Libraries provide state-of-the-art research services
Technology funding brings facilities into the 2lst century

by Mary Barrera, south news editor

    TCC libraries now offer students new ways to access information.

   “Before the changes, the library was state-of-the-art 1979,” Dr. Theodore Drake, director of library services on South Campus, said.

   “As recently as three years ago, if you wanted to find something at the library, you would have to look at the index and microfilm, go to the shelves and then page through stacks of books and journals,” he said.

   A $500,000 grant from the Telecommunications Instruction Board helped pay for a proxy server so students could more easily access library services from home. Chancellor Leonardo de la Garza and the Board of Trustees saw the wisdom in implementing a new system and funded the project with an additional $1 million, Drake said.

   TCC librarians worked four months to develop the new internet-based system and combined web page that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere students can access the web.

   One of the best catalog systems, it is used at many major universities, so students will be familiar with the system when they move on, Drake said.

   The catalog utilizes Keyword Search, which enables students to find sources without knowing the exact title or to look up a subject and choose from a number of search results. The system also enables a student to reserve a book, see what books they have out, check for overdue status and renew books.

   Links to area library online catalogs are incorporated into the system.

   “The TexShare card lets you check out books from college libraries and most public libraries,” he said.

   TexShare cards are free to any student at campus libraries, Drake said.

   “One problem with looking for information on the Internet is that reliable information is difficult to find for college-level work,” he said.

   The subject guide is a directory of pre-selected sites maintained by experts in each field of study. Links to sites within each major field of study point students to expert guides, professional organizations and faculty-chosen sites.

   Student resources have links to free email sites, financial aid sites, job-hunting sites and reference tools. There is also a place to contact a librarian for assistance or to set up an appointment to come in and meet with one.

   A major improvement to the system is the access to databases.

   “We had access to about 300 magazines and journals in the past. With the new system, we can access tens of thousands of databases and professional journals through the grant,” he said.

   Databases are quite expensive, and TCC gives students access to all of them, Drake said.

   The system allows the student to search for articles, photocopy an article, email it or print it out. In this way, students can search for and choose the four best articles with which to write their paper. This is what takes a paper from good to outstanding, Drake said.

   NetLibrary contains full text of over 15,000 books. It allows researchers to read the book online, browse the index and search the entire book. Student accounts for netLibrary must be set up at
campus libraries before it can be accessed from the student’s home.

   In the near future, students can expect wireless workstations in the campus libraries. Students will be able to plug in laptops and PDAs to a high-speed data connection.

   An ADA workstation will be available for students with disabilities including a machine that reads pages aloud.

   Improvements will be made for students working from a distance including live voice chat over the internet with a librarian.

   “Information literacy is the ability for one to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate it, evaluate it and use it effectively,” he said.

   “We are trying to find multiple ways to get information to the students where we know they want it, which is home, rather than the library,” he said.

   Workshop schedules and information are available at all campus libraries. To access the new library system, visit online at www.library.tccd.net.