Book collection shrinks and expands

You may have noticed the book collection getting smaller.  The library staff has been focused on removing old and unused and outdated materials over the last 2 years or so.  Classics like the 1957 Agricultural Yearbook were just taking up space. Up to date appraisals of U.S. relations with Egypt written in 1972, just weren't getting checked out.  Old medical and legal information had to go.  The print collection has been downsized to about 25,000 book titles.

Meanwhile, we just subscribed to a new database from EBSCO publishing, eBook Academic Collection.  The database includes thousands (EBSCO says around 70,000)  of full text books. Give it a try; give us feedback.  Since the database contains over twice as many books as our print collection, you might want to start your book search here, rather than the library catalog of print books.  When you click on "Academic Search Premier" on the library homepage, you'll end up at a search screen ready to search BOTH journals and complete eBooks.  If you prefer, you can search the eBook collection by itself by clicking on "eBooks" from the subject list of databases, then choosing the "eBook Academic Collection".

 Can't decide where to start?  Ask the library staff for help.

 Here's a random sample of some of the subjects covered in the eBook collection.  Looking for information about other countries? This title about contemporary Cuba was published in 2010.

The collection includes the complete text of books on social issues. . .

 

 and "hot" topics in the news.

 

The range of topics is huge.  Research subjects relevant to your course work, find a book, and read it online wherever you are.  And don't forget the print stuff--it could still be helpful, too! 

The Secret Underworld of the Library

In the nearly 50 years of the UCC Library's existence it is believed that only two intrepid students have had the vision and will to explore where all others have feared to tread: underneath the library tables. In late 2011 the explorers carefully planned their expedition and returned with photographic evidence of their findings.

For these two women, Leigh Batson and her trusted assistant, Miriam Gilman, the journey was all in a day's work. But for the faint of heart: be forewarned.

To begin our tour of the sordid underbelly of the library, let's take a look at a typical gum stalactite clinging just above your knees:

Although some specimens roost in relative solitude, other chewers prefer to add to a stomach churning, high density, "gum cluster".  This one has a rare blue foil accessory, attempting to blend in among the gum formation.

Not all gum deposits are so large or so obvious.  It is only with thorough scrutiny of their habitat that the rare "table leg ledge dweller" gob of gum can be discovered:













Let's step back and take a look at a "gum clusteration", seen accumulating in this fine landscape view.















Although not yet a scientific certainty, there is evidence that chewed gum does engage in reproduction.  Witness the couple to the left of this photo:



















 Miriam, in the throes of expeditionary fervor and clearly in fear for her life, is seen taking precautions to avoid attaching her hair to the underside of a table.












And finally, here is Leigh, combing through gum identification guides and mapping out her next research and photography projects.