Suburban Poverty in America

In Confronting Suburban Poverty in America, Elizabeth Kneebone and Alan Berube take on the new reality of metropolitan poverty and opportunity in America. For decades, suburbs added poor residents at a faster pace than cities, so that suburbia is now home to more poor residents than central cities, composing over a third of the nation’s total poor population. Unfortunately, the antipoverty infrastructure built over the past several decades does not fit this rapidly changing geography. The solution no longer fits the problem. Kneebone and Berube explain the source and impact of these important developments; moreover, they present innovative ideas on addressing them."

KU helps train state's bioscience employees

The bioscience industry is adding jobs four times faster than other industries and in Kansas grew 14.6 percent in the last decade. Many of those jobs require doctorates, but opportunities are also available for people without college degrees. To help job seekers land one of these entry-level positions, KU Medical Center offers an Introduction to Biomanufacturing course.  Full Story

Project Management / New Masters's at KU

Project Management (New Masters's at KU)

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BEST building on the KU Edwards Campus

Project Management (PM) responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the triple constraint for projects: cost, time, and scope.
PM uses cross-functional teams to assist in the process of planning, organizing, securing, leading, delegating and controlling of resources to achieve specific goals for a finite objective.  This is one distinction from business as usual, operations or permanent business functions. A project manager is often also a client representative and has to determine and implement the exact needs of the client based on knowledge of the firm they are representing.

Who's The Program’s For

People working full-time in engineering, technical, science, business and construction fields. These programs help existing project managers, engineers, scientists and business leaders learn what’s necessary to successfully lead highly complex projects. These degrees are ideal for people interested in leadership and management opportunities, complementing existing certifications while setting graduates apart. This article explains how.

The Project Management Advantage

Time. Cost. Focus. Convenience.
The KU Master’s in Project Management recognizes the strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities and context both PM and experienced professionals bring to the program. As a result, students can earn their degree after completing as few as 33 credit hours. Fewer hours means lower cost. In addition, the program is designed for people working full-time. Courses are offered in the evening at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park and can be accessed online for professionals outside the Kansas City area or called away on business.

Advantage of PM Master degree from KU Edwards Campus

Courses at the Edwards Campus earn the same credit as those taught on the main campus in Lawrence, Kan. with our students earning KU degrees. Because the University of Kansas enjoys a national and international reputation, our students can be sure their hard work will earn them the respect of current and potential employers no matter where their career takes them. Most students opt for a part–time load, taking one course per semester and graduating in four to four and a half years. The average degree completion time is three and a half years.

U.S. Census: State and County Quick Facts

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html

QuickFacts includes statistics for all states  counties, and for cities and towns with more than 5,000  people. 

Government Statistics Source

This "Frequently Used Sites Related To U.S. Federal Government Information" is the best I've come across in serving the statistical information needs of our students. The arrangement of statistics is General Topics/Sites, and Specific Subjects. I found this particular listing at the Vanderbilt University Government Information Services site under the supervision of Larry Romans. I suggest you keep this site bookmarked for all your classes (http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/romans/fdtf/statistics.html)

Dissertation Information Handouts

Students ready to tackle another chunk of dissertation research and writing often find the summer term to be a productive and positive experience. The library has several new handouts to help with the dissertation process (free to all students). The following are available on this blog and also in the brick and mortar library on the handout rack by the main bulletin board:

• Dissertation Content and Chapters / Handout
• Dissertations & Dissertation Books / Handout
• Writing a Dissertation: A List of Links / Handout

Top 100 Tools for Learning List

Jane Hart founded the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies (C4LPT). "For the last 6 years, I have conducted an annual survey of learning tools and compiled a yearly Top 100 Tools for Learning list. I released the 2012 list on 1 October 2012. As this has become  a very popular resource, I have now produced a supplementary resource, A Practical Guide to the Top 100 Tools, which will help you find out more about how to make the most of the world’s most popular tools for learning in both education and the workplace."

Below are the top 25 out of 100 learning tools listed at Jane Hart's Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies:

Finding Dissertations

University of Kansas Libraries Homepage: http://lib.ku.edu 
1) ProQuest Dissertations and Theses: online access to over 2 million dissertations and master's theses, many of which are available in full text for immediate download. Citations are available for dissertations dating from 1861 and full text online from 1997 for over 1,000 schools submitting (KU).

2) Dissertations and Theses @ University of Kansas: Contains  citations and abstracts of dissertations and theses submitted by this institution and published in UMI's Dissertation Abstracts database, download the full text of dissertations (1996 +) and theses (2005 +) (KU)
 

3) KU Online Catalog to locate pre-1996 KU Dissertations:  Use author or title to locate known dissertations. Find a sampling of KU dissertations by using the following search method on the Online Catalog: select Advanced Search and type dissertation on the first line and university of Kansas on the next line and press Search. Type a specific keyword on the third line (ie: education) to further limit your search. (Public)
 

4) KU ScholarWorks Select KU ScholarWorks from the Libraries’ homepage at http://lib.ku.edu and search “dissertations” to route you to the subject listing for both dissertations and theses. KU ScholarWorks is the digital repository of the University of Kansas and contains electronic dissertations authored by KU students. Although this is a digital collection the scanning of paper dissertations is an ongoing project: see (KU Pre-1923 Dissertations and Theses)  (Public)
 

5) WorldCat:  This database is the OCLC Online Union Catalog, containing millions of records describing items owned by the KU Libraries and libraries around the world.  Use keywords for topic search with “dissertation” and “university of whatever” in the notes field.  Also, restrict by location, language and date to limit number of hits. (Public)
 

6) Databases such as Social Work Abstracts and PsycInfo include dissertations and theses. (KU)
 

7) The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) Foreign dissertations collection holds more than 750,000 doctoral dissertations from universities outside the U.S. and Canada. 
 

8) The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) an international organization providing access to electronic theses and dissertations. Scirus-etd (worldwide)    http://bit.ly/h4pcUQ(Public)

ETD Workshop / 4-20-13 at 1:00pm

KU Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide  http://guides.lib.ku.edu/etd  As you near the end of your thesis or dissertation, having to stop and learn long document formatting probably isn't high on your list of priorities. Taking a few minutes to learn how to do page numbering, heading styles and image captioning, however, will save you a lot of time in the long run when you're ready to make your table of contents or list of figures. On these pages, you'll find download-able How-To guides for Mac or PC on your left, along with links to additional thesis and dissertation information from the KU Graduate School. You are also welcome to attend a live workshop on Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Formatting, to set up an individualized desk-side coaching appointment, or to just call or e-mail with your questions.

Pam Rooks

Contact Info
785-864-1975
Endnote@ku.edu
Send Email
Pam Rooks is presenting a special session on formatting your Thesis or Dissertation during the Research-Write-In on Saturday, April 20th at 1:00 right here on the Edwards Campus. 369 Regnier Hall.    Stay tuned. Lissa llord@ku.edu 

Graduate Research/Write-In 4-20-13

It's the second Research/Write-In of the spring 2013 semester! What does this mean? All of our graduate students are invited to an intensive day of writing and look what you get:

1) Writing Center staff for writing consultations
2) Librarian on site for research assistance
3) ETD Workshop
3) Refreshments. . .Lots of refreshments

There is a quiet room and there is a group writing room. You can schedule time with a writing consultant to go over your work and answer some of your questions. You can see a librarian for help with research and databases.  You can attend the ETD (Electronic Thesis Dissertation) Workshop at 1:00pm. You can come to write and not be disturbed.

Who?
All KU Graduate Students
What?
An Intensive Day of Writing
When?
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Come and go as you like)
Where?
KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall room 369

Space is limited. Register online at
http://bit.ly/Q9hxxE

More on e-books at the libraries

All e-books that the Libraries own are found in the library catalog. A search for e-books on project management looks like this: "electronic books" AND "project management"   A search for e-books in sociology looks like this: "electronic books" AND sociology

KU Libraries has several collections of e-books that you can search and read. Here are four:

eBook Collection

Contains a searchable collection of electronic books on the EBSCO platform which can be viewed or read online. All titles are also accessible from the KU Online Catalog. (Access to each book is restricted to one simultaneous user.) 

ebrary Academic Complete

Ebrary Academic Complete provides access to more than 70,000 e-books from 500 of the most trusted publishers. Covering broad subject areas including business and economics, computing, education, engineering, history, political science, humanities, area studies, literature, linguistics, law, life sciences, psychology, social work, sociology, religion, classics, and philosophy, this is the most comprehensive collection of e-books.

Sage knowledge 
Contains a selection of encyclopedias and other ready-reference books covering a range of subjects in the social science disciplines

HathiTrust digital library

A digital repository of collections (books and journals) of some of the major research libraries in the United States. Approximately 20% of the content is in the public domain. 

Safari Books 
Online includes a variety of computing, programming, and information technology subjects, digitized and made available by Safari Books Online in conjunction with the original publishers. KU has access to all the titles in the database published in the current year + 2 previous years. When you have completed your search session, please click on "log out." (Restricted to 3 simultaneous users).

How to download e-books   How to download KU Library licensed e-book content

Free Internet Sites for Books:

The Online Books Page http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu   

Project Gutenberg http://gutenberg.org  

Psychiatry Online with acess to DSM Library http://psychiatryonline.org/ 

 

American FactFinder

The Census Bureau conducts nearly one hundred surveys and censuses every year. Data from the following surveys and censuses are available in American FactFinder:

• The American Community Survey is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing.
  more » | get data »
• The American Housing Survey is the most comprehensive housing survey in the United States, covering 29 Metropolitan areas and the Nation as a whole.
  more » | get data »
• The Census Bureau conducts more than 100 economic surveys covering annual, quarterly, and monthly time periods for various sectors of the economy. Data from three Annual Economic Surveys can be found on American FactFinder:
  more »
  • Annual Survey of Manufactures   get data »
  • Business Patterns   get data »
  • Nonemployer Statistics   get data »
• The Decennial Census collects data every 10 years about age, sex, race, housing units and more for the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas.
  more » | get data »
• The Economic Census profiles the U.S. economy every 5 years, from the national to the local level and by detailed industry and business classification.
  more » | get data »
• The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation publishes estimates from the American Community Survey of the race, ethnicity, and sex composition of the workforce by occupation and geography.
  more » | get data »
• The Population Estimates Program publishes estimated population totals for the previous year for cities and towns, metropolitan areas, counties, and states.
  more » | get data »
• The Puerto Rico Community Survey is the equivalent of the American Community Survey for Puerto Rico.
  more » | get data » | obtener datos en español »

A comprehensive list of surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau is available at http://www.census.gov/aboutus/surveys.html.

2013 Brown Center Report on American Education: How Well Are American Students Learning?

"This is the twelfth edition of the Brown Center Report. The structure of the report remains the same from year to year. Part I examines the latest data from state, national, or international assessments. This year the focus is on the latest results from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) released in December, 2012. The U.S. did relatively well, posting gains in reading, math, and science...Part II explores a perennial theme in education studies—the topics that never seem to go away in terms of research and debate. This year it’s on the controversial topics of tracking and ability grouping...Part III is on a prominent policy or program. This year’s analysis is on the national push for eighth graders to take algebra and other high school math courses. Algebra is now the single most popular math course in eighth grade." Information from http://www.bespacific.com

Edwards adds project management degrees

OVERLAND PARK — Rising demand for project management expertise in science, information technology, manufacturing, business, construction and engineering has prompted the University of Kansas to add two master’s degrees programs for working adults.
KU’s School of Engineering will offer a Master of Engineering in Project Management and a Master of Science in Project Management to its evening classes at the KU Edwards Campus beginning this fall, according to Mary Ryan, interim vice chancellor.
“Executives at leading Kansas City area companies told us that the ability to shepherd innovative ideas to market will be a highly valued skill in the years ahead,” Ryan said. “These degrees will prepare engineers and professionals from a variety of disciplines with management knowledge and performance competencies to lead a wide variety of projects.”
Nancy Petersen, president of the 1,300-member Kansas City Mid-America Chapter of the Project Management Institute, said the new degrees include several courses not available in the Kansas City area.
“KCPMI is so excited to see that KU has developed a comprehensive degree program to encourage the growth of well-trained project managers for the Kansas City metropolitan area,” Petersen said. “I want to recognize KU Edwards Campus for making these project management degree programs available.” [More]

Graduate Research/Write-In 4-20-13

It's the second Research/Write-In of the spring 2013 semester! What does this mean? All of our graduate students are invited to an intensive day of writing and look what you get:

1) Writing Center staff for writing consultations
2) Librarian on site for research assistance
3) ETD Workshop
3) Refreshments. . .Lots of refreshments

There is a quiet room and there is a group writing room. You can schedule time with a writing consultant to go over your work and answer some of your questions. You can see a librarian for help with research and databases.  You can attend the ETD Workshop at 1:00pm. You can come to write and not be disturbed.

Who?
All KU Graduate Students
What?
An Intensive Day of Writing
When?
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Come and go as you like)
Where?
KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall room 369

Space is limited. Register online at
http://bit.ly/Q9hxxE

ETD / Workshop 4-20-13 at 1:00pm

KU Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide  http://guides.lib.ku.edu/etd  As you near the end of your thesis or dissertation, having to stop and learn long document formatting probably isn't high on your list of priorities. Taking a few minutes to learn how to do page numbering, heading styles and image captioning, however, will save you a lot of time in the long run when you're ready to make your table of contents or list of figures. On these pages, you'll find download-able How-To guides for Mac or PC on your left, along with links to additional thesis and dissertation information from the KU Graduate School. You are also welcome to attend a live workshop on Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Formatting, to set up an individualized desk-side coaching appointment, or to just call or e-mail with your questions.

Pam Rooks

Contact Info
785-864-1975
Endnote@ku.edu
Send Email
Pam Rooks is presenting a special session on formatting your Thesis or Dissertation during the Research-Write-In on Saturday, April 20th at 1:00 right here on the Edwards Campus. 369 Regnier Hall.    Stay tuned. Lissa llord@ku.edu 

Graduate Research/Write-In 4-20-13

It's the second Research/Write-In of the spring 2013 semester! What does this mean? All of our graduate students are invited to an intensive day of writing and look what you get:

1) Writing Center staff for writing consultations
2) Librarian on site for research assistance
3) ETD Workshop (1:00)
3) Refreshments. . .Lots of refreshments

There is a quiet room and there is a group writing room. You can schedule time with a writing consultant to go over your work and answer some of your questions. You can see a librarian for help with research and databases.  You can attend the ETD (Electronic Thesis and Dissertation) Workshop at 1:00pm. You can come to write and not be disturbed.

Who?
All KU Graduate Students
What?
An Intensive Day of Writing
When?
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Come and go as you like)
Where?
KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall room 369

Space is limited. Register online at
http://bit.ly/Q9hxxE

Twitter as a reporting tool for breaking news

This study published in Digital Journalism, focuses on journalists Paul Lewis (The Guardian) and Ravi Somaiya (The New York Times), the most frequently mentioned national and international journalists on Twitter during the 2011 UK summer riots. Both actively tweeted throughout the four-day riot period and this article highlights how they used Twitter as a reporting tool. It discusses a series of Twitter conventions in detail, including the use of links, the taking and sharing of images, the sharing of mainstream media content and the use of hashtags. The article offers an in-depth overview of methods for studying Twitter, reflecting critically on commonly used data collection strategies, offering possible alternatives as well as highlighting the possibilities for combining different methodological approaches. Finally, the article makes a series of suggestions for further research into the use of Twitter by professional journalists."

Creative? Gifted? Trouble?

LAWRENCE — Any teacher could name them. And anyone who ever had classmates could probably remember at least a few of them: Students who are clearly bright or creative but don’t necessarily excel in school or are often in trouble. A University of Kansas professor has published a paper showing that profiles she created can not only identify such bright, creative kids but help set them on the path to being the nation’s next innovators, creators, inventors and artists. Barbara Kerr, Distinguished Professor of Counseling Psychology and director of the Counseling Laboratory for the Exploration of Optimal States at KU, co-authored the study with Robyn McKay of Arizona State University. It was published in the Creativity Research Journal. Studies of creative individuals have been done for decades, but they have always focused on eminent people after they’ve reached adulthood. “Before this, creativity tests have been an expensive endeavor. There’s never been an efficient way to find adolescents, pre-college, who could benefit from a creative career,” Kerr said. “So we scoured biographies of eminent people and asked a question that hadn’t been raised before. ‘What were they like at 16?’” Based on that research and interviews Kerr has done with creative individuals such as personal computer pioneer Steve Wozniak and participants in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Kerr and colleagues developed six profiles of creative adolescents in five domains of creative endeavor. They then sent the profiles to educators throughout Kansas. Over five years, 485 students were identified as fitting the profile. [Continue]