When I came to the desk, someone was trying to use the vendor printer. On the computer screen (lower right corner) there was a message "Card reader thread terminated unexpectedly." We couldn't get the message to close. We tried inserting the vendor card a few times but the message remained. So, I called systems help.
Tam very quickly arrived for help. He said to call if the message appears again.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
RDA – Resource Description and Access
I attended a session on "Getting Ready for RDA and FRBR" given by Barbara Tillett from the Library of Congress, Glen Patton from OCLC, and a member from RDA Implementation Task Force at the ALA Annual Conference.
Libraries, archives, and museums, among others, need to prepare for the release of Resource Description and Access in 2009. This new standard differs from AACR2, and incorporates concepts from the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD), as well as implementation strategies, issues (e.g., necessary infrastructure, re-thinking cataloging workflows, timelines), and education (e.g., web-based training) and the impact of RAD across stakeholders' communities.
Update on RDA Implementation:
In October 2007, the British Library, Library and Archives Canada, the Library of Congress and the National Library of Australia agreed to support RDA by coordinating training materials and implementation plans. The Committee of Principals and the JSC (Joint Steering Committee) are examining the best methods for doing this so there will be sufficient time for resting, training, and a smooth transition in adopting RDA. Although RDA will be released during the first quarter of 2009, its implementation will follow a phased approach so that libraries will have sufficient time to plan for RDA.
For more information, see RAD.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
SimNet exam requests for Excel books and Books 24x7
The last few days those of us at the reference desk have had a number of inquiries for books on Excel to help students prepare for the SimNet exam. A number of recent books located by searching CUNY+ were found to be checked out or reported missing. I would like to recommend Books 24X7 as a source of full text recent books on Excel.
One that looks very helpful is Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Formulas and Functions for Dummies.
It is found on Books 24x7 but was not located searching CUNY+, either by title or subject or keyword.
A question has arisen then whether all books available in Books 24x7 are included in CUNY+?
The Books 24x7 link to the title Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Formulas and Functions
for Dummies is http://library.books24x7.com/toc.asp?bookid=18136
One that looks very helpful is Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Formulas and Functions for Dummies.
It is found on Books 24x7 but was not located searching CUNY+, either by title or subject or keyword.
A question has arisen then whether all books available in Books 24x7 are included in CUNY+?
The Books 24x7 link to the title Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Formulas and Functions
for Dummies is http://library.books24x7.com/toc.asp?bookid=18136
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wiley and Blackwell-Synergy: bugs
Although the online merger happened and the site is back up, alert librarians have noticed that there is some Blackwell content still missing, from individual articles to full journals.
PolicyArchive
ResourceShelf's resource of the week is PolicyArchive, a ....
"new digital archive of global, non-partisan public policy research. It makes use of the power, efficiency, and economy of modern Internet technology to collect and disseminate summaries and full texts, videos, reports, briefs, and multimedia material of think tank, university, government, and foundation-funded policy research. It offers a subject index, an internal search engine, useful abstracts, email notifications of newly added research, and will soon expand to offer information on researchers and funders, and even user-generated publication reviews. Over time, it will grow to include policy content from international and corporate organizations."
More about PolicyArchive.
**Many of the reports I found in PolicyArchive were not indexed in PAIS International.
**Also, I noticed that some reports were indexed in PAIS International, but the record did not provide a link to the report. (PolicyArchive links to the online report.)
"new digital archive of global, non-partisan public policy research. It makes use of the power, efficiency, and economy of modern Internet technology to collect and disseminate summaries and full texts, videos, reports, briefs, and multimedia material of think tank, university, government, and foundation-funded policy research. It offers a subject index, an internal search engine, useful abstracts, email notifications of newly added research, and will soon expand to offer information on researchers and funders, and even user-generated publication reviews. Over time, it will grow to include policy content from international and corporate organizations."
More about PolicyArchive.
**Many of the reports I found in PolicyArchive were not indexed in PAIS International.
**Also, I noticed that some reports were indexed in PAIS International, but the record did not provide a link to the report. (PolicyArchive links to the online report.)
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Times Comprehensive World Atlas
This is a new, 2007 world atlas that we have recently received. It has comprehensive coverage for all areas of the world and has received much praise for its design and level of detail. Take a look when you get a chance - it's located with our other full-size atlases in the reading room on the 2nd floor. It's on the top shelf, near the 2008 commercial atlases. I've also ordered a full-size National Geographic atlas (the old standby) which should arrive in the near future.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Foreign Direct Investment in NYC
Last Friday the Partnership for New York City released a report Foreign Direct Investment: Bringing the Benefits of Globalization Back Home. It is the first attempt to measure the economic impact of foreign owned businesses in New York City. The report estimates that $58 billion or more than 10% of the city's economic product is the result of FDI. One in twenty jobs are held by FDI employees. They report the city is a globalization winner.
Laptops at the Circulation/Reserve Desk - Summer Semester
Beginning July 1, laptops may be borrowed and returned to the circulation/reserve desk on the second floor
until the end of the summer semester. [email from Eric]
until the end of the summer semester. [email from Eric]
Monday, June 30, 2008
CUNY+ down several dates
CUNY+ will be down:
Tuesday, July 1st from 5:45am to 7:45am
Wednesday, July 2nd, from 5:45 am until 8:00 am
Tuesday, July 1st from 5:45am to 7:45am
Wednesday, July 2nd, from 5:45 am until 8:00 am
No remote access to Science magazine
The link via Serials Solutions to Science magazine (from the Science magazine web site) generates an EZ Proxy error. I've reported this to our help desk (#2939).
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Audit failure assignment and tips for the research
Prof. John Barron's ACC 5400, an auditing class, a late evening class, has a group assignment to work on one of the audit failure cases that are featured in a book of cases. (The book has previously been used by previous classes.) I have sent Prof. Barron a copy of my handout regarding tips for doing the research for this assignment and he will post it to Blackboard.
I have also placed a copy of it on the shared Numan drive, under IS, Instructional materials, Class Assignments and then Research tips for Audit Failure Assignment, dated 06272008. The presentations are due in late July. I will be gone next week, on research leave from July 14, and gone again July 19.
They can select the audit failure that they want to work on. While Enron might be very popular, there is also probably an overwhelming amount of information on the case. One of the more difficult cases for locating information involves a pharmaceutical supply company on Long Island in the 1980s that did not generate many news stories when the audit failure (involving "cooking the books") was discovered, or afterwards. The company no longer exists.
When I did a workshop on helping students locate information, I first showed them how to locate the sources cited in the case study, which they really seemed to appreciate.
I also showed how to find articles in the databases such as how to avoid inventory fraud or embezzlement, which provide information for suggestions on how the situation might have been avoided, or for suggestions for improvements in internal controls and procedures.
Another professor, who teaches this during the spring and summer terms, has told me that he wants the students to develop a more skeptical approach, and realize that as auditor once you step into a firm, you are in their environment which they control. He has said you can't teach this from a book. But, reading the cases, with hindsight, you can see some instances of possible "red flags" --when excuses or exceptions were made, when procedures weren't followed, when people were related or involved with each other, or when there appears to be no where to turn for advice or to report something suspicious. So, psychology databases have some articles about
risk management, auditing and auditors.
I hope this is helpful. I am meeting with one of the student groups tonight so I will post if they have any suggestions as to what they find helpful. If a student comes to the desk who has not read the case, I have started to suggest that the student do so prior to seeking assistance.
Additional information:
I met with the student group doing the Enron case tonight. The assignment is different from past semesters as the assignment includes answering the questions at the end of each case study for their presentations. So, finding historical financial filings may be less important than in the past.
Many of the questions also ask the students to provide their own opinions on requirements and auditing standards.
Auditing standards online are available on CCH Accounting Research Manager, and as they are the current standards, print standards from prior years should be found using CUNY+.
I have also placed a copy of it on the shared Numan drive, under IS, Instructional materials, Class Assignments and then Research tips for Audit Failure Assignment, dated 06272008. The presentations are due in late July. I will be gone next week, on research leave from July 14, and gone again July 19.
They can select the audit failure that they want to work on. While Enron might be very popular, there is also probably an overwhelming amount of information on the case. One of the more difficult cases for locating information involves a pharmaceutical supply company on Long Island in the 1980s that did not generate many news stories when the audit failure (involving "cooking the books") was discovered, or afterwards. The company no longer exists.
When I did a workshop on helping students locate information, I first showed them how to locate the sources cited in the case study, which they really seemed to appreciate.
I also showed how to find articles in the databases such as how to avoid inventory fraud or embezzlement, which provide information for suggestions on how the situation might have been avoided, or for suggestions for improvements in internal controls and procedures.
Another professor, who teaches this during the spring and summer terms, has told me that he wants the students to develop a more skeptical approach, and realize that as auditor once you step into a firm, you are in their environment which they control. He has said you can't teach this from a book. But, reading the cases, with hindsight, you can see some instances of possible "red flags" --when excuses or exceptions were made, when procedures weren't followed, when people were related or involved with each other, or when there appears to be no where to turn for advice or to report something suspicious. So, psychology databases have some articles about
risk management, auditing and auditors.
I hope this is helpful. I am meeting with one of the student groups tonight so I will post if they have any suggestions as to what they find helpful. If a student comes to the desk who has not read the case, I have started to suggest that the student do so prior to seeking assistance.
Additional information:
I met with the student group doing the Enron case tonight. The assignment is different from past semesters as the assignment includes answering the questions at the end of each case study for their presentations. So, finding historical financial filings may be less important than in the past.
Many of the questions also ask the students to provide their own opinions on requirements and auditing standards.
Auditing standards online are available on CCH Accounting Research Manager, and as they are the current standards, print standards from prior years should be found using CUNY+.
SEC announces 21st Century Disclosure Initiative
The SEC announced today that it is starting a six month study of its disclosure system and how technology can improve the quality of information for investors. It looks like they are undertaking a fundamental rethinking of the way they acquire and disseminate public company information. Quoting from the press release, the SEC says the study will include a review of all existing SEC forms and reporting requirements. It will look at how to integrate public disclosure with the SEC’s new XBRL initiative and it will consider ways that the regulatory requirements might be changed to improve real-time distribution of both financial and narrative disclosure to investors.
The study is being lead by Prof. William Lutz, the author of Doublespeak Defined. He worked with the SEC on their Plain English Handbook. Prof. Lutz spoke about doublespeak at Baruch's College Convocation in 2005.
The study is being lead by Prof. William Lutz, the author of Doublespeak Defined. He worked with the SEC on their Plain English Handbook. Prof. Lutz spoke about doublespeak at Baruch's College Convocation in 2005.
Download Company Comparison Data
Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage has added a download feature to its Industry Surveys. You can now export to Excel the data from the "Comparative Company Analysis" pages. The download option is listed right below the option for PDF or HTML (it is labeled "comparative company analysis"). The Excel spreadsheet will be tabbed so that each table can be accessed separately.
Sources of 5-year stock prices in graphic format to insert into Powerpoint
Through email reference today, a student said she was having trouble inserting a five-year chart (graph) of Home Depot's stock prices into a Powerpoint slide. As I was working on it, Louise, doing chat reference, saw the question and we explored different ways that this could be accomplished.
The choices may depend on whether the student wants to generate a chart/graphical data from price data or simply copy and paste a graph. Some of the options below provide only the company's stock prices over 5 years, while other options allow you to create a graph/chart comparing that company's stock prices performance to other companies or to an index or indices.
Creating a chart of stock prices is one of the things learned in the Reuters workshops but that didn't seem a practical solution today, given that it was an email question. Plus neither of us had saved such a created chart and then emailed it to ourselves.
So here is the answer that I sent the student, in the event that it comes up again:
The choices may depend on whether the student wants to generate a chart/graphical data from price data or simply copy and paste a graph. Some of the options below provide only the company's stock prices over 5 years, while other options allow you to create a graph/chart comparing that company's stock prices performance to other companies or to an index or indices.
Creating a chart of stock prices is one of the things learned in the Reuters workshops but that didn't seem a practical solution today, given that it was an email question. Plus neither of us had saved such a created chart and then emailed it to ourselves.
So here is the answer that I sent the student, in the event that it comes up again:
Here's some options:
1. Go to the Home Depot homepage, www.homedepot.com, and
Click on Investor Information, then stock information. You will see that a chart is available on the prices. You can change the chart to 5 years and select different stock prices...weekly, etc. Then, right click on the chart and you will have the option Copy Image. Open Powerpoint and select a slide in which the content is graphs and past the image.
2. You can also use three subscription databases available to Baruch students to copy and paste a chart. Why would you use these databases over Home Depot's free option? Standard & Poor's Net Advantage, Mergent, and Morningstar allow you to build a graphical chart with more options..you can select to compare HD's stock price to different indexes. This would provide more information than the chart of the stock price alone.
Both Mergent Online, Morningstar and Standard & Poor's Net Advantage are databases that can be located through databases on the Newman Library homepage.
3.) for Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage.
Once you log on to the database, look to do a Companies search (blue toolbar). Enter HD as the ticker and search.
On the left column, you will see chart listed among the selections. Click Chart. A chart will appear and you will have options to select. When you have created the chart you want,
right click and copy the image. As before, insert into Powerpoint.
4.) Now, for Mergent. Select Mergent Online from the database options. Either enter Home Depot as the company name or HD as the ticker symbol to search. Then, click on the tab Equity Pricing when the option appears. You will see a chart of HD's stock prices. As with Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage, you can select the time period and if you want to compare the HD stock performance to a different index, make the selections you want.
Scroll down and click Draw Chart, when you have made your selections. As before, right click to copy the image, and then open Powerpoint and insert the image.
5) I forgot to look at Morningstar when I was doing the email reference. But it too allows you to get a five year graph of a company's stock prices and allows a comparison to another company to be added. Right click to copy the image and then paste into Powerpoint.
Some free web sites that also allow you graphs that can be copied are:
www.Reuters.com. Do a search for the stock you want and look for the chart. Click on it, and you can create a chart with different options, including comparing the company to three other companies. Once again, right click to copy image and then insert the graph into a Powerpoint.
Google Finance also might be used. Enter HD as the stock quote that you are looking for. Click on the link Historical stock prices and select five years. You will then need to click download to a spreadsheet. Once you have saved the spreadsheet as an Excel file, you can create a chart using Excel. This will require a few more steps than the other options that allow you to copy a chart.
Blackwell-synergy site closing down June 27
Just a reminder that the Blackwell-Synergy site will be closing down on June 27, and all content migrated to the Wiley InterScience site on June 30.
Blackwell is not listed in our list of databases, but we subscribe to some of their journals, so that may come up on the full-text list.
Blackwell is not listed in our list of databases, but we subscribe to some of their journals, so that may come up on the full-text list.
ThomsonReuters vs. Bloomberg
You might want to read an article that appeared in Monday's New York Times about the competition between ThomsonReuters and Bloomberg in the financial news industry. Although Thomson Reuters reports more revenue, $12.5 billion to Bloomberg's $5.4 billion, and more employees, 50,000 to Bloomberg's 10,000, they are close competitors measured by market share: ThomsonReuters has 34% and Bloomberg has 33% of the market for financial data.
The article does a nice job covering the history of the two companies and assessing possible strategies for the future.
See "The New Fight for Financial News" in the New York Times, June 23, 2008.
The article does a nice job covering the history of the two companies and assessing possible strategies for the future.
See "The New Fight for Financial News" in the New York Times, June 23, 2008.
Exchange rates and Consumer Price Index assignment
There is a class with a two part assignment requiring (1) monthly average exchange rates for several countries for multiple years (2) Consumer Price Index for several countries for multiple years.
The following resources are helpful for this data:
(1) WRDS - for monthly exchange rates.
After connecting, choose "Federal Reserve Bank Reports". In the new page on the left you will see a heading for "Foreign Exchange Rates"; click on "Data" directly below. When selecting countries and years, change the frequency from "daily" to "monthly".
(2) WDI: World Development Indicators - for Consumer Price Index.
You need to select the countries, series (Consumer Price Index), and time (years). For the CPI, click on the Series tab and then click on "Exchange rates and prices" for the topic. You will see your options change in the box to the right. CPI will be listed first for you to select.
The following resources are helpful for this data:
(1) WRDS - for monthly exchange rates.
After connecting, choose "Federal Reserve Bank Reports". In the new page on the left you will see a heading for "Foreign Exchange Rates"; click on "Data" directly below. When selecting countries and years, change the frequency from "daily" to "monthly".
(2) WDI: World Development Indicators - for Consumer Price Index.
You need to select the countries, series (Consumer Price Index), and time (years). For the CPI, click on the Series tab and then click on "Exchange rates and prices" for the topic. You will see your options change in the box to the right. CPI will be listed first for you to select.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
CUNYPlus will be down on Thursday
CUNY/CIS will be conducting maintenance on the CUNYPlus Library system on Thursday, June 26th, from 6:30am to 8:30am. Access to the online catalog and other library services systems will be unavailable during this maintenance.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
An offer that helped a student
At the recent SLA conference, I attended a continuing ed session by Mary
Ellen Bates on "what to do after you log off," which discussed ways that librarians/information
professionals can demonstrate their value, or offer addition help, after the initial inquiry is completed. Tonight on the desk a student asked for help in locating Milton's Paradise Lost, so I showed her how to locate the book in CUNY+. Then I asked, " will you need some information to help understand it," and she said "yes." So I showed her how to search Literature Resource Center and JSTOR. (She said aftewards she had only used our databases a little and not for literature articles.)
She said she appreciated the extra help. I realize that I should have framed my inquiry better like, "Would you like me to show you some library resources that help explain Milton's writings? "
Ellen Bates on "what to do after you log off," which discussed ways that librarians/information
professionals can demonstrate their value, or offer addition help, after the initial inquiry is completed. Tonight on the desk a student asked for help in locating Milton's Paradise Lost, so I showed her how to locate the book in CUNY+. Then I asked, " will you need some information to help understand it," and she said "yes." So I showed her how to search Literature Resource Center and JSTOR. (She said aftewards she had only used our databases a little and not for literature articles.)
She said she appreciated the extra help. I realize that I should have framed my inquiry better like, "Would you like me to show you some library resources that help explain Milton's writings? "
What are Bond Covenants?
In the practicum this morning we discussed how to help a student looking for bond covenants but we never defined what a covenant was. Covenants are restrictions on the activity of bond issuers that protect the bondholders. They include things like limits on how the borrowed funds can be used, restrictions against issuing more debt, or setting certain ratio requirements or working capital levels. When covenants are violated, the bonds are in default.
Provisions of the covenants for a particular bond will usually be found in the bond prospectus or a supplement to the prospectus. Thomson Research provides the most comprehensive collection of prospectuses for both U.S. and foreign corporations.
There are two databases that can be used to find a list of the bonds that a company has issued. The SDC new issues database probably has the most complete list including bonds that have been recalled. Students might find it easier to use Mergent Online which in one of the company tabs lists all the long term debt and capital stock outstanding.
Provisions of the covenants for a particular bond will usually be found in the bond prospectus or a supplement to the prospectus. Thomson Research provides the most comprehensive collection of prospectuses for both U.S. and foreign corporations.
There are two databases that can be used to find a list of the bonds that a company has issued. The SDC new issues database probably has the most complete list including bonds that have been recalled. Students might find it easier to use Mergent Online which in one of the company tabs lists all the long term debt and capital stock outstanding.
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