Schwerdtfeger Library News -- September 2004
 

Schwerdtfeger Library News - February 2005

By Jean Phillips, Librarian

New Interface for Databases

Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA) has created a new interface for its databases. Those that we use routinely are: Meteorological and Geoastrophysical Abstracts (MGA), Oceanic Abstracts, NTIS and the High Technology Database (formerly Aerospace Database). The Illumina Interace, as it's called, includes some new features:

  • the user can search some or all CSA databases simultaneously
  • when searching multiple files, duplicate records are removed automatically, though they can be viewed
  • search results can be browsed as one set or they can be viewed by publication type retrieved: journals, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, web sites
  • records are easily exported to RefWorks, a bibliographic management tool to which the University has a license
  • indexes and thesauri are now offered separately and are clearly labeled
  • command mode searching is an option in addition to the Basic and Advanced search screens

Any of these research databases can be accessed from the Schwerdtfeger Library's homepage. Please contact library staff for help with your search.

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New Scanner

The Schwerdtfeger Library recently purchased a new Epson flatbed scanner which is available for your use. It will handle large-format scanning (up to 12"x17"), offers 2400dpi resolution, includes an automatic document feeder for multiple page scanning (up to 100 pages at a time), and includes an adapter for scanning transparent materials.

The scanning workstation is set up so that you can toggle back and forth to use either the old HP scanner or the Epson. For most scanning jobs, you'll need only a brief introduction to the new system.

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Rip-off 101: How the Current Practices of the Publishing Industry Drive Up the Cost of College Textbooks

Just as libraries have faced sky-rocketing journal costs over the last decade, so too, college students are faced with rising tuition costs, decreased financial aid, and steep price increases when buying new textbooks. College students are reportedly paying close to $900 per year for books, and prices are expected to increase by 10 percent a year. Rip-off 101 published by the California Student Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) and the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG), examines this upsurge in textbook prices and offers some reasons "why":

  • publishers drive up costs by "bundling" texts with materials such as CDs that are seldom used
  • publishers market "revised" editions with little new content
  • publishers may alter format/page numbers to make older editions obsolete
  • publishers charge American students more for books than students overseas

The High Cost of Textbooks: Options and Information for Students was just released by the UW-Madison Libraries and the Associated Students of Madison, to provide information about options for acquiring textbooks. Contact your library for more information.