Due to the removal, by publishers, of e-journals that were once available through our online databases, our catalog had accumulated a large number of “orphaned” e-journal records. These titles were previously accessible by way of Ebsco A to Z at the time they were added to our collection, but have since been removed from the A to Z knowledge base primarily due to changes in licensing agreements between publishers and our various vendors.
Easily locate full text journals.
Until now there had not been an easy way to monitor the removal of titles from Ebsco A to Z, nor to adjust our holdings to accurately reflect the A to Z data as of a given date. Thanks to some Sirsi API magic and a series of SQL queries, we are now able to systematically compare our catalog holdings with the A to Z knowledge base and update our local holdings accordingly. What does this mean to library users? No more dead e-journal records! If a journal record exists in our catalog, then it can be accessed through the Todd Library. If the journal has an “electronic” item associated with it, then it is available in at least one of our full-text resources and can be accessed by clicking the “Search for Full Text using Ebsco A to Z” link in the detailed display for that journal.
This initial cleanup resulted in the removal of some 5000 dead e-journal item records from our catalog.
Check out these editorial articles from the New York Times. They are written by instructors who have been teaching in colleges around the United States for many years.
For students who are not new: what piece of advice do you have for new students? Post any thoughts you have in the comments.
A lot of research has been done recently on what makes people happy. It’s not what you might think. Stop by Todd Library to see our display or check out the following articles online:
Did you know the “EPA estimates that 2.6 million tons of electronic waste were dropped into landfills in 2007”? (NY Times 6/30/09)  Want to know what you can do about it? Kane County recycles e-waste. The EPA lists electronic recycling programs, too. Or stop by our “Go Green” display to pick up other useful tips to help you recycle those old electronics safely.
A look at the news and events happening in the Libraries at Waubonsee Community College
