The "NEW" Steacie Science & Engineering Library!

The "new" Steacie Science & Engineering Library is now open for business! There are many details yet to complete, but already the library has become a very popular place. We are thrilled with the amount of space that we have been able to convert for student study seating. The removal of walls and the relocation of the book shelves have created a spacious and comfortable study environment and learning centre for faculty and students.

As you walk into the library, you are greeted by the circulation desk on the right, reference librarian offices and reference desk on the left, and numerous computer workstations straight ahead that lead into a relaxed seating area for quiet reading and thought. If you want to see what's new in your field (or just sit down for some comfortable reading), this is where you'll find the most recent journal issues.

The stairs, located just behind the reference desk, take you down to the bound journal shelving. There are more study tables there too and computers will be installed soon. There is also a photocopier on this floor.

Back on the main floor, there are five new study rooms for student group work and projects. New features of the Steacie Library will soon include a colour printer, a scanner, and laptops that can be borrowed for in-library use. For those using their own laptop computers, AirYork wireless network access is available in most of the library and there are YorkNet (wired) network connections and electrical outlets at carrels and study tables.

As before, the AGU (American Geophysical Union) online journals, and Science (online version) are available at dedicated computer workstations due to publisher licensing restrictions. We have also designated workstations for SPSS software and ChemSketch to support your assignment requirements. SciFinder Scholar is now available at all Steacie workstations.

Oh yes. We have a brand new computer lab (on the lower floor), shared with Computing and Network Services, where we are running regular library orientation sessions and more detailed research skills workshops on how to use the library catalogue, how to find articles using databases and indexes, critical thinking and other topics. Workshop topics, dates and times are posted at: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/Home/ResearchAndInstruction/AttendLibraryWorkshops.htm.

The librarians at Steacie will be pleased to offer specialized workshops at the request of course instructors. Whether your students need to learn the basics of searching Biological Abstracts, or SciFinder Scholar, or if they are struggling with the advanced features of Medline or CINAHL, call or e-mail your liaison librarian and book a session for your class. It's that easy!

Watch for announcements of our grand opening celebration in November. WELCOME!

<< newsletter home