Lean on us during this Time of Stress

Photo by Kat Jayne from Pexels

Library staff understand that we are in an extraordinary situation with the COVID-19 outbreak which is affecting everyone in the College community.  We are working remotely during our closure, to help students find and use online resources, and assisting instructional staff with resources and other Library supports.  Staff are available through Chat and Email during the following hours:

Mon-Thu 7:30am – 9:00pm
Fri 7:30am – 4:30pm
Sat 8:30am – 4:00pm

You may access our online books, videos, and journals 24/7 through OneSearch (RRC log in required).

For information about online services provided by Academic Success Centre, please visit ASC’s Online Academic Supports website. General news and updates about Library Services will be posted at library.rrc.ca.

College Supports to Ease Anxiety

We are all experiencing increased levels of stress, including learning how to work and learn remotely, care for children and elderly relatives, study in Canada while being far from home and family, and of course being concerned about our own health and welfare.

There are ways to help reduce stress and combat isolation which you may find valuable, such as mindfulness and meditation strategies, fitness apps and virtual social gathering.  RRC’s Healthy Minds, Healthy College initiative provides some resources for maintaining physical and mental fitness during this time of social distancing.  

The College’s Counselling Services will have staff available through phone, email and WebEx to address your concerns.  Visit their page for more information at rrc.ca/counselling/.

Answers to many of your questions can be found on the College’s Coronavirus information page which is being updated continuously.

Reduce stress by Knowing the Facts and Keeping Informed 

Knowing the facts about COVID-19 helps reduce stress from rumors and false information.  Health Canada has up to date information to keep you informed.  Additionally, the World Health Organization has extensive information on the virus. Locally, check Manitoba Health for updates.

Looking for up to the minute information?  Reuters.com, Reuters Canada and the Associated Press are reliable news sources.

Managing Stress

The World Health Organization’s Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak provides strategies for maintaining mental and psychological well-being.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides tips to Manage Stress & Anxiety during this uncertain time.  

Lastly, the Canadian Mental Health Association is a reliable source of stress reduction information.  Check out their publication Coping with Stress which is free online and the Stress Index quiz.  The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba offers Self Care strategies also.

Posted by Lynn Gibson, Library Services

RefWorks Could Be Your New Best Friend

We all know that writing a paper has its headaches, especially the task of tracking and citing sources. RefWorks, now offered by RRC Library, is a reference management service that streamlines the research and citation process for you. It will store your sources and generate authoritative citations and bibliographies in whatever format you need so you can focus writing your paper. RefWorks also coordinates with Word and Google Docs, allowing you to quickly insert and edit citations and add them to your bibliography as you go.

If you are in the process of conducting research, compiling sources and creating citations, RefWorks will be a lifesaver.

LEARN MORE…

• Visit the RefWorks guide for more information.
• Attend the RefWorks Lunch and Learn session at NDC Library on Thursday, February 27, 12:15-12:45.
• Contact us or visit one of our service desks for one-on-one assistance.

In an age of information overload, it’s easy to consume as much as we can without considering where it came from or what the consequences might be. It can take long enough just to read a piece of information, let alone to verify it and decide whether or not it holds any water.

MediaSmarts’ Break the Fake logo

This year’s Media Literacy Week theme is Break the Fake, and the Library wants to help you make breaking the fake news cycle a little less daunting and a little more empowering. Here are 4 tips to help you break the fake!

Tip #1: Use fact-checking tools

Perhaps the most obvious way to make sure what you’re reading is true is to confirm the facts being presented. There are many fact-checking websites that do this regularly so a quick pit-stop after reading a news story is sometimes all it takes to debunk fake news. Here’s a list of useful fact-checking websites:

You can also do a general Google search of the story with the word “hoax” after it to see if any other sources might have questioned a news item’s credibility.

Keep in mind that if a fact-checker hasn’t debunked something, it doesn’t automatically make the story true. It just means that the story hasn’t been fact-checked yet. Not every story gets verified by fact-checkers so while it’s important to be aware of these websites, it’s important to be aware of their limitations as well.

Want more quality fact-checkers? Click here for an extensive list of fact-checkers from all over the world that have committed to the International Fact-Checking Network’s code of principles.

Tip #2: Find the source

It’s important to understand where something originally came from before you decide to trust it. A news story shared on social media almost certainly wasn’t published there, or it might be based entirely on someone else’s story. Fortunately, it often only takes a few clicks to find your way to the original source.

On social media, the link is usually found at the bottom of the post. On a website, look for key phrases like “according to” or “reported by” that indicate where the information came from.

For images, use a reverse image search tool like TinEye or Google Images. Upload the image or paste the image’s URL into the search bar to get a list of results where that image has been found.

To get the image URL, right-click the online image and select “Copy image address.” Alternatively, right-click the image and select “Properties,” then copy the URL provided. Filter the results from oldest to newest to see when and where the image was first published.

*If you’re using Google Chrome you can search the image by right-clicking the image and selecting “Search Google for image.”

Follow the trail until you’ve found the original source!

Tip #3: Verify the source

When it comes to breaking fake news, we have to determine whether or not the original creator is trustworthy. Even if that information was shared with us by trustworthy family or friends, we shouldn’t assume that they checked the facts themselves. Instead, we should verify the original source ourselves first, then decide whether or not it’s reliable.

Here’s 3 questions to determine if a source is reliable:

1. Do they really exist?

It’s become easy to create fake websites that look far more credible and professional than the actual content that they produce. Don’t assume their “About Us” page is necessarily true either.  Use a far-reaching website like Wikipedia or Google to see if others have found them to actually exist. Don’t forget to make sure that these “others” actually exist themselves.

2. Are they who they say they are?

Just as it’s easy to create fake websites and content, it’s easy to pose as someone who actually does exist online. If you know the source exists, be sure the information is coming from them and not an impostor.

Look for indicators that verify who they are. Twitter and Instagram verify users by putting a blue check mark next to their name on their profile.

3. Are they trustworthy?

Make sure the source has a reliable process for producing information and a good track record for providing it accurately. Do they make mistakes? More importantly, do they admit to them and correct them when they do? Are they experts on that topic? Are they willing to publish information that their owners or readers would disagree with? Answering these types of questions can help you determine where the source’s interests lie and whether or not they should be trusted.

Tip #4: Check other sources

To make sure you’re getting the whole story, check other news sources to see how they covered the event or topic. This is a great way to see if what you read omitted any important information. It’s also an effective way of highlighting any possible bias that a source might have.

Using the “News” tab when doing a Google search is an easy way to narrow down results to real news outlets when looking for other sources.

*Find it faster! Use Control-F (Command-F on Macs) to jump to a keyword or phrase in an article.

You can also try to find the consensus view on the topic (what most experts agree to be true). If the story is only sharing information that experts agree to be false, you’re likely reading misinformation.

MediaSmarts has created a custom search to help you find the consensus view on specialist topics like science and medicine. You can try it out here!

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and tools, go ahead and put them–and the news you come across–to the test. While you might not be able to stop fake news from being published, you can stop it from spreading.

Want to learn more? Check out MediaSmarts, a not-for-profit that develops digital and media literacy programs for Canadians, or go to the “How to Evaluate Websites and Online Resources” guide to explore some of the Library’s resources on the topic.

More of a hands on learner? Play the Reality Check game to test your skills and learn some new authentication techniques.

Background

In March, 2019, AV Services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services received a $25,000 grant from The Winnipeg Foundation to support a project that will increase accessibility to instructional video at Red River College. Through the joint effort of these two departments, in partnership with the Manitoba Association of Visual Language Interpreters (M.A.V.L.I.), this project aims to provide closed captioning to 20,000 minutes of video from Red River College Library’s streaming collection.

Why Closed Captions are Essential

As many know, video resources are a staple component in most course curriculum at the College. The use of captioned streaming video as an instructional tool supports universal course design and provides educational equity for people who have a hearing disability. For this reason, providing captions to streaming video has been targeted as an essential step in satisfying the Information and Communications Accessibility Standard as laid out in the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and the College’s Accessibility Plan.

Added Benefits for All

While the project’s primary aim is to make educational video accessible to the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as those with disabilities, there are added benefits for those without a disability. Some of the secondary benefits of this project include:

• CPC CaptionMaker software package, if purchased, would enable quick one-off captioning of videos and would allow the Library and other Departments to add closed captions to videos as well (pending vendor/author approval).
• Computerized note takers, who provide a valuable service to the College through the school year, would receive compensation for their skills during summer months when they normally face a reduction in hours.
• Videos that are captioned would maximize learning for all by enhancing different learning styles, allowing videos to be watched in noisy or quiet environments, and aiding comprehension for ESL learners.
• Closed captions make some videos searchable, meaning that the viewer can search for and locate a word or phrase within the video efficiently.

Support Required to Keep it Going

While the grant money has been well-utilized and the project has been a success, it is only a start. As new students arrive, courses evolve, and the Library’s collection expands, the demand to produce captioned videos will not go away. Financial support to cover the staffing, software, and miscellaneous fees will be required, and the results produced by our departments are an encouraging step toward justifying that support.

Note of Appreciation to Supporters and Staff

We would like to thank The Winnipeg Foundation and M.A.V.L.I. for their support in getting this project off the ground. We also extend our appreciation to the staff in Library Services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services who led the project as well as those behind the scenes who dedicated their time and energy to produce the final product.

Suggest a Video for Captioning

For more information on this project, or to suggest a video for captioning, please contact:

• Charlene Tweed, Supervisor, Library Resource Management
  ctweed@rrc.ca | 204-632-2389
• Jill Patterson, Manager, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
  jpatterson@rrc.ca | 204-632-3092

Bring your lunch and learn a new skill

The Lunch & Learn program has a new website!
Please join us at https://library.rrc.ca/Library-Lunch-Learn or click the Lunch & Learn image on the Library homepage. 

This past year was an exciting one for the Academic Success Centre! You may have noticed a few changes, including our physical move to Library Services. The relocation of tutoring, academic coaching and EAL supports under the umbrella of the Library has served to increase access and create a hive of academic support and resource services at the heart of NDC and EDC.

The move this past year was incremental, with the introduction of writing, stats and math help desks in the Library lobby, and with the gradual build of small and large group tutoring spaces at both campuses. The 2019/2020 academic year will be one of full integration, with all ASC activity located in or near each campus library.

In addition to creating a one-stop-access point for students, ASC and Library staff have begun to collaborate on new projects and services, increasing the power and scope of RRC academic, resource and research supports and services.

And now we are also part of the Library website! We have re-organized the information about our ASC services and learning resources to make the navigation of the content more efficient, while also making seamless connections with Library resources. Check out our new web presence at https://library.rrc.ca/asc.

Wishing you a nice summer time and a great beginning of classes in the Fall!

Please note: In this year’s art contest, unfortunately no entry met the criteria listed. As a result, we have not awarded a prize. We hope for a better outcome next time! (Updated 7 Dec 2015)

October is Canadian Library Month. Show off your artistic talent by creating a Library poster or bookmark!

The poster or bookmark should represent one of our many services such as the Library databases, reference help, etc. (See the guidelines below for complete details). Need ideas? Unsure what we have? Ask our staff! They would be happy to show you anything from how to log into databases to requesting books from Exchange District or Notre Dame Libraries.

Please make your entry colourful, creative, and be sure to include one of our organizational logos: (Library Wordmark Image | Red River College Logo Image) If you can free hand the logo with colored pencils have fun, or dust off Photoshop/Publisher for those with digital wizardry. If going the digital route, make sure anything used conforms with copyright restrictions. In other words, images must either be original or in the public domain.

Keep in mind the winner(s) may find their creation is actually used by the Library for promotional purposes!

Contest Rules/Guidelines

• Open to all students
• Size
  • 11 X 17” full colour poster,
    AND/OR
  • 5 X 8.5”  2-sided, full-colour bookmark
• Topic: pick one of the following themes:
  • Extensive E‐book collection
  • Online Full-text Databases
  • Streaming Videos
  • Great Reference Desk help
    e.g. one-on-one research assistance; tutorials, etc.
  • Library (general ‐ must be specific to the RRC Library)
    e.g.  “Did you know our library offers …”
• Use any media (i.e. coloured pencils, digital media, mulmedia, etc.) and style of art
  MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL ART WORK – NO CLIPART
• Write your name, student numberand email or phone number clearly on the back of your poster or on the envelope for bookmarks.
• All submissions must be turned in to either Library location by:
  4:30 pm on Friday October 30^th, 2015.
• Entries will be judged on:
  1. Quality of work
  2. Creativity
  3. Use of chosen topic
  4. Accuracy and clarity
• Winning artwork and honourable mentions will be displayed in the Library and on our website. They may also be used for future promotions.

Contest frequently asked questions

• How many posters/bookmarks can I enter?
  • One poster, one bookmark (total of 2 entries)
• How big can the poster / bookmark be?
  • Posters are to be 11×17” (tabloid)
  • Bookmarks are to be 2.5×8.5” and should have a front and a back.
• Do I have to use the RRC or Library logos? If so, where can I get them?
  • It’s encouraged. The logos can be downloaded here:
    (Library Wordmark Image | Red River College Logo Image)
• Can my entry be black and white?
  • We prefer full colour – unless your artistic vision says black and white!
• Will I get my project back?
  • We have kept all entries in the past. If you would like your entry returned to you, please say so on the back of the poster or on the bookmark envelope. Please note that winning entries will be kept for some time regardless.
• Can I make a poster on a topic not listed?
  • If it fits within the rules (our decision), then it’s OK.
• Can I ask staff about the different services for more information?
  • Absolutely!
• What goes on my entry?
  • Your name, student number, phone or email. If you want your entry back you should state this as well.
  • Please print clearly. If we can’t read it, we can’t contact you.
  • Information for bookmarks can be put on an envelope so that the original art isn’t damaged.
• Do you have envelopes for posters?
  • Nope, put your information on the back.
• Do you have envelopes for bookmarks?
  • Ask us.
• Does my bookmark need to be printed double-sided?
  • It can be submitted in two parts (front and back) on paper as long as it conforms to the size specified.
• Can I use 3-dimensional media?
  • The winning entries may be reproduced into promotional materials for the library. To do this we need to be able to make copies. 3D may limit our ability to do this at a reasonable cost. We won’t say no, but you should also submit a 2-dimensional print of your entry.
• When does the contest close?
  • Oct 30 at 4:30 – nothing will be accepted after that.
• When will we learn who won/honourable mentions?
  • A week or two after the contest ends.
• Who will judge the contest?
  • Library staff will be the judges.
• What are the prizes?
  • Tim’s card, Red card, or Bookstore credit for $50.
• Do we supply paper? Anything else?
  • Supplies are on you.
• What do you mean by copyrighted material/clipart?
  • Anything that someone else has created – e.g. downloaded from the internet, clip art from MSWord, photocopies, etc. Your entry must contain only original art created by your hand.
• What materials can I use to create a poster?
  • Pencil crayon, pencil, ink, digital media, multimedia, etc.
• Where can I find information on Canadian Library Month?
  • cla.ca

Are you searching EBSCOhost and can’t find an article on the topic you are looking for? Do you have a paper to write for class and don’t know where to start? Are you unable to log into EBSCOhost  or one of our other databases?

For these and many other questions the staff at the Library Information Desk can help you. They are able to answer your questions about library research; including teaching you how to do an effective search and helping you find relevant materials. They can also help you solve problems you may be experiencing with our online resources.

You may stop by either the Notre Dame Campus, or Exchange District Campus Libraries and ask for help in person, or you may contact the staff by phone, email and through the website.

No question will remain unanswered!

Notre Dame Campus

• Website: E-mail Notre Dame Reference Staff (Form)
• Email: library@rrc.ca
• Phone: 204-632-2233

Exchange District Campus

• Website: E-mail Exchange District Campus Reference Staff (Form)
• Email: pscref@rrc.ca
• Phone: 204-949-8371

Red River College Library is so much more than books – and that refers to our collection as well as the helpful and caring staff who are here to assist you. Below is a brief tour of what the Library offers you.

The Library Space

RRC Library spaces at both our Exchange District and Notre Dame campuses have reading areas, study spaces (individual and small group), media viewing areas, computers, printers, copiers, and a scanning station.

All students and staff also have access to the Library’s collections, which include books, e-books, journals, e-journals, databases, DVDs, streaming video, and audiovisual equipment.

Your Username and Password are Key

Your username and password are your log in for all RRC accounts, including College computers, LEARN, WebAdvisor, and online Library resources. If you have questions about your username and password, you may visit the Library Computer Lab (Notre Dame Campus) or the Help Desk (Exchange District Campus) for assistance.

Main Services

Frequent services we offer include:

• finding and using resources of all types
• guidance using media equipment
• assistance with computer applications
• resolving technical issues
• offering directions and referral within the College

Most importantly, we want you to know that you can ask us anything!!! We are here to help!

Visit the Library’s Website

Visit RRC Library on the web! This is your gateway to accessing the Library’s resources. You will also find helpful guides, policy information, and more.

Welcome Window Display

Check out the Notre Dame Campus Library “Welcome” window display, which highlights books to help you succeed in your studies and in life.

RRC Library Welcome Window Display – September 2015

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” said Jojen.

“The man who never reads lives only one.”

―     George R.R. Martin,   A Dance with Dragons

From the Recreational Reading Book – Exchange District Campus Library

At first glance it seems a Recreational Reading Book Exchange located in an academic library might cause some confusion.  There are already books therefore why have a place for potboilers, romances, and fantasy?  Besides already drawing you into the library after noticing book four in A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Marin, why not stay for the crash-course on how to search a database at the reference desk.  It’s not an outlandish idea, in fact many colleges and universities have developed their own leisure reading programs for students.

While Red River finds itself only minutes from the Millennium Library, some students may not be eligible for a library card.  If time is tight, money for students feels even tighter, to the point that $12.99 paperback looks like a splurge.  For others, myself included, it’s a case of books taking up space in personal libraries.  Perhaps it’s time to part with a copy, and hope it ends up as someone’s latest discovery.  The Recreational Reading Book Exchange may fulfill all those needs, and also enhances academic achievement in ways like:

• increase your reading skills
• increase vocabulary
• help your writing skills
• broaden reading horizons and cultural literacy

(-From Library Stocks Up on Leisure Reading, University of Guelph)

Some comfy places to sit
Periodical Reading Room,John and Bonnie Buhler Library, Exchange District Campus

On April 24th the library solicited donations as part of the Red River College EcoFair proving donating gently used books also helps support the environment as well.  However, we take donations year round at both campuses, in any genre, for that one moment a reader wants a break from textbooks for a quick trip to New York, Northern Ontario, or Westeros.

Related Reading

At Your Leisure: Establishing a Popular Reading Collection at UBC Library
by Bailey Diers & Shannon Simpson

Why Your Academic Library Needs a Popular Reading Collection Now More Than Ever
By Pauline Dewan (EBSChost Database-Login Required)