As we step into Willis Library, we’re greeted with exciting changes and enhancements that promise to enrich the academic journey of every student and visitor. I want to provide a comprehensive list of the recent updates that have transformed this hub of knowledge and learning into an even more dynamic space.
Media Library Relocation
One significant update that has caught the attention of many is the relocation of the Media Library from Chilton Hall to the 2nd floor of Willis Library. Spring 2024 marked the milestone as we bid farewell to our previous location and embraced the new space within Willis. This move not only consolidates resources but also enhances accessibility, providing students with easier access to a wealth of multimedia materials (UNT Libraries, 2024a).
The integration of the Media Library within Willis Library brings several benefits to the University of North Texas community. Students now have seamless access to a wide range of multimedia resources, including DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming services, gaming equipment such as Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo and many more, all conveniently located within the heart of the campus. You can look at the equipment we have for check out in “Equipment” page of media library.
Furthermore, Moving the media library inside Willis Library will hopefully encourage students to explore their creative side and take a break from their studies.
Media library service desk on second floor of Willis library. Image by Pranathi Akula
Media library on second floor of Willis library. Image by Pranathi Akula
Self-Service Pickup at Willis
Nestled within the Willis Library, the Willis Self-Service Pickup offers students a seamless and efficient way to access library materials. Located on the first floor, this innovative solution provides lockers equipped with touchscreen interfaces, allowing students to retrieve their items at their convenience, even outside of regular service desk hours. Accommodations for accessibility needs can be easily arranged during the hold process, ensuring inclusivity for all users. Items remain available for pickup for 48 hours, granting ample time for retrieval, while media and music audio collection items maintain their own designated pickup locations within the library. With Willis Self-Service Pickup, accessing knowledge has never been easier or more accessible (UNT Libraries, 2024b).
Willis Self-service pickup on first floor of Willis library by the service desk. Image by Pranathi Akula
Willis Library Book Displays
Among the exciting additions to Willis Library is the introduction of the Willis Library Book Displays. These displays serve as focal points for showcasing a diverse array of books, ranging from new releases to timeless classics. With an extensive collection at our disposal, the Featured Books display takes center stage, captivating students, and visitors alike with its thematic selections.
Located on the first floor of Willis Library, the Featured Books display readers to embark on literary adventures tailored to their interests. The theme for Spring 2024 is “Books for YOU,” designed to offer readers a book that aligns with their personalities and interests. For instance, there will be selections like “Books for the Mathematician” and “Books for the Foodie” and many more. (UNT Libraries, 2024c).
Students who wish to explore the available books can access an online display featuring a list of the books found on these displays, which they can check out using the link “Book displays”.
Book Display on first floor of Willis library. Image by Abby Stovall
Final Thoughts
As Willis Library continues to evolve and innovate, these updates reflect our ongoing commitment to providing an enriching educational experience for all. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, inspiration, or simply a moment of respite, Willis Library welcomes you to explore, engage, and discover the wonders that await within its walls.
I highly recommend coming to see the changes in Willis Library and with that, check out our books, media, and updates. We look forward to embarking on this journey of discovery together.
Visit Willis Library today and embark on your next literary adventure!
CottonBro Studio. (2023). Person using Macbook Pro On Table. https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-macbook-pro-on-table-3585001/
Curious to explore the engaging and educational databases housed within the UNT Libraries catalog?
During this semester, three GSAs undertook research on databases of their preference for one of their projects. They delivered presentations covering various aspects such as background information, materials/collections, target audience, features, search functionalities, and more. I have compiled key highlights with the help of the presenters, from these presentations, including my own, so that anyone interested can easily access and explore them.
Audience: Adults: Researchers (i.e., historians, educators, higher education students, anyone interested in gaining insights into the daily lives and experiences of women in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries). It would be helpful for anyone who studies Women’s Studies, History, Literature, or Education.
Topics Covered: Cookery, Education, Farming, Fashion and Beauty, Marginalized Voices, Medicine, Political and Social Issues, Popular Fiction and Sensational Literature, Racism and Representations of Race, Religion, Women’s Advice Literature, Work
Features: This database encompasses a broad range of subjects through digitized materials like monographs, pamphlets, periodicals, rare books, and broadsides. These materials were sourced from the Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture and The New York Public Library. Featuring a plethora of primary sources from both men and women, it vividly captures the essence of life and the narratives surrounding individuals during this specified time period.
Information for Searching: The database provides comprehensive guidance on effective searching. Three key tips are highlighted. First, for finding people, it recommends using the language of the time to unveil narratives. Second, utilizing filters to narrow down results based on document type, date, author’s name, library or archive, etc. Lastly, it introduces browsing pathways, allowing users to view documents in a Google-search-like format, explore search directories, and delve into thematic areas. Additionally, research tools such as contextual essays, periodical case studies, thematic areas (focused searches by theme, e.g., cookery), and a chronology (an interactive timeline) are available to enhance the research experience. Navigating this database effectively requires practice to become proficient in its use. I recommend that the target audience should possess a minimum level of education equivalent to that of a college student since it is a little tricky.
Features: The LGBT Magazine Archive features a host of digitized paper resources (including magazines, scholarly sources, journals, and more) that span from the years of 1967-2020. The contents within each publication are queer-positive primary sources that derive from the LGBT community. These resources are vulnerable, personal, and unabashedly honest. They offer an incredible unfiltered glimpse into moments of queer history in the past 50 years, all items preserved in high quality and clearly archived.
Information for Searching: Keywords are the most effective for searching. Boolean operations (AND/NOT) work well. Be aware that explicit adult content cannot be filtered out of the search results. The facets limit time period, source type, and subjects. There is a save function to keep track of searched articles as well as a history function for easy management. Some publications do not have the full text.
Topics Covered: ScienceDirect offers access to a large collection of more than 16 million peer-reviewed papers from a variety of scientific fields. Precise investigation of academic content is made possible by its sophisticated search capabilities. Real-time updates provide researchers with access to the most recent articles, which is beneficial. Multimedia content is supported by the database, which improves the educational process. ScienceDirect provides tailored suggestions according on search history and user preferences. It also offers collaboration tracking and citation analysis features. Convenient study while on the go is further encouraged by mobile accessibility. ScienceDirect, with its vast collection, user-friendly interface, and cutting-edge features, is a leading platform that makes scientific discovery efficient and thorough for scholars and researchers around the globe.
Information for Searching: Enhance your search precision by leveraging advanced search options. Tailor your results by filtering based on factors such as publication type, publication year, author, and other relevant criteria. Additionally, explore the option to establish alerts for specific keywords or topics of interest, incorporating Boolean operators for even more refined search outcomes.
Screenshot of the UNT Digital Library portal Image by UNT Libraries. Accessed from https://digital.library.unt.edu/
The library of today looks quite different than the libraries of old, as technology has woven its way into the deepest stacks and archives. With books turning digital and card catalogs stored in the cloud, the role of the librarians has radically transformed as well. To get an inside look at this digital revolution, I had the chance to interview Marcia Mcintosh, Digital Production Librarian at UNT. Our lively chat revealed just how much libraries have evolved to remain vibrant hubs of connection and learning in the internet age.
If you’re curious what digital librarians like Marcia work on, one of the flagship projects at UNT is The Portal to Texas History. This expansive online portal gives researchers access to a treasure trove of digitized newspapers, photos, documents, and other primary sources related to Texas history and culture. Marcia and her team play a crucial role in building and maintaining the portal, helping bring unique local history to the public’s fingertips. Whether you want to geek out over cutting-edge metadata systems or simply peer into the high-tech world of 21st century librarianship, I hope you’ll join me on this journey of discovery through the lens of one digitally minded librarian.
Here are the questions I have asked Marcia to get to know more about digital libraries.
What are some of the most unique or valuable resources in the university’s digital library collection?
How does the library acquire and manage its digital resources?
In the Digital Projects Lab, we digitize materials from almost 500 partners throughout Texas. We also work with departments on campus and in the libraries. We digitize their analog collections or upload digital items and return the physical materials to the partners with digital copies.
Are there any challenges associated with digital collections?
Yes, we want to capture the item so that its digital representation is authentic to the original, analog version. Sometimes the equipment, the software, or the item itself does not wish to participate. Also, we divide materials down to the item level which can take a lot of time. For example, if you go into an archive you can call up and browse through whole boxes of material that was described with one paragraph in a finding aid. We invest the time to record information for every item in one of those boxes. The scale can be a bit daunting.
How can students and faculty make the most of the digital resources when doing research?
I imagine:
Keep yourself abreast of the offerings from your library through newsletters or relationships with subject librarians.
Take time to explore the different collections.
Refine your search habits.
And be patient.
It can be like panning for gold, you never know what you might find.
How has the shift from print to digital resources impacted the library and its users over the years?
I can speak for myself as a library user. I was accustomed to going to the library for print first when checking out books or movies, but have now moved to e-version first, with print being my backup plan. I suppose it is a mindset shift as well as an indication of the increased number of electronic resources libraries provide users.
What future trends or changes do you foresee in terms of digital libraries?
Refined handwriting search capability.
The holy grail of auto-crop.
More automation.
More time to see more materials online.
Where do you see the future of digital libraries headed in the next 5-10 years? What potential changes or innovations excite you?
In our lab we’ve moved from slower — but still much loved– scanning systems to camera-based systems with one-shot capture. I expect to witness and be incredibly grateful for further developments that makes our jobs more efficient.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thanks for taking the time to hear about Digital Librarianship.
After my enlightening discussion with Marcia, it’s clear that digital librarians are driving progress while preserving libraries’ core values. I now see libraries in a whole new light. I’m so grateful to Marcia for taking the time to share her experiences as a digital librarian. I’m excited to see how libraries continue to adapt in our increasingly high-tech world. I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the future of libraries as much as I have.
Winstead, T. (2023). Congrats Grad. https://www.pexels.com/search/graduation/
The University of North Texas Libraries extend their services not only to current faculty, staff, and students but also to alumni. As fall graduation approaches, I’ve compiled a guide to help alumni make the most of the library’s resources even after earning their degree.
Courtesy Cards
Alumni can access the library’s resources through a courtesy card. Qualifying for a courtesy card is straightforward for alumni who are current members of the UNT Alumni Association or residing in Denton County. Additional qualifications for obtaining a courtesy card can be found on the library’s website. While a courtesy card provides borrowing privileges similar to a library card, it comes with distinct circulation policies, including specific loan periods, eligibility criteria, fines rates, and rental procedures (UNT Libraries 2023a). It’s important to note that a courtesy card does not grant off-site access to electronic resources or Wi-Fi. To apply for a courtesy card, alumni who qualify can fill out the online application, choosing to have it mailed or picking it up at the Willis Library service desk. If opting for in-person pickup, please bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Once you have been issued a Courtesy Card, you can view your account from the library’s homepage.
TexShare Cards
The TexShare program, designed to facilitate resource sharing among Texas academic and public libraries, also benefits UNT alumni. If alumni possess a TexShare card from another library/institution, they are eligible for a UNT Courtesy Card. However, it’s important to be aware that UNT Libraries can only issue TexShare cards to current students, faculty, and staff (UNT Libraries. 2023b). If you have questions regarding the TexShare program, feel free to reach out to Access Services or AskUs.
Interlibrary Loan
For alumni seeking a book available at UNT Libraries, the Interlibrary Loan service is a valuable resource. Alumni can approach their local public library or the library of the institution where they are pursuing further education to request the desired materials through Interlibrary Loan. This service enables patrons of one library to borrow physical materials and access electronic documents held by another library.
Internet Access
While Wi-Fi access is currently limited to university-affiliated individuals, alumni can use computers available (also known as community workstations) in the Willis (near the elevators on 3rd and 4th floors), Discovery Park, or Sycamore libraries to access the library’s databases and, consequently, the internet. This provides a means for alumni to stay connected and continue benefiting from the wealth of information housed within UNT Libraries.
Please Don’t Be a Stranger
The library is committed to providing ongoing support, and we recognize the immense value of our alumni to the university. I share your passion for UNT and encourage you not to be a stranger – come check out our libraries! Feel free to explore our stacks, check out our displays, and make the most of the resources available to you. Congratulations, graduates, on such an achievement!
*Please note that the information provided in this post is subject to change.
In the heart of academic excellence at the University of North Texas (UNT), The SPARK at Willis Library stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. More than just a space, the SPARK is a combination of a hands-on learning lab (Also known as maker space) and a library circulation collection that provides access to a wide range of technologies to not only support but also enhance the educational experiences of students at UNT.
A Fusion of Creativity and Technology:
The Makerspace at SPARK is not your typical library space. It is an innovative facility that seamlessly blends technology, collaboration, and innovativeness Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and resources, this innovative space is a testament to UNT’s commitment to providing students with an environment that nurtures both academic and creative pursuits.
The Spark Makerspace at Willis Library Image by UNT Libraries
Locations:
Other than the one at Willis Library (room W150), the SPARK also has its branches at Discovery Park (room M152) and Frisco Landing (room 150) as well (UNT Libraries, 2023a).
The SPARK at Discovery Park is open to all UNT students, faculty, and staff. Uniquely, in this location, the SPARK is partnering with the Mechanical Engineering department and will also have ME resources for checkout by ME students.
Contact information and hours of operation:
The SPARK can be reached via e-mail, TheSpark@unt.edu, or using their phone numbers available on the SPARK page. The hours of operation vary at various locations. You can check them out the operating hours on the website (UNT Libraries, 2023a).
Innovation Studios:
For those looking to explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life, SPARK’s Innovation Studios are a game-changer. These studios are equipped with innovative equipment, including 3D printers, Laser cutting, dye cutting, and more. Students and faculty alike can use these resources to prototype inventions, create multimedia projects, or delve into the world of augmented reality.
3D Printing:
The SPARK’s 3D printing lab is a standout feature, allowing users to transform digital designs into tangible objects. From engineering prototypes to artistic creations, the possibilities are endless. Staff members are available to assist with the printing process and provide guidance on design considerations (UNT Libraries, 2023b).
Object in making at 3D printing station image by Pranathi Akula
Laser cutting:
SPARK’s laser cutting lab is like having magical light scissors for turning digital designs into real objects. From engineering models to artistic creations, it is a space full of possibilities. Friendly staff are there to guide users through the cutting process and offer design tips. Various locations have special tools for specific tasks, making it a versatile and creative experience. Safe materials like wood and acrylic can only be used for laser cutting (UNT Libraries, 2023c).
Circulation:
The equipment in The SPARK has distinct categories such as bookable equipment, circulation equipment, in-space equipment, service-based equipment, and paid services. Although many items in the Spark collection are circulating, there are special loan periods, booking procedures, renewal rules, and fine rates that apply. Makerspace project requests are subject to the Spark’s review/approval process. You can find more information about this on the Circulation page of the website (UNT Libraries, 2023d).
Specialized Equipment and Booking Procedures:
The SPARK boasts an impressive array of equipment, some of which is bookable for in-depth projects. Items such as Cameras and lenses are available through booking requests, come with specific rules:
Available to UNT currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff
Loan Period: 4 days
Renewals Allowed: No
Check Out Limits: Varied, e.g., 1 camera, 2 lenses max.
Fines Rate: $10.00 per day, $100.00 maximum fine
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron.
Circulating Equipment and In-Space Use Equipment:
The SPARK’s equipment falls into two primary categories: Circulating and In-Space.
Circulating Equipment:
The Equipment which are available for checkout are termed as circulating items. Laptops, chargers, cameras, headsets, sound equipment, lightening kits, markers, etc., are the few items that can be checked out at the SPARK.
Available to UNT currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff
Loan Period: Varies
Renewals Allowed: Yes, if no holds
Fines Rate: Depending on Equipment
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron
In-Space Equipment:
This in-space equipment can be checked out but can only be used within the library.
Some of the in-space equipment are hand and electric tools, scientific/probe ware, soldering equipment, drawing tools, presentation tools, pottery tools, etc.
Available to UNT currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff
Loan Period: Varies based on equipment
Renewals Allowed: Yes, if no one is waiting
Check Out Limits: 1 item
Fines Rate: $10.00 per hour, $100.00 maximum fine
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron
Service-Based Equipment and Paid Services:
Certain equipment within the Maker space requires a trained operator and has specific use rules. Additionally, SPARK offers paid services, such as full-service 3D printing, laser cutting, die cutting, etc., but, before using them students and staff should get trained. Please refer to the Trainings & Workshops page.
Available to UNT community (students, faculty, and staff)
Use: Subject to review and approval
Production Limits: 1 item
Materials: Supplied by the patron, including a test piece
Repair/Replacement Cost: Damages incurred while in use may be charged to the patron.
Full-Service 3D Printing:
Available to: Anyone
USE: Subject to review and approval, submit .stl file
Time frame: 7-10 days from the date paid.
Materials: ABS or PLA
Cost: $1/hour
Files: .stl format
Creative Workshops and Events:
The SPARK is not just a physical space; it is a vibrant community that thrives on knowledge-sharing and skill-building. Regular workshops and events hosted at the SPARK cover a range of topics, from digital media production to coding and beyond. These opportunities ensure that the UNT community is not just consumers of technology but active contributors to the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. You can find more information related to workshops and scheduling training and workshops in the Trainings & Workshops page of the website.
Conclusion:
In the heart of UNT’s Willis Library, the SPARK is a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. By providing innovative technology, collaborative spaces, and a supportive community, the SPARK at Willis Library catalyzes the ideas and inventions that will shape the future. The SPARK is more than a space; it is a spark that ignites the imagination and propels the UNT community towards limitless possibilities.
Did this blog help you to learn more about the SPARK at UNT Libraries? Let us know your comments! Please contact Ask Us if you have any questions about library services.
Did you know that as of August 24, 2023, the UNT Libraries have a total of 514 books listed as “On Search?” For example, if you type into UNT’s Discover Search the popular spooky novel “Misery” by Stephen King, you will see its availability is set to “On Search.” It is not available for checkout because the book is not on its designated shelf in the library. It is not, as far as we are aware, in the hands of a patron, either. The book… is simply missing.
The reasons behind this are a myriad. It is possible that somebody walked out with it and did not check it out. It is also possible that the library itself misplaced the book, and it is still fully present, just in the wrong spot. It may even be a different reason entirely. Ultimately, a missing book is indefinitely lost, up until it is placed on “withdrawn” and taken out of the collection officially, a process that Collection Development performs once a year.
Books that are lost by patrons who have checked them out, either because the books are overdue or misplaced, are NOT “On Search.” They remain on the patron’s account and are handled on a case-by-case basis. No, these On Search books have mysteriously dispersed from the library, for reasons that staff cannot disclose because not even they know why the books have gone away.
Unfortunately, the loss of materials within a library is not uncommon. Books are often misplaced by careless patrons and uncovered when a shelver or clerk is shelf-reading, or going through the book stacks and checking each item’s call number to ensure the shelves are ordered correctly. Oftentimes, many a missing book is recovered via this method. However, others still slip through the cracks, especially in a library as vast as UNT’s.
UNT is not the only library that loses its books by means that staff cannot identify, either. A number of other strange and inexplicable disappearances have occurred in libraries over the centuries, resulting from a multitude of fright-inducing causes! Below are just a few documented cases of disappearing library books:
The Lost Library of Jaques Philippe d’Orville
Here is one such case of missing library materials. The Dutch scholar Jaques Philippe d’Orville gathered a full library of manuscripts and books by Greek and Latin authors up until his death in 1751 (Galán Vioque 2017). This invaluable collection was believed to be nearly intact when it was purchased by the Bodleian Library. However, it has come to light that many of his materials were sold at auctions prior to the 1804 purchase, meaning that a number of these priceless items are simply lost to time.
Although Galán Vioque has recorded over 100 items missing from the Bodleian collection, thereby proving that over 50% of d’Orville’s library is not contained in the Bodleian, it is impossible to track whether other items yet remain missing from these records. The original library has indeed “suffered dispersal” and may never be fully intact again (p.168). Why were the books auctioned off rather than kept together? Why have numerous auctions occurred wherein the collection was fractured further? We may never know the answer.
Faulty Citations Erase Author Names
What happens when we lose the name of a book’s author? Could it domino spiral into us losing the book, too? A study done at Banasthali University in Rajasthan, India sifted through 5 different theses at their institution. Findings unveiled that, of the 548 journal references contained between these theses, spanning 924 different cited authors, a whopping 149 (16.13%) of these cited authors had names that were inaccurately transcribed (Gupta 2021). Wholly apart from these faulty citations, a total of 13 names were completely incorrect to the point of being unrecognizable. 13 authors, lost. Luckily, the advent of modern technology makes it easy to look up a known work by title and trace it back to the original author, but will such always be the case?
It is important to consider how losing the author disconnects their work from any other writings they may have produced. Furthermore, if losing the author’s name is such a widespread phenomenon, then what stops inaccuracies in the titles themselves from cropping up as well? On top of these worries, Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT can make up citations on the spot, almost guaranteed to be riddled with false information. These branching-off issues all originate from the seed of a bad citation. Scary!
Miscataloged Books Cause a Disappearing Act
What could make a book that sits perfectly waiting on its correct shelf for a patron to select it… completely disperse? In a world where more and more catalog searches are performed online, and patrons either do not or can not sift through the library’s stacks on their own, the importance of accurately written catalog records is paramount.
In the Harvard library almost forty years ago, Joyce Flynn (2007) was researching Celtic records in the stacks. She found that many were mistakenly cataloged under the title “Na,” synonymous to “The” in English, causing records to not be searchable without that article present. This error forced records to effectively appear invisible to researchers typing the correct title into a faulty retrieval system. These books may as well already be half-missing!
Conclusion: Books Keep Ghosting
As users of the library, be aware that sometimes books disappear! Take care to record them as accurately as possible when you are looking to cite or otherwise preserve them, and try to limit the problem of disappearing books as much as possible. With an informed mind, perhaps you can stop another poor book from slipping through the cracks.
Galán Vioque, G. (2017). The lost library of Jaques Philippe d’Orville: The missing manuscripts and annotated books of the d’Orville collection. Quaerendo, 47(2), 132-170. https://doi.org/10.1163/15700690-12341379
Gupta, V. K. (2021). Missing and defective identity of authors cited in library and information science literature. Library and Philosophy Practice, 1-17.
Writing a thesis or dissertation can seem like a daunting task. Regardless of your area of study, taking on a major project can feel overwhelming and intense. However, UNT Libraries has a variety of resources graduate students can use when writing these papers.
LibGuides
If you are wondering where to even start, UNT Libraries has a thesis and dissertation LibGuide available for students to reference. This guide serves as an introduction to theses and dissertations and can connect you to library and on campus resources that can be of assistance. In addition, there are also guides related to finding tests and assessments to support your research. UNT Libraries has a multitude of articles, databases, and books where these assessments can be found, and the guides help to navigate these resources and find what you are looking for.
Knowing what library resources are related to your academic field can also help set you up to be successful. UNT Libraries provides LibGuides for different fields of study to help you navigate the variety of resources found in the catalog. Not only do these guides pertain to specific courses, but they also include relevant information related to academic sub-fields that can advance your research. Within each guide, you can find different kinds of content and formats of materials.
Finding Theses & Dissertations
UNT Libraries also enables access to online collections of theses and dissertations. One of these includes the UNT Theses and Dissertations Collection through the UNT Digital Library. This collection has a variety of publications created by UNT students and currently sits at nearly 21,000 items. You can search this collection by time period, area of the world, degree discipline, and academic department. This can help you get connected to student research within your field, and help you identify research gaps.
Similarly, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global has millions of publications, with the oldest in their collection being dated 1637. This database can expand your access to available research coming from graduate students across the globe.
Know Your Subject Librarian
Subject librarians are experts in their field and have extensive knowledge pertaining to what resources the library has for their academic department. In addition, subject librarians are here to meet with you to discuss your research options and answer any questions you may have about your studies. UNT Libraries provides a directory for subject librarians, and you can search for them by your college or department. They are always here to help, so never hesitate to connect with yours!
UNT Libraries has many resources pertaining to writing and conducting research and is here to help you be successful. If you have any research questions for your thesis or dissertation, please contact AskUs or your subject librarian.
References
Barham, R. (2023, February 10). Dissertations and theses. UNT Libraries.
Being a student, one has needs to pursue knowledge at greater depth and in all aspects. They are owed to utilize benefits and resources provided by their college. Taking advantage of the resources given can help students become successful. Students currently enrolled in the University of North Texas have free access to many knowledge resources you might not be aware of. These knowledge resources can be extremely beneficial if you are looking to develop your skills and knowledge base in various domains of your interest ranging from professional and technical skills on demand to personality development skills. Below is the list of free knowledge resources.
NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ):The Wall Street Journal is an American business-focused international newspaper based in New York. WSJ is a leading source of information and news in business, economics, and finance known for providing facts, data, and information (The WSJ, 2021). As a UNT student, you are eligible for a one-year free online subscription. Use your free subscription to keep yourself updated with market trends, curated articles, podcasts, and news. Along with unlimited free access to WSJ.com, students can utilize the Student Hub a place to find students’ content on professional development, personal finance, and work-life balance (Wall Street Journal – Career Development Resources, 2022).
The New York Times: The American daily newspaper based in New York City is a dedicated resource for people to understand the world through deep and expertized independent journalism (NYTCO, 2022). UNT students can create a free account for New York Times using their UNT email address to view the daily articles online through their basic subscription.
WEBSITES FOR ONLINE LEARNING
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers numerous instructional videos covering topics such as business, technology, and creative skills (LinkedIn learning, 2022). Each course duration typically ranges from a few minutes to hours. A professional certificate will be received from LinkedIn Learning after completing the course. The professional certificates can then be added to your LinkedIn profile to show your qualifications to potential employers. Create your account using your UNT student email address to get started with the learning.
Coursera MOOC: UNT has partnered with Coursera, one of the leading online platforms for higher education (dmw0285, 2022). Through this partnership, students can take a wide variety of noncredit massive open online courses (MOOCs), specializations, and degree programs. This opportunity helps you to develop skills and earn certificates that you can add to your professional profiles such as LinkedIn. Create a free Coursera MOOC account using your student email address to get started.
Coursera Career Academy: UNT, Google, and Coursera have teamed up to launch Career Academy, which offers a wide range of professional certification programs from companies including Google, IBM, and Meta (dmw0285, 2022). All UNT students, staff, and faculty are welcome to participate in this program. These specialized programs are self-paced. If you want to enhance your resume and earn credit from top industry programs, take advantage of this opportunity.
TEXTBOOKS
There are many ways to access textbooks for free on the internet. Some of which include Course reserves from UNT Libraries, Haithi Trust, Google books, Open Library, Project Gutenberg, and Interlibrary Loan (Madison, 2021). You can find more information on legal way of accessing the free textbooks at https://blogs.library.unt.edu/scholar-speak/2021/01/31/6-legal-ways-to-find-free-textbooks/
OTHER STUDENT SUBSCRIPTIONS
Amazon Prime: For the first six months, Amazon Prime offers two-day free shipping and later at a large discount when you sign up as a Prime student. Amazon Prime Student membership includes access to over 500,000 free eBooks (Amazon Prime Student, 2022).
LinkedIn Premium: The first six months of LinkedIn Premium membership is free with the Student Prime Membership (Amazon Prime Student, 2022). Later, you can continue receiving services at a large discount. Having a LinkedIn Premium account allows one to connect and network with the top recruiters and people of other interests, one can get the advantage of personally reaching out to the members in their network for professional endeavors.
Jobscan: The process of revising a resume for every job application is crucial. Resume scanners provide a quick and effortless way to do so. You can revise your resume according to the job description by using Jobscan. Students can use the regular version of this website for free up to a certain limit of revisions.
Brents, M. (2022, January 31). 6(Legal) Ways to Find Free Textbooks. Scholar Speak. https://blogs.library.unt.edu/scholar-speak/2021/01/31/6-legal-ways-to-find-free-textbooks/
dmw0285. (2022, November 14). Coursera MOOC. UNT Online. https://online.unt.edu/coursera/coursera#coursera_career_academy
Dow Jones & Company. (2021, October 22). WSJ Students. The Wall Street Journal. https://education.wsj.com/students/
The New York Times Company. (n.d.). The NYTCO. https://www.nytco.com/company/
University of North Texas Career Center. (2022, February 22). Wall Street Journal – Career development resources. https://careercenter.unt.edu/resources/wall-street-journal-career-development-resources
Today’s post is concerning first-generation university students in graduate school and goes into resources and opportunities that are available to them from the UNT Libraries.
First-generation students experience new challenges upon entering university, and many universities, including UNT, recognize this, and attempt to provide resource centers that are meant for their needs. Even with resources, first-generation students tend to experience less on-campus participation, use fewer university services, and graduate at lower rates compared to their peers from families with parents that already possess a bachelor’s degree (Tobolowsky et al., 2017). Continuing higher education beyond a bachelor’s can be especially challenging with many first-generation students coming from families that often expect them to “continue to live at home and carry out family duties,” while in school and then enter the workforce after finishing their bachelor’s (Martinez, 2018, p. 5).
Students coming from first-generation backgrounds frequently meet situations that are outside of what they are used to or expect, which can lead to a loss of opportunities and academic challenges (Smolarek, 2019). Many of these resources are not intended for graduate students, who find themselves dealing with greater differences in socialization and dealing with the “hidden curriculum” and differing expectations that become issues at the graduate school level (Collins & Jehangir, 2021, p. 61). Combined, these aspects impact graduate school entrances and these rates drop significantly for first-generation students from lower income backgrounds (Willison & Gibson, 2011).
While the UNT Libraries cannot stop those hurdles from existing, many of the resources it has for assisting graduate students can be especially useful for first-generation students, who may still be learning how to navigate academia and graduate school by offering connections to library staff, other peers, events, and resources that can help.
The UNT Libraries are a regular host to many events, and one of those events is the Eagle Thesis & Dissertation Boot Camp, which is run by the Toulouse Graduate School. This boot camp is meant to provide graduate students with a place and ability to focus on their thesis or dissertation without any external distractions. For graduate students desiring a less intense writing group for working on it, as of Fall 2022 the library is excited to host a weekly writing group that is likely to continue in Spring 2023.
One useful resource the libraries provide is a variety of workshops every semester; some are specifically directed towards graduate-level students, such as the workshops the libraries held in October 2022: “What the Libraries Can Do for You” and “Academic Integrity”. The Spark hosts technology workshops throughout the year not just the equipment they provide— such as their 3D printers and cameras— but software such as Photoshop and InDesign.
A valuable resource offered by the libraries is the research services offered not just through Ask us, but the libraries’ Subject Librarians. As we develop as students and progress through our education, we increasingly find ourselves met by different roadblocks: time, how to find specific materials, the required knowledge for using library resources or pursuing scholarly writing and achieving communication at a deeper level. While many of these things are possible to learn on our own, our Subject Librarians are here to help with these issues, especially at the graduate student level.
The Interlibrary Loan system (ILL) offers many ways to gain access to books and articles needed as graduate students, whether the resource is located at another library or in Denton while you are working on your program online or finishing your thesis elsewhere. While the UNT Libraries do not have access to everything you might need, ILL is able to request many of those resources for you. ILL can additionally provide digital copies of journal articles and book chapters the library physically possesses if you only require specific portions of a journal or book.
Through our Distance Learning services, ILL is additionally able to ship materials out to students at no charge. This can be especially useful for us as graduate students if you are doing your program remotely but need a physical book the library has or are working on your thesis or dissertation.
The libraries additionally offer research fellowships; these fellowships are meant for faculty, graduate students, and independent researchers and are intended to assist in research with a preference for research that will lead to publication. These fellowships are related to items found in Special Collections or as part of the Portal to Texas History. The knowledge that these options exist is important, even if the specific form it takes is not necessarily something applicable to you at the time.
One last resource from the library is this blog; Scholar Speak is an academics-oriented blog written and run by graduate students with an intended audience of other graduate students. While this entry is only able to cover a portion of the resources available, Scholar Speak has entries dating back to Spring 2019 that explain Interlibrary Loan in detail, locate free textbooks, how to understand the Library of Congress Call Number system or utilize TexShare, along with plenty of other resources and information regarding the libraries.
As first-generation students, it is easy to feel disconnected from campus, and as a result, fall through the cracks; we are less likely to seek aid or use campus resources in our undergraduate studies, and much of this follows us through to our years as graduate students. Even if we succeed independently, this can still result in us encountering things we are not prepared for or know how to handle, especially at the master’s or doctoral level and changes in expectations. Though these are things we can usually struggle through or self-teach, the most vital lesson for us at the graduate level is learning when and how to seek assistance from not just our current peers, but our future colleagues.
Did this blog help you learn about the resources available to you as a graduate student? Let us know your comments! Please contact Ask Us if you have any questions about library services.
References:
Ames, A. (2021, October 20). Understanding the library of congress call number system. Scholar Speak. Retrieved November 13, 2022, from https://blogs.library.unt.edu/scholar-speak/2021/10/15/understanding-the-library-of-congress-call-number-system/
Collins, K., & Jehangir, R. (2021). Mapping a new frontier: Graduate student socialization for first-generation students. The Good Society, 30(1-2), 48–70. https://doi.org/10.5325/goodsociety.30.1-2.0048
Dahl, S. (2022, April 29). Using TexShare to the fullest. Scholar Speak. Retrieved November 13, 2022, from https://blogs.library.unt.edu/scholar-speak/2022/04/29/using-texshare-to-the-fullest/
Martinez, A. (2018). Pathways to the professoriate: The experiences of first-generation Latino undergraduate students at Hispanic serving institutions applying to doctoral programs. Education Sciences, 8(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci8010032
Tobolowsky, B. F., Cox, B. E., & Chunoo, V. S. (2017). Bridging the cultural gap: Relationships between programmatic offerings and first-generation student benchmarks. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 22(2), 273–297. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025117742377
Willison, S., & Gibson, E. (2011). Graduate School Learning Curves: Mcnair scholars’ postbaccalaureate transitions. Equity & Excellence in Education, 44(2), 153–168. https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2011.558416
Academic libraries, such as the UNT Library system, are renowned for their provision of access to millions of resources. The plethora of scholarly articles and other research materials serve to promote student success in the classroom and in their fields of study. However, maybe academic library collections are undeveloped in one clear area, leisure reading materials. Given the purpose that academic libraries serve, it might be odd to consider these institutions serving students in a way that’s not “scholarly.” Libraries at colleges and universities spend millions of dollars on their collections already, so why devote resources to recreational reading materials that students are not referencing in their research papers?
Scholars have suggested that academic libraries can see different kinds of benefits upon the acquisition of a developed leisure book collection. Investment in these materials can serve as an asset to both university libraries and their patrons. Holistically, it is beneficial to academics, and it is popular. Some academic libraries, like the library of St. Francis Xavier University, have partnered up with local public libraries to test the success of incorporating leisure materials into their collection without cutting into the acquisition budget. This study subsequently revealed the popularity of these books, with the circulation rate of the leisure section tripling that of scholarly print materials (van den Hoogan & Fleuren-Hunter, 2017). In essence, these potential collection items are still useful among students even if they cannot be used as reference materials in research papers.
In considering the patrons of academic libraries, college is a very stressful period for young people and finding positive methods of relaxation is key in ensuring academic and personal success. Academic libraries thus can serve students in a more holistic manner. Leisure reading, when promoted as a form of a study break within academic libraries, has been suggested to be a popular way to advertise to college students (Hurst et al., 2017). Students want to use these resources to relieve stress, and they ultimately reap the associated benefits. Literature surrounding reading behavior concludes that recreational reading has cognitive benefits (van den Hoogan & Fleuren-Hunter, 2017). As a result, the potential impact of this on the performance of college students should be considered. Some scholars suggest the direct correlation between higher recreational reading and higher grades at the collegiate level (Elche et al., 2019). Therefore, the common policy limiting acquisitions to only include materials serving academia could be expanded to include leisure reading materials. Given the potential benefits for college students, academic libraries should seize opportunities to acquire recreational reading resources.
One suggested alternative for college students to access leisure reading materials is through interlibrary loan, instead of through their university library’s collection. Thus, some might anticipate that the addition of recreational books would reduce the amount of those requests through interlibrary loan. However, the acquisition of these materials in academic library collections should not undermine the services of interlibrary loan but should advance both the academic library and interlibrary loan. Requests made through interlibrary loan can further determine materials that are in demand among students and can then assist academic libraries in keeping their collections reflective of patrons’ current interests and needs. Consequently, the existence of interlibrary loan should not enable collections to remain underdeveloped. Especially when it comes to recreational reading materials, academic libraries can serve their students in more ways than through facilitating the research process and in traditionally academic manners. The addition of these resources would enable library services to be more well-rounded while still promoting academic success.
Have you checked out UNT Library’s recreational reading materials? Let us know in the comments! Please contact AskUs if you have questions about UNT Library’s collections.
References:
Elche, M., Sánchez-García, S., & Yubero, S. (2019). Reading, leisure and academic performance in university students of the socioeducational area. Educación XX1, 22(1), 215-237. https://doi.org/10.5944/educxx1.21548
Hurst, S., Marsh, D., Brown, D., & Forbes, S. (2017). Cats, comics, and Knausgård: Promoting student reading at a U.K. academic library with a leisure reading collection. The New Review of Academic Librarianship, 23(4), 442-452. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2017.1371612
van den Hoogen, S., & Fleuren-Hunter, K. (2017). At your leisure pilot project: Providing leisure reading materials to a university community through an academic and public library initiative. Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research, 12(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v12i1.3919
Run by graduate student employees, Scholar Speak hopes to bridge the gap between the library and its students through instruction on the use of library services and resources.
