BlogAbout CLC Libraries

Citation Help: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Even with instruction and assistance from a great teacher, I still can barely slide by when it comes to the final part of a big project or writing assignment: the dreaded Works Cited page or Bibliography. All the different styles and formats, always different and always changing, it would seem. ‘MLA? APA?! Website or Online Journal? HELP!’ was once my trail of thought when confronted with this page. I’d almost prefer to do a second project than even attempt that material. Imagine (or remember) being up until midnight or later completing a project and now you have to cite and give credit to your sources. You won’t see any physical assistance until at least 8am, who knows when your teacher will get your e-mail begging for help, and you just desperately want to finish and go to bed. Well, the CLC website now offers resources to help you through this last trial. Going to the mainsite and selecting ‘Cite a Source’ will lead you to a page of options, from books you can purchase in the book store, to the quicker and free alternate website assistance.

My personal favorite amongst the links is NoodleBib, which allows you to make an account and save your citations, along with instructions and easy to use citation machines. It has an easy and appealing user interface which I like to leave open as I’m finding sources. As I find something I wish to cite or just get it over with, I fill out the information and save it to my account. However, I recommend trying out all the options so you can find one that matches yours needs and preferences.

However, as always, the traditional face-to-face assistance from librarians at the reference desk are exactly what you need.

Direct Link: http://library.clcillinois.edu/cite.cfm

On Dr. Weber's ipod.....

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Looking for something new for you ipod or PC? Dr. Weber suggests WGLT’s Poetry Radio.

Visit the station website, here, to download the most recent program.

Poetry Radio is supported by the Illinois State University English Department. Programs feature a variety of poets reading from their own works or English Department faculty reading a variety of selections. After the poem, there is a short piece of music that relates to the meaning/mood/tone of the poem.

Suggestion Boxes: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:37:00 +0000

If you are one of those students who feels like they're in the library and in class more than they are at home (myself included), then perhaps you've thought of something that could improve your semester long stay. Perhaps a new reference book or medical journal, or a new series of novels that you particularly enjoy. Maybe you think the library computer labs could use a few new computers or equipment, or even just a few new chairs.

Whatever your thoughts are, feel free to manually pop them into the 'Suggestion Box' located on the first floor of the library. However, if you have a new book idea, you can manually drop it off OR you have the convenience of suggesting it via our website by clicking here.

Food for Fines: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

We’ve all incurred some kind of fine, be it from a movie rental, library book, and so on. That annoying, tiny fee follows you until you pay it back. Now, what if you could pay those back, and instead of a slightly lighter pocket, you got a warm fuzzy feeling? From Monday November 16th to Friday December 18th, the CLC Grayslake Campus Library will be accepting an item of donated food (nonperishable, so preferably canned) as payment for a fine. So, for every can of Campbells Cream of Mushroom or other good, you can waive a fee AND assist the COOL Food Pantry, located in Waukegan. Just bring your donation to the Circulation Desk on the first level of the library!

DVD's at the Library: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

You can surf through the CLC Library's DVD Collection easily, along with the other multimedia, from the comfort of your seat on the online library catalog here. To locate the catalog on the library website go to http://library.clcillinois.edu then select "Research" from the menu, then choose "Library Catalog".

When it has come to actually finding the DVD on the shelf, you may run into issues. DVDs are located in two areas at the Grayslake campus library. New releases, feature films, documentaries, and other DVDs are typically located in the basement of the library (indicated by a location of "Grayslake AV" in the library catalog link listed above. Sometimes the DVD you are looking for may be located behind the Circulation Desk (this is indicated in the online library catalong by a location of "Grayslake Reserve".

The Circulation Desk is located just by the entrance on the first floor and accross from the art gallery. If you bring your CLC ID or Library Card, you can check out a DVD for up to two days on newer releases or longer for others. The friendly circulation staff behind the desk will gladly assist you in finding your media.

My Media Mall: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:42:00 +0000

As a child born and raised in the age of technology, I have watched it grow and evolve as I have done the same. Technology is slowly replacing the need for physical texts (for example, the Amazon Kindle), and this push towards more convenient access by students and faculty to reference and source materials is persistent. MyMediaMall enables a user to gain instant access to a very wide selection of various media, including books in electronic form (Audiobooks, eBooks). 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can access this database and ‘check out’ books to download to your PDA, digital devices, music players, and all Apple Products, such as the iPod. All that is required is your CLC ID and an internet enabled computer. You can even rent videos of concerts and other media either for education or recreation!

By simply visiting the main website, MyMediaMall.net, and searching through the archives, you can select what you wish to download and ‘check out’ your media. As long as you have your CLC ID you can use the material as you wish with no late fees or worries about returns. Also, the files can be downloaded to any of your digital media players or devices, as well as burnt to CD’s!

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Resource Center (Library)

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen, Librarian, Instructor) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:36:00 +0000

First hand information enriches student research, and the recently opened Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, located in Skokie offers students at CLC researching topics of worldwide genocide today, World War II and the Holocaust access to an incredible collection of artifacts, artwork, videos.

The facility also houses the Brill Resource Center --a library with a collection of 13,000 items, all of which are searchable through the library’s online catalog, and soon available through the OCLC WorldCat (FirstSearch) database. Although the library does not allow materials to be circulated, there is a reading room and 16 computers with access to databases and of the library’s resources during open hours. Access to the library is free and open to the public (12 years or older unless supervised by an adult). This Pioneer Press article provides more information about the Resource Center.

For readers, these are some recommended titles about the Holocaust. Check CLC and your local public library.

The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)
Boy in the Striped Pajamas (John Boyne)
Hana’s Suitcase (Karen Levine)
A Mad Desire to Dance (Elie Wiesel)
Nazi Officer’s Wife: How one Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust (Edith Beer)
Stones from the River
Those who Save Us

Zookeeper's Wife

Looking for video?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Try the new metasearch tool VideoSurf. This tool searches Hulu, CNN, ESPN, ComedyCentral, and MetaCafe. Retrieve news bits, full feature epidsodes, informational bits, trailers, etc. all through one search containing several video sources.

Try this search: Afghanistan (click here for results.)

Halloween: A Little History

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:38:00 +0000

The entire season of Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. Not just for the somewhat mild weather but also the changing colors of leaves...oh, and Halloween of course. As a child, Halloween meant one thing for me: candy, candy, candy. When I finally became old enough to run around and Trick-or-Treat, it became about that as well. As we grow we all hear the old wives tales, myths, supersitions, and beliefs revolving around Halloween. Some are designed simply to scare us, while others have an underlying meaning to keep us safe (razor blades in the Reeses, anyone?). Here are some less common facts and history behind October 31st you may not know!

What else is Halloween known as?
Samhain, All Hollows Eve, Feast of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Spirits Day, Devil's Day

Did You Know?
The original Jack-O-Lantern was actually a hollowed out turnip with a flame inside. It's name came from the story of an old Irish miser who could not go to Hell because he had played so many tricks on the Devil, and could not go to heaven because he was "too miserly", so he wanders the Earth for eternity.
Remember all the school events and parties around this time of year when we were children always tended to include a festive game of 'Bobbing for Apples'? In case you hadn't noticed, if you cut an apple in half, the seeds pods will form a pentagram, which is the pagan symbol for fertility. The game originated as a tradition of finding out who would marry next, depending on who bit into the apple.
Apparently, the Devil himself was a bit of a nut-fanatic and gatherer. Thus in Britain, on the night of Halloween, nuts were often used as magic charms.

Bad Luck!
Here's a new one! We all know about the bad luck that crossing a black cats path can cause, or what it could imply. But what about a white cat? Apparently, if you see a white cat over your left shoulder or on a new moon (where the moon is absent in the sky), you are doomed to an ill fate.

Did you know Halloween has a lot of Romantic Significance as well?
In Britain, it is thought that by leaving a sprig of Rosemary under a young womans pillow, she will dream of her one true love or future husband.
In some foreign cultures, it is believed that by placing a snail on a silver platter, the trail will spell out the first letter of your beloveds name.
A common southern tradition involves a cabbage and a young female. All the stories go by the rule that the woman must steal the cabbage, and upon her return (backwards, eyes closed, or some other variation), she will see the man she will wed.
Another superstition hailing from the Southern states is the belief that by mixing in a ring to a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes and allowing everyone to serve themselves, the person who receives the ring will be the next to marry.

And for an eeriely good read:
Looking for a scare? Take a bite out of The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan. One of my colleagues read it and has a new respect for dark corners. Not into vampires? How about zombies? World War Z by Max Brooks focuses on first person encounters with the latest zombie attacks.

F.R.E.E. : Great Resource for websites

noreply@blogger.com (Jim) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Looking for websites for a project? You can try a Google search and comb through pages of results, or you can try FREE, the Federal Resosources for Education Excellence website. FREE lists and breaks down by subject more than 2,000 federally supported teaching and learning resources and updates are continually added. FREE is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education, and adds great resources and contributions from federal agencies to provide top quality, trustworthy content, that you can search or browse by subject.

Looking for a primary document? They have 'em.
Do you need photos and videos? They have 'em.

Take a look for yourself, Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

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New at Lakeshore

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Lakeshore library users are happy to see a new book return located inside the main lobby. Available day or night, materials can be returned with ease. For Lakeshore hours and information, click here.

On Dr. Weber's ipod.....

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Looking for a little relief to the day?

Try the Dilbert Animated Cartoons, another favorite of Dr. Weber!

This video podcast includes all the favorite characters from the cartoon strip. Look for it on the main website at www.dilbert.com/animation or subscribe through iTunes.

You might also want to take a peak at the New Yorker Animated Cartoons at http://www.newyorkertoons.com.

InterLibrary Loan: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I'll sometimes search through the catalogs online and see a book or magazine that catches my eye; however, when I look for it's location, I see it's actually at ANOTHER library. Luckily, I don't have to drive there if I don't need it right this instant thanks to the Interlibrary Loan system. I wouldn't use this service for a simple read, but if it was dire for a research paper (that I DIDN'T wait until the last minute on) and had time to spare, I would. An Interlibrary loan is a service offered free of charge by the CLC library in which other libraries lend their materials to us to use. CLC takes on any charges unless you don't return it on time, and all it takes is filing a request with the reference desk. You can do this via e-mail (shaslow@clcillinois.edu) or physically bring a filled out copy of the request form (seen here). After processing the request you will get a call (make sure you have 3-4 weeks of leeway) once the material comes in.

Main Site: http://library.clcillinois.edu/ill.cfm

Guest Blogger: Rory Klick

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:39:00 +0000

The CLC Horticulture Program started a community garden this past year, and about 34 students, staff and local residents signed on to rent 10x20 plots to grow their own food. While many folks included herbs and flowers, the vast majority of the gardens were fruits and vegetables. The concept of a community garden is not new or complex, and is happening around the world. It’s a chance for folks without land of their own for gardening to garden together. Not only does it provide the physical space for growing crops, it fosters a sense of community among the participants. Check out http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/ to learn more about community gardening and its benefits.

The fees collected for plot rentals at the CLC community garden were used to help cover the expenses of the garden, primarily compost to enrich the soil and a wire fence to deter the deer. Gardeners provide their own seeds or seedlings, and handle their own weeding, watering and harvesting. Reservations for the 2010 gardening season are being taken now, and the rental fee for the season will be $25, although reduced rates are available for those who are willing to share their harvest with local food pantries. For more information or to reserve your plot, please contact Rory Klick at http://www.blogger.com/rklick@clcillinois.edu or 847-543-2320.

What's on Dr. Weber's ipod?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:21:00 +0000

The library is pleased to announce a new blog feature "What's on Dr. Weber's ipod?" Each month, we'll feature several of Dr. Weber's favorite podcasts.

Today's feature, "Living on Earth" or LOE, is a weekly environmental news program featuring interviews and commentary on a broad range of ecological issues. Tagged as "sound journalism for the planet," LOE is an independent media news program relying soley on donations and contributions from listeners and institutions supporting public service.

If there's something new about global warming, climate change, environmental politics or environmental quality and human health, host Steve Curwood and the LOE news team keep up to date with fair and accurate coverage.

How to subscribe? Visit the LOE web site and subscribe via the LOE feed: http://www.loe.org/podcast.rss Or, use iTunes and click here.

Circulation Desk Video on Course Reserves and more...

noreply@blogger.com (Jim) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:34:00 +0000

See some of what you can do at the Circulation Desk here at the libary....

Nominate a Librarian

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:50:00 +0000

There's still time to nominate your favorite public, school, or college librarian for the "I Love My Librarian! award.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. The awards program will demonstrate how librarians are improving the lives of the people in their communities.

The deadline is October 9th, 2009. Click here for more details. And, don't forget your CLC Librarians!

Task Completion

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Having a problem finishing that task? Does your to-do pile outweigh the to-done? Check out Zenhabits for a strategy to aid with that dreaded virus "procrastination!"

The CLC iPod Collection: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:57:00 +0000

When Apple came out with the iPod in October of 2001, there was only one thing that came to my mind: no longer would I need to lug around my CD’s, I could now walk and listen to 6GB worth of my music. The opportunity to change albums and artists without having to search for a CD in my case or suffering through another rancid disc scratch was a brilliant and irresistible dream. The last thing on my mind to use it for would be school, and even to this day I hadn’t really considered it as an educational tool. We all are familiar with the Audiobook, also referred to as books-on-tape back in the day. These have now been transferred to CDs, and are listened to the same way. Well, we all can recall our days of the chunky CD players we would either try to stuff in our backpacks, pockets, hoodies, or just cling to desperately and pray we didn’t bump into someone that would cause us to drop it. Technology has now allowed us to transfer these audio files to the computer for easier listening, and the Audiobooks have followed this trend. Audiobooks make sense in a way, thanks to the growth and expansion of technology. By simply opening up the file in your iPod you can listen to a book as you go, perhaps learn a new language, or study for a test.

The CLC Library has now made these accessible to students and members for free as long as you have a CLC Library Card, which is both free and an incredibly quick item to attain, as well as an iPod; Zune and others are out of luck for now. To get a library card, simply go to the first floor reference desk with a photo ID and your CLC ID Number and ask for one. By selecting ‘Books, Movies, Music and More’ on the CLC Library website (http://library.clcillinois.edu/) and following the ‘on iPod compatible Format’ on the next page, you can browse through the collection of Audiobooks they have to offer. There are currently 111 to choose from and are very simple to check out and use, requiring only a library card and some interpersonal skills. I personally encourage the use of the classic hardcover or paperback book over a sound recording, but in a bind when say, I can’t read something while driving, this is ideal. What is great is that you have wide access to both at the CLC Library.

Direct Link: http://lrc.clcillinois.edu/search/f?SEARCH=Audio+Books%2FIPod

What I'm Reading this Week

noreply@blogger.com (Kathleen, Librarian, Instructor) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
What are YOU reading this week?

Don't overlook this literary gem because you can't remember the title!
These are a few reasons to read it.

The author was a librarian, and her love of books shows through.

In fact, she loves the printed, or handwritten letter--and the exchange of letters provides the format of the book. At first, this is infuriating since it is impossible to keep up with the many characters, but if you persist, you will not be able to put it down. The characterizations are rich: I especially loved that the heroine is tempestuous, and is subject to outbursts (well deserved) where she throws things.

If you viewed the BBC Series, Foyle's War, this little book will fill in many of the blanks about the history of the Channel Islands and their occupation during World War II.

People don't realize that CLC has bestselling titles in fiction and nonfiction. If you are waiting for a copy at your public library, don't overlook CLC Libraries.

At CLC Libraries copies of this popular book are found in formats for everyone. At this moment a copy of the audiobook is available to check out. You can also place a hold for the print copy (I'm returning it today) or one of the audiobooks or ebook copies from MyMediaMall.

Check the CLC Catalog for this title.

BBC Languages

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Want to sharpen your Spanish or Chinese language skills? Do you need a site that's reputable and trustworthy? Want audio and video?

Look no further, try BBC Languages.

There's a multitude of materials all available for FREE for learning in Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Gaelic (!), and so on. The site also covers essential phrases in 36 languages.

Renewing Online: A Students Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I think we can all agree that at one time or another, we’ve all forgotten to turn that book back into the library before the due date. It isn’t intentional; you just didn’t have the time or ability to get it there. Well, now you no longer have to deal with those irritating late fees that come along with that shame and guilt of a late return! The CLC Library offers library card holders the opportunity to renew their books online so you can keep it longer for that project or just don’t want the fines. By accessing the Library webpage and selecting the ‘Renew an Item' image link under the DO SOMETHING category, you can begin the process. By entering your name and the CLC Library Card bar code, you can have your book completely taken care of within minutes: No late fee, no guilty conscience!

I personally love this feature. Even if you're a student here 5 days a week, sometimes you just can't get those few minutes to drop-off the book or DVD, or you constantly forget to bring it anyways. It's convenient because you can do it from your home or even in the Computer Lab, in the event you forgot the book itself.

Link: http://lrc.clcillinois.edu/patroninfo/

Why Print When You Can Email?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Many of the electronic resources and databases allow users to email articles to themselves or others. This is an excellent solution for instructors who require proof of an article for a paper or project, but who also want to cut down on excessive printing. You can choose to send it to yourself, or to another recipient. Another advantage of emailing an article or source to yourself is that you are creating another backup copy of your work to fall back on.

Below are just a few of our databases that allow users to email articles:

Academic Search Premier
Business Source Elite
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune Historical
CQ Researcher
Credo Reference
Eric
Film & Television Literature Index
Gale Literature Resource Center
Health Source
LexisNexis Academic
Military and Government Collection
Newspaper Source
Opposing Viewpoints
Primary Search
PsychInfo
Regional Business News
PsycArticles
Sage Reference
SocINdex
WILSON WEB

Museum Adventure Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Use your public library card to receive free admission or a substantial discount to 17 Chicago area cultural destination. Sponsored by Macy’s, this program runs until August 31st, 2010.

Check out http://www.museumadventure.org/ to see if your public library is participating in this program and also to see which attractions are offering free or reduced admission.

Raffle Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Carter) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Congratulations to Mike Latza, Communication Arts instructor, the newsletter raffle winner of the $25 Borders gift certificate!