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Library Blog

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      Red Book now available!

 Jung's The Red Book is now available in the Pacifica library! There are two circulating copies at each library, as well as one reference copy at each campus. Check this page to see if copies are available or to put your name on the waiting list.



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      Citing Wikipedia: yes, or no?

You might be surprised to discover that Wikipedia is not always accurate -- then again, many scholars know this inherently. Take a look at the following articles:

Wikipedia Founder Discourages Academic Use of His Creation

Reconsidering Authority in a Wikipedia World

Wikipedia:  Black and white and wrong all over

There are a number of websites detailing not only Wikipedia inaccuracies, but also entries unethically enhanced by companies/individuals to improve their own stature or disseminate information of questionable integrity (Diebold, Microsoft, Fox News, Church of Scientology...the list isn't short)  In 2007, The Chronicle of Higher Education published an article detailing altered, inaccurate information on some colleges, including:

 "Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium … has a seating capacity of about 93,000."
 Changed:
 "Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium … is made completely out of goat cheese."

And for the SUNY Buffalo college campus entry, someone added:

"The former wife of OJ Simpson, Nicole Brown Simpson, along with OJ's Heisman Trophy are buried in the Elicott Dorm Complex."

Wikimedia isn't without its hardships either, as some artists have claimed theft/copyright violation, while other images may appear to be free of copyright restriction, but aren't; fair use doesn't always apply, even in education.

The answer?  Students can consult Wikipedia (and Wikimedia) for possible leads on information sources, but should not be using information from/citing the open encyclopedia in papers, theses or dissertations.  Currently, it's considered bad scholarship, especially at the graduate level.




   Positively Productive

 Who doesn't love free? Who doesn't love free services that help you manage work and time? Erin the Librarian recommends the following (FREE!) apps that can save a ton of time:
  • Dropbox - sync files/folders between computers or online (no more swapping your thumb drive between work and home)
  • Google Sites - create collaboration spaces that are public or private; project or resource management
  • Zotero - Firefox extension that helps organize and cite resources
  • BibMe - search for books or journals, create bibliographies in virtually any format (APA, MLA, etc.). Save them online or as RTF to your computer
  • DimDim - online presentation/meeting space with co-browsing, shared whiteboard, conference calling, etc., all within your browser
  • SlideRocket - create and publish online presentations
  • Remember the Milk - create online to-do lists, manage deadlines

There are lots more, but this should get you started!