Angela Cox's blog

Rod Library is looking to foster a culture of excellence in providing library service and to better understand user perceptions of library service quality.  This is YOUR opportunity to tell us how well we are doing, whether you come to the library or use our resources online, and to give us insight into what users like you expect from Rod Library.

Starting April 15th, the library will be running a survey to gather input from you!  Give us 3-5 minutes of your time and we'll give you a chance to win an iPad mini, in addition to other great prizes.  The survey ends on Friday, May 3rd at 5pm.

We get input to create an even better Rod Library, and you get a chance at an iPad mini.  We all win!

For more information, visit the library survey FAQ.

Did you know....

that the library has put together how-to videos to help you with your research?  All the videos are located in a subject guide called "How-to Videos."  You can find this guide by clicking "Subject Guides" on the main library page or click on this link: http://guides.lib.uni.edu/how-to-videos.  

The library will be adding new videos regularly.  Check them out today!

Did you know....

That you can get a Cedar Falls Public Library card here at Rod Library?  This would allow you to check out books in our CFPL @ UNI collection, located in the Browsing Room, filled with popular fiction and non-fiction books.  This card also allows you access to the public library's collection of free ebooks and Freegal (Free music downloads)!

So, stop by the Circulation desk to get your FREE Cedar Falls Public Library card today!

Did you know...

there are 11,673 Iowa women who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces?

For more facts and figures, see Women in Iowa, compiled by the State Data Center of Iowa and the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.
 

We have 4 new collaborative tables located in the learning commons behind the reference desk.  Each station has a 47-inch tv screen and 5 VGA input connections to connect your PC laptop.  We are also getting adapters so devices requiring video connectors other than VGA can utilize these stations as well.

Also new in the learning commons, we have a new electric stapler!  You can staple up to 25 pages at a time without pressing a button!  If you need to staple more than 25 pages, ask at the reference desk and we'd be happy to assist you.

Stop by the learning commons to see the changes we've made!

 Did you know....

that the librarians have created guides for specific subjects, courses, and basic research tips?  These guides are full of information on how to find sources as well as other related information about a specific subject or UNI course.  They can be found by clicking on "subject guides" on the left hand side of the library homepage.

They are a very good resource for you to use in your research!

A full listing can be found @ guides.lib.uni.edu/index.php!

Did you know.....

Rod Library offers databases with business information about other countries and their companies, industries, and markets?

ABI/Inform Complete, for example, provides reports from Business Monitor International, Economist Intelligence Unit, and Oxford Analytica.

Give ABI/Inform a whirl at http://www.library.uni.edu/gateway/owl/abi-inform-complete!

 Also, the Business portal is another great resource when searching for business information!  Search that here: www.library.uni.edu/business-portal.

Did you know...

that files can be burned to CDs or DVDs on Rod Library computers?  Use the built-in Windows functionality to handle a few files or the Roxio burning software (under All Programs) for bigger jobs.  If you get stuck, ask one of the library staff to help you!

Did you know.....

that the Gale Virtual Reference Library provides credible topic overviews from sources such as specialized subject encyclopedias?  You can find it by going to "Databases A-Z" on our library homepage.  You may hear some of us library guys refer to it as the "Good" Wikipedia you can use!!!

Did you know...

that Opposing Viewpoints In Context contains articles and other sources arguing different positions on major issues of the day?

Currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff can access this title from any computer on campus and, after authenticating with their CatID, from off-campus as well. 

Here is a direct link:http://www.library.uni.edu/gateway/owl/opposing-viewpoints-context