Two weeks ago I started a new position at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. I’m the Instruction and Assessment Librarian, which means I’ll coordinate the library’s teaching efforts and also work with librarians and faculty to improve student outcomes when the curriculum or assignments include a research component. I’ll also staff the reference desk […]
Blog | Information Literacy, Technology, Research
How Does Google Scholar Work and How Can I Use It Better?
Google is great for its convenience and quick answers but much more hit or miss when you need authoritative sources. It’s important to critically evaluate your search results to figure out who each author is and why he or she might be a good person to write about the subject at hand. But another thing […]
Why You Should Close Your Browser After Logging Out of a Service
When you are accessing sensitive information, such as with online banking, a very basic security measure is to remember to log out right after you finish. In most cases, however, the service will recommend that you also close your browser. The advice is very common but can be a slight annoyance. You will usually want […]
The Shift from Tools to Platforms on the Web
Several weeks ago, Google announced it would shut down its popular RSS service Google Reader on July 1, leading to a mad scramble for alternatives. Some people remarked on how the replacements could not quite replicate their familiar workflow, forcing them to change their news-seeking routines. Others could not even sign up, as the flood […]
What’s the Business Model of MOOCs Like Coursera?
The booming popularity of massive open online courses (MOOCs) in 2012 has dramatically changed our ideas about the potential of online education. The New York Times called them “the revolution that has higher education gasping” and the Chronicle added that MOOCs question “the future of teaching” and even “the value of a degree.” What exactly […]
Famous Pro Sports Teams That Don’t Own Their Team Domain Name
We all know how crucial a good domain name is for a business. You want it to be memorable, straight to the point and easy for visitors to type. In just about all situations, a large business is expected to own the regular .com domain name for its brand, and some even snap up all […]