Introducing Kay Bjornen: The New Research Data Initiatives Librarian

A Library Future Series post from February 13, 2017, highlighted the work done to establish data management services on the Oklahoma State campus. The post explained the survey and data collection process that was used to identify needs and target services that were most needed by researchers here at OSU. Since then there have been several important developments.

One of them is that I was hired to serve as a full-time data services librarian. My name is Kay Bjornen, and I joined the library as a Research Data Initiatives Librarian in February. I bring a Ph.D. in chemistry and a long career in research and data management with me. Since research support and data management are my sole responsibilities (at least for now), I have had the opportunity to knock on doors and introduce myself to many of the departments on campus that carry on data intensive research. I want to make sure that faculty and students know I am here, and I am anxious to assist with any needs they may have. If I haven’t made it to your department yet, feel free to reach out. Or just hold tight, I plan to get there as soon as possible.

One of the questions I have been asked is "Why is the library doing this?" The answer is research is changing and so are libraries. Researchers have access to a wealth of information resources and need less assistance to conduct their literature searches, chase down interlibrary loan items and answer reference questions. Information is increasingly online and digital so librarians are comfortable with electronic information sources of all kinds. It is also true that in the era of "Big Data," there are more and more challenges in managing research outputs. These include describing, storing, securing, organizing and sharing data. The library is a natural partner in these things. That’s why we are working to get the word out about the services we offer.

I am excited to be here at OSU and anxious to contribute to the research community. Do you have any questions about how the library can help you with your research? Feel free to post them here or check out the research data services we offer on the library website. My contact information is there and so is a consultation form you can fill out with the information I need to help you with your research data dilemma.

Post by Kay Bjornen, Research Data Initiatives Librarian

Insert Tech Here

The tech-related resources available at the Edmon Low Library are seemingly endless. Everything from virtual reality studios to flight simulators to 3D printing is offered by the Edmon Low Creative Studios. All of these great technologies, as well as many others, were showcased at Insert Tech Here. Insert Tech Here was an open-house style library event where students, faculty and staff could learn more about all of the technological resources the Edmon Low Creative Studios has to offer.

As the Event Communications Intern, I had the opportunity to host the livestream portion of this event. I kept the livestream audience up-to-date on what was happening at the event and interviewed a handful of the event presenters to get more information about the studio where they were stationed. The presenters shared information on how students can obtain access to the various studios, what they can use them for and interesting projects they had seen completed using that specific technology.

Not having much livestream experience beforehand, I was incredibly nervous for this event. I spent the few weeks leading up to the event preparing by drafting a script and writing interview questions to ask the presenters. When the day of the event came, I was even more nervous, especially when the livestream began. The first step was to give the introduction. I welcomed the audience and gave a rundown of what all would happen during the event. After this, I felt a little more confident but was still anxious about how the rest of the event would go. The next step was the interviews. My first interview was with Shannon Garde, and we talked about the Tech To Go resource offered by the Edmon Low Creative Studios. After this interview I felt even more confident. This pattern continued through the rest of the event, so by the end of it I was more comfortable and confident than I could have thought. After the event was over, I realized that I never had anything to worry about.

The event was livestreamed through the Edmon Low Library Facebook page. This allowed the online audience to interact with and learn more about the studios, even if they were not able to attend the event. Viewers were also encouraged to leave comments on the livestream to have their questions answered by tech experts at the event. Several door prizes were also given away to attendees throughout the event.

At the event, the winners of the Library Creativity Award were announced. The winners spoke about their creative process and how they came to create their final product. Most of the LCA winners had utilized resources in the Creative Studios to create their winning project. I thought this was interesting because each winner created something so different from the others, so it was neat to actually be able to see what is possible when utilizing the Edmon Low Creative Studios. As a student, I found this incredibly relevant because I am always looking for ways to make my projects stand out and be the best that they can be.

During the process of preparing for the event and hosting the livestream, I was able to take away a lot of valuable lessons. There were times when I was stressed and wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it or I doubted my ability to do well. I learned to be confident in myself and that stepping out of my comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. Looking back now, the biggest lesson I learned was no matter how much you prepare for something, sometimes things happen that you can’t prepare for and you have to be OK with going with the flow. Going into the event we had planned to do two interviews, but as the event went on we had some extra space to fill, so by the end of it I interviewed six people. This wasn’t what we had initially planned, but we went with it, and it ended up turning out well and added a lot to the event.

The purpose of Insert Tech Here was to showcase all of the technology the Edmon Low Creative Studios has to offer. The Creative Studios is home to Tech To Go, a resource that allows students to check out the latest technology free of charge, but there is also so much more. The 3D Printing Creative Studio, the Jim & Liz Wise Virtual Reality Creative Studios, the Virtual Simulation Creative Studio (which holds the new flight simulator!), the McCasland Foundation Data Visualization Studio, the Windows and Adobe Studios (which hold the Jim & Liz Wise Digital Music Upgrade software) and the Recording and Presentation Studio are all part of the Edmon Low Creative Studios.

These rooms are all available to students, faculty and staff and can be reserved on the Edmon Low Creative Studios website. The Edmon Low Creative Studios are located on the east side of the first floor of the Edmon Low Library.

Be sure to utilize these resources to take your projects to the next level!

Post by Teryn Moorman, Event Communications Intern.

5 Tips to Ditch Study Distractions

Prefinals and finals week are just around the corner, which means students will be putting in a lot of study hours to ace those exams. With rising temperatures and long summer days in view, many students have a hard time staying focused during study sessions. We've all been there--a quick "break" turns into three episodes of "Friends," a snack and 40 minutes of social media browsing.

So how do you combat the constant distractions? First things first, cut out technology. Yes, you heard me. According to Deloitte, 18-24 year olds check their phones an average of 74 times per day. With such a high statistic, there's no doubt that electronics are a significant distraction to students.

I understand that cutting out technology is easier said then done, so let's go through a few simple, non-committal efforts to try rather than going cold turkey.

#1: Turn On Airplane Mode

Putting your devices on airplane mode is a great way to unplug whenever you need to. I have an iPhone and the "Do Not Disturb" setting has never worked well for me, because I can still see all the texts and notifications on my home screen when I open my phone to check the time. Airplane mode is the happy medium that allows users to turn off the distractions when needed, knowing it will all still be there after you finish that lengthy study guide.

#2: Delete Apps

Deleting apps that distract you, such as Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, is a great way to unplug. When I need a break from technology, this is the technique that works best for me. You aren't deleting your accounts or data, just the ability to access it at your fingertips whenever you want.

#3: Put 'Em On Mute

I promise, your friends will understand. Those huge group chats and GroupMe conversations can be a truly constant distraction with a notification buzzing every other second. Luckily, both GroupMe and group chats can be silenced while you study.

#4: Print Study Materials 

I'll admit that this strategy may not be the most efficient if you have to print out the slides for the entire semester (I've been there.) But, for those simple Word documents or study guides, I encourage you to print them and fill them out by hand. Not only is handwriting proven to increase memory retention, but printing worksheets rather than filling them out electronically eliminates the temptation to browse playlists or open a new browser to "take a quick break" to look at cat videos (again, been there.)

#5: Download Apps

I know that downloading apps to help you unplug may seam counterproductive, but not when it comes to apps like Forest, Flora and AppDetox. These are just a few of the "unplugging" apps on the market. Once you download them onto your phone, you can set certain restrictions on the apps you use most like Instagram and Snapchat. These apps can also log your usage and progress so that you can remain accountable. Utilizing productivity apps can help limit distractions at the source.

Given these tips, there is one final element to ensure an effective study session: the location. No matter how "unplugged" you are, you won't get anything done if you're at your house surrounded by roommates or, for some people, at a crowded coffee shop. For students seeking a spacious, relaxed environment equipped with coffee, computers, printing and much more, I recommend the Edmon Low Library. With study rooms, the Edmon Low Creative Studios, and designated silent, whisper and group study zones, you are sure to find your ideal study space to successfully unplug, focus and prepare.

How do you successfully study for your exams? Let us know your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Employees Guide Students Toward Success

The Library is one of the largest student employers on campus. From internships to student assistants to the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience, the Library provides students with innumerable resources and opportunities to learn and grow in college.

In particular, the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience exemplifies the Library's commitment to helping its students. Designed for first-generation freshmen, this program offers eligible students the opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a wage and receive guidance from a Library employee as they adjust to college life.

As a Library student employee, participants earn $8.75 an hour performing tasks such as, but not limited to, office work, sorting or shelving library materials, checking books in and out and assisting with patrons. Aside from these jobs, students are taught workplace professionalism, exceptional customer service and organizational loyalty.

Elaine Weese, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in Sports Management, is a participant in the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience. She works as the metadata assistant in Library Communication Services. Elaine views her mentor, Holly Luetkenhaus, as someone she can confide in.

"I like how I can sit down with Holly and just talk to her about college or my life in general," Elaine said. "She is someone who helped me transition to college."

Not only does the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience benefit the student, but the mentor also learns things along the way.

Throughout the past year, Holly, assistant professor in Undergraduate Services, has had an amazing experience coming to understand the needs of first-generation college students.

"It has helped me become more sensitive to the needs and questions of our students, especially those new to the university," Holly said.

As a mentor, Holly has seen Elaine grow as a determined, optimistic and persistent young woman.

"Over the course of the last year, those attributes that she brought in with her have only strengthened," Holly said. "She has set goals for herself and mapped out her path to achieving them. It has been a joy to watch her settle into her classes, sorority, work and friendships with such grace and strength."

The transition to college can be daunting for any student. It is important that incoming freshmen have someone to look to for guidance during this period of change. For first-generation college students, the Library mentor program is a premier opportunity to embrace change and seize every opportunity available. Between the paying job, applicable professional experience and mentor relationship, this program can help skyrocket students' college careers to success.

"It helps build stronger ties to the students, the Library and OSU. The First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience helps contribute to that 'family' feeling that everyone hopes to find while in college," Holly said.  

Who was someone that helped you adjust to college life? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

How Mixed Reality Can Enhance Learning at OSU

Mixed reality is the latest way that people can utilize the virtual world. Mixed reality, or MR, allows users to enhance their actual surroundings with virtual elements, apps and interactive illustrations. Microsoft has recently unveiled the Microsoft HoloLens, its version of MR technology. 

The Library is always seeking new resources and innovations to further students' education. According to Rikiyah Fletcher, the Library emerging technologies intern, MR could be the next resource to be added to the Library's vast collection of technology.

"I think of it as an investment in our education more that just a feature offered in the Library," Rikiyah said

Mixed reality offers more than just entertainment. By supplying the user with an interactive 3D visual in their own environment, MR can be used to take education to the next level. Engineering, architecture, graphic design, art, computer science, interior design and medical-related majors can all benefit from mixed reality in the classroom. By wearing the MR headsets, students can interact with lifelike diagrams of the human body, visualize what a future building may look like and so much more.

All of this being said, is MR worth the cost, especially if the Edmon Low Creative Studios already offers virtual reality? One Microsoft HoloLens headset with the necessary hardware and warranty comes to about $5,000, but with added cost comes added use. 

"MR offers much more than VR, such as simple things like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Skype, SketchUp and many more," Rikiyah said. "MR and HoloLens capabilities will continue to grow and due to this, many more opportunities to learn, explore and create will be offered that VR will not be able to do."

In alignment with the Library's mission to expand the learning potential of students, MR can help enhance how students learn, interact and understand class curriculum in a more immersive way.

What is one way that you imagine using mixed reality at OSU? Comment your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Internships Spotlight

The Library's primary goal is to act as a resource to expand the learning potential of students at Oklahoma State University. This mission is apparent in all aspects of the Library and the resources it offers students, including internships. The multitude of Library internships provide opportunities for students to expand their resume and gain real-world experience in their field of choice.With many internship positions opening up at the end of this semester, it is time to shed a bit more light on the variety of paid internship opportunities at the Library.

The graphic design intern works with Library Communication Services to design collateral for various Library events and projects. Students majoring in graphic design, strategic communications and marketing are considered for this position. The graphic design intern is responsible for various designs including promotional event pieces, fundraiser materials, and print and web advertisements. All of the projects completed during the internship can be added to the student's portfolio.

The event communications intern promotes Library events. This intern supports each and every event by leading social media efforts, maintaining multiple event calendars and organizing venue details. The events communication intern also writes press releases and other Library website copy. Strategic communications, agricultural communications, marketing and HRAD are all majors that may be particularly interested in this position.

The emerging technologies intern collaborates with various Library departments to stay up to date on the latest technology. In doing so, this intern serves as a brand ambassador for the various technology available at the Library. The student promotes Library tech in many ways, including roving guidance, pop-up demonstrations and participating in events such as Tech Tuesday @ 2. Many different majors are considered for this position, including marketing, engineering and education technology.

The podcasting intern works with the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program to brainstorm, draft and execute engaging podcasts related to OOHRP content. As the podcasting intern, the student has the opportunity to research Oklahoma state history and gain experience with recording technology required to produce a podcast. Students with experience using SoundCloud and other social media platforms are encouraged to apply for this exciting and creative position.

The 3D printing intern helps develop the Edmon Low Creative Studios and its resources. In this position, the student maintains the 3D printers, assists fellow students with creative projects and manages tech equipment. Working with 3D printing and related technology allows the student to gain applicable skills and understand how advanced technology can be utilized in an educational environment. Any student that has experience with creative technology, particularly 3D printers, are welcomed to apply.

The archives social media intern is responsible for promoting the Oklahoma State University Archives through its social media accounts. Compiling press kits, producing feature videos and leading Facebook Live videos are just a few things that the archives social media intern handles from start to finish. Students in the School of Media & Strategic Communications are encouraged for this position, as it requires proficient AP style writing and social media management skills. Agricultural communications, marketing, history and MLIS majors are also encouraged to apply. This position is a way for students to practice handling legitimate business social media accounts in full.

The botanical illustration intern is an example of the Library creating a student opportunity from a special project. This intern's primary job was to identify and organize botanical drawings in the Bellamy Parks Jansen Collection. Students majoring in Botany and Horticulture were considered for this position. The project has been completed and the internship is no longer available, but be sure to look out for more Library internships as new projects always arise.

From social media to history to engineering, students of all majors can find professional opportunities at the Library. Each internship is dedicated to furthering the education of the student in innovative and creative ways. In addition, all Library internships are paid and may be considered for needed class credit. If you are looking for a job with flexible scheduling and viable work experience, be sure to apply today!

Which internship were you most surprised the Library offered? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

User-Generated Content: Your Questions, Answered

It's no secret that social media is a much more significant marketing tool now than it was five years ago. Whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or some combination, companies and brands worldwide are expanding their reach by establishing social media accounts in order to remain relevant in today's progressive tech world. This new era of business has produced a marketing element we see every day but may not recognize: user-generated content or UGC.

So what exactly is user-generated content? According to social media management service Sprout Social, UGC is a "source of content crafted by a consumer, social media follower, fan or influencer that lives under your brand’s properties."

UGC is a efficient and authentic way of publicizing a brand through a third party. Thanks to retweets, likes and shares, ordinary people all over the world are able to connect both with each other and the brands they care about. Below are a few of the ways I work with and have seen the benefits of Library-centered UGC.

Location: Library Lawn

On Instagram, users can tag their posts at certain locations. Library Lawn is a popular location option on campus with significant post traffic from all sorts of people on campus. For example, during homecoming week students and alumni alike posted awesome pictures of themselves with friends and family who were celebrating America's Greatest Homecoming. My favorite type of post on Library Lawn usually comes from prospective or future students who are visiting for a tour or recruiting day! The Library Lawn Instagram location is a wonderful collection of posts from all types of OSU fans making memories at the heart of campus.

Hashtags: #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary

Hashtags are also useful tools on social media for people interested in viewing categorized content. Some useful hashtags that I search are #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary. By searching these hashtags, I am able to view any posts having to do with OSU Libraries that are tagged with them. From there I can sift through what people are talking about and pick out a funny tweet or photo to feature on digital signage. From impromptu workout videos on the third floor of Edmon Low to words of encouragement during finals week, hashtags are a great way to see what people are doing at the Library.

Mentions: "Edmon Low"

This form of UGC is any text that is typed and posted, no specific hashtag or location needed. In addition to mentioning the library, people may also tag the Library account in the post. Both of these types of UGC are considered mentions. As far as Library coverage, I can search anything from "Edmon Low" to "finals," depending on the time of year, to see what OSU students are doing at the Library. Mentions are very useful because they streamline a form of feedback that Library management may be unaware of otherwise. Complaints and suggestions about Wi-Fi, uncomfortable temperatures and disruptions in Edmon Low are often tweeted about. Once I see such tweets, I can direct the content to facilities management or other necessary staff member to be addressed.

My time as the Electronic Communication Intern at the Library has taught me how crucial UGC is to connecting with the target audience on social media. UGC opens up the door for brands such as OSU Libraries to interact with their audience and foster a personal connection. If someone tweets about the Wi-Fi not working, the Library will typically respond to the tweet to collect more information and assure them that the issue is being addressed. Even small acts such as this can create a relationship between brand and consumer that can have a lasting, beneficial effect.

 Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications