Thank you all for your kind words about this communication, if you find it useful, please do let me know! – N.
Usage
As is typical this time of year as students begin reviewing for finals rather than launching new projects, library usage has dropped; both electronic and physical circulation. Electronic circulation has almost halved with over 360 full-text articles accessed, and physical check-outs rounded out at about 100. However, our magazine and periodical circulation doubled to about 50 documented uses. I hope next year I’ll be able to coordinate with a few more of the classes that visited last month, as I would be happy to make some resource-oriented activities for students exploring current developments in their subjects.
As always, you may see more detailed statistics on the wiki.
Library Environment: Finals
The week of finals, beginning with December 13, Reading Day, the entire library will be a quiet, individual study environment. I plan on making announcement Monday the 6th, and with the help of facilities, Khara and I hope to make the downstairs library space a good spot for students to focus on reviewing on their own, rather than in rowdy groups. Please note the upstairs library will be closed all day December 14-16 as students with accommodations test there.
Databases & Magazines
Last month I asked some members of our Athletics & Wellness Program and members of the Library & Research Committee to evaluate a potential addition to our database collection, Teen Health & Wellness. The database offered a free subscription for a short time to evaluate the material. After some discussion, the committee is on the lookout for a more advanced database as the tone of some material is aimed for younger teens. However, I would love any additional opinion on the matter, and if you would like to visit www.teenhealthandwellness.com , the trial subscription is live until December 15. Ask me for the connection info!
- Many of our databases are exploring options to make information mobile. ARTstor has recently released a beta (test) version of iPad, iPhone and iTouch software for image exploring, and Gale (Opposing Viewpoints & eBooks) already has a mobile application. I am exploring ways to promote these options while still respecting school cell phone policy on campus.
- Stay on the lookout for an updated Oxford English Dictionary layout, as it has recently been revamped. To see it now, go to http://www.oed.com/ and ask me for the password! The timeline of the English language is particularly interesting.
- There have been some updates and additions to our JSTOR academic database, and I will feature just a couple of them here in the hopes they might be of interest to you in your classes.
“Film Quarterly, published since 1958, provides readers with insightful analyses of film, the film industry, and international cinemas. More than a glimpse behind the scenes, Film Quarterly offers serious film lovers in-depth articles, reviews, and interviews that examine all aspects of film history, film theory, and the impact of film, video, and television on culture and society.”
JSTOR only offers issues of this periodical three years older and previous, however the historical commentary might be of use to serious film, theatre, and art students.
For more current info, the library subscribes to Backstage West, a weekly bulletin for actors, and American Theatre, a magazine with reviews, previews, production schedules and articles. Both of these periodicals may be found on the downstairs shelves.
“The oldest mathematics journal in the Western Hemisphere in continuous publication, the American Journal of Mathematics ranks as one of the most respected and celebrated journals in its field. Published since 1878, the Journal has earned and maintained its reputation by presenting pioneering mathematical papers. It does not specialize, but instead publishes articles of broad appeal covering the major areas of contemporary mathematics. The American Journal of Mathematics is used as a basic reference work in academic libraries, both in the United States and abroad.”
JSTOR offers content from 2005-2010. In this field, the library also receives monthly issues of Math Horizons and The College Mathematics Journal.
“Anthropological Quarterly, also known as AQ, is a peer-reviewed journal published by the George Washington University Institute for Ethnographic Research. AQ was founded in 1921 by the Catholic University of America and was published from 1921 to 1953 under the name Primitive Man. While continuing to publish outstanding, original, data-driven articles that advance ethnography and anthropological theory, AQ also asks intellectuals to contribute to on-going public debates relevant to contemporary experiences and public debates. Topics include: war, racism, poverty, nationalism, globalization, human rights, and the social, legal, and ethical implications of new genetic technologies. Essays on such timely topics are published in our ‘Social Thought and Commentary’ section.”
The library also receives Policy Review, New Republic, The Economist, Atlantic Monthly and Foreign Affairs, all of which discuss current issues in depth. Read these and other current periodicals in the downstairs library.
Good luck to you all as finals season begins, and I wish you a very happy holiday as it draws near.
