WHAT'S NU AT THE LIBRARY?

New Research Database - AP Images

2010-08-02T13:50:00.002-04:00

AP Images is a database of millions of current and historical photographs as well as audio, graphics and text from the Associated Press.

This is a trial subscription through October 2011. Give it a try!

New Research Databases

2010-07-01T15:48:00.005-04:00

Thanks to NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library), we now have access to three new research databases:

Academic OneFile (peer-reviewed journal articles)
General OneFile (news and magazine articles)
Health Reference Center Academic (nursing, allied health, and personal health articles)

Faculty Publication

2010-06-10T11:51:00.003-04:00

Just published by Robert Kane, Associate Professor of History, is "Teaching as Counterinsurgency: Enhancing Pedagogical Effectiveness and Student Learning in a Culture of Distraction." It can be found in the May 2010 issue of the History Teacher and can be read via this link:

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=50987226&site=ehost-live

Using Google Books for Lifelong Learning and Research

2010-06-08T10:45:00.003-04:00

Makeuseof.com has an interesting article on 10 Ways to Use Google Books for Lifelong Learning and Research.

New Titles Added to Gale Virtual Reference Library

2010-05-28T14:21:00.005-04:00

The Gale Virtual Reference Library contains a number of reference works that support religious studies. Two new titles have been added:

Encyclopaedia Judaica
Provides an exhaustive and organized overview of Jewish life and knowledge from the Second Temple period to the contemporary State of Israel, from Rabbinic to modern Yiddish literature, from Kabbalah to "Americana" and from Zionism to the contribution of Jews to world cultures.

Melton's Encyclopedia of American Religions
Covers more than 2,300 North American religious groups in the U.S. and Canada -- from Adventists to Zen Buddhists.

Library Hours Extended

2010-04-12T08:47:00.005-04:00

Starting on Monday, April 12 the Library will stay open an hour later, Sunday through Thursday, closing at 1am instead of midnight. This is a permanent extension of operating hours based upon what students told us they needed in focus groups and surveys.

The complete operating hours can be found here:

http://library.niagara.edu/hrs.html

Used Book Sale Prices Lowered

2010-04-07T08:41:00.002-04:00

All used books are now 25 cents each.

Looking for DVDs?

2010-03-17T15:53:00.008-04:00

A tip for quickly limiting a search to DVDs in the Library catalog.

If the film you are looking for has a common title, like "Fame" or "Cars," you can get too many results when you search the catalog. Add the word "dvd" to limit the results to a manageable number.

2010-03-16T14:26:00.008-04:00

Films On Demand is an online collection of more than 6,000 complete educational videos and 66,000 segments. You can access it here:

http://library.niagara.edu/fod.html

Online Library Catalog Kiosks

2010-02-10T15:46:00.006-05:00

For your convenience, we reconfigured three computers, one on each floor, to login automatically and to provide access to the online library catalog. This will allow you to quickly look up a call number without having to login yourself.

Recent Faculty Publication

2010-02-08T13:04:00.003-05:00

Just arrived is The Responsibilities of Rhetoric. Dr. Joseph Little, Assistant Professor of English, and NU student, Lisa Jane Kabasin, wrote the chapter titled "Coming to Terms with Analogy: Generativity and Constraint in the Work of Nagaoka, Gamow, and Freud." The book is located at call number
P 301 .R4714

Recent Faculty Publications

2010-02-04T12:23:00.005-05:00

Just arrived is Women and the Democratic Party: The Evolution of Emily's List by Jamie Pimlott, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Niagara University. It is located at call number HQ1236.5.U5 P56 2010.

And note some recent journal articles by NU faculty:

Butera, Peter C. 2010. "Estradiol and the control of food intake." Physiology & Behavior 99, no. 2: 175-180.

Kang, Kyung Ho, Seoki Lee, and Chang Huh. 2010. "Impacts of positive and negative corporate social responsibility activities on company performance in the hospitality industry." International Journal of Hospitality Management 29, no. 1: 72-82.

Priefer, Ronny, Paolo N. Grenga, Kathryn E. Leach, Todd D. Krauss, Ashley N. Mandrino, and Danielle M. Raymond. 2010. "Multilayering of a pseudo polyelectrolyte (PVPh) with a strong polyelectrolyte (PDMAC) from aqueous media." Surface Science 604, no. 1: 59-62.

Recent Faculty Publication

2010-01-21T11:51:00.002-05:00

Just arrived is College Science Teacher's Guide to Assessment. Dr. Mark Gallo, Associate Professor of Biology, wrote the chapter titled "Wetscience: A Means of Assessing Math, Science, and Technology Incorporation into a Service Learning Outreach Program."

Christmas Fine Amnesty 2009

2009-11-19T12:27:00.001-05:00

Do you owe fines to the Library? Would you like to contribute canned or boxed food items to the needy of our area?

From Monday, November 16 until Saturday, December 19 the Library will waive $2.00 of your fines for every canned or boxed item you contribute (sorry, no Ramen noodles).

*Please note that the Fine Amnesty does not apply to lost book charges.*

The Library will accept donations even if you do not owe Library fines. Your contributions will go to local soup kitchens.

Recent Faculty Publication

2009-11-10T13:52:00.004-05:00

Just arrived is "Starting with Rousseau." It was written by Dr. James Delaney, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at NU. You can check its availability via the book catalog.

"Stitches" Nominated for National Book Award

2009-11-01T20:43:00.007-05:00

Did you know that the Library owns more than 150 graphic novels? In fact, one recent acquisition, Stiches: A Memoir by David Small, was just nominated as a finalist for the prestigious National Book Award. The collection is located on the main floor, to the right of the Circulation Desk.

Recent Faculty Publication

2009-10-22T08:29:00.002-04:00

Just arrived is the "Dark Side of Educational Leadership: Superintendents and the Professional Victim Syndrome." It was written by Dr. Walter S. Polka, Associate Professor of Educational Administration at NU, and Peter R. Litchka from Loyola College. You can check its availability via the
book catalog.

Hot Beverages Available in the Library

2009-10-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

You can buy hot beverages at the Circulation Desk. We'll give you a cup and beverage packet so that you can make it yourself in a machine located near the water fountain on the main floor.

Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate cost $1.00. Cappuccino costs $1.25 (because it requires 2 packets). The serving size is 8 oz.

Coffees

Breakfast Blend
Columbia
Espresso Roast
French Vanilla
House Blend Decaf
Kenya

Teas

Earl Grey
English Breakfast
Exotic Chai
Japanese Green Tea
Peppermint Cool

These options were made available based upon preferences students indicated in a survey. We will also experiment with new flavors in the future.

Fall 2009 Newsletter Online

2009-09-15T13:27:00.003-04:00

The Fall 2009 issue of Library News is now available on our web site.

Library Annual and Statistical Reports Available Online

2009-09-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

The Library's 2008-09 Annual and Statistical Overview are now available online.

To view them, visit the "Reports" section of our Policies, Publications, Reports and Special Collections web page.

Spring 2009 Newsletter

2009-03-31T12:19:00.001-04:00

The Spring 2009issue of Library News has been added to the Library's web site.

New Sunday Hours

2009-01-23T17:55:00.003-05:00

Thanks to your valuable feedback, the Library is now opening an hour earlier on Sundays.

The new Sunday hours of operation are 11am to Midnight.

December Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-12-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

The December installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site and features several books recommended by library staff.

Christmas Fine Amnesty 2008

2008-11-10T12:29:00.006-05:00

Do you owe fines to the Library? Would you like to contribute canned or boxed food items to the needy of our area?

From Monday, November 17 until Friday, December 19 the Library will waive $2.00 of your fines for every canned or boxed item you contribute (sorry, no Ramen noodles).

*Please note that the Fine Amnesty does not apply to lost book charges.*

The Library will accept donations even if you do not owe Library fines. Your contributions will go to local soup kitchens.

November Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-11-10T12:27:00.000-05:00

The November installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site.

In this month's edition, Acquistions Librarian Charles Dabkowski writes about Studs Terkel and his oral histories.

Fall 2008 Excellence in Customer Service Award Winner

2008-11-10T11:37:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Lisa Jackson, Secretary to the Library Director, for receiving the Fall 2008 Niagara University Library Excellence in Customer Service Award.

Lisa was recognized for her responsiveness to the needs of Library departments.

October Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-10-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

The October installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. Reference Librarian Samantha Gust highlights the faculty members currently featured in the Library's Faculty Publications Display near the front entrance.

Reference Librarian Named NU's Employee of the Month

2008-10-01T14:56:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Reference Librarian Michael Lavin for being named the Niagara University Employee of the Month for October! Dr. Bonnie Rose, Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented the award today.

Above: Library Director David Schoen, Michael Lavin and Bonnie Rose were all smiles during the award presentation.

Paul Newman DVDs

2008-09-30T10:45:00.004-04:00

You may have heard that Paul Newman recently passed away. If you would like to watch some of the films he performed in, the Library has the following titles in the Recreational DVD Collection:

*Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
*Cars
*Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
*The Color of Money
*The Hustler
*Message in a Bottle
*Our Town
*Road to Perdition
*The Sting
*The Verdict

September Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-09-19T15:36:00.002-04:00

In the September Monthly Book Spotlight, Reference Librarian Samantha Gust lists some of the Library's John McCain and Barack Obama books and DVDs.

Fall 2008 Newsletter!

2008-09-19T09:08:00.001-04:00

The Fall 2008 issue of Library News has been added to the Library's web site. Check it out and find out about our new computer lab, our revamped Recreational Reading Collection and more!

Comment About Friday Hours

2008-09-08T11:37:00.002-04:00

One of our patrons recently wrote to us about our Friday hours:

"I recently came to the library on a friday night hoping to get some work done before the weekend. I got there at 7, and was told the library closed at 8. I am very confused why a college lbrary closes so early. If you value education, why isn't the library open like any normal day of the week. I was very upset about this."

Library Director David Schoen responds:

"Sorry we weren't able to meet your needs. The Library at Niagara University is subject to budget constraints typical of a smaller Catholic college, which means that expenditures need to be optimized and we have to make choices that will occasionally disappoint patrons. When studying what hours we should be open our statistics show low usage on Friday evenings, hence the 8 pm closing time. The libraries of the two colleges most similar to Niagara University in the region, Canisius and St. Bonaventure, also close at 8 pm on Friday nights.

Thank you for taking the time to send the suggestion. We will include your suggestion in any future analysis of library hours we perform."

If you have any comments about the library, please write them in our comment book on the first floor near the DVDs or submit them using the comment box on our home page. Thanks!

Welcome!

2008-08-27T13:35:00.002-04:00

The Library would like to welcome new and returning students and faculty!

A reference librarian is available to help you whenever the Library is open. Please don't hesitate to ask for assistance in person or via email or phone!

August Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-08-15T13:47:00.002-04:00

Reference Librarian Mike Lavin writes about the Library's new graphic novel collection in the August Monthly Book Spotlight.

July Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-07-18T11:52:00.000-04:00

The July Monthly Book Spotlight focuses on A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah and was written by Sharon Green, Reading Coordinator in the Office of Academic Support.

Reference Librarian Wins Award

2008-06-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Reference Librarian Andrew Bailey was a recipient of the Canadian Association of Journalists Computer-Assisted Reporting Award for the his work on the series "Give and Take," published in the Toronto Star in 2007.

Andrew works part time at Niagara University and full time at the Toronto Star as a Computer-Assisted Reporting Analyst.

Reference Librarian Promoted

2008-06-02T10:06:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Samantha Gust, Reference/Interlibrary Loan Librarian & Webmaster, for being promoted from Assistant Librarian to Senior Assistant Librarian.

Excellence in Library Service Awards

2008-05-27T12:14:00.002-04:00

The Library would like to congratulate the 2008 recipients of the Excellence in Library Service Award. This award is presented to senior work-study students who have demonstrated quality service to patrons and dedication to their job continuously during their entire academic experience here at Niagara University. Pictured above: The students honored at the May 15 ceremony are pictured below with Library Director David Schoen.

From left to right: Aaron Evans, David Mosher, Andrew Forrest, Katie Tees, Carly Martell, David Schoen, Nichelle Desmont

May Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-05-15T12:59:00.001-04:00

The May installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. Reference Librarian Samantha Gust highlights the faculty members currently featured in the Library's Faculty Publications Display near the front entrance.

Patron Comment About Library Hours

2008-05-12T09:59:00.003-04:00

One of our patrons recently commented:

"I think it's ridiculous that the library closed at 8pm on Friday of finals week when there are finals on Saturday as well..when the rest of the week it stayed open until 1 am considering the library is necessary for studying."

Library Director David Schoen responds:

"I'm sorry that you needed the Library and we weren't open. We will look at attendance statistics to determine if we were mistaken in closing."

Patron Comment About History Collection

2008-05-08T10:51:00.000-04:00

One of our patrons recently commented:

"As a graduating senior from the department of history, I have really appreciated the help of the library staff over the last four years. I have one suggestion for the type of books the library should buy (especially for history): more primary source and document reader books from a spectrum of time periods. Many of the papers history students write need primary sources to give weight to their arguments. Thanks!"

Library Director David Schoen responds:

"Thank you for taking the time to point this out. I think you are right. We will work on improving that aspect of the collection this summer."

Used Book Sale

2008-05-07T13:24:00.001-04:00

USED BOOK SALE @ THE LIBRARY!

Tuesday, May 13: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Wednesday, May 14: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

GREAT DEALS! NOTHING OVER $1.00!

Extended Library Hours!

2008-04-27T18:15:00.004-04:00

For your convenience, the Library will stay open one hour longer Monday-Thursday during the weeks of April 28 and May 5:

Monday, April 28 - Thursday, May 1: 8:00 am to 1:00 am

Monday, May 5 - Thursday, May 8: 8:00 am to 1:00 am

April Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-04-23T10:19:00.000-04:00

The April installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. This month, Charles Dabkowski spotlights the poetry of Mary Oliver.

Recent Faculty Publications

2008-04-11T10:42:00.002-04:00

Here are two recent publications by Niagara University faculty members.

Joseph Little (English)

The Role of Analogy in George Gamow's Derivation of Drop Energy. Technical Communication Quarterly, Vol. 17 Issue 2 (2008), p220-238.

and

Timothy M. Osberg (Psychology), Erin N. Haseley and Michele M. Kamas

The MMPI-2 Clinical Scales and Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales: Comparative Psychometric Properties and Relative Diagnostic Efficiency in Young Adults. Journal of Personality Assessment, Vol. 90 Issue 1 (2008), p81-92.

Spring 2008 Newsletter!

2008-04-10T13:38:00.003-04:00

The Spring 2008 issue of Library News has been added to the Library's web site. Check it out and find out about our future plans for the Library, new databases and more!

Comment About Lighting in the Recreational Reading Area

2008-04-03T15:05:00.004-04:00

One of our patrons recently commented that we need more relaxing lighting in our Recreational Reading area.

Library Director David Schoen responds:

"Good point. As we move forward with planning for better spaces, lighting is near the top of our priority list."

If you have any comments about the library, please write them in our comment book on the first floor near the DVDs or submit them using the comment box on our home page. Thanks!

March Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-03-07T11:52:00.002-05:00

The March installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. This month, I highlighted a few of the Library's fashion books.

Recent Faculty Publication

2008-02-20T14:32:00.003-05:00

Here is a recent publication by a Niagara University faculty member and one of his students.

Burt Thompson (Psychology) and Jaime Johnson

Biased Lineup Instructions and Face Identification From Video Images. Journal of General Psychology, Vol. 135 Issue 1 (2008), p23-36.

Winter Break Hours

2008-02-13T13:34:00.001-05:00

Here are the Library's hours for the upcoming winter break.

Wednesday, Feb. 13: 8:00am - Midnight

Thursday, Feb. 14: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Friday, Feb. 15: CLOSED

Saturday, Feb. 16: CLOSED

Sunday, Feb. 17: Noon - Midnight

Fall 2007 Excellence in Customer Service Award

2008-02-13T13:21:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Acquisitions Department Technical Assistant Helen Farallo for being named the Fall 2007 recipient of the Niagara University Library Excellence in Customer Service Award!

Helen was recognized for "fast and efficient processing of special orders for the immediate research needs of Niagara University students and faculty."

February Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-02-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

The February installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. In the aftermath of Super Bowl XLII, Charles Dabkowski writes about some of the Library's football books.

Recent Faculty Publications

2008-01-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

Here are two recent publications by Niagara University faculty members.

William D. Frye (Hospitality and Tourism Management) and Daniel J. Mount

An Examination of Job Satisfaction of General Managers Based on Hotel Size and Service Type. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, Vol. 6 Issue 2 (2007), p109-134.

Susan Sze and Sylvia Valentin (Education Department)

Self-Concept and Children With Disabilities. Education, Vol. 127 Issue 4 (Summer 2007), p552-557.

New Library Instruction Assistant

2008-01-25T12:31:00.001-05:00

We'd like to officially welcome Melissa Miller, our new Library Instruction Assistant, to the Library. She completed a library instruction practicum with us this past fall and will be assisting us with library instruction sessions and reference desk duties this semester.

Melissa is a graduate student in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University at Buffalo and is scheduled to graduate this May.

Welcome, Melissa!

Change in Library Hours for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2008-01-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

Due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Library's hours this Sunday and Monday are as follows:

Sunday, January 20: Noon - 6pm
Monday, January 21: Noon- Midnight

As always, you can view our hours here: http://www.niagara.edu/library/hrs.html

January Monthly Book Spotlight

2008-01-16T15:58:00.001-05:00

The January installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. In it, I list some of the plays and monologues we have by Eric Bogosian, one of the stars of the TV show Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Our Most Popular Recreational DVDs

2008-01-15T09:39:00.000-05:00

These are the 25 recreational DVDs that have been borrowed the most:

Crash
Garden State
Mean girls
Closer
Traffic
Hotel Rwanda
The virgin suicides
The Incredibles
Finding Neverland
Thirteen
Office space
Hitch
Dodgeball a true underdog story
I love Huckabees
Frank Miller's Sin City
Lost in translation
Ladder 49
Anchorman the legend of Ron Burgundy
Kill Bill. Vol. 1
Saw
Man on fire
Almost famous
American beauty
Collateral
In her shoes

Recent Faculty/Student Publication

2008-01-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent publication by a Niagara University Psychology Department faculty member and former Niagara University students:

Timothy Osberg,Danielle Poland, Gina Aguayo and Sharon MacDougall.

The Irrational Food Beliefs Scale: Development and validation. Eating Behaviors, Vol. 9 Issue 1 (January 2008), p25-40.

Did You Know?

2007-12-14T13:49:00.001-05:00

You can check out NU books and DVDs during the holiday break and intersession! These items will be due back on January 17, 2008.

December Monthly Book Spotlight

2007-12-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

The December installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. In it, I highlight a few of the Library's Christmas books.

Extended and Holiday Hours

2007-12-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

For your convenience, we will be open 8am-1am from Monday, December 10 through Thursday, December 13.

Please see our calendar for our holiday schedule.

Fall 2007 Newsletter Published

2007-11-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

The Fall 2007 issue of Library News has been added to the Library's web site. Check it out and find out about how we're making interlibrary loan easier for you, NU faculty publications, our laptop lending program and more!

ILLiad: Making Interlibrary Loan Easier For You!

2007-11-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

The interlibrary loan process is now easier for you thanks to ILLiad, our new interlibrary loan management software program! Here are some of the benefits of using ILLiad:

You will have access to your ILLiad account 24/7 from any web browser.
You will only need to enter your personal information ONCE when you create your ILLiad account, not every time you submit a request. After you create your account, you will access it using the username and password you selected.
You will receive automatic emails letting you know when your items have arrived.
Articles and book chapters will be waiting for you in your ILLiad account in PDF format (unless you requested a print copy).
You will be able to view a list of the items you have borrowed, see when they are due and request renewals.
You will be able to see the status of your outstanding requests.
You will be able to connect to ILLiad directly from an EBSCOhost or WorldCat record.

ILLiad will also make our behind-the-scenes work easier and less dependent on paper, which will result in a more efficient and earth-friendly interlibrary loan process.

To get started with ILLiad, please visit http://www.niagara.edu/library/docdel.html.

Rare Book Room Open For Studying Until the End of the Semester!

2007-11-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

You can study in the Rare Book Room during the final three weeks of the semester. There may, however, be a few occasions when it is not available due to previously scheduled meetings. If the room is locked, please ask a staff member at the Circulation Desk to open the door for you.

November Monthly Book Spotlight

2007-11-15T14:16:00.000-05:00

The November installment of the Monthly Book Spotlight has been added to the Library's web site. Reference Librarian Samantha Gust highlights the faculty members currently featured in the Library's Faculty Publications Display near the front entrance.

Christmas Fine Amnesty 2007

2007-11-14T09:18:00.001-05:00

Do you owe fines to the Library? Would you like to contribute canned or boxed food items to the needy of our area?

From Monday, November 19 until Friday, December 21 the Library will waive $2.00 of your fines for every canned or boxed item you contribute (sorry, no Ramen noodles).

*Please note that the Fine Amnesty does not apply to lost book charges.*

The Library will accept donations even if you do not owe Library fines. Your contributions will go to local soup kitchens.

DVD Update

2007-11-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

A library patron recently wrote the following in our comment book:
You should have a new release section.

NU Library Director David Schoen responds:
We thought the same thing - it is in the works. We are building a new shelf to hold the educational DVDs, which will allow us to space things out for a new release section.

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

Library Staff Member Named NU's Employee of the Month

2007-11-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Cataloging Technician Kris Schrader for being named Niagara University's Employee of the Month for November!

NU President Father Levesque presented the award to Kris yesterday.

Recent Faculty Publication

2007-11-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent publication by a Niagara University faculty member:

Ronny Priefer (Chemistry Department), Eric Martineau and David N. Harpp

Derivatization of dicubyl disulfide. Journal of Sulfur Chemistry, Vol. 28 Issue 6 (December 2007), p529-535.

Halloween 2007

2007-10-31T11:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween from Prince Valiant (Cataloging Technician Eleanor Jacoby) and Flo/Lisa the Waitress (Library Secretary Lisa Jackson)!

Library Bake Sale: November 5 & 6

2007-10-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

Bring your sweet tooth to the Library on Monday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 6 for yummy brownies, cakes, cookies, muffins and more!

The Library Bake Sale will take place from 8:30AM until 4:30PM both days. Look for our table of goodies when you enter the Library. Proceeds will benefit the "Lord's Day Dinner" in Niagara Falls on Thanksgiving Day.

FYI: the Lord's Day Dinner was started 17 years ago by Yvonne Davis. It is held at the VFW on Seneca Avenue in Niagara Falls from 9:00AM to 6:00PM Thanksgiving Day. Yvonne and her many volunteers serve hundreds of dinners to the needy and also deliver meals to elderly shut-ins in the area. If you are interested in spending some of your holiday time working at the site, or if you would like to make your own donation to help a great cause, you can reach Yvonne at 716-284-6973.

New Group Study Room!

2007-10-18T14:51:00.000-04:00

One of the things students have told us in surveys is that they would like more group study space in the Library.

In response to this, we just created a new group study room on the northeast side of the first floor (the side close to the Gallagher Center). It has a TV and a DVD player (but no television channels), and a VCR will be added soon.

The Final Harry Potter Book

2007-10-11T13:28:00.001-04:00

In the October Monthly Book Spotlight, Reference Librarian Diane Maroon writes about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling.

New Reference Librarian

2007-10-11T12:18:00.000-04:00

We're pleased to announce that Michelle Skiba has been hired as a part-time reference librarian.

Blast From the Past

2007-10-03T08:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a photo Acquisitions Librarian Charles Dabkowski took of the Library's reference area, circa 1995-96.

Before web-based online databases, we had CD-ROMs! We also had a lot of computer equipment at each workstation!

Looking For Something Different to Watch on DVD?

2007-10-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

Take a look at some of the films distributed by Docurama! The library owns 46 Docurama titles, including:

Air Guitar Nation
An inspiring, exhilarating, and hilarious journey to find "the greatest air guitarist in the world." Shelved in the Recreational DVD Collection under "Air."

Heavy Petting
An entertaining and and funny exploration of the sexual mores of the 1950s. Shelved in the Recreational DVD Collection under "Heavy."

Following Sean
What happens to a 4-year-old kid who grew up smoking pot and running barefoot on the wild streets of 1960s San Francisco? Filmmaker Ralph Arlyck tracks down Sean--the boy who had been the subject of his controversy-sparking 1969 documentary--to find out what he's like 30 years later. Shelved in the Educational DVD Collection at call number BF710 .F65 2007.

Education of Shelby Knox
An interesting tale of one girl's mission to bring sex education to schools in her ultra-conservative hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Shelved in the Educational DVD Collection at call number HQ57.5.A3 E38 2006.

The Staircase
The riveting story of North Carolina author Michael Peterson, who stood trial in 2003 for the murder of his wife. Shelved in the Educational DVD Collection at call number KF224.P4 S73 2005.

To find other titles, just do a general keyword search of "Docurama" in the Library Catalog.

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!

2007-10-01T11:09:00.000-04:00

September 29 - October 6 is Banned Books Week 2007!

You can find background information on this important week as well as lists of books that have been challenged over the years here.

You can also watch a brief video on the 10 most challenged books of 2006.

Niagara Reads: 2002-2007

2007-09-07T08:56:00.001-04:00

The September Monthly Book Spotlight is dedicated to the books used in Niagara Reads, the University's freshman summer reading program.

Meet Your Librarians!

2007-09-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

There is a reference librarian on duty whenever the Library is open, and we're here to help you! If you'd like to learn more about us, check out our individual web pages:

Andy Bailey, Part-time Reference Librarian
Jonathan Coe, Coordinator of Public Services
Charles Dabkowski, Head of Acquisitions and Serials
Samantha Gust, Reference/Interlibrary Loan Librarian & Webmaster
Michael Lavin, Part-time Reference Librarian
David Schoen, Library Director
Joe Umhauer, Assistant Library Director for Technical Services

Library Reports

2007-08-30T13:46:00.000-04:00

The Library's 2006-07 Annual Report and Statistical Overview are now available on the Annual and Other Administrative Reports page.

Welcome!

2007-08-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

The Library would like to welcome all new and returning students, faculty and staff! We hope to see you soon!

Recent Faculty Publication

2007-08-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

Here is another recent Niagara University faculty publication:

William D. Frye (Hospitality and Tourism Management) and Daniel J. Mount

An Examination of Job Satisfaction of General Managers Based on Hotel Size and Service Type. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, 2007, Vol. 6 Issue 2, 109-134.

Check Your Library Account Online

2007-08-16T10:50:00.000-04:00

A Library user recently sent us an email and wrote:

"Unless I am just unable to find it, it would be extremely useful to have something online which students can use to view their library account information to renew materials or see which materials they have checked out. All other institutions I've attended and even public libraries offer this."

Our response:

Look for the "My Account" tab in the Library Catalog and enter the 14 digit number located on the back of your NU ID card. You can review your checkouts and renew items online.

The 14 digit number also will let you place holds on items. Just look for the "Request Item" button when viewing a list of materials. *Please remember to make sure that we have your current email address on file at the Circulation Desk so that you receive messages from us in a timely manner.*

NU Employee of the Month For August

2007-08-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Charles Dabkowski, head of Acquisitions/Periodicals, for being named the Niagara University Employee of the Month for August! NU President Father Levesque presented the award today.

Slave: My True Story

2007-07-31T10:34:00.001-04:00

The August Monthly Book Spotlight focuses on Slave: My True Story by Mende Nazer with Damien Lewis and was submitted by Sharon Green, Reading Coordinator in the Office of Academic Support.

The Rise of American Democracy

2007-06-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

July's Monthly book spotlight focuses on Sean Wilentz's The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln.

The Road

2007-06-07T13:01:00.000-04:00

Reference Librarian Diane Maroon writes about the post-apocalyptic survival novel The Road by Cormac McCarthy in the June Monthly Book Spotlight.

Fall 2006 & Spring 2007 Excellence in Customer Service Awards

2007-05-30T11:43:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Reference Librarian (formerly our Library Instruction Assistant) Jennifer Potter and Technical Assistant Eleanor Jacoby for being named the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 recipients of the Niagara University Library Excellence in Customer Service Award.

Jennifer for recognized for her outreach in building a relationship with the Castellani Art Museum, and Eleanor was recognized for demonstrating initiative and creativity in her work on Library displays.

Librarian Completes Leadership Program

2007-05-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

Reference/Interlibrary Loan Librarian Samantha Gust recently graduated from the Western New York Library Resources Council's inaugural Library Leadership Institute.

Between September 2006 and April 2007 she attended six all-day training sessions and worked with three area librarians on the group project, "Creating a Marketing Plan for Private Academic Libraries," which she plans on implementing in NU's library. You can learn more about her group's project here.

Reference Librarian Departs

2007-05-16T18:34:00.000-04:00

Part-Time Reference Librarian Michael Krajewski recently left the University and will soon begin working towards his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.) at the University at Buffalo. Mike began working in the Library in August 2005. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavors!

Pictured: Samantha Gust, Mike Krajewski (and his new Taylor Hicks photo) and Jonathan Coe.

Photo taken by Kelly Waller at the Steelhead Irish Pub in Lewiston.

Excellence in Library Service Awards

2007-05-09T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Library would like to congratulate the 2007 recipients of the Excellence in Library Service Award. This award is presented to senior work-study students who have demonstrated quality service to patrons and dedication to their job continuously during their entire academic experience here at Niagara University. The students honored at the May 7 ceremony were Katie Boyle, Stacey Howard and Ryan Morris.

Pictured: Stacey Howard, Library Director David Schoen and Katie Boyle.

"Cake Day" at the Library

2007-05-09T10:19:00.000-04:00

Cataloging Technician Eleanor Jacoby and Brendan Powers, Niagara University Theatre’s Artistic Director, were all smiles on "Cake Day" during National Library Week last month.

Elizabeth I

2007-05-08T13:56:00.000-04:00

In the May Monthly Book Spotlight, Reference Librarian Diane Maroon writes about the biography Elizabeth I by Alison Plowden.

New JSTOR Collections Added

2007-04-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

The Library is pleased to announce that three additional JSTOR collections have been acquired:

Arts and Sciences I
Arts and Sciences II
Arts and Sciences Complement

These collections are in addition to the Language & Literature collection, which was purchased last year.

JSTOR offers you the ability to retrieve high-resolution, scanned images of journal issues and pages as they were originally designed, printed, and illustrated. The database includes the complete scholarly runs of core scholarly journals, many as far back as the 1800s. Please note that JSTOR is not a current issues database. There is a gap, typically from 1 to 5 years, between the most recently published journal issue and the back issues available in JSTOR.

We can't provide access to the entire JSTOR collection for financial reasons, but we are are providing access to much of the core content of JSTOR.

Visit our JSTOR page for more information.

Foreign Films

2007-04-24T11:55:00.000-04:00

A selection of foreign films on DVD like Amelie (France), Run Lola Run (Germany) and Zhou Yu's Train (China) are currently on display in the Recreational DVD area. You can see what other foreign films we have here.

Come on, give subtitles a try! :-)

Play Ball!

2007-04-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

In the April Monthly Book Spotlight, baseball fan/Coordinator of Public Services Jonathan Coe writes about the biography Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero by David Maraniss.

Trial of Blackwell Synergy Full-Text Journal Collection

2007-04-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

The Library is conducting a trial of Blackwell Synergy, the home of over 1 million full-text articles from over 850 journals, from now through April 30. Let us know what you think using the comment form on our page.

Please note: this database is only available from on campus.

Recent Faculty Publication

2007-03-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

Here is another recent Niagara University faculty publication:

Stephen Petersen (Philosophy Department)
The Ethics of Robot Servitude. Journal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence, January 2007, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p43-54.

Library Receives Professional Development Grant

2007-03-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a professional development grant from the Western New York Library Resources Council, the Library will be running a workshop in May called "Assessment Instrument Design and Implementation."

The workshop will be open to all librarians in the region, and the presenter will be Jennifer Herman, Niagara University's Director of Instructional Support.

Contest Winner!

2007-03-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to LeRoy S., the winner of our first blog contest!