Thursday, September 18, 2025

AI research guide for business students

Steve has created a guide for his business students, and though it isn't a general purpose guide, it could be useful for any other student looking for resource info related to AI.

https://uncg.libguides.com/AI-business-research/home

Monday, September 15, 2025

Kanopy titles not usually searchable in the catalog

You may have noticed that even though we have many many films available streaming through Kanopy - they typically do not show up in the catalog when you search. This is due to the nature of the Kanopy subscription we have (though I don't really understand the details myself!).

So, if you're ever searching for a streaming film title for someone, don't give up if you can't find it in the catalog. Check in Kanopy itself (through our databases page, of course) or check out many of our other sources in the Steaming Media Libguide.

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Building-Only Collection Catalog Search

https://library.uncg.edu/on-campus-search

This link (added to the Links A-Z section of The Dashboard) can be used to search for books assigned to shelved in Jackson Library Lobby, adjacent rooms, and in Ferguson Storage.

The links includes books that are checked out but does not included the many many thousands of books that are currently boxed up and inaccessible during Phase 1 of the renovation.



Monday, August 25, 2025

MKT 309 is now "Principles of Innovation": all new syllabus, instructors, and projects

Update on this class required for all business school majors (so, many sections each semester), after a full revamp.

Below is an excerpt from the team project guidelines. The revised Libguide provides general suggestions for the 3 projects plus for each one separately: https://uncg.libguides.com/mkt309

Once I begin doing instruction and consultations, I'll probably add some suggested steps or some kind of additional documentation.

As always, feel free to refer students to me as you please! Thank you.

--Steve

Project Overview

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it happens in complex ecosystems filled with stakeholders, systems, and constraints. In this semester-long project, your team will act as innovation consultants tasked with tackling a real-world challenge.

You’ll follow the process outlined in Chapter 3 of Managing Innovation (8th Edition):

Search → Select → Implement & Value

Throughout the course, you will:

  • Investigate an unsolved problem through interviews and observation
  • Analyze the innovation ecosystem surrounding that problem
  • Generate and test solution ideas with real users
  • Select a concept and build an implementation roadmap
  • Present your solution and show how it would create real value

Why This Matters

Great innovation solves real problems for real people—and it does so with an understanding of what’s already been tried, what stands in the way, and what resources are available. This project asks you to think like innovators, not just idea generators.

By engaging with users, stakeholders, and systems, you’ll learn to design solutions that matter—and how to communicate those ideas like professionals in the field. You’ll also build skills in: Collaborative problem-solving evidence-based innovation, visual communication and presentation, business modeling and implementation planning.

This document outlines the key phases, provides an example memo, grading rubrics, and a description of peer feedback requirements

Challenge Topics

Your team will choose one of the following topics. Each topic includes a sample “How might we…” question to guide your early research. 

Sustainable Transportation 

How might we make sustainable transportation choices more appealing to UNCG commuter students who live off-campus? 

You'll investigate why many students continue to drive alone despite having access to alternatives like buses, carpools, or biking. Through interviews and observation, you’ll uncover the real reasons—time? safety? convenience? habit? 

Your solution might involve new technology, behavior nudges, system redesigns, or policy tweaks. 

Why this matters: 

Transportation is one of UNCG’s largest sources of carbon emissions. Changing how students commute could impact thousands of people and provide a scalable model for other campuses. 

Small Business Innovation 

How might we help small, local businesses in Greensboro compete with large chains by leveraging AI or digital tools they can actually afford and use? 

You’ll speak with local business owners to understand why many are losing customers to Amazon, Target, and other chains. It’s rarely just about money. Maybe it's time. Maybe it's fear of tech. Maybe it’s not knowing where to start. 

Your solution should be usable by someone with limited time, budget, or tech comfort—and still powerful enough to create value. 

Why this matters: 

Small businesses employ nearly half of Greensboro’s workforce and shape the identity and resilience of the community. Helping them innovate sustains jobs, families, and neighborhoods. 

Telehealth & Human Connection 

How might we make virtual healthcare visits feel more personal and trustworthy for elderly patients who are uncomfortable with technology? 

Many older adults avoid telehealth visits—even when it would save them time, travel, or money. But what’s really missing for them? Emotional trust? A human voice? Simplicity? 

You’ll explore how virtual care can be reimagined to build comfort, reduce confusion, and restore connection. 

Why this matters: 

An aging population needs accessible, reliable care—but telehealth systems are often not designed with empathy or inclusion in mind. This is a chance to rethink healthcare at the human level. 

Phase 1 – Problem Discovery & Search

Due by 11:59 PM ET on September 28th

Worth 25% of Project Grade

Deliverables:

·         2-page business memo

·         Evidence of at least 3 stakeholder interviews

·         Attachments (see below)

Memo Assignment Description

Your goal in this phase is to deeply understand the challenge space you've chosen. You’ll investigate the core problem, identify key stakeholders, explore what’s already been tried, and uncover where innovation might create value.

This phase is about searching—not for answers, but for insights. You will submit a professional memo summarizing your work and attach supporting materials.

Required Memo Sections (use these headings):

1.      Executive Summary

2.      Key Insights from Research

3.      Innovation Opportunity

4.      Next Steps / Open Questions

5.      Attachments Summary

Memo Formatting Requirements

Length: 2 pages max (not including attachments)
 Format:

·         Times New Roman, 12 pt font

·         1.5 line spacing

·         1-inch margins

·         Submit as Word (.docx)

·         Include AI Use Statement

Required Attachments

Attachments should be clear, labeled, and easy to read.

Attachment

Description

A. Interview Evidence

Number: Minimum 3 interviews

Length: Aim for 10–20 minutes each. Shorter conversations are fine if they yield useful insights, but avoid one-sentence answers.

Format: Interviews can be in person, by phone, or via video call.

Recording/Notes: If possible, record audio (with permission) to ensure accuracy. At a minimum, take detailed notes during the interview.

Submission: Include in your attachment:

·         A table listing each interviewee’s role/title (no names), interview date, and 2–3 key quotes or insights.

·         Any observation notes or supporting materials that help illustrate findings.

No full transcripts are required—only the most relevant, concise excerpts.

B. Any other relevant documents

Observation notes, stakeholder maps, screen captures, etc.


Friday, August 22, 2025

"Theories of Memory, Vol. 2." Call Number Questions

We have recently received multiple chats about locating the call number for the book Theories of Memory, Vol. 2.



The book is currently unavailable, which means that the call number is less prominent on its catalog page. 

If you get this question, here are some details to make addressing their question easier:

  • The catalog page URL for this book is https://uncg.on.worldcat.org/oclc/614916180
  • For convenience, the call number is BF371.T4430 1998
  • The call number can be reliably found below the main item details, and is only revealed when you click on the Jackson Library dropdown, as this screenshot shows: