Ch-ch-ch-changes and Remote Access
Over the summer, CUNY Libraries migrated to a new, modern library systems platform. While the changes to the way faculty and students use the library catalog and databases are minimal, there is one important change:
All faculty, staff, and students should use CUNYFirst login credentials to access library databases from off campus and to sign into their My Library accounts.
Change is hard but the good news is that you no longer need to activate your ID for remote access to electronic resources.
Additionally, any changes you make in your CUNYFirst account will show up automatically in your library account. This is great news if you use a name other than the one that shows up in CUNYFirst. Check out our recent blog post to learn how to add a preferred name in CUNYFirst.
Podcast and New Virtual Exhibits
We’re working on new ways to highlight library collections and services and to contextualize the resources that we have available from ebooks and articles to oral histories. Check out a new virtual exhibit on Sustainability and Self Determined Food Systems co-created by Profs. Wanett Clyde and Nora Almeida.
And listen to latest episode of our podcast City Tech Stories where Profs. Nora Almeida and Junior Tidal get candid about the way the pandemic has impacted the library.
Ask a Librarian 24X7 Chat Reference Service
Need help? Just Ask us!
We miss seeing you at the Ask a Librarian desk but the City Tech Library is here to help you with your research.
Connect with City Tech librarians online:
Monday – Friday 10:00am-6:00pm
If you miss us during these hours, you can connect to other librarians 24/7. We can help with finding sources for a project, evaluating information, citations, and more!
Prefer to get in touch via email? Write to us: asknycctref@cuny.libanswers.com
Virtual Library Orientation
Want to introduce your students to library basics? Use our online Library Orientation website to orient your students to library services and resources. We offer a self-paced, modular online library course with an assessment that you can use as a low-stakes assignment in your courses and are working to expand our offerings of interactive video tutorials.
If your students are stuck on an assignment, they might just need a reminder that the library can help with that.
Need Something We Don’t Have?
Interlibrary Loan can fill article and individual book chapter requests and deliver them to you electronically. ILL is great for scholarly research and course assignments.
Please note: Because many other libraries are closed across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not be able to fill all requests, but we will try our best!
Questions? Email us: interlibraryloan@citytech.cuny.edu
Workshops Fall 2020
This fall we’re offering a number of virtual workshops. RSVP to Prof. Nandi Prince and receive workshop links 2 working days prior each workshop.
Mastering APA Style, Use ZoteroBib to Create Your Sources Quickly
Learn the fundamentals of the APA citation style and how to use the platform ZoteroBib to generate citations and export a bibliography list to incorporate into your paper.
Monday, October 5, 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Mastering MLA Style, Use ZoteroBib to Create Your Sources Quickly
Learn the fundamentals of the MLA citation style and how to use the platform ZoteroBib to generate citations and export a bibliography list to incorporate into your paper.
Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
LinkedIn and Resume Writing Workshop
Make a lasting impression with a potential employer! Your resume and social media presence are the place to begin. Join us and learn how to highlight your talents and create a strong resume. Attendees will start building a professional portfolio with LinkedIn.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Research Help for your Paper: Drop-in sessions
Are you looking for research help with that final paper or assignment of the semester? If so, join us virtually on these dates for our special drop-in sessions.
No RSVP required!
Monday, December 7, 2020, 10:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Need Access to Streaming Films
Kanopy is City Tech’s streaming video service. Faculty may request film activation for use with classes through the form on the Kanopy website or by contacting Prof. Junior Tidal with their video request. Please include your department, course, and how long you intend to show the video.
Activated films are available for one year and may be accessed by all members of our community. You can check this guide to discover what titles are currently available.
The Library is Already in Your Course
No matter what platform you’re using, library resources are available wherever you already are. Find subject specific research guides with databases, citation help, and more in Blackboard and OpenLab.
Using Blackboard?
Use the City Tech Library on your course menu link to access a research guide that covers research basics and includes ebook recommendations, citation resources, subject specific databases, and more.
Using OpenLab?
The Library Tools widget is available in new OpenLab courses by default. This widget allows students to search for library sources from within your course and has a direct link to our main website and 24X7 “Ask a Librarian” chat service. Add the Library Subject Guides widget to include a link to subject specific resources right in your course.
Don’t see the widgets you want in OpenLab or interested in adding subject specific resources to your course site? Learn more about custom integration options and write to Prof. Nora Almeida for assistance.
Reserve materials and Textbook Alternatives.
With campus still closed, the reserve collection remains unavailable to students, faculty, and librarians. You are welcome to submit reserve requests for etextbooks for your courses. Unfortunately, it is usually not possible for libraries to purchase ebook versions of textbooks because publishers do not typically offer licenses that allow for multiple users.
Please reach out to the library subject specialist for your department/discipline with questions, we’re happy to offer guidance. A complete account of our reserves collection status can be found here.
We have compiled a guide for faculty with remote resources to support teaching if you’re considering using open educational resources or library licensed ebooks in your courses as an alternative to traditional textbooks.
Learn more about how open educational resources can support teaching and learning and improve student access to course materials. Contact your subject liaison or email Prof. Cailean Cooney.
Support for Scholarly Publishing
Do you need help with any aspect of scholarly publishing? Our Scholarly Publishing Clinic is available for virtual consultations. Learn how to pick the best journal or publisher for your article or book, retain rights as an author, create a Google Scholar profile or search alert, use Academic Works and citation managers, and more.
Office hours are by appointment every first Thursday of each month this semester at 12 PM via Zoom or phone. Don’t forget that you can also reach out to your subject or departmental liaison in the library (http://cityte.ch/dir).
Email Prof. Monica Berger to schedule your consultation and discuss your preferences for shared communication. Use this form to give us advance notice of your question. Don’t forget that you can also reach out to your subject liaison in the library.
Academic Works Posting Parties
Monday November 2, 1-2 PM
Thursday November 5, 4-5 PM
Write to Prof. Monica Berger to RSVP and receive the Zoom invitation!
Amplify your research impact. Bring your own popcorn and beverage and let’s celebrate Open Access Week 2020 by making our scholarship open! Adding your published articles and book chapters to Academic Works isn’t a big time commitment. Once you’re familiar with Academic Works, uploading your scholarship can be done in five minutes, making your scholarship way more visible and more likely to be read and cited.
We’ll demonstrate how to post your work, talk more about your rights as an author, and explain why the accepted manuscript (the version of your article after revisions and before copyediting) is the best version to add to Academic Works. Have your publications, including conference presentations ready and we’ll guide you. Can’t make these workshops? Contact us for a one-on-one session using our Scholarly Publishing Clinic form.
Connect with Us
Have questions about library resources and services but not sure how to reach us? Want to make sure you get the latest updates about changing policies, new resources, and digital tools available through the library?
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