Killam Library Offers Free Mini Workshops on Electronic Research

Anyone who wants to learn more about conducting research using the Internet, on-line resources, and electronic databases is invited to attend a series of free mini-workshops at Texas A&M International University.

The mini-workshops will provide library users with the knowledge and skill required to explore the information resources in today's libraries, said Rodney M. Webb, Killam Library director.

"The definition of library service is changing rapidly due to electronic information sources and telecommunications. To take full advantage of these new information sources, library patrons have to be able to use them," Webb explained.

He invites both students and members of the community to attend the free workshops and explore the information resources in state-of-the-art Killam Library

Eight different mini-workshops will be offered. Each will last approximately 30 minutes. Registration is not required and anyone may attend.

"Searching the Online Book Catalog" offers tricks and techniques for searching the Library's NOTIS online card catalog by author, title, subject, keyword phrase and Boolean, plus using NOTIS to search other libraries' catalogs. It is scheduled on Monday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Mar. 2, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Monday, Mar. 22, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 17, 12:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr. 18, 2 p.m.

"Full-Text Journal Databases" examines CD-ROM and Telnet versions of Periodical Abstracts and ABI/Inform, special databases in nursing and other fields, and the 5,000 plus full-text sources of Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe. It is scheduled on Monday, Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Mar. 2, 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Monday, Mar. 22, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 17, 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr. 18, 2:30 p.m.

"Research on the Internet" explores hypertext, URLs, search engines, bookmarks, and special tricks. The exact content of this workshop will depend on the Internet experience of the participants who attend. It is scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Mar. 3, 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Mar. 23, 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 17, 1:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr. 18, 3 p.m.

"Evaluating Web Information Sources" explains how to determine the factualness of a website, and presents the latest techniques for grabbing the good stuff and steering clear of propaganda, factoids, and outdated information. It is scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Mar. 4, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Mar. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 17, 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr. 18, 4 p.m.

Also scheduled are four mini-workshops on conducting research in specific subject areas.

"Nursing Databases" is scheduled on Tuesday. Feb. 16 at 2:30 and 7 p.m.

"Educational Databases" is scheduled on Wednesday, Mar. 3, 4 and 7 p.m.

"Business and Demographics" is schedule on Tuesday, Mar 23 at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

"International Relations" is scheduled on Saturday, April 17 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m.

For more information on the Killam Library's free mini-workshops on electronic research, please contact the Killam Library Reference Desk at 326-2138.

Killam Library hours are 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 12 noon - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu