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Notes from Student Library Advisory Group meeting

Six students - ranging from those in their first semester to those in their last semester at the College -gave us their thoughts on library services at last week's meeting. We asked them to rate the value of the college library to them in their studies on a scale of 1 to 10, and the ratings ranged from 1 to 10! In general, the low ratings were from the newer students, but some advanced students reported that their classes and professors had not brought library resources and services to their attention.

Among the comments made were these:

The new explanatory podcasts were found to be very useful to those who have low or no vision.

Some had used the 'request' feature in CamCat to have books and other materials delivered to a pick-up location convenient to them

The ability to use online resources from off-campus was also viewed positively.

It was suggested that the library blog be made more prominent on the library website to encourage more feedback from library users. We'll work on that!

Meanwhile, don't hesitate to use blog comments, or Ask-a-Librarian via email, or talk to us in person, to let us know what you think.

New Podcasts: NoodleBib and Intro to Databases

Two new podcasts, or audio files, have been added to the library website at http://library.camdencc.edu. You'll see the podcast icon next to the resource it describes.

One explains how to use NoodleBib to format references to information sources that you used in your research. NoodleBib is extremely popular with students - we also have posted a written guide to getting started with it.

The other summarizes how article databases may be used to find information in magazine and journals. Many assignments require the use of articles from both types of publications. For further information on this, the podcast refers to the written course guides and 'help' guides on the website. A call or email to Ask-the-Librarian is also recommended.

Take a listen, and let us know if these podcasts were helpful to you. If so, what other topics would you like us to address in future podcasts? Post a comment and let us know.

Become a librarian - life after CCC

This question came in recently to Ask-a-Librarian:I am trying to find out what program of study one would have to take in order to become a librarian.  Does CCC offer a program?

We responded: One may choose librarianship as a profession after majoring in any subject for one's bachelor's degree. The degree required for employment as a librarian is a Master's in Library Science (MLS), preferably from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or (for school librarians) a Master of Arts in Library Science (MALS), accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Since CCC does not offer Master's degrees, we do not specifically prepare librarians. However, after completing your studies at CCC, and your bachelor's degree, there are several good programs in the general area that offer degrees in librarianship: Rutgers and Drexel offer the MLS, and Rowan offers the MALS. Also, there are several online degree options.

Please visit the website www.becomealibrarian.org  where you will find a great variety of information, including testimonials of people in the field. If you would like to talk with any of the librarians at CCC about their preparation for and satisfaction with their career choice, please do not hesitate to visit us in person.