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  The library staff has been focused on removing old and unused and outdated materials over the last 2 years or so.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.

Poetry, Sex, and You!

Did you know, in addition to being the first full month of spring, April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

We'll have several themed events happening on campus, including our bite-sized collection of "Did You Knows?" related to gender and sexuality at the library and our first ever UCC Womens' & Gender Studies faculty panel this Friday, April 6th.

This is also National Poetry Month, and on Monday, April 9th, at 7:00 pm  UCC will host a reading and reception with Sia Figiel, Samoa's first contemporary female author.

Don't miss these great events and others happening this April!

Winter Study In -- March 17th

I failed to capture the entire poster, so you're
going to have to trust me that the top says
ASUCC Study In.

Join us on Saturday, March 17th from 11 am - 7 pm  for the Winter ASUCC Study In!

Food, tutoring, and plenty of study space will all be available!

Feeling Entrepreneurial?

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? Or maybe turning that hobby of baking or love of pets into some cold, hard cash? We have just the thing to help you get started at the library.  







Bake,  pet-sit, or turn your band's single into the next "big hit!"
(Not all of these at once, though.)

The "Home-Based Business series covers all the basics you need to transform a hobby or interest into a real life business, including tips on Internet marketing and business plans. Titles at the UCC Library include:

  

How to Start a Home-Based Pet-Sitting and Dog Walking Business -- 636.088 V  

How to Start a Home-Based Bakery Business -- 641.815 D



 How to Start a Home-Based Personal Chef Business -- 641.5 V

 How to Start a Home-Based Recording Studio Business -- 780.92 S

Also in this vein are Restaurant Success by the Numbers: a money-guy's guide to opening the next new hot spot -- 641.572 F , which covers everything from pricing ingredients for menu items to planning staffing and lease agreements.


  Have a good eye for art and love food? Become a food stylist! Culinary Careers -- 641.57 S covers business and employment opportunities in the food industry, including many that don't require slaving over a hot stove!

WHAT IS BLOOD TO YOU?
Paul Stanphill, ASUCC Senator

February 2012

What is blood to you?

It is the greatest gift.

From the creator, the big bang?

Hell if I know; take your pick.

It is easy to take for granted

When you have enough.

But if you were running out of it. . .

Your life would get real rough.

But crappy as that is,

It happens all the time.

And only you can prevent it,

Doesn't even cost a dime.

Just sign up for a time slot:

The 22nd or 23rd.

That is a Wednesday and a Thursday

In case you haven't heard.

Just walk up to Jacoby,

On the appointed day.

And plan about an hour,

That's not a long delay.

So what are you still waiting for?

Come on over and sign up.

You just might save a life or three,

And more importantly, I'll shut up.

(you can find Paul in the library most days, ask us if you don't know who he is!)

A Virtual Health Reference Library

Need to locate authoritative information on a health topic? The Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) continues to grow with new updates of their popular health encyclopedias. Whether on campus or somewhere else with Internet access, you can now investigate maladies in the latest editions of The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine and many other titles.








These same titles are also included as part of Gale's Health and Wellness Resource Center and can be searched along with full text articles, dictionaries, and other encyclopedic information about health.


Salem Health, another reference publisher, also produces several multi-volume health encyclopedias including Magill's Medical Guide, Salem Health: Psychology and Mental Health, Salem Health: Genetics, and Salem Health: Cancer. UCC Library has the print volumes along with an online database of the same encyclopedias. The database includes information about diseases, disorders, genetics, treatments, procedures, specialties, anatomy, biology, and related issues, with sidebars addressing recent developments in medicine and concise information boxes for all diseases and disorders.