What is Zoom?

What is Zoom?

Zoom is Tarleton’s video conferencing service. Zoom works with your desktop computer, tablet or mobile device, and can host up to 50 individuals. 

Who can use Zoom? 

• Online learners 

Zoom is a great way to connect if you are a distance learning student. Is there a training of session on campus that you are interested in, but can't attend? Connect through Zoom. You can follow along and ask questions through the chat feature.

• Busy, busy, busy!

We get it. Life is hectic. Maybe you don't have time to come to campus, or you squeezing as much as you can into your already cramped lunch break. Attend through Zoom and save travel time getting to the location.

• Group work

Everyone has a different schedule, is coming form a different location, and has a different type of device. Zoom is a quick and easy way to connect for group projects. People can use their computer, tablet, or even a smart phone to connect. People can use the chat, or audio to chime in and discuss topics.  And for that one person, that never seems to be available, you can record the meeting and share it with them later. 

Where to start? 

Learn more about Zoom through ITS's webpage. At the bottom of the page are instructions on how to get started. 

Tips and Tricks 

• If you are hosting a meeting, have attendees register beforehand. Zoom will send a confirmation email with a link to the meeting making it easier to join. 
• Don't forget to record your meetings, so people that can't attend can still catch up. 
• Zoom has an option for closed captioning under Settings. 
• If hosting a meeting, enlist the help of a friend or co-worker to monitor chat and handle technical difficulties while you present. 
• Share your screen with others, so they can follow along on your presentation. 

Need more help?

Zoom is very user-friendly and easy to use. Zoom has numerous training webinars. 

For faculty, the Center for Instructional Innovation has learning sessions on using Zoom in your classroom.

Or contact the ITS Help Desk at 254-968-9885 or 254-968-0575, or through email at helpdesk@tarleton.edu

10 things you can do to protect your Data Privacy

10 things you can do to protect your Data Privacy 

January 28th is Data Privacy Day, an international effort to empower individuals and business to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust. So here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your data. 

10.  Sign up for Duo.

        -Dual authentication helps protect your information by requiring two ways to authenticate users. In collaboration with ITS, there will be a table at the library today to help you get enrolled. 

9. Share with care.

     - It's ok to limit what you post online. Posting pictures may inadvertently share data and sensitive details with strangers. 

8. Stay updated.

     - Turn on automatic software updates. These updates help protect potential vulnerabilities in your software. 

7. Choose a strong password.

     -Dictionary attacks are one of the more common attacks to gain access. Using a password that isn't a dictionary word can help protect against these kind of attacks. 

6. Update your privacy settings.

     - Many apps track more information than you know. Update your devices privacy settings, so you don't inadvertently share more data than you are comfortable with. 

5. Invest in a strong antivirus.  

    -Tarleton faculty, staff, and students can purchase Cylance at a discount. This antivirus utilizes machine learning to disable malware, viruses, and bots while protecting your personal devices. 

4.  Careful with public WiFi. 

      -Public WiFi may be convenient, but your personal information, but your personal information may be more exposed on public networks. 

3. Back it up. 

     - If its important, make a back up copy of important documents and work files. Just in case your device is compromised, you'll be glad you have an additional backup copy safe somewhere. 

2. Scan it.

    - Use your security software to scan external devices for malware. 

1. Report it!

    - If you receive a suspicious email, or are just not sure about something, report it to the Tarleton Help Desk. Better safe than sorry. 

These tips and more can be found online from StaySafeOnline, powered by the National Cyber Security Alliance 

National Reading Day!

Stock photo from Pixabay

This year, National Reading Day is January 23, 2020. National Reading Day is a day dedicated to early literacy. It encourages children from Pre-K to Third Grade to start reading and we encourage people of all ages to pick up a book and read! 

The Tarleton Libraries have a selection of children's books often used by students who are becoming elementary education teachers!

Here are a few children's books found in the Dick Smith Library that the National Reading day website suggests:

Photo from Penguin Random House

Corduroy 
By Don Freeman
PZ8.9 .F85 CO

A heartwarming story about a little bear and a little girl finding the friend they have always wanted in each other.

Photo from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Planting a Rainbow

By Lois Ehert 

PZ7 .E3225 PL 1988

A mother and child plant a rainbow of flowers in the family garden.

Photo from Penguin Random House

Madeline 

By Ludwig Bemelmans
PZ7 .B423 MAD 1967

Madeline, smallest and naughtiest of the twelve little charges of Miss Clavel, wakes up one night with an attack of appendicitis.







Here are a couple fun children's books you can pick up at Rickett Library!

Photo from Little, Brown and Company

Hello Lighthouse
By Sophie Blackall
PZ7 .B5319 HEL 2018


Explores the life of one lighthouse as it beams its message out to sea through shifting seasons, changeable weather, and the tenure of its final keeper.

Photo from Holiday House Books

Dreamers
By Yuyi Morales
PS3613 .O68 Z46 2018

An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story.









Feel free to learn more about National Reading Day at nationalreadingday.org!

Make a gift to support the Library: Donate here!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Photo by Brian Kraus on Unsplash

Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday January 20, 2020 and the library will be closed. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream Speech” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial August 28, 1963. You can listen to the speech in its entirety here through NPR. 

King created a legacy of empowerment, hope and passion. He was a renowned public speaker which helped him inspire millions and continues to encourage people to fervently pursue equality and justice. Tarleton Libraries has the resources to help you hone your public speaking skills. Find available resources here 

King was born in Atlanta, GA in 1929. He was a Christian minister, activist, and a charismatic speaker. To learn more about his life and leading role in the Civil Rights Movement check out some of the biographies listed below 

The library also has a subject guide dedicated to African American culture, history and resources. 

Martin Luther King Jr., By Marshall Frady

E185.97 .K5 F695 2002B c.1 

 Martin Luther King Jr., by Peter J. Ling

 E185.97 .K5 L55 2002 c.1

Martin Luther King Jr. his life, martyrdom, and meaning forthe world, by William Robert Miller

 E185.97 .K5 M5 c.1

Travel databases

We have databases that are perfect for travel! They are: Mango Languages, Global Road Warrior, and A-Z Maps Online. FYI: You will need to sign in with your NTNET username and password to access them. You can find them all at our Databases A-Z page. The link to this page is on our home page. Please keep in mind that these databases display the best and are the most usable on a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer. However, they have mobile-responsive sites, which can be used on your smartphone.

Mango Languages has over 70 languages for you to learn.  There are audio and video portions and even an app. You can create an account to track your improvement or be a guest user. This is also a great way for English as a Second Language learners to brush up on their language skills.

Screenshot of an Italian video lesson.

Global Road Warrior is designed for business travelers but it  can be used by anyone.  It has very comprehensive information on a slew of countries. This information includes tips on society, culture, internet access, politics, etiquette, and much, much more.

A screenshot of information about Japan.

A-Z Maps Online. This has an amazing amount of different types of maps from all around the world. A few of the map types include: empire, holy land, climate, ecology, geology, NASA, city, world and USA. Below is a 1595 map of the world.

A 1595 world map from A-Z Maps Online

Happy travels!