Unveiling the Treasures Within: A Comprehensive Guide to Missouri State University Library Resources

Missouri State University (MSU) Libraries offer a wealth of resources and services designed to support the academic pursuits of students, faculty, and staff. From traditional books and journals to cutting-edge digital databases and innovative programs, the library system is a dynamic hub of knowledge and discovery. This article delves into the diverse range of resources available, highlighting key services and providing guidance on how to effectively utilize them.

Discovering Hidden Gems: The Kent Krate Experience

For those seeking a curated and engaging experience, the Kent Library offers a unique opportunity to explore a "mystery box" of library materials. The "Kent Krate" is a themed box containing a selection of items chosen specifically for the recipient. Available twice a semester, these crates provide a delightful way to discover new authors, explore different genres, and expand one's intellectual horizons.

Expanding Horizons: Accessing MOBIUS Through Kent Library

The Kent Library proudly announces the availability of MOBIUS, a consortium of libraries, to its students, faculty, and staff. This partnership significantly expands access to a vast collection of resources beyond the MSU library system. Through MOBIUS, users can borrow materials from participating libraries across the state, further enriching their research and learning opportunities. Southeast Missouri State University's students, faculty, and staff now have this wonderful opportunity.

Balancing Parenthood and Academics: The Computer Study Room for Student Parents

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by student parents, Kent Library and Computer Services provide a dedicated computer study room. This space allows student parents to work on their studies while being accompanied by their children, creating a supportive and conducive environment for academic success.

Minimizing Costs, Maximizing Access: Embracing Open Educational Resources

MSU Libraries are committed to reducing the financial burden on students by promoting the use of open educational resources (OER). While true OER are openly licensed and freely shareable, the library encourages the use of a wider range of cost-effective alternatives, including library resources and freely available web resources. By leveraging these resources, students can access high-quality learning materials without incurring significant expenses.

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Navigating the Information Landscape: Liaison Librarian Support

Finding the right resources within the vast library databases or online can be a daunting task. To assist users in their research endeavors, MSU Libraries provide access to liaison librarians. These subject matter experts offer personalized guidance on locating relevant materials, developing effective search strategies, and navigating the complexities of information retrieval. Contacting a liaison librarian can significantly streamline the research process and ensure access to the most pertinent resources.

Copyright Considerations: Providing Access to Articles Effectively

Instructors play a crucial role in making articles available to their students. However, it's essential to be aware of copyright regulations when sharing copyrighted materials. Downloading copies of articles from Missouri State University Libraries' databases and then uploading them to Blackboard may constitute copyright infringement. A more appropriate and legally sound approach is to provide students with persistent links (permalinks) to the articles within the library databases. This ensures compliance with copyright law while providing students with seamless access to the required readings.

Enhancing Learning with Multimedia: Streaming Media Resources

MSU Libraries offer access to several video databases that facilitate the integration of video content into Blackboard courses. These databases provide a wealth of educational videos that can enhance student engagement and understanding. The Streaming Media subject guide offers detailed information on these resources, enabling instructors to effectively incorporate multimedia into their teaching.

Fair Use Guidelines: Photocopying and Permissions

When photocopying chapters and articles, it's crucial to adhere to fair use guidelines. Photocopied materials should ideally be used for only one semester. Using the same photocopied materials multiple times necessitates obtaining permission from the publisher. Additionally, when photocopying from a book, it's generally permissible to copy no more than 10% of the entire work without seeking permission.

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