Library

Test-Drive the Chicago Manual of Style Online!

Many of us are familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and use it as a reference while writing. Now Snell Library is providing online access to the CMOS’s 15th and 16th editions in one easy location. New online-only features include:
  • Being able to search the CMOS and specify either the 15th or 16th edition
  • A Q&A section that answers those tricky questions as submitted by users — including a place to submit your own questions
The 16th edition, published in 2010, is updated for the digital age. All of us have run across one of those pesky hard-to-answer citation questions. “How do I reference a Twitter post? What about a blog entry? Or a podcast?” For those of you who are editors or writers, there is now an electronic editing checklist to help you in your online editing ventures. Don’t forget to check out Northeastern University Libraries’ access to the AMA Manual of Style, and here is a general guide to MLA, APA, Chicago, and CSE styles.

Blue and Green Line Passengers: Can You Hear Me Now? Good!

It has happened to all of us: you’re talking on the phone when you go underground to the Copley T station and the call gets dropped, or you’re trying to send a friend a very important text message while on the Green Line when you realize you don’t have any service. Those few moments when you’re disconnected and isolated from civilization are excruciatingly frustrating. But there’s good news! The Boston Globe has just reported that by the end of the year, the MBTA’s Green and Blue lines will feature cell phone service. Underground cell service is already available on the entire Orange line and part of the Red line, so it was only natural that passengers on the Blue and Green lines would someday be able to gab on the phone while riding the T too. Unfortunately, the Prudential and Symphony stations on the Green line’s E branch will not be getting cell reception until the end of 2012, along with the still unserviced areas of the Red line. However, installation of cell reception on the rest of the Green line and all of the Blue line should be completed by the end of 2011. All of the MBTA’s 35 underground stations and 19 miles of tunnels are expected to feature cell phone service by the end of 2012. So Blue and Green line riders, get ready to talk, text, and check email while riding the T. You can even use the new cell service to Text a Librarian and get help from a librarian at Snell! But please, be courteous while talking on your cell phones. Just because nothing will be stopping you from chatting obnoxiously loud to your friend on your phone about what you did last weekend doesn’t mean you should do it. If you are respectful of others around you while using your phone, riding the T can be a pleasant experience for all. To find out more read the Boston Globe article and for research and books about the history of the MBTA, search NUCat, Northeastern’s library catalog.

Extended back files of Web of Science now available

An article on a revision of the US Government’s socio-economic index, published in 1982 in the journal, Social Science Research, has been cited by other articles in a broad array of academic journals over 300 times, with the most recent citation being from an article published in June 2011. By extending our offering of Web of Science back files from 1975 through 1992, we are able to provide Northeastern researchers with these historical statistics, allowing them to identify the most important articles, journals, institutions, and authors in their field or subject area of study. When viewing any article in the Web of Science database, a list of citations from that article are provided as well as a list of other subsequent articles and conference proceedings that cite the original article. Links connect to the full text of the cited articles when the full text is available. And don’t be fooled by the title of this database.  As the above example illustrates, Web of Science covers scholarly articles in all types of sciences that include journals in the humanities and social sciences. Visit our News & Events page to read more about this collection or visit our full listing of online databases and trials.

Gearing up for Welcome Week

Yes, it’s that time of year! Welcome Week is upon us. The bulk of Welcome Week events begin next week on September 6th and the Library will be welcoming new students to Northeastern’s campus as well as saying “hello again!” to students who are back to start another academic year. The first day of classes is September 7th, but all week Northeastern has scheduled activities for newly enrolled NU students. For a complete list of planned events visit Northeastern’s Welcome Week site. The Library is excited about participating in the activities! We have some plans in store so that students, new and old, can acquaint (or reacquaint) themselves with the Library and our services. Here is an overview: ClubSnell: Live and In Person. Starting on Tuesday, September 6th and through Friday, September 9th, Snell Library will have a Welcome Week booth out on our front patio from 11am-1pm. Come and stop by with questions or for more information about research assistance, circulation and resources, text a librarian, or study spaces! We’ll also have information about work study positions and upcoming events. Check-In! While you’re here, come in and explore the building. Check-in using foursquare to participate in our foursquare contests each day (starting Tuesday, September 6th) for the chance to win some neat prizes. For more information read our foursquare contest instructions. Library Tours. Stop by Snell Library for a short, 20-minute introduction to the Library and get a preview of how we can help you with your research. Tours are scheduled for Wednesday, September 7th from 1:30-1:50 and 3:00-3:20pm; Thursday, September 8th from 4:30-4:50pm; and Friday, September 9th from 11:45-12:05pm and 2:00-2:20pm. Tours will meet in Snell Library Lobby. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus! For more information about NU Libraries visit www.lib.neu.edu. You can also follow us on Facebook @Northeastern University Libraries and on Twitter @ClubSnell.

New Resource: The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Online

NU Libraries is proud to announce our subscription to Alexander Street Press’s The Garland Encyclopedia of Music Online which is now available to the NU Community on or off campus. This comprehensive resource on the study of world music provides access to scholarly content, includes images, and a nine-volume CD collection. Search and browse through a range of genres and indexes, utilize playlists, and create your own playlists. Go to this link to learn more http://0-glnd.alexanderstreet.com.ilsprod.lib.neu.edu/. For best performance Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or Firefox 3.5 or higher are recommended. Snell Library has also retained the print version of the Encyclopedia, which is housed in the Reference collection on the second floor of the library. For questions or for more information, please contact Debra Mandel at d.mandel@neu.edu or 617-373-4902.