The Library is open on both floors! Come take a look and find the research you need for summer classes. We encourage you to ask for research assistance 
Come visit the Library
Posted by in Announcements - 31 May 2013, 4:34pmVol State Library has Online Research Options
Posted by in Library News | Online Research Tools | Research Tools - 2 Feb 2013, 3:59pmA guest post submitted by Daisy Brooks:
Students at Volunteer State Community College may want to consider using online resources to finish class papers.
The Vol State Library’s research page offers links to:
- the library’s catalog
- eBooks
- online periodicals
- electronic journals
- NoodleBib
- And other electronic sources arranged by title and topic
There is also a link to the IRIS Library Tutorial. IRIS stands for Information & Research Instruction Suite, the site has tutorials on research sources and tactics.
There is even a 30-question quiz that students can take for immediate feedback on research skills they may lack. Additionally, the quiz results page contains links to the applicable tutorial so that students can immediately read up on the questions they missed and expand their skills.
Another place that students can learn about research is the LibGuides link on the library homepage. The site header says that LibGuides provides “research assistance, database help, and subject guides compiled by your Vol State librarians.”
Ebooks are great!
Posted by in Online Research Tools - 26 Nov 2012, 12:51pmWOW! There are more than 100,000 academic ebooks in the Library!!
Under ”Contents” of a specific book title, you can use the “search within” tool in the right-hand side toolbar and search for a specific term in the book. The Libguide http://libguides.volstate.edu/ebooks has useful information about ebooks.
Need or want a “physical” book? No problem! Please give the reference librarian the call number of the book, and one of us will locate it on the second floor and bring it to you.
Need a book to support your research?
Posted by in Announcements | Library News | Technology - 23 Oct 2012, 1:33pmThe Thigpen Library has lots of academic-related books to support your research assignments.
Some books are physical, print books; there are 43,000+. Other books are ebooks (electronic books); as a Vol State student, you have access to 150,000+ ebooks. All of the books (physical and ebook) are listed in the Library Catalog.
When you search the Catalog and find a print book you want to examine, give the reference librarian the call number of the book(s) and books will be retrieved from the 2nd floor [a special service during construction]. If you’re an off-campus or online student, a book can be mailed to you. You’ll need to complete and submit the Distance Learning Library Document Delivery form at http://www.volstate.edu/Library/DLBookRequest_form.php
The title you’ve located in the Catalog is an ebook. What to do? Whether you’re in the Thigpen Library or off-campus, when you find an ebook title in the Catalog, simply click on the title. You can open, read, and even print up to 60 pages of an ebook from a computer. It is possible to download an ebook to your personal computer or device when you set-up an ebook account (no charge). The helpful eBook LibGuide posted at http://libguides.volstate.edu/ebooks gives lots of information on using ebooks.
Remember… a helpful librarian is ready to assist you with research. Just ask, call (615-230-3405) or email: librarian@volstate.edu.
Library Construction
Posted by in Uncategorized - 21 Sep 2012, 2:29pmActivity will begin soon to renovate the Library in order to make room for the Learning Commons. On Monday, September 24 folks will be in the Archives Room and the former Honors Room on the second floor taking down and moving shelves; so, expect some noise. The movers will be here Wednesday, September 26 to begin moving the furniture off the second floor in preparation for the first phase of the library construction project. This first phase consists of building two rooms — a new library instruction room and a silent study room — painting and recarpeting. During this first phase the second floor will be closed to library users, but most of the time library staff will be able to go up and retrieve books from the shelves. Also, we have over 60,000 eBooks available at http://www.volstate.edu/library/eBooks.php. Please be patient as together we all deal with the noise and other inconveniences.
NoodleTools requires users to revalidate
Posted by in Announcements - 15 Sep 2012, 1:58pmIf your NoodleBib (NoodleTools) account asks you to “revalidate”, it is an annual occurrance after August 1. NoodleTools wants to be sure you are a Vol State student and authorized to use NoodleBib through Vol State’s subscription agreement with NoodleTools. The revalidation occurs automatically when you login using either an on-campus computer or remotely login one time through the NoodleBib link on the Library’s web page at http://www.volstate.edu/Library/.
If prompted for a revalidation, you can skip the revalidation process for up to 3 weeks. Why wait? Go ahead and revalidate. You’ll be ready to use NoodleBib the next time you need it, plus you will be able to go directly to the NoodleTools website for access.
Have you searched Opposing Viewpoints in Context?
Posted by in Announcements - 5 Sep 2012, 10:02amLooking for a database to help you find contrasting ideas about a topic? Try searching Opposing Viewpoints in Context. You will find it on the Library’s alphabetical list of databases webpage http://www.volstate.edu/Library/Alphabetical.php. The database is also listed on the “Current Events” and “Persuasive” subject database webpages.
It’s a good idea to search more than one database. CQ Researcher and ProQuest may have the information you need. Happy searching!
Your textbook may be available in the Library
Posted by in Announcements - 30 Aug 2012, 8:00amNeed a textbook? Several instructors provide the Library with a copy of textbooks. The textbooks are “on reserve”, and may be used in the Library for up to 2 hours. The libraries at Highland Crest, Livingston and the Main Campus have textbook titles. You may want to check the Thigpen Library online catalog course reserves for your course since all textbooks are not available.
We hope your semester is off to a good start! Librarians are available to help you with research…
A different look for the library web page
Posted by in Announcements | Library News | Uncategorized - 24 Aug 2012, 2:00pmWelcome to a new semester! The Thigpen Library has a different look on the web. See the changes… http://www.volstate.edu/library. We hope it will be easier to find books, articles, videos and research help online.
Best wishes for a very successful semester!
Your Library Staff
The Tennessean database
Posted by in Announcements - 2 Aug 2012, 2:21pmThe Tennessean database is up and running. There was a technical error…
A special “Thanks” to those who called Reference to report the problem. The TN Electronic Library (TEL), which funds our access, got the problem fixed.
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