Bank Street Library Blog

Category: Reference Desk Questions

Reference Desk Questions

The MorphicBar

The MorphicBar is a flexible, user-friendly toolbar that can be added to any computer. It allows quick access to accessibility features, making it easier for students with various learning difficulties to navigate and use technology effectively.

library blog post graphic
Reference Desk Questions

Rapid, Scoping, & Umbrella Reviews

This blog post is the second in a series exploring Evidence Synthesis. We’ve already had a quick look at the differences between a systematic review and a traditional literature review, so let’s look at three other types of evidence synthesis: rapid reviews, scoping reviews, and umbrella reviews.

library blog post icon for systemic reviews
Reference Desk Questions

Systematic Reviews & Literature Reviews

This blog post is the first in a series exploring Evidence Synthesis. We’re going to start by looking at two types of evidence synthesis: literature reviews and systemic reviews.

Reference Desk Questions

ZoteroBib

ZoteroBib is free and stand-alone. It helps you build a reference list from any computer or device (and yes, it does work on a mobile phone). You do not have to create an account or install any software.

image of people using laptops (from Unsplash)
Reference Desk Questions

Is This Website Legit?

Often in our wanderings through cyberspace we find articles and websites that look promising for an assignment, but there’s a nagging little voice inside our heads saying, “Hmm… is this website legit?”

place where library patrons can pick up holds
Reference Desk Questions

Placing a Hold on Books

To place a hold on a book look for the Place hold link in the bottom left-hand corner of the Library catalog record. When a hold becomes available, the Library will send you an email. Items on hold will be placed in a fresh brown paper bag, and you can pick them up from the old scooter parking area in the lobby vestibule. You have five business days to pick up your holds.

Reference Desk Questions

Returning Books

Since the end of the spring semester, and all summer long, patrons have been asking us “When can I return my books?” and “Will I have to pay a fine as my books are really overdue!” Well, the good news is that the Library is now accepting returns, the due date for all items is October 15, and existing fines did not accrue while the Library was closed.

snowball
Reference Desk Questions

Literature Reviews: Snowballing

Start with scholarly articles that really speak to your topic. Look at their reference lists and find other articles. Use our databases to find full-text copies. Save them to one dedicated folder in the cloud. Make a plan to save articles you find online or in print. Over time your core “great articles” will snowball.

Google Scholar
Reference Desk Questions

Literature Reviews: Google Scholar

If you are starting to collect items for a literature review, something you might want to look at is Google Scholar. Recently, Google updated its search engine so that it will look though our databases and identify what we have in full-text. You can help by logging into your Google Scholar account with your Bank Street email address, and setting up your laptop with Library Links.

Reference Desk Questions

Literature Reviews: PlumX Metrics

If you are starting to collect items for a literature review, something you might want to consider is looking at popular articles in a database. Looking through a list of results you may have noticed a PlumX icon (it looks a little bit like a stylized flower). If you click the icon, a pop-up window will appear with some data. Although not all items have metrics, when they are available let then help you decide what to read and what to skip.

Stapler
Reference Desk Questions

Stapler

The printers in the Library can staple your assignment and journal article that you need to read in print. Wake up the machine and make sure the stapler icon is green. Place your assignment like this into the slot, and wait. The copier will automatically staple your work. That’s it – very simple and it looks professional.

Reference Desk Questions

APA 7th Edition Cover Page

In the past APA didn’t really pay much attention to student papers, but in APA7 edition they’ve been explicit about how to create that perfect paper (it’s a simplified version of a professional paper). In this blog post we’re looking at what should go on a cover page for an assignment.

APA 7 blog post
Reference Desk Questions

APA Publication Manual 7th Edition

Recently, the American Psychological Association (APA) released an update to its publication manual. It seems to be more streamlined with fewer exceptions than the 6th edition, and has lots more examples. Note that we don’t need to start using it until spring 2020.

Something About the Author
Reference Desk Questions

Something About the Author

The Library has been collecting and cataloging Something About the Author (SATA) for years, in fact we have 344 volumes as of October, 2019. If you are doing an author or illustrator study this is the resource you should be consulting.

blog post login from home pop-up window
Databases

Logging into Databases from Home

It is our all-time most frequently asked question, “How do I get into the databases from home?” In the past, it was a little complicated with 14 digit library issued barcodes, but today it’s super easy! At home or anywhere else off campus all you need is your Bank Street email address and the password associated with that account. If you’re having problems logging in, email the friendly folks at the IT HelpDesk helpdesk@bankstreet.edu