ETSU Resources

This section provides the student with a number of resources available on the ETSU campus:  Center for Academic Achievement; Sherrod Library's assorted reference materials (Reference and stacks areas) and videotapes (Library Media Center); University Writing Lab/Mac Lab; and the various Computer/Word Processing Labs available throuth the Office of Information Technology.

Overview

Students frequently suffer a great deal of anxiety when confronted with an assignment for an important paper or speech. They often feel that they alone are unprepared when, in fact, many students experience the same feelings. Students simply do not talk about their fears with each other. As a result, they remain silent rather than asking questions or seeking help which they feel will reveal the depth of their ignorance.

The first thing to realize is that you do not have all the answers and in fact are here to gain knowledge and make mistakes as a part of your learning process. It is often difficult to know how or where to begin, what to do first, or how to go about correcting mistakes.

The University provides numerous resources which will enable you to prepare yourself properly for your assignments. The major resources for writing and speaking assistance are discussed in this section of the handbook. Each of these resources is staffed by professionals who understand why you are here and are prepared to assist you in achieving academic success.

Center for Academic Achievement (CFAA)
423-439-7111
URL:  http://www.etsu.edu/uged/cfaa/

Located in Sherrod Library, the Center for Academic Achievement's Learning Services provides one-on-one writing and oral presentation support for all ETSU students, faculty, and staff, in all departments, at all grade levels.

Tutors will help students with any stage of the writing project, from research, planning, organizing, and drafting to editing and proofreading. Tutors also help students with the mechanics of citation and documentation. The Center also provides testing services.

The CFAA is not an open word processing lab. Although there are a few computers available, students are encouraged to bring "hard copies" of their work (along with any related materials, such as outlines, notes, drafts, etc.) for review and markup.

Students are encouraged to make appointments by telephone. However, walk-in sessions are often available. The schedule changes each semester and is posted within the Center.

The Center has extensive on-line support available for students on their web site.

Sherrod Library
(423) 439-4303 "Ask Us" Service Desk circdesk@etsu.edu
URL:  http://sherrod.etsu.edu

The Sherrod Library is located near the D.P. Culp Center on campus. It is open every day and evening, including weekends, while classes are in session and has special hours during breaks in the school schedule.

The book holdings acquired since 1977 are organized under the Library of Congress system and under the Dewey Decimal system for earlier holdings. There are numerous journals, about 80% of the printed government documents, and microfiche for newspapers. Several computer search resources are available for journals, government documents, newspapers, and special interest topics. There are tables for quiet study in a room on the ground floor. This room is usually open until 2:00 a.m.

A self guided tour brochure, available in the main lobby, will assist you in learning your way around the building and discovering the resources available.

Reference Materials

General References

Maimon, E. P., et al. (1981). Writing in the arts and sciences. Cambridge, MA: Winthrop Press.

Flexner, S. B. (Ed.). (1987). The Random House dictionary of the English language. New York: Random House.

Walter, O. M. (1979). Thinking and speaking: A guide to intelligent oral communication (4th ed.). New York: Macmillan.

Handbooks for Writers

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Handbook of English Usage

Fulwiler, T. & Hayakawa, A. R. (1994). The Blair Handbook. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice Hall.

Gilman, E. W. (Ed.). (1989). Webster's dictionary of English usage. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

General Reference Works (Directories, Statistical Dictionaries, Etc.)

Mossman, G. (1989). Acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations dictionary. Detroit: Gale.

Guides To Information Sources in Selected Areas:

Hurt, C.D. (1988). Information sources in science and technology. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

Library Media Center (LMC)
439-4326

The LMC is located on the third floor of Sherrod Library. It is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year round and is open until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the regular school semesters.

The holdings are grouped in three main areas:

• Audio-visual media (films, videotapes, filmstrips, slides, etc.);
• Juvenile books (what would be available in elementary and secondary schools); and
• Tennessee state-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides.

The books are housed on "open shelves" but the AV materials are in "closed shelves".  Internet-connected computer terminals running the to assist with access. The state textbooks are listed on a copy of the state contract and can be examined by contract number or on the open shelves. Equipment is available to view or listen to all the materials.

In particular, the student may find help by viewing the following videotapes:

College of Business and Technology Communications Lab

The CBAT Communications Lab is located in Room 124 of Sam Wilson. It is open most weekdays and sometimes until 7 p.m. on certain day. The lab's schedule changes each semester and is posted on-line

This laboratory provides undergraduate and graduate business and technology students with assistance in developing their oral and written communications skills. Students may come to the lab for assistance in the writing of assignments--specifically in organization, grammar; style and use of references. Facilities are also available for students to practice classroom presentations. Groups or individuals can have access to equipment to display slides. Presentations can be taped for later review by students.

Computer/Word Processing Labs
423-439-4648 Information Technology Services' Help Desk; itshelp@etsu.edu
URL:  Listings for ITS student-assessible labs across campus

ITS maintains several computer laboratories with word processing software (WordPerfect™, Microsoft Word™, etc.), presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint™), and drawing/charting applications which are available for general student use. The laboratories are throughout campus.