September marks Cancer Awareness Month and to honor that we’re highlighting some of our digital resources focused on cancer treatments, oncology, and how things like social justice, climate change, and artificial intelligence are connected to cancer. Check out the resources below:
Cancer and Society: A Multidisciplinary Assessment and Strategies for Action
Encyclopedia of Cancer
Herbs for Cancer Treatment
Oncology in the Precision Medicine Era: Value-based Medicine
Regardless of what your classroom and office look like this fall, the Academic Commons is here to help you (and your students) succeed. Join us for virtual workshops on a range of topics including educational technology tools, writing retreats, faculty book clubs, and more.
Browse the workshops below, and visit our website for complete descriptions and to register.
Studio & Canvas: Using Studio for Video Content in Your Canvas Course
Thursday, September 24
10 – 11 a.m.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about Studio, Canvas’ video recording tool. Studio allows easy recording and storage of new and existing video content, from introduction videos to screencasts, and supports useful features such as AI-generated subtitling and video quizzing. Participants will practice using Studio to record videos, create video quizzes, and create and edit subtitles for video in their courses.
Fall Writing Retreat
Friday, September 25
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us this fall at our monthly half-day writing retreats, devoted solely to your writing projects. Most importantly, you’ll get quiet time to write. We’ll also have a writing consultant and librarian available to answer writing and research questions, help you find materials, talk over your journal choice, edit your work, or just read what you have so far.
Presence in the Online Classroom: How Bringing Your Whole Self Breeds Motivation and Wellness
Wednesday, September 30
2-3 p.m.
Emotions are inextricably linked to our learning and cognition. Let’s use the science of emotion & best practices in designing for presence, emotion, and connection to create inviting spaces for us all.
Faculty Learning Community: Online Course Design (Book Club)
Monday, October 5
10 – 11 a.m.
Spend time with like-minded faculty in these weekly sessions. Explore concepts deeply through reading, discussion, and reflection and put online best practices into use with your course. This community will use the book Minds Online to discuss aspects of online course design. Participants will work to design or revise an online course module.
Ally & Canvas: Create Accessible Course Materials with Ally
Tuesday, October 6
2 – 3 p.m.
Universal Design for Learning combines principles from design with the neuroscience of learning to inspire us to strive for learning experiences that support all students. In this workshop, participants will learn about the core principles of UDL and accessibility in education and will be introduced to Ally, the accessibility checker, and remediation tool available in Canvas.
Key Steps in Writing & Publishing Your Manuscript
Thursday, October 8
12 – 1 p.m.
Ever wonder how editors decide what to publish? This course offers insights into critical elements of writing a scholarly manuscript and submitting it for publication. It also includes advice on how to be more purposeful and organized—and less overwhelmed—when you write.
Abstract Writing
Friday, October 16
12 – 1 p.m.
The purpose of this course is to offer research writers a tool and process for writing abstracts that make it easier for readers to accept, find, or understand your published work. We unpack elements that define well-crafted written and graphical abstracts and provide tools to help you create them.
Fall Writing Retreat
Friday, October 23
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us this fall at our monthly half-day writing retreats, devoted solely to your writing projects. Most importantly, you’ll get quiet time to write. We’ll also have a writing consultant and librarian available to answer writing and research questions, help you find materials, talk over your journal choice, edit your work, or just read what you have so far.
Studio & Canvas: Using Studio for Video Content in Your Canvas Course
Wednesday, October 28
3 – 4 p.m.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about Studio, Canvas’ video recording tool. Studio allows easy recording and storage of new and existing video content, from introduction videos to screencasts, and supports useful features such as AI-generated subtitling and video quizzing. Participants will practice using Studio to record videos, create video quizzes, and create and edit subtitles for video in their courses.
Studio & Canvas: Using Studio for Video Content in Your Canvas Course
Tuesday, November 10
12 – 1 p.m.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about Studio, Canvas’ video recording tool. Studio allows easy recording and storage of new and existing video content, from introduction videos to screencasts, and supports useful features such as AI-generated subtitling and video quizzing.
Research Posters: On and Off the Wall
Monday, November 16
12 – 1 p.m.
This workshop will equip researchers to read posters quickly and craft posters that help the audience get their message. We will examine traditional and new poster designs and develop a toolkit for building strong, memorable, accessible posters.
Ally & Canvas: Create Accessible Course Materials with Ally
Wednesday, November 18
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In this workshop, participants will learn about the core principles of UDL and accessibility in education and will be introduced to Ally, the accessibility checker and remediation tool available in Canvas. The hands-on component of the workshop will involve reviewing the accessibility report for an instructor’s own course in Canvas and using Ally to do preliminary remediation of accessibility issues in Canvas course content.
Fall Writing Retreat
Friday, November 20
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us this fall at our monthly half-day writing retreats, devoted solely to your writing projects. Most importantly, you’ll get quiet time to write. We’ll also have a writing consultant and librarian available to answer writing and research questions, help you find materials, talk over your journal choice, edit your work, or just read what you have so far.
How to Write More: Habits of Effective Writers
Monday, December 7
12 – 1 p.m.
Few of us ever learn how to write with consistency and fluency, yet being able to do so can mean the difference between being a highly regarded researcher and one who is overlooked. Studies have shown that successful writers practice specific habits that help them flourish and make the process of writing less mysterious. This workshop will focus on these habits and provide practical advice for fostering them in your own writing.
We’re kicking off September by highlighting 25 new eBooks we added to our digital library. The books span a range of topics, so there’s something for everyone! Resources cover epidemiology, clinical research, occupational therapy, and more.
Adaptive Health Management Information Systems: Concepts, Cases, and Practical Applications
Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing
Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology
A Clinical Approach to Geriatric Rehabilitation
Concept Mapping: A Clinical Judgment Approach to Patient Care
Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
Cross Sectional Anatomy CT & MRI
Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
Evidence-based Geriatric Nursing Protocols for Best Practice
The Failure of Risk Management
Family Practice and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination
Foundations of Clinical Research
Handbook of Musculoskeletal Tumors
Innovative Teaching Strategies in Nursing and Related Health Professions
Midwifery & Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Review Guide
Occupational Therapy for Adults with Intellectual Disability
Pediatric Mental Health: A Compendium of AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines and Policies
Pivot, the funding database, has upgraded its look and feel. Beginning September 9, when you log into Pivot (via Gutman Library or Scott Library), you will see a new “home dashboard” page that looks like the screenshot below. The site is now mobile-friendly. “Papers Invited” was re-named “Conferences.” The “Active” list was retired; any opportunities saved there are now in “Tracked Opps” with a tag to help you identify them.
New user interface benefits:
For help making the best use of Pivot, please schedule an appointment with a librarian at Gutman or Scott.
Last updated on Monday, September 14
As Thomas Jefferson University makes plans to welcome back students, faculty, and staff to campus, the library is also preparing to reopen our doors. The health and safety of patrons and staff is our top priority. Read the FAQs below for details on the library reopening and how we will maintain a safe space as we welcome you back.
When will the Paul J Gutman Library building reopen?
Find the latest library hours here. You will need to swipe with your university ID card to gain entry. To enter the building, all patrons must wear face masks, covering the nose and mouth.
What measures will be taken to ensure the safety of library patrons and staff?
The health and safety of patrons and staff is our top priority. All patrons must adhere to the university’s COVID-19 Community Standards, found in the Relaunch Guide. Students: access the University Relaunch Guide on BannerWeb. Faculty and staff: access the University Relaunch Guide on MyJeffHub.
The library will follow the university’s guidelines. In addition:
What will services look like?
Service Desk: The service desk will be open and available during the following hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Chat and email reference hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Librarian Consultations:
Consultations can be scheduled and held as online meetings via Zoom. Request a library consultation using the Request a Consultation form.
Special Collections:
Access to Special Collections is limited at this time. Please contact Sarah Slate for details.
Are study rooms available?
Study room keys are available first-come, first-served at the Checkout Desk. Rooms are limited to one user for 4 hours. Patrons will be responsible for wiping down the surfaces with provided wipes.
What materials can I borrow?
Physical items in the library’s circulating collection (books, DVDs, audiobooks, etc.) can be borrowed with your university ID. Please ask for assistance at the Checkout Desk to have library staff retrieve an item for you.
Or, you can request the item be pulled for you by logging in and searching the library collection and placing a request. The item will be held for you at the Checkout Desk or we can bring it to you at the library entrance, upon request. Please allow 1-2 business days for requests to be processed. You will be notified by email when your item is available.
How do I return materials? What about due dates and late fees?
Items can be placed in the book drop located on the exterior wall of Gutman Library, to the right of the front door, or placed in the book drop at the Checkout Desk.
The first due date of the Fall semester will be Friday, October 16, 2020. All late fees have been waived.
Are Course Reserves available?
The Gutman Library is committed to providing course readings for all Fall 2020 courses, as needed. However, in consideration of the health of students and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, access to the print Course Reserves collection will be closed. This includes current items on the Reserves shelves, as well as any new requests. Please see the suggestions below for alternatives.
Students: Search the library collection for an electronic version of your course reading. Check your course in Canvas for posted readings. Consult with your instructor if you cannot locate a course reading.
Faculty: Please visit the Faculty Services guide for guidance on providing course readings.
Is InterLibrary Loan available?
Our Interlibrary Loan services are fully available for books and articles, through both EZBorrow and ILLiad. Please visit our InterlIbrary Loan guide to make requests.
Email illGutman@jefferson.edu with any questions regarding Interlibrary Loan.
How do I access print journals and the Materials Library?
Our Materials Library and Periodicals collection are not available for browsing this semester. To view the items in the Materials Library online, please visit Artstor.
If you would like to request an electronic copy of a printed article, please refer to our Interlibrary Loan page. Submit your request through ILLIAD using your Philau credentials. If you are using Jefferson credentials (Campus Key and Jefferson email), please submit the request to illGutman@jefferson.edu. Please allow 4-5 days for processing.
Don’t forget, we’re still here for you! Ways to contact us:
Did you know that August is National Immunization Awareness Month? The goal of the month is to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. Check out the resources below to learn more about vaccine regulations, the impact of vaccines on culture and knowledge gaps on vaccines, and how to encourage patients to get vaccines.
Adult Vaccinations: Changing the Immunization Paradigm
Let’s Talk Vaccines: A Clinician’s Guide to Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Saving Lives
Quick Canvas Consults
Beginning Monday, August 17, and ending Friday, September 4, the Academic Commons (AC) will provide virtual support for your Canvas questions.
Think of Quick Canvas Consults as drop-in consultations where AC team members answer your Canvas questions in real-time. Quick Canvas Consults are intended as single question sessions that may be completed in 15-minutes or less.
Visit the Quick Canvas Consults Collaborate Room at any of the times above to connect with the AC team.
Canvas Consultations
If you have a more involved Canvas question or want to dive deeply into a specific Canvas function, please schedule a 1:1 consultation with an Academic Commons team member. You may schedule a 1:1 consultation through the Growing with Canvas course calendar appointment feature or email Julie.Phillips@jefferson.edu to arrange for lengthier consultations.
This semester, we invite you to join a virtual book to explore the many changes at play in higher education. Starting Thursday, August 27, Daniel Verbit of The Academic Commons & Paul J. Gutman Library and Christopher Pastore of The Center for Faculty Development and Nexus Learning will host the virtual book club. The club will meet virtually each Thursday of the Fall Semester from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Each week, we’ll meet with colleagues and discuss a chapter from “Academia Next, The Futures of Higher Education” by futurist & Georgetown senior scholar, Dr. Bryan Alexander.
From the Publisher:
The outlook for the future of colleges and universities is uncertain. Financial stresses, changing student populations, and rapidly developing technologies all pose significant challenges to the nation’s colleges and universities. In Academia Next, The Futures of Higher Education,” futurist and higher education expert Bryan Alexander addresses these evolving trends to better understand higher education’s next generation.
Please register online to join us as we discuss key topics with other Jeffersonians. All are welcome to join, but limited slots will be available in order to facilitate small group discussions. After capacity is reached, the sessions will be locked, so please register in advance.
The book is available online or purchase a copy at https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/academia-next or the bookseller of your choice.
Dr. Edith Mitchell, director of Jefferson’s Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, was recently interviewed in Philadelphia Magazine’s NextHealthPHL series: “Black Scientists Still Face an Uphill Battle in Securing NIH Research Grants.” Asked about racial disparities in research funding, particularly in NIH R01 awards, Dr. Mitchell said: “When you look at the disparities in grant funding, they are like what we see in any other area of medical research practice.” Dr. Mitchell discusses in the interview ways of transforming these disparities, such as diverse recruitment, dedicated resources, and mentoring.
You can read more about racial disparities in research funding, in the library’s Diversity and Inclusion guide. The guide also features resources for finding diversity-related funding opportunities.
Jefferson faculty, students, employees, residents, postdocs, and fellows of Thomas Jefferson University, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (TJUH, JHN, and Methodist Division) have access to Pivot, a database of funding opportunities from all types of funders: governments, nonprofits, and foundations. Pivot can be specifically searched for diversity & inclusion funding opportunities.
Librarians can assist faculty, staff, and student researchers identity research funding sources and find appropriate support staff and tools on campus. Request a consultation to meet with a librarian to learn how to use Pivot and other grants information resources.
Are you ready to teach this fall? Regardless of what the classroom will look like for you, the Academic Commons has the tools and support to help you (and your students) succeed. Join us for workshops this August on tools like Canvas and Panopto, which will help you best teach online and in-person.
Download the August 2020 Workshop Flyer for details on each workshop. Read workshop titles and times below. To register, click on a workshop title below or visit this page.
Streaming Media in Canvas- Panopto & Studio
Thursday, August 6 | 9-10 a.m. OR 2-3 p.m.
Canvas Camp (4 sessions)
Tuesday, August 11 | 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
The Course Overview & Syllabus
Managing Content
Using and Organizing Modules
Creating and Grading Assignments
Canvas Basics: Sneak Peek (hosted by Canvas)
Thursday, August 20 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Canvas Basics: Why Canvas (hosted by Canvas)
Thursday, August 20 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Canvas Basics: Student Success & Engagement (hosted by Canvas)
Thursday, August 20 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Canvas Basics: Sneak Peek (hosted by Canvas)
Wednesday, August 26 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Canvas Basics: Why Canvas (hosted by Canvas)
Wednesday, August 26 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Canvas Basics: Student Success & Engagement (hosted by Canvas)
Wednesday, August 26 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Canvas Basics: Why Canvas (hosted by Canvas)
Monday, August 31 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Canvas Basics: Student Success & Engagement (hosted by Canvas)
Monday, August 31 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
August 1-7 marks World Breastfeeding Week, which is a global campaign to raise awareness and encourage action on themes related to breastfeeding.
Check out the following e-resources on the topic of breastfeeding. Resources discuss a range of breastfeeding subjects, including a practical guide for medical professionals navigating breastfeeding problems in their practice, donor human milk banks, and public policies and cultural norms related to breastfeeding.
Banking on Milk: An Ethnography of Donor Human Milk Relations
The Bottle, The Breast, and the State: The Politics of Infant Feeding in the United States
Breastfeeding and Culture: Discourses and Representations
A Guide to Supporting Breastfeeding for the Medical Profession
This August, the Scott Memorial Library added 25 eBooks to our collection. Topics include teaching online, climate refugees, and queer and trans voices in healthcare. Read the list of new titles below or browse our complete eBook collection on our website.
Adult Physical Conditions: Intervention Strategies for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Asher’s Occupational Therapy Assessment Tools
Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices
Climate Refugees: Beyond the Legal Impasse?
The Clinical Practice of Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing
Clinical Prediction Models: A Practical Approach to Development, Validation, and Updating
The Cultural Dimension of Global Business
Defects in T Cell Trafficking and Resistance to Cancer Immunotherapy
Evaluation in Occupational Therapy: Obtaining and Interpreting Data
First in Fly: Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery
Handbook of Materials for Nanomedicine: Polymeric Nanomaterials
Individual Motivation Within Groups: Social Loafing and Motivation Gains in Work, Academic, and Sports Teams
Interviewing for Qualitative Inquiry: A Relational Approach
Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults
Population Health: Creating a Culture of Wellness
Psychosocial Well-being of Children and Adolescents in Latin America: Evidence-based Interventions
Qualitative Research in the Health Professions
Quality Caring in Nursing and Health Systems: Implications for Clinicians, Educators, and Leaders
The Remedy: Queer and Trans Voices on Health and Health Care
Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Science in Online Classes
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
Telephone Triage for Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Yale Swallow Protocol: An Evidence-based Approach to Decision Making
Please note: This conference is usually a full day, in-person event. Due to COVID-19, the Jefferson Clinical Research Institute (JCRI) will offer this course in a new format via Zoom. The conference will be broken down into four 2.5-hour sessions (08/31, 09/01, 09/02, 09/03 from 9-11:30 am). If you plan to attend the conference, you are expected to attend each session. The Zoom invitation will be provided to those who have RSVP’d one week before session one. You may RSVP using the links below:
Clinical Research Fundamentals content:
This conference is targeted toward clinical research personnel that are relatively new to clinical research (two years, or less). This content-rich conference will enhance the understanding of the role and responsibilities of the clinical research coordinator by providing critical knowledge. Attendees will acquire the tools necessary to improve the performance of safe, ethical, and compliant clinical research in the academic and clinical setting. Attendance is free to Jefferson Enterprise employees and CE credits will be awarded. Continental breakfast and snacks will be provided. Topics will include the following:
Identify and Locate Your Resources
Study Start-Up and Recruitment and Retention
Good Clinical Documentation
Adverse Events and Safety Reporting
Clinical Trial Billing
Monitor Visits and Audit Readiness
The Informed Consent Process
Investigational Product Management
Developing Quality and a Career Path
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please contact Julia.Center@jefferson.edu
If Razie Amzovski, the new Academic Commons (AC) employee, looks familiar that’s because she isn’t new to Thomas Jefferson University. Amzovski joins our team after working in the Jefferson Recreation and Fitness Center. We sat down with the new Educational Technologies team member to learn a bit about why she wanted to join the AC, what educational technology tools she geeks out over, and her favorite place to be when not at work. HINT: passport required!
What is your title at the Academic Commons?
I am an Instructional Support Specialist.
What does that title mean to you?
The title means that I am here to support faculty, staff, and students with any help that they may need accessing the teaching and learning resources that Jefferson has to offer.
How long have you been working at Thomas Jefferson University?
I began working for Thomas Jefferson University in December 2019 at the Jefferson Recreation and Fitness Center and transferred over to the Academic Commons team in July 2020.
What made you want to join the Academic Commons team?
Academics, technology, and helping people have always been in my life in some way. The Academic Commons has given me a place where I can have all three of my passions in one career. I am able to use my knowledge as an educator, mix it with technology, and help people navigate the tools and create their best work.
What do you like about working at Thomas Jefferson University?
There are many things I like about working at Thomas Jefferson University, but what is the most intriguing is the room for growth. Jefferson offers many benefits to faculty, students, and staff to grow in their careers, and they have a great support system to help through that journey.
What is something you want students and faculty to know about the Educational Technologies team at the Academic Commons?
The Educational Technologies team is always available to help with anything that you may need. We have a very diverse staff that can help with virtually anything.
What is your favorite educational technology software or tool that the Academic Commons supports that you would encourage faculty to use?
One of my favorite educational tools that the Academic Commons support is Nearpod. This is a great tool that all faculty can use when creating lessons, assignments, and/or discussions for their courses. It will help faculty create more dynamic lessons by incorporating different content and activities offered by Nearpod into their teaching.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a 1st generation Albanian and the first girl in my family to graduate from college. I love to travel and to be outdoors. My most favorite place to go is my second home, Tetovo, Macedonia, where I can see all my family and friends that I do not get to see all year-round.
Learn more about the Educational Technologies team at the Academic Commons and how they can help you.
Looking for the best practices to use LabArchives in your research lab? Not quite yet ready to dive into the electronic lab notebook (ELN) and have some questions? Join us on Wednesday, July 29, for two virtual sessions on how you can use LabArchives in your lab.
LabArchives has assembled a group of researchers to share their experiences getting started and adapting the ELN to their workflows. You will be able to ask questions and hear from colleagues around North America.
Session 1: How We Got Started Using LabArchives
1-2:30pm
This session will give a brief introduction from the LabArchives team, including recent updates followed by presentations from current LabArchives users on how they transitioned from paper to an ELN (electronic lab notebook), organize their notebooks, collaborate and share with other researchers, and other insights.
Register for Session 1
Session 2: Creative Use Cases and Adjusting Research in the Time of COVID (presentation from Jefferson’s Dr. Tim Mosca & Christine Fisher!)
3-4:30pm
Hear how researchers are using LabArchives ELN in various environments, their creative use cases and customizations, its use outside of the traditional wet bench setting, and, in particular, its use during these unusual times.
Register for Session 2
Can’t make it? Sign up for an introductory LabArchives workshop. The next session will be on Wednesday, August 12:
Wednesday, 8/12, 10:00 am ET
Professional Edition Intro Webinar
Wednesday, 8/12, 11:00 am ET
Classroom Edition Intro Webinar