PolyThinkers Pad http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog fueling polythinking with library news, tips and more Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:27:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 en Follow Dibner Library News at its new location! http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/08/30/follow-dibner-library-news-at-its-new-location/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/08/30/follow-dibner-library-news-at-its-new-location/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:27:22 +0000 Ingrid http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/08/30/follow-dibner-library-news-at-its-new-location/ Wondering where all the action went?

Dibner Library’s blog has been integrated with the new library website for a more seamless web experience.  Follow all the latest news, tips, events and stories of interest to the NYU-Poly community at http://library.poly.edu/news.

Don’t forget to update your bookmarks and RSS feeds!


(image credit: Selinas Wayne)

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/08/30/follow-dibner-library-news-at-its-new-location/feed/ Brush up your library skills this summer with classes at Bobst http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/20/brush-up-your-library-skills-this-summer-with-classes-at-bobst/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/20/brush-up-your-library-skills-this-summer-with-classes-at-bobst/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 20:09:57 +0000 Ingrid NYU http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/20/brush-up-your-library-skills-this-summer-with-classes-at-bobst/ Whether you are taking courses over the summer or want to get ahead of the game before Fall semester begins, now is a great time to take a library instruction class.

Beat the Fall rush and sign up for a Physical & Virtual Tour of Bobst Library or a session on how to use citation management tools like RefWorks and EndNote. View the complete schedule of Library Classes offered at Bobst this summer.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/20/brush-up-your-library-skills-this-summer-with-classes-at-bobst/feed/ Space suit lands in the Dibner Library http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/14/space-suit-lands-in-the-dibner-library/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/14/space-suit-lands-in-the-dibner-library/#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 15:20:47 +0000 Ingrid aerospace http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/14/space-suit-lands-in-the-dibner-library/ “Dress for Success” takes on a whole new meaning when you are flying into space.  Charles Camarda, Polytechnic alumnus and astronaut,  knows the importance of a well designed space suit firsthand.  As a distinguished engineer in residence, Camarda is currently leading NYU-Poly’s inaugural Think Tank to design biomedical sensors that may be incorporated into NASA space suits.

spacesuit

To assist the Think Tank with their mission, the library is currently housing a NASA launch and entry suit in the Barbara Dibner Reading Room.  By having the suit on site, the Think Tank (which consists of faculty from electrical engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, bioengineering, and technology management departments) can closely examine it and understand how the sensors might interface with or transmit signals through it.  Biosensors are critical to keeping astronauts comfortable and healthy as they launch and land.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/14/space-suit-lands-in-the-dibner-library/feed/ NYU Bobst Library website temporary shutdown http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/12/nyu-bobst-library-website-temporary-shutdown/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/12/nyu-bobst-library-website-temporary-shutdown/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 14:39:21 +0000 Ingrid NYU http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/12/nyu-bobst-library-website-temporary-shutdown/ Bobst Library will be shutting down its power in preparation for upcoming renovations.  Please take note of the following interruptions in service:

Friday, May 14,  noon - Sunday, May 16
The following services will be UNAVAILABLE:

  • BobCat
  • course reserves
  • e-shelf
  • my library account
  • online renewal
  • BobCat Standard

Friday, May 14, 7 pm - Sunday, May 16
The following services will be UNAVAILABLE:

  • Articles via databases (the ARCH)
  • the NYU Libraries website
  • group study room reservation system
  • ask-a-librarian
  • library resources via the NYUHome Research Channel
  • ez-proxy

All systems will return to service on Sunday, May 16

NYU-Poly’s library website and electronic resources will remain available during this time.

For more information read BobCat Service Alert. Read Bobst Library Renovation for a complete overview of the renovation plans.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/12/nyu-bobst-library-website-temporary-shutdown/feed/ Attend OpenSciNY May 14 http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/06/attend-opensciny-may-14/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/06/attend-opensciny-may-14/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 15:41:36 +0000 Ingrid http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/06/attend-opensciny-may-14/ The concept of Open Science is quickly gaining more traction as researchers recognize that openly sharing information speeds the progress of research and is fundamental to good science.  What exactly does Open Science mean and how will it effect you as a researcher?  Find out at OpenSciNY, a free, one-day conference on the impact of publicly accessible scientific tools & resources, open access publishing in the sciences, and open data/notebook efforts.

When:   Friday, May 14, 2010 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Where:  NYU Bobst Library
Who:     All interested faculty, students, and librarians

The day’s events include a series of speaker presentations followed by informal roundtable discussion. A continental breakfast and lunch have been generously provided by the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

For more information about speakers and the program schedule, visit http://opensciny.com.

This event is free, but you must RSVP.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/06/attend-opensciny-may-14/feed/ Keep your laptop secure http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/03/keep-your-laptop-secure/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/03/keep-your-laptop-secure/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 16:03:18 +0000 Ingrid http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/03/keep-your-laptop-secure/ We know it’s tempting to leave behind your belongings to save your favorite study spot while you leave for a moment, but a moment is all it takes for your laptop to be stolen.  Don’t take that chance!

laptop-lock.jpgThe library staff is deeply concerned about several laptop thefts that took place in the library recently.  We strongly encourage you not to leave your laptops unattended.  For added security and convenience, the library is now selling laptop combination locks. Two sizes are available for purchase at the Service Desk for $25 or $35.

For more tips on how to keep your laptop secure, visit OnGuardOnine.gov. We take this situation very seriously and are committed to helping you safeguard your possessions.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/05/03/keep-your-laptop-secure/feed/ Extended library hours begin May 1 http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/27/extended-library-hours-begin-may-1/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/27/extended-library-hours-begin-may-1/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:39:16 +0000 Ingrid http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/27/extended-library-hours-begin-may-1/ The library will be open during the final exam period as follows:

Saturday, May 1                                        9 AM - Midnight
Sunday, May 2                                          Open at 9 AM
Monday, May 3 - Thursday May 6             24 hours
Friday, May 7                                            Close at Midnight
Saturday, May 8                                       9 AM - Midnight
Sunday, May 9                                         Open at 9 AM
Monday, May 10 - Wednesday, May 12    24 hours
Thursday, May 13                                     Close at 10 PM

To make sure everyone enjoys using the library during finals, please keep the following in mind:

  • Study rooms are for group use and individuals may be asked to leave if a group needs one.
  • You cannot “reserve” a room by leaving behind unattended items.
  • Never leave any personal property (especially laptops) unattended.
  • Return course reserve materials within the three hour time limit.
  • Do not cover glass on study room doors.
  • Be considerate of your neighbors and keep your voices down.
  • Eat your food somewhere else please!

More posts to help you survive finals:

Good Luck!

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/27/extended-library-hours-begin-may-1/feed/ Got a research paper to write? Friend a librarian http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/26/got-a-research-paper-to-write-friend-a-librarian/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/26/got-a-research-paper-to-write-friend-a-librarian/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:35:00 +0000 Ingrid research http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/26/got-a-research-paper-to-write-friend-a-librarian/ A librarian can help you refine your research topic, select relevant sources, and show you how to find the information you need.  But don’t take my word for it, read the article, Got a research paper to write? Friend a librarian from the Washington Post.

The brief article contains worthy nuggets of advice, like:

  • Make use of the reference desk to get one-on-one individualized help.  If you’re not on campus, use online chat reference.
  • Google is useful, but reference books and scholarly articles provide the most authoritative information on most topics.
  • Don’t think that being tech savvy alone makes you a good researcher!

Read the full article, on the Washington Post’s Campus Overload blog.

For a step by step outline on the research process, read our previous post on  how to start your research paper.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/26/got-a-research-paper-to-write-friend-a-librarian/feed/ Earth Day tips to go green with your computer http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/21/earth-day-tips-to-go-green-with-your-computer/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/21/earth-day-tips-to-go-green-with-your-computer/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:53:25 +0000 Ingrid http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/21/earth-day-tips-to-go-green-with-your-computer/ greencomputerComputers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.  Unfortunately the manufacturing and use of computers is also a major contributor to our waste stream and energy consumption. Take a moment to read the tips below to help reduce your impact on the environment (and  save some cash in the process!).

 Reduce Energy Consumption

  • Did you know that approximately 40 percent of the energy used for home electronics is consumed while these devices are turned off or idling? When not in use for extended periods, switch your computer OFF and unplug it.  Despite popular belief, powering your computer on and off daily will not harm your computer.
  • Configure your power saving options for optimal energy savings when your computer is temporarily not in use.  For example,  set your computer to put your monitor to sleep, spin down your hard drives, and put your computer to sleep when you’re not using it. Even better, set up your computer to hibernate rather than just go to sleep.
  • If you’re going to use a screen saver, use a blank (black) screen - animated screen savers just consume electricity unnecessarily.
  • Don’t forget your peripherals! Turn off your power-hungry printer, speakers, monitor, and any other gear that is sucking up energy when not in use.

Reduce Paper Waste

  • First and foremost, ask yourself: Do I really need to print this?  While some paper gets recycled, it is still the largest component of the waste stream that ends up in landfills.  Do earth a favor by using less.
  • If you are printing from the web, there are several easy to use tools that will help you remove stuff like ads and images before printing, which saves ink and paper.  Here are a few:  Aardvark (firefox extension), GreenPrint (also works with Office) and PrintWhatYouLike.
  • If you have a bunch of one-sided print-outs that you no longer need, contribute them to the scrap paper box located on the counter of the library service desk. Use both sides of paper before recycling.

Reuse and Recycle Hardware

  • Before purchasing a new computer, consider upgrading the hardware in your current machine. Some extra memory or a new hard drive may be all you need to restore life to your current system.
  • As time goes on, your machine may suffer from software bloat. All the updates, installing of software, applications running in the background that you don’t really need clog up your machine up and slow down its performance, which in turn increases electricity consumption. Consider doing a reinstallation of Windows and your software. A lean machine will sip less electricity and perform much better.
  • When you do replace your computer, donate or recycle it.  Find out where at Earth911.com.

For fun and engaging events and volunteer opportunities, visit NYU Earth Week.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/21/earth-day-tips-to-go-green-with-your-computer/feed/ Nobel Laureate to speak on Nanotechnology http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/16/nobel-laureate-to-speak-on-nanotechnology/ http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/16/nobel-laureate-to-speak-on-nanotechnology/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:04:52 +0000 Ingrid biologychemistryphysics http://www.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/16/nobel-laureate-to-speak-on-nanotechnology/ The Brooklyn Chemical Society in conjunction with the Polytechnic Institute of NYU is pleased to present a public lecture by Nobel Laureate Sir Harold Kroto entitled “Architecture in NanoSpace.” 

Join us for a an entertaining evening of discussions on nanoscience on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 5:30 - 7:00 pm in the Pfizer Auditorium.  Sir Harold Kroto will reflect on the discovery of C60 (buckminsterfullerene) which has led to the explosion of research in carbon nanotubes.

For more information and registration instructions go to Architecture in Nanospace.

]]> http://archive.poly.edu/library/blog/2010/04/16/nobel-laureate-to-speak-on-nanotechnology/feed/