Library FAQs

1. How I can be sure the information an author or article discusses has been researched?

Generally, if an author cites their sources, this means they did research before publishing their writing. You can check if the cited sources are also reliable and credible. If the author is using their cited sources to further emphasize a similiar point, rather than cherry-picking only some information, it is more likely that the article you read has a balanced or neutral approach. 

2. I have received a notification email from Starfish, now what?

Throughout the term you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your academic performance. The feedback will be in the form of "flags," "kudos," and "referrals". Flags are tied to concerns like attendance or missing assignments that may impact your grade. Kudos are awarded to promote and encourage strong academic performance. Referrals will connect you to key support resources on campus so you can be successful. If you receive one of these alerts, please keep in mind they are meant to help you achieve success--they do not affect your grade or carry any punitive action.

3. What are the various ways that authors present information?

1. Fact: Objective; something that is known to be true
2. Opinion: Subjective; gives the thoughts of a particular individual or group
3. Propaganda: Partial claim, often usually emotionally-charged language or slogans to persuade, sometimes used to establish links that are not casual; usually biased. 

Examples:

• The restaurant first opened in 1994. (Fact)
• The best food menu items were available in 1994 and 2010. (Opinion)
• When the restaurant serves salmon to patrons, all individuals that consume it are at risk for illness and cognitve decline. Guests need to be safe and only consume salmon that is wild-caught to prevent their children from genetic issues in the future. (Propaganda)

Using propaganda can be selective reporting of true information in order to deceive an audience, or spin a incident for a specific cause or group. 

4. What Documentation is Needed?

Documentation is confidential information from an appropriately qualified health or other service professional who is knowledgeable about your condition.
This professional might be a therapist, doctor, rehabilitation counselor, audiologist, nurse practitioner, or mobility specialist.
Documentation can vary in length and format but should focus on the ways the condition currently affects you, especially in an academic setting. 
Below are some examples of useful documentation: 

• Psycho-educational evaluation 
• Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) 
• 504 Plan -Vocational Assessment 
• Information on previous use of accommodations 
• Statement from health or service provider 
• Mobility assessment 

Documentation is used to better understand how your condition(s) impacts you in the academic environment.

5. What if I click the Starfish link and get a "You do not have access" message?

Contact Starfish@southeastmn.edu for assistance.

6. What if I don't see anyone listed in My Success Network?

Your specific advisor(s) might be assigned yet.  Check back later or contact Starfish@southeastmn.edu for additional assistance.

7. What if I need more help?

Please stop by The Roost on the Winona or Red Wing campus, call us at 507-453-1413 (Winona) or 651-385-6391 (Red Wing), or email Starfish@southeastmn.edu.  

8. What is a Success Network?

The Success Network gives you quick access to your professors, advisor, and many service areas available to you at MSC Southeast. Easily find the email addresses, phone numbers, and other information that can help aid in your success. You may even find that your advisor, faculty member(s) or services have enabled online appointments, allowing you to easily schedule a meeting!

9. What is considered "Reasonable Accommodations?"

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, job, activity or facility that enables a qualified student with a documented disability to have an equal opportunity.

Reasonable accommodations are provided to ensure access to all college courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities, including those that are off-site, such as field trips, internships, and fieldwork.

An equal opportunity means an opportunity to obtain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly situated student without a disability.

Reasonable accommodations depend upon the nature and degree of severity of the documented disability. While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that priority consideration be given to the specific methods requested by the student, it does not imply that a particular accommodation must be granted if it is deemed not reasonable and other suitable techniques are available. 

Accommodations are provided upon request and are dependent on the assessed needs of the student. 

Note: If you require an accommodation, it is your responsibility to make an accommodation request prior to the start of each semester of attendance.

10. What is cross-checking or cross-referencing?

When researching, if you find information verified in another source, that is called cross-referencing or cross-checking. If an article presents a specific date, time, or other factual claim, and it appears in other articles or sources of information, the more likely it is to be factual. 

11. What is Starfish?

Starfish is a tool that provides you with a central location to connect to the people and services that can help you reach your academic goals at MSC Southeast. It enables you to effectively engage with the Minnesota State College Southeast community and ultimately achieve your academic goals.

12. What is the difference between Scholarly or Popular sources?

Most sources fall into two categories:

1. Scholarly: highly-qualifed researchers, involving a throrough publication process (through a peer-review process), and a list of references. Scholarly sources usually have an audience in mind; usually other researchers in their field of study. 
   1. Examples: Books, Academic Journals
2. Popular: written by and intended for a general audience. Not peer-reviewed, and may not include a list of references. 
   1. Examples: Websites, blogs, magazines, and non-academic novels or books

13. Who is Eligible?

1. has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activity
2.  has a record of such an impairment
3.  is regarded as having such impairment.

14. Who is Eligible?

An individual with a disability is defined as any person who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activity
2. has a record of such an impairment
3. is regarded as having such impairment.