Category Archives: What’s Cool

Healey Library Announces Transformative Agreement with Wiley

Healey Library is pleased to announce a three-year transformative agreement with Wiley, a well-established global publisher of journals with a focus on the sciences. While the new agreement continues to provide traditional read access to all 1,500+ Wiley journals, as of January 1, 2024, it also allows open access publication in Wiley journals for University of Massachusetts Boston authors at no cost to the authors.

UMB faculty who are interested in learning about the Wiley OA process are invited to register for a Wiley UMB author workshop on April 2, 2024. After registering, you will receive an email with information about the session and a join link for that day. Those who register and attend will receive a certificate of attendance and a link to a recording of the session after the training. Those who register but are unable to join will receive a link to the recording as well.

Register for the workshop using the link below: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8393409420347195994

How does this publishing agreement work?

Authors whose articles are accepted in Wiley’s Gold Open Access or Hybrid Open Access journals will be given an option to make their article open access during their submission process. This option is available for current faculty and graduate students who are the corresponding authors on an article. A current University of Massachusetts Boston email address must be used for the submission. This agreement also covers some Hindawi journals; please check before submitting your article.

How many articles are covered in the agreement?

We have an allotment of 24 open access articles per year for 2024. The allotment will go up to 25 per year for 2025 and 2026. This number is based on our average annual Wiley article output for the campus. The number of open access articles, however, has been a much smaller subset of this total—over the last two years, we have averaged 7 open access articles. There is a possibility that the number of articles submitted for the open access option could surpass our allotment near the end of the calendar year. Corresponding authors would be notified that we have reached our limit for the year; in that case, please reach out to the library to discuss the next allotment cycle start date.

Which journals are included in the agreement?

The complete list of Wiley gold and hybrid journal titles can be found on their website: https://authorservices.wiley.com/open-research/open-access/browse-journals.html.

Hindawi titles can be found on the Hindawi website: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/.

Why should you choose to publish Open Access?

The open access model makes research available to a larger audience, since open articles do not require a subscription and are not hidden behind paywalls. A recent study in the journal Scientometrics argues that open access articles receive more citations and also reach a wider range of researchers from less homogenous locations https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-023-04894-0.

One example of an an open access article that has positively impacted download rates can be seen below. This letter titled “Thermodynamic speed limits for mechanical work” by UMB authors Erez Aghion and Jason R. Green in the Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical has 809 downloads since February 2023.

We can also see that the article has been cited 3 times, which is considered an above average amount for the length of time since publication.

screenshot of citation details for IOP articles

The authors took advantage of a two-year transformative agreement that Healey Library has with the Institute of Physics that allows UMB corresponding authors to publish open access with no fee. The article can be found in the Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical online : https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1751-8121/acb5d6.

Another example comes from UMB author Mine Ertugrul. Dr. Etrugrul was the corresponding author for the article “Corporate Patenting, Customer Capital, and Financial Market Outcomes”, published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Any UMB faculty, staff or student who is the corresponding author can publish open access in Cambridge University Press journals without paying an APC. The article has 614 downloads and 2 citations since publication.

Dr. Ertugrul said “(O)pen access has been a great opportunity to increase access to our research and the publication process with Cambridge University Press was very smooth. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this opportunity for UMass Boston researchers”.

The article can be found on the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis web page: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-financial-and-quantitative-analysis/article/corporate-patenting-customer-capital-and-financial-market-outcomes/8114349E2CC295C3163A5E97A52A7D64?

What other publishers does Healey Library have agreements with?

For a full list of Healey Library’s publisher agreements, visit our guide: https://umb.libguides.com/apc/publish/apc.

Have questions? Contact Christine Moynihan, Scholarly Communications, Data, and Affordable Learning Librarian at Christine.Moynihan@umb.edu

Why The Boston Public Library is Underrated

It’s true, sometimes we tend to over-romanticize college and forget about our academic obligations. But suddenly, it is midterm season, and it is time to “lock in” on your five-page essay or naively try to cram-study your professor’s biology slides the day before an exam. Which now puts us here, regretting choosing our “mental health” over attending our 8 a.m. class.  

The Healey Library respects your endeavors and struggles as a student. We want the best for your scholarly intentions and goals at UMass Boston. Often, a loud dormitory or your pestering parents’ house is not the best setting to conquer your coursework. Sometimes, we crave the quiet and gratifying environment of a library to motivate our productivity. That, along with an iced coffee, a pair of noise-canceling headphones, chill-music, aaand we’re back to romanticizing.  

However, the Boston Public Library has more than an attractive environment. It is filled with bountiful resources, benefits, events, and opportunities to help you be more confident in a classroom. Here are a few things I appreciate about the BPL.

NOTE! Its important to note that the eCard is available to only those who live, reside part-time to attend school, own property, or work in Massachusetts.

For physical cards, you would need to apply at the circulation desk in any BPL location. You also need to come with picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency. For more information visit https://www.bpl.org/get-a-library-card

1) Long-term Free Loan of Chromebook Laptops

The library provides free Wi-Fi access for all and runs a short-term and long-term laptop loaning service! Going to college without a personal computer can be impossible. However, thanks to the Emergency Connectivity Fund, the library allows for the personal and academic use of a Chromebook and home Internet via home Wi-Fi routers.  

Additionally, the BPL also provides free computer and technology classes to make the setup process a bit easier! 

Click the link to see eligibility FAQs and other useful information: https://www.bpl.org/long-term-lending/

2) Free English Fluency ESOL Courses

If English is not your first language, take advantage of the free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs for adult learners! The program offers online, and in-person facilitated classes. 

There are multiple course levels and styles including Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, small group tutoring, and volunteer-led Conversation Groups. 

For more information about upcoming events and registration go to https://www.bpl.org/esol/ 

3) Get Test Prep and Homework Help Digitally 

Need help studying? Through the LearningExpress Library, you can have FREE access to thousands of test preparation materials and practice exams! These resources include college courses and career certification tests. 

Go to https://www.bpl.org/learning-tools/test-prep/ for more information! 

4) Adaptive Computer Station Software and Accessories for Disability Awareness 

The BPL cares about inclusivity and is aware of the obstacles that may come across individuals with certain disabilities. That’s why several of their program rooms are equipped with adaptive computer accessories and software! The list of tools includes; Windows Ease of Access capabilities, Duxbury Braille, Translator Braille Printer Juliet, and Kurzweil 3000. 

Go to https://www.bpl.org/accessibility-at-the-boston-public-library/ for more information about the adaptive computer station. 

5) App To E-Download Any Book on a Digital Device 

Got a job? Busy running errands? Or simply, no available commute? No problem! Recently, the BPL launched their new To-Go mobile app that allows access to their collection without stepping foot into the library. Like the “To Go Program,” which allows patrons to place holds, pick up, and return items such as books, CDs, and DVDs, the app makes ordering items for pick-up even easier! 

The app is currently available to download on the App Store, and Google Play. Go check it out! Go to, https://www.bpl.org/news/bpl-launches-new-bpl-to-go-mobile-app/ for more specifications on the app’s features. 

We’re not quite done yet! You also have the ability to download available e-books and audio-books for leisure reading using Libby! This is another app the BPL offers and allows its patrons a quick and easier way to virtually read from the library! Convenience is the key to a students heart after all! Check it out now on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information on Libby, visit https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby

6) Personal Book Shopper 

This is more of a fun benefit of having a BPL card. But, it deserves to be on this list! If you are in the mood to read but not sure what books to choose from, the library will do it for you! All you need to do is fill out a short form regarding your reading preferences and habits. Librarians will have 3-5 books ready just for you. The more you tell, the better the recommendations, so don’t be shy! 

Check out, https://www.bpl.org/shelf-service/ to get started! 

7) Free Museum Passes

Whether the resources you are looking for are available elsewhere, or, maybe you just want to immerse yourself in art or science, either way, the BPL hears you. So, that’s why they provide FREE or discounted access to a variety of museums! With an active physical library card, you can reserve 1 pass per museum per thirty-day period (Note you can not reserve a pass with an eCard, you need a physical card). The list of participating museums includes the Boston Children’s Museum, Harvard Museums of Science & Cultures, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution Museum.

Sound like fun? For further information and eligibility requirements go to www.bpl.org/museum-passes

8) Housing, Health, & Hunger Help

Aside from supporting individuals with scholarly advancements, the BPL also cares about the financial and physical well-being of its patrons. Homelessness is often a misunderstood phenomenon that does get the recognition and compassion it deserves. That’s why the BPL provides online guides containing information useful for families and individuals who are housing and food insecure. Not only does the guide act as an educational resource but the entire Housing, Health & Hunger Help page provides outside resources and opportunities to access such as “Area Shelters”, “Housing Assistance”, “Food and Free Meal Kits”, “Healthcare”, and more!

If this interests you, check out https://guides.bpl.org/guide4help/home for more information.

Hopefully, you made it to the end of this list and appreciate the Boston Public Library a bit more! The Healey Library is letting all of you know that any resident, student, or worker in Massachusetts is eligible for a BPL library card and BPL eCard. So don’t hesitate and fill out the forms now, see you at the library!

Want to Make Finding Full Text Articles Easier? Download the Lean Library Browser Extension

jstor.org page with the Get Access Lean Library Pop-up appearing on the top right. The pop-up has a Get Access button.
Lean Library is a browser extension that provides quick and simple access to Library-subscribed full-text content – whenever, wherever you need it. When you’re on a website that contains library-subscribed content, the browser extension will notify you with a pop-up alert in the bookmarks bar that library access exists. The pop-up will provide you with the Get Access button to prompt you to authenticate with your UMass Boston login. If we do not have full-text access, then the extension will provide a link to InterLibrary Loan.

You don’t have to interrupt your workflow to find Healey Library; Healey Library will find you! Download the extension, select University of Massachusetts Boston, and start browsing for articles!

Here are some other ways Lean Library can help:

Find alternative access to articles and ebooks. If there is no access to the article or book through the current site, Lean Library helps find alternative access in another Healey Library-licensed resource or through open access channels. For books, Lean Library will take the ISBN on a page and match it up to our library holdings. This also works with Amazon, Google, and Outlook (web)!

Improved Google Scholar experience
You will notice our Find It@UMBrella links appearing beside some full text. Run a search – engineering education for women- in Google Scholar to test it out. Without Lean Library, you will have to go through Google’s multi-step Library Links set-up.

Highlight & Search in UMBrella
With Lean Library, you can highlight any text on a webpage and search it in UMBrella. Do this by using the context menu of your browser, i.e. by right-clicking on a webpage. Select the Search UMBrella @ Healey Library option from the menu.

For even more information about Lean Library, including FAQs, please visit our Lean Library Guide.

UMBrella Update: Changes to Your Library Login!

UMBrella Update

After the successful launch of UMBrella and the rollout of our updated and mobile-friendly Library homepage, the Library is thrilled to announce another improvement:

As of TODAY, Library users will be prompted to enter their UMass Boston email username and password instead of their barcode when accessing the Library’s electronic resources from off-campus!

Migrating the Library’s off-campus access to the University’s single sign-on (SSO) system streamlines patrons’ access to the Library’s resources whenever and wherever needed.

Library barcodes are not going away! Patrons will still need their barcode to check out items from the Library, and, for the short term, to submit interlibrary loan (ILL) requests. 

Please continue to put UMBrella through its paces and share with us any issues you encounter or improvements you’d like to suggest. The feedback form awaits your comments!

Thank you to UMass Boston’s Information Technology Services (ITS) and UMass’s University Information Technology Services (UITS) for their continued partnership in helping us enhance library services and resources for the campus community!

UMBrella Update: OPEN for Research and Discovery!

UMBrella Update

http://umbrella.lib.umb.edu

Good news: UMBrella is live!  The Library’s new, powerful, state-of-the-art, single-stop information search and discovery tool can be accessed directly from the Library’s new and  improved, mobile-friendly library homepage.  We encourage you to jump right in to see how UMBrella enhances your research experience, and to let us know how it goes.

To help you get started, here are some pointers and links:

    • Healey Library invites you to sign up for one of our introductory UMBrella training workshops offered throughout the month of February. Other training materials will be made available online for those who cannot attend a workshop in person.
    • Please share your feedback about the new system so that we can continue to improve your search experience. Please fill out this comment form after you’ve had a chance to explore UMBrella.
    • As with any major platform migration, we are committed to addressing any questions, problems, or inconsistencies that arise from the migration process. We sincerely welcome your suggestions and feedback. Please direct questions or comments to Library.Systems@umb.edu so that we can address them as quickly as possible!
    • UMBrella users can search nearly all of the articles, books, videos, and e-books that the Library owns or subscribes to. In addition, users can search through multiple pathways. For example, users can access individual databases like CINAHL or JSTOR, or search specific journal titles through UMBrella.

Here’s what’s on the horizon in the near future:

    • Healey Library staff will be using your feedback and questions to inform our ongoing interface adjustments and to troubleshoot any issues that arise. This process will result in a continually improving research experience for our users!
    • We are pleased to announce that UMBrella uses the University’s Single Sign-On authentication system. Users log in to UMBrella the same way they access WISER and HR Direct, using their UMass Boston email username and password. We are in the process of extending the Single Sign-On system to replace the existing barcode and last name combination for off-campus access to databases and e-journal articles.

The launch of UMBrella is a joint partnership between Healey Library, Information Technology Services, and UMass Information Technology Services.  All of us wish you the best in your research journeys and look forward to your feedback on UMBrella!

via GIPHY