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Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Featured Databases: MRI-Simmons Catalyst

March 26th, 2024

Parrish Library’s Featured Databases series will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of Purdue Libraries’ subscription resources. This edition will feature MRI-Simmons Catalyst, brought to you by MRI-Simmons.

Focus

MRI-Simmons Catalyst contains demographic, lifestyle, product and brand usage, and advertising media preferences reported by a sample of over 25,000 US consumers.

Access

The List of Business Databases is an alphabetical list of databases filtered to those most applicable to business, entrepreneurship, and hospitality and tourism management programs of study.

Tutorial

Click Getting Started with MRI-Simmons Catalyst to watch the basics of using this database.

Related Resources
  • Sage Data contains standardized statistical datasets from more than 550 sources with over 2 billion data points including US and international government providers.
  • SimplyAnalytics provides web-based mapping, analytics and data visualization of demographic variables, psychographic variables, and business locations.

Featured Database comes to you from the Roland G. Parrish Library of Management & Economics. If you would like more information about this database, or if you would like a demonstration of it for a class, contact parrlib@purdue.edu.

Want to see a specific database promoted in an upcoming edition? Send an email to parrlib@purdue.edu and we will gladly promote it.


How to Get Your Book Published: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices in Publishing

March 25th, 2024

How to Get Your Book Published: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices in Publishing

Wednesday, April 17 | 2:00–3:00 PM | STEW 311

This event is free and open to the campus community. Please register today.

First-time authors often describe academic publishing as a “black box.” Join us for an engaging session with Justin Race, director of Purdue University Press that will empower you on your academic publishing journey. This session aims to demystify the academic publishing process and provide valuable insights for faculty and graduate students looking to publish their work.

You will learn about:

  • Choosing the Right Publisher
  • Crafting a Compelling Book Proposal
  • Preparing for Peer Review
  • Successful Book Promotion
  • Interactive Q&A: Get your burning questions answered

Why Attend:
Learn from an expert with a wealth of experience in academic publishing. Gain insights to enhance your academic publishing journey, and build a successful author-editor relationship.

About the Speaker:
Justin Race is the director of Purdue University Press, and oversees a publishing program of 25 new books and 16 journals each year in addition to heading the scholarly publishing services division. Prior to joining Purdue, he was director of the University of Nevada Press. He got his start in 2010 as an acquisitions editor with Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Group. In his 14-year career he has acquired books in a multitude of fields, from fiction and memoir to engineering and astronautics. Learn more about the press.

If you have any questions or require further information, please email Mandi Gramelspacher, Libraries and School of Information Studies.


A Celebration of Books

March 25th, 2024

A Celebration of Books

Monday, April 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Cornerstone Reading Room, on the first floor of HSSE Library


We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of Purdue faculty members who have dedicated their time and expertise to the publication of scholarly books during this academic year. 

Publishing is an important form of scholarship and we wish to honor those who have taken on this extraordinary effort. Please take a moment to review the compilation of published books created by Purdue faculty members, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and scholarly rigor in producing a diverse array of books spanning various disciplines and topics. From groundbreaking research monographs to insightful treatises, their contributions have advanced knowledge, inspired critical thinking, and fostered intellectual growth within our academic community and beyond. 

Brief remarks will begin at 4:30 PM. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday, April 10.

If you have any questions or require further information, please email Mandi Gramelspacher, Libraries and School of Information Studies.


Featured Databases: Morningstar Investing Center

March 5th, 2024

Parrish Library’s Featured Databases will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of Purdue Libraries’ subscription resources. This edition will feature Morningstar Investing Center, brought to you by Morningstar, Inc.

Focus

Morningstar Investing Center contains information on 20,000 stocks and mutual funds, allows screening using a variety of criteria, and provides access to Morningstar Ratings and analyst reports.

Please note that this database has a five concurrent user limit, so it is important to log off when you are finished using the database.

Access

The List of Business Databases is an alphabetical list of databases filtered to those most applicable to business, entrepreneurship, and hospitality and tourism management programs of study.

Tutorial

Click Getting Started with Morningstar Investing Center to watch the basics of using this database.

Related Resources
  • Investext contains analyst reports from investment banks, brokerage houses, and consulting firms. Contains both current and historical reports.
  • Weiss Financial Ratings provides information and ratings for stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, banks, credit unions, and insurance companies, consumer guides, and financial literacy information.

Featured Database comes to you from the Roland G. Parrish Library of Management & Economics. If you would like more information about this database, or if you would like a demonstration of it for a class, contact parrlib@purdue.edu.

Want to see a specific database promoted in an upcoming edition? Send an email to parrlib@purdue.edu and we will gladly promote it.


Fulbright Scholar Bethany McGowan researches the influence of policy and legislation on information-seeking behavior

March 4th, 2024

Associate Professor Bethany McGowan was awarded a prestigious 2023–24 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award that enabled her collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in Finland. During her Fulbright experience, she conducted an in-depth examination of how regulatory and ethical principles can be leveraged to mitigate the spread of dis/misinformation.

As part of her Fulbright journey, McGowan assumed a Visiting Associate Professor position in the Communication Sciences Unit at Tampere University. Here, she delivered a graduate course on infodemiology, emphasizing effective strategies for managing information flow and combating misinformation, particularly in the context of public health emergencies.

“My Fulbright experience afforded me the invaluable opportunity to forge collaborative relationships with scholars and practitioners not only in Finland but also throughout the Nordic region. It provided me with the necessary support, time, and perspective to broaden my research endeavors on a global scale.”

Bethany McGowan

McGowan received the Fulbright Finland Seeking Solutions for Global Challenges Award. This accolade, designed to “empower the minds that will find global solutions to tomorrow’s challenges by fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in leadership”, provided the framework for her project approach. Her research focused on the influence of policy and legislation on information-seeking behavior, with a keen emphasis on their impact on individuals’ ability to discern misinformation. Moreover, her research enriched her understanding of health information-seeking behavior within diverse cultural contexts.

McGowan was also honored with an Intercountry Travel Award for Fulbright Scholars in Europe, which provided funding for a brief visit to Sweden. This opportunity allowed her to broaden the scope of her research to encompass the Nordic region and the European Union.

McGowan is one of eight Purdue University faculty to have been named 2023–24 Fulbright U.S. Scholars marking the third time eight Purdue faculty have received Fulbright Awards in a single year. The grant period spanned from August 2023 to January 2024.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. It is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program.

For over 75 years, the Fulbright Program has provided participants, who are chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to the challenges facing our communities and our world.


Navigating the Intellectual Property Universe: Insights from the USPTO, NASA, NAVSEA, ISBDC, and Purdue

February 6th, 2024

Libraries and School of Information Studies recently hosted experts from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), NASA, NAVSEA, the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), and Purdue, who offered a unique opportunity for Boilermakers to gain a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property, trademark intricacies, and the pivotal role of tech transfer in today’s innovation landscape.

The first session of the day, Overview of IP, Trademark and Intro to NASA, served as a foundation for all participants, offering a glimpse into NASA’s fascinating IP portfolio and publicly available technology. Following, panelists from the USPTO, NASA, and ISBDC, guided by moderator Marilyn Nash, Regional Outreach Officer for the Midwest Regional USPTO, engaged in a thoughtful discussion on why innovators and entrepreneurs should prioritize safeguarding their IP. “Any great idea is worth stealing. If you’re thinking about starting a business, go ahead and get the protection. Trademark registration provides legal protection for your brand as well as brand distinction,” said Christina Calloway, attorney for Trademarks Customer Outreach with the USPTO. 

The event showcased the tools these agencies have available for inventors to leverage. “We have the capacity to serve as a valuable resource, facilitating connections and providing essential support services,” said Jeanne King, Innovation Partnership Specialist and the Software Release Authority at the NASA Glenn Research Center, Technology Transfer Office in Cleveland Ohio. 

“Indiana has a great ecosystem for assisting entrepreneurs and inventors reach their goals. The strength of this ecosystem comes from the power of synergistic partnerships, which is highlighted by partners coming together to help entrepreneurs at events such as these. If you need help navigating this ecosystem, we have resources available—from no-cost one-on-one consultants to discuss your specific business needs to accessing market research and finding sources of capital,” said Jordan Jicha, director of the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center, which is housed on campus. Heather Howard, Associate Head of Information Studies, added “if you are Purdue-affiliated and are interested in doing market research for your idea, Purdue Libraries can help you with that. We have a wealth of market industry research available and other relevant resources.”

Fostering innovation and getting researchers to commit to the process of disclosing novel ideas and filing for intellectual property protection does come with challenges. Christian Butzke, Senior University Fellow for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Purdue, highlighted the challenges and opportunities inherent in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among faculty members. “The I&E fellows and ambassadors guide our faculty peers toward use-inspired research commercialization, towards our comprehensive Purdue Innovates entrepreneurial support ecosystem. However, in the entrepreneurship world, there are mentors and startup competitions abound, yet very little mid- to long-term funding—leading to a Series A or an exit—is available. This, coupled with a lack of time—faculty’s most precious resource—remains a major challenge for successful research commercialization. However, we’re actively addressing these challenges, sharing both success stories and lessons from setbacks and bottlenecks. Our aim is to shift academic culture, increase the societal impact of our research, while acknowledging the constraints posed by limited resources. Purdue stands as a leader in this endeavor, continuously seeking additional partnerships and investments, to build the best entrepreneurial ecosystem among public universities.”

Insights from Brooke Beier, Senior Vice President of Purdue Innovates, and Ken Waite, Chief Patent Counsel and Director of IP at Purdue Innovates provided a deeper understanding of the strategic initiatives driving innovation and IP management at Purdue. Purdue Innovates is the gateway to resources and financial support for campus inventors and entrepreneurs. Its Office of Technology Commercialization helps to amplify the impact of research on campus. 

Purdue is privileged to count Associate Professor Dave Zwicky among its ranks, serving as the Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) librarian right here on campus. “PTRC operates as a nationwide network of libraries, offering invaluable insights into the patent and trademark processes. Through our services, we equip individuals with comprehensive information on navigating these intricate domains. My role extends to educating on patent and trademark searching techniques, empowering interested parties to conduct thorough and effective searches,” said Zwicky. 

The day concluded with a session on exploring IP career paths in the federal government, in which students were guided through exciting possibilities in federal government careers, offering valuable advice on job opportunities at NASA and the USPTO for U.S. citizens. Both agencies highlighted that these opportunities are available for graduates from a diverse range of disciplines, and not limited to engineering or science students. “We offer design patent examiner positions specifically tailored for graduates in design and art disciplines, highlighting our commitment to embracing diverse talents and skill sets,” said Norca Torres, Patent Reexamination Specialist, who coordinated this program for the Midwest Regional Office. 

“I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Horticulture, and as I contemplate the next steps in my career, my passion for Technology Transfer has ignited a profound interest within me. I was very excited to learn of today’s event and meet experts from the USPTO, NASA and more. The prospect of engaging in discussions about scientific innovations, aiding inventors in bringing their creations to fruition—whether through patents or by addressing global challenges—genuinely excites me. In graduate school, the emphasis is often primarily on cultivating skills as a proficient scientist. Recognizing the need to proactively seek out opportunities beyond this academic scope, I eagerly seized the chance to attend today’s event.”  George Meyer, Ph.D. student in Horticulture 

For more information, visit any of the following resources: 

guides.lib.purdue.edu/patents

guides.lib.purdue.edu/entrepreneurship

purdueinnovates.org 

isbdc.org/locations/hoosier-heartland-indiana-sbdc

uspto.gov/Detroit 

technology.nasa.gov

USAJOBS.gov

 

 


Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Cornell A. Bell: A Timeless Tribute

February 1st, 2024

Purdue University recently held a poignant event to honor and dedicate an exhibit commemorating the remarkable legacy of Dr. Cornell A. Bell, former director of the Business Opportunity Program (BOP). The dedication ceremony was hosted by Dr. Beth McNeil, dean of Libraries and School of Information Studies, Darren Henry, managing director of BOP, and Roland Parrish, entrepreneur and distinguished alumnus. 

Dr. Cornell Bell left an indelible mark on education through his dedicated service to the Business Opportunity Program. As the program’s director for 37 years, he played a pivotal role in providing opportunities to countless students. Even after his passing in 2009, his influence continues to resonate, with the exhibit serving as a timeless tribute showcasing his life, achievements, and impact.

Dean McNeil welcomed guests to the event and thanked Briana Smith of RLR Associates, Indianapolis, the experiential graphic designer behind the exhibit. Darren Henry expressed gratitude to attendees, especially BOP students, emphasizing the life-changing impact Dr. Bell had on his own career. Henry also acknowledged Roland Parrish, highlighting his role in preserving Dr. Bell’s legacy through the Parrish Library, which is the first space at Purdue named after an African American alumnus.

“Everybody always asks me: ‘why have you stayed with the same employer in the same job for 17 years?’ And the quick and easy answer to this question is that I am just trying to do for others what Dr. Bell did for me, to help change their lives and their families’ lives as well.” — Darren Henry, managing director of BOP

Vice Provost for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging John Gates, although not personally acquainted with Dr. Bell, then emphasized the profound impact of the BOP program at the university. He praised the program’s commitment to excellence, citing the academic achievements and leadership of its students. Dr. Gates echoed Dr. Bell’s legacy of resilience and encouraged current BOP students to persevere, creating an environment where excellence thrives.

“The legacy that Dr. Bell left, I strive everyday to try and live up to. The BOP program plays an extraordinary role at Purdue. When we think about excellence, and when we think about black and brown excellence, it is imbued in this program. This is the cornerstone for the … environment we want to create at Purdue where people care about students deeply, where we believe in your excellence and the efficacy of your value, where you strive to reach the absolute stars and where we support you in doing that. No one is more important than you and no group of students here is more excellent than you.” — Dr. John Gates, addressing current students of BOP

Roland Parrish invited those who knew Dr. Bell personally to stand, underscoring the greatness of both the man and the program. He shared personal anecdotes, portraying Dr. Bell as a charismatic educator who transcended classroom boundaries. Parrish also stressed the need for continued funding to support the BOP program to ensure its ongoing success. 

Following the remarks, Dean McNeil, Darren Henry, and BOP students unveiled the exhibit, which is now on continuous display in the library. The collection, curated with dedication by Sammie Morris, University Archivist and Head of Archives and Special Collections, offers a visual journey through Dr. Bell’s lifetime, featuring photos, awards, and documents that capture the essence of his impactful contributions.

We invite you to visit the exhibit and encourage you to witness the visual display chronicling Dr. Bell’s extraordinary life, which stands as a heartfelt celebration of his enduring legacy—a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the lives of generations of Boilermakers to come.

 

View photos from the Dr. Cornell A. Bell Exhibit Dedication (photo credit: Caroline Yoder/Purdue Libraries and Triston Myers/Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business):


Navigating the AI Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide

January 30th, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various fields. Whether you are a student, researcher, or educator, staying abreast of AI developments is crucial. Luckily, Dr. Jing Lu, clinical assistant professor of library science, has curated an extensive collection of AI resources, providing a valuable hub for AI enthusiasts at Purdue. “My goal for creating this guide is to empower students, faculty, and researchers with a curated collection of resources that not only navigate the vast landscape of artificial intelligence but also foster a community where knowledge and innovation thrive,” said Lu. She envisions faculty utilizing the guide as a reference to integrate the latest AI technologies into classrooms, recognizing that the evolving industry may soon require students in all fields to adeptly navigate AI tools in their work.
Jing Lu, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Library Science

In her guide, you will find AI tools available and recommended for various fields, including AI tools for research, AI tools for teaching and learning, as well as AI tools for creating images. Lu shares which of these resources are available for free and which subscriptions require a monthly fee. Purdue Libraries is currently actively exploring avenues to make premium AI tools, typically available through paid subscriptions, accessible to all students, showcasing our continued commitment to fostering inclusive access to cutting-edge resources.

Lu also provides guidance on how to cite AI materials, ensuring that researchers and students adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Citing AI sources correctly is crucial in academic and research settings. Lu also emphasizes that the efficiency of AI tools often depends on the design and quality of the prompts provided by the user, therefore offers insights into crafting effective queries in her guide. Whether you are a novice or an experienced AI user, these resources will enhance your ability to extract meaningful information from AI applications. 

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding AI is crucial for researchers and content creators. The guide also offers insights into copyright issues related to AI and publisher policies, ensuring that users are equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate legalities and comply with intellectual property regulations. At Purdue, we are also fortunate to have a seasoned expert who stands ready to provide guidance and advice to students, faculty, and researchers navigating the intricacies of copyright issues and related inquiries. Dr. Donna Ferullo, director of the University Copyright Office, can be reached via email at ferullo@purdue.edu or phone at (765) 496-3864. Ferullo’s latest book “Copyright: Best Practices for Academic Libraries,” which was published in August, also offers advice and best practices for the application of copyright law to AI and other new technologies. 

For further assistance or questions, Boilermakers can reach Dr. Jing Lu at (765) 494-1352 or via email at lu59@purdue.edu


Empowering Research: A Trio of Open Science Workshops to Ignite Innovation

January 26th, 2024


Embark on a journey of knowledge and innovation as we present a trilogy of Open Science workshops designed to empower researchers and foster collaboration. Join us for three engaging sessions led by experts in the field, each offering unique insights and practical tools to enhance your research endeavors. Mark your calendars for these upcoming sessions that promise to elevate your understanding of reproducibility, introduce you to the Open Science Framework, and navigate the opportunities of Open Access publishing.


Workshop #1: Maximizing Research Reproducibility with Chao Cai, Ph.D.
“Promoting Reproducible Science: How to manage and share your research data”

Date: February 12, 2024
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Location: WALC 2088

Reproducibility of research is a key scientific practice gaining attention from funding agencies. Join Dr. Chao Cai, an Assistant Professor and Plant Sciences Information Specialist, on February 12th, as he provides hands-on experience and knowledge for managing quantitative data to maximize research reproducibility. Learn about the principles of FAIR data and effective practices for sharing research data through a data repository.

In case you missed Cai’s talk, you can watch the recorded version here.


Workshop #2: Unleashing Open Research Potential with Reid Boehm, Ph.D.
“Introduction to the Open Science Framework: A platform to facilitate open research”

Date: March 1, 2024
Time: 10:00 to 11:15 AM
Location: WALC 2051

On March 1st, explore the Open Science Framework (OSF) with Dr. Reid Boehm, Research Data Systems Manager. The OSF is a free platform that supports researchers in managing, sharing, and collaborating on projects. Gain insights into its features, functions, and flexible utilities that cater to diverse aspects of the open research process. This workshop is your gateway to harnessing the benefits of OSF as a Purdue University affiliate.

In case you missed Boehm’s talk, you can watch the recorded version here.


Workshop #3: Navigating Open Access Publishing with Nina Collins, M.L.I.S.
“Open Access Publishing: Opportunities and pathways for wider dissemination of your scholarship”

Date: April 1, 2024
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 PM
Location: WALC 3090

Join Nina Collins, an advocate for Open Access, to navigate the world of Open Access publishing. This workshop will delve into the challenges researchers face and uncover the multitude of pathways available for Purdue authors. Learn how Open Access Publishing Partnerships can remove financial barriers, providing opportunities for broader dissemination, use, and impact of your scholarly work. Don’t miss this chance to explore ethical publishing practices and increase your scholarly impact.

Embark on this comprehensive exploration of Open Science and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to drive your research forward. We invite you to attend these workshops, engage with experts, and contribute to the vibrant culture of openness and collaboration in our academic community.


American Fiction, 1774-192 – HSSE Featured Database

January 25th, 2024

Humanities, Social Science and Education Library’s Featured Database will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of our specialized subscription databases. This time we’re featuring American Fiction, 1774-1920 by Gale.

Link: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/db/amfic

Access the databases off-campus with your Purdue login and password.

Focus: This database contains more than 17,800 titles feature prose fiction written by Americans from the political beginnings of the United States through the end of the World War I. It allows research to explore how American literature developed in a changing culture. Works include novels, short stories, fictitious biographies, and travel accounts.

Tutorial: Click here see the basics of using the American Fiction, 1774-1920 database.

Quick tip: If you need the OCR (optical character recognition) version of the text for text mining or analyzation, you can view or download the document as OCR readable text.


Related Resources:

Other databases you might want to explore are:

American Periodicals: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/db/aps
Early American Imprints, Series I: Evans: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/db/eai