Card Catalog??? What's that? Who remembers the Vertical File (hint: it used to be our internet). Audio Visual Materials is what we used to call YouTube.
50 years on, and these things still apply.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
National Library Week 1965
It's Throwback Thursday AND the College is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year, so it's time to look at National Library Week in 1965:
Card Catalog??? What's that? Who remembers the Vertical File (hint: it used to be our internet). Audio Visual Materials is what we used to call YouTube.
50 years on, and these things still apply.
Card Catalog??? What's that? Who remembers the Vertical File (hint: it used to be our internet). Audio Visual Materials is what we used to call YouTube.
50 years on, and these things still apply.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
National Library Week
Please join Your Alexandria Campus Library in celebrating National Library Week (April 10 - 16).
This year's theme is "Libraries Transform" so get on in here and be transformed!
Also, help yourself to a free bookmark.
Saturday, April 09, 2016
Kim turns 35
Congratulations to the LTR office manager and library sergeant major, Kim Gross, who celebrated 35 years employment at the College.
She just shook the President's hand!
Congratulations, too, to the Alexandria Campus Faculty emeriti:
[l-r: Paul McVeigh, Robert Brunner, Lisa Moran, Bill Schran, Barry Sellinger, Jon Burton]
Hail!
She just shook the President's hand!
Congratulations, too, to the Alexandria Campus Faculty emeriti:
[l-r: Paul McVeigh, Robert Brunner, Lisa Moran, Bill Schran, Barry Sellinger, Jon Burton]
Hail!
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Throwback Thursday
The Library has always been a place that is devoted to feeding the senses as well as the mind, and through its existence the Alexandria Campus Library has hosted student art, pop-up art shows, topical book displays, course and curriculum marketing, program events as well as displays of material of special interest.
On this Throwback Thursday, we look at Library Displays then-and-now!!
THEN:
Apparently there were Washington football fans in the library back in the day [above]
We're not even sure what this display, circa 1970s, is all about [above]
NOW:
the De-Stress 4 Success Club took over the Library display space to promote their motivational workshops:
You might say we've come a long way.
On this Throwback Thursday, we look at Library Displays then-and-now!!
THEN:
Apparently there were Washington football fans in the library back in the day [above]
We're not even sure what this display, circa 1970s, is all about [above]
NOW:
the De-Stress 4 Success Club took over the Library display space to promote their motivational workshops:
You might say we've come a long way.
Monday, April 04, 2016
"Oddest Book Title of the Year"
We waited until after April Fool's to post this, because it is real.
Bookseller magazine nominates an "oddest book title of the year" prize. Past winners include How to Poo on a Date and Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes.
This year's nominees include Transvestite Vampire Biker Nuns from Outer Space:
Although the Alexandria Campus Library does not own any of these titles, you might try:
How to crochet : the definitive crochet course complete with step-by-step techniques, stitch libraries and projects for your home and family. TT820 .T872x 2001
Withnail and Us: Cult Films and Film Cults in British Cinema. Available online.
Or watch the video:
Withnail and I. Alexandria AV PN1997 .W5845 2001
Bookseller magazine nominates an "oddest book title of the year" prize. Past winners include How to Poo on a Date and Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes.
This year's nominees include Transvestite Vampire Biker Nuns from Outer Space:
Although the Alexandria Campus Library does not own any of these titles, you might try:
How to crochet : the definitive crochet course complete with step-by-step techniques, stitch libraries and projects for your home and family. TT820 .T872x 2001
Withnail and Us: Cult Films and Film Cults in British Cinema. Available online.
Or watch the video:
Withnail and I. Alexandria AV PN1997 .W5845 2001
Monday, March 28, 2016
Languages Week Celebrated at Alexandria
The World Languages Department at the Alexandria Campus hosted Celebrate Languages Week, March 14 to 17. The week kicked off with the screening of two films, “The Postman,” in Italian and “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” in Spanish, which were followed by discussions moderated by professors Nadya Malagò and Eddy Arana. On March 16, Professor Lama Hamdan showed the Arabic language film “Amreeka” and led the discussion that followed.
Professors Martha Davis, Laura Franklin and Dali Tan hosted an international poetry reading on Tuesday. World Language students recited poems in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. This event also featured a display of selected texts from a new collection to the Alexandria Campus Library donated in honor of former student, Patrick Hamm. Hamm was an avid reader and caring friend who took pride in his Mexican heritage. After he died suddenly on October 9, 2015 at the age of 32, his friends from his fall 2014 Spanish 202 class raised $500 to purchase Mexican and Mexican-American literature and nonfiction, in Spanish and English. Each book contains a bilingual bookplate indicating that it was donated in Hamm’s honor.
On Thursday three events were featured. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Terry Nealon, Alexandria resident, native of County Mayo, Ireland, and CEO of the educational software firm, Fishtree, presented a “Celebration of Irish Culture and Language.” An International Karaoke Contest followed the presentation. Professor Amanda Trostle hosted the event, and Franklin and Hamdan served as faculty judges. The first, second and third place winners sang in Spanish, Chinese and French, respectively, and were presented with gift cards. Celebrate Languages Week activities concluded with a session of international board games for students of Spanish and Chinese, including Scrabble en español and mah jongg.
Also during Celebrate Languages Week, and under the direction of Professor Elizabeth Bull, the French Club decorated the Liberal Arts Division display case with images of La Francophonie.
From Intercom: http://blogs.nvcc.edu/intercom/2016/03/28/languages-week-celebrated-at-alexandria/
Matt Todd, Patricia Escamilla-Hamm (mother of former NOVA student Patrick Hamm) and Martha Davis.
Professors Martha Davis, Laura Franklin and Dali Tan hosted an international poetry reading on Tuesday. World Language students recited poems in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese. This event also featured a display of selected texts from a new collection to the Alexandria Campus Library donated in honor of former student, Patrick Hamm. Hamm was an avid reader and caring friend who took pride in his Mexican heritage. After he died suddenly on October 9, 2015 at the age of 32, his friends from his fall 2014 Spanish 202 class raised $500 to purchase Mexican and Mexican-American literature and nonfiction, in Spanish and English. Each book contains a bilingual bookplate indicating that it was donated in Hamm’s honor.
Shonette Grant, Terry Nealon (CEO of Fishtree) and Martha Davis.
On Thursday three events were featured. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Terry Nealon, Alexandria resident, native of County Mayo, Ireland, and CEO of the educational software firm, Fishtree, presented a “Celebration of Irish Culture and Language.” An International Karaoke Contest followed the presentation. Professor Amanda Trostle hosted the event, and Franklin and Hamdan served as faculty judges. The first, second and third place winners sang in Spanish, Chinese and French, respectively, and were presented with gift cards. Celebrate Languages Week activities concluded with a session of international board games for students of Spanish and Chinese, including Scrabble en español and mah jongg.
Also during Celebrate Languages Week, and under the direction of Professor Elizabeth Bull, the French Club decorated the Liberal Arts Division display case with images of La Francophonie.
From Intercom: http://blogs.nvcc.edu/intercom/2016/03/28/languages-week-celebrated-at-alexandria/
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Throwback Thursday
Online discovery system? Electronic databases? MARC records? Metadata?
Forget all that and journey back in time to simpler days when we used hand-typed card catalogs:
We're not sure when this picture was taken, but we're pretty sure it depicts Library Specialist Emerita Marion Mirehouse,
Oh, the good old days.
Forget all that and journey back in time to simpler days when we used hand-typed card catalogs:
We're not sure when this picture was taken, but we're pretty sure it depicts Library Specialist Emerita Marion Mirehouse,
Oh, the good old days.
Friday, March 18, 2016
International Languages Week
The Alexandria World Languages Department celebrated International Languages week from March 14-18. The Library pitched in to support International Poetry Reading, featuring student readers reciting poems in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese.
The International Poetry Reading also featured the dedication of a new collection to NOVA Alexandria’s Library donated in honor of former NOVA student, Patrick Hamm, an avid reader and caring friend who took pride in his Mexican heritage.
After Patrick died suddenly on October 9, 2015 at the age of 32, his friends from his Fall 2014 Spanish 202 class raised $500 to purchase Mexican and Mexican-American literature and non-fiction, in Spanish and English. Each book contains a bilingual bookplate indicating that it was donated in Patrick’s honor. Patrick’s friends take comfort in knowing that the the books will be enjoyed by generations of students to come.
Pictured above with a sample of the collection of the donated books are L to R: Matt Todd (Library Director), Patricia Escamilla-Hamm (Patrick’s mother) and Martha Davis (Assistant Dean, World Languages).
The International Poetry Reading also featured the dedication of a new collection to NOVA Alexandria’s Library donated in honor of former NOVA student, Patrick Hamm, an avid reader and caring friend who took pride in his Mexican heritage.
After Patrick died suddenly on October 9, 2015 at the age of 32, his friends from his Fall 2014 Spanish 202 class raised $500 to purchase Mexican and Mexican-American literature and non-fiction, in Spanish and English. Each book contains a bilingual bookplate indicating that it was donated in Patrick’s honor. Patrick’s friends take comfort in knowing that the the books will be enjoyed by generations of students to come.
Pictured above with a sample of the collection of the donated books are L to R: Matt Todd (Library Director), Patricia Escamilla-Hamm (Patrick’s mother) and Martha Davis (Assistant Dean, World Languages).
Saturday, March 05, 2016
It's a mad mad world
Midterm Madness came and went with committed studying, consumption of much coffee, and eating of many many Oreo cookies.
Over 170 students stayed late with us and took advantage of the Library extended hours.
Coming next week: Spring Break!!!
Time for a little respite (although one student assures us that "Spring Break is a cruel joke! I have too much to catch up on!"). From Monday March 7 - Friday March 11 the Library will be open 8.30am - 5.00pm and closed Saturday March 12th.
Normal hours, and the second 8-week session (register now!) resume March 14th.
Will your Spring Break look like this?
Over 170 students stayed late with us and took advantage of the Library extended hours.
Coming next week: Spring Break!!!
Time for a little respite (although one student assures us that "Spring Break is a cruel joke! I have too much to catch up on!"). From Monday March 7 - Friday March 11 the Library will be open 8.30am - 5.00pm and closed Saturday March 12th.
Normal hours, and the second 8-week session (register now!) resume March 14th.
Will your Spring Break look like this?
Monday, February 29, 2016
Lights, Camera, Action!
Professor Lucy Gebre-Egziabher visited the Library last week to speak with students interested in film classes offered on campus. Professor Gebre-Egziabher will be teaching two eight week film during the second Spring 2016 session. Many of the titles used in these classes are available on reserve in the Library! Movies included in the class curriculum include: Do the Right Thing, Pulp Fiction, Moonrise Kingdom, Amelie, and many more. Check out the flyer below for class details and transfer information. Register before these classes are full!
If you'd like to learn more about Professor Gebre-Egziabher's exciting film background, she will be giving a presentation tomorrow on her experience teaching film in Ethiopia as a Fulbright Specialist. Join us in room 196 from 2 PM - 3 PM. Snacks and refreshments will be served.
***Please note that the flyer below lists an incorrect room number. The presentation will take place in room AA-196 at 2 PM.***
***Please note that the flyer above lists an incorrect room number. The presentation will take place in room AA-196 at 2 PM.***
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Midterm Madness
Extended Hours!! February 29 - March 4.
There will be more time to prepare for midterms next week as the Library once again maintains extended hours.
There will be more time to prepare for midterms next week as the Library once again maintains extended hours.
Madness. Get it?
The Library will be open
Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 11.00pm
Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm
Snacks will be served at 10pm!
Come study with us!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Hello from Willi
The Library Fish:
Willi is reading:
Willi is reading:
Fish that fake orgasms : and other zoological curiosities. QL50 .W23 2007
Friday, February 19, 2016
Grasses for the Masses 2
The Grass is back!
On Wednesday, February 17th, Library Specialists Michelle Jerney-Davis and Kevin O'Hagan installed a grass growth chamber in the Library Living Room to help save the Chesapeake Bay! The Grasses for the Masses program enlists volunteers across the region to grow Wild Celery (Vallisneria Americana) as part of a continued effort to clean up the Bay. This is the second year in row we’ve had grass growing in the Library.
Michelle adds distilled water to the growth chamber.
Kevin skims the loose dirt from the chamber surface.
The grass will grow all semester in the Library and then be transplanted into the Potomac River. Come and see our grass grow!
Want to learn more about efforts to save the Bay? Check out the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s website: http://www.cbf.org/
On Wednesday, February 17th, Library Specialists Michelle Jerney-Davis and Kevin O'Hagan installed a grass growth chamber in the Library Living Room to help save the Chesapeake Bay! The Grasses for the Masses program enlists volunteers across the region to grow Wild Celery (Vallisneria Americana) as part of a continued effort to clean up the Bay. This is the second year in row we’ve had grass growing in the Library.
Michelle adds distilled water to the growth chamber.
Kevin skims the loose dirt from the chamber surface.
The grass will grow all semester in the Library and then be transplanted into the Potomac River. Come and see our grass grow!
Want to learn more about efforts to save the Bay? Check out the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s website: http://www.cbf.org/
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Coming Soon...
...to a Library near you (the Alexandria Campus Library).
Grass returns! Beginning Wednesday February 17th the Library will once again support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's "Grasses for the Masses" project to bolster aquatic grass populations and help save the Bay. Stop by and visit our growth chamber in the Library Living Room. The Library first grew grass for the Bay last year.
Essential Oils. The Green Club will present on the environmental and health benefits of essential oils on Thursday February 18th from 12.30-2.
Grass returns! Beginning Wednesday February 17th the Library will once again support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's "Grasses for the Masses" project to bolster aquatic grass populations and help save the Bay. Stop by and visit our growth chamber in the Library Living Room. The Library first grew grass for the Bay last year.
Essential Oils. The Green Club will present on the environmental and health benefits of essential oils on Thursday February 18th from 12.30-2.
Al-Mutanabbi Pop-Up Student Art Show. The Library will host a book-arts exhibit from February 18-29 featuring the work of student from NOVA and George Mason University.
Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here DC 2016 is a book arts and cultural festival planned for January through March 2016, throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Exhibits, programs, and events will commemorate the 2007 bombing of Baghdad’s historic bookselling street, and celebrate the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, to stand in solidarity with the people of Iraq, who have endured so much; and with people at home and abroad who are unable to make their voices heard.
Midterm Madness!!! Back by popular demand: the Library will be open an extra hour from February 29th - March 4th to provide more study time for midterms and 8-week-session finals. The Library will be open until 11pm Monday-Thursday and 6pm Friday.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Container Garden
How does your garden grow? In pots!
Professor Cintas's BIO110 General Botany class is growing a variety of plants, and the Library is hosting:
Come by and see our garden grow, or check out a book on how to make your own contained garden:
Professor Cintas's BIO110 General Botany class is growing a variety of plants, and the Library is hosting:
Come by and see our garden grow, or check out a book on how to make your own contained garden:
The complete book of patio & container gardening. SB473.2 .W55 2001
Time-saving gardener : tips and essential tasks, season by season. SB450.97 .H88 2008
Urban agriculture : ideas and designs for the new food revolution. S494.5.U72 T73x 2011
Apartment gardening : plants, projects, and recipes for growing food in your urban home. SB453 .P358 2011
The edible balcony : growing fresh produce in small spaces. SB419.5 .M58 2012
Thursday, February 04, 2016
NOVA Nighthawks
Not sure what a nighthawk is?
Read all about it in
Peterson field guide to birds of eastern and central North America. QL681 P45
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
HELP!! The College is closed...
...and I have an assignment to submit! I need to do research, find resources, and cite sources to complete my assignment. What can I do???
Fear not! Even when the College is physically closed, most Library collections and services are available online.
Go to the Library webpage to access
Resources:
* ebooks. Search the Library catalog follow the ebooks link to find tens of thousands of online holdings
*online articles (hundreds of thousand of full-text newspaper, magazine and scholarly journal articles)
*streaming video
Research Assistance:
* Chat with a librarian. 24-7, real-time assistance with a real-live Librarian (Ask a Librarian > 24/7 chat)
* Online Research Guides. You can find one-stop guides for finding information for your course subject, or in many cases for your specific class. (instructors' names are indicated -- look for yours!)
* Citation Help. It's not everyone's favorite thing, but you gotta do it
**Note that even when the College buildings are physically closed for any reason, class activity continues via BlackBoard. Consult your college email and course BlackBoard pages for more information**
Fear not! Even when the College is physically closed, most Library collections and services are available online.
Go to the Library webpage to access
Resources:
* ebooks. Search the Library catalog follow the ebooks link to find tens of thousands of online holdings
*online articles (hundreds of thousand of full-text newspaper, magazine and scholarly journal articles)
*streaming video
Research Assistance:
* Chat with a librarian. 24-7, real-time assistance with a real-live Librarian (Ask a Librarian > 24/7 chat)
* Online Research Guides. You can find one-stop guides for finding information for your course subject, or in many cases for your specific class. (instructors' names are indicated -- look for yours!)
* Citation Help. It's not everyone's favorite thing, but you gotta do it
**Note that even when the College buildings are physically closed for any reason, class activity continues via BlackBoard. Consult your college email and course BlackBoard pages for more information**
Monday, February 01, 2016
Snow's OVER!
The College re-opened Saturday January 30 and normal services, hours, and operations resumed.
What did YOU do while you were snowed in -- binge watch? Binge read? a little of both?
The Library staff recommended some of these options from the Library collections:
How did YOU stay busy in the snowzilla? Aside from going to class online.
Above:
Alexander, The Chronicles of Prydain. PS3551.L35698 A6 2011
Gallsworthy, The Forsyte Saga. PR6013.A5 F56 2002
Forsyte Saga. AV PR6013.A5 F56 2002b
Vikings. PN1992.77 .V555x 2013
The Young Ones. AV PN1992.77 .Y64664x 2007
What did YOU do while you were snowed in -- binge watch? Binge read? a little of both?
The Library staff recommended some of these options from the Library collections:
How did YOU stay busy in the snowzilla? Aside from going to class online.
Above:
Alexander, The Chronicles of Prydain. PS3551.L35698 A6 2011
Gallsworthy, The Forsyte Saga. PR6013.A5 F56 2002
Forsyte Saga. AV PR6013.A5 F56 2002b
Vikings. PN1992.77 .V555x 2013
The Young Ones. AV PN1992.77 .Y64664x 2007
Monday, January 11, 2016
Willi reads
Willi the Library Fish is catching up on medieval Welsh tales in the Mabinogion :
The Mabinogion (PS3545.A6296 M33 2002) is a collection of Celtic legend and folklore, and some of the earliest prose literature of the British Isles.
If the collected tales are too daunting, you might try Lloyd Alexander's modern-day adaptation The Chronicles of Prydain ( PS3551.L35698 A6 2011).
The Mabinogion (PS3545.A6296 M33 2002) is a collection of Celtic legend and folklore, and some of the earliest prose literature of the British Isles.
If the collected tales are too daunting, you might try Lloyd Alexander's modern-day adaptation The Chronicles of Prydain ( PS3551.L35698 A6 2011).
Monday, January 04, 2016
Intersession
Happy New Year
During the week of January 4-8 the Library will be open from 8.30am - 5.00pm.
Spring classes begin on January 11th, and normal Library hours will resume.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Happy Holidays!
Willi the Library fish wishes all the Alexandria Campus community a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year:
If you know what "smoking bishop" is, enjoy some of that as well (you have to read to the end of the book to find out why!).
Willie recommends getting in the seasonal frame of mind with a good old Dickensian read:
Goodbye Final Exams
As Final Exams come finally to an end, the Library returns to normal hours.
During the last week of classes and final exams week the Library opened early at 8am and closed late at 11pm.
Over 110 students were served before 8.30 in the morning and over 500 stayed late with us (with coffee, cookies, chips, snacks and sodas at 10pm) for a grand total of 625 dedicated undergrads studying for exams, finishing research and writing papers. Almost none of them did this:
During the last week of classes and final exams week the Library opened early at 8am and closed late at 11pm.
Over 110 students were served before 8.30 in the morning and over 500 stayed late with us (with coffee, cookies, chips, snacks and sodas at 10pm) for a grand total of 625 dedicated undergrads studying for exams, finishing research and writing papers. Almost none of them did this:
Friday, December 11, 2015
Come be cosy with us...
Get a cup of hot cocoa (Hot Chocolate Bar Monday Dec 14th!!!) or a cup of coffee and a cookie (study snacks at 10pm Monday - Thursday!!!!) and enjoy our book fireplace:
Yes, our fireplace is made with de-accessioned National Geographic Magazines!
Yes, our fireplace is made with de-accessioned National Geographic Magazines!
Monday, December 07, 2015
Extended Hours
Back by popular demand! This week and next week the Library will be open extra hours for the last week of classes and final exams.
The Library will be open from 8am - 11pm Monday through Thursday and
8am - 6pm on Fridays.
Stay up late with us and enjoy Late Night Study Break at 10pm.
Thursday, December 03, 2015
Binge Watch
Binge-Watch: to watch multiple episodes of a TV show in a short period of time!
Check out one the Library's DVD series.
Check out
Torchwood
Doctor Who
Arrested Development
Coupling
Orange is the New Black
Game of Thrones
Friends
Mr Bean
One Foot in the Grave
Good Neighbours
Star Trek (Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager)
Absolutely Fabulous
The Young Ones
Flight of the Conchords
Vikings
Orphan Black
Yes, Minister
Upstairs Downstairs
The Forsyte Saga (original and reboot!)
Check out one the Library's DVD series.
Check out
Torchwood
Doctor Who
Arrested Development
Coupling
Orange is the New Black
Game of Thrones
Friends
Mr Bean
One Foot in the Grave
Good Neighbours
Star Trek (Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager)
Absolutely Fabulous
The Young Ones
Flight of the Conchords
Vikings
Orphan Black
Yes, Minister
Upstairs Downstairs
The Forsyte Saga (original and reboot!)
And many more! Visit the DVD section soon!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Library displays
Ever wonder what prompts or inspires the book displays that appear on rotating basis in the Alexandria Campus Library?
It might be a commemoration of historical events, like the Battle of Agincourt, the 600th anniversary of which was on 25 October:
Or it might be in recognition of a national holiday (Veteran's Day, 11 November):
Soldier: A Visual History of the Fighting Man. U750 G725x
Or promoting a campus event:
The Alexandria Campus Library, with funding from the Office of Student Life and support from teaching faculty and the Academic Success Center, hosted three Networking 101 events on concurrent days (November 10-11-12).
Or advertising new and improved campus services:
Visit the Alexandria Campus's brand new Open Computer Lab in AA332, now open for business!
It might be a commemoration of historical events, like the Battle of Agincourt, the 600th anniversary of which was on 25 October:
Or it might be in recognition of a national holiday (Veteran's Day, 11 November):
Soldier: A Visual History of the Fighting Man. U750 G725x
Or promoting a campus event:
The Alexandria Campus Library, with funding from the Office of Student Life and support from teaching faculty and the Academic Success Center, hosted three Networking 101 events on concurrent days (November 10-11-12).
Or advertising new and improved campus services:
Visit the Alexandria Campus's brand new Open Computer Lab in AA332, now open for business!
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