Category Archives: Staff

Library Tidbits, Media Center, Notices, Staff, Technology

Meet the Library Technology Team!

Technology is an essential component to this modern world, which is why here at the Annandale Campus Library we strive to equip our students with the resources they need to succeed. You all may know about our public computers, printers, and charging stations, but did you know we have a team dedicated to helping students with all their technology needs?

  • Monique Clark, Technology Librarian – Our team lead, who provides technology planning, coordination, and support
  • Michelle Echols, Technology & Reference Specialist – Provides computer and printer maintenance and troubleshooting, technology recommendations and purchasing
  • Soo Bae, Reference/Technology Librarian (Not pictured) – Oversees technology training and support, social media and online research guides
  • J.P. Garces – Circulation department liaison to technology team, providing backup and support
  • Simran, Digital Media Studio Consultant – Assists with equipment checkout and Digital Media Studio maintenance
  • Saron, AcePrint Consultant (Not pictured) – Assists students with printing in the library
  • Abigail, Peer Technology Consultant – Provides technology tutoring for Digital Media Studio software and equipment
Michelle, Simran, Monique, Abigail and J.P.

The Library Technology Team exists to help students by providing assistance and access to all the resources the library has to offer. That’s why this semester the library is introducing a new member of the team, a Peer Technology Tutor, who is available to provide one-on-one assistance with Digital Media Studio software and Library equipment. The Digital Media Studio is a space within the Library that students can use for their photo, video editing, audio, or graphic design projects, equipped with the software students need. All you need to do to get started is book a seat in the studio. Stay tuned for future posts highlighting featured equipment and software. What will you create?

Notices, Presentations, Staff

Power Up Your Pedagogy Conference – Mobile Learning Presentation

On Wednesday, January 9,  Robin Pachtman, Library Media Specialist, and Diana Aram, Technology Librarian, gave a presentation to the NOVA community on blending media and technology with interactive activities entitled Mobile Learning: Interactive Discovery Using Mobile Technology and QR Codes.  The presentation focused on a particular project that was implemented by the Annandale library which included the use of mobile technology, multimedia, and QR codes to discover critical elements in using the library and its resources.

Please click on the link below to get a general overview.  For more details, please call Robin or Diana at 703-323-3410.

PUP: Mobile learning presentation January 2013

Library Tidbits, Staff

Work Smarter, Not Harder

This week, we will do a series on how to study effectively. Often, when we think of studying, we conjure up thoughts of spending hours upon hours sitting at a desk focusing on one subject until our eyes fall out. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone has their own studying habits, but it’s always fun to mix things up. Trying that new study tip might be the thing to help you through your exams and papers.

It’s okay to take a break from studying. Taking a five to ten minute break can help you re-energize and focus on your study goals. In the article “10 Highly Effectively Study Habits,” John M. Grohol remarks that “rewards start by chunking study time into manageable components.” Taking a small study break each hour (or half an hour, or 45 minutes) can help stave off any boredom you might feel.

Here are some ideas for your study break from Bill Fleming, our Outreach and Marketing Librarian:

“When you get worn out and bleary eyed, get some fresh air and crank some tunes in those headphones for a while to get yourself pumped again!”

Samara Carter, our periodicals and ILL Library Specialist, also takes small breaks when studying and recommends hot mint tea–especially peppermint–as a way to remain calm during exam week.

As a way to de-stress and take a break, stop by the library next Wednesday at 10 a.m. and next Thursday at 1 p.m. to grab a treat.

Notices, Staff

A tribute to Mlle Maurice

Inspired by a Paris street artist, Mademoiselle Maurice, the staff of the Annandale Campus Library recently designed, created, and installed a large origami wall art installation to welcome faculty, staff and students back for the fall semester. The 3’ x 12’ installation imitates the shape of an open book, and includes approximately 400 cranes, medallions, tulips, fans, and butterflies that were folded and then installed on a bare wall. The shapes were folded from the brightly colored paper of an old 2004 origami day-by-day calendar.  “

Here’s a detail of some of the many origami pieces that went into the project.

The final project:

Mademoiselle Maurice commented on the Library staff’s artwork: “I am very proud of your creation for your library and I hope that the students will be happy! Good job!”

Watch the video below to see the effort that our library staff members put into creating this piece of art.

Staff

Farewell Ida!

Ida is perhaps one of the most recognizable staff members at the Annandale campus library–in fact, she was recognized half a world away as a NOVA Library employee when she visited her home country of Nepal. Many people who visit our library often encounter Ida as she checks out books, laptops, and other materials to patrons. She helps patrons connect to the wireless network and troubleshoot other computer issues. Ida is always a great help to the library staff and students.

Sadly for us, today is Ida’s last day at the library. Ida has been working at the library since 2010 while earning her Associate’s degree in Information Technology. Now that Ida has finished her degree (yay!), she will be moving on to new adventures. Ida has been a wonderful addition to the library.  I’m sure that I speak for the rest of the Library and Learning and Technology Resources staff when I say we appreciate her services and she will be missed.