Libraries Lead - National Library Week

Ever needed help with technology, with TigerWeb, with research paper sources, with quality Internet search instruction, with nursing journals, or with accessing peer-review journals? How about having escapism in quiet study or creating a collaborative effort in a study room?

During the week of April 8 - 14, join libraries in campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians, and library staff.

Libraries today are much more than books. Libraries and librarians are change agents within their communities – transforming lives through innovative educational resources and forward-thinking instruction. Libraries are doing their part to close the digital divide and level the playing field by providing access to information and technologies. At KLIC, we teach library instruction for specific academic assignments, and we provide student technology help. KLIC has a portal for accessing library databases through OneKLIC.

This year's library week theme is "Libraries Lead," which emphasizes the leadership of libraries and librarians in their communities and the role of libraries in helping patrons develop their own leadership skills. Today’s libraries lead their communities and transform lives every day. From education to job resources to lifelong learning, your library provides the access you need to reach your potential and grow as a leader.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed by libraries across the country each April. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual celebration of the nation's libraries and librarians.

Celebrate Independence Day with a Trivia Quiz!

Image credit to http://us-flag.net/first/

Think you know a lot about American history?

Test your recall of basic facts surrounding the history of our Independence Day celebration.

You may learn something you never knew or remember something you forgot.

Fourth of July Trivia Quiz

Now, that was fun, wasn't it?

Stay safe while you celebrate the founding of our nation.

And as you celebrate America, remember:
the Chinese invented fireworks and the hot dog is German-inspired!

Image credit to http://s74.photobucket.com/profile/SteveBoehler

Celebrate Banned Books Week with PTK and the Library!

Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Phi Theta Kappa wants YOU to help fight censorship!

Several events are planned that you don't want to miss.

Check out this student-made VIDEO and these activities:

Tuesday, September 27, 2011: Self-Censored Day

Make a vow of silence in between

classes, and during free time to

experience how censorship limits

freedom and self-expression.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011: Read-Out Event

Join us in the library from

2:30pm-3:30pm for readings of

banned literature, and a panel on why

(and how) some books are banned.

Thursday, September 29, 2011: A Night of Reflection

Meet at Books-A-Million in Hixson

at 6:30pm for a group discussion about

censorship, and how we are all affected

by it. (Students get a 10% discount!)

If you've read any of these classics, you're a Banned Book Reader!
Aren't you proud?!

The Great Gatsby

The Catcher in the Rye

The Grapes of Wrath

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Color Purple

Ulysses

Beloved

Lord of the Flies

1984

Lolita

Of Mice and Men

Catch-22

Brave New World

Gone With the Wind

Lord of the Rings

A Clockwork Orange

Sophie's Choice

A Separate Peace

 

Library Celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Month!

From the Presidential Proclamation--Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, dated May 31, 2011

"The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union. It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

Along with this important recognition from President Barack Obama, we have on our book display a selection of LGBT titles that include fiction (Yield, by Lee Houck), non-fiction (Equality for Same-Sex Couples, by Yuval Merin), children's books (Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman), and culture (Sweet Tea: Black gay men of the South, by E. Patrick Johnson). Come check out these and other titles soon!

We also offer you this guide--LGBT Pride Month--where you can find more books in the library and online, streaming videos, and websites related to LGBT history, celebrations, and culture.

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY WITH US DURING GAY PRIDE MONTH!

DDH

Apple Corps Comes to the Library!

On Wednesday, March 30 at 3:00, the drum roll began for the unveiling of a new technology lab in the library--the Apple Corps! (Yes, pronounced just like "apple core." Clever, huh?) Representatives from SGA and the library were present to make the announcement, and apple juice, apples, and McDonald's apple pies were served.

Here is a little Q&A for those of you who love details, and you know who you are.

What is the Apple Corps?

As a result of the demand and need for more high-end software on the library's Apple computers, additional programs were added, such as Adobe Creative Suite Version 5, Final Cut Pro, and Final Cut Express (video-editing software) that will allow users to create products and work on projects even better than they could before. Two more Apple computers were added, bringing the total number to SIX.

Who saw the need and got behind it?

Faculty in the film production, website design, and graphic arts departments wanted their students to be able to use state-of-the-art technology that would allow them to expand their capabilities and prepare for the jobs that will require them to use these programs.

How were these enhancements paid for?
Funds were provided through students' Technology Access Fees, and the SGA provided headphones with budget allotments designated for student projects.

Where is the Apple Corps?

The Macintosh computers are located at the collaboration computer stations in the North area of the library just past the Technology Help Desk. Look for the BIG monitors and the Apple logos.

When are the Apple computers available?
Ah, that's the benefit of having the technology IN THE LIBRARY.  The library's spring semester hours include evenings and weekends, providing access seven days a week! So, come in and use them any time we're here. Use is on a "first-come" basis, though.

Just another way that Chattanooga State is providing students with technology and opportunity as we prepare them for what we believe will be a productive future.

John Stigall Poetry Contest Winners Read in the Library!

On March 23rd at 4:00 winners of the second annual John Stigall Poetry Contest will read their winning entries at a public gathering in the library.  This event is a memorial tribute to the life of former Chattanooga State English professor and poet John Stigall, and the library is pleased to be able to host the readings.

Congratulations to this year's first, second, and third place prize winners:

1st place winner – Charles Williams - $150

2nd place winner – William M. Brown - $75

3rd place winner – Savannah Mazda - $25

Other students and/or faculty may also want to participate in the seminar. If so, they should contact English professor Deborah Rudd by e-mail (deborah.rudd@chattanoogastate.edu) or phone (697-2459).

We hope you will plan to attend this important event and help us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our creative students, while remembering a teacher who inspired many.

THANK YOU to these not-so famous African Americans!

Thank these not-so-famous African-Americans for things you take for granted every day.

Eliza Pinkney perfected the indigo dye that changed the textile industry.

Benjamin Banneker created the first clock to be made in America.

Dr. Patricia Bath perfected the accuracy of cataract surgery.

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented a closed-circuit home security system.

Dr. Mark Dean was instrumental in the invention of the personal computer.

Kenneth J. Dunkley invented 3-D viewing glasses and holography.

Dr. Shirley Jackson developed the touch tone telephone.

Lonnie G. Johnson invented the Super Soaker squirt gun!

Frederick M. Jones invented refrigeration for trucks and railroad cars.

Garrett A. Morgan invented the traffic signal and gas mask.

Dr. James E. West invented the microphone.

And let's give a big shout out for the most appreciated one of all:

George Crum, who invented the beloved potato chip.

Thanks, George, the Super Bowl wouldn't be the same without you!

Celebre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con Nosotros!

(Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Us!)

You are cordially invited to celebrate and honor the

Hispanic heritage that enriches our lives 
 by enjoying a month of activities, media presentations,
art exhibits, and events both in the library and on our campus.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 20 - October 15, and the library is excited to offer for your enjoyment a variety of activities: an inspiring art exhibit; numerous media presentations related to travel abroad, food, artists, and countries; as well as informative book displays.

Here is a schedule of slide and video presentations that will be shown throughout each day from-Oct. 11-Oct. 15.  Media will be shown on a computer located on the book display shelves.

10/11 - 7:30am-1:00pm - Salvador Dali
Lisa Cagle

10/11 - 1:00-8:30pm - Fernando Botero
Stephanie Billingsley

10/12 - 7:30am-1:00pm - Pablo Picasso
Tarnisha Martin

10/12 - 1:00-8:30pm - Jose David Alfaro Siqueros
Kristie Broyles

10/13 - 7:30am-1:00pm - Francisco Zuniga
Rachel Brookshire

10/13 - 1:00-8:30pm - Frida Kahlo
Sarah Moody

10/14 - 7:30am-1:00pm - Diego Velazquez
Shelby Bradshaw

10/14 - 1:00-8:30pm - Diego Rivera
Lindsay Lee

10/15 - Pablo Picasso
Brittany Richards
    
The entire schedule can be found at: Hispanic Heritage Month.

In addition to these daily presentations, come by the library and you can view an exhibit of inspiring and imaginative paintings by the award-winning, young Mexican artist

Magdalena Pedraza Jamangape

Magdalena's paintings have been exhibited in New York, Mexico, Spain, and Tennessee. Come by to experience these remarkable works.

If you would like to participate in this event by presenting your own media project, read the project guidelines and contact Laura Young in the library. 

Free Movies in the Library--Friday, April 16!

CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK WITH US!

Did you know….

…that the Kolwyck Library has several databases of videos that you can stream to your personal computer or to your classroom?  We will give you a sample of what’s available by showing three videos from these databases this Friday, April 16, in the library’s Conference/Multi-media Room.  Make a note of the schedule below and drop by to view all or part of these films:

12:00 (noon) Alice at the Palace from Theatre in Video, a musical version of Alice in Wonderland, starring a very young Meryl Streep as Alice.

1:30 Episode I (Gumbo) of Ken Burns’ PBS series Jazz from American History in Video.

3:00 Brown Is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream, a documentary on the life of comedian George Lopez from Films on Demand.

Ryan Tyler and Jordan Scruggs Win Poetry Awards

On February 23rd a celebration of and memorial tribute to the life of former Chattanooga State English professor and poet John Stigall was held in the library.  The program was in recognition of Black History Month, and as a part of that event, the English Department held a poetry writing contest for which first and second prizes were awarded. 

Students who received the awards were:

Ryan Tyler--1st Place award of $150
Jordan Scruggs--2nd place award of $50

Other highlights of the ceremony included an introduction of Mrs. Iris Stigall, Mr. Stigall's widow, who thanked the sponsors and spoke briefly about John's love of teaching and poetry.  Several faculty recalled their fond memories of John and his close relationships with his students, his sense of humor, and his devotion to writing. 

Student Ellis Wiltshire read a selection of Mr. Stigall's poetry.  Other program participants included students Timiney Mott , Melinda Brown, Brandon Ellis, Mikael Rawlings, Jennifer E. Clark, Odis Gaines, Heather VanMetre; and faculty members Debbie Rudd, De'Lara Stephens, Bill Stifler, and Bill Teem.

Following the program, attendees viewed a video commemoration of Mr. Stigall and his writing.

The library owns these copies of Mr. Stigall's poetry:
Subjects for Other Conversations
Broken Mirrors Reflect the World

Enter the Black History Month Poetry Contest

As a tribute and memorial to John Stigall, Associate Professor in English and published poet,  the Commnicator is sponsoring a poetry contest as a part of Black History Month observances. 

All Chattanooga State students are invited to submit original poetry that should focus on the civil rights movement, black poets, and/or the black culture today (two-three pages maximum).

First Prize: $150

and publication in The Phoenix

Second Prize: $50

To enter, submit 3 copies of your original work to one
of these faculty:

• 
  
  Debbie Rudd (H120C)


• 
  
  Pat Kato (H112)


• 
  
  Allison Fetters (H234)

by Friday, February 12, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Award winners will be presented in the Kolwyck Library on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m.

 

Library Closed Jan. 16-18--Celebrate M. L. King, Jr. Day on Monday

Monday, January 18 has been designated as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the day we remember Dr. King and his courageous efforts to bring about civil rights for all Americans. 

This day of celebration and remembrance is a federal holiday, and all federal offices and services, as well as most state government offices, will be closed. The library and all other Chattanooga State offices and classes will be closed and canceled that day. 

Take this opportunity to volunteer to help others on this "Day of Service."

Visit the official MLK Day website for more information about Dr. King and how you can volunteer in your community.

Thanksgiving Holiday=Library Closed 11/26-29

We're excited, aren't you?!  Thanksgiving holidays are fast approaching, and we will close up shop for a break while some of us travel to share the holiday with family and friends, or they will come visit us, or maybe we'll just kick back and relax for a few days and let the local restaurants feed us our turkey dinners.

Whatever your plans are, we hope you have an enjoyable few days, then come back on Monday, November 30, ready to finish the semester with an all-out effort at passing every test, turning in every assignment, and attending every class.

And remember--The library will close at 4:30 pm because there  are NO EVENING CLASSES ON WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25.

Have a restful, satisfying holiday and don't eat too much turkey.

November is Native American Heritage Month!

November is National Native American Heritage Month!  The 2009 theme is "Pride in Our Heritage, Honor to Our Ancestors."

Browse the display of Native American books at your Chattanooga State Library.  Find more library resources at the library's Native American research guide: http://bit.ly/1eatYc

The U.S. government's web site about Native American Heritage Month has a collection of information about exhibits and web links: http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov

The first paragraph of the 2009 Presidential Proclamation for this month states:

"The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society."

The history of Native Americans continues to be a subject dear to my heart.  Curiosity struck me early as I grew up in the Great Plains and visited memorial sites where Native Americans and the U.S. government collided in battle.  Now living in Tennessee, my curiosity about Native American history continues as I learn more about the Trail of Tears and Ross's Landing.  My wife's grandfather was Cherokee, which has added a personal interest in the pride and heritage of Native Americans for my family.

"Pride in Our Heritage, Honor to Our Ancestors" - Celebrate the 2009 National Native American Heritage Month.  Read a book or find out more information online.

Read a banned book. I triple-dog dare you!

Sometimes the little devil on my left shoulder speaks more loudly and convincingly than the little angel on my right shoulder. You've seen that cartoon, too, right? This week the tiny temptor is telling me to defy the powers that be, the book police, and read a banned book. Dare I obey and give in? You betcha!

In celebration of Banned Books Week, Sept. 26-Oct. 3, you should examine the list of books that have caused consternation, nay outrage, in the distant and recent past and exert your First Amendment rights.

According to the American Library Association. "Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States....The books featured during Banned Books Week have been targets of attempted bannings. Fortunately, while some books were banned or restricted, in a majority of cases the books were not banned, all thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, booksellers, and members of the community to retain the books in the library collections."

READ, READ, READ and see what the fuss was/is all about.

Check out this website for information about specific titles.

Leave your comment about the book you read and why you agree or disagree with its being considered controversial enough to be on the list.

I think I'll start by re-reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker.






Thanks!

All Together Now, Sing Along With Me!

Sung to the the tune of "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain."

They'll be comin' down Amnicola when they come.
They'll be comin' down Amnicola when they come.
They'll be comin' down Amnicola; they'll be comin' down Amnicola;
They'll be comin' down Amnicola when they come.

They'll be drivin' cash-for-clunkers when they come.
They'll be drivin' cash-for-clunkers when they come.
They'll be drivin' cash-for-clunkers; they'll be drivin' cash-for-clunkers;
They'll be drivin' cash for clunkers when they come.

They'll be bummed-out about the parking when they come.
They'll be bummed-out about the parking when they come.
They'll be bummed-out about the parking; they'll be bummed-out about the parking;
They'll be bummed-out about the parking, when they come.

They'll be gobblin' down free pizza when they come.
They'll be gobblin' down free pizza when they come.
They'll be gobblin' down free pizza; they'll be gobblin' down free pizze;
They'll be gobblin' down free pizza when they come.

Oh, the library staff will greet them when they come.
Oh, the library staff will greet them when they come.
Oh, the library staff will greet them, oh the library staff will greet them;
Oh the library staff will greet them when they come.

YEEEE HAAAA!!  and WELCOME TO A NEW SEMESTER!

Library Will be Closed on Friday, July 3

Independence Day, commonly known as July 4th, arrives this Saturday, but the official observance by the College is Friday, July 3.  We will be closed that day so that you can get ready to celebrate with all the energy you can muster.

Check out this link provided by Office of Citizens Services & Communications
for lots of information about history, safety, fun facts, trivia quizzes, and more:

Fourth of July is Independence Day

And American University hosts this site prepared by a librarian who's all about the history of how people have celebrated the 4th.

4th of July Celebrations Database

And PBS will blow you away with their website of celebratory events and loads of other interesting things to do, know, and learn.

A Capital Fourth: America's Independence Day Celebration

And if you plan to take pictures of some fireworks displays, read the info at the New York Institute of Photography on how to get really great shots.

New York Institute of Photography

Whatever you do, have a safe and happy Independence Day celebration, and we'll see you back in the library on Monday, July 6.

Image courtesy of Bill Kostroun, Associated Press / July 4, 2007

We Have Lots of Textbooks on Reserve Just For You!

Free Textbooks are Coming to You
(Sung to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town")

Oh, your money is tight.
Your cash flow is slow.
You try with all your might
To make it all go.

Textbooks take a toll on your funds.

The costs are so high
You gasp at the thought
That with your low cash
These books can't be bought.

Textbooks take a toll on your funds.

We see your plight, dear student.
We understand your plea.
We know you try to do your best,
So we've helped you, can't you see.

Just come to the desk
And show us your card.
Use the text book
And study real hard.

Turn it in when you're done, that's all!

That's right! We have copies of many of the current textbooks on reserve at the circulation desk. Just present your CSTCC photo ID and the book checks out to you to use in the library for up to 2 hours.  And you can make copies of some pages if you need to at just ten cents per page.

Check the Course Reserve list in the catalog for your course name or number.

Congrats to Aaron, our Outstanding Student Assistant!

Every year departmental awards are given to students who deserve recongnition for exceptional work in academic departments.  At the College's recent "Hats off to Excellence" celebration, the library staff bestowed this honor on Aaron Dunn, who has been a stellar library student assistant in the circulation department for two years.  That's amazing!  It's very likely that you have seen Aaron at the check-out desk, or that he has assisted you with using reserves, checking out books, or answering a wide variety of your questions in person and by phone. 

Aaron is majoring in Mechanical Drawing and CAD Technology and hopes to graduate in the next year when he will pursue employment with TVA or VW. He loves music and would like to design musical instruments or equipment and would really enjoy playing drums in a band after he finishes his education. 

Aaron's dependability, accuracy, positive attitude, and excellent public service skills are an asset to maintaining our high standards of customer service.  Thank you, Aaron, for all your hard work.  It is a pleasure to have you around, and we look forward to your coming back next fall. 

[caption id="attachment_228" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Tisa Houck, Aaron Dunn, Debora Ervin, Vicky Leather "][/caption]

National Library Week: Worlds Connect @Your Library

It seems to me that everybody and everything has a special week.  You know, there's cornbread week, pet week, music week, garden week, and the little known National Library Week.  Yep, you heard right!  Did you know that even libraries have their very own week, and this is it:   April 12-18, 2009.  The theme this year is , "Worlds connect @ your library®."  Awesome! 

Worlds DO connect at your library, and our library is YOUR library.  You already know about most of the connections because you're in here every day connecting with your teachers, your friends, your family, and sometimes even strangers. (Didn't your mama tell you not to talk to strangers?) 

The American Library Association is our flagship organization, and they advocate for us, which ulitmately means they advocate for YOU.  We're all about providing services and facilities that people need to enhance their lives in whatever way is beneficial: with education, entertainment, and social interaction.  

If you have had a positive experience in this library (or any other), tell us your story.  Maybe someone helped you format a document, find a lost flash drive, get 5 professional articles from physical therapy journals, or taught you how to set up your email.  Whatever the need, we try to meet it. 

Leave your comments and tell the world how much libraries have meant to you.   We'd be lost without you.  Check us out!

Image credit to ALA Store.