Happy Holidays!

Today is our last day of final exams and I know many of you are ready to settle in for a long winter's nap!  However, in addition to catching up on your sleep, I hope each of you have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. 

For of you who are graduating, congratulations on meeting this milestone in your life!

Remember the library closes today at 9 p.m. and will remain closed until the new semester begins January 17th at 7:30 a.m.

UnCollege at Stanford

One of the stronger business students at Mitchell brought me an interesting website to review.  It is about Stanford University offering three of their most popular computer science courses to the public this fall, online for free. The courses were so popular that Stanford’s doing it again in January.  There are seven computer courses and two courses on entrepreneurship -- and all free!  So, no tuition, no textbooks and no set times but you will have assignments you have to complete.  So, which ones do you want to take?

http://www.uncollege.org/archives/1441?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Uncollege+%28UnCollege%29

Where did this semester go?

Fall semester has passed way too fast or at least it has for us in the Library!  Final exams are now upon us and will end December 14th which is just a couple of weeks away.  We will maintain our current operating hours as posted on our website and the board outside the Library and hope to see you come in for a quiet place to study and prepare.  Then, it is time for you to relax and enjoy the holidays . . . until your return on January 17, 2012.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where has this semester gone?  It just seems like yesterday we were welcoming you back to campus and now, the holiday season (and finals) are upon us.

I wanted to remind you of our operating hours during the Thanksgiving holiday.  The hours are:

Wednesday, November 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursday-Friday, November 24th-25th  - Closed
Sunday, November 27th - reopen from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends as you remember to give thanks for all that we have received.

HR Magazine

The latest edition of HR Magazine arrived in the library today and the cover article, "Paths to the Top" should be of particular interest to our business students who are considering HR as a career path.  There is a spotlight article on Mirian M. Graddick-Weir's career journey that truly brings home the importance of understanding how a business operates both from inside HR as well as outside HR.

Also, included are links to how HR can use social media tools and techniques in their job whether recruiting, hiring or updating employees on their benefits to having social media tools as part of one's resume.

Come to the Library Magazine Rack and review this issue as I highly recommend it!

Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Economist and MIT Sloan Management Review

Have you browsed the magazine section in the library lately?  The latest editions of our business magazines really have great articles for you to read and perhaps give you a break from cramming for that next exam or finishing a project.

Fortune (Nov. 7^th issue) includes a book excerpt from one of the latest books on Steve Jobs.  The title of the book is Steve Jobs: the Biography by Walter Isaacson which is also on order for our library.  However, this particular book section focuses on the relationship between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs – very interesting as you read about the parallels in their lives.  In the same issue is a section on the 40 top business stars under 40.  It won’t surprise you that Mark Zuckerberg is on the list but seeing others may just inspire you as well whether an entrepreneur, to working for a large corporation or a government agency.

The Economist (October 29^th) has a really strong yet short article on the economic crisis in Europe.  We are all hearing it so much in the news but this article really outlines the issues well.  

Harvard Business Review (November 2011) focuses on what great companies do differently.  There is an article on what businesses can learn from organized crime such as exploiting the long tail, money isn’t the only incentive, outsource to specialists and use new groups to create opportunity.    There is also a great read on “What every CEO needs to know about the Cloud”.

Finally, MIT Sloan Management Review (Fall 2011) puts the spotlight on the “Age of the Consumer-Innovator” and what companies can learn from consumers when it comes to product development.

Come browse more business magazines and newspapers we carry – we may have just the article you need for that final paper or project as well helping you be the informed business student!

Mitchell College of Business Library - new website!

Greetings, we launched our new website today and hope you will come try it out!  While the overall look and feel has changed, you will see the usual links to USA Home, USA Library, MCOB Home and the resources in the library.

Pay close attention to the "Resources Guide" across the top navigational bar where our business resources are organized by topic.  In this guide, you will also find the various course guides you will need as you take MGT 300 or MKT 541, etc.

We will be happy to give you a demonstration in the library and I do welcome your feedback via the feedback mechanism in the Resources Guide.

http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/

Steve Jobs

I expect there will be many books and articles written on Steve Jobs and we will carry most of them as they become available.  Two magazines came in today that are focused on his amazing life's story.  One is the Economist (October 8-14th issue) and the second is a magazine from Bloomburg Businessweek that is totally dedicated to him.  As you have time, come to the library and browse our magazine section to read these articles.  I will make you aware of the new books as they come in as well.

Browsing the Stacks

I noticed a young man in our library yesterday really browsing our stacks and taking notes.  I did not want to interrupt him but after he stayed for some time, I had to walk over and ask him if he needed any help.  His response was that he had searched the USA Catalog and was amazed at all the holdings we had at the MCOB Library on social media, search engine optimization, B2B strategies with social media and ROI when businesses implement social media.  He wanted to write down the information of books for his own library but as well to check out and read.

This kind of exchange between a librarian and a patron makes the day so worthwhile.  Come visit us, browse the stacks and have your own moment of finding just what you need! 

Small Business Reference Center Database

We currently have a trial for the Small Business Reference Center and our current statistics reflect that alot of you are using this resource!  If you are in a course that requires reference resources in small business, private firms, industries or entrepreneurship, you should try this database out while we still have it:

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search/advanced?sid=b1b4dd02-6b43-486e-9283-5181637dcec3%40sessionmgr112&vid=1&hid=113

If link doesn't work (it does require you are authenticated to use it as a student or member of faculty), just to to the USA Main Library website, and look for the current trial offerings we have and select "Small Business Reference Center".  Since it is from EBSCO, the interface will be very familiar to many of you.

Library will close for Fall Break

Please be aware that the MCOB Library will be closed during Fall Break from October 2nd-4th.  Here is hoping you all have time to relax, refresh and recharge for a strong finish to the fall semester!

BUS 150 Library Resources Guide

Several students taking BUS 150 this fall have come to tell me that the course guide created to assist them in this course has proven quite helpful.  The guide was developed to make students aware of resources in the library that will help them in the various projects required in the course throughout the semester.  It is also hoped that this guide will introduce students to those resources in the library and our willingness to help them in this or any business class assignment.

Here is the link to the guide:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/bus150

Library open on Sundays!

Just a reminder that the library will begin opening on Sunday afternoons starting tomorrow, September 11th, from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.   Please remember the computer lab always closes fifteen minutes prior to the library closing.  See you tomorrow afternoon!

Calling all MGT 300 Students!

For those of you taking MGT 300 this fall semester, your deadline for company selection and initial SWOT Analysis is looming, isn't it?  Never fear as there is plenty of help and resources in the library to help you meet each step in the process.  I encourage not to wait until the last minute and meet all deadlines as provided in your course syllabus.  If you do this, the company analysis will be a much easier project to handle in light of your other assignments.

Please listen to the MGT 300 podcast on iTunes University and then review the MGT 300 Course Guide which was developed with the company analysis project in mind:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mgt300

At the front desk, we stand ready to assist you as well - come see us!

MKT 385 Services Marketing Course Guide

For those of you taking MKT 385 this semester, I developed a course guide that includes the library resources as required in this course.  I used the course syllabus provided by Dr. Sharland and also had his approval after he reviewed the guide.  I hope you will find the guide useful (there is a feedback mechanism under the tab titled "Help and More") and do come see me or any of the staff at the front desk if you need further assistance in this course.

Here is the link to the guide: 
http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mkt385




 

"Meet the Firms Day" in the Library August 31st

Our annual "Meet the Firms Day" for 2011 is August 31st from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and the library will close from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to prepare and host this event.  The objective of the event is to provide our senior accounting students and our local CPA firms an opportunity to meet each other and to prepare for jobs and interviews after they graduate.

While the library is closed, students can use the available computer labs downstairs.  We will re-open at 3:00 p.m. until our normal closing at 9:00 p.m.

We are delighted to host this popular event and welcome our visitors!

Fall Semester starts Monday August 22nd

The Mitchell College of Business Library has been closed during our Interim Session but I, along with another member of my staff, use this time to catch up on everything that we need to do and to prepare for the start of a new semester.

I can hear the band practicing outside, students are moving in and I am seeing students in our hallway wanting to know "is the Library open yet".  Not yet but almost!

We will open Monday, August 22nd at 7:30 a.m. and our fall semester hours will be posted on the outside board and on the library website.  However, we also have our semester hours on bookmarks we have available in the library and hope you will pick up several when you arrive back on campus.

We will be closed for a short period of time on August 31st for an annual event where we host local CPA firms to meet our senior students.  We will post the hours (11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) so you will have plenty of time to prepare plus ensure there is another computer lab for your use.

Other closures will be Labor Day (September 5th), Fall Break (October 2-4) and Thanksgiving (11/23 at Noon but re-open Sunday, November 27th).

Also, note that we will not begin opening on Sundays until September 11th at 2 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

So, this is much to remember so just come get a bookmark and you can enter into your own calendaring system so you are aware of our hours this fall semester.

We look forward to your return next week!

Summer Semester is over?

Wow - where did the summer go?  Our summer semester ends today!  The MCOB Business Library will be closed during our Interim Session from July 31st - August 21st and will re-open on August 22nd at 7:30 a.m. ready for our new incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students and faculty.  We look forward to seeing you on August 22nd!

How to make $6B in 2 years (teaser: may include a library)

It can be done!  In the most recent edition of Fortune magazine, there is a great article on how the Skype deal came to be.  Basically, Silver Lake Partners and a venture firm, Andresseen-Horowitz, bought Skype from eBay for $2.75B.  In May 2011, the new owners announced they were selling the company to Microsoft for $8.25B!

Of course, this transaction is an example of the current technology bubble but what would make this transaction grow by 6B in two years is a great read and we have this current issue in the MCOB Magazine Shelves.

The real kicker, however, is when one of the critical meetings was to be held between the venture capital company and Cisco's Tony Bates.  Mr. Bates had long been an admirer of Andresseen but when he came into the Andresseen-Horowitz office, he found they had a library!  So, Mr. Bates began looking at the books to see if any of his favorites was in the library and couldn't find one of his particular favorites by William Gibson titled Neuromancer.  As Mr. Bates tells the story, he said that this became a great opening to the discussion at hand.

You just never know the impact of libraries and reading books may have in your future business discussions - come see us and browse our books - we have alot to offer you!

P.S.  and yes we do have Neuromancer in the Main Library (PS 3557.I2264 N48 1984)

Harvard Business Review - it's all about collaboration!

The latest edition of the Harvard Business Review (July-August 2011) is in the library and the theme is about collaboration.  Articles range from "Are you a collaborative leader" to "Building a collaborative organization" which should be very interesting to those in management.

For those of you in marketing, there is also an article on "What is your social media strategy" that outlines four ways companies are using technology to form connections as well as an article on the Group phenomenon and understanding more about this latest online discounting approach.

Finally, a great read on how the CEO of Bayer Corporation created a lean growth machine to a case study of how management has to decide who has to be let go in a downsizing initiative when all of his employees have the same performance review scores.

Indeed - this issue, as always, contains alot of material for those in management, marketing, HR, etc. in our journal/magazine section - come enjoy!

Mitchell College of Business Faculty Publications in the spotlight!

One of our more popular offerings in the library is the collection of our faculty's published research.  I decided to create a special reading area with the publications in a bookshelf dedicated solely these writings.  We will also create an index to the specialization of each of faculty member's research so if a student needs to learn more about a specific area of research, we can guide them to our faculty's research in addition to the other library resources.

If you haven't been to the library lately, you should come check us out - we keep adding resources every day to assist you while you are at MCOB.

Our Electronic Books Collection continues to grow!

The USA University Library System continues to invest in eBooks with the recent subscription to ebrary's Academic Complete Collection with over 70,000 titles in 15 disciplines including business.  Currently, one can access these titles by going to the USA Library Homepage, choosing electronic books and then select ebrary.  The team is working on adding the titles to USA's catalog, SOUTHcat, as well so they will appear when one searches using the catalog.

Pages from ebrary titles can be printed using the InfoTools button and choosing Print as an option.  You can select to print one page or up to 60 pages.  You can also save books to a bookshelf within ebrary by creating a free account.  Since ebrary books cannot be saved to your computer, they currently cannot be used on an ereader.  This is something the company is working on and hope to make available soon!

Young Money

We often hear the term 'old money' but there is a website called Young Money and it is geared to the young adult community with a focus on money management, entrepreneurship, careers, investing, technology and travel.  The site is very user-friendly and of particular appeal is the variety and practicality of articles on personal finance and entrepreneurship.

You can also subscribe to a free newsletter as well as an RSS feed, Face Book or Twitter.  I recommend you use this website to assist you personally but in your course work as well.

http://www.youngmoney.com/

Summer Second Term - three weeks to go!

I am not sure about you but it seems to me summer is moving really fast!  We will soon be facing final exam time for the summer's second term the last week of July and looking toward the beginning of fall semester on August 22nd.

Please note the library at the Mitchell College of Business will close during Interim from August 1st - August 22nd but we will be busily preparing the library and its resources for your return this fall -- except for those lucky graduates who are completing their students this summer.

Happy July 4th!

Whatever your plans for the upcoming July 4th holiday, do have a great time and be safe.

The library will be closed Sunday and Monday (July 3rd and July 4th) for the holiday so please plan accordingly.  We will re-open Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m.

BUS 150 Library Resources Guide

Are you a freshman entering USA and declared business as your major field of study?  If so, you are probably taking BUS 150.  If so, here is a link to a course guide I created with those resources in the library that will assist you in your projects:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/bus150

In fact, it is a good guide for any new student who will be using the MCOB Library resources for the first time.  If you need any assistance, please send an email request to me via buscirc@usouthal.edu.

MKT 541 - Brand Management Course Guide Published

For those of you taking the graduate level course in brand management, MKT 541, a new course guide has been published that contains the library resources needed for this class as well as recommended reading.  Enjoy and good luck!

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mkt541

IBM Turns 100 Years Old!

As some of you know, I spent 30 years of my life at IBM prior to coming to the Mitchell School of Business.  Here is an article about IBM's 100th year as it appeared in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/APbf7755b35a894048a6178011acb1362e.html?

You may learn something new about this company you didn't know before - enjoy!

Researching Private Companies

When we research privately-held companies, it is sometimes a 'hit and miss' whether or not we can gather the financial information needed as we do with publicly-held companies.  Also, trying to find the information online or in electronic databases can be challenging.  This is an example of when a book can assist our online research efforts.

We just received the 2011 Hoover's Handbook of Private Companies (HG 4057.A28616) and it will be shelved in our reference section.  It is divided into four sections:  how the information is compiled; a listing of the largest and fastest-growing private companies; company profiles section (900 arranged alphabetically) and the last section contains three indexes.  These indexes sorts the companies by industry, HQ location and an executives section.  By gathering this information first, you are more prepared to research online for articles, company website or competitors.

Come check this and other resources we can share with you when conducting an analysis of a privately-held company.

The Top Ten Fastest Growing Industries

A great article from "The Street" on the top ten fastest growing industries - most will surprise you but on reflection, you will agree.  The fastest growing industries are:  correctional facilities, VoIP (Voice over IP so telecommunication and Internet providers),  video games, biotechnology, eCommerce and online auctions, Internet publications, insurance claims, environmental consulting, wind and solar power and recycling.

Here is the link to read more in detail:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/11086288/11/10-industries-that-are-growing-the-fastest.html
 
As you work through your projects that require industry analysis or you are simply thinking of career options, these industries are worth your review.

Attention Finance Students - an online resource to assist you!

John Wachowicz, (UT Finance) has organized a website to provide a gateway for finance students and organized the site to emphasize materials that supplement the content in the Fundamentals of Financial textbook (13th edition, 2009).  While the site is oriented toward financial management, the links in the website cover all facets of business from accounting and business ethics through world marketing.  The depth of the pages is not immediately apparent but by selecting one of the listings, even more links will appear to further explore.

Check it out!

http://web.utk.edu/~jwachowi/wacho_world.html

MGT 492 Management Analysis and Consulting

For those of you taking Management Analysis and Consulting (MGT 492), I have created a course guide that has all the library resources (as well as other valid online resources) for you to complete and master the Industry Analysis, Company and Situation Analysis Project required in this class.  Here is the link to the guide:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mgt492

Please come see us in the library to help you locate or use any of these resources.

Please interrupt me!

I often hear from students that they didn't realize I am available to assist them with their research efforts or complete a paper or project.  This surprises me but I know I am always busy with the many hats I wear as Director of the Business Library.  But -- my main role -- is to assist students and faculty at the Mitchell College of Business with their information requirements and resources of the library.

There are several ways to contact me for assistance:

One way is to send me an email to buscirc@usouthal.edu as I check this email daily and often throughout the day.  Please be specific in your request or if you want to see, please provide time(s) you can meet with me and we will schedule a time together.

Another way is to call my direct line at 251-460-7998 and do leave a message if I don't answer personally on how to reach you with the best time(s) and what you need.

Yet another way is to check our website online chat - please be patient when you send me a message as I could be helping someone or away from the desk for a few minutes.  Here is the link:  http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/

Or come see us at the library and interrupt me on whatever I am doing -- unless with another student, I am here to help you as is the library staff!

See you soon. 

Recommended Summer Reading

The summer season is a great time for all of us to catch up on reading and I wanted to recommend a few business 'classics' that all of us should read and even re-read.  Here is the list and the library location and call number:

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (MCOB 74.P8L4)
The Peter Principle by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull (UL 6231.M2 P4)
Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher (UL BF 637.N4 F57)
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely (UL 74.P8 P7)
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team:  a leadership fable by Lencioni (UL 66.2456)
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt (UL 9510.9.G64 G6)
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (UL PS 3535.A547 A84)
Built to Last by Jim Collins (MCOB Media HF 5386.C735)
Good to Great by Jim Collins (MCOB Media HD 57.7.C645)
Men and Women of the Corporation by Rosabeth Moss Katner (UL 58.7.K36)
In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peters (UL HD 70.U5 P424)
The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith (UL 171.G14)
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell (MCOB Media BF 448.G53)
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (UL 1033.G53)
The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb (MCOB Q375.T35)

So many more but these titles never grow old for those in business!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back on campus for Summer Semester 2011!  We are open and ready for you to come use the resources of the MCOB Library and Learning Resource Center.   We open at 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please note we have new hours on Sunday from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

We will close two days for the July 4th holiday, July 3rd - July 4th.

Please remember we always close the computer lab fifteen minutes prior to closing the library.

Happy Studying!

Harvard Business Review - June 2011 Issue

For those of you in marketing and management, the June issue of Harvard Business Review is a particularly strong edition.  Articles range from "Competing Against Free", "A Guide to Making Great Strategic Decisions", "How Customers Can Rally Your Troops", "Segmenting the Base of the Pyramid", "What Makes a Team Smarter - More Women", "Forget Viral Marketing, Make the Product itself Viral", several articles on how great leaders unleash innovation and the case study revolves around a manager's decision on which hotel to invest new marketing campaigns.  For those of you taking International Marketing 336 this summer, you might want to read "What the West Doesn't Get About China" and its rapid transformation to a consumer-driven market.  Come see us in the Library and review this issue as well as prior issues of the Harvard Business Review in our magazine section.

Consumer Review Websites - another form of guerilla marketing?

For those of you in marketing, the NY Times has an article on consumer websites with the focus on one called "Yelp" and Amazon.com's "Mechanical Turk".  The article states that "as a consumer review website, Yelp is so big and influential that it has given rise to a small, semi-underground group of entrepreneurs who, for a  fee, will post a rave about your company. Others will post a negative review about your rivals". 

Here is the link to the article:


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/your-money/22haggler.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

What happens in the library when closed during semester break?

I get asked this question often by students and faculty about what do I find to do while the library is closed during semester breaks so I thought I would share with you typical activities.  This break we got the group study rooms painted, the library cleaned from stem to stern including carpet shampooing and a strong clean up in the computer labs which is hard to access while the students are here. Housekeeping has also wiped down all of the tables and chairs and grounds crew is coming to work and clean out our flower beds.  I and the staff have been busily 'shelf-reading' which means they ensure we have all books accounted for and filed in LC classification order so you can easily find the books you need. We then move the bookstacks around to handle all the new books coming in -- and we have alot of new books!  I have created a display of book covers on our bulletin board as well as a binder that will be at the reference desk for you to see what new titles are here and by discipline whether marketing, management, small business, finance, accounting or economics.  We work with Main Library to take the older serials (journals and magazines) and bind them to be shelved at Main.  This frees up our space for new serials and the campus at large has access to the business material. It is also a time for me to develop course instruction on how to use the library for particular courses and in general.  I develop podcasts and course guides that are available to all.  Finally, I turn my attention to operations and ensure we have staffing for the summer and the student workers are trained and I develop marketing materials such as bookmarks and new pencils that advertise this blog.  I look forward to your return to school on May 31st and we WILL be ready for you!

Interim Hours

A reminder the library is closed May 13th - May 30th and re-open on Tuesday, May 31st at 7:30 a.m.  Enjoy your semester break and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Online Finance Dictionary Hint

Do you sometimes just need a quick definition of a financial term?  This website provides financial definitions and other helpful finance resources:

http://www.investopedia.com/dictionary/

In search of a career in the financial arena? Check this resource out

Finbox.com is similar to Linkedin.com but rather its focus is on assisting those students seeking a career in the financial arena.  The website offers a variety of resources from job postings (over 40,000) as well as first-hand industry insights.  The website also maintains close relationships with those Financial Industry Recruiters in the financial sector.  Many users contribute by writing blogs and sharing their insights on numerous topics such as successful interviewing, culture within specific companies and how stand apart from the competition.

Here is the link:

http://www.finbox.com/job-search

Small Business Reference Trial Database - through June 30th

We have a trial on a database through June 30, 2011 you may just want to check out.  It is called "Small Business Reference" and comes to us from EBSCO.   The database focuses those who need to research small business in these areas:  general business, industry information by small business type, business basics and business plans.

Click on this link to begin your research:

http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy2.usouthal.edu/ehost/search/advanced?sid=731101be-0e07-4270-9bfa-27e4be5f4666%40sessionmgr104&vid=1&hid=123

You can go to this link to see all the resources included in this database:

http://www.ebscohost.com/titleLists/b9h-coverage.htm

Enjoy!

Shhh! I am studying!

As we draw near the end of spring semester, I want to remind everyone that during mid-term and final exam time, we try to keep the library especially quiet.  Otherwise, I am delighted to have the library as a common meeting place for students and faculty to meet and chat, work on projects, use the computer lab or group study rooms. However, I always try to keep the front desk and my staff quiet and considerate at all times.  Because of this, I have a five-minute chat limit at the front desk unless you require reference assistance and more time is needed.

Please remember I am opening the library on Saturday, May 7th, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for an extra day of study time.  Otherwise, our hours remain the same and are posted on our website and the outside directory board.

Organizational Behavior (MGT 340) Course Guide

I have published an online course guide for Organizational Behavior (MGT 340) designed to assist students in writing their required term paper.  The course guide will contain all the resources available in the library from understanding the difference between academic and peer-reviewed articles to those journals that are acceptable for the research.  Please review the guide via this link and bookmark for future use:  http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mgt340

International Marketing (MKT 336) Course Guide

For those of you who are taking or see "International Marketing (MKT 336) in your future, I have created a course guide online that will show you all the resources available in the library to achieve success in this course.  Please review and note the URL for future reference:  http://libguides.southalabama.edu/content.php?pid=207697

Books, Books and More Books!

If you haven't noticed lately, our collection of books is growing by leaps and bounds!  We have created a book review binder at the front desk so you can review the titles by discipline that has been ordered this year and more is on the way!  We have titles of business interest, interesting business people (including Jay-Z) as well as books that will support your efforts in course assignments.  While you don't have to read a whole book, you should review the book's table of contents and the index at the back of the book.  We call this 'gutting a book' - review what you do need - one or two small facts or ideas pulled from a book just might make that project be an "A" versus a "B"! 

To quote Jay-Z, he is not a businessman but rather "business, man".  Enjoy.

Consumer or Buyer Behavior Resource

Did you know the Wall Street Journal carries a section on consumer behavior?  It just might be worth checking out for those working on marketing and business plans:

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/consumer_behavior/index.html?

Wall Street Journal, April 25th

Today's Wall Street Journal (Monday, April 25, 2011) has an excellent Special Report on IT with topics such as social networking, cloud computing, smart phones and a brief reading lists for CIOs. Come by the library to review.

Easter Sunday

A reminder that the MCOB Library will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday, April 24th.

Did you know?

This is National Library Week and perhaps you did not know some very famous people were either librarians or worked in libraries.  Such notables are FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Casanova, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, former first lady Laura Bush and China's Mao Zedong.

At a time where anyone can Google just about anything, librarians don't just find information, they find the correct and authorative information -- and fast. The American Library Association reports reference librarians in the nation's public and academic libraries answered nearly 5.7 million questions each week in 2010.

A character in "The Callahan Touch", one of science fiction writer Spider Robinson's books, said, "Librarians are the secret masters of the universe. They control information. Never tick [he uses a stronger verb] one off."  Good advice.

Update on hours during spring final exam and summer Sundays

Please note we will close for Easter Sunday on April 24th.  However, we will open the library on Saturday, May 7th, from 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. for those students who wish to have special study time in the library in addition to our normal hours on Sunday, May 8th, from 1 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Please note that (as always) we will close the computer lab 15 minutes prior to closing the library.

Summer is almost here and we will have different hours on Sundays beginning June 5th when we will open from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Sundays but all other hours remain the same.

I hope each of you have a strong finish to this semester!

One of our best kept secrets - Emerald Database

As I review the statistics for database usage in our library, one that surprises me that we don't have more searches is in Emerald database.  This database covers 21 management subject areas with up to 198 journals the database vendor feels are the most used and downloaded by researchers and students.  Their collection also includes case studies, interviews as well as book reviews to support research and study requirements.  The scope of their offering includes Accounting and Finance, Business Ethics and Law, Economics, Human Resources Management, Enterprise and Innovation (Small Business Development), Industry Management, International Business, Marketing, Quality Management, Operations and Logistics Management, Organization Studies, Performance Management, Real Estate, Strategy and Tourism.  This is just about everything our business college teaches from a management perspective.  For your next Mgt 300, Mgt 340 or any other management course assignment -- think Emerald! Come by the library reference desk and we will be glad to give you an overview of this resource.

Mgt 340 Research Tip - Business Source Premier

For those of you working on your research paper in Mgt 340, use Business Source Premier as one of your resources in our library databases.  As you search on your topic such as 'employee morale', go to the lower portion of the search screen and limit your search by using the drop down box under 'document type'.  From the document type box, you can select an option such as 'case studies' and review your search results.  You should see quite a few business case studies from publications such as Harvard Business Review.  Since your research paper must use resources from academic journals, go back to the search screen and further limit your select by selecting 'academic journals' from the drop down options in the 'publication type' box.  Now, your search results are fully qualified and meet the requirements of your research paper.

Plunkett Research Trial (Industry Research) available through 4/21/11

We have a free trial to Plunkett Research which provides information for industry analysis and trends (including finances, markets, technologies, deregulation, research/development and globalization).  Knowledge of industry trends include industry statistics, profiles of leading companies, glossaries and a database of industry associations.

We only have the trial through April 21, 2011 so give this resource a try in your assignments and research:

http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/sources/

Management 300 Course Guide available

This link will take you to the newly published course guide for Management 300.  The guide is designed to assist students with those resources available in the library to assist in the company analysis project required in this course.

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mgt300

I hope you find this resource helpful and do bookmark the link (or this blog) as more updates on resources will be added.

eBooks are here!

Did you know the University Library Systems has hundreds of ebooks available for download - we do!  You can choose business topics or books you are just interested in.  Get started with electronic reading by going to this link:

http://library.southalabama.edu/ebooks.html

And for those you like me who enjoy their ancestral history from the Emerald Isle - Erin Go Bragh!

Spring Break is here!

Please remember the Library will close at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 11th and will not re-open until Sunday, March 20th at 1 p.m. for spring break.

Have a safe and fun break and remember to that we are moving to Daylight Savings Time this weekend - spring 'forward' - move your clocks one hour forward.

Management 300 - analyst reports are available!

As you write your company analysis for Mgmt 300, you might want to read a stock analyst report from Morningstar which we have as a trial offering this semester only.

Sign on to MCOB library landing page and choose databases and right at the top of the page you will see in boldfaced type, "Morningstar Trial".

http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/sources/


Once you have selected Morningstar, locate the 'companies' section to the left of the page, choose 'stock analyst reports' and search on your company to locate another analyst/researcher view of the company.  The analyst will typically review everything you are having to do in your company analyst from industry to company weaknesses or issues to competition.

Calling all brand marketers!

Mintel Oxygen is a one-stop online platform, designed to give you easy and fast access to consumer and market insight.  More than 600 report titles covering UK, European, US and International consumer markets are added to Mintel Oxygen every year.

We have trial usage for this resource during the month of March only so please make use of it for your current projects or research papers due this semester.  There are actually two databases. 

1.) MINTEL OXYGEN*
To access the site, go to the url - academic.mintel.com either from a campus computer or with your remote sign-in to our library. You will be automatically signed into your account as Mintel has the assigned IP ranges for USA Library database trials. Click on the "I Agree" to the standard academic terms and conditions. Users must then create a profile (using their university email) the first time they login (takes a minute or so). The website has many features/benefits that work closely with the profile.


The second database:
2.) GLOBAL MARKET NAVIGATOR*
To login:
Mintel Global Navigator-
1. *gmn.mintel.com* <http://gmn.mintel.com/>
2.  Username - usouthaltrial@usouthal.edu
3.  Password - mintel

Any issues, please come to the library and we will assist you or send an email request to:  buscirc@usouthal.edu.

SWOT Analysis made even easier

Are you still not sure about how to do a SWOT analysis?  I have posted a podcast on iTunes University about how to do a SWOT as well as provided class lectures.  But if you would prefer to review this book, I highly recommend it.  It is a quick read and is in our bookstacks (HF 5386.F56X 2009) - come check it out!  And, as always, I am happy to assist you 1:1 on how to do a SWOT analysis.

Mgt 300 Research Hint

For those of you who have chosen Delta Airlines as your company to do an analysis, a tremendous resource from our government:

 http://www.bts.gov/

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Yes - let the good times roll in Mobile and indeed Mardi Gras is in full swing as is our spring semester.  I know many of our students are facing deadlines and counting the days until spring break (so are we in the Library).  So, please note we will be closed March 8th to join the Mardi Gras celebration as well as spring break week (including Sunday, March 13th). You will not have access to the library during these closed times so plan your assignments and your 'good times' accordingly.

How to locate that pesky NAICs (Industry Classification)

I am getting many requests from students trying to locate just the right classification code for their projects in MKT 382 and MGT 300.  While the easiest way is through the NAICs website, some of you have very unique companies.  If you cannot locate easily on the government website, we have the actual hardcopy of all NAICs codes and descriptions in the library reference section.  This is an example of when a researcher may need a print copy to browse for ideas versus searching in the dark so to speak.  Another great way is to look at your company's competition or other larger publicly held companies and use our databases such as Business and Company Resource Center, S&P netAdvantage or Mergent Online.  Of course, your friendly business librarian (namely me) is always ready to help you - just send your request to buscirc@usouthal.edu.

Organizational Behavior, Mgt 340 Research hint

Need assistance in locating the required peer-reviewed journal articles for your research paper?  If you have narrowed your topic to terms you can search, I recommend first trying an index such as Business Index ASAP: http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/111/1/1/purl=rc6_BIM?sw_aep=naal_usam

By searching an index, you are able to select 'refereed publications' as part of your search and do select the option for 'full text' as well.  You can also browse journals that are appropriate for this paper and narrow your search to specific journals.  I recommend California Management Review, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Harvard Business Review and Sloan Management Review as a start.  You will see the option to 'browse journals' and when selected, you can choose the title from an alphabetical listing.

MCOB LRC Computer Lab

Please note that the computer library in the library always closes fifteen minutes before we close the Library.  We need this time to ensure the computer lab is shut down and secured until we re-open.  We do have signage posted to this effect but want to remind you to please not start any major projects or tests in the computer lab thinking you have more time to complete than you actually do! As an example, if the Library is closing at 9:00 p.m., we will close the lab at 8:45 p.m.

Industry Research, Part III

In prior industry research posts, you have been collecting data in various government websites as well as online databases in the Library.  One key database is S&P netAdvantage as you can review industry surveys which will provide you those key financial ratios important in a specific industry.  Also, in S&P netAdvantage, you can select 'company comparisons' to see how key companies are operating in this environment.  Another handy resource is a book we have here in the MCOB Library Reference Section called the "Almanac of Business/Industry Financial Ratios".  The call number location is HF 5681.R25 T68.  Using the NAICs code you located in Part I of your research, you will be able to view the industry ratios from this almanac that is sometimes easier to view in print.  More ways to learn more about the industry you are researching will be posted soon.

Industry Research, Part II

An earlier blog on conducting industry research, we pointed out that you first need to get an Industry NAICs code (industry classification) as this will be a key way you will research various government websites and our databases.  You will be able to research industries from such databases as S&P Index, Morningstar, MergentOnline to name a few. As you are researching, you will need to complete a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) for your company, the industry in which they operate and their competitors.  By organizing the information in a SWOT analysis, you are now ready to research even deeper but that will be in our next blog.  If you need assistance in this step or locating the NAICs code, please send a request to buscirc@usouthal.edu and we will happy to assist!

Brand Management 382

For those of you taking Brand Management 382, here the link to the Course Guide with resources to assist you:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mkt382

Industry Research Initial Steps

I get alot of requests for how to research an industry in areas such growth, trends, ratios, etc.  The very first step is to determine the NAICs code (government classification) on http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.  If not easily found, we then have a book where we can research deeper with you - just ask at the front desk.

Once you have the NAICs code, you should spend time in the various government websites available and this course guide will assist you on http://libguides.southalabama.edu/docsbusiness.  You are now ready to research further in our databases but this will be our next blog. 

Resources for printing out projects, papers

Did you know there is a great resource right here on campus that is ready to assist you with getting your papers or projects printed out professionally and in color if needed?  It is our own Publishing Team located in the Commons, UCOM 6500.  Please call for more information and hours at 251-380-2828.

Morningstar database trial usage through May 31, 2011

Please note for this semester only, we have a free trial of Morningstar Investment Research Center - a great opportunity for everyone to get to use this resource but particularly those undertaking finance courses:
http://library.morningstar.com/?CustId=&CLogin=&CType=&CName=

Management 300 - Trader Joe's article

For those of you in Management 300 this semester and need to locate a copy of the required reading on "Trader Joe's", please use this link while on campus or remotely with your sign-on credentials:

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=53166353&site=ehost-live

Super Bowl Sunday

We know we may be the loneliest place on campus on Super Bowl Sunday but we will be open from 1-9 p.m. for those of you who need to study and use the computer lab versus watching the big game!

Library Instant Chat and web requests

The MCOB Library now has instant chat available on our website. Just look at the 'meebo' icon to see if the librarian on duty is available.

http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/


You can also send reference requests directly to buscirc@usouthal.edu.

Spring Semester 2011 Hours

The MCOB LRC and Library is opened Spring Semester:

Sunday 1 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. 
Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday - closed 

Special Closings:
March 8, 2011 Mardi Gras Day
March 13-18, 2011 Spring Break
April 24, 2011 Easter Sunday