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Libraries 

Jennifer Ann Wilson Dental Library and Learning Center

This center provides information resources and supports for all students of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. The Wilson Dental Library maintains up-to-date knowledge of information technology and advances in oral health sciences informatics, so that the library can participate effectively in improving the information environment, increasing access to, and expanding the distribution of information. The library is dedicated to delivering information to the individual directly and via a desktop or other computerized systems, providing electronic access to resources whenever possible.

Librarians select resources in direct support of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and health sciences goals, then organize and disseminate them for efficient use and easy navigation. Educational efforts are conducted to assure effective use of information and information-gathering methodologies for life-long learning. Librarians collaborate with USC teachers, researches, and healthcare providers in planning and executing the information components of programs conducted by those groups. The library fosters the utilization of its resources by alerting users to new products and actively promoting the full range of services. In addition, the library staff contributes to the scholarship of health sciences librarianship and informatics, and it participates in professional, university, and community activities.

Norris Medical Library

This library is the largest of the medical libraries on the Health Sciences Campus and is the main USC library for the health sciences. It has an extensive collection on all aspects of biomedicine and health care, as well as books for leisure reading. The Norris Library offers a number of services beyond its extensive collection of health sciences books and journals, including its own Web site that provides access to online electronic journals and books, a computer lab and classroom, videoconferencing, and instruction on use of information resources for research (such as bioinformatics resources), education and clinical care.

Technology coordinator

Our programs are primarily delivered online, and our full-time coordinator provides training and technical support to both faculty and students.  The coordinator works with faculty to identify the technology available to support the instructor’s goals for a course.

Other technical support tasks include:

  • troubleshooting students’ technical problems
  • helping faculty put material online
  • setting up and monitoring synchronous sessions
  • identifying and evaluating possible new technologies

Web-based instruction

We use advanced technologies that provide live, web-based instruction: students hear faculty as they speak; they see slides and other graphics, music and audio clips, as the professor discusses. Most importantly residents can “chat” with the professor and fellow colleagues live. Our staff continues to test and refine new technology, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this exciting educational experience.

Computer Recommendations

Hardware Specifications for Online Programs

The following are the minimum recommended specifications for a Windows or Apple computer

Windows: (Laptop recommended)

  • Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or later
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
  • Memory (RAM): 16GB or higher
  • Hard Drive: 500GB
  • Built-in HD WebCAM
  • Network Connectivity: Wireless (WIFI) and/or Wired Gigabit LAN for Internet access
  • Microsoft Office 2019 or later, or Microsoft Office 365
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/)

Apple: (MacBook Pro recommended)

  • MacOS 12 “Monterey” or later
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
  • Memory (RAM): 16GB or higher
  • Hard Drive: 500GB
  • Built-in HD WebCAM
  • Network Connectivity: Wireless (WIFI) and/or Wired Gigabit LAN for Internet access
  • Microsoft Office 2019 for MAC or later, or Microsoft Office 365
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/)

Miscellaneous Hardware Required:

  • 360o All Around Webcam (Model: JVCU360): The 360o webcam is REQUIRED for the remote proctoring of exams. It is available on Amazon.
  • USB Noise-Canceling Headset such as the Logitech H390 Headset.
  • USB Hard Drive for data backup.

Internet:

  • Minimum of 20 Megabit per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload of dedicated (non-shared) speed/bandwidth. The faster your Internet connection, the better!
  • Test your Internet connection’s bandwidth and performance at http://www.speedtest.net.
    • If your speeds/bandwidths are below the minimums, you should contact your Internet Service Provider and request your Internet connection be upgraded.

Technical Support:

  • Students can request technical support for program related issues by emailing the Distance Learning Office help desk at dlohelp@usc.edu.

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