Welcome to the new look library website!
All your favourites are still there – subject guides, Primo library search, referencing help – but wrapped up in a shiny new package. It’s been about five years since the last update, so we felt it was time.
The address is still the same – library.cpit.ac.nz
We hope it’s easier to use, but if you can’t find anything, just let us know.
I think this is buzzworthy but apols if you already knew that the Oxford Dictionaries is constantly updated to include new words. If you suffer FOMO and want to be sure you’re up with the latest lingo, check out the August 2013 dictionary additions.
Wondering how they decide how to add a new word to the Oxford Dictionaries? It’s explained here.
Obvs, it’s not smart to use some of these slang words in a formal situation but srsly, common usage makes it ok to use them in casual chat among other geek chic. For your assignments however, I recommend using the more traditional Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The OED is regarded as the accepted authority for the meaning, history, and pronunciation of the English language whereas Oxford Dictionaries is all about the current, popular usage of language.
Both dictionaries are available online but you can avoid confusion by using the Library to access the more formal OED. Just click the Subject Guides & Databases link on the CPIT Library home page then select the Encyclopedias & Dictionaries guide, where you’ll find the OED listed. Bookmark that page or add it to your Favourites – it’ll be totes handy for assignments!
If you prefer a print dictionary, you’ll find one beside each of the “stand-up” permanently logged in computers, some in the Reference Collection (in the orange room behind the Library service desk) and lots more upstairs on the general shelves at PE1625-PE1628.
There’s an assignment on at the moment that apparently involves Florence Nightingale. I know this because there are seven requests for her book Notes on Nursing. This is a problem for us, and the students who want to read it…
The internet to the rescue!
Notes on Nursing is out of copyright (it’s more than 50 years since she died), and is freely available online from a number of sites. I prefer Project Gutenberg, because…well, I just do. But all of these can be freely downloaded and printed – just be wary of trying to make money out of them. 
Notes on Nursing – Project Gutenberg
Notes on Nursing – Digital Library
Notes on Nursing – Internet Archive
So, before giving up on a book, or a journal, it’s worth having a quick google. Just the other day I found Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice – full text access is free online, to anyone who’s interested. And it’s peer-reviewed.
Sometimes you strike internet gold. Other times you just find pictures of cats.
If your search strategy on the Web is to type in a few words, get millions of results and scroll through them, then read on. There is a better way. It’s called Advanced Search. You will get fewer and better focused results for the time you spend searching the Web.
For example, do you use Google (www.google.com) with the single search box? If yes, then go to Google Advanced Search by clicking on the link at the end of that box. Here is the advanced search screen.
The first box you see is titled, all these words. It is the same single box you have been using (with all its limitations).
On the second line is a box labelled: this exact wording or phrase. This is a great way to narrow your results and focus only on words that appear in an exact order.
The third row of boxes asks for, one or more of these words. This is a good way to use words with similar meanings (synonyms) in your search, or help modify your results to include one word or another.
If needed, you can use all three rows of boxes at once to make a very exact search strategy.
Look at the image above for additional ways of refining your search.
Many databases available through the Library also have an advanced search screen.
and the answer is:
Did you know in Aotearoa/New Zealand there is:
Want to know more?
Go to the Statistics New Zealand website at http://www.stats.govt.nz/ and you will find a wide range of free statistics about the economy, environment, industry and people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Use the quick links to find information and data relating to the Census of Population and Dwellings that is taken every five years. The census counts everyone in Aotearoa/New Zealand on census night, providing a ‘snapshot’ of our society at a point in time.
If you want to know more about any region, district or suburb in Aotearoa/New Zealand go into the 2006 Census data and click on QuickStats. Click on About a Place and find the region, district or suburb you want. Here you will find lots of interesting statistics, e.g. the population on census night, the numbers of males and females, age groups, ethnic groups, languages spoken, marital status, educational qualifications, occupations, incomes, family types, household compositions, transport used, and access to phone and internet.
Is it a search engine like Google? Why don’t you ask it? Go to Wolfram Alpha and type in “What are you?”. Click here
This is an example of an Easter Egg hidden by the developers of Wolfram Alpha (the computational knowledge engine) for you to find.
Virtual Easter Eggs are not new and are defined by Wikipedia as “an intentional hidden message, in-joke or feature in an object such as a movie, book, CD, DVD, computer program, web page or video game”. Microsoft have even hidden some in their products such as Microsoft Office.
Some known Wolfram Alpha Easter Eggs to try include asking the questions what is your name?, what is the meaning of life? or typing in Hello or I Love You.
I found the answer to does God exist? and who’s on first?. Can you discover some Easter Eggs on Wolfram Alpha? Questions related to Back to the Future, 2001 Space Odessey, Monty Python and various comic strip super heros seem to be popular with the Wolfram Alpha developers.
Post a comment if you find any for others to try.
Library Learning and Information Services are pleased to announce the arrival of their new website.
With thanks to all the staff and birthing partners who worked so hard for a safe delivery.
We look forward to nurturing and caring for our site and watching it grow.
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