Sometimes less is more when it comes to search tools. Why use the library catalog when you can access book records from the all-inclusive Findit Tool? One reason you might want to use the catalog has to do with the fact that you are more clicks away from getting useful information should you want to find a physical item such as a print book in the library. The catalog has more functionality than the Findit Tool if you want more local information like where to locate your item using floor maps of your library or if you want to construct an advanced search to look for either a specific location of materials in the library (like children’s books) or a specific format of material, like videos. This post features a video tutorial on how to conduct an advanced search in the library catalog to filter for specific material you may be looking for in the library.
The EdLib Report
The Joan Kaywell Award
The Kaywell Award, originally given by the Florida Council of Teachers of English (FCTE) and now part of the Hipple Collection of Young Adult Literature in Special Collections at the University of South Florida, is given to the book that best represents an adolescent’s overcoming a situation–not of his or her own making—in such a way to provide significant insight and hope to a reader. It was named in honor of Dr. Joan F. Kaywell, a professor of English Education at USF and long-time leader in the Council. Dr. Kaywell gave the inaugural awards to representative authors who write books that save lives to Laurie Halse Anderson & Chris Crutcher in 2012 and then to Ellen Hopkins & Walter Dean Myers in 2013. The first book to receive the award is Lesléa Newman’s October Mourning. The 2019 winner of the award goes to Sandra Uwiringiyimana’s book, How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child
Featured E-book Navigating Challenges in Qualitative Educational Research
Navigating Challenges in Qualitative Educational Research, from Routledge by Todd Ruecker and Vanessa Svihla, discusses how education researchers navigate the qualitative research process, along with a myriad of decision points. This work offers students and other researchers insights on how to deal with research challenges.
Pearson announces a transition to digital-only textbooks
Inside Higher Education reports that Pearson is abandoning the traditional print textbook model in favor of a digital-first strategy. While renting books can save money, the option to resell or purchase used print books will disappear, giving Pearson more control over student choice and student access says, Phil Hill who blogs about the changes here.
A Decade of Neglect
A recent report by the AFT, A Decade of Neglect, outlines the effects of austerity agendas and disinvestment in public schools that has sparked a wave of teacher walkouts and shortages around the country. See also the video highlighting the main points of the report.
Featured E-book: The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread
The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread by Cailin O”Connor, outline in their new book that social dynamics of “alternative facts” influences what people believe and that depend on who they know. Authors explore why demonstrably false beliefs persist and spread despite bad, even fatal, consequences for the people who hold them.
Featured E-Resource: TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching
The USF Libraries has acquired an award-winning online encyclopedia, the TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching, edited by USF Associate Professor of ESOL, John Liontas. To learn more about this eight-volume work, click here.
Podcast: The Crisis of Predatory Publishers Sucking the Blood of Science
Science journalist John Bohannon was shocked by the results of his sting operation to expose predatory publishers. Academic librarian Jeffrey Beall found himself threatened with a billion-dollar lawsuit and much more when he published a black list of predatory journals. He believes …Continue Reading
Starbuck’s Undergoing Renovations this Summer
In case you haven’t been to the library lately, Starbuck’s is being renovated. The library still has a Starbuck’s kiosk in the lobby where you can buy your favorite brew, but the store itself is closed and there is no seating. It …Continue Reading
Kanopy: Not Just Like Netflix, and Not Free
In February of 2019, the USF Libraries scaled back their support of Kanopy streaming video service due to insufficient funds. The service had been purchased through technology fees that had expired in 2019. The blog post about it is here. In a recent …Continue Reading