Library Orientation | Colby College Libraries | Colby College

We are excited to meet new students and faculty coming to Colby College. Over the first few weeks, we will be doing a virtual library orientation on Instagram (and this page). We will let you in on some of our insider secrets for being successful researchers in college and beyond! Follow along at #colbylibrariesorientation. Don’t have Instagram? No worries, check back here often for all the posts!

#colbylibrariesorientation

View

Aug 18

Even though the Libraries have thousands of resour

Even though the Libraries have thousands of resources, we can't have everything!

If you've found a reference to the perfect article for your research project, but searching it on the Libraries' homepage doesn't get you the full-text result you need, we've still got your back!

Click on the "request from another library" link and fill out the requested information. Then we'll reach out to libraries across the world to see if we can borrow a digital version for you.
And don't forget, if Bates or Bowdoin has a physical book, we can borrow those too!

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #resources #wehavethem #themoreyouknow💫

View

Aug 16

For research projects you will likely want to use

For research projects you will likely want to use three types of sources:

✨ Primary sources: 1st-hand accounts -- documents, letters, literary and other artworks; either original manuscripts, etc., or published transcripts

✨ Secondary sources: works of analysis or interpretation; primary sources will be referred to in the argument and listed in the bibliography; may be a book or a journal article.

✨ Background/Reference sources: collections of brief informational pieces providing facts on many topics, or on many aspects of a single topic

You can find all of these through Colby's catalog and databases!

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #sources #research #themoreyouknow💫

View

Aug 10

Compare today's headlines! To stay informed, you s

Compare today's headlines! To stay informed, you should regularly check news from multiple different sources. Fortunately, Colby Libraries provides full-campus subscriptions to the @nytimes and @wsj . To set up your subscription, as well as access other news sources such as the Portland Press Herald through library databases, explore https://libguides.colby.edu/newspapers-at-colby

#colbylibrariesorientation #news #currentevents #librariesofinstagram #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege

View

Aug 3

Lots of students like to browse the shelves for so

Lots of students like to browse the shelves for sources for their papers, or just something interesting to read. But what if you are off-campus or would prefer to browse from the comfort of your room?

Our virtual shelf is the tool for you! Search for your interest in our library catalog, cbbcat.net. Click on an interesting physical book (not an ebook). Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the CBBCat shelf, and explore books from the Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin collections. For more info on using this feature, ask a librarian #colbylibrariesorientation

#colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #newyearnewyou #bookscheckemout #libariesofinstagram

View

Aug 22

Wikipedia is a great example of a form of crowdsou

Wikipedia is a great example of a form of crowdsourced encyclopedic knowledge creation. The content is created, edited and organized by volunteers around the world.

Wikipedia is a good place to gather basic information on a topic. You can use it to become familiar with concepts and basic ideas, and well as gather key phrases for keywords for searches in other information sources.

While millions of people use it, it’s purpose in higher education can be limited. Do not cite Wikipedia as a source of information, unless given permission in an assignment. Facts in Wikipedia are often disputed, it’s important to look at other sources to confirm any facts that you read.

Finally, we have many ebook and online digital alternatives to Wikipedia! You can start your search for other encyclopedias by going to https://www.colby.edu/libraries/ and using the “Books and More” search. Search on the keyword encyclopedias and refine based upon subject. Most of these resources are online encyclopedias. If you have questions - AskUs at libraries@colby.edu. #colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #askus #wikipedia

View

Aug 22

Good morning from Mayflower Hill! #colbycollegelib

Good morning from Mayflower Hill! #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #millerlibrary #backtoschool #summersky #colbylibrariesorientation #colbyorientation 😷 🧼 ⛅️ ☀️ 👏🏾

Photo credit: Lareese Hall

View

Aug 1

We're excited to meet the new students coming to @

We're excited to meet the new students coming to @ColbyCollege this August. Over the next few weeks, we'll be doing a virtual library orientation here on Instagram. We'll be letting you in on some of our insider secrets for being successful researchers in college and beyond! Follow along at #colbylibrariesorientation

📷: @april_loves_daisy

#colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #newyearnewyou

View

Aug 21

Citations? What’s the fuss!? Citations are used

Citations? What’s the fuss!?

Citations are used to show your reader(s) who authored or created the information (text, image, webpage, etc.) that you are including and integrating into your assignment or publication.

Citing is key for many reasons. Here are a few important ones:
✨ Citing sources in your works keeps you from plagiarizing other people’s words, creations and ideas. [Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty and a breach of ethics. In schools, workplaces, organizations, etc. the act of plagiarism is subject to sanctions such as penalties, suspension, expulsion from school or being fired from an employer. Plagiarism can carry substantial fines and even incarceration.]
✨ Citing shows others where and how you are supporting ideas, facts, and making claims, as well as what sources/authors you are getting your information from.

Did you know? Different scholarly and professional organizations have established their own ways of citing information. The most common citation styles that you will encounter in college were developed by the APA (The American Psychological Association) and the MLA (Modern Language Association).

Finally the library has created an extensive guide to help you learn how how to cite, citation styles and citation tools - visit https://libguides.colby.edu/citationhelp .

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #citations #citeyoursources

View

Aug 5

Have a hands on encounter with history! Special Co

Have a hands on encounter with history! Special Collections & Archives' Teaching with Primary Resources is YOUR program. Contact Archives Education Librarian Erin Rhodes (erin.rhodes@colby.edu) to learn more about how to research with archival materials!

📷: Students Cat Ledue '19, Erica Suttles '20, Ben Whitestone '19 with 19th c. Colby student scrapbook in Robinson Room, Special Collections & Archives.

#specialcollections #archives #teachingwithprimarysources #colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #orientation #colbiana

View

Aug 19

The Libraries don't just work with you on your res

The Libraries don't just work with you on your research, we also work to build collections that will interest future researchers.

You have an opportunity to help us!

We are collecting stories about the Colby community's experience of 2020. We're looking for journaling, art, oral histories- really anything that helps us capture this unique period in our history.

Learn more about how to submit at (link in bio as well): https://www.colby.edu/specialcollections/collections/colbyin2020/

We understand and respect the importance of personal privacy; no one should feel compelled to submit.

📷: : Photo- Luhang Sun '22, Christine Roinou '22, Eileen Chung '22 on snowy road, as seen in the Colby Archives.

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #specialcollections #archives #collectionbuilding #helpus

View

Aug 13

Can't find what you're looking for? Feeling overwh

Can't find what you're looking for? Feeling overwhelmed with your research? Ask us! Send an email to libraries@colby.edu, and we'll match you up with the best person in the libraries to answer your question or fix your problem. And we promise to answer within 24 hours. #colbylibrariesorientation

#colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #newyearnewyou #askus #wearehereforyou

View

Aug 4

Don't wander around in the dark — ask a subject

Don't wander around in the dark — ask a subject librarian (or your personal librarian) to show you the way.

The staff of the libraries have a wide diversity of skills, talents, and expertise. Explore the range and subject specialists on our website (link in bio!). These subject specialists can also help you locate, use, explore, create or analyze: archival documents, texts, images, data sets, films, audio recordings, and much more, as well as help you use a wide range of information technologies. If you’re not sure who to contact, all @ColbyCollege students are assigned a personal librarian whose name and contact information you can find in your MyColby site along with your advisor and class dean. Also feel free to email us at libraries@colby.edu.

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #welcome #itsallaboutinformation #learningjourney #youandyourlibrary #checkoutouremails #askus

View

Aug 20

For most students, the Libraries mean serious stud

For most students, the Libraries mean serious study time. We have study space on the first, second, and third floors of Miller Library, as well as on the Street and (new this semester!) the Miller porch.

We've rearranged the furniture so that students' can safely social distance while studying. We'll also be sanitizing shared equipment like keyboards throughout the day and quarantining returned materials. You can do your part by wearing your mask whenever you're in the library and using our sanitizer stations.

We're looking forward to seeing you in our "living room" (pictured) soon!

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #livingroom #socialdistancing #studystudystudy #pleasewearamask #librariesofinstagram

View

Aug 11

Special Collections & Archives has fabulous rare b

Special Collections & Archives has fabulous rare books and quirky manuscript collections that date from the 13th through the 21st centuries! Also lots of documentation about Colby's history. We welcome your research inquiries and visits by appointment. Email us at speccoll@colby.edu

#specialcollections #archives #teachingwithprimarysources
#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram

View

Aug 17

Come visit us at the Miller Library for books, DVD

Come visit us at the Miller Library for books, DVDs, journals and much more. We are lending and have contactless checkout at our Service Desk. Just make sure to scan your books and your Colby ID before you leave the library!

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #welcomeback #selfcheckout

View

Aug 9

The Colby Libraries has created Research Guides by

The Colby Libraries has created Research Guides by Subject, listed A-Z, from African American Studies to Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. https://libguides.colby.edu/?b=s

The guides contain all sorts of subject-related resources. There are links to databases that provide access to full-text articles from magazines, newspapers and scholarly journals. Some subject guides include data sources. Other guides have links to archival collections of images, oral histories, video/audio recordings, posters, pamphlets, diaries and other documents (from both Colby licensed sources and hard-to-discover collections on the open web). Guides also have tips and strategies for doing research.

Guides are a great way to find the best possible sources when doing course assignments and projects. Take a look at the research subject guides for courses you’re taking this fall!

Photo Caption: The Cinema Studies Guide includes this 1924 photo of actor, Anna May Wong. https://libguides.colby.edu/ci

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #researchguides #research #cinemastudies #annamaywong

View

Aug 15

SELF-CARE? Why it matters and why you need it more

SELF-CARE? Why it matters and why you need it more than ever during the pandemic.

College can be stressful under normal circumstances, but there are many extra added stresses in our lives due to the pandemic. The library is committed to developing and supporting a campus culture and practice that includes self-care.

Self-care can be defined as any activity that we do deliberately and mindfully in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Self-care isn’t is not only about considering our needs; it is rather about knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves, being subsequently, able to support others as well.

Although self-care means different things to different people, if you don’t already have one, here’s a basic checklist you can use to help you self-care:
• Make a list of activities that will help you with your self-care.
• Do at least one relaxing activity every day, whether it’s taking a walk or spending 30 minutes unwinding.
• Eat a nutritious and healthy diet.
• Get enough sleep. Adults usually need 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Exercise. Exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. Choose a form of exercise that you like!
• Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation. You can do these exercises at any time of the day.
• Look for opportunities to laugh!

Look for our emails on self-care and post your self-care suggestions here!

📷: "76 Karen Smith reading on couch", Colby College Special Collections

#colbycollegelibraries #colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollege #specialcollections #archive #colbiana #librariesofinstagram #selfcare #self-care #moreimportantthanever #pandemicselfcare

View

Aug 6

Librarians are available to “meet” with studen

Librarians are available to “meet” with students via email, chat or video conferencing. We can give a general “tour” of library resources or provide guidance for a specific need. Whether it’s refining a topic, brainstorming keywords, finding and evaluating scholarly sources, formatting citations, discovering amazing archival material or using Google more effectively, we’re here to help! Choose a librarian to contact on our Subject Specialists webpage. https://www.colby.edu/libraries/research-help/researchlibrarians/

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollegelibraries #colbycollege #librariesofinstagram #welcome #subjectspecialists #librarians

View

Aug 2

The library website (link in bio!) is your gateway

The library website (link in bio!) is your gateway to everything library at Colby. Here are just a few examples to help you start to explore what is on the website.

On the website you can:
✨ Discover what books, eBooks, streaming media and more we have. Use the links to access the eBooks, online and streaming media we have. Use the Books and more search feature. Keywords, title and author searches work well, but the online search tool for these resources known as the CCB catalog, can do so much more
✨ Find newspaper articles here https://libguides.colby.edu/newspapers-at-colby
✨ Start to get familiar with citation styles and tools - https://libguides.colby.edu/citationhelp. The tools are FAR better than any online citation tool
✨ Explore the 450+ databases (link in bio) that you can use to find: academic journal articles, unique primary sources, legal and government documents, data, images, audio clips, videos, and much much more. We have BILLIONS of records and most of these cannot be accessed or used online. Look for emails and posts on how to download articles and cite!

#colbylibrarieswebsite #itsgotalot #somanyresoucesonline #discovery #colbycollegelibraries #colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollege #welcome

View

Aug 8

Colby Libraries have books in many languages - thi

Colby Libraries have books in many languages - this guide will help you find them! https://libguides.colby.edu/ea/nonenglish
Link also in our bio.

#colbylibrariesorientation #colbycollege #colbycollegelibraries #librariesofinstagram

FAQ

How many libraries are there? Colby has three libraries!
- Colby has three libraries!
  - Bixler (Arts and Music), Miller (Humanities and Social Sciences) and Olin (Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Computer Science)
  - We also have a space in Miller dedicated to the college archive and special archival collections donated to the college, it is called Special Collections & Archives
What days and hours are the libraries are open?
- The libraries’ hours and days of operation are posted here (https://www.colby.edu/libraries/library-hours/)
What forms of identification do I need so I can check out materials or use online library resources?
- All you need to check out materials (books, computers, etc.) is your Colby card
- To use the online resources you need your Okta account and your Colby username and password.
What is the address of the libraries’ website?
- https://www.colby.edu/libraries
What might I use the libraries website for?
- You can use the library website to get general information about the libraries, exploring resources, locationing information for research, and learning how to research and use research related tools and resources.
  - Examples include:
    - Getting help with citations
    - Meeting with a subject specialist to help you with your research and information needs
    - Checking your account to see what materials and books you have checked out, etc.
    - Using AskUs to contact us with questions.
  - Also on the website you can use the search box to find:
    - Books, ebooks, DVD’s, streaming and more (books and more tab)
    - General search of library collection (OneSearch tab)
    - Research articles, primary sources, news sources, images, audio, government documents, datasets and more (databases tab)
Who can I ask for help?
- If you have a question about finding and borrowing books and using the physical libraries, stop by any of the service desks at the libraries.
- If you need help with a research project. the library has a teaching and learning program, that provides guidance on process, discovery, evaluation and best practices in using information tools.
- Library subject specialists provide individual, customized assistance. Contact them directly via email or chat. Contact your subject specialist directly
- Unsure -use this email to AskUs!
How can I learn more about the libraries?
- Make an appointment with any subject librarian
- The library will send you monthly emails with best practices and tips for research, using search engines, databases, citations and much more!
- Your professors will often be inviting a librarian to join your class to help with research, citation tips and tools and learning about resources
- Just AskUs!