Posts by: Amy LaVertu
Now that you’re back, you might have questions or need a hand with a research project or using the library. How do you get help if you need it? Look no further! In this brief post we’re going to tell the many ways that you can get help when you need it!
Need help right now, in-person?
If you have a question and want to receive in-person help, just stop by the 4th floor help desk and ask to speak to the on-call librarian. During staffed hours at the library, there is always an on-call librarian to give you a hand. Trust us on this – if you ask for the on-call librarian at the 4th floor desk- you are NOT bothering anybody! That’s what the on-call librarian is there for!
Need help right now, not in-person?
If you have a ( not too complicated) question and are not in the library, you can use the “Chat with Us” feature on our “Ask Us” (https://hirshlibrary.tufts.edu/research/ask-us) page. The “Chat with Us” feature allows you to connect with library in real-time during staffed hours at the library. Besides the “Chat with Us” feature, you can also email us at anytime at: hhsl@tufts.edu and we will return you email as soon as we can.
What to schedule a time to speak with the librarian assigned to your school/program/department?
If you want to schedule a time to meet with the librarian assigned to your particular school/program/department, you can use our “Find a Librarian” (https://hirshlibrary.tufts.edu/research/liaison-program) to locate the librarian liaison that is just right for you. Your librarian liaison can help you with: systematic reviews, purchase recommendations, creating links to library resources from Canvas or websites, assistance with specialized tools and services. Your librarian liaison will have a “Schedule an appointment” icon on their profile and you can select a time and day that works for you.
What to schedule a workshop for a group to learn more about a resource or skill?
Is there someone that you and a group of your colleagues would like to learn? Just fill out the Workshops on Demand form (https://hirshlibrary.tufts.edu/services/open-workshops/workshops-on-demand) and we will be in touch to set up your custom workshop. Workshops on Demand can be scheduled M-F between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm, depending on the availability of librarians, and we can conduct them via Zoom as well for those off-campus. Of course, if you would like a one-on-one instruction session with a librarian, we can set that up too. Just contact us at hhsl@tufts.edu.
Autumn leaves, photo by A. LaVertu, 2021
Chilly nights and pumpkin spice have nothing on Fall Workshops@Hirsh! Now is the time to start pulling out those sweaters – and – to sharpen your research skills for the Fall semester! We can’t wait to see you!
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays from 12noon-1pm via Zoom. Registration for workshops is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop. Please note that workshops are open to only Tufts-affiliated individuals.
Title: Approaching the Lit Review
Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156281?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, students will learn how to approach the literature review. Topics covered include database selection, devising effective search techniques, limiting articles to relevant study-types, and tools for keeping track of results.
Title: Plagiarism, Citing Information, Turnitin – Oh my!
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156285?hs=a
Description:
Questions about plagiarism, citing references and accessing Turnitin are the most frequently asked at Hirsh Library! Perhaps you have nagging questions about how to avoid accidental plagiarism or how to cite that weird reference? Come to this open workshop to get some answers, and make your research life, a little easier (or at least, a little less scary!).
Title: JumboSearch
Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156354?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, you will learn how to use JumboSearch, Tufts Libraries’ discovery tool. JumboSearch is your gateway to full-text articles, books, theses and dissertations, videos, music, images, and more!
Title: PubMed: An Introduction
Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156265?hs=a
Description:
This workshop will introduce you to PubMed, the world’s premiere biomedical literature database. We will review the content of this database, planning and executing a search strategy, narrowing search results, finding full-text, and exporting results to a citation management program.
Title: Beyond PubMed
Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156419?hs=a
Description:
Have you tried out your search on PubMed and are wondering if there’s something more? Did you get the advice you need to try another database in addition to PubMed and aren’t sure where to go next? Are you curious about what the most cited article is for your question? Do you want to know who has cited the articles you’ve selected so far?
While PubMed covers the biomedical sciences thoroughly, there are many other databases that cover all of the Sciences and Social Sciences broadly. This workshop will introduce you to resources beyond PubMed that will enrich your research.
Title: EndNote: the Basics
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156273?hs=a
Description:
This one-hour session will introduce you to the basics of using the citation management program EndNote. EndNote allows you to create a library of references, attach and read PDFs, and generate in-text citations and bibliographies in Word documents. This session is for beginners – no previous experience required!
Title: Open Access Week: Where to Publish Open Access
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156376?hs=a
Description:
October 25-31 will be Open Access Week. In celebration, participate in our workshop to learn more about finding open access journals to publish your work in. We’ll talk about some general tips for finding suitable journals, as well as specifically how to find appropriate open access publishing opportunities.
Title: Zotero: the Basics
Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156311?hs=a
Description:
This session will introduce you to Zotero, a free citation management tool. With Zotero, you can:
- collect references from web sites via your browser of choice
- drag and drop PDFs to create references
- generate in-text citations and bibliographies in Word documents
This session is for beginners – no previous experience required!
Title: Essentials of Data Management
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156301?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, we will review best practices for naming, organizing, storing, depositing your research data, and creating a Data Management Plan. Managing your data before you begin your research and throughout its life cycle is essential to ensure its current usability and long-run preservation and access. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop.
Title: Research Metrics
Date: Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8156421?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, we will show you how to find the number of times an article has been cited, create a citation report for a set of articles or an author, and compare citation statistics for authors, journals or articles in a particular field. We will also discuss emerging metrics (‘altmetrics’), such as the number of times an article has been viewed or downloaded. Finally, we will show you how to choose the right journal for your manuscript.
Photo by A. LaVertu, 2021
The sun setting earlier, and the cooler mornings are hints of autumn. Do you know what else is? Workshops@Hirsh!
August’s Workshops@Hirsh are a perfect opportunity to ‘dip your toes’ into the academic year ahead! This month’s workshops focus on introducing you to essential resources to help you get the academic year off on the right foot!
August workshops will be held on Tuesdays from 12noon-1pm via Zoom. Registration for workshops is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop. Please note that workshops are open to only Tufts-affiliated individuals.
Hirsh Library Web Site: The Grand Tour!
Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8118467?hs=a
This workshop will introduce you to the Hirsh Library’s web site and how to get the most out of the wealth of resources it contains!
Citation Management Tools: An Overview
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8118766?hs=a
This workshop will provide an overview of the advantages of using citation management tools to organize both your references – and – your research. This workshop will feature Zotero as an example of how citation management tools can improve the research process.
Tools for Managing Your Writing
Date: Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/8118783?hs=a
In this workshop you will learn how to use library resources and tools to manage your writing from conception to publication. Resources covered include making effective use of citation management tools, databases to find journal impact factors, suggested apps, guidelines, and tips to keep track of your research.
Beginning at sundown this Wednesday, (May 12) is one of the most joyous holidays in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr! Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated around the world with family and friends, sumptuous feasts and fireworks. The Hirsh Health Sciences Library sends out best wishes for a wonderful Eid al-Fitr! Eid Mubarak!
https://www.techicy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Eid-Mubarak-HD-Images-Wallpapers-free-Download-2.jpg
Want to learn more about Eid Al-Fitr? Looking for some dishes to contribute to your feast? Check out the fabulous links below:
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated around the world? (BBC)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4cmkmn
38 Ramadan Recipes for Your Eid Feast (Saveur)
https://www.saveur.com/ramadan-eid-recipes/
https://pixabay.com/en/fruit-fruits-fruit-salad-frisch-2305192/
Did you know that this month is National Nutrition Month? While March is soon to be a memory, there’s still a couple of days left to celebrate. National Nutrition Month ” is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits” (https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month).
There’s *always* a good time to start taking steps towards a healthier diet! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ web site has a wealth of information to get you started on the path of healthier eating. A great starting place is their “Food” resource site: https://www.eatright.org/food, which will walk you through the fundamentals of a healthy diet and how to plan and budget for healthier means.
So, how should you celebrate National Nutrition Month? Go and eat something – something healthy!
Don’t be fooled! This April’s Workshops@Hirsh are just what you need to spring forward with new skills!
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon-1pm and will via Zoom. Registration for workshops is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop. Please note that workshops are open to only Tufts-affiliated individuals.
PubMed: An Introduction
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643442?hs=a
Description:
This workshop will introduce you to PubMed, the world’s premiere biomedical literature database. We will review the content of this database, planning and executing a search strategy, narrowing search results, finding full-text, and exporting results to a citation management program.
EndNote: the Basics
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643443?hs=a
Description:
This one-hour session will introduce you to the basics of using the citation management program EndNote. EndNote allows you to create a library of references, attach and read PDFs, and generate in-text citations and bibliographies in Word documents. This session is for beginners – no previous experience required!
EndNote: Advanced
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643445?hs=a
Description:
This one-hour session explores more advanced features of EndNote. During this session we will discuss using EndNote to create figures with captions, how to find updated citation information for records already in EndNote, how to modify output styles and more.
Approaching the Lit Review
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643448?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, students will learn how to approach the literature review. Topics covered include database selection, devising effective search techniques, limiting articles to relevant study-types, and tools for keeping track of results.
Personalizing PubMed: Getting the most out of an NCBI account
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643449?hs=a
Description:
PubMed’s free personal account, currently called “My NCBI,” provides a convenient way to manage searches, organize citations, save search settings, and more. This workshop will walk through ways to optimize your PubMed experience using this account, as well as discuss some changes on the horizon.
How to Read a Paper
Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643453?hs=a
Description:
Understanding a study is an essential first step before critical appraisal. In this workshop, attendees will learn strategies to efficiently read and understand an academic research paper in the health sciences.
Introduction to Critical Appraisal
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7643456?hs=a
Description:
Are you struggling to get the most out of articles? Stymied by statistics? Confused by conclusions? Misled by methods? If so, this workshop is for you! Join us for a painless introduction to Critical Appraisal. We’ll go over the basics of reading research articles, offer some tips for teasing out the strengths and weaknesses of studies, and share some user-friendly resources for breaking down statistical analysis.
Congratulations on your match, Class of 2021! We can’t wait to find out where you’ll be heading off to next. While we’re sad we can’t celebrate with you in person (with cake) today, we are there with you in spirit and will be following along on Instagram!
For those of you not in the know, Match Day is an annual event that began in 1952 where medical students learn where they will go for their residency program. In short, it is the culmination of years of dedicated work!
Snow is melting, bird are singing, mud is everywhere and you are…learning something new! Now is the time to freshen up some skills and maybe gain a few new ones, too!
In addition to our regularly scheduled workshops, a special workshop, Writing Personal Statements, will be presented by the Health Sciences Writing Consultants on Monday, March 15th from 11am-12pm (description below).
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon-1pm and will via Zoom **unless otherwise stated**. Registration for workshops is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop.
Essentials of Data Management
Date: Thursday, March 4, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577043?hs=a
Description:
In this workshop, we will review best practices for naming, organizing, storing, depositing your research data, and creating a Data Management Plan. Managing your data before you begin your research and throughout its life cycle is essential to ensure its current usability and long-run preservation and access.
PubMed: An Introduction
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577047?hs=a
Description:
This workshop will introduce you to PubMed, the world’s premiere biomedical literature database. We will review the content of this database, planning and executing a search strategy, narrowing search results, finding full-text, and exporting results to a citation management program.
EndNote: the Basics
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577045?hs=a
Description:
This one-hour session will introduce you to the basics of using the citation management program EndNote. EndNote allows you to create a library of references, attach and read PDFs, and generate in-text citations and bibliographies in Word documents. This session is for beginners – no previous experience required!
***Special Event***
Writing Personal Statements
Date: Monday, March 15, 2021
Time: 11:0apm – 12:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7524356
Description: Join us for a special workshop with Christine Smith, MS, RD, a Health Sciences Writing Consultant on the Boston Campus, adjunct lecturer at the Friedman School and former Senior Editor of the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. Christine will provide advice on writing personal statements, as well as her top writing tips. We will also share resources on application writing and interviewing.
EndNote: Advanced
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577049?hs=a
Description:
This one-hour session explores more advanced features of EndNote. During this session we will discuss using EndNote to create figures with captions, how to find updated citation information for records already in EndNote, how to modify output styles and more.
Foreign Language Apps and Resources
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577052?hs=a
Description:
Did you know that Tufts University students, faculty, and staff have access to Mango Languages, free of charge? Depending on your learning style there are many other free (and paid) resources available to you learn a new language in 15-30 mins each day! This workshop will demo popular language learning apps (such as DuoLingo, Mango Languages, and Babbel) and share additional language apps and resources, according to your needs, costs, preferences, and learning style.
What comes after PubMed? Try Scopus!
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577054?hs=a
Description:Have you tried out your search on PubMed and are wondering if there’s something more? Did you get the advice you need to try another database in addition to PubMed and aren’t sure where to go next? Are you curious about what the most cited article is for your question? Do you want to know who has cited the articles you’ve selected so far? All of these are reasons to try Scopus next!
Systematic Reviews: Laying the Groundwork
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7577055?hs=a
Description:
Come to this workshop to learn about systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other types of high-level research reviews. We will discuss topics such as the elements of a systematic review, protocols, resources, timelines, and suggested databases.
February is short (and hopefully, sweet) month, so take advantage of this month’s workshops while you can! if you haven’t had the chance, come take a look at this month’s workshops, register for one (or two or three , and learn! Many of this month’s workshops are geared towards helping you with research intensive projects, such as ALEs, Capstones and theses.
Workshops will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon-1pm and will via Zoom. Registration for workshops is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent to registrants one hour prior to the start time of the Workshop.
Web of Science: An Introduction
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7450699?hs=a
Cross disciplinary subject? Not sure of where to go after you search PubMed? Web of Science may become your favorite database! We will learn how to use Web of Science to show how finding one good article on a topic can lead to other articles on the same thing as well as how to find out who is also working on your topic of interest.
Plagiarism, Citing Information, Turnitin – Oh my!
Thursday, February 11, 2021
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7450271?hs=a
Questions about plagiarism, citing references and accessing Turnitin are the most frequently asked at Hirsh Library! Perhaps you have nagging questions about how to avoid accidental plagiarism or how to cite that weird reference? Come to this open workshop to get some answers, and make your research life, a little easier (or at least, a little less scary!).
Boost Your Research Impact
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7505694
In this workshop, we’ll walk through some effective strategies to increase the discoverability, visibility, and accessibility of your scholarly output. In particular, we will cover how to build your scholarly identity, maximize the accessibility of your research through your publication decisions, and grow your digital visibility.
Tools for Managing Your Writing
Thursday, February 18, 2021
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7501761?hs=a
In this workshop you will learn how to use library resources and tools to manage your writing from conception to publication. Resources covered include making effective use of citation management tools, databases to find journal impact factors, suggested apps, guidelines, and tips to keep track of your research.
PubMed: An Introduction
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7451462?hs=a
This workshop will introduce you to PubMed, the world’s premiere biomedical literature database. We will review the content of this database, planning and executing a search strategy, narrowing search results, finding full-text, and exporting results to a citation management program.
Copyright & Your Thesis
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Register: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/7451490?hs=a
This workshop will provide guidance navigating the various copyright questions and decisions that come up during the capstone, thesis, or dissertation process regarding your rights and the rights of others. Whether you are including other people’s content, such as adapting graphs or images, reusing some of your own work, or publishing all or part of your manuscript before or after submitting, there are copyright considerations that can seem challenging and daunting to address. We’re here to help!
Have you ever used JumboSearch? Do you want to make it better? TUFTS’ LIBRARIES NEED YOU!
Please complete this form http://go.tufts.edu/JumboSearchUsability to volunteer to be placed in a pool for usability testing with Tufts Libraries. This form must be completed by February 8th!
If you are selected from the pool as a participant, you will be asked to commit to a 30-minute session. During this session, you will be asked to complete a series of four (4) tasks using the library catalog and answer follow-up questions based on your experience completing these tasks.
Participants who complete a session will receive an electronic gift card ($20).
Testing will be conducted virtually, and participants must have use of a computer (laptop or desktop) at their location.
Please contact Amanda Nevius (Amanda.Nevius@tufts.edu), Research and Instruction Librarian at Hirsh Health Sciences Library, with any questions.
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Load More...How will the COVID pandemic end? https://theconversation.com/how-will-the-covid-pandemic-end-167244?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=bylinetwitterbutton via @ConversationUK
This episode of "Let’s Meet Where We Eat" features Amy Wu, (@amyhwu) Founder & Chief Content Director, From Farms to Incubators. Presented by Nourish Café and Tufts’ Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute: https://bit.ly/2Vm3jrS
It is world Alzheimer's month and with the support of a grant from @NIH, researchers with @TuftsMedSchool and @TuftsEngineer are using bioengineered “mini brains” made of neurons on a silk-collagen scaffold to study Alzheimer’s disease. http://ow.ly/UCx650GbfCk
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