Dictionary of Literary Biography

This much used and loved reference resource is available in both print and electronic forms. As you old-timers are aware, the print set was moved downstairs along the back wall near the restroom.  Students can use the cumulative index volume with the yellow dot to find references for their author of interest.

Because Gale publishes this work, we also have a handy-dandy finding aid through the Literature Resource Center database.  The Literary Index found in the database gives all volume numbers in the DLB (plus many other reference works) where an author is mentioned. For instance, here are the DLB entries for Sherman Alexie:  Dictionary of Literary Biography, volume(s) 175, 206, 278.  Just hand the volume numbers to a student, with instructions to the massive blue set on the back wall downstairs.

But wait, there's more!  Also in the Literature Resource Center, students can read the full text of the DLB articles online! Here's a screen shot of a person search on Alexie:

 

As you can see, #3, #5 and #11 are the DLB articles.   We've got something for everyone!  Print for those who like to feel the pages and electronic for those who want to do the research from home in their jammies.

Ask US!

As we welcome students for the summer session, the ASK ME volunteers might stop by the ref desk to ask for a button.  You'll find those buttons in the drawer with our name plates.

AND feel free to put one on when you are at the desk. You know the answers to many of the questions new students have and will give them a warm welcome to the GPC community. You'll see copies of  the FAQs given to all the volunteers, along with important phone numbers at the desk.

Thanks!

Vacation Plans

Just so you know this blog isn't only for business, I invite you to share the exciting things you'll be doing this summer.  My travels will be small, but I plan to spend about 4 days camping on Cumberland Island off the Georgia coast in mid-May.

And in case she's shy about sharing...a little bird told me that Gayle is headed to Ireland this Friday.  Bon voyage, Gayle!

Use the comments to add your plans so we can all be happy for you (and perhaps a bit jealous!)

Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys

Another amazing cultural and educational opportunity has come to the library.  Through a grant funded by Carnegie Corporation and the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and presented by the NEH together with the ALA and the Ali Virual Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies, we have received an impressive collection of 25 books and films demonstrating the riches of Muslim history, art, and science. The items are set up as a browsing collection just inside the library entry.  Here are a few of the titles: The Art of Hajj, a beautifully illustrated homage to the importance of the pilgrimage to Mecca; Muhammad:  A Very Short Introduction, a profile of one of the most influential figures in world history; Ornament of the World:  How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain, a history of a golden age which might have lessons for today; Dear Zari:  The Secret Lives of the Women of Afghanistan, true life experiences in that war-torn country; In the Country of Men, a coming of age story in Libya; Persepolis, a graphic novel of an Iranian childhood. As you can tell, this exciting collection is both broad and deep. For a full list of books, go to this page.

Besides the books, the grant gave GPC access to the Oxford Islamic Studies Online database.  This will be very important in the fall because several classes will have a Bridging Cultures emphasis, and students will be looking for resources.

In addition to the books and database, the GPC committee charged with this project is planning special programs.  Lora Mirza is on that committee, so you can look forward to  interesting and wonderful events on campus in the fall.

Finals Schedule

Look for a copy of the final exam schedule at the reference desk or on this web page.   Most of the time exams are given in the regular classroom, but Professor McKinney is using the library classroom for her three ENGL1102 classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  Students may inquire.

Speaking of students:  they are stressed!  You are always nice to them, and right now, please be extra nice.  A smile and kind greeting will make a big difference to them right now!

Computer Maps

A rainy Friday in Dunwoody, and the LRC is full of students finishing up semester projects.  Thanks for all you have done and will continue to do to help them be successful!

Speaking of projects, I've finished a little map of where the numbered computers are located in the Library.  The lower level map also shows study room numbers and a rough listing of call numbers. Hopefully, this will help us direct student to open computers and help them find books and meeting places.  There is a copy on each side of the Ref Desk. If you recommend any additions, please let me know.

Goodbye Mr. Lincoln, Hello Baby Brunson

So much happening at Dunwoody Library.  Today we say farewell to the superb Lincoln exhibit. Thanks so much to Lora Mirza and Paul Hudson for bringing it to us.  The panels and the programs were so enriching.  Thanks also to all of you for counting the visitors who came to view it. (Our total tally was 338, though I'm sure we missed a few while helping students.)

Next:  very exciting news, and I apologize for not shouting it out last week:  Carmel and Everett's baby arrived Friday, early morning.  An 8 pound, 3 ounce boy they named Zane Everett.  I won't post a picture without his parent's permission, but let me tell you:  he's adorable!  Congratulations to the new family!