Summer research? We're here.

Sheaffer fountain pen factory, Iowa.
Final act of the pen manufacture

The librarians of McIntyre are available all summer if you need assistance with research.  The librarians of McIntyre are available all summer if you need assistance with research.  You can drop in, schedule an appointment, or email us a question (list of librarian liaisons and contact information).

We can also help with course planning.  We have collaborated on the following:

* Assignment redesigns

* Wikipedia authoring projects

* Assignment testing for research roadblocks

* Alternative modes of library instruction delivery

Makerspace, VR Room, podcast lab, oh my!

McIntyre Library is working with student groups to expand resources and opportunities for students to engage in hands-on exploration and experiential learning. These resources are (or will be) available for faculty and staff as well:

Makerspace (L109, Fall '18): The Library has received funding from the student Information Technology Commission (ITC) and the Student Office of Sustainability (SOS), enabling us to begin development of a makerspace.  We invite feedback and suggestions from you regarding equipment and technology that would benefit your students (email Dan Hillis). Though not available to reserve for classes (due to funding restrictions), the space will be available for use by students and faculty. Initially, the space will contain a 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing machines, a variety of tools, art supplies, robotics kits, and more.

More than a space, ‘makerspace’ is a concept, and includes the following:

Virtual Reality (VR) Room (L105, Summer '18): funded by the student Information Technology Commission (ITC), the Library is implementing a VR Room and is currently outfitting it with educational applications.  Funding exists to purchase VR applications. Please contact your library liaison if you have suggestions for applications or interest in identifying applications to supplement your students’ learning experience.

Already purchased:

• 4D Toys:

An application that lets users visualize 4 dimensions and understand the interaction between objects and physics of 4 dimensional space.

• The Body VR: Journey Inside a Cell:

Take a journey through the bloodstream and visualize the cells pumping through the body. This application takes you through the intricacies of the human body down to the molecular level.

• Google Earth VR:

Experience faraway lands and structures through Google Earth.

• Tilt Brush:

Create 3D digital sculptures with Tilt Brush.

Audio Recording (podcasting) lab (L3027, open now): this lab features high-end recording equipment and is available for 2-hour checkout for students and faculty. For more information or to reserve this room please visit http://libguides.uwec.edu/c.php?g=70982&p=457809

Thinking ahead? We're taking requests

You may not be ready to think about fall semester yet, but if you know of a video or book you'll want to include in your 2018/2019 syllabi, it's a great time to put in your request.   Of course, you can ask for materials for the library collection at any time.

To request items, please fill out this e-form. 

If you need an item before the new fiscal year in July, please make a note in the form.

JoVE Cancellation

McIntyre Library, like most departments, is experiencing challenging budgetary times that require difficult and informed decisions. Faced with a structural deficit, in which database and journal subscription costs increase each year while our budget remains flat, it is necessary that we constantly evaluate and re-evaluate our array of resources. In making decisions about what to retain, what to add, or – as is more often the case – what to cancel, we monitor usage data, costs, and uniqueness of content.

In assessing several years of data, we have decided not to renew our subscription to JoVE), which expires next month. The cost is high and increasing, and the usage is low. We realize that for those who use this resource, its cancellation will be an inconvenience. To minimize that inconvenience, library faculty are available to discuss possible alternatives for finding comparable information to the extent possible.

Paper, Powerpoint... podcast?

It's not always easy to find a quiet space to work on the sound for multimodal assignments.  The library now has a sound dampened podcasting room that can be used for high quality recordings of podcasts, interviews, narration for video, and more.

Students can check out the room on a first come, first basis, or schedule it ahead of time.  For more information to share with your students, including the equipment offered, please check out the Podcasting Room guide.

Library instruction served 3 ways

1.  Most of the time, when the library faculty get invited to meet with a class, we spend a whole

period working with the students, focusing on an assignment, disciplinary research norms, or information literacy in general.

2.  But, sometimes a whole class period is not required.  Introducing students to the resources relevant to the course or assignment and introducing them to the services and resources of the library can often be done in briefer window(~15-20 minutes).

3. And consultations are another way to get students the library instruction they need.  In one scenario, a librarian will meet briefly with a whole class and then students will sign up for required group appointments to get more tailored instruction.  Of course you are always welcome to recommend that your students meet with us.  We just ask that you consult with us if you are going to make it a requirement in your class.  We can facilitate tracking attendance, as well.

Request a library session or contact your library liaison to discuss.

Teaching with video: survey results

Last fall we sent out a survey about the instructional use of streaming videos and DVDs at UW-Eau Claire.  We wanted to find out how people were accessing and sharing videos and what needs exist in that area in order to help guide our decisions in the future.

We had 146 responses from all four colleges and learned quite a bit about classroom video use:

• Of our respondents, 125 reported currently using video in their classes
• Videos are viewed in class or assigned as homework in roughly an even amount
• A substantial amount of video content shared with classes is free, provided by faculty themselves, or available on platforms without institutional subscriptions.

When we asked what topic areas the library should carry more of,  we got a wide range of

disciplinary areas, and even some specific suggestions.  Science, economics, social justice, healthcare, disability, social work, kinesiology, American Indian Studies, Latin American Studies, gender, education, and history were some of the more frequently mentioned subject areas.

One implication of having so many disparate needs is that we would be hard pressed to find a streaming service that meets even a third of these.  Our streaming service Films on Demand probably comes closest, with content in almost all of the subject areas mentioned. Kanopy is our second most used service, with an emphasis on providing contemporary documentaries.  

But the fact is that content needs tend to be more specific than subject areas or even topics.  And that is why we realize developing our collection at the individual title level, with input from you, will be an important prong in our efforts to support the curriculum.   Given the constraints on the library budget and the expense of streaming media, we want to make sure that what we do purchase gets used. We also are trying to anticipate the ways that the diversifying production of moving pictures will affect future requests.  We've already been challenged in trying to acquire films that are only available streaming from one source.

In the meantime, whenever you want to request videos, simply email your request to Carrie Butler-Becker or contact your library liaison.  DVDs/videos vary widely in pricing, licensing restrictions, and availability, but we will try to fill every request.

Surge in library appointments

Firework detail from Klebeband 10
/Fürstlich Waldecksche Hofbibliothek

We were excited to see our consultation appointments go up last semester. 

We credit two things: referrals from instructors and the ease of use of our new online appointment system.

Feel free to share the link to our appointment scheduler in your course emails, D2L, or assignments: https://tinyurl.com/blugoldRC.  It is also accessible from our homepage using the link "Meet with a librarian."

We work with individuals or groups and can spend anywhere from 15-60 minutes with students.  Students have the option of picking the length of time, the librarian, and the time slot.

We help with any stage in the research process and we are eager to work with your students.

Request Books and Media

Library materials can be requested a number of ways: with our electronic form, in print through campus mail, or by email.

E-form: http://lib01.uwec.edu/Request.aspx?Form=BookRecommendation

Direct requests can be made by email or campus mail to

Carrie Butler Becker, McIntyre Library (beckercb@uwec.edu).

Making in McIntyre

[Photo credit: www.nicolassolop.com]

McIntyre Library is embracing the maker movement, and we are interested in identifying faculty who are interested in or curious about this idea. 

A makerspace is a collection of equipment (anything from 3d printers and laser cutters to sewing machines and digital recording equipment), resources and services that give students hands-on opportunities to experiment, create and collaborate. In addition to creating a space in McIntyre Library available to all students, we plan to serve as a clearinghouse, providing students with information about other facilities available to them across campus. 

We want to hear your thoughts about what a library makerspace should offer and how it can be incorporated into the curriculum. If you are interested in joining the makerspace conversation, please register. A meeting will be scheduled during the semester.