Email This StoryLibraries embrace new technology to reach students
Feb. 28, 2008
By Ashley Killough
Reporter
The Crouch Fine Arts Library recently added new databases to its live streaming music service. With a total of eight databases, students can access hundreds of thousands of tracks from a variety of genres.
"Our library is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.," said Sha Towers, assistant professor of university libraries. "But if it's three in the morning and you really need to get your jazz fix, then those resources are available at all times."
Towers said students can find the databases by typing in "streaming music" in the Electronic Resources Search on the library's Web site. The newest databases include African-American Song and American Song. The libraries also offer the Naxos Music Library Jazz, Smithsonian Global Sound and a contemporary world music database.
"A lot of music libraries are adding these resources, because it's a great way to have access to a tremendous amount of material," Towers said. "It's great for browsing and discovering new music you might not have thought to try out."
Students can listen to the music for free through the library's Web site on or off campus.
"I have used a couple different databases. But in particular, the Naxos database ... is extensive in terms of repertoire, and it offers both standard and relatively obscure works," Spring senior Greg Zychowski said. "For the music enthusiast and for the student, the database is an exceptionally convenient way to experience numerous and diverse compositions."
The streaming music databases mark one more way that libraries and technology converge for ease of accessibility.
"Technology is changing the way that libraries offer services by making it possible to get to materials at any time and place that has computer access," Towers said. "People aren't limited to a specific geographic point."
Last semester, Baylor libraries launched the IM Your Librarian service to facilitate communication with students. With the screen name BaylorLibrarian, a reference desk librarian can answer questions on AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk or a widget located on the library's Web site.
"We're reaching a lot more students," said Ellen Hampton, electronic learning librarian. "People who wouldn't necessarily come up to the reference desk or have never really asked a question before can now do it anonymously."
Hampton said the service received over 400 questions last semester. The library also has a Facebook page to connect with more students.
"I look at the wall all the time, so if someone wants to put a comment on there with a suggestion on how the library can improve, then I will see it," Hampton said.
The library's Facebook page has RSS feeds with library news, discussion boards and links to important library Web sites.
"There's so much about libraries and technology that go hand in hand. The more that we can work together on that, the better services we can provide for students," Hampton said. "We're trying to be as accessible as possible."
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