Why (and where) we’re Twittering

The SCC Library recently started up a Twitter account, which we’re using to post quick notes about new and ongoing services, upcoming events, and online resources we notice that might help students do their research. Why Twitter?

(NOTE: if you’re already suffering from information overload, you might want to skip this one.)

IM a librarian (Instant Message, that is)

IM form

Got a library question?  The library help page now features instant messaging (or, if you prefer, chat). If you see a green light, we’re online. Just type your question to the librarian into the small white box on the IM form and hit enter.

If the light is red, we’re not online, but don’t let that stop you. If we’re open, give us a call (558-2461), or use our e-mail form.  We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!  (Messaging is normally online during library open hours.)

Social Networking ~ The World is Watching

Students love social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace because they offer quick, informal connections between people who share interests.  Messages, pictures, videos, and instant messages reach a few friends or the whole world in seconds.  But there’s no taking back a statement or photo that’s been published.  How will parents, school officials, future and current employers, or online predators interpret a student’s online profile?

Facebook: Helping employers eliminate applicants one drunken post at a time.

You can challenge your students to think about what is private and personal.  Print a poster from Ohio State University, pick up a thought-provoking handout on social networking at the SCC library reference desk, or read “10 Privacy Settings every Facebook User Should Know About” on allfacebook.com (a blog about Facebook) for step-by-step instructions on how to protect your privacy on Facebook.

Start your searches with our new widget

The library has developed a new tool: a “widget” that allows you to start searching the library catalog and a few of our subscription databases without going to the library home page first.

If you enter keywords into the search boxes and click “Search,” you’ll be taken directly to a page of results.

If you are an instructor using the new Desire2Learn courseware, when you create a new course you’ll see this widget on the home page. If you already have a course and don’t see it, you can add the widget to your home page. For more information on using the widget, including the code you’ll need to embed it elsewhere, go to its home page.

Does this seem like a useful tool to you? Would you like to see more tools like it? Do you have suggestions or other feedback? Let us know!