Library Notes
Volume 14, #1
Spring 2003
Library Systems (Notes from the Units cont.)
by Scott WhiteAs noted in a previous article (p.5), the Library has obtained over 40 laptops for student and faculty use. Through Student Technology Fee money, we have received new computer equipment in our labs, upgrades to our public terminals, and additional computers for walk-in use.
Working closely with members of the Information Technology division and Facilities Design & Construction, we developed a plan that accommodated the increasing technology needs of LaGuardia students and faculty and still maintained quiet study areas in the library for students to use during the semester. Networked public use scanners and high speed printers have been installed, and each computer has word processing, spreadsheet and web design software. All involved believe that improved access to technology is important for students as they are required to complete more assignments using computer applications.
Since the installation of the new computers, students have been lining up to use them. While there have been some growing pains because of the large infusion of new technology in the library, it is apparent that students have been pleased with the availability of new technology, and have made good use of the computers.
|
Ask the Librarian
by Scott White
Turnitin.com
The problem of plagiarism has seemed to explode over the last few years. Lou Bloomfield, a professor of physics at the University of Virginia, created a computer program to detect similar phrases in student papers submitted to his Introductory Physics course. The result of his investigation was that over 40 students were dismissed from the University of Virginia in the Spring 2001 semester, and several students who had already graduated were required to return to the University to complete the course.
At our College, as on most campuses across America, the problem of plagiarism has become a much discussed topic. A combination of readily available electronic sources, tremendous time pressures on students and an overwhelmed faculty have all contributed to the explosion of this problem. At the LaGuardia Library, we think we have something that can help.
Turnitin.com is a web-based plagiarism detection software program that faculty can use to check student's papers to see if they have plagiarized from online sources.
Turnitin.com is able to search web pages, electronic full-text databases, and the "paper mill" sites that are used by students to download papers to copy and hand in for assignments. It is a viable service that could help students overcome the temptation to plagiarize their papers, and open them up to other possibilities for learning.
If used correctly, Turnitin.com could become a deterrent for a problem that has been discussed throughout the academic departments. As students become more aware that faculty can easily detect plagiarism using online resources, faculty will then have the opportunity to educate students about how to conduct proper research, how to think critically about their studies and obtain information literacy skills that will encourage lifelong learning.
The service will make faculty more confident to confront students about their plagiarizing because it arms them with solid proof of the student's activities. The goal is to eradicate the problems of using online sources to plagiarize materials.
(Continued on page 8)
|
Monday to Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM Other times by appointment. Please call x5434 |
|
|
|