Thrift Library Blog

We've Moved!

2009-08-18T10:51:00.005-04:00

As of the 2009 Fall Semester, the Thrift Library Blog has a new home! You can now find us at http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/libraryblog. Please continue to visit us there, and update your bookmarks and RSS feeds.

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-04-26T23:41:00.002-04:00

Anderson College student playing frisbee, 1981

Photo Contest Winner

2009-04-26T23:38:00.002-04:00

Our winning photo from our Spring semester photo contest

Thanks to everyone who sent in submissions!

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-04-20T14:43:00.002-04:00

Powderpuff Football Game, 1969

Student Library Survey Results

2009-04-20T11:40:00.003-04:00

The new online library survey garnered responses from 264 students – 57 Freshmen, 58 Sophomores, 59 Juniors, 79 Seniors, and 11 Masters.
More than half, 156, were Boarding. There were also 49 Commuters, 55 ACCEL, and 4 Distance Education.
The online form garnered the largest number of comments ever, and the most detailed comments in the following categories:
· Hours – 29 – Students want longer weekend hours.
· Computers – 13 – Students want
o Longer Bunton Lab Hours
o MS Office added to Reference Computers
o More Curriculum Lab Computers
· Collections – 9 – Students want a bigger, newer collection. Various subject areas were identified
· Staff – 8 – Students like us.
· Curriculum Lab – 5 – Education majors want more computers and do not want to share.
· Food/Drink – 3 – Students want to eat and drink in the library.
· General – 2
· Masters Program Students – 3
· ACCEL Students – 10

Best scores were – Facilities (4.6)) and Staff -Helpful (4.3),Staff - Knowledgeable ( 4.3), and Student Workers – Helpful (4.2).

Worst scores were – Interlibrary Loan (3.4), Off Campus Access to Online Sources (3.5), and Hours (3.5).

Analysis –All scores, high, low, and in-between were consistent with past surveys.

Surprises -
· Five times as many students visit the library than use its online resources despite the fact that its circulation for its online resources is significantly higher than its in house resources. It is possible that students included other parts of the Thrift Building (Java City, Bunton Lab, etc.) in their estimate. At any rate, visits do not seem to equate to circulation. They may have more to do with study, in house classes, and use of computers.
· In the newly added Personal Knowledge Assessment Category, students gave themselves high marks for Research Skills, Copyright, Plagiarism, and Citation, and lower scores for Database and eBooks skills.

Categories -
· Seniors were the hardest group on collections and hours.
· Masters scored the library highest in every category except Facilities where they tied for highest.
· ACCEL students tied for highest score on facilities and computers.
· Distance Education was the hardest on Staff and Services and hammered Orientations – specifically the lack of orientations. The also had the lowest scores for Personal Knowledge. Interestingly, under Facilities, they hammered computers. However, with only four respondents, 1 ½% of the total, it is unlikely that these scores are statistically significant.

Recommendations –

Hours
Request additional library staff. Then add weekend hours.

Discussion regarding library hours - Does anybody remember how happy you were last year when the library extended it hours to midnight? Keep in mind that hours are dependent on staffing, and staffing is dependent on tuition and enrollment.
Obviously, comparing the Thrift Library to Clemson is not fair. They have ten times as many students. If you compare AU to its peer group, other private colleges in SC, then it has very good hours. In fact, only one of AU’s private college peers, Furman, is open past midnight. And if you divide our hours by the size of our staff, then we have the best hours in SC, with the exception of one or two libraries with tiny hours, but even tinnier staff.
The issue of library hours can be complex. What do students need after normal hours –Reference assistance? The ability to check out books and reserve materials? Access to computers? Access to a study area? AU has attempted to address differences in needs by:
1) Keeping the Thrift Library open until midnight,
2) Keeping the Bunton Computer Lab and Java City area open until 2:00 am.
Please note that while the Bunton Computer Lab and Java City are part of the library “building”, they are not part of the “library” and the library has no say in their hours or how they are run. However, all comments regarding the Bunton Computer Lab and Java City have been forwarded to the appropriate decision makers.

Computers
Communicate comments to IT Department.
Add a second print station downstairs.
Add a print station in Pracht Seminar Room.
Request Bunton Lab Hours to match Library’s hours so that it can support library.
Discuss Curriculum Lab concerns with Education and Masters.
Request additional computers for Curriculum Lab.
Consider limiting computer usage with more stringent policies.
Consider adding log in software to library’s computers to enforce more stringent policies.
Do a better job communicating present policies.

Discussion regarding the lack of MS Office on Reference Computers – MS Office was left off library reference computers at the request of students. Before the new library was built, all library computers had MS Office. The consequence of that decision was that students wishing to do reference were blocked by students monopolizing the reference computers for hours at a time to type papers, and there were many, many complaints. A secondary consequence was that the presence of MS Office in the library turned librarians into computer lab assistants and significantly degraded their work productivity.
At that time, with our students’ blessing, the new library was planned in such a way to keep Reference Computers (containing Internet Explorer) and computer lab computers (containing MS Office and other software programs) separate.
This is one of those problems where the cure is worse than the disease.
Discussion regarding computers in the Curriculum Lab – In response to suggestions made by education majors this year, the computers in the Curriculum Lab have been restricted to use by 1) Education Majors only, and 2) for academic purposes only. The only exception is the need to support the masters in business program until their new quarters become available.
Keep in mind that this is the “Curriculum” Lab, not the Education Department’s personal “Computer” Lab, and that it was never intended for Education majors to type papers, surf the internet, or email there. Like all other majors, these activities are intended for the Bunton Computer Lab. Instead, the Curriculum Lab’s computers are intended to support Curriculum Lab activities including hosting the 100+ education cd-roms and such installed educational software as Button Design, Graph Master, GameIt, Readability Plus, GradeQuick, etc., that are not available anywhere else.

Collections
Communicate student’s comments to faculty.

Curriculum Lab
Communicate comments to Education and Masters Departments.
Add more computers.

Staff and Services
Add online form and email delivery to assist and speed up service. Remove fees for articles.

General
There is a way to email overdue reminders with the updated automation system. This feature will be initiated in 2009-09.

Masters
Communicate comments to Masters Program, Education Program and IT Department.

ACCEL
Communicate comments to ACCEL and IT Department.
Encourage more orientations.
Develop more online orientations.

New Interlibrary Loan Rules

2009-04-16T14:38:00.001-04:00

Effective immediately the library has:
• Added an online Interlibrary Loan Form (Available from the Library Resources web page, under the "Interlibrary Loan Requests" link.)
• Begin emailing digitized articles (No need to come to the library to order or pick up articles. You will still need to pick up books.)
• Eliminated photocopy fees for articles

Exam Hours

2009-04-16T14:06:00.002-04:00

Over the weeks of spring exams, the library's hours will be:

Thursday, April 23- 8 am- midnight
Friday, April 24- 8 am- 6 pm

Sat., April 25- 10 am- 5 pm
Sun., April 26- 3 pm- midnight

Mon., April 27- 8 am- midnight
Tues., April 28- 8 am- 9:30 pm
Wed., April 29- 9 am- 8 pm
Thurs., April 30- 9 am- 7:30 pm
Friday, May 1- 9 am- 3 pm

Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3- CLOSED

Good luck with your exams!

Photo Contest Winner, April 13

2009-04-16T11:14:00.002-04:00

Our winning photo for the week of April 13th

London, England, near Buckingham Palace

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-04-13T15:22:00.002-04:00

Anderson College Dorm Room, 1915

Photo Contest Winner, April 6

2009-04-08T10:57:00.002-04:00

Our winning photo for the week of April 6th

Falkirk, Scotland

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-04-07T12:59:00.002-04:00

Anderson College Theatre Production, 1951

Easter Holiday Schedule

2009-04-07T11:05:00.002-04:00

The library will CLOSE at 7:30 PM on Thursday, April 9 and
REOPEN at 7 PM on Sunday, April 12.

Happy Easter!

New Books

2009-04-06T09:11:00.003-04:00

New in the Library...April 2009

From the Netlibrary…2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade
By Richard Laermer, 2008
A forward looking book that encourages us all to plan for a techno savvy future. How to influence the trends, anticipate change, embrace the new, use technology for everything, and cash in on being ahead. The author looks at the trends and calls them like he sees them and offers surprising observations, shocking statistics, sublime insights, and wholesome food for thought!

Miracles
By Terri Blackstock
PS 3552.L34285 2008
Two stories from award winning and best-selling author that offer hope in a world of doubt and disillusionment. Uplifting and inspiring…reminding us that our God is still a miracle maker today.

How to Solve Your People Problems: Dealing with Your Difficult Relationships
By Dr. Alan Godwin
BV 4597.53.C58G63 2008
A book that offers principles and steps to achieving better communication, conflict resolution, and more positive connections with others. From counseling experience, research, and Biblical wisdom, the author dissects the roots and reasons behind conflict and offers insight into controlling reactions in order to make the best of the situation.

Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web
By Daniel Lohrman
BR 99.74.L67 2008
A clever read for us all; written by a nationally recognized computer security expert. This book includes topics such as connecting your offline values to your online world, filtering dangers, identity theft, online career pitfalls, and web marketing.

When God Goes to Starbucks- A Guide to Everyday Apologetics
By Paul Copan
BT 1103.C65 2008
An interesting take on presenting the Christian worldview in those "deep coffee house" conversations. A guide to clarifying your beliefs and wise and relevant advice on how to articulate them to others.

Photo Contest Winner, March 30

2009-04-01T15:46:00.004-04:00

Our winning photo for the week of March 30th

Edinburgh Castle taken in Edinburgh, Scotland

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-03-29T23:54:00.001-04:00

Anderson College students playing William Tell, 1950s

Genealogy Resources

2009-03-27T08:42:00.003-04:00

There are a number of genealogical resources available on the internet. Some of these services require a subscription (and fee), while others are free of charge. These suggested resources are all freely available. Please, do not consider this an exhaustive list – it is more of a helpful starting point.

Getting Started

http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/home - The National Genealogical Society offers educational information and training on how best to do genealogical research. Their basic tutorials are free (there is a charge for more advanced classes), and they also offer standards for what they consider to be sound genealogical research.

http://www.byub.org/ancestors/ - This site, associated with the PBS show “Ancestors” provides information on genealogical research and the types of information one may need to consult. Includes clips from the show. Has a very valuable links page.

Finding Records

http://www.familysearch.org/ – Family Search, a service provided by the Church of Latter-Day Saints, is one of the world’s largest genealogical databases, and a good place to start.

http://www.ellisislandrecords.org/ - This site provides information and records on immigrants who came through Ellis Island/the Port of New York. Allows searching by ship’s name, as well as by individual name.

http://www.newenglandancestors.org/ - The New England Historic Genealogical Society offers a database, resources, and information for finding information on those who lived in the New England area.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ - The UK’s National Archives offers information available from government documents (census records, passenger lists, wills, etc.). There are resources for other countries available, as well - consider doing a search for archives or goverment records for your family's country of origin.

The Census, and Other Government Information

American census records and other government information can be difficult to acquire online. The National Archives (http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/) offers information on what they have available online (which includes information like Vietnam War casualty rolls and some slave papers), and how to acquire information from them. The census is mainly available online through subscription services. Some groups have started making these records available online for free; however, the work is done by volunteers, so finding information can be touch and go (http://www.us-census.org/ ). It is also important to keep in mind that household level census data is only available 70 years after the census has taken place, so information from the 1930 census is the most recent available.

Other Notes on Genealogical Research

The internet is very helpful for finding genealogical information, but don’t expect to find everything you on it. Eventually it will probably be necessary to go somewhere, like a courthouse, archives, or even graveyard, to find more information.

Photo Contest Winner, March 23rd

2009-03-25T13:53:00.001-04:00

Our winning photo for the week of March 9th

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-03-23T13:47:00.001-04:00

Anderson College students in PE, 1950s

Spring Break Safety Tips

2009-03-12T15:40:00.004-04:00

It's finally Spring Break, and the library staff hopes you'll have a fun and safe vacation. Here are some safety tips by Angela Epps from Associated Content:

1.) Use the buddy system. There is safety in numbers and it is best to do things as a group. Try to have at least three members with you at all times when leaving the hotel to frolic and have fun. Two minds are better then one but a third can usually guarantee a voice of reason. (Also, if one of you does get into trouble, the second one can stay while the third runs for extra help.)

2.) Along the same lines as the buddy system, everyone should have another friend assigned to them on group outings, especially at crowded clubs and beaches. The two of you will be responsible to have the other person in eye sight at all times and launch a search if you are missing for more then a few moments. Time is of the essence in any situation and the embarrassment of your friends barging into the bathroom is better then no one barging in at all if you are in need of help.

3.) Make sure that someone at home has all the information about your trip including hotel phone and room numbers, the members of your trip, your flight plans (if any) and times you should arrive to your destination and return from your vacation. If any of this information changes, at any time, make sure to notify your contact person. Even though it might seem like an inconvenience, take a few moments everyday to call your contact person and check in. Time can get away from you while having fun, so make sure to give a little lee away time when informing the person of your planned call times before your contact has a right to get worried and try and hunt you down.

4.) If you do not already have one, try to borrow a cell phone or purchase a pre-paid one. This will come in handy for emergencies and is worth a little extra cash for the extra measure comfort it will provide you (and your loved ones back home.).

5.) Make sure that you have your identification, emergency contact numbers as well as medical cards listing any conditions and/or allergies with you at all times. Getting sick or hurt on vacation is never in any ones plans but accidents do seem to happen at the most inopportune times.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/18633/spring_break_safety_tips_no_matter.html?cat=16

You also might consider carrying your emergency contact numbers on paper - if something were to happen to your cell phone, you would still have them.

Have a great break!

Photo Contest Winner, March 9th

2009-03-11T11:31:00.001-04:00

Our winning photo for the week of March 9th

Acorn St., Boston, MA, Spring Break 2008

Studen Library Survey

2009-03-09T15:33:00.003-04:00

Students, please help us serve you better by taking our library survey!

http://aunet.andersonuniversity.edu/Surveys/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=6MJ8630H36lKG

The deadline for completing the survey is Friday the 13th. All respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Target gift card!

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-03-09T13:23:00.002-04:00

Anderson College Library, originally located in the Merritt Building in the current Trustee Room, 1927

Spring Break Hours

2009-03-09T11:24:00.002-04:00

Library Schedule for Spring Break (March 14-March 22)
Sat., March 14- Sun., March 15- CLOSED
Mon., March 16- CLOSED for staff inservice
Tues., March 17-Thurs., March 19- 9 am- 3 pm
Fri., March 20-Sat., March 21- CLOSED
Sun., March 22- REOPEN AT 7 pm

Have a wonderful break!

New Books

2009-03-05T11:16:00.003-05:00

New in the Library...March 2009

Periodical of the month…Aperture
A publication that showcases the finest in creative photography from acclaimed masters to new talent. Every issue is made with the highest quality printing and reproduction, the best paper, and refreshing attention to detail in typography and design.

From Contemporary Christian Collection
Flies on the Butter
By Denise Hildreth
PS 3608.I424 F55 2007
A journey home for her grandmother’s funeral turns into an emotional journey as well for Rose Fletcher. As she reflects upon southern childhood, she realizes that she must face the past to make peace with her future.

The Jolly Mon
By Jimmy Buffett & Savannah Jane Buffett, Illustrated by Lambert Davis
JUV PZ8.B87 Jo 2006
In The Jolly Mon, singer Jimmy Buffett and his daughter, Savannah Jane, tell the story of the Jolly Mon, who lives on the island of Bananaland. One day, an enchanted guitar washes up on the shore, and the Jolly Mon begins an adventure, visiting other islands and dealing with pirates.

Where have all the Leaders Gone
By Lee Iacocca
HD 57.7.I33 2008
Lee Iacocca’s take on the current political arena. An outspoken call for a return to basic values of hard work, common sense, integrity, generosity, and optimism. An inspiring read about the need for respectable leadership in America.

Amish Grace
By D. Kraybill, Steven Nolt, and David Weaver-Zercher
BT 795.K73
A chronicle of the senseless and tragic shooting in an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in 2006. Also, an incredible story of forgiveness and God’s amazing grace in the community reaction to the crime. A closer insight into who the Amish are and how they live their faith.

Photo Contest Winner, March 2nd

2009-03-04T10:58:00.002-05:00

Our winning photo for the week of March 2nd

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-03-03T13:45:00.003-05:00

Anderson College typing class, 1969

Photo Contest Winner, February 23rd

2009-02-25T10:21:00.003-05:00

Our winning photo for the week of February 23rd
St. Augustine, Florida

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-02-23T12:54:00.002-05:00

Ms. Cronkite's Music Studio, 1920s

Saving Energy, Part 2

2009-02-18T14:24:00.004-05:00

Last month, we offered four suggestions of how you could save energy and be more ecologically friendly. This month, we'd like to offer four more:

1. Recycle

Recycling is an easy way to reduce waste. There are numerous sites around campus that accept paper of all kinds. It's easy to be creative with your recycling, as you can always...

2. Reuse

reuse items. Reusing items like paper, bottles, boxes, and anything else you can think of a use for helps not only keep items out of landfills, but it also helps save the energy necessary to create a new item.

3. Consider Energy Star Certified Appliances

When looking at appliances or similar products, consider purchasing one that has been Energy Star certified. The websites for the Energy Star program states that it is "a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," designated by an Energy Star emblem. For more information and a list of certified products, please visit their website.

4. Drive the Speed Limit

Driving the speed limit will not only help you avoid getting a ticket - it can also save a lot of gas. The government's site on fuel economy notes that observing the speed limit "can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town...You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas." For more information, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml

Photo Contest Winner, February 16th

2009-02-17T11:49:00.002-05:00

Our winning photo for the week of February 16th

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-02-15T23:46:00.002-05:00

Anderson College Basketball Team, 1920s

Photo Contest Winner, February 9th

2009-02-09T14:29:00.004-05:00

Our winning photo for the week of February 9th
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-02-09T11:38:00.002-05:00

Anderson College students in Moscow, with their interpreter, 2003

New Books for February

2009-02-04T16:12:00.002-05:00

New in the Library…February, 2009
By Jane Hawley

CDS…
CDs can now be checked out for 3 days! New rule allows use outside of the library. CDs are kept behind the front desk, so inquire there. Large selection of music, including classical, contemporary, and soundtracks from musicals. See below for a sample of our new selections.

WOW Hits 2008
MR CD 1177
A must have collection of the year’s most powerful Christian music hits. A mixture of hits from Pop, Rock, Adult Contemporary, and Worship genres- sure to please everyone. WOW Hits from 2004-2006 are also available!

Databases… 3 New Databases from Britannica

Britannica Online Academic Edition www.search.eb.com
The award winning Britannica Online delivers fast and easy access to high quality and comprehensive information. The rich combination of Encyclopaedia Britannica, plus Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, magazines, and periodicals, and many other research tools provides the variety of reliable sources that students need to consult when conducting in-depth research- all from one database. Includes video clips, timelines, quotations, and quick data and statistics for countries of the world.

Britannica Online School Edition K-12 www.school.eb.com
An edition of Britannica online that includes a separate site for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. Offers encyclopedias and related materials for students of all levels. Users can also take advantage of the Learning Materials, a collection of educational exercises, activities and study guides for language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. Also includes teacher resources, such as training materials, research skills, and curriculum standards.

Britannica Spanish Encyclopedia, Enciclopedia Juvenil www.spanish.eb.com/juvenil
Enciclopedia Juvenil provides a Spanish elementary encyclopedia, images, videos, and Spanish language learning materials specifically designed for younger learners.

Books...

The Power of Nice
By Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval
HD 57.7.K367 2006
A book that negates the notion of “nice guys finishing last,” and endorses the idea that cooperation and fairness are indeed powerful. Although written for the savy business professional, the content can still be related to many real life situations.

Egyptian Wall Painting
ND 2863.T5713 2008
A beautiful book that highlights the art, language, and culture, of ancient Egyptian civilization. A study of the technology, techniques, history, and cultural significance of Egyptian art, as well as the artistic and spiritual meanings.

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-02-02T14:44:00.001-05:00

Anderson College Cheerleader, 1950s

Photography Contest!

2009-01-27T14:33:00.002-05:00

Announcing...a picture of the week contest. Send your best photographs (nature, travel, campus life, etc.) to photocontest@andersonuniversity.edu We will be featuring a picture of the week from our contest on our blog and electronic bulletin board outside of the library. Winners will be entered into a final contest at the end of the semester for prizes!
(Note: This is not related to the archive picture of the week, already featured on our blog.)

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-01-25T23:33:00.002-05:00

AC students having fun in the snow, 1973

Subscribing to Blogs

2009-01-20T11:24:00.003-05:00

It's very easy to sign up to receive our blog posts in an RSS feed (for more information on RSS feeds and signing up for one, please see this post and scroll down to the video).
Once you have an RSS reader, just click on the "Subscribe to Posts" button on the right side of the blog, and select your service.

New Check Out Rules

2009-01-20T09:29:00.002-05:00

NEW CHECK OUT RULES FOR CURRICULUM LAB

All Curriculum Lab Materials are now available for three day checkout! The old period was one day.

Fines for all Curriculum Lab Materials remains $1.00 per day.

NEW CHECK OUT RULES FOR MUSIC CDs

Music CDs, formerly library use only, may now be checked out of the library for three days.

Fines for all audio visuals remain $1.00 per day.

Faculty may ensure accessibility to individual titles for their classes by placing them on Reserve!

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-01-19T11:56:00.001-05:00

The Yodler (Student Newspaper) Staff, 1920s

New Books for January

2009-01-14T15:42:00.011-05:00

by Jane Hawley

From Netlibrary...

Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World
Naomi S. Baron, 2008

A timely book that examines the effect of the online world on our language and social customs. The book explores the instant and "always" access that Internet technologies now afford us. The explosion of electronic connection has indeed reshaped our world - for better or worse is still up for debate.

Other selections...

The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!
Carolyn O'Neil and Densie Webb, 2004
RA 778.O485 2004
THE book for us all to get the new year started on the right track. The Dish matches nutrition sense with the stylish lifestyle and busy schedule of the modern woman. Check out smart tips on eating out, travel, and getting your rear in gear! A book that offers chic insight for a hip and healthy lifestyle.

Career Paths in Psychology: Where your Degree can Take You
Edited by Robert J. Sternberg, 2007
BF 76.C38 2007
A great book for the psychology major! A guide for anyone contemplating life after graduation and a source of information for career possibilities. The range of available work opportunities is explored far beyond traditional jobs. Psychology professionals offer readers advice, information, and inspiration from their personal career paths.

Verbal Workout for the GRE
LB 2367.4.W8 2005
Score higher with the latest strategies for mastering the GRE. This study guide offers a review on the tough questions, from analogies to antonyms. A painless verbal workout that will refresh your memory and skills. Includes 60 quick quizzes and drills.

The Great Composers: the Lives and Music of 50 Great Classical Composers
Jeremy Nicholas, 2007
ML 390.N53 2007

A book that offers a "sequence of elegant and often affectionate biographical profiles" of 50 great composers in classical music. The profiles are presented in chronological order and offer fascinating and unknown aspects of the composer's life and works. An interesting read about the lives and creative genius behind great classical music.

Free from the library - WorldCat

2009-01-14T11:27:00.003-05:00

World Cat - http://www.world.cat.org

WorldCat is the shared online catalog of the world's libraries, and contains over 1.2 billion records. It allows you to search for books, audio visual materials, and dissertations, and also provides citations in APA, MLA, Harvard, and Turabian styles. Look for the WorldCat Search Box when you follow the "InterLibrary Loan Search Engines" link on the Library Resources webpage.

Free from the library - PASCAL Delivers

2009-01-13T13:26:00.007-05:00

PASCAL Delivers - http://pascalcat.org/

(also called PascalCat and Pascal INN-Reach.) This shared online catalog is the gateway to the holdings for South Carolina’s academic libraries. 5 million records. Use this resource to find who owns what, make and share bibliographies, and jump start collection development. Books we don't own can be requested via Inter Library Loan (forms are available on the Library Resources webpage). For more information, please look at the FINDING BOOKS AND EBOOKS handout, available on the T Drive (T Drive > Library folder > Finding Books and Ebooks handout).

Saving Energy

2009-01-13T11:47:00.004-05:00

At this point, saving energy is a responsible action we all should be considering. It can help save our valuable natural resources, as well as being a good financial choice in these more economically challenging times.

1. Lighting
It can be easy to save energy with lighting. When you leave a room, turn the lights out. If your room has two sets of lights, only turn one on. If you can, switch your light bulbs from regular incandescent bulbs to CFLs (Compact Florescent). Here is a quick article on some of the energy savings you can expect with a CFL.

2. Turn Off Unused Electronics
As with lights, an easy way to save energy is to turn off appliances you're not using. If you have a scanner, only turn it on when you need it. Simple steps like this will save a lot of power.

3. Fight Energy Vampires
An energy vampire is something that draws power when you're not using it. People are often amazed when they learn how much power something that's turned off can draw. (As an example, an article at Salon.com notes that a plasma TV draws $160 worth of energy a year even when it's turned off.) Often, the worst offenders are appliances with lights or clocks. Consider unplugging appliances like coffee makers and microwaves when you leave work. For more information on energy vampires, click here.

4. Close Doors
Telegraph (UK) cites that 58% of home energy is used in space heating. Closing doors is an important way to keep energy in and reduce its consumption.

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-01-12T10:39:00.001-05:00

Trying to get the car moving at Anderson College

Archive Photo of the Week

2009-01-05T12:45:00.003-05:00

San Souci, 1920s

Beginning of the Semester Hours

2009-01-02T11:48:00.003-05:00

For the beginning of the Spring 2009 semester, the library's hours will be:

Monday, January 5th - Closed
Tuesday, January 6th - 9 am - 3 pm
Wednesday, January 7th - 9 am - 3 pm
Thursday, January 8th - Begin regular semester hours - 8 am - Midnight

Welcome Back!

Archive Photo of the Week

2008-12-07T23:41:00.002-05:00

Anderson College Men's Basketball Team, 1950s

Christmas Break Hours

2008-12-06T13:08:00.003-05:00

Over Christmas Break, the library's hours will be:

Monday, Dec. 15 - 9 am - 9 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 16 - Closed for Inservice Training
Wednesday, Dec. 17 - Closed for Graduation
Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19 - 9 am - 3 pm
Saturday, Dec. 20 - Monday, Jan. 5 - CLOSED for Christmas Break

Exam Hours

2008-12-06T12:56:00.001-05:00

For exam week, the library's hours will be:

Sunday, Dec. 7- 3 pm- Midnight
Monday, Dec. 8-Wednesday, Dec. 10- 8 am- Midnight
Thursday, Dec. 11- 8 am- 8 pm
Friday, Dec. 12- 9 am- 3 pm
Saturday, Dec. 13- Sunday, Dec. 14- CLOSED

Good luck!

New Books for December

2008-12-06T12:48:00.003-05:00

by Jane Hawley

Periodical of the Month…Dwell
A new order that offers “fresh and intelligent” information on architecture and design. Engaging, creative, and inspiring design ideas in every issue!

Treasures of the Andes: the Glories of Inca and Pre-Columbian South America
By Jeffrey Quilter
F 2212.Q55 2005
A unique collection of South American artistry and legacy. Symbolism, belief, art, and myth are woven into the story of the Andean civilization. A superb depiction of craftsmanship, embroidery, ceramics, and architecture, as well as background information on the artwork.

Murder at Spoleto: an Operatic Mystery
By Maurice and Leigh Thompson
PS 3620.H6838M87 2003
A tale that offers a “plethora of mayhem” surrounding the festival of arts known as Spoleto in Charleston. Disaster strikes at the opening opera, with murder unfolding before the audience. A spicy novel offering an entangle of suspense, romance, poison, and a long cast of intriguing characters!

Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography
By David Michaelis
PN 6727.S3Z787 2007
The life story of beloved cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz. The book follows a “rags to riches” journey and the rise of his artistic creations. A story of an American icon and the unforgettable characters of his cartoon.

Master the Praxis I: PPST Exam, Master the Praxis II Exam
LB1762.L48 2007
Need help studying for the Praxis exam? We have new books! Includes practice tests, detailed explanations, and review of reading, writing, and math topics.

Archive Photo of the Week

2008-12-01T11:36:00.005-05:00

Anderson College students, 1950s

Archive Photo of the Week

2008-11-24T10:29:00.004-05:00

Art Studio, Anderson College, 1920s

Thanksgiving Hours

2008-11-24T10:18:00.002-05:00

For the week of Thanksgiving, the library's hours will be:

Monday - 8 a.m. - midnight
Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday - closed
Sunday - 7 p.m. - midnight

Have a great break!

Welcome to the Library Blog

2008-11-24T09:27:00.008-05:00

Welcome to the Thrift Library Blog! We know that some of you at Anderson University are probably very familiar with blogs, while others might not be, so, for our initial post, we want to answer some questions you may have.

What is a blog?
The term blog comes from the phrase "web log." Dictionary.com defines "blog" as "an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page," but blogs can take many other forms. Some groups use blogs to post information relating to issues of interest to the group (like knitting, environmental issues, or music), while others may review products and services. Blogs are so varied that there are blogs for almost every interest. The library blog will be used to keep the AU community informed on what is happening in the library.

How often are blogs updated?
The library blog will be updated as needed (so, when we have an announcement or some information to pass along, we'll update the blog). We hope to make the "Archive Picture of the Week" feature a weekly thing, but other than that there won't really be a schedule. In general though, updates depend on the blog. Some bloggers update their blogs once or twice a day, some aim for once or twice a week, and many blog on an "as needed" basis.

What would be the best way for me to view this blog, and how will I know when it has been updated? Will you send me an email?
When the blog has been updated you will not receive an email update. There are two main ways you can read the blog and keep up with the updates. The first is just to follow this link (http://thriftlibraryblog.blogspot.com) and check back periodically to see if there are any new posts (if you do that, you may consider bookmarking this site). The second is to subscribe to our blog on your RSS reader.

My RSS what?
RSS stands for "really simple syndication" and an RSS reader or aggregator is a free service you can use to view all of your blogs in one place. This video is a quick and easy explanation of how RSS feeds work and how to subscribe to them.

However, if this is the only blog you read, bookmarking the site and checking it every week is definitely the easiest way to handle things.

Will I need a password to read this blog?
No passwords are required. One would only be needed if you view the blog through an RSS feed - then you usually have to sign on to the service to use it.

Don't blogs usually allow commenting?
Some blogs do, some don't. Because our blog's main focus is passing along information, we don't have that feature turned on.

We hope this short explanation will make the world of blogs a little easier for you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the library (library@andersonuniversity.edu), and enjoy our new blog!