LET US HELP YOU SURVIVE COLLEGE!!
Category: Explore our Library
Aug
21
2017
Welcome to the Fall 2017 Semester!!
It’s hard to believe that the new semester is here already! Let us help you on your way to academic success!
New this fall: Live chat and text messaging!!
Not in the library, but have a question? We now have both Live Chat and text messaging available! Live chat is available from the Lichtenberger Engineering Library homepage. If no one is available to personally help you, we have a Knowledgebase which just might have the answer for you! The answer isn’t there? Never fear – you can still ask your question and someone will get back to you as soon as possible! There are several options available: email, submit a question online or text us! We now have a text number! Be sure to add 319-250-2176 to your contacts!
We have Study Spaces!
In the main entrance area we have 27 ITC computers – 2 with stand-up desks; 2 scanners – including one with a high-speed, face-up book capture system; and 2 black & white printers. We have 2 study pods, too. Pod 1 has MediaScape (connect up to 6 laptops!) and a white board; Pod 2 is equipped with a group work table and a white board. Check here for reservation instructions and reservation information.
Also on the main entrance floor we have 4 study carrels – each with a light and power outlet. We have 6 club chairs and 4 group tables, which can be moved together for larger groups!
Prefer a quiet study space? We’ve got that covered, too! Our lower level is a dedicated quiet space. We have 34 study carrels (each with a light and power outlet), 4 wing-back chairs, 6 arm chairs, 4 comfy bean bags, and 4 gamer chairs! The 150,000+ books in our collection are also located on the lower level and cover subject matter from Aeronautics to Z-80 Programming!
We have a Creative Space!
It has a a 3D scanning station (other 3D scanners available to check out from the Tool Library!), 2 quad-screen collaboration tables (each has the ability to project 4 laptop screens to the monitor!), 4 modeling stations with engineering software, 5 white boards, 2 high-top tables with stools, and a VR work station – an Oculus Rift and hand controllers are available to check out (2-hour loan time) from the Tool Library!
We have e-Resources!
We have access to over 3,000 e-resources and online subject guides covering information for all the engineering majors. You can access IEEExplore, over 20,000 Standards, Patents, a citation guide, information on Engineering ethics, copyright and open access information. There is also a wide range of handbooks and digital publications, all available from our homepage.
Our journal subscriptions cover everything from Road & Travel, SWE, Make Magazine, to The Journal of Theoretical & Applied Mechanics.
There is also a wonderful collection of DVDs – we have Mythbusters, Junkyard Wars, How It’s Made, Extreme Engineering, and a host of other titles (150+) – all available by asking at the circulation desk.
We have a Tool Library!
Need a measuring tape? A hammer? How about a thermal imaging camera? A hot glue gun? Maybe a sports camcorder? We’ve got ’em! Or did you forget your laptop charger? Don’t worry we’ve got those, too! We have 172+ tools available to check out!
We have a YouTube channel!
Check out the overview of the library video – and the one about surviving college! We also have tutorials to help you learn about our resources and how to navigate your way through them! You’ll want to subscribe to our channel – there will be lots more videos coming!
Explore our homepage – with links to new books, resources, our blog, and how to get help. You can search course reserves, databases and e-journals directly from our homepage, too. Then come explore the library! We are at 2001 Seamans Center – just off the Student Commons. Our hours are listed on our homepage – so stop in!
Head Librarian, Kari Kozak and Informatics Librarian, and Qianijn (Marina) Zhang, are both available for research consultations and all our staff are available to help you find the resources you need!
Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook 
follow us on Twitter 
and Pinterest 
Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!
Aug
16
2017
Lichtenberger Engineering Library Fall 2017 Newsletter
- Engineering Library 2016-2017 Year in Review
- Creative Space & Tool Library
- YouTube Video Channel
- Live Chat and Text Messaging Now Available!
- New Resources
- Subject Guides
- Classroom Assistance and Library Tours
- Course Reserves
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1) Engineering Library 2016-2017 Year in Review
Want to know what the Engineering Library has been up to this last year? Check out the following infographic: https://magic.piktochart.com/output/23653246-2016-2017-engineering-library
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2) Creative Space & Tool Library
In September 2016, the Lichtenberger Engineering Library in collaboration with the Engineering Technology Centers opened a maker/creative space for students. This space is for students to imagine, tinker, design, and create.
With this space, we have added 111 tools to the Tool Library over this past year. Some of the tools added include:
- Virtual Reality Glasses
- 3D Scanners
- Adapter, Cables and Chargers for computers and mobile devices
- Arduino programming language and circuit building kits
- GoPro Camera
- Soldering Irons
Set up a tour of the space and to learn more about the tools available at: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/creative-space/
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3) YouTube video channel
We have a new YouTube video channel!
- Check out our latest video: Surviving College
- We have tutorials for specific library resources and how to get the most benefit when using them!
- There are videos designed to help new (and returning) faculty, staff, and students become familiar with the library and what is available.
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4) Live Chat and Text Messaging!
We now have both live chat AND text messaging available!
Live chat is now available on the Lichtenberger Engineering Library homepage and within each Subject Guide!
You may also ask your questions by texting us at 319.250.2176!
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5) New Resource
- 37 eBooks from across the spectrum of computer science subject matter
Morgan & Claypool Synthesis Collection:
- We own the complete collection of over 800 of these 75 to 125-page electronic books that synthesizes a research or developing hot topic.
- Areas covered include: Tissue Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, and Global Engineering just to name a few.
- The MIT Press eBooks library – a computing and engineering collection is now available through IEEE Xplore
- With almost 600 titles going back as far as 1943!
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6) Subject Guides
Check out our subject guides – available for each discipline. The subject guides are being continually updated with new information and resources. You’ll find information on popular resources geared toward your discipline. The guides also include helpful information on patents, standards, creating citations, and engineering ethics among other things. Check our homepage (http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/) to discover it all!
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7) Classroom Assistance and Library Tours
Both Engineering Librarians are available for short- or class-length demonstrations on a wide variety of library resources.
Kari Kozak, Head of the Lichtenberger Engineering Library, is available to talk about resources and services to students, faculty, and/or staff. This could range from an overview of the library and services to in-depth researching strategies including evaluating information. Sessions can be to individuals, small groups, lab groups, or classes. Email Kari at kari-kozak@uiowa.edu for more information.
Qianjin (Marina) Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, is available to talk about data management and citation management programs such as Endnote. Email Marina at qianjin-zhang@uiowa.edu for more information
Kari is also available to give tours of the library, including the Creative Space. Schedule a time to visit individually or as a class, to see first-hand all we have available.
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8) Course Reserves
Course Reserves are being organized for the Fall Semester. If you have not already done so and would like to have items put on reserve for the Fall Semester, please email the Engineering Library at lib-engineering@uiowa.edu with a list of the materials and course number.
Sep
08
2016
NEW CREATIVE SPACE!
OPEN HOUSE
SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
IMAGINE! TINKER! DESIGN! CREATE!
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library, in collaboration with the College of Engineering, is pleased to announce an Open House to introduce our new Creative Space!
The Open House will be a hands-on experience, allowing exploration of 3D scanning and virtual reality. You’ll also be able to experience the world through the lens of a 360° camera, and play the giant keyboard!
The Creative Space is designed to provide users with the space, equipment and software to Imagine, Tinker, Design, Create!
Sep
06
2016
New Creative Space!
Imagine! Tinker! Design! Create!
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library has a new Creative Space within the Library!! We are so pleased to be collaborating with the College of Engineering to provide this exciting new space!!
We now have a dedicated space where users will be able to imagine, tinker, design, and ultimately, create new and innovative projects! The equipment and tools needed will either be located within the room itself or available for checkout from our Tool Library!
The 3D scanners scan different sized objects. We have a Matter & Form, a Sense 3D Scanner, a Structor Sensor for iPad and an Xbox Kinect! 3D printers are located within the Engineering Machine Shop so your scanned images can become a physical reality!
Our virtual reality station is equipped with a 4400 Dell computer with video card, allowing for endless amounts of virtual reality creation and display. Two 3D cameras – 360fly and a RICOH Theta may be checked out of the Tool Library for one week. Leap Motion controllers, which sense your hands moving naturally in 3D, are also available in the Tool Library for a one week check-out. To enhance your experience there is an Oculus Rift – a virtual reality headset with precise tracking and integrated headphones to provide a full 3D effect. The Oculus Rift may be checked out from the Tool Library for a 2 hour period and may only be used within the library.
The new Creative Space is also equipped with 5 glass “white” boards (check out the colors!). Let the brainstorming begin!
There are 2 collaboration stations. Each station has a 43″ (4K) quad monitor and a stationary computer. The quad monitor allows the monitor screen to be split from a single screen up to 4 independent screens. It also has laptop jacks available – and the adapters and chargers are available for checkout from the Tool Library.
There is also a modeling station equipped with 4 computers, 6 Leap Motion controllers and Wacom drawing tablets. The computers are equipped with the software needed get your project started! The Leap Motion controllers and the drawing tablets may be checked out from the Tool Library.
Want to try tinkering with something new, but really don’t know where to start? Check out what we have in our Tool Library! We now have Creative Boxes to get you started! Thinking about trying some wearable tech? We have a LilyPad Design Kit (LDK) in our Tool Library. It includes everything you need to complete 6 simple experiments which will teach you how to sew basic circuits, light LEDs, create interactive designs, and more!
Do motor robots interest you? Check out the RedBot Creative Box from the Tool Library. The SparkFun Inventor’s Kit (SIK) for RedBot is a great way to get started! It doesn’t require previous programming experience but will help you learn to use the Arudino programming language. The Creative Box has everything you’ll need to complete 16 circuits that will teach you to read sensors, display information on an LCD, drive motors, and more. You don’t need any previous programming or electronics experience to use this kit – and it does not require any soldering!
Besides the LDK, SIK and SIK RedBot we also have a LittleBits Gizmos & Gadgets Kit, a Raspberry Pi starter kit, and a MaKey MaKey! All are available to be checked out from our Tool Library! With our available Creative Boxes you’ll be able to play a piano with fruit (MaKey MaKey), learn Arduino programming language (SparkFun Inventor’s Kit), learn to use the credit-card sized computer (Raspberry Pi Starter Kit), make remote controlled racecars and automatic bubble blowers (LittleBits), learn motor robotics (RedBot), and play with wearable technology (Lilly Pad)!
Working with the Engineering Electronics Shop (EES) and the Engineering Machine Shop (EMS) you can make your vision a reality. EES has many services available including electronic design automation software (EDA), circuit board fabrication, laser etching and cutting, PC board construction – and lots more! EMS provides 3D printers/prototype equipment, CNC milling machine, drill press, sheet metal brake, welders, a water jet cutter – and lots more! Be sure to check out their websites to learn about all the services they offer!
We have what you need to get started on that project!
So, get ready, stop in and begin to
Imagine! Tinker! Design! Create!
Check out the video from our Open House!
Jan
19
2016
We have just added an exciting new resource to our collection!!
With over 100 years of history, IHS Jane’s is the most trusted and respected public source of defense and security information in the world!
And we now have five of the Jane’s Online Products!
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft: Development & Production
Jane’s All the World Aircraft: Development and Production is the standard in aviation reference, providing exhaustive technical detail on civil and military aircraft that are both in production or are under development around the world. The information provided includes:
- Aircraft platforms, systems and technologies
- Detailed technical specifications
- Photographs and line drawings
- key contracts, programs, and customers
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft: In Service
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft: In Service is a comprehensive reference resource on both military and commercial aircraft upgrade programs from around the world. It includes:
- Platforms in service but which are no longer in production
- Upgrade programs by aircraft type
- Technical descriptions
- Manufacturers and upgrade companies
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft: Unmanned
Jane’s all the World’s Aircraft: Unmanned is the leading resource for information on hundreds of UAVs, aerial targets and related subsystems that are either in service or under development around the world. It includes information on:
- Technical details and specifications
- Payloads
- Guidance and control systems
- Customers and contractors
Jane’s Fighting Ships
The world’s most comprehensive and reliable open-source naval reference resource available, Jane’s Fighting Ships covers the navies and coast guards of 165 nations worldwide and provides detailed information on war ships, submarines, aircraft, weapon and sensor systems, both in service and under construction.
It includes information covering:
- Military vessels in service and under development around the world
- Detailed platform and subsystem technical data
- Vessel photographs, drawings, and silhouettes
Jane’s Aero Engines
Jane’s Aero Engines delivers comprehensive profiles of civil and military gas-turbine engines both in production and in service, for air platforms around the world. It provides A&D businesses with critical independent technical and market intelligence to support effective business development, strategy and product development activity, and giving military and security organizations the information they need to support analysis, planning and procurement activities.
Our subscriptions are only available to on-campus users.
Explore this comprehensive new resource. The sky’s the limit!
Oct
26
2015
Ever wonder about keeping up with everything we have going on her in the Engineering Library? It is easy – just follow us on social media!!
Follow us on Facebook and find out about special don’t-want-to-miss events – like Pi Day! On a weekly basis we “Spotlight” resources we have – you may discover lots of resources that you didn’t know we had – and maybe didn’t even know you needed!
We also post “What will they think of next?” on a weekly basis. Find information on lots of new technology being developed and the resources we have that are directly related to these innovations. Resources that will help you learn more about the technology and give you the tools you need to be creative, explore and expand on that technology.
We also keep track of special “National Holidays” – like ‘clean your virtual desktop day,’ ‘Star Wars day,’ and ‘ chocolate day,’ to name just a few. And, yes, we do have resources about chocolate!!
Follow us on Twitter (@UIEngLib) and get brief updates on the latest happenings here at the library. We do post “Spotlight,” “What will they think of next,” and national holidays here, too, like on we do on Facebook. But since Facebook is usually more in-depth, check Twitter for those quick updates!
There is something new on both Facebook and Twitter every day…don’t miss a day!
You’ll want to check Pinterest, too! When we get new books, DVDs, or tools for the Tool Library, we post info on our Pinterest page! You’ll not only find images of the book and DVD covers and pictures of the tools, you’ll also find some brief information and the ability to link directly to the record in the libraries online catalog, InfoHawk.
And, don’t forget Instagram! We are part of the University of Iowa Libraries Instagram account.Not only will you get interesting and (often fun!) photos from the Engineering Library, you’ll also be able to keep up on what the other libraries on campus are doing!
We also have a blog that you won’t want to miss! Once or twice a week (or more!) a new blog is posted on our homepage! “Explore our Library,” “DIY for the Weekend,” “Xpress Classes,” special events, information on specific resources or subject matter, are just some of the fascinating things that are covered! The links to our blogs are on the bottom left-side of our homepage under Engineering Library News. The page with the latest blog has a list of archived blogs that are available – in case you’ve missed one!
So, click, like and follow us! You never know what you’ll find out!