Alternatives for finding government information during the shutdown.

Due to the government shutdown, some Federal government websites are unavailable. The Census Bureau and The National Center for Education Statistics are just two examples.  Thomas.gov (which will transition to Congress.gov in November 2013) is still accessible. Other sites allow some browse and search capabilities.  However, content from most Federal government websites will not be updated until government operations resume.  This includes but is not limited to:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics
• The CDC
• Medline Plus

We encourage you to search our print government collection via the OCC library catalog. You can view a video on how to do this here.  The print government documents collection is housed at the OR campus library. For your convenience, items may be requested via the “Request Copy” feature in our catalog and sent to another OCC campus library.

From the OCC Library homepage, go to the Find Articles/Databases tab and select “All Databases” to access and search ERIC (Access via Ebscohost) for full text articles. Look for those labeled as Linked Full Text, HTML Full Text, or PDF Full Text. 

You may also visit any OCC campus library to view a print copy of ProQuestStatistical Abstract of the United States, call number  REF HA 202 .A52 2013

If you have questions or for other ideas, please contact an OCC Librarian. 

Orchard Ridge & Royal Oak Campus Libraries offering free Student Success Seminars in October

The Orchard Ridge & Royal Oak Campus Libraries are offering free Library Success Seminars in October. These sessions cover a variety of topics related to library research. Ask your instructor about extra credit for attending any of these seminars. See the Library Instruction page for more information about future seminars at all OCC campuses.

Orchard Ridge Campus
(see all Fall 2013 seminars for Orchard Ridge)

• Monday October 7 - U.S. Government Resources @ Your OCC Library
  Discover how to enhance your research papers using Government resources.
  12:00-12:30 in the King Library
• Monday October 14- Google Tricks & Tips
  Improve your search results using Google Advanced Search.
  12:00-12:30 in the King Library
• Monday October 21- Evaluating Web Pages
  Evaluating Web Pages Learn techniques to determine if a web site has reliable information.
  12:00-12:30 in the King Library
• Monday October 28- Special Seminar: Choosing A Research Topic
  Need a research topic? OCC Libraries have great resources to help you out.
  12:00-12:30 in the King Library

Royal Oak Campus
(see all Fall 2013 seminars for Royal Oak)

• Wednesday October 16 - Help Me Find Books (print & ebooks)
  6-6:30 in Room C202
• Wednesday October 30 - Help Me Find Pro-Con Articles
  3-3:30 in Room C202

Featured Database - VAST: Academic Video Online

VAST: Academic Video Online is one of the OCC Library’s newest databases, offering a growing selection of over 20,000 streaming videos.  The videos cover a broad range of subject areas and include documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels, field recordings, commercials, and raw footage.

The new VAST interface makes it easy to browse or search the collection. You might also create a personal account to take advantage of some of the special features of the database, such as saving video clips and creating playlists to share with others.

See an introductory video to VAST, or go to the datbase now to take a look at what VAST has to offer.

Tuesday September 17th is Constitution Day!

The Orchard Ridge Campus King Library is a Federal Depository Library and provides free access to print and electronic documents created by the United States Government. While supplies last, the Orchard Ridge Library will be giving out free pencils and sticky note pads in honor of Constitution Day. Be sure to check out our display table featuring government publications and books about the United States Constitution.

Want to learn more?

• Read a transcript of the U.S. Constitution
• Learn more about the 39 delegates who signed the U.S. Constitution
• View a signed copy of the U.S. Constitution

To locate books or articles related to U.S. Constitution or for more information about accessing the Government Documents collection, visit the reference desk at any OCC campus library for assistance.

Free Student Success Seminars in September

Free Student Success Seminars for the Fall 2013 semester begin this month. These sessions cover a variety of topics related to student success, including library research, study skills, and interview skills. Ask your instructor about extra credit for these seminars. See the Library Instruction page for more information.

Orchard Ridge Campus Library

• Monday September 16 - Getting To Know Your OCC Library
  12pm-12:30pm in King Library: Learn about the library, our web page, how to get research help, and more!
• Monday September 23 - The OCC Library Catalog
  12pm-12:30pm in King Library: We’ve made changes to our catalog! Learn how to navigate your way around.
• Monday September 30 - Free Articles @ Your OCC Library
  12pm-12:30pm in King Library: Learn how to search for magazine, journal, and newspaper articles.