Some of the Best Lists of the Best Books of 2008

Publishers Weekly book review staff put together their PW's Best Books of the Year and include Fiction, Poetry, Mysteries, SF/Fantasy/Horror, Comics, Non-fiction, Religion, Children's Picture Books, Children's Fiction, and more.

National Public Radio assembled several lists for their "recommended reading for the 2008 Holidays" and the critics there are recommending all sorts of stuff: Five Books to Give Yourself This Year, Best Superhero Graphic Novels, Booksellers' Picks For Your Holiday Lists, Top Five Crime and Mystery Novels of 2008, 10 Best Cookbooks, and more.

Amazon goes all out with their usual Top 100 Editor's Picks, Customer Favorites, and Featured Categories Top Ten Lists.

The New York Times settles for a tidy 10 Best Books of 2008 and includes links to lists of years past.

How about the Pick of the Pile from The Economist? Their list covers 2008 titles about history, current affairs, politics, economics, business, biography, and even fiction.

The Seattle Times recommends Our Picks for the Best Books of 2008 and an editor from The Oregonian put together a list of the Top 10 Northwest Books of 2008.

Surely there's something here to make you feel guilty about not reading enough last year?

2008's Top Album Lists Galore

The 50 Best Albums of 2008 -- Rolling Stone Magazine. TV on the Radio's Dear Science makes it to their top.

Mojo Magazine Top 50 Albums of 2008 Fleet Foxes (band name and album title) is their #1.

The 40 Best Albums of 2008 -- Spin Magazine comes up with a list of ten less and names (again) Dear Science as #1.

Pitchfork Presents -- The 50 Best Albums of 2008 Another win for Fleet Foxes at #1.

The Best Albums of 2008 -- from the editors of eMusic. They name 88 albums and The '59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem tops their list.

NPR listeners voted for their top 25. . .and the winner is Fleet Foxes.

Amazon puts together a top 100 for Best Music of 2008 with The Kings of Leon's Only By The Night as #1. Amazon also has top 10 and 100 lists for many specific genre's of music.

50 Albums of the Year named by the Guardian/The Observer in the United Kingdom. Their #1? For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver.

Sigur Ros, Blitzen Trapper, Portishead, Brian Eno/David Byrne, Bob Dylan, MGMT, and Vampire Weekend show up in most of the lists. So how do the critics' choices match up to your favorites?

New @ the library: films from the world for your long weekend

Did you enjoy the cultural diversity conference on campus this fall? Looking for something different to watch beyond "Miracle on 34th Street" this year, post-turkey? We've just received a fantastic selection of new DVDs at the UCC Library that let you bring a world of cinema into your own living room.

All of the films below are available to checkout: see our catalog for more details.

Eat Drink Man Woman (China)

This film, directed by Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Sense and Sensibility) focuses on Chu, a master chef who tries to win over his three selfish and self-absorbed daughters through his cooking. When that goes up in flames, he tries a more dramatic approach- with results.


Blackboards (Iran), Osama (Afghanistan), Zaman (Iraq)

Osama and Zaman are both the first films released to a wider world audience after the dramatic conflicts the countries faced (and continue to stuggle with). All three are about journeys:

In Zaman, a village man travels upriver to Baghdad to find a cure for his wife.

In Osama, a young girl disguises herself as a boy to safely travel through Afghanistan after women are confined to their homes.

In Blackboards, dedicated teachers travel the length and breadth of Iranian Khurdistan, carrying their blackboards on their backs which serve as tool, professional symbol, and sometimes, shelter from gunfire.

The Host (Korea), Infernal Affairs (Hong Kong)

Or maybe you'd like something a little more shlocky? The Host is one of, well, a host of Asian horror movies, critically acclaimed for its underwater environmental sensibilities as well as its many thrills.

Infernal Affairs stars Tony Leung (Hero) in a tense police procedural, and may be best-known as the movie that directly inspired Scorese's The Departed.


Cinema from your Computer: The Criterion Collection's film festivals

Last, but certainly not least, if you think NetFlix's online "Watch it Now!" feature is the greatest thing since turkey-and-cranberry sandwiches, the new Criterion website is for you! Every month, the label plans to "host" a new online film festival with high-quality streaming video available online. This is only one of a plethora of features they are rolling out, so if you're a classic cinemaphile, make sure to check them out.

Laptops Available for Library Use!

Yes, the UCC Library now has laptops to loan out to students for use anywhere in the library. In a nutshell: 1) check out a computer, using your student ID; 2) use it responsibly; 3) return it to the desk before it's overdue. Yes, there are some policies, like bring it back to the desk within 3 hours or pay a big fine, don't check it out on your card and then hand it over to your friend with a reputation for dropping things, don't save your 10 page paper to the hard drive and expect it to be there tomorrow. Stuff like that. The policies are pasted right on top of the computer. And they're pasted right here, if you want a preview:

1. Library laptops are available to currently enrolled UCC students for 3 hour periods for use inside the library only.

2. Only UCC students currently enrolled in CREDIT CLASSES, faculty, and staff are eligible to check out Library Laptops. Credit students pay student technology fees to make these laptops available. Students must have their UCC ID card with a current term sticker.

3. If you checkout a laptop, it is assumed you know how to use it responsibly. The library staff and lab aides are not able to provide hardware or software troubleshooting, tutoring, or assistance.

4. Laptops will be available on a first come, first served basis and may not be reserved in advance. Only one laptop at a time may be borrowed by an individual.

5. Laptops may be checked out at the circulation desk from 8 a.m. until one hour before the library closes. Laptops must be returned at least a half hour before closing.

6. Laptop checkouts can be renewed, if there is no other student waiting. The library does not maintain a waiting list.

7. Save files to your own storage media. Do not save personal files or download software to the laptop hard drive at any time. Files will be deleted and you may lose the privilege of checking out laptops.

8. The student to whom the laptop is checked out is responsible for any associated costs if the laptop is lost, stolen, damaged, or overdue. Do not leave the laptop unattended.

9. Report any problems with the laptop immediately. If available, another will be checked out to you.

10. Laptops are battery powered, unless it is plugged in. Watch for “battery low” warnings.

11. Comply with all library and college policies regarding use of technology. (http://www.umpqua.edu/library/aup.htm)

12. Don’t be late! Return the laptop before it is overdue. Always return the laptop to a library staff member and do not leave it unattended. FINES: $10 overdue fine per hour . $1500 replacement cost for a lost, damaged-beyond-repair, or stolen laptop. After 24 hours overdue, the laptop will be considered lost.

13. The College is not responsible for any viruses which may be transferred to a user’s personal storage device, nor is it responsible for any lost or corrupted files.

Global Road Warrior? Credo?

What stereotypes of Venezuelans are accepted by foreigners? What is the literacy rate in Ireland? What is the main religion in Iceland? The UCC Library recently picked up a new subscription to "Global Road Warrior", a new database, that answers these questions and provides easy-to-find information about countries and cultures around the world.

Choose a continent:


Click on a country:


From the country profile, you can choose a subject on the left, print screens, and grab the citation by clicking on "Cite this document".

---

The library is also subscribing--on a trial basis--to Credo, a database of 348 reference books. This is a great place to start researching any topic to learn more about it. All 348 books are available completely online and can be searched simultaneously. Or you can search books by subject. If you find a book you like, you can browse it by its table of contents, look through the images in the book or search through it by keyword.

To give you an idea of the variety of ways you can approach the books in Credo, here's an index of some of the pictures found in "The Encyclopedia of Folk Art":


When you zero in on a topic in Credo, note the list on the left side of the screen. You'll find a list of related entries elsewhere in Credo, as well as a list of related resources. The related resources provide a list of other library databases, including the library catalog. Click on a resource to carry on your search outside of Credo. Kinda cool.

Time to Vote!-- Election 2008

It is an interesting time on the national stage recently, and your chance to make a difference is fast approaching. That's right, it's time to vote! To help you be more informed, more efficient, and more effective this November, check out this list of resources for everything from local ballot drop-off points to national Presidential election predictions!

Who's Who in the Presidential Race?

John McCain (Republican candidate)

• Sarah Palin (Republican Vice Presidential Candidate)

Barack Obama (Democratic candidate)

• Joe Biden (Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate)
  

National Presidential, Congressional, and Senate Races, 2008:

• C-SPAN: Campaign 2008 Election Forecast (added content from Congressional Quarterly)

• CNN: America Votes 2008

• Fox News: Elections 2008

• NPR: Election Map 2008

• New York Times: Election Guide 2008

• Washington Post: Presidential Candidates 2008
  

Local Elections

Douglas County Elections,

Includes current candidates, local measures, county office requirements, drop site locations for returning your ballot, and signage regulations.

Need more information on your rights and responsibilities as an Oregon voter?

Voting in Oregon: a Douglas County FAQ

Voting Instructions

Douglas County Voter's Pamphlet

• Don't have time to mail your ballot? Local Ballot Drop Sites & Hours

County election results (updated throughout the evening on Election Day)


Oregon State Elections Division

Oregon Election Calendar 2008

August 26 candidate filing deadline / voters' pamphlet filing deadline

September 20 ballots mailed to long-term absent voters (overseas and military)

October 6 ballots mailed to out-of-state voters

October 8-10 voters' pamphlet delivery

October 14 voter registration deadline

October 17-21 ballots mailed to voters other than long-term and out-of-state voters

November 4 election day

December 4 certification of election results

National Voting Resources Online

Vote411

A "one-stop source for election-related questions." Information about polling places, candidates, election registration and polling deadlines, and much more, sorted by state. Created by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Vote Source [edit 10/2]

"Your source for making informed election decisions." Another great site from the League of Women Voters that covers both national and local contests and candidates.

Project VoteSmart

Project VoteSmart is a non-profit, non-partisan effort to provide information on national "candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings."

FactCheck.org

A resource site from the non-profit Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania that "monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major US political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases."

OpenSecrets.org

A resource site put together by the non-profit Center for Responsive Politics, OpenSecrets allows one to search for campaign finance reports for candidates and elected officials by region and jurisdiction. Each profile also includes a brief synopsis of past funding trends and when the official is due for their next election cycle.

FiveThirtyEight

This site gathers election predictions for the Presidential race from all major polls, as well as the current predictions for the House and Senate. (538 refers to the number of seats in the Electoral College.)

OnTheIssues.org

See where each candidate stands on most major policy issues by vote count and past statements, organized into a list of common controversial topics.

The Tableless Library

You never know what may happen in a library during the summer. On the last day of Summer Term the furniture disappeared over a couple of hours. An intrepid student carried on to finish her finals. "Who needs tables?"

Meanwhile, we moved the Reference books. All of them.

















The chairs went out the door. . .

And the tables and sofas.

And all that was left was a vast empty space.

This was definitely not business as usual.

The painters showed up.

The carpeting began. First one side of the library,

And then the other.

Then everything went back together again.


Thanks to the flexible students, the Facilities crew, the Job Corps painters, and the library staff.

For more photos of the project, check out our photos on Flickr.

Get a life...locally

All things considered, it looks like many of us are planning on staying a little closer to home this summer. Maybe you have work commitments, or the price of gas going up-up-up has you down. Whatever the reason, there's nothing that says you can't have some fun right here in Douglas County! Check out our local maps to the summer events, farmers' markets, and educational and recreational activities near and dear to you. If you like, you can even add some of your own suggestions!

(Leave us a comment below with your suggestion, or click on "view larger map" and choose edit to add your activity directly!)

Douglas County Summer

View Larger Map


Douglas County Wineries

View Larger Map

Test Yourself

UCC Library now subscribes to LearningExpress, a database full of many, many self-paced tests and skills improvement courses. Test your knowledge--no pressure for a grade! Set up a free account for yourself and develop your skills at your own pace. Tests are scored immediately.Some of the subjects and categories of tests covered in the database are: GED, Advance Placement, Business Writing, College Entrance Practice Tests, Computer Skills (MS Office suite, Outlook), High School Skills Improvement, Law Enforcement, Math Skills, and Reading Skills. There are online “Improvement Courses” for writing, math, algebra, vocabulary, spelling, and more. There are courses for creating a resume, creating a cover letter, and tips for interviews.

You can reach the database here: http://www.LearningExpressLibrary.com?HR=http://www.umpqua.edu And it is linked from the library website: click "Find An Article" from the library homepage. You can also find the link from the Library Tab in UCCLife. From your UCCLife account you can use the database from off campus.You’ll be asked to sign in—just create your own username and password—to track on which tests you’ve taken.

Please let us know if you have any feedback on this product--whether you find it helpful or not. Thanks!

Budget cuts mean reduced Douglas Co. Library hours

The likelihood of losing the "safety net" timber payments from the federal government to Douglas County this year has led to a call for budget reductions county-wide, including a plan to cut public library services by about 20%.

According to an article in Thursday's News Review on page 2 (not up at nrtoday.com yet, but I'll post a link when it is available), the library system is looking to reduce open hours from 322 to 284 per week. Most noticeably effected is the downtown Roseburg branch, which would cut its Monday hours completely.

Favorite Online Tools for Awesome Academics: a short list

Living la vida virtual this term in your classes? Whether you are taking, teaching, building, or just considering online coursework, there is a bewildering selection of tools and tips that can leave even the most techno-saavy user feeling as overwhelmed as an ant in a swimming pool. But with the proper care and feeding, online tools can be a powerful ally in the classroom, whether said room is a traditional one or the type you can attend in your PJs on a Saturday morning.

Here are five of my personal favorite (free!) online tools:

1. UCC Life
   Yes, it has its issues. But did you know, every single UCC class has its own "course homepage" within UCC Life where links can be posted, documents placed online, and discussions can be held all available from any computer with an internet connection? Even if your class is entirely "on campus," the UCC Life course homepage can provide another place for communication to occur.
   
   Suggested uses if you're an instructor: By using the "manage" links, you can post assignments or a syllabus, and send out announcements that will automatically appear on your students' front UCC Life pages when they login.
   
   Suggested uses if you're a student: Even if your instructor is not using every course homepage feature, there will be a link to email your instructor, or to post webpage links if you have a resource to share with the class.
   
   
2. Google Tools
   Have you ever had the frustrating experience of wanting to print out an assignment you've worked on for hours, only to realize the disk was left in your other bag? Never again, with Google Documents. In addition to a very popular search engine, Google offers a variety of online tools that allow you to use a word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation program that will save your documents to your account, and you can access and work with them on any computer with an internet connection. You can also share your document with others, and the changes will be automatically saved so you can always see who made which alterations. The service does require one to sign-in, but account creation is free.
   
   To learn more, take Google's friendly online tour.
   
   Suggested uses if you're an instructor: Use a Google Document to track comments and contributions to a shared class product, such as an info page on a class-related topic created by students (like a wiki, you can see all past versions of a Google Doc. in a drop-down menu). Or create an interactive course schedule that you can update and students can view on the web: see an example for LIB 127 (Library & Internet Research).
   
   Suggested uses if you're a student: Eliminate the sinking feeling that occurs when it is the day a paper is due and you can't remember where your USB drive is-- Save your research paper as a Google document, and have access to it from any computer with an internet connection. Or use the "sharing" ability to work on group projects online.
   
   
3. Del.icio.us
   Social bookmarking allows you to have that great website you found last week at your fingertips, and share it, too. Del.icio.us has been used and continues to be used heavily by educators; for an example, check out this great video introduction by Lee LeFever of the Common Craft website:







Suggested uses for instructors and students: Share links related to topics you are discussing in class, or other websites (like BibMe) that you think might help classmates and colleagues. For example, this list generated by students and instructors of NRS 111 (Chronic Illness) at UCC.




4. Firefox (+ add-ons)
   Firefox is a free web browser that preforms all of the same internet-viewing options as Internet Explorer or Safari, but also gives you the option to add on free, open-source "add-ons." These add-ons are like the "extra features" you might select when buying a car-- they make your web browsing experience more pleasant, and they can be highly personal. There is even a "Firefox Campus Edition" available that includes the most popular features for college students and scholars.
   
   Suggested uses for instructors and students: Use Firefox add-ons to do more work with your web browser. You can add-on automatic Wikipedia searches, citation managers (like Zotero), and automatic spell-check. (True story: the automatic spell-check add-on I have for my Firefox browser just saved me from misspelling that last sentence.) You can also find add-ons that will do everything from helping you build webpages to updating you on the weather or alerting you when your tea has brewed long enough.
   
   
5. Remember the Milk
   If you are like most of us, there's too much to do and not enough time to do it. Remember the Milk is a online to-do list that lets you sort items into different categories and will even allow you to set up an item to occur multiple times. Best of all, it is super-easy to use: all you have to do is type an item in ("Remember to feed the goldfish every day.") and Remember the Milk automatically detects when the item should be "due" (today), and how often it should appear on your to-do list (every day).
   
   Take the online tour to learn more.
   
   Suggested uses for instructors and students: Use Remember the Milk to finally remember the milk. Or whatever else you need to keep track of-- homework, meetings, birthdays, or knowing where your towel is.

Do you have other online tools that you use to help you manage classwork or college life that you couldn't live without? Let others know-- leave a comment on this post!

Songs for Spring (and Sweden)

Maybe Spring is a little slow in coming because we haven't been singing enough. Or maybe it's because the UCC Library didn't have enough Swedish music in the collection.



Just in time, we've added three new CDs by Swedish folk-rock bands to the collection, Hoven Droven, Ranarim, and Hedningarna. Looks like Hoven Droven will be playing in Sweden later this week, but most of us will have to make do with their live CD. And according to their web site, Ranarim will be playing in Ulvon. So they'll be partying in Sweden, also.

Did you know that we're coming up on Walpurgis Eve and May Day (April 30/May 1), one of Sweden's biggest holidays?

According to the Visit Sweden website:

If you want to find an evening when song is to be heard in every village, town or city, then be sure to be in Sweden on the 30th April. On that date, known as Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve); in a tribute to an ancient German saint, St. Walburga, huge bonfires are lit at dusk.

Happy May Day!

Instructional Tech. Survey at Harvard- what are the "best" online class tools?

Harvard University's Department of Romance Languages and Literatures has just released an Instructional Technology Survey (pdf) on the use and perceived usefulness of digital instructional technologies in classroom support that reaches some interesting conclusions about the educational expectations of the latest wave of students, what Harvard is calling its "Digital Learners."

Across all concentrations and student levels, the posting of course materials online and interactive syllabi are rated as the most useful instructional technology tools. In their written responses, students expressed appreciation for technologies that make their access to course materials more convenient and the exploration of additional concepts easier. Many view the posting of materials online as an expectation for a course, rather than a bonus.

(from the executive summary, emphasis mine)

Between December 2007 and January 2008, 463 individuals- undergraduates and graduate students- were surveyed on their use, and prior experience with, online technologies ranging from digital syllabi to RSS feeds of supplemental class reading.

More from the executive summary:

Students reported a number of benefits of using technology in education. They cited the convenience of having material in one place, the ability to review lectures, to engage in discussions with forums, to use blogs to connect material with current events and to view foreign video clips on sites like YouTube.
...
We believe that instructional technology, when implemented properly and thoughtfully, provides enormous opportunities for active and engaging learning.

Read comments on the survey's process and results at Harvard's Digital Natives blog, or go directly to the full survey (pdf), with corresponding charts and graphs for the information straight from the undergraduate's mouth.

Earth Day/Energy Fair -- Read a Book!

Earth Day is April 22 and it's a good time to think about energy use. Why not use some of your energy to read about the present and future of energy? All of these books are in the UCC library; the titles below are linked to the library catalog for your browsing pleasure.


Fueling Our Future : an Introduction to Sustainable Energy by Robert Evans.







Gaiam Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook: Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living by John Schaeffer.






The Renewable Energy Handbook : a Guide to Rural Independence, Off-Grid and Sustainable Living by William H. Kemp





Saving Energy, Growing Jobs : How Environmental Protection Promotes Economic Growth, Profitability, Innovation, and Competition by David B. Goldstein






Lives Per Gallon : The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction by Terry Tamminen



Locally, we have the EARTH DAY AND ENERGY FAIR — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, April 19th, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Crafts, wildlife, storytelling, a used-clothing fashion show, a student poetry contest, prizes, giveaways, demonstrations, activities, entertainment, hands-on exhibits and food are all part of the annual Douglas County Earth Day and Energy Fair. Prizes for anyone who comes on foot or bicycle. Free admission. 440-4350.

REGISTER TO VOTE! and then VOTE

Oregon's primary, May 20th, is looking like it may have some actual significance in the upcoming presidential election. Specifically, there is still no single democratic candidate for President. State primaries, including Oregon's, are still sorting out who will be up against the certain-to-be-nominated Republican candidate, John McCain.

Meanwhile, because of the tightly contested Democratic primary race between Clinton and Obama, those of us who pay attention to this sort of thing are hearing a bewildering tale of delegates and superdelegates.

So what do you need to know so far about the upcoming Presidential election?

#1 REGISTER TO VOTE

Voting in Oregon Deadlines: Oregon's primary is May 20. The deadline to register for the primary or register with a party is April 29. Under current state party rules, independent voters who wish to vote in the presidential primary must register with a party. (from OregonLive)

Read all about election details at the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division but the main thing is that you need to fill out the registration form (Adobe Acrobat format) and turn it in to:

Douglas County Clerk
PO Box 10
Roseburg, OR 97470-0004
(541) 440-4252 / TTY 1-800-735-2900

or drop it off at the Douglas County Courthouse at the Clerk's Office.

#2 OK. Now you're registered. And you still want to know what's up with "delegates" and "superdelegates". You could do worse than listen to Josh Marshall of "TalkingPointsMemo.com" explain:




#3 If you want to see what the major parties are up to in Oregon, visit the websites of the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and the Independent Party.

#4 Then, way off in November 2008, we'll vote on the candidates who win their party's nomination. Of course, then we'll all be reminded of the value and the purpose and the controversy surrounding the electoral college--the body that really elects the president. Usually.

#5 Between now and then, you can keep up with some of the Oregon political news by checking in with The Oregonian. And don't forget to register. And vote.

New Library Proxy Server: Fewer Passwords!

Great news! The UCC Information Technology Dept. has helped the Library set up a proxy server for easy off-campus access to our collection of online subscription resources. Unshackle your research from the neon-pink Library database Username/Password list-- here's how:

1. Sign on to UCC Life.
   (Don't have a UCC Life account? If you're a UCC student, contact the Help Desk at: 440-7808)
   
2. Go to the Library tab.
3. Click on the name of the database you want to access.

It's that easy! Even better, LexisNexis Academic, C.Q. Researcher, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Encyclopedia Britannica Online are now available off-campus!

What is a "proxy server"?
It is a computer that acts as a go-between each time someone tries to contact certain sites (like our Library databases), so you don't have to login to each site individually.
A more detailed definition, from intel.com:

A proxy server is used in larger companies and organizations to improve network operations and security. It can be used to prevent direct communication between two or more networks. The proxy server forwards allowable data requests to remote servers and/or responds to data requests directly from stored remote server data.

I'm on the Library website and I still can't get into the database. Why?
You need to login to UCC Life first, and go to the database from the Library tab.
On the website, the database cannot tell if you are affiliated with UCC, but once you're signed in to UCC Life, the proxy will handle all authentication and let you "in" to the database automatically.

I click on the database name in UCC Life and wait...and wait. What's wrong?
The first time you use the proxy server in a browsing session, there may be a delay while the computers confer with each other. Just be patient; once the proxy finishes its work, every database you sign into after that should load more quickly (as long as you use the same browser window).

Can I use the usernames/passwords on my handout instead of UCC Life?
Yes. The usernames/passwords for the databases will still work from the Library website. Please note that LexisNexis, C.Q. Researcher, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Encyclopedia Britannica DO NOT allow password access; to get to these resources off-campus you MUST login through UCC Life.

I think this is awesome/awful! Who can I contact?
Your librarians always love to hear what you think about this or any of the services we offer!

New Books for Beating Break Boredom!

We know. You just finished all that cramming for finals and the rush of turning those textbooks back into the bookstore hasn't even worn off yet. The last thing you want is more obligations.

But hey, wait a minute! Even if that camping trip to the coast pans out, it's looking pretty wet outside. You might just want to check out a few of the UCC Library's New Books--

See the full list here, or scroll down for some staff recommendations!

Katie's Picks:
How to talk about books you haven't read
NEW 027 B Bayard, Pierre.

Because we've all had that awkward moment at the table with family where we realize our conversation choices are down to books or politics, and the latter is a really bad idea.

In defense of food : an eater's manifesto
NEW 641.3 P Pollan, Michael.

Pollan's simple guide to eating well is just as interesting as the meals described in his earlier title, The Omnivore's Dilemma. One of the modified rules ("Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.") makes me wonder-- Starbucks' coffee drinks: yes or no?!

These are just a few of the great new items at the Library this week, and all books and CDs check out for three weeks, so come grab something to keep the boredom away this Spring Break!

We Have Winners!!!

Our "First Student To. . ." Contest has come to an end. 20 students walked away with $25 UCC Bookstore gift certificates over the last week. In case you're wondering about the categories for all of these "First Student Awards", here they are:

First student to. . .

use "please" and "thank you" in a transaction.
pick up his/her library holds.
check out more than five books at once.
check out only ONE DVD.
ask for help with the library catalog.
turn a flash drive in to "lost and found".
use a dictionary in the reference section of the library.
turn a student ID card into a library card.
copy down or comment on the library "quote" behind the desk.



use the color copier.
come up to the counter wearing UCC clothing.
rent a locker.
ask for help with citation formats.
look the sleepiest.
check out a DVD that starts with the letter "G"
ask for an explanation of the contest rules.
say "PowerPoint" to one of the staff.
sharpen a pencil.
check out books from the library display (or look at the display!)
ask for wireless printer instructions.

Congratulations to all of the winners. Thanks to those who agreed to have their pictures taken!

And to the rest of you. . .better luck in future contests!

Make Word 2007 write part of that term paper for you!

Did you know that Microsoft Word 2007 will create and manage Works Cited or Reference lists for you? It's true!

Here's how it works:

1. Make sure you're using Word 2007.
   This trick will not work with earlier versions. (Sorry! Try NoodleBib or BibMe instead!)
   How do you tell you have Word 2007?
   If you open your Word program and see this button, you're using Word 2007:
   
   
   
   
2. Go to "References" on the top horizontal menu.
   Once there, you will see "Citations & Bibliography" option at the middle top of the page:
   
   
   
   
3. Choose your citation style from the drop-down menu.
   If you're in a Writing course, this will probably be MLA. The Nursing and Psychology programs use APA. If you're not sure, ask your instructor which they prefer.
   
   
4. Click on "Insert Citation" to place a reference in your text.
   Let's say I have a quote:
   

   "The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!"

   
   Clicking on "Insert Citation" will bring up a window asking about my source, where I can enter the author, title, and publication information:
   
   
   
   
5. Choose "OK" to create your in-text citation.

   "The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!" (Carroll)

   
   
   
6. When you're ready to attach your "Works Cited" or "References" list at the end of the paper, choose "Bibliography."
   Word will automatically format and place your list in alphabetical order:
   
   
   
7. And you're done!
   

Online Research: blog & social web links

Ready to get started with your own blog, or just want to explore some of the tools we discussed in class? Check out the links below:

Common Craft: Blogs in Plain English (video; 3 mins. long)



Blogger
Create, edit, and share your very own blog in three steps with this platform from Google.

Technorati
Search blogs and see the results ranked by the popularity of the blog site (listed as "Authority").

Google Blog Search

Evaluating Research Sources: (video) and (handout- requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Twitter
Post tiny blog entries using your cell phone's texting service.

TwitterVision
Watch what people are posting on Twitter, displayed on a map by their location.

Map of Online Communities (and related points of interest)
From the webcomic, XKCD. A "map" of social communities online, where country size equals the number of members in Spring 2007.

LibraryThing
Find book recommendations, or share titles in your library with like-minded readers.

Flickr
Post and share your own digital photos, or browse others' from around the world. Owned by Yahoo.

del.icio.us
A "socal bookmarking" service owned by Yahoo. Save your website links for access on any computer, and see what others are saving at the same time.


Type in an artist or song and receive recommendations for similar music based on the suggestions of others who like the same.

Edited on March 3, 2008 8:38 am.