LibConnect March 2017

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From the Desk of Gulcin Cribb University Librarian
		In 2016, SMU had one library, Li Ka Shing Library. Since January 2017, the new Kwa Geok Choo Law Library has opened its doors to the SMU community. The Kwa Geok Choo Law Library has been in the making for over five years. This new Library provides services to the entire SMU community, but its printed collection is law focused. We were proud to have the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially open the Kwa Geok Choo Law Library on 15th March 2017. This was a very special occasion as the Library is named after his late mother, Madam Kwa Geok Choo, a prominent lawyer in Singapore. SMU Libraries are continuing in its endeavours to enhance both physical and virtual spaces, services and resources augmented with its expert staff. SMU librarians have a very diverse range of qualifications, eight with engineering degrees, two with law, one with accounting, many others with computer science, business, economics, communication, humanities and biological sciences degrees. All librarians hold master’s degrees in library and information science. With such a talented team of librarians, SMU Libraries have been adding value to SMU’s teaching, learning, research and community activities at many levels and in a wide range of areas. Some of the examples are collaboration with faculty in the areas of curriculum enhancement, teaching and research resources, research publications, citation analysis, research data management, publishing, copyright, book launches and author talks and teaching students critical literacy and research skills amongst others. Looking forward to many more exciting and fulfilling opportunities to collaborate with faculty, staff, students and external community. Best wishes, Gulcin Cribb

		Facility Highlights @ Kwa Geok Choo Law Library The Kwa Geok Choo Law Library caters to the latest innovations in teaching and learning. These are some of the facilities you can enjoy: Wireless Projection Facilities – All project rooms in KGC Law Library have wireless projection capabilities that can support Windows and Mac as well as most mobile devices. Users who are logged into the SMU wireless network will be able to project or share their content simultaneously (up to 4 devices) on the 48-inch HD display in the project rooms without the need for additional VGA or HDMI cables. Self-Check Machines with integrated DVD unlocker – The self-checkout machines, in addition to issuing of loans, also help borrowers to check the availability of their reserved items as well as view their account and any outstanding fine amounts. Coming soon – the ability to pay fines at the self-check machines directly using NETS or EZLink Card. Tablets for Search – Users can check availability and location of physical items using the wall-mounted tablets available in the course reserves area and level 4 collections area.

		Check for Access to Journals with Proxify Bookmark Wondering if the Library subscribes to a certain journal or database? Verify it at the click of a button. Watch this video to learn how.

		Fake News: How Not to Get Duped The recent mass media coverage of fake news warrants a call for critical thinking. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) recently published a simple infographic to help you be more discerning. If you are unsure about the credibility of news and information, talk with your Research Librarian who have expertise in the evaluation of information.

		2016 New York Times "Word (World) of Yours" Writing Competition The library hosted a tea reception on 7 March for participants of the 2016 New York Times Writing Competition, where certificates were presented to SMU students. The topic for the 2016 edition of the annual writing competition was "Global Youth", and essays submitted were assessed by editors of the New York Times. In the Universities category, Year 4 Law student Chow Zi En was runner up and received an Amazon gift card and trophy. 14 other SMU students received certificates of participation. Read the essays by Zi En and other students on InK, SMU's institutional repository. To take part in the 2017 edition, click here.

		We are pleased to be your panacea! "Hi librarians! Great job! You guys make coming back to school less painful. Love your enthusiasm! Thanks!" － Grateful Student 93
		New Library Staff
Rebecca Maniates		Rebecca is the new Research Librarian, Social Sciences. A primary focus of her role is to support the teaching, learning and research initiatives of the School of Social Sciences. In her free time, Rebecca is an avid cook, enjoys mystery novels and loves exploring Singapore’s Hawker centres with her husband. Should you need any assistance with research in the Social Sciences, contact Rebecca.

Elizabeth Naumczyk		Elizabeth Naumczyk is the Head of the newly opened Kwa Geok Choo Law Library where she leads the law library team in the provision of library services to the School of Law and the wider SMU community. She has been involved in the establishment of three law libraries (Bond and Griffith universities) both nationally and internationally (the International Criminal Court in The Hague). She came to SMU after spending 13 years in The Hague where she also participated as was a volunteer Associate Editor for Diplomat Magazine reporting on local diplomatic and academic events. She enjoys travel, meeting new people and learning about other cultures through membership of cultural clubs.

Chai Yee Xin		Yee Xin is a fresh graduate entering the library field for the first time. She provides research support for the School of Law and the SMU community as a whole. Yee Xin has an interest in legal research in particular and possesses an LLB degree. Born in Malaysia, she grew up in Brunei and enjoys writing short stories, entomology and long walks on the beach.