McNeese Library Reference Department

Reference Department Handbook

Introduction | Library & Information Instruction | Wireless Internet

 E-Mail Reference | Instant Messaging Reference Service | Meet the Staff

INTRODUCTION

Reference Department personnel provide a variety of services, including assisting patrons in the use of print and electronic resources, providing tours and library instruction classes, and conducting searches of specialized online databases.

The Reference Department houses general and subject-specific materials including encyclopedias, bibliographies, atlases, and dictionaries. The collection also includes telephone directories, college catalogs, and book review indexes, as well as other tools which embrace many academic disciplines.

In addition to computerized indexes, computer terminals are also located in the Reference Department that are available for information and research needs of library users.

For further information, phone 337-475-5725.

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LIBRARY & INFORMATION INSTRUCTION (LI²)
 

Frazar Memorial Library's program of library instruction is designed to introduce students to sources and strategies needed to conduct effective research. Emphasis is given to basic strategies that can be applied to various resources. Both undergraduate and graduate classes are welcome.

Classes are generally held in Meeting Room A. Equipped with many computers and a projection unit, this setting allows students hands-on instruction in the use of electronic information resources. Students will also be introduced to information literacy skills necessary in evaluating sources of information for relevance, reliability, and objectivity.

Topics covered include:
1. An introduction to library services and collections
2. Using the online catalog to locate books
3. Using databases to find articles

Classes should be scheduled as far in advance as possible. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to attend with their students. To schedule a class, contact the reference department at 475-5725, or complete the instruction online request form.

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WIRELESS INTERNET

The wireless network is available throughout the library. Enable your laptop to the wireless network by following these directions: 

For PCs:

Visual tutorial for steps 1-5: http://ns.mcneese.edu/wireless/win.html

1.      Click on the “Start” button.

2.      Click on "Run" and in the Run dialog box, type in “command” and click OK.

3.      At the command prompt, type “ipconfig /all” (without the quotation marks) and press enter.

4.      Under the settings for the “Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection”, you will see your MAC address listed by “Physical Address.” (For example: 00-40-96-A6-D8-65)

5.      Write this number down.

6.      Go to:  http://ns.mcneese.edu/wireless/

7.      Fill out the form.  Where it says “Mac Address,” and has six small boxes separated by dashes, type in the number you wrote down in the previous steps.

8.      Then click submit.

9.      You are finished! You will receive an email confirmation with additional information shortly. It takes 24 hrs before your computer is connected to the network.

To access the wireless network from your laptop, enter the SSID: McNeeseAIR (case-sensitive). The WEP is: None (There is no encryption).

For Macs:

1. Open 'System Preferences' and select Network. 

2. Pick a location and specify the interface whose MAC address is desired in the                    Show: drop down list.

OR

   For Built-in Ethernet, select the Ethernet tab. 

1.      Look for the Airport ID address labeled 'Ethernet ID'. 

2.      Write this number down.

3.      Go to: http://ns.mcneese.edu/wireless/

4.      Fill out the form. Where it says "Mac Address," and has six small boxes separated by dashes, type in the number you wrote down in the previous steps.

5.      Then click submit.

6.      You are finished! You will receive an email confirmation with additional information shortly.

     It takes 24 hrs before your computer is connected to the network.

To access the wireless network from your laptop, enter the SSID: McNeeseAIR (case-sensitive). The WEP is: None (There is no encryption).

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E-MAIL REFERENCE

Reference questions, informational requests, or suggestions may be e-mailed directly to the

Reference Department.

We will be happy to answer brief informational questions. For detailed inquiries, phone 475-5725 or

come to the Reference Desk in person.

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INSTANT MESSAGING REFERENCE SERVICE

Use your favorite Instant Messenger to chat live with a McNeese librarian! Just add our screen name to your buddy list to start chatting.

Screen name on AIM, Yahoo IM, and MSN IM: McNeeseLibrarian

Chat with us live on the library homepage! Our Meebo screen name is: McNeese_Reference

The McNeese Library provides reference assistance using three instant messaging programs: AIM, Yahoo, and MSN. Once you ask a question, the librarian can guide you in your research or help you find quickly-located factual information.

When classes are in session, this service operates:

If you are unable to reach a librarian during the hours of service, or if you need assistance at another time, please stop by or call the reference desk at (337) 475-5725.

IM Reference Service Policy

The library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone sending harassing, threatening, or otherwise abusive messages. Any screen names that send IMs containing obscene language or that are harassing will be blocked.

IM Reference is part of our regular reference service, which includes in-person and telephone reference services. Sometimes we might be answering all kinds of questions at the same time, so please be patient. Questions are answered in the order they are received.

Please note that your online reference interaction may be logged for quality assurance but all identifying information and screen names will be removed.

IM Reference Service FAQ

What is Instant Messaging?
 

Instant Messaging is a form of electronic communication that uses software such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger to exchange text-based messages between two or more people in real-time.

Where can I get instant messaging software?
 

There are many options to choose from but the McNeese Library Instant Messaging Reference Service supports the following free applications:

           AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 

           Yahoo! Messenger

            MSN Messenger

What is a screen name?

A screen name is a name that you choose to identify yourself when instant messaging with others. You will need to establish a screen name with one of the supported Instant Messaging services before logging in and chatting with a librarian.

• AIM Screen Name

• Yahoo! ID

• MSN .Net Passport

Can I chat if the computer I am using does not have Instant Messaging software installed?

Yes, if you are using a computer that does not have instant messaging software installed, you can log in to the web-based version.

• AIM Express

• Yahoo Web Messenger

• MSN Web Messenger

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MEET THE STAFF

Jessica Hutchings, M.L.I.S.

Department Head of Reference & Assistant Professor jhutchings@mcneese.edu

B.A. in English Education, University of Oklahoma, 2001.

Master's in Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma, 2004.

Reference Librarian at McNeese since March 2005 and Dept. Head since April 2006.

Interests: Information literacy instruction, reading, running, sailing, and visiting friends who

live all over the country. She is currently working on her MBA at McNeese.

Walt Fontane, M.L.S.

Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor

wfontane@mcneese.edu

B.A. in History, Truman State University, 2001.

Master's in History, SUNY - Binghamton, 2003.  Master's in Library

 Science,  University of Missouri - Columbia, 2006. 

Reference Librarian  at McNeese June  2006 - present.

Interests: Improving society (and the library), Conserving the environment, Animal welfare,

Integrating Yoda into the  curriculum, Web 2.0, History, and Library science in moderation. 

Josh Finnell, M.L.I.S.

Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor

jfinnell@mcneese.edu

B.A. in Philosophy, Washington University in St. Louis, 2002.

M.L.A. in Religious Studies, Washington University in St. Louis, 2006.

M.L.I.S Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, 2007.

Reference Librarian at McNeese September 2006 - present.

Interests: Philosophy of Science, Open Content Alliance, Academic Film Archive of North America,

book conservation and repair, bicycles, running, music, tennis, and fantasy football.

Ellen Robinson

Library Specialist 2

erobins@mcneese.edu

Honors graduate from McNeese with a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Economics.

Has been at McNeese for over 20 years.

Interests: American Indian history and culture, animal behavior and conservation,

studying the problems of poverty, the welfare and well-being of children, reading,

gardening, birds, cartoons and daily comic strips, cooking, and listening to music.

Barbara (Barbie) Houssiere, M.L.I.S.

Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor

bhoussie@mcneese.edu

B.A. from Chapman College in Orange, CA, focusing on ceramics and earth sciences.

Masters of Library and Information Science from LSU in Baton Rouge.

Interests: Enjoys being a Reference Librarian, not only because one never knows

into which realm one might go, but because there's always a sense of mystery

about the process. A daily joy is watching the Contraband Bayou wind its way past MSU Library and

under the bridge, bringing huge turtles, jumping fish, and birds almost close enough to touch.

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This page last updated on March 27, 2008 .