UofSLibrary News

Network resources, including access to the Internet, will be unavailable campus-wide on Saturday, October 9 from 10am – 2pm EDT, for scheduled maintenance.

This outage includes access to library databases via single sign on, and printing services in the library. Those resources will be unavailable until the network maintenance is complete.

Yes, the Library will be open by swipe over Fall Break. However, on Saturday Oct. 9 the grand staircase and adjoining lobby areas will be re-carpeted. If you plan to use the library on Saturday Oct. 9, please plan to access the building through the door to the Reilly Learning Commons.

Due to an unforeseen issue, some AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) journals are currently unavailable. Those titles are the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, OT Practice, and Special Interest Section Quarterlies. We hope to have the issue resolved ASAP.

Did you know that if you if you need somewhere to do group work, have a virtual meeting, or record a podcast that the Weinberg Memorial Library offers spaces for that and more! There are group study rooms on floors 1-4 of the library that are available for Scranton students. They can be booked up to a week in advance for up to two hours in one day. 

If you know that you are going to need a space and want to make sure a room is available, you can book one of the rooms on the first or second floors! There are additional rooms on our quiet study floors, floors three and four, where the rooms can be used on a first-come-first-service basis.  

Some of the rooms even come with technology like large wall mounted monitors, which you can connect your devices to make group work more streamlined. There are even special rooms for audio or video recording! You’ll also find low-tech tools like white boards—if you need a dry erase marker just stop by the Research Services desk or Circulation desk and ask.  

One of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the Research Services desk is how to find articles on a specific topic. While the details of your research (e.g. topic and assignment requirements) will make a difference in the approach you should take, there are some general recommendations you can apply to your research. 

First, you need to find a database that will have the information you need. To locate databases that cover your topic start at your MyScranton account, select the Library tab, and then under the list of “Library Links” click on Databases. Once you are on the Databases page, you will be able to “Browse databases by subject” using the drop-down menu there. If your subject is not listed select General Topics.  

Now, you can look through the list of databases suggested for your subject area. Read their descriptions to see what type of content they cover so you can select the right database(s) to search in. For example, if you need articles covering bridal ceremonies in ancient Rome, you will not use databases like Current Affairs in Video or Statista because they contain videos on hot topics and business statical reports, respectively. Instead, you should reference databases such as JSTOR or America: History & Life, both of which cover history.  

Once you have selected a database, you can put together a search strategy. Do not type complete questions into a database! Instead, break your topic down into keywords and input those into the database’s search boxes. A search strategy for bridal ceremonies in ancient Rome might look like:
(((bridal or marriage or wedding) AND (ceremon*)) AND (Rome))

If you need help crafting a search strategy, please contact a Research and Instruction Librarian!  

After you run your search, look through the list of results to find articles you can use. This is a great point in the search process to learn new keywords to incorporate into your search strategy or add additional limiters such as publication date (these filters/limiters will often be located to the left of your search results).  

If you locate an article of interest but are having trouble finding the full text, you can review the Library’s set of FAQs on how to find the full text of an article. 

We invite applicants to apply for the part-time Media Resources Clerk. To apply and see the full job description visit: https://universityofscrantonjobs.com/postings/5462

Position Title: Media Resources Clerk – Part Time, Evenings/Weekends

Job Purpose

The Media Resources Evening/Weekend Clerk is a part time position which works under the supervision of the Media Resources Coordinator to provide services for the Media and Ed Lab Collections during the weekend and evening hours of the Center’s operation.

Essential Duties

– Supervises work-study students in the absence of the Media Resources Coordinator.

– Conducts circulation transactions (check in, check out, search, renew, change due date, course reserves) for Media and Ed Lab materials.

– Processes faculty requests for classroom and non-classroom use of media.

– Participates in the evaluation of and recommendation for purchase of equipment and media.

– Assists in the preparation of monthly and annual statistical reports. Also assists with analysis of statistics, and makes policy and procedure recommendations as warranted.

– Maintains the security and copyright integrity of the Media Resources Center equipment and collections.

– Sends overdue notices.

-Previews media for quality and informs Media Resources Coordinator of any problems.

– Compiles monthly list of new materials by title, department and format.

– Notifies faculty members that media they have requested have been received.

– Transfers media to more current formats as needed.

– Advises patrons of the availability of streaming media and can advise them of the existing features. Provides faculty and students with share link.

– Places material on Course Reserve and removes them as needed.

– Re-shelves materials, and maintains good order in the stacks.

Additional Skills Required:

– Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of users – students, faculty, administration, and public patrons, and to handle communications with tact, courtesy and discretion.

– Ability to instruct/direct student work.

– Excellent organizational/record-keeping skills.

– Must be able to respect, support and contribute to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission. 

Minimum Education Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum Job Experience Requirements:

One year customer service experience, including policy interpretation and enforcement. Experience with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

– Library work experience with training in Library circulation systems, on-line catalog searching, Internet searching.

– Experience working with/supervising college age students.

– Familiarity with online meeting platforms.

Schedule/Work Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 7 p.m. (17.5 hours per week), with some fluctuations in the summer and at exam times.