of e-mail, instant messaging, telephone, and text/SMS information services; all services will resume on 4 January 2011. Any questions in the queues will be resolved then.

Both libraries will resume regular hours of operation on Wednesday, 5 January 2011—the first day of Winter Semester classes.

For more information on the libraries' hours, click here.

Student Appreciation Week Winners

2010-12-06T08:47:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Shane Longley and Lisa Murphy! They are the winners of the Student Appreciation Week prize draws that were made by Library Services on Friday.

Hopefully everyone else that was able to take advantage of the free photocopying and other giveaways in the Vera Bracken Library felt like a winner as well.

The Vera Bracken Library will continue to be serving free coffee for those students that take advantage of our extended hours over the next weekend; so the winning continues.

Employment Opportunity - Library Clerk

2010-12-03T12:14:00.003-07:00

Medicine Hat College Library Services is currently accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its team as a Library Clerk II at the Circulation Desk. The position is in the Vera Bracken Library at the Medicine Hat Campus. Capable students, as well as the general public, are invited to apply for the position. Please note that the deadline for applications is 9 December 2010.

For more details about the position, click here.

For details on how to apply, click here.

Library User of the Month - December 2010

2010-12-01T00:01:00.002-07:00

Adrienne Lattery
Instructor, Division of Business

At MHC, we won the library lottery and boy oh boy, we won the jackpot! Our library is #1 in service! Why? One of MANY reasons is that instructors, staff, and most importantly, students, can send a text message, use online messenger, or send an email and staff from the library will actually respond to your message . . . with an answer! If it wasn’t for the library, I don’t think I would have ever completed my MBA. When I was going through the rigors of the program, the library showed me how to use their online databases. These tools saved me so much time because they enable you to find articles in periodical publications such as journals, magazines, and newspapers by typing only a few words! Back in my day we actually had to read a book in order to see if it contained anything valuable for research.

A BIG thank-you to the library staff for everything they do and thank-you for choosing me as Library User of the Month!

Library Services Employee Honoured

2010-11-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

On Monday, November 29, 2010, the United Way of Medicine Hat presented a plaque to Library Services’ Darlene Graham for her years of service as their Campaign Coordinator at the Medicine Hat College.

Regarding her experience, Darlene states that, “I think it is important to let everyone here at the college know the United Way appreciates everything we, as a community college, do for our community. I was part of the campaign for 20 years, enjoyed it, and appreciated all the help I received from staff and students over the years. The silent auction was always a success thanks to all the departments who donated items or gift certificates to it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. Once again thanks for allowing me to do this for so many years.”

Congratulations to Darlene for her dedication and work with the United Way from her coworkers in Library Services.

Plaque inscription:

“In Appreciation For Your Years of Service & Dedication”
Darlene Graham
Medicine Hat College
Employee Campaign Coordinator
2010