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Published on 1 Comment on Cool Tools: Back To School Edition

The start of this semester marks an exciting time where many students, staff and faculty members will return to the George Washington University campus for in-person instruction. The transition away from a completely virtual classroom may be a difficult leap for some to make and we’d like to assist you during this process. Preparing for a new semester is always a great time to pause and reflect on the tools you use to help you maintain focus, organize your schedule or study for an upcoming exam. Below is a list of productivity tools that you may find useful as you begin your coursework:

  • BodyViz: If you’re interested in studying anatomical structures in an interactive way, head to the third floor of Himmelfarb library and check out the anatomy software available for use. With BodyViz, you’ll be able to examine over 1,000 preloaded 3D anatomical structures or you can upload your own models to the software suite. Reservations are required to use the software and accompanying hardware. This is a great tool if you’re a visual learner or if you’re interested in ‘hands-on’ experience while studying. Be sure to read our BodyViz libguide to learn more.
  • LibKey Nomad: This browser extension will easily connect you to articles within Himmelfarb’s collection. With LibKey Nomad installed, if there is a full PDF version of the article available you can download it with a simple click. This extension will also guide you to the article’s listing in the collection and offer potential delivery options. The extension is compatible with many websites such as Pubmed and Scopus and is free to use.
  • Notion: Do you want a digital space where you can store your notes, to-do lists, upcoming events and other important details? Then consider using Notion, an all-in-one workspace that allows you to create pages and entries that work for you and your needs. The app offers templates to help you get started and there are tutorials that will highlight key features of the application. Notion’s Personal Plan is free and you’re able to invite up to five guests for collaboration. If you’re interested in incorporating Notion into your routine, start with this quick tutorial that covers the basics of creating your workspace:
  • Pomodoro Method: You may have heard of this time management system before. Set a timer for a period of time and work until the timer rings. Take a break and repeat the cycle until you’ve completed your tasks or your study session. According to Kat Boogaard of The Muse, “The idea behind the technique is that the timer instills a sense of urgency….Additionally, the forced breaks help to cure that frazzled, burnt-out feeling most of us experience toward the end of the day.” There are several apps that help you track the time. You can use the timer installed on most smartphones and computers. Or try the Marinara Timer or Flow if you have an Apple device. Or search YouTube for any number of ‘Study With Me’ videos or channels such as Merve Study Corner.
  • Stay Organized: As the semester progresses, it’s easy to lose track of important dates, upcoming exams, or school breaks. Using a planner, whether virtual or physical, can reduce stress and contribute to a productive and enjoyable semester. If you’ve struggled with maintaining a planner in the past, consider picking a day and time devoted solely towards adding events to your calendar.  If you’re interested in keeping a virtual calendar, try Google Calendar or the calendar app installed on your computer. Notion also has a calendar feature that can be added to your workspace. If you want to use a physical planner, consider the Bullet Journal method and customize your planner to fit your needs. If you need help getting started with setting up a bullet journal, YouTube offers plenty of tutorials and inspirational videos. AmandaRachLee’s channel is a great place to begin!

Do you have tools and resources to help you manage your coursework throughout the semester? Share them in the comments! We’d love to hear from you and maybe your comment will help one of your peers.

Published on

XKCD webcomic Wikipedian Protester

Announcing the Seventh Edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, more commonly known as APA Citation Style! The APA published their updated 7th Edition late last Fall, and the APA-using community is beginning to transition from the 6th Edition to the 7th. Luckily, most of the changes have been quality-of-life changes.

The good news for students?

  • No more running heads!
  • No need for publication place in book citations!
  • Any in-text citations with more than three authors are shortened to the first author and et al.!
  • Clearer guidelines for including contributors other than authors and editors, e.g. podcast hosts!
  • Increased font flexibility!
    • Hello Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, and Georgia 11 (in addition to the old favorite, Times New Roman 12)!

The goal of APA 7th Edition is to codify many of the suggested citation rules the APA created as the 6th Edition evolved. In addition to making these suggestions into official guidelines, the APA has adjusted how it cites more modern texts, in particular anything with a URL. The hope is to make citation a more streamlined process, while maintaining a rigorous academic standard.

The APA is suggesting users begin to switch to 7th Edition rules Spring 2020, though some universities and groups may choose to put off the transition to Fall 2020. Check with your professors on which version they expect you to use, if it’s not included in your syllabus.

For 7th Edition resources, be sure to check out our APA Research Guide. We recently updated it to conform to the 7th Edition. The APA Style Blog has also transitioned to 7th Edition, and is a great resource for more obscure citation questions. For 6th Edition resources, Purdue OWL still has their 6th Edition site live, though they do note they are scheduled to publish the updated 7th Edition guide in Spring 2020. You can also still find the APA Style Blog’s 6th Edition Archive, so you can search it for answers to any 6th Edition questions.

You can always reach out to us at Himmelfarb Library with any questions you may have. Our reference staff are more than happy to answer your questions about APA 6th or 7th Edition!

Image Source: Munroe, R. (2007). Wikipedian protester [Webcomic]. xkcd. https://xkcd.com/285/

Published on

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Are you interested in creating healthy sleep habits, learning more about mindfulness, or learning healthy ways to manage stress? Himmelfarb Library has the right books for you! 

Do you struggle with getting enough quality sleep? Consider one of these books available in the healthy living collection: 

If mindfulness or meditation are more your interest, consider one of the following books:

The holidays can be a stressful time for many people. Learn healthy ways to manage this stress using these books: 

 

Published on

HI@H_newOver the last year, the three GW University libraries have worked together to implement new management and discovery systems.   The new systems provides access to collections and library resources available to the GW community at large and can also search the collections of the Washington Research Libraries Consortium (i.e. Georgetown University, American University, Catholic University, etc.).

One major change to library systems at GW is that all patrons have been assigned to a home library.  If you are in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, or the School of Nursing, your home library is the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library.

What does this mean for you?

  • Start every search at the Himmelfarb Library webpage (http://himmelfarb.gwu.edu) which features the Health Information @ Himmelfarb search box.

  • Sign-in to Health Information @ Himmelfarb with your GW NetID:

    • to ensure full access to Himmelfarb collections and document delivery services.  While most search results are displayed regardless of login, Scopus search results are displayed for on-campus and logged-in users exclusively.

    • to see what library items you have checked out and renew them.

  • Himmelfarb Library users can still search the Gelman Library collection and access Gelman Library electronic full-text articles and books - and vice versa.  However, access to print books and materials at other WRLC Libraries requires that you login to your home library.

How do I sign in?

  1. Access Himmelfarb Library and then enter a search in the Health Information @ Himmelfarb search box or go directly to http://himmelfarb.gwu.edu/catalog/.

  2. Click on Sign In in the upper right corner of the Health Information @ Himmelfarb screen.

  3. Enter your GW NetID (netid@gwu.edu) and password.

Additional information is available via our FAQ.

Should you have any questions or concerns about how the new system works, please contact the Information Desk at 202-994-2850 or chat us @ Ask Us.

Published on

puzzleIn the recent NEJM essay p53 and me, Shekinah N.C. Elmore describes the experience of living with a genetic diagnosis as "flying between fatalism and denial".  Dr. Elmore was diagnosed with Li–Fraumeni syndrome during her 1st year of medical school having already survived childhood rhabdomyosarcoma and simultaneous diagnoses of breast and lung cancer as an adult.  Dr. Elmore explores what it means in her life to have this genetic knowledge, how it affects her life,  and what types of information would help her and others undergoing genetic testing in the future.

To learn more about genetic testing, genetic counseling, Li–Fraumeni syndrome, and other genetics topics, explore the Genetics Journal Club and Himmelfarb Library's resources including:

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mindset-743161_1920A Healthy Living Collection is now available at Himmelfarb Library.

Himmelfarb's newest collection of books is located on the first floor near the main sitting area and includes books on:
  • Cooking and nutrition: The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook, Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life, etc.
  • Stress reduction: The Relaxation Response, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, etc.
  • Home organization: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, The Little Book of Hygge, etc.
  • Alternative medicine (Integrative Medicine, Manifesto for a New Medicine, etc.)
You can find a complete information on these books via the Library Catalog, as well as on Himmelfarb's Wellness page which also provides information about wellness apps for physical activity and mindful movement, medication, healthy eating, financial literacy and debt management, and biofeedback.
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