Science & Engineering Library Newsletter

Science & Engineering Library

February Newsletter

Update: Access to
Electronic Resources

The USC Libraries are phasing out direct access to electronic resources based on fixed USC IP addresses (used by computers located on campus). This move is in response to a marked increase in attempts of unauthorized access, excessive download of publisher's content, contractual concerns from vendors, and guidance from Office of Chief Information Security Officer.

Electronic resources are now solely accessible through the USC Libraries website by signing on with your USC NetID. More information, including access suggestions. Also, see the FAQ on why the change is being made.

If you are experiencing any workflow or productivity issues, please report them to proxysup@lib.usc.edu.

Conversations Series at the
Ahmanson Lab

No lecture. No readings. Just Conversation.

In the Spring, we'll start a new series held every other Wednesday at the Ahmanson Lab. Our Conversations series is an opportunity for students across disciplines to meet and talk about timely and engaging technology-related topics.

Come share your thoughts with us!

Free pizza is provided.

Topics include: ChatGPT, Transhumanism, AI Ethics, the Metaverse, and more! RSVP here.

RSVP @ https://libcal.usc.edu/calendar/selevents

Historical Event Modeling in
Board Game Format

February 16th @ 5:30 PM RSVP
Ahmanson Lab | Leavey Library, 3rd floor (LVL 301)

Attendees will be guided on ways to model a historical event in board game format. The emphasis will be on the emotional experience of the event - and common pitfalls in creating interactive content.

New Books

The Parrot in the Mirror:
How Evolving to be like Birds
Made Us Human
This book explores animal evolution and behaviour to explain how humans and birds came to share so much. How did we come to be so bird-like? Considering the answer to this question leads to an examination of the animal world that highlights fundamental and profound aspects of biology. The book looks at the value of movement in animals; the way in which traits such as intelligence, size, long life span, and the birth of very immature young are all interconnected. Above all, it assesses how even very different forms of life, experiencing similar evolutionary pressures from their environments, can hit on similar solutions – the phenomenon known as convergent evolution. It is that which lies at the root of our bird-ishness. Access The Parrot in the Mirror.

Bacteria: A Very Short Introduction

Bacteria: A Very Short Introduction explores the nature of bacteria, which are the most abundant form of life on the planet. The first organisms to evolve, they include forms that can survive the toughest environments, from deep rocks to frozen wastes. No other organisms are as adaptable. We are most familiar with them as agents of disease, but benign bacteria are critical to ecosystems, as well as to human health. Bacteria play a significant role in the environment and in disease. We cannot ignore the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Access Bacteria

Virtual Reality Usability Design

The development of effective and usable software for spatial computing platforms like virtual reality (VR) requires an understanding of how these devices create new possibilities (and new perils) when it comes to interactions between humans and computers. Virtual Reality Usability Design provides readers with an understanding of the techniques and technologies required to design engaging and effective VR applications. The book covers both the mechanics of how human senses and the mind experience immersive virtual environments, as well as how to leverage these mechanics to create human-focused virtual experiences. Deeply rooted in principles of human perception and computational interaction, the current and future limitations of these replacements are also considered. Full of real-world examples, this book is an indispensable guide for any practising VR developer interested in making efficient and effective interfaces. Access Virtual Reality Usability Design

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