Morris Miller Library offers great new study spaces.

There has been a very positive student response to the 60 new quiet study spaces created on Level 4 of the Morris Miller Library.

UTAS Library has been focusing on creating new library environments and student study spaces, both for collaborative study as well as meeting the demand for concentrated individual study.

The new study spaces on Level 4 take advantage of natural lighting. They place students on both sides of the wing, as intended by the original architect of the building.

Stylish furnishings and design have created a comfortable and attractive environment and Level 4 is now one of the most popular study spaces.

These new study spaces also place students in proximity to the print journal collection. Wireless network access in the Morris Miller Library, as in all UTAS libraries, provides easy access to electronic information on all floors.

Feedback on Document delivery System.

The Document Delivery Librarian recently asked some regular users of the ZPortal requesting system what they thought about it in terms of searching, requesting and receiving pdf documents.

 Many users asked:
How to I quickly request a Journal Article without doing a search within Zportal?

 Answer:

Simply fill out a blank request form using the ‘Create Request’ link. This option is located towards the bottom of the left menu. 

 

For journal articles it is often faster to go straight to “Create request” on the side menu.      

 

Eprints celebrates first birthday

December marked the first anniversary of the official launch of UTAS ePrints. CADA staff have just uploaded the two thousandth item to ePrints which is very encouraging. All staff have been busy on the Quaker digitisation project which has involved digitising rare and special Quaker items from the Library Archives. ePrints now hold 130 Quaker records comprising letters, diaries and early Tasmanian photographs. The School of History and Classics are ran a Summer school in January 2008 which will used primary source material housed in UTAS ePrints. This is the first formal link to be established between teaching and UTAS ePrints.

Browse some of the early Tasmanian photographs in UTAS ePrints

Teaching & Learning Award – Congratulations to Paul Reynolds

• What do you think students look for in a teacher?

I don’t know that I have the correct formula for being a good teacher but what we try to provide is an environment that is conducive to good teaching practices. We try to be open and inclusive and to listen to the students wants and needs. While we may not be entirely successful every time I think students appreciate our efforts. I am also fortunate enough at the Art School Library to be able to offer small group training sessions which means I can give individual attention to students. This is rewarding for me as a trainer and I think that it is the approach most suited to students of the Art School.

• What does this award mean to you?

I believe this year was the first that Teaching Merit Certificates have been awarded to general staff members so I feel honored to be one of the first, along with another general staff member at the School of Art, Phillip Blacklow to have received the award. I also think that the award is an acknowledgment of the growing role the library is playing in its involvement in the delivery of information literacy training to our students.

• How do students go about nominating teachers for this award?

The Teaching Merit Certificate scheme, like the Teaching Excellence Award scheme, recognises teaching members of staff who are judged by peers and students as being highly proficient and competent teachers. There are two categories of Certificates; Individual and Team (or Unit-based). Nominations must be made by Heads of Schools, peers, and students. Nominations should be made on a copy of the official nomination

Want to nominate a teacher? Further Information:

http://www.utas.edu.au/pvctl/awardsgrants/awards/utas/merit_certificates.htm

Congratulations to…

Debra Ploughman who received her Certificate IV and Diploma in Library/Information Services and was awarded the ALIA prize for Outstanding Student for the Year. Debbie Wright, as Tas Convenor of ALIA presented the award.

Rachel Evans

Jules Witek

who received Certificate IV and Diploma

 

Carolyn Jarvis

Summa McIntyre

who received their Diploma

 

Well done to the students, and thanks to their supervisors who have provided support for them to undertake the program.