Online Class Period Tech Tips

During unprecedented circumstances like these, the necessary skills for a student can change dramatically. With the transition to online courses, students are required more than ever to have high computer literacy. This can be challenging for students whose majors do not have a normal requirement of computers. This can also be extremely challenging for students who do not have immediate access to computers regularly. This blog will go over some basic computer tips and resources for students or anyone working with computers.

The first thing to understand with your computer is it is only as powerful as the software on it. The most common software students use is Microsoft Office. Luckily this suite of applications is available through Oklahoma State University’s software distribution site. This suite gives students access to Word, Powerpoint, Excel and other Microsoft software. It also provides tools like Matlab, jmp and Mathematica. Another important thing students can download is Windows operating systems up to Windows 10.

All of these tools are available to help students be successful in their academic careers. These tools are proving to be even more helpful with the current suspension of on-campus learning. But these more advanced tools are not helpful without basic computer knowledge. For more information on that check out our tech tips videos. These will go over things like shortcuts, snipping tools and finding a word in a page. If you haven’t had to use learning tools such as Canvas in your previous classes, check out their help page to get answers to your questions.

Some simple tips to make effective use of your computer involve simple things like keeping your active applications to a minimum. Generally speaking, if you have an application open that you are finished using, close it! This will help your computer run faster, and help you stay focused on the task you are currently doing. This means if you are using a video editing platform like Premiere, and you are finished making your video, you should close that application.

Organization is also key when you are trying to work effectively on your computer. Keeping windows organized can be as easy as keeping things that you are not using minimized. Assigning windows to different desktops on your computer can help to separate different projects you may be working on. You can also fix an object to a certain section of the screen so you can conveniently and have quick access between windows.

Are you having issues with any software for your class or general computer questions in general? Try checking the Oklahoma State University website to see if they offer any help with your questions. If they do not, remember that Google if your friend. Most technology questions any person has will have an answer online. Remember to be specific with your question! For example, if you want to find out how to separate your word document into two separate columns, enter something like “Microsoft Word document into separate columns.” This helps the search engine find a solution relevant to both your software and specific issue. After finding your topic, you should be able to read detailed text guides, or often even better, demonstration videos.

Edmon Low Library has also been working to keep as many of its services available to students as possible during online learning. All of the 54 databased are still available to students and faculty for research. The library is also accepting requests for interlibrary loans for articles and book chapters. Librarians are even available online for research questions or general library-related chat.

If any student is having issues getting internet access or computer access, they are encouraged to contact the university for a potential solution. Are there any questions you have concerning the efficiency or functionality of a computer? Let us know in the comments and it may be the next subject of a video or blog post!

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

Trending Tech in Modern Academic Libraries

Every business, home and organization is, and will continue to be, influenced by advancements in technology. University libraries are no exception. University libraries are often the earliest entities to adopt cutting-edge technology. Libraries have brought technology like 3D printing, 3D scanning, virtual reality and gesture control to their respective universities. Libraries will continue to be at the front of university adoption of new technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence and automation as they become a more viable.

Augmented reality has been a popular topic for a number of years now but is just now beginning to come into its full technical potential. Examples of this can be with the baseball parks, car models and Super Bowl stadium models to help people decide the seats they want. These are all great examples that show AR is becoming a widely used technology. Libraries could use AR in a few different ways.

One of the points that comes up in most talks about augmented reality is whether it is a real tool or just a short term fad. While many of the examples we have already looked at prove AR has a legitimate use, there is still some skepticism. This belief is not held by most people engaging with university libraries. A study at Purdue surveying students and faculty on whether it would be effective in a library found that about 94% of them believe AR resources are something the library should implement on a large scale.

Another hot item that is being thrown around a lot in the tech world is the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are often considered to be the future of technology. Many libraries have begun taking note. A study conducted on libraries currently using these technologies found that five of the 27 university libraries they looked at have taken up some type of service utilizing AI. These are mostly through classes that introduce students to AI with tools like code and robotics. Some universities such as Stanford have begun to use AI to help students find books they’re looking for and to better use the information they have available.

Academic libraries have been considering the idea of implementing AI for a while. Some are still not convinced that it would even have a large effect on libraries, and others think it we still have 30 years until it is a real possibility anyway. This is likely an unrealistic way to look at things considering the advancements that have been made by often-mentioned companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The way their AI is able to read and understand unbelievably large amounts of data is something every university library could use to help students and better understand what they are using the library for.

Another technology that has been developing for quite some time is automation, but it is now out of its infancy. One of the best examples of libraries using this is through bookBot. The bookBots are capable of getting books for students, faculty or patrons without anyone needing to interact with the stacks directly. It uses a system of cases and a moving retriever that grabs a bundle of books to take to the requester. The system also saves a lot of space for the library. NC State claims that their stacks would be nine times bigger if they weren’t using the bookBot. Temple University believes it has taken some stress off the students because they no longer have to navigate large stacks on their own to find the book they need. It also ensures the system is organized and quick.

Automation is affecting libraries in other ways. There are examples that seem common in many libraries at this point like self-checkout, automatic cataloging and immediate document delivery. In the future, library automation could expand to things like “Just Walk Out” book checkout and book return. Much in the way Amazon Go stores work, libraries could automatically detect what books you have with you while leaving the building and check them out to you. There are also thoughts of having a simple way of dropping off books where they are scanned to be returned and placed back in their spot in the automatic library system.

Libraries are evolving at speed we have never seen before. Even though many of these ideas may be far from being adopted by all libraries, they are still what most libraries will be looking to implement in the future. Undoubtedly, there are more trends in technology that libraries are working to make valuable resources for their patrons and staff to use. What are some of the trends you would like to see explored? Are there any other ways you think libraries can use the technology above?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

Reducing Stress with the Library

Feelings of high stress are constant for most college students. This can lead to multiple issues for students when it comes to making grades. The reasons for high stress are obvious: the number of assignments due, exams, projects, working, and finding time for friends and personal time is a lot for anyone to handle. The OSU Library works to help reduce the amount of stress students have to deal with throughout the semester.

The Edmon Low Creative Studios are one of the Library’s most popular academic resources. The space provides students the opportunity to use programs and equipment students may not otherwise have access to for classwork, research, personal learning and more. However, the space can also be used recreationally.  Some of the suites that are commonly used for students to reduce stress include the virtual reality, flight simulation, 3D printing and audio studios. All of these suites allow students to engage in their hobbies and interests in a fun environment. The Creative Studios also provide board games including Bananagrams, Sorry, chess, trivial pursuit and many more for students to use while taking a break from homework.

One of the major services that Creative Studios offers that can reduce stress is Presentation Coaching. Many people suffer from fear of public speaking. In the Recording and Presentation Studio, Presentation Coaching hours are available for students who have a speech coming up or just want to improve their presentation skills. This can keep students from dwelling on upcoming presentations by increasing their confidence in their ability and understanding of their presentation style.

The Creative Studios also provide students access to a large number of items to check out through the Tech to Go service. Want to get out and capture the beauty of nature or take pictures of your friends? Try the Canon Rebel EOS T6. Want to explore the night sky up close? Use one of five telescopes available. Even GoPros are available for capturing action shots. Other notable things Tech to Go provides are 360 cameras for full panoramic shots, multiple models of microphones for voice acting, interviewing, or podcasts and ring lights for photos or vlogging. All of these allow the student to get their head out of the books and engage in some recreational activities.

Services and items provided through the Circulation Desk can also help students relax. Study rooms allow students to ensure they are not being disturbed while working on homework by themselves or on group projects with classmates. Students can also check out white noise machines while in their study rooms to help them improve focus on their studies while helping them relax.

The Library also hosts therapy dogs to help students relax. The OSU Library teams up with Pete’s Pet Posse to host MuttDay Monday, Yappy Hour and Waggin’ Wednesdays. Every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., the dogs of Pete’s Pet Posse are available to help students relax in the South Lobby. Therapy dogs are known to reduce stress and anxiety for students.

The OSU Library also works to provide a study space for any type of worker. There are the study rooms mentioned earlier for people who like to work without outside distractions. More open options exist on the first, second and third floors along with the lower level. These floors are all group study floors. This means the volume levels can get somewhat loud, which is nice if you are working in a group and do not want to be concerned about your conversations bothering others. Having some noise is also a study environment many people enjoy, which is why there are individual study desks on these floors. The fourth floor is a completely silent study floor. It’s great for students who need absolute quiet to concentrate and get things finished. The fifth is considered a “whisper zone,” where conversations and other noise are allowed at a lower volume. Providing students all of these types of study areas along with dozens of types of seating ensures students will find somewhere they are comfortable in the Library to have a relaxing study session.

All of these resources are ways the Library ensures it is making the most inviting and stress-free study space on campus. What are some ways you use the Library to be productive without being stressed out?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

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Online Presence

Online presence has become a key focal point for nearly any organization that is trying to make an impact. This is no exception for the OSU Library. Using different methods, the OSU Library is able to give students, faculty, staff, alumni and any other parties connected to the Library the information they need to know to be successful at OSU and beyond.

The Library provides valuable information to its patrons across multiple channels: there may be an announcement on Twitter telling students about new technology that is available in the library, a preview of the week’s event calendar in an Instagram story, or a 360 tour of Library spaces on Facebook.

One of the most essential online resources the Library maintains is its website. This site hosts all of the Library’s online resources, information about its offerings and how to access them, and helpful tools such as maps, events, hours and so much more.

The Library site also helps students alleviate the need to make physical trips to the Edmon Low Library or one of the other branches. The site gives them access to databases as well as the ability to reserve a study room, talk to a librarian and renew material they have checked out. All of these make the Libraries’ resources more accessible while also saving them an unimaginable amount of time.

These are all valuable tools, but they are useless if nobody knows that they exist. That’s where the Library’s social media accounts help. The Library uses Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to provide students with information and news stories concerning the Library and resources on offer.

In addition to new features, the Library also highlights useful resources that not everyone knows about. Students who keep up with these accounts are able to make sure they are taking full advantage of all the Library has to offer. For example, there are so many items available to check out in the Edmon Low Creative Studios that a student may have missed it before or forgotten about it.

The Library doesn’t just tell students these items exist, it also shows them how to use them. Step-by-step tutorials on how to use certain software and tools can be found on the Library’s Instagram and YouTube. They also provide students with ideas on how to best use these resources if they are interested in them but don’t really know what to do with them.

The Library also uses its channels to direct students to events they may be interested in. The Library hosts dozens of events featuring a wide variety of topics every semester, allowing students with various interests to find what speaks to them. Just this semester, the Library has hosted an International Games Week, Orchestra Ensemble Concerts, Software Carpentries, Science Cafes and so much more.

The Library has constantly been pursuing ways to keep the students informed on everything they can gain by using the Library for their events and resources. What is the way you most commonly find Library news, and what ways would you like to see it promoted in the future?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Software Carpentry

Have you ever wanted to get hands-on experience with programming languages and practices? Have you tried to start learning a programming language and eventually gave up because you didn’t have anyone to help you? The OSU Library hosts Software Carpentry classes each semester to help undergraduates, graduate students and researchers. These classes introduce participants to basic programming practices and techniques.

The first thing many people may think is “I can’t take this class because I have no previous experience with programming.” This is the perfect situation to be in for these classes. They are designed for people with little to no experience with the tools that are being used. Participants who do not have laptops can use the laptops provided in the workshop room. These Software Carpentry classes are an easy way to learn baseline knowledge of computer programming.

Software Carpentry classes are taught by multiple organizations around the world in many different languages. The topics and resources covered in these classes are all provided by a single foundation for volunteers to teach. This ensures that all of the classes have regulated and helpful content. The OSU Library routinely offers these workshops, which are conducted by Library personnel.

After attending these workshops, you will have the knowledge essential to move forward educating yourself or making use of the knowledge you gained in the class for your research or projects.

These workshops are aimed at a more general audience than the intense programming crowd. With that being said, it can still be beneficial to experienced programmers. As a senior in computer science, I attended a workshop and was received valuable information. I can call this valuable information because it gives me more knowledge in my field of study, but what about individuals who have no aspirations of developing applications, software or anything for their career? Despite what most people would probably believe, these people have the most to gain from this type of workshop.

The topics addressed in these carpentries are aimed to help people solve common problems and inconveniences for researchers or students. For example, a part of the workshop I attended covered convenient ways to organize data using Python. We learned how to graph large amounts of data, reorganize it and explore it efficiently.

The participants are also learning basic programming skills during the class. Currently, the two languages covered are R and Python. These skills are the basic building blocks that allow you to continue to gain knowledge in programming if you decide to learn more about it.

In addition to pure programming instruction, the workshop also introduces participants to topics like version control and Unix Shell. Version control using Git helps to keep everybody in a project on the same page by allowing them to update a repository from anywhere. The Unix Shell is a powerful command-line tool that allows users to automate their tasks and reduce repetitive actions.

The topics covered in these carpentries are constantly being updated and improved to keep up with changes in technology. As the world continues to become more invested in mobile applications and software, the need to understand basic programming principles will continue to increase.

How would you use basic programming skills in your field of study or workplace?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Library Spaces

As we all know, the library is no longer just books. University libraries have become an invaluable resource for students. They provide technology, databases and so much more. One of the most useful resources that often goes unappreciated are the study spaces.

Every day, thousands of students walk into the Library to use its resources. Many of them are coming just to study or do homework and make use of the numerous study spaces available in Edmon Low Library to accommodate any student. Different floors have assigned zones for silent, whisper or “group” noise levels. All of these areas also have different types of desks and seating for students that allow them to work alone or in large groups.

Other places in the Library give students the tools they need to get their work done. The Library has computers, laptops, chargers, smartboards and so many other things to help provide students with everything they need to succeed.

All of these study spaces allow students to maximize their productivity while they’re working at the Library and make it the ideal place to go for students to study or work on their projects. These study spaces have also changed the way libraries look at universities.

The most blatant difference you would notice between a modern university library and one 20 years ago is how they use their space. Books used to be the major way we used space in the past, but today the books, while still having their place, are rarely what a student comes to the library to find. The books a library owns do not simply disappear, and libraries continue to accumulate books over time. However, finding a way to balance workspaces for students with easy access to books is a common issue.

The most common way university libraries make space is by moving their books to a different location. The Fine Arts Library at The University of Texas faced a dilemma recently when they planned to relocate many of their books in 2018. After announcing the relocation of over 75,000 books from the library, many students began to protest the idea. These books were going to be relocated to create a maker space for design and art students. After deliberating, the university decided to follow through with the relocation of the books to create extra space.

This is a dilemma that nearly every university library is experiencing. As area for study become more essential for students, libraries have to rethink space use.

The OSU Library addresses this issue by relocating certain books to the Library Annex and Library Auxiliary Building. Books that are sent to this facility are rarely or never checked out, fragile, duplicated, or older. While the Annex and Library Auxiliary Building are not open to the public, these resources remain easy to access. Students can request these items and pick them up from Edmon Low Library within 24 hours on weekdays.

This relocation of the books has helped the Library create a number of new study rooms and spaces for students that are frequently used. Undoubtedly, the OSU Library will continue to relocate and condense books as more study spaces are needed. How would you like the see the library use this reclaimed space? What types of resources would you like to see in them?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Adapting to Mobile Technology

Usage of mobile technologies has skyrocketed over the last decade. Since 2013, their internet usage rates have increased from 16.2% to 52.2%. Mobile traffic has increased by 222% in that time. This change can be attributed to the surge in smartphone ownership for the general population. 81% of US citizens age 18+ have smartphones.

Mobile technology statistics are not restricted purely to smartphones. Tablets such as the Apple iPad and Google Pixel Slate have increased dramatically in sales and ownership. The iPad has been so successful in recent years that Apple is beginning to focus more on them as a product than MacBook.

While items like MacBooks and laptops will obviously continue to be essential for many functions (for the foreseeable future), we can expect to see mobile devices take dominating control over the major market.

The way we use these technologies is continually changing. Traditional laptops and PCs are being used primarily for large projects and resource-intensive applications. Once again we can look to Apple for information on these trends. Apple has discontinued many of its smaller, less powerful MacBooks while continuing to increase their overall power. This makes MacBooks less accessible to the public, but Apple has answered this by improving their iPad and keeping it relatively affordable.

This trend will continue for the next few years until it inevitably levels out (laptops and PCs will not become completely obsolete). University libraries are adapting quickly to these changes.

The OSU Library has made its resources and websites mobile-friendly in recent years. Previously, the mobile and desktop sites were two different pages, and many pages were not mobile friendly at all. The site is now easier to navigate and more cohesive regardless of the platform. The navigation bar has been moved into a drawer for mobile sites and the pages display identically respective to their dimensions on any screen.

The technology students are able to check out at the Edmon Low Library has also adapted to this rise in mobile popularity. Students are able to check out Microsoft Surface tablets from the circulation desk, which can be easily converted to laptop-like devices by attaching the provided keyboard.

Many of the items available for checkout from the Edmon Low Creative Studios and the circulation desk have a mobile-friendly approach. They provide chargers for most phones, clamps that allow smartphones to be mounted on tripods and gimbals to give phones smooth video on the move.

The OSU Library is also currently developing a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. When the app initially launches, it will allow students to reserve a study room or a spot in the Edmon Low Creative Studio. The app will also let students see the status of any books they have checked out or any fines they owe.

In the future, the app will also display the number of computers, express printers and scanners that are open to use. There are also plans to have the number of each item available at the Tech to Go and laptop checkout desks viewable on the app. These features will allow students to better plan their trips to the Library to make their visit more effective.

As resources inevitably continue to become more accessible on mobile devices, libraries will continue to provide tools to make them more accessible to students. Do you think mobile technologies will continue to increase in usage and dominate the market? Let me know how mobile technology is influencing you!

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Digital Overlap

Technology is continuing to blur the line between the virtual and real world. New technologies are being worked on daily that insert themselves directly into the user’s life. These technologies take the form of virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D scanning, and many other things.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that is just beginning to scratch the surface of its full potential. It’s currently being used primarily for gaming. The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are leaders in VR gaming. They both provide a headset with additional controllers for each hand so they can move naturally in a virtual space. These controllers are highly accurate allowing the user to bend individual fingers, rotate their hands, and move their hands in a 3D space in a way that matches these movements in the real world.

Virtual reality is also being tested for many other practical uses. The United States military is using VR to give their new solders combat practice before they are deployed. These simulations are realistic and give the solder legitimate experience in combat. Another area VR is being tested in is therapy. Therapists and scientists are experimenting with VR to help people with PTSD and paranoia overcome their fears. VR allows these patients to face their fears without being put directly into real-life situations. These experiments have been had positive results for the patients that are trying it.

Augmented reality is another technology that is adjusting the way we interact with our real world. Augmented reality is different from virtual reality because it incorporates elements of the real world using cameras instead of creating a fully virtual world. Also, unlike virtual reality, augmented reality does not require a full headset. The most popular device for augmented reality is smartphones. This makes augmented reality much more accessible than virtual reality for most people.

Augmented reality (AR) is being used in multiple types of marketing strategies. Ikea is using AR to give customers the ability to visualize furniture in their home in correct color and scale. Other companies like Amazon and Lowe’s are using this technology for furniture and appliances. Giving customers this level of assurance before buying a product greatly increases the likelihood a customer will buy that piece.

Another industry that is taking full advantage of AR is construction. Construction companies are using AR to look are 3D representations of buildings, measure distances, and view notes on certain areas of the project. Using AR in these places streamlines projects and improves collaboration between construction teams. This is a trend construction companies expect to see progress as AR technology is further developed.

3D scanning is an emerging technology that has a large amount of untapped potential. Scanning objects creates a virtual representation of these items that can be altered or 3D printed. 3D scanning companies are beginning to make this technology accessible to the public. Scanning devices are becoming compatible with technologies that are common in many households. Scanners like the Structure Sensor are compatible with iPhones, iPads, Surfaces, and most other machines.

Many individuals are beginning to take advantage of 3D scanning technology. Artists are scanning real-world items and modifying them to create pieces of art. Another use is with hobbyist who used these 3D scanners to replicate objects are a smaller scale with 3D printing. Clothing providers are scanning bodies to better understand the sizing for the clothes they make. These are just the first steps to making 3D scanning an essential technology in the future.

University libraries are keeping up with these technologies in many different ways. The University of Miami Richter Library provides students with VR in a different way than most university libraries. Instead of having the student come to a designated space to use the VR headset, they allow the student to check out Oculus VR headsets and take them home to use with their own devices. These headsets can be used with smartphones or computers depending on the one checked out.

The University of Arizona Library provides students with the ability to 3D scan items or rooms. They allow students to check out a structure sensor, iPad, and MacBook Pro in a package to get their scans. Allowing students to check out this technology gives them the ability to go to the item they want to scan if it is too large to bring to the library.

Oklahoma State University is also providing students with the opportunity to get their hands on these technologies. The Edmon Low Creative Studios provides two virtual reality suites with Alienware Gaming PCs and HTC Vive headsets with controllers. Students can log in to their Steam account in these rooms so they can access any games they have purchased.

Students also can check out Google Glass to get a better understanding of augmented reality and its potential uses. Google Glass is considered a good indicator of wearable technology in the future. The 3D Printing Studio has a stationary David SLS-3 3D Scanner to scan portable objects that can be brought into the library. The student can replicate this scan using the 3D printers, or save it to a flash drive for other uses.

These technologies will continue to advance and become more prevalent in everyday life. Exposing students to these technologies prepares them to contribute ideas to their development. How would you like to see libraries incorporate these technologies to better prepare students for their influence?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Production in the Library

Have you been to the theater lately? Maybe to see a live-action movie like John Wick: Chapter 3? An animated movie like Toy Story 4? Or maybe something that dabbles heavily in both like Spider-Man: Far From Home? No doubt, the production quality was able to completely enthrall you. Compare modern films to ones of the past, and the change in technical quality is obvious. Even movies from just a few years ago are completely outdone by the movies of today.

This jump in quality is due to multiple factors. The software used to create these movies is progressing rapidly. They are becoming more powerful, easier to use and provide more useful features. In many cases, the software used by production companies is open source. This means they are free to use. Using open-source software gives studios the ability to invest more of the budget into work hours.

One software leading the way in the open-source animation community is Blender. Blender has released new versions that allow users to make full-length films with cutting-edge tools. Blender has also taken steps to make their software more accessible to individuals that are new to animation. These changes include things like shortcuts, functionality and light physics.

The live-action community has also been trending upwards in terms of quality and production speed. This is mainly due to new techniques in recording and improvements in the postproduction and editing strategies. Using newer techniques has allowed franchisees to put out movies at an impressive rate.

One example of a franchise taking full advantage of these strategies is Marvel. Since 2008, 23 Marvel movies have been released. The most astounding part is that 11 of these have been released since 2016! This means Marvel has released nearly three movies a year during this span.

University libraries are not new to providing production spaces to students. Gerardin New Media Center at Georgetown University Library hosts a variety of different resources for students to produce films. The main recording space is a large room equipped with a green screen and projector. They also have separate rooms for editing with high-powered machines and software. They also provide an individual space for audio production that can be used to create or modify audio.

The Media Commons at University of Illinois Library is also leading the way in film production spaces. The main recording space is has a full green wall with studio lighting and multiple microphones surrounding the stage. The room also has a switcher available to increase the number of modifications that can be made during the recording process. This reduces the amount of time the student needs to spend on post-production. Media Commons hosts all of their equipment in a single room and requires all post-production to be completed on the same session as recording unless the person is capable of doing the post-production on their machine.

The Edmon Low Creative Studios allow students to record their production in the Recording and Presentation Studio. This studio features a wall-mounted camera, green screen, smartboard and adjustable lighting. The students have the ability to record using the wall-mounted camera, their personal camera or a camera from the Tech to Go desk. The student can then take their footage and edit it on the desktop computers throughout the Edmon Low Library, or on the more powerful computers available in the Edmon Low Creative Studios such as the iMacs, which feature the video editing software Final Cut. This allows the room to be used specifically for recording ensuring it will be available for students as often as it can be.

As the movie and film industry continues to progress, so too will university libraries keep up with the constant changes. These resources allow students to prepare themselves for the fast-paced environment present in movie production today. They also give students another medium to express their creativity.

What resources would you like to see your library add to better prepare students to work in film?

Post by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Open Education Resources

Edmon Low was dedicated to library sciences. Upon arriving to Oklahoma A&M in 1940, he was knowledgeable on library systems, helped under-skilled workers, and offered a lot of creativity.

Low was not afraid to try different methods in order to provide a better system for the library. He advocated for an open stacks library, allowing students easy access to books rather than having to place call requests like many undergraduate libraries.

Open access is in the DNA of OSU’s library. Today, the OSU Library aims to provide the best experience for students by offering open access, now it’s in a digital form. Open Education Resources are instructional materials intentionally created to be free to students. These materials are licensed by author/creators to permit and encourage distribution, modification and retention.

Five OSU instructors adopted reviewed OER texts for fall 2018 course use, potentially saving OSU students over $36,000 in one semester. One instructor, Britney Mann, used an OER book for her first year seminar class last year and chose it knowing she could save her students money.

“We never had a book before in that class so that students didn’t have to spend the money,” Mann said. “The book makes it feel like a real class, and there are more opportunities to integrate technology in the classroom.”

This fall, a new group of staff and faculty have the opportunity to learn about OER through the OSU Libraries Open Textbook Incentive Program. The “Hack Your Syllabus” mini-grant will provide financial incentive and support. Participants will learn how to design a course around existing open textbooks, create interactive coursework and modify any syllabi or other materials for the transition to open textbooks. Each of the participants in the program will receive $750.

The open education movement can also help raise the quality of education for all students because instructors are better able to share and build on one another’s pedagogical innovations.

Craig Freeman, department head for the School of Media and Strategic Communications, found the resources helpful in the classroom.

“OER allows students to focus on the materials, rather than the price,” Freeman said. “Instead, I can help students learn through numerous resources and platforms, all while being able to edit the materials based on the class’ needs.”

Open Access saves time and money by allowing students to easily access curriculum anytime from a device for free. This is an advantage to today’s students, as it is common to access coursework from numerous devices.

“Gone are the days students have to carry their homework with them everywhere,” Freeman said. “Now, students can access it from their laptop, desktop, tablet or phone. This is a timesaver for our students.”

Mann also likes the accessibility of the materials.

“Students being able to easily access course materials really helps the learning process,” Mann said. “It’s also helpful for the instructor. Being able to edit content allows me to personalize it making it more relatable to the students.”

Kathy Essmiller, Open Educational Resources Librarian, is excited to share these resources with campus.

“This is a great opportunity for students to save money and for faculty and staff to customize their learning material,” Essmiller said. “In just the first decade of this century, 2.4 million American students either did not attend, or could not complete college because of the cost barrier. This resource can change that.”

OSU Librarians are available to assist applicants in locating OER or library-licensed content to replace current educational resources. Interested applicants can stop by or schedule an appointment.

“We want to help students see the value in materials beyond the price tag,” Essmiller said. “With open resources, we can do that. Through OER, the whole campus can benefit.”

To learn more and apply for the “Hack your Syllabus” mini-grant, visit info.library.okstate.edu/open/hackyoursyllabus.

Post by Lonna Freshley, communications and recruitment specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Finding New Perspectives with Drones

Drones have transcended the label of hobbyist toy since their initial commercial availability in the mid-2000s. They are now a powerful tool for professionals in fields ranging from firefighting to biology.

A change of perspective can help solve problems and increase performance. This is what drones are made for. Drone technology over the years has improved to have more battery life, carry more weight and travel further distances. These improvements have pushed drones from recreational gadgets to necessary tools for many tasks.

Rescue professionals, in cases of missing people and natural disasters, are also using drones which allow them to search large areas of forest and mountain land looking for heat signatures from an aerial view. They also allow rescue agents to survey for the best route to access an area that may be inaccessible through normal means. These methods have reduced the time spent on these rescue missions while ensuring the rescuers’ safety.

While this information can make drones seem like they are no longer made as tools for entertainment or recreational flying, this sentiment could not be further from the truth. These advancements have also ushered in an era of drone racing and performances.

Improvements in the speed and agility of drones have led to the rise of drone racing, a new form of entertainment that allows pilots to test their skills by zooming through intricate courses. These drones can reach over 160 MPH (!!!) during these races.

Drones can also be used elegantly during complex visual performances, usually involving hundreds of drones equipped with LED lights. One of the most stunning performances was during the 2018 Winter Olympics, where over 1,200 drones were used to create a magical spectacle in the night sky.

All of these uses have led to universities taking an interest in the future of drones. From research to recreation, universities are trying to get this technology in the hands of students. While on a study abroad trip to Namibia, North Carolina State students used drones to observe ecosystems and animals up-close without disturbing their natural progressions.

Universities are also beginning to offer drones for checkout at their libraries. Campbell University and the University of South Florida allow students to borrow a drone. Both these universities are taking slightly different approaches to regulate drone usage. While both restrict the usage of drones on campus to educational purposes, Campbell is allowing students to check out the drones for 3 weeks at a time and encouraging them to fly off-campus. USF requires students to have a qualified reason to check out a drone.

The Edmon Low Creative Studios provides students with the ability to hone their flying skills through DJI’s simulation software in the virtual reality suite. The simulator uses a real drone controller and an advanced physics engine to provide legitimate practice controlling a drone. By piloting drones in a virtual space, students avoid the possibility of damaging expensive equipment, while still preparing them to pilot drones in the real world.

Drones will likely become more accessible on college campuses as new uses are developed. The future holds promises of instant package and pizza delivery by using drones. These ideas only scrape the surface of what can be accomplished using drones and some creativity. Let us know how you would like to see drones used at your work or college!
Post by Jacob Hinchey

Sustainably Serving Students

The transition from paper to digital is one the library knows well. The Digital Collections, laptop checkout and document delivery service, in which students may request digital copies of individual book chapters, are all examples of the library’s efforts to ensure more sustainable digital resources for students.

But digital resources aren’t the only thing the library offers. Recycling bins for cans, plastic bottles and paper are located on every floor of the library. Staff computers are turned off each night to conserve energy.

Yet none of these sustainability efforts would be possible without the staff who implement and organize them.

In 2018, John DeGeorge, security and facilities manager at the library, was awarded for his contribution to OSU’s Energy Management Program. His efforts to save energy contributed to the over $50 million saved campuswide since 2007.

“Working with the Energy Management Program on campus is probably one of the key ways we save here at the library,” John said. “We try to turn off lights, close the blinds, recycle cardboard and fluorescent lights, and keep the temperature at a certain level in the summer and winter.”

Suzanne Reinman and Janet Hines of the Government Documents department at the library have also had an impact on library sustainability nationwide. Each day, they receive book and document deliveries from the Federal Depository. Suzanne said each shipment used to include heaps of non-recyclable bubble wrap that was piling up in their office. So this spring, they asked for change and initiated the switch from plastic bubble wrap to recyclable paper on the shipments.

“We were collecting all this plastic, but what were we going to do with it?” Suzanne said. “I emailed them and asked them to please consider switching to paper. So they did, just by asking them!”

Suzanne and Janet are the perfect example of the power of using your voice. They simply asked for change. Now, their request is impacting hundreds of libraries – Suzanne estimated between 300 to 400 – and reducing plastic use nationwide.

The OSU Library and other areas of the OSU campus began implementing changes to be more sustainable in the mid-2000s as part of the Energy Management Program. The program provides an incredible opportunity for departments across campus to participate in creating a greener university.

“You just want to improve people’s lives now and in the future,” John said.

So next time you finish off that bottle of Dr. Pepper, take a brief moment to throw it in the recycling bin. Turn off your lights when you leave the room, pick up trash, unplug your appliances and remember that you are helping to create a cleaner university and greener planet

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Converting to a Digital Age

We live in an age where technology abounds and new innovations are sprouting up daily. The OSU Library has evolved alongside this rapid growth in tech and made strides in the digitization of resources and the adoption of new technology.

But while much of the physical technology is only accessible if you’re on campus, the library’s digital resources are available anywhere. One of the most interesting and unique digital resources is the library’s Digital Collections.

The Digital Collections house a cornucopia of historical information that one may not be able to find elsewhere. The information in these collections range from political buttons to stories of Oklahoma’s farming history.

These collections are incredibly important because they shed light on artifacts that otherwise may only be seen by a few eyes. For example, had the Dr. Bill F. & Jean Kelso Collection of Ancient Coins not been photographed and archived in the Digital Collections, the ancient coins could have remained tucked away in a case in the library, rarely seen except for those who could travel to view them in person.

Another benefit to digitizing these archival materials is that it prevents further wear and tear on the original materials. Preserving them digitally allows more people to explore the documents, photos or objects without the risk of harm that comes from handling the physical item.

“One of our primary goals is to retain the original as long as possible,” OSU archivist David Peters said. “The less use you have, the longer it will last. Digital copies make it easier for the patron to use and require less wear and tear on the original."

I recently had the opportunity to explore the Secrets of the Century collection with David and multimedia producer Nina Thornton. This collection contains letters written in 1941 during the Oklahoma A&M 50^th anniversary celebration. The letters, written by students, faculty and staff, were placed in a time capsule that was buried in the south wall of the Edmon Low Library. After the capsule was opened in 1991, the handwritten letters were scanned and transcribed. Now anyone can get online and check out this slice of history in the Digital Collections!

While the letters themselves are interesting, what I found more compelling were the feelings behind the letters. They were written as the United States was on the cusp of World War II, just days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and many of the letters convey messages of hope for the future. These letters taught me something I could never learn in a history textbook. They provide readers with a window into the thoughts and feelings of people who lived through one of the most notable events of history.

Yet these letters are just one of the dozens of unique collections through which readers may browse. A wealth of knowledge awaits anyone who sits down for even 30 minutes with this resource.

If you ever have questions about the material found in a particular collection or just want to dig a little deeper into a topic, the knowledgeable staff in the Oklahoma State University Archives are available to answer your questions.

There is so much history to explore in the Digital Collections. I encourage anyone and everyone to check them out. See what you can discover today!

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Fostering Creativity at the Library

Every day, students across campus let their creativity shine through various personal or class projects. The OSU Library wants to provide students of all majors with a platform to showcase their talents and celebrate creativity in all of its many forms.

The Library Creativity Award is an annual challenge hosted by the OSU Library in which students are encouraged to submit their creative works for the opportunity to win up to $1,000. Students may enter their projects in four categories: 2D, 3D, Motion and Wild Card. The winner of each category is awarded $300, and one entry is selected to receive the title of Best in Show along with a $1,000 grand prize.

The possibilities to what students can submit are limited only by how big they can dream. Past winners have submitted 3D models, videos and even apps!

William Davis, a previous LCA winner, understands the importance of this award for fostering creativity across campus.

“The Library Creativity Award encourages students to think outside of the box and apply their skills in new and innovative ways,” William said. “This competition challenged not only my ability to come up with ideas, but also my ability to refine and execute them.”

The entries are judged based on originality, creativity and the use of library resources. Now, “use of library resources” can mean a lot of things. Of course, the more obvious interpretations could mean using the 3D printers in the Edmon Low Creative Studios or using software on library computers. It could also mean looking through books for inspiration or checking out a study room to work on your project.

This award is just one of the many ways the OSU Library encourages students to foster their creativity. The Edmon Low Creative Studios, for example, allows students year-round access to an audio studio, 3D printers and tons of equipment that’s available for check out through the Tech to Go desk.

On more than one occasion, I have checked out a camera from the Tech to Go desk. After taking a photography class, I fell in love with the art. Yet once the class ended, so did my access to a DSLR – or so I thought. By checking out a camera at the library, I was able to pursue one of my creative passions without the financial burden of purchasing my own.

Another personal favorite way to find inspiration is in the quartos section of the library. The books here range in subject from fashion to photography, geography to history. I could spend hours browsing through these massive books, finding inspirations in the photos and stories.

The Library Creativity Award is unique in that it does not limit students based on their major or interests. Everyone is encouraged to enter, whether you’re an engineer, biologist or education major. The OSU Library wants students to explore new and unique ways of thinking and creating while providing them with the resources to do this.

The award is open to all students at Oklahoma State University. Submissions for LCA are due Monday, April 8. You can find more comprehensive guidelines or previous LCA winners on the library’s website.

The OSU Library wants students to succeed in all areas of their lives and provide them with the resources to support and encourage them in every aspect of their educational journey at OSU.

There are millions of things to be inspired by in the library. What inspires you? 

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Grab a Chair and Stay a While

Fun fact: there are 26 different types of chairs in the library.

Some of you may be asking “So what?”, “Why does this matter?” or, more likely, “How do you know this?” Pull up a chair, and I will answer all of your questions.

No, I did not go through every floor of the library tallying the different types of chairs. Rather I stumbled upon this bit of information during a conversation with one of my supervisors. At first, it just seemed like a random fact about the collection of furniture the library has accrued throughout its many years of operation, but the purpose of these chairs is far greater than just providing a place to sit.

The variety of chairs serve an important purpose: to accommodate the needs of the students at Oklahoma State University. The library has cushy chairs, rigid chairs, tall chairs and short chairs. Chairs with arms, chairs on wheels, chairs of wood and chairs of steel. Bean bag chairs! Chairs that look like stairs! (Yes, you can sit on those). I’m getting carried away.

If you plan on spending hours at the library, hunched over your notes, you want to be comfortable. Otherwise, that hours-long study session you had in mind might just be cut short. Take it from someone who has spent many a finals week on the fourth floor of the library, things sprawled across a study carrel. You need a comfortable chair to power through those grueling hours.

Of course, chairs are not the only factor in creating a comfortable study environment. Temperature, cleanliness and lighting all play a huge role in our mood and focus. John DeGeorge, the manager of project support services at the Edmon Low Library, understands this better than anyone.

“If there’s any way we can accommodate our students to make them a little more comfortable and fit their style of studying, it’s nice to be able to provide that for them,” John said. “Little things contribute to that, like temperature, electrical needs and safety. We want to make sure it’s a safe environment.”

Things like clean restrooms, dry entryways and plenty of free outlets are all small things that can make a big difference in how someone feels when they visit the library. A flickering light or a chair that’s too hard can become distractions and make studying even harder than it already is.

The OSU Library’s accommodation efforts go beyond simply fixing or maintaining the library facilities. The library recently added grommet outlets to the tables in the Anne Morris Greenwood Reading Room. This eliminates the need for students to trail their chargers across the floor or crawl under tables or behind chairs to find the sole outlet hiding on the wall.

Three new study rooms were also completed this year on the third floor of the library. John said that the study rooms are one of the more popular spaces in the library, and his team has tried to create spaces that are ideal for both larger groups and single students.

There is no plan to slow down anytime soon. New study bars are currently under construction on the fourth floor, and this summer, the entire third floor will get a facelift.

“We’ll re-carpet, paint the whole area and try to put in colors that are more conducive to studying,” John said. “It will be a change I think the students will appreciate when they get back in the fall.”

The library is for everyone, and the people at the Edmon Low Library strive to make it a comfortable environment that facilitates learning. There are a number of people who work behind the scenes to keep the library neat, clean and functioning properly so that students can study successfully. This includes making sure there are chairs that suit a range of preferences.

I feel that the careful consideration of little things, such as a broken window blind or even something as small as a chair, show just how much the OSU Library cares about its students. So whether you’re looking for something more structured, like a solid wooden chair, or something softer, like a cushioned armchair, the library has a place for you.

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Searching for Answers: The Whats, Hows and Whys of Research

The word “research” is thrown around on college campuses like a Frisbee is thrown around Library Lawn on a sunny spring day. Students hear it in every class. It does not discriminate based on major or interests. But what exactly is research?

This is a question I have asked multiple times over the course of the last few weeks. With the Undergraduate Library Research Award applications open, I began wondering who can apply and what type of research qualifies for the award. Through a bit of investigation of my own, I’ve learned that research takes on a variety of forms and covers many topics.

Perhaps the most important discovery I made was how many things fall under the umbrella of research. Performing what one may consider more traditional research (visions of hypotheses and lots of tests fill my head) is not the only form or process for performing research. An artist searching for new techniques or methods may speak with other artists, visit museums or test out new materials. A dietician could study dietary patterns in a group of people or try out new recipes. A journalist may interview various sources or read dozens of news articles. Research does not fit inside a nice, neat box. It reaches beyond what we may expect.

I’ve also learned that research is a conversation. It is a dialogue between many sources, and we, as researchers, must determine which aspects of the conversation we should digest. How do these voices work together and help us understand the broader picture? Which voices should we listen to and which should we question? Not all information and sources are credible, and delving in further to determine the truth is sometimes necessary. These are all important elements of well-rounded research.

I never realized how much research I have actually done during my college career, and I now realize the important role research will play in my future. Professionals, regardless of industry, perform research nearly every day. But what good does this research do if it just sits on your computer?

This brings me back to the Undergraduate Library Research Award. The OSU Library encourages students to share their research work with the world through ULRA. Graphic designers, architects, entrepreneurs, engineers and really anyone with a thirst for knowledge and the drive to seek out information qualifies for this award. Students who wish to apply should submit a 750-1,000 word essay describing their research process and a finished or nearly complete version of the research project. Participants have the opportunity to win $1,500 for their work. Awards of $750 are also available for honorable mentions.

The OSU Library provides students with the opportunity to apply for ULRA in hopes of inspiring and supporting research across campus. It also provides students with dozens of resources to succeed in their research, such as research guides, databases, subject librarians and research data services. This also includes SHAREOK, the joint institutional repository that I discussed in my previous post.

All of this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many facets to research that would probably take more than a single blog post to truly explain. My hope is that you do some research of your own and learn more about the different types of research and why it is important. Of course, it helps us make discoveries we otherwise would not have made, but it does more than give us facts. It connects us to other people, other cultures and other ways of thinking. Research broadens our horizons beyond what can be found in the classroom. All it takes is a little motivation, commitment and curiosity.

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern 

SHAREOK Gives Access to Scholarly Work

Access to scholarly work and research is an incredibly important aspect of any university curriculum. Luckily, the Oklahoma State University Libraries have made accessing scholarly work easier than ever with SHAREOK.

SHAREOK is a joint institutional repository for the Oklahoma State University Libraries, the University of Oklahoma Libraries and the University of Central Oklahoma Max Chambers Library.

Essentially, it is a place for students and faculty to deposit digital versions of their work. SHAREOK houses theses, dissertations, research reports and more from some incredibly talented and brilliant people across the state. Why is this so important? Well, the documents are all open access, meaning they can be read by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Because the documents on SHAREOK are all open access, this provides students with a way to find scholarly work after they graduate. For a student like myself who will graduate in May, this is exciting news. I currently have access to a plethora of databases provided by the library, yet once May rolls around, that access will no longer be available. SHAREOK allows students like myself to transition into their postgraduate lives while preserving one of the educational assets they had at OSU.

Juliana Nykolaiszyn, a professor in the Digital Resources and Discovery Services department at the OSU library, is responsible for maintaining SHAREOK at OSU.

“The whole goal is to make everything open, accessible and free,” Juliana said. “Not only for students here at OSU, but throughout the state of Oklahoma and worldwide.”

Students are not the only ones who benefit from this platform. When faculty submit their work to SHAREOK, they gain another layer of visibility in the scholarly world. Rather than just allowing it to sit on their computers, unseen and unused, professors can submit their articles, presentations, posters or other work to SHAREOK where anyone in the world may now find it.

Clarke Iakovakis, an assistant professor in Research and Learning Services, works to increase the visibility of SHAREOK at OSU. He explained some of the benefits faculty gain by submitting their work to the repository.

“It’s this movement toward making what has been invisible more visible,” Clarke said. “There are people who are interested in really building their online scholarly profiles and sharing the work that they do. Downstream, other researchers can benefit from it, but it also can help build their profiles as researchers.”

While the benefits to students and faculty may be evident, the benefits of SHAREOK extend beyond what we see at OSU. Professionals in every industry have access to the material. The research conducted at OSU is often publically funded, so why shouldn’t the public be able to learn from the research, too? Furthermore, peer-reviewed research has traditionally been limited by subscription-only paywalls, the costs of which have risen dramatically in the last two decades. SHAREOK provides everyone with a way to continue learning and using the information on the platform without the financial burden of paying for a subscription service.

People around the globe can explore the information available on the platform. They may discover something that, had they been required to purchase access, they may never have learned. After all, knowledge is one of the greatest treasures. Why shouldn’t we share ours with the world?

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Available Online

With the craziness of school, work and daily life, finding time to get to the library can be tough.

Luckily, the OSU Library knows this and has created several ways for students to continue learning and using the library without walking through Edmon Low’s big brass doors.

The library provides an abundance of online services and resources to students at Oklahoma State. Anywhere Library Access allows students who are off campus to simply log on using their OSU email and password. They can then access thousands of databases, articles, books and journals that are online or can be requested and picked up at the library.

Teryn Moorman, the OSU Library event communications intern, said she is thankful for the library’s online access, especially during her busy pre-finals and finals weeks.

“I can complete assignments from the comfort of my own home,” Teryn said. “I can also keep learning over breaks!”

Document Delivery is another favorite among students. The library is home to millions of books, and I feel extremely fortunate to have this resource at the tips of my fingers. However, while books are a resource that we have tons of, time is not. Document Delivery makes the potentially time-intensive task of finding a book stress-free. Students can go to the library’s website and request the book they need. The book will be retrieved and placed at the Circulation Desk for students to grab on the way to the next activity in their hectic schedules.

Even with the plethora of books at the library, sometimes it just doesn’t have the book you’re looking for. Not to worry, the library planned for this too. Interlibrary Services allows students to go online and request books, articles, journals and more! If available, ILS simply borrows the requested material from another library or institution and, when it arrives, places it at the Circulation Desk to be picked up.

Alex Cooper, a graduate student at OSU, uses Document Delivery and ILS regularly.

“ILS and Doc Delivery are great, especially when I’m in a hurry,” Alex said. “I like being able to just go pick the book up. It saves me a lot of time.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Students can go online to book study rooms, browse the library’s digital collections and even renew books. Citation and research guides, digital maps, databases and more are also available online.

Personally, I use the study room reservation and book renewal services the most. I find the online study room reservation system particularly convenient because when it comes to group projects, finding somewhere on campus to get together is tough. Reserving a room online ensures that my group will have a quiet place to work, and it only takes about 30 seconds to make the reservation! It couldn’t be easier.

The services I’ve mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg. They are there to facilitate learning and make students’ lives just a bit simpler. I’m incredibly thankful to have these services available to me, and I know my experience at OSU would have been a lot different without the Edmon Low Library and its resources.

If you ever have questions about the online services and resources the library offers, you can always chat with someone at the library. Don’t worry, you can do that online too.

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern