With the support of an RBDB grant from WNYLRC, Niagara University Library has completed digitizing "History of Buffalo and Erie County" -- a two-volume, 1,500 page book published in 1884.
http://www.niagara.edu/library/buffhist/eriehome.html
The two volumes cover the history of Buffalo and Erie County from 1620 to 1884.
The particular appeal of this book is its level of detail. It is a treasure trove of factual information -- names, dates, people, and places. It really gives the reader a feel for what Buffalo and Erie County were like in the 19th century.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
NU Library Director Responds to a Comment Book Entry About the Book Collection
A Library Patron Wrote:
I am a graduate student at Niagara and have many papers/projects in a given semester. I find it absolutely appalling that most of the books/materials are outdated! While looking up a topic, I found a book from 1949! Many other sources from 1987 and back! It would be great to find materials that are current so that I can use current sources in my projects to ensure optimal performance in my classes. Information is constantly changing. Could someone look into this matter and inform me as to what can be done, please?
NU Library Director David Schoen Responds:
There are about 200,000 books in the Library. Our budget allows us to purchase about 3,000 books per year, which means that in any given year we are updating 1.5% of our book collection. We look at circulation statistics and areas of study on campus to try to optimize our purchases, but our budget is not large enough to refresh the book collection as we would wish. Nevertheless, we are always trying to identify areas that need strengthening, so please let me know if you notice any gaps.
In order to provide the best and most up-to-date information to you, we have focused our attention on building a strong electronic magazine and journal collection, which is often the best place to look for up-to-date information. Ten years ago, the Library subscribed to 1,200 periodicals in print format. Today we provide access to nearly 10,000 periodicals in electronic and print formats. Overall, this translates into millions more journal, magazine and newspaper articles available to you today than were available to students 10 years ago. Plus, these articles are available 24 hours per day from anywhere on or off campus.
We know that we can't offer the materials that a large library can, so we have also focused on providing interlibrary loan services. If we don't have something you need, we will get it for you from another library. If it is a journal article, we will even deliver a copy directly to your desktop.
I would be interested in hearing more about your experience, so please send me an email at schoen@niagara.edu or call me at 716-286-8001 if you wish.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I am a graduate student at Niagara and have many papers/projects in a given semester. I find it absolutely appalling that most of the books/materials are outdated! While looking up a topic, I found a book from 1949! Many other sources from 1987 and back! It would be great to find materials that are current so that I can use current sources in my projects to ensure optimal performance in my classes. Information is constantly changing. Could someone look into this matter and inform me as to what can be done, please?
NU Library Director David Schoen Responds:
There are about 200,000 books in the Library. Our budget allows us to purchase about 3,000 books per year, which means that in any given year we are updating 1.5% of our book collection. We look at circulation statistics and areas of study on campus to try to optimize our purchases, but our budget is not large enough to refresh the book collection as we would wish. Nevertheless, we are always trying to identify areas that need strengthening, so please let me know if you notice any gaps.
In order to provide the best and most up-to-date information to you, we have focused our attention on building a strong electronic magazine and journal collection, which is often the best place to look for up-to-date information. Ten years ago, the Library subscribed to 1,200 periodicals in print format. Today we provide access to nearly 10,000 periodicals in electronic and print formats. Overall, this translates into millions more journal, magazine and newspaper articles available to you today than were available to students 10 years ago. Plus, these articles are available 24 hours per day from anywhere on or off campus.
We know that we can't offer the materials that a large library can, so we have also focused on providing interlibrary loan services. If we don't have something you need, we will get it for you from another library. If it is a journal article, we will even deliver a copy directly to your desktop.
I would be interested in hearing more about your experience, so please send me an email at schoen@niagara.edu or call me at 716-286-8001 if you wish.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Monday, February 21, 2005
We Can Help You Get What You Need For Your Research!
If the Library does not own an item you need for your research, we can almost always obtain it for you from another library via a service called Interlibrary Loan. Currently enrolled NU students and current NU faculty and staff may take advantage of this useful service. Reminder: start your research early!
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Do Research From Your Home - Morning, Noon or Night!
Going home for the long weekend? In an attempt to make your research easier and more convenient, the Library provides off-campus access through the World Wide Web to most of its databases! If you are a currently enrolled NU student or an NU employee, you can search Library databases from off-campus by obtaining passwords. Visit our Request Passwords page for all the details!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Suggested Web Site: Google Maps
Google Maps is a new tool that creates dynamic and interactive maps. These maps are draggable, meaning you don't have to click and wait for the graphics to reload when you want to view adjacent parts of a map not on your screen. You can pan left, right, up or down, and you can also zoom in and out for more or less detail. Google Maps can help you locate businesses, get directions and more -- try it today!
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Have Questions? Get Answers With “Ask Us 24/7!”
Niagara University Library continues to participate in a pilot project for a nationwide program that provides "chat" information and reference services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With Ask Us 24/7, you can obtain research assistance from reference librarians of participating academic libraries from across the country. All you need is access to a computer with an Internet connection! Just visit our
Ask Us 24/7 page and click the Chat Live! link.
And the next time you visit the Library in person, please stop at the Reference Desk on the first floor and pick up a complimentary Ask Us 24/7 bookmark and pencil!
With Ask Us 24/7, you can obtain research assistance from reference librarians of participating academic libraries from across the country. All you need is access to a computer with an Internet connection! Just visit our
Ask Us 24/7 page and click the Chat Live! link.
And the next time you visit the Library in person, please stop at the Reference Desk on the first floor and pick up a complimentary Ask Us 24/7 bookmark and pencil!
New Romance Novels Added to the Recreational Reading Collection
In response to a suggestion that a patron wrote in the comment book, the Library recently added some new romance novels to its Recreational Reading Collection. For more information, check out the February Monthly Book Spotlight, "A Selection of Romance Novels," or stop in and take a look at the Library's display case (just inside the front doors) through the end of February!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions about anything related to the Library, please write them in the comment book located on the first floor near the Circulation Desk. You may also contact Library Director David Schoen at 716-286-8001 or schoen@niagara.edu. Thank you!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions about anything related to the Library, please write them in the comment book located on the first floor near the Circulation Desk. You may also contact Library Director David Schoen at 716-286-8001 or schoen@niagara.edu. Thank you!
Have a Laptop? Test the Library's Wireless Connection!
During the Spring semester, the Library is testing wireless connections. You can “wirelessly” access the Internet with your laptop from the first and second floors.
Do You Need a Tax Form?
It's tax time again! Forms are available online and may be printed.
For United States (federal) forms, visit:
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html
For New York State forms, visit:
http://www.tax.state.ny.us/Forms/
For United States (federal) forms, visit:
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html
For New York State forms, visit:
http://www.tax.state.ny.us/Forms/
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