Earlier this week, I reported to the BCTC Help Desk that the research consultations form that students use to request an appointment was not working. When the form is completed and the the “send” button is clicked, the user sees a server error message. As soon as the form system is fixed, I’ll post an update here. In the meanwhile, if students at the reference desk want to request an appointment, you can just have them email Randy with the details or send an email to Randy on their behalf.
EBSCO problems
Just an update on the Baruch situation regarding EBSCO databases: BCTC is working with OLS/CUNY CIS and EBSCO to resolve this issue. As you may have gathered via CULIBS it’s a system wide problem, maybe even a NY problem.
In any case, feel free to email me with any EBSCO problems you might be experiencing (especially if they are not about timing out).
All WRDS services down
WRDS has experienced major disk failure which is affecting all WRDS services. They do not have an estimated time for resolution. They are posting updates on their landing page (which can be reached via the databases page, and choosing WRDS).
Reforms to U.S. patent laws will bring major changes
Yesterday the U.S. Senate passed some major reforms to the U.S. patent laws that President Obama has said he will sign next week. Among the major changes are that “first to file” will replace the current “first to invent” recognition. CNN has a report about the revisons; many other news sources are reporting on it too.
Reference Services Schedule For Week Of: September 19
this schedule is now confirmed and posted to the Reference Desk LibGuide.
New Census Resources for NYC Neighborhood Data
1. I’ve created a handout that summarizes the different neighborhood geographies, census datasets, and sources for finding neighborhood profiles and comparison tables. Much of the 2010 Census data is now available and the NYC Dept of City Planning has also released some new resources. The handout is available on the neighborhoods tab of the NYC Data Libguide as a PDF; it updates and replaces the Neighborhood FAQ page that was previously in the guide.
What’s the difference between the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey? What the heck is a PUMA and a ZCTA and what’s the difference? Where’s the best place to go get neighborhood census data? It’s all in the handout. The dataset, geography, and source you choose will vary based on the nature of the question and the relative importance of currency, size of geographic area, and variables needed.
2. I’ve created a new Google Map that lets you to click on ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) within the city to open 2010 Census profiles directly from the Census Bureau’s American Factfinder. ZCTAs are statistical areas created by the Census Bureau to approximate USPS ZIP Codes. The map is also available on the neighborhoods tab of the NYC Data guide, directly below the PUMA Google Map (which you can use to get neighborhood profiles from the 2007-2009 American Community Survey). If viewing the map within the guide is too constraining, you can click the View Larger Map link directly below the map to get the full screen view.
AAA-FASB Codification now working
Access to the FASB Codification from the AAA and FASB, available to Baruch accountancy students and faculty, is working again. Students should receive the passwords and login information from their professors. If for some reason they don’t have this information, the Codification is available through CCH Accounting Research Manager. CCH Accounting Research Manager is available to all Baruch faculty, students and staff.
Reference Services Schedule For Week Of: September 12
this schedule is confirmed and posted to the Reference Desk LibGuide.
New resource: Sage Research Methods Online
We have added Sage Research Methods Online to our database collection and it is available via the database page.
Sage Research Methods Online (SRMO) links over 100,000 pages of SAGE’s book, journal and reference content on research methods, including the entire “Little Green Book” and “Little Blue Book” series. Use this database to help design research projects, conduct research, and write up findings. SRMO is focused on methodology, not disciplines, so it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.
Please let your faculty and students know about this new resource.
Revised Name for Opposing Viewpoints
Gale recently rebranded Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center as Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Since everyone who linked to this database in various LibGuides used the canonical link in the system (which, like all database links, can be found on the LibGuides–Reusable Links guide), I was able to make the change to the canonical link (as well us update the URL) and have that update roll out automatically to the three LibGuides that connect to the database.