Weekly Annoucements from the UMass Amherst Learning Commons.

1. Learning Commons Announcements Week of February 9th “ Nobody ever graduated from a library. Nobody ever graduated without one.” 2009

3. “ Natural History Prints” by John Green An exhibit of photographs by the Artist, Naturalist and Guide. January 5 th to May 8th ISEL: Integrated Science & Engineering Library

4. Too many databases? Not sure where to start? Don’t be overwhelmed—use a Research Guide! A team of 18 librarians has created over 80 new subject research guides for various topics. These are designed to be convenient and relevant to students and faculty doing research, and can be embedded in SPARK. You can find them at http://www.library.umass.edu/subject or just use the link on the homepage.

5. Remember to: : Save to an external source such as a USB drive or UDrive to avoid data loss if the computer is shut down!!!

6. Are you an undergraduate? Are you great at using primary sources? Enter your work for the Friends of the Library Undergraduate Research Award Your paper or project could win you $750! To find out submission criteria, deadlines, or to apply, visit http://ncane.com/m2m or call Danielle Kovacs at 413-545-2784 or [email_address] Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and The Department of Special Collections and University Archives

7. For more information, contact Rachel Lewellen, Assessment Librarian at 545-3343 or [email_address] . The UMass Amherst Libraries is conducting a brief survey to assess how electronic resources are used. The survey will run during randomly selected times from now until August 2009. During the survey, users will be required to answer 5 short questions before accessing the electronic resources. This information will help us better understand how our resources support research, teaching, and coursework.

9. Check the availability of OIT computer stations in the Learning Commons and the Computer Classrooms: http://classrooms-av.oit.umass.edu/view.php Be sure to check the classroom hours and scheduled classes at the site before going to a classroom!

14. Printing files from SPARK? Avoid problems! Before you print, SAVE YOUR FILE TO THE DESKTOP THEN, open it and print.

18. Writing Center Services: Writing Center Stop in or make an appointment to get 30 minutes of assistance on your writing project from trained experts. All levels and disciplines are welcome!

23. Sample question from OIT Copyright Quiz What is the minimum the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) can make you pay for infringing copyright on just one song ?(Choose one) Inform yourself. Protect yourself. Take the OIT Copyright Quiz: http://www.oit.umass.edu/copyright/quiz.html

24. Did a slide go by too quickly? Visit the Learning Commons website: http://www.umass.edu/learningcommons and click Weekly Announcements (under News) View these announcements on the Web!