Alkek Library News

Renew or Check out Materials Over the Semester Break December 16th

If you want to check out materials over the semester/holiday break you can do so beginning December 16, 2008.  The catalog system is set to recall all books, videos, etc. on December 16th, but if you need the item over the break, just call the Circulation desk 245-3681 or renew online using My Account next Tuesday.

After your finals, you  might want to search the large DVD & VHS collection for your favorite movie or documentary.  The library also has many academy award winning films. The check-out period will be the same for the particular movie you check-out, but you can always renew online if the library is closed.  Also, if the item is due back over the break, fees will be waived.

If you have a long drive home, there are many books on CD available too. If you want a book by a particular author click on the author tab in the library catalog and limit your search to "Audio Books" to see what is available.

Another thing to keep in mind, while you are away from campus, you can still access MANY of the library's resources remotely.  Use the Periodical List to search for a particular magazine or newspaper to read the latest issues. For example, enter a title such as PC Magazine, Rolling Stone or New York Times and the results will show you the dates of availability and the databases with the full-text online.  Be sure to choose the link that says "to present" without an embargo listed.

Enjoy your upcoming break, and remember the library isn't all work and no play!

Have you read this?? Creating Alerts Using "My Account"

New titles are cataloged and added to the collection each day and if you are interested in keeping up with what's new in the library collection, here are a few tips for doing so. 

Set Up an Alert for a Subject, Author or Keyword Search

First Log in to MY Account from the Library Catalog homepage.

Next run a search in the library catalog by Keyword, LOC Subject heading, or Author
When you have the results, look for the "save this search" button.

Then click on the Account Summary link at the top of the page and look for the "Preferred Searches" link on the right side of the screen. Click on the link.

The last step is to check the box beside the search under the "mark for email" column.

Now, when anything new is added to the  library collection you will receive an email. Un-check the box to turn off the alert.

You can make your search as broad or narrow as you want. If you like a particular movie director you can run a search and limit to VIDEOS. This search will produce an alert that will show you only new videos by that director.   You can tailor the search to fit your reading interests, research area, or assignment. 

Texas State Faculty can also run a search to see what has been bought and cataloged by their department by fiscal year by conducting a SUBJECT search by Fiscal Year then Dept. Fundcode. For example: 0756 would bring up all items bought by department 56 in fiscal year 07. Then by setting up an alert, one could be notified by email when a new item is "ready for use."

If you have any questions regarding creating a search alert, you can call the reference desk at 245-2686 or use the Ask a Librarian Service.

Another option for seeing what's new:

Check the New Items list from the library catalog homepage:   this may not be the best option because it is a really long list arranged by call number, but it's available to browse: