You can't vote if you're not registered, and TODAY is the last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before General (Presidential) Election on November 4. See here for more information on registering in PA and other states.
Don't put it off! Make sure those envelopes get postmarked October 6!
Don't put it off! Make sure those envelopes get postmarked October 6!
The Vice-Presidential debate (Biden/Palin) last night reminded me I didn't post anything about the first President debate (McCain/Obama), which aired last Friday night. So, more about that below.
VP Debate
Watch the Vice Presidential debate (or read the transcript) at the New York Times website (and many other places) - Sept. 26, St. Louis, moderator: Gwen Ifill
What is the truth in the candidates' claims? Find out at FactCheck.org
Who was the winner? Seems like the debate is receiving mixed reviews.
Presidential Debate
Watch the first Presidential debate (or read the transcript) at the New York Times website (and many other places) - Oct. 2, Oxford, Miss., moderator: Jim Lehrer
What is the truth in the candidates' claims? Find out at FactCheck.org
Who was the winner? No real clear winner here either.
Did you watch the debates? What do you think?
VP Debate
Watch the Vice Presidential debate (or read the transcript) at the New York Times website (and many other places) - Sept. 26, St. Louis, moderator: Gwen Ifill
What is the truth in the candidates' claims? Find out at FactCheck.org
Who was the winner? Seems like the debate is receiving mixed reviews.
Presidential Debate
Watch the first Presidential debate (or read the transcript) at the New York Times website (and many other places) - Oct. 2, Oxford, Miss., moderator: Jim Lehrer
What is the truth in the candidates' claims? Find out at FactCheck.org
Who was the winner? No real clear winner here either.
Did you watch the debates? What do you think?
Celebrate your freedom to read! Read a banned book!
Come to Eiche Library to check out our Banned Books Week display, featuring many books that have been banned or challenged in libraries and classrooms across the county. Guides are available to help explain why titles were challenged.
Come to Eiche Library to check out our Banned Books Week display, featuring many books that have been banned or challenged in libraries and classrooms across the county. Guides are available to help explain why titles were challenged.
I'm always finding great stuff in the library that I think would be great to use for a research project, if only more students knew these things were here! Some of this stuff I wish I had known about as a student. Recently, while getting ready to talk with a class about library resources for their assignment, I fell in love all over again with the print reference collection.
I focus a lot on our electronic reference and research resources (most of which exist in print somewhere), but in this medium it just makes sense to make it a click away. However, I know there are others out there that love the printed page, being able to thumb through bound book, experiencing a different, slower kind if discovery you don't get on the Internet.
So, with this in mind, I'm starting a new Friday feature, the "Reference Special," where I'll write about the wonders of either a unique or a classic reference title in our print reference collection.
I recently fell under the spell of the TV show Mad Men (AMC) for its rich and vivid portrayal of life in the 1960s. I've only seen a few episodes, but one of the things that jumped out at me are the distinct roles the women play in the lives of the high-powered Madison Avenue ad executives: the perfect wife; the free-spirited lover (man: "I can't decide if you have everything or you have nothing."); the successful department store executive that has to fight for even just a little respect; the naive secretary ("It's a typewriter. It looks complicated, but they made it easy enough for even a woman to use."), learning to do anything and everything to please the man she works for (and to get ahead). If, as part of my orientation activities, I was sent to get a prescription for the Pill on my first day of work--well, I don't know what I would do! I can't imagine a world where that was an expectation, or even just a requirement to advance.
I also noted I am glad I don't live in a time where everyone smoked, everywhere!
So, while strolling through the Reference Collection this afternoon, this title jumped out at me: The Sixties in America (3 vols.).
This set contains short, signed articles with recommendations for further reading on all aspects of life in the 1960s.
"Advertising" (2pp.), Sherri Ward Massey
Quotable: "Advertising... exploded with self-expression in the 1960's. This era is known for its creative appeal to the independent consumer, its sense of humor, and its superstar admakers" (p. 6).
Recommended reading includes: Soap, Sex, and Cigarettes: A Cultural History of American Advertising (Juliann Sivulka)
"Birth Control" (4 pp.), Fred Buchstein - includes sections on The Pill and IUDs, Women's Rights, and the Impact
Quotable: "Birth control became a tool for individual self-determination and sexual freedom. In addition, ... [it] gave a boost to the burgeoning women's movement by providing women with greater control over their reproductive function" (p. 85).
Recommended reading includes: Woman's Body, Woman's Right: Birth Control in America (Linda Gordon)
"Women's Identity" (4 pp.), Caralee Hutchinson - includes sections on The "Happy" Housewife, Changes, and Impact
Quotable: "At times, women's identity reflected American culture in the 1960's; at other times, the mainstream culture resisted and denied women's perceptions of themselves" (pp. 790).
Recommend reading includes: Changing the Future: American Women in the 1960's (Linden-Ward and Green) and The Woman in America (Robert Jay Lifton).
Other entries relevant to elements/themes in the TV show include:
"Business and the Economy," "Feminist Movement," "Feminine Mystique, The (Betty Friedan)," "Marriage," "Pill, The," "Sexual Revolution," "Women in the Workforce"
Just for Fun
"Alice's Restaurant," "Chappaquiddick Scandal," "Conant Report," "Crimes and Scandals," "Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, The (Tom Wolfe), " "Freedom Rides" and other topics related to the Civil Rights movement, " "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Pop Psychology," "Rock Operas," "White Panthers," "Woodstock Festival," etc.
Bonus Features
Also check out the All-American Ads set in the Reference Collection. It's interesting to compare the ads from the 1950's to the ads in the 1960's, in particular. You can really see the change in thinking about how companies should advertise their products to the individual.
I focus a lot on our electronic reference and research resources (most of which exist in print somewhere), but in this medium it just makes sense to make it a click away. However, I know there are others out there that love the printed page, being able to thumb through bound book, experiencing a different, slower kind if discovery you don't get on the Internet.
So, with this in mind, I'm starting a new Friday feature, the "Reference Special," where I'll write about the wonders of either a unique or a classic reference title in our print reference collection.
I recently fell under the spell of the TV show Mad Men (AMC) for its rich and vivid portrayal of life in the 1960s. I've only seen a few episodes, but one of the things that jumped out at me are the distinct roles the women play in the lives of the high-powered Madison Avenue ad executives: the perfect wife; the free-spirited lover (man: "I can't decide if you have everything or you have nothing."); the successful department store executive that has to fight for even just a little respect; the naive secretary ("It's a typewriter. It looks complicated, but they made it easy enough for even a woman to use."), learning to do anything and everything to please the man she works for (and to get ahead). If, as part of my orientation activities, I was sent to get a prescription for the Pill on my first day of work--well, I don't know what I would do! I can't imagine a world where that was an expectation, or even just a requirement to advance.
I also noted I am glad I don't live in a time where everyone smoked, everywhere!
So, while strolling through the Reference Collection this afternoon, this title jumped out at me: The Sixties in America (3 vols.).
This set contains short, signed articles with recommendations for further reading on all aspects of life in the 1960s.
"Advertising" (2pp.), Sherri Ward Massey
Quotable: "Advertising... exploded with self-expression in the 1960's. This era is known for its creative appeal to the independent consumer, its sense of humor, and its superstar admakers" (p. 6).
Recommended reading includes: Soap, Sex, and Cigarettes: A Cultural History of American Advertising (Juliann Sivulka)
"Birth Control" (4 pp.), Fred Buchstein - includes sections on The Pill and IUDs, Women's Rights, and the Impact
Quotable: "Birth control became a tool for individual self-determination and sexual freedom. In addition, ... [it] gave a boost to the burgeoning women's movement by providing women with greater control over their reproductive function" (p. 85).
Recommended reading includes: Woman's Body, Woman's Right: Birth Control in America (Linda Gordon)
"Women's Identity" (4 pp.), Caralee Hutchinson - includes sections on The "Happy" Housewife, Changes, and Impact
Quotable: "At times, women's identity reflected American culture in the 1960's; at other times, the mainstream culture resisted and denied women's perceptions of themselves" (pp. 790).
Recommend reading includes: Changing the Future: American Women in the 1960's (Linden-Ward and Green) and The Woman in America (Robert Jay Lifton).
Other entries relevant to elements/themes in the TV show include:
"Business and the Economy," "Feminist Movement," "Feminine Mystique, The (Betty Friedan)," "Marriage," "Pill, The," "Sexual Revolution," "Women in the Workforce"
Just for Fun
"Alice's Restaurant," "Chappaquiddick Scandal," "Conant Report," "Crimes and Scandals," "Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, The (Tom Wolfe), " "Freedom Rides" and other topics related to the Civil Rights movement, " "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Pop Psychology," "Rock Operas," "White Panthers," "Woodstock Festival," etc.
Bonus Features
- extensive annotated bibliography and "mediagraphy," by general subject
- time lines
- statistical look at the United States (charts and graphs)
- highlights in drama, legislation, literature, music, science & technology, and sports
Also check out the All-American Ads set in the Reference Collection. It's interesting to compare the ads from the 1950's to the ads in the 1960's, in particular. You can really see the change in thinking about how companies should advertise their products to the individual.
YouTube's YouChoose '08 connects you to the major party candidates. Hear and see what they have to say, in their own words.
And find out where the candidates stand on the issues:
While writing this, I came across an old post from April on "Change Campains: Can They Deliver?", which was interesting to reread in light of the current political situation. The "change" theme could make for an interesting research project. See which other Presidential candidates have run a "change" campaign (original blog post here).
And find out where the candidates stand on the issues:
While writing this, I came across an old post from April on "Change Campains: Can They Deliver?", which was interesting to reread in light of the current political situation. The "change" theme could make for an interesting research project. See which other Presidential candidates have run a "change" campaign (original blog post here).
I've seen the info everywhere, but it can't hurt to say it one more time! This Monday, October 6 is the deadline for voter registration in PA. If you're not yet registered, there's still time! Just print and complete the form here (opens as PDF) and drop it in the mail by October 6. Make sure it's postmarked by October 6!
Have questions about registering or voting in PA? Check out the VotesPA.com website.
Want to register in another state and vote by absentee ballot? Check out Vote411.org for information on how to register. But hurry, many states' deadlines are looming! Longdistancevoter.org also has a nice, simple guide to absentee voting in every state.
What is absentee voting? Basically, voting by mail. But, you must meet the criteria in your state to do so! College students can usually retain their voter registration in the district of their "home" address and vote by absentee ballot. Or, you can change your voter registration to your school address, but you need to remember to update it every time you move.
Want to vote by absentee ballot? Find out the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot and for returning it in your state. Don't forget to request your ballot and return it by mail by the due dates in your state in order for your votes to count!
PA voters should also check out these voting system demos for the voting machines in your district and this tool to find your polling place (based on the address you used when you registered).
Want to learn more? Check out this Penn State guide to voting and election info on the web.
Have questions about registering or voting in PA? Check out the VotesPA.com website.
Want to register in another state and vote by absentee ballot? Check out Vote411.org for information on how to register. But hurry, many states' deadlines are looming! Longdistancevoter.org also has a nice, simple guide to absentee voting in every state.
What is absentee voting? Basically, voting by mail. But, you must meet the criteria in your state to do so! College students can usually retain their voter registration in the district of their "home" address and vote by absentee ballot. Or, you can change your voter registration to your school address, but you need to remember to update it every time you move.
Want to vote by absentee ballot? Find out the deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot and for returning it in your state. Don't forget to request your ballot and return it by mail by the due dates in your state in order for your votes to count!
PA voters should also check out these voting system demos for the voting machines in your district and this tool to find your polling place (based on the address you used when you registered).
Want to learn more? Check out this Penn State guide to voting and election info on the web.
I have been saving up lots of ideas for new mini-bibliography posts, so hopefully the next one will arrive sooner! The "5 Myths" article is an easy read and covers a lot of ground quickly, making it a good springboard into further research on any one of the many aspects of harnessing wind as a sustainable energy source presented there.
"5 Myths About Wind Energy" by Michael Schirber
U.S. News & World Report online, LiveScience feature
Global Resources, edited by Clare Hanrahan, contains pro/con essays on wind energy:
Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Conventional and Alternative Sources, by Roy L. Nersesian
Contents include a section on sustainable energies, including wind power.
Further Research:
Suggested Keywords: wind energy, wind power, or more generally, renewable energy, alternative energy, sustainable energy, power resources
Find a PSU Library Database
"5 Myths About Wind Energy" by Michael Schirber
U.S. News & World Report online, LiveScience feature
In his report, Schirber debunks these 5 myths:For more about wind energy/wind power, check out some of these books at the library:
1. Wind in cheap
2. America is way behind the rest of the world
3. Wind turbines are loud
4. Wind turbines kill birds
5. Any house can own a windmill
Global Resources, edited by Clare Hanrahan, contains pro/con essays on wind energy:
"Wind Power is Affordable and Environmentally Friendly," by Joseph FlorenceSince this book in the Opposing Viewpoints Series, these essays and more are also available to PSU students electronically in the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database.
"Wind power is Unreliable and Not Environmentally Friendly," by Eric Rosenbloom
Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Conventional and Alternative Sources, by Roy L. Nersesian
Contents include a section on sustainable energies, including wind power.
Further Research:
Suggested Keywords: wind energy, wind power, or more generally, renewable energy, alternative energy, sustainable energy, power resources
Find a PSU Library Database
Since I've posted about FactCheck.org and Poltifact.org being great election resources numerous times already (click here for all election-related posts), I've been avoiding putting up specific reports from either of these sites. But, FackCheck just issued their "Whoppers of 2008" report summarizing the major gaffes and exaggerations of each presidential candidate this election season. So, I decided to make an exception for this one!
September 25, 2008
SummaryNormally we post a "Whoppers" compilation the week before Election Day. This time we've already seen such a large number of twisted facts, misleading claims and outright falsehoods that we are doing that now.
It's not just Sarah Palin's claim about killing the bridge project that she had supported until it became a national laughingstock and Congress turned against it. That's just the whopper that got the attention of many news orgaizations earlier this month. There have been lots of others.
McCain has made multiple false representations of Obama's tax proposals. Obama has made false claims about McCain's stance on Social Security. Both McCain and Obama have traded some whoppers about their energy policies, about Iraq, and about Iran, and about supporting troops.
For our full sampler of the campaign distortions we've seen so far, please read on to our Analysis section. There we provide summaries and links to extensive articles on each. This is a partial tally. We still have more than five weeks to go before Nov. 4.
more
I received some great questions about the library from Ms. Hommer's PSU 3 class! I thought if they have these questions, there are probably other students wondering the same things.Have a question of your own? There are many ways to ask! Or, see one of these FAQ pages:
Eiche Library, Virtual Reference Service, Lending Services, Interlibrary Loan, or Library Learning Services' Knowledge Base.
Finding Things
Q: Is there a library catalog that I can access? How do I go about using the catalog? - H.F.
A: Yes, the PSU Libraries' catalog is called "The CAT." You can access the The CAT from the University Libraries home page, under the "Find Books" heading. See "How to Search The CAT" or ask for help.
Q: How does the number system work for finding books in the library? For instance, if I wanted to find a book about drawing the human body or environmental problems or something specific, how would I go about finding it? - S.J.
A: I don't encourage browsing the shelves... at least until after you've checked the catalog! A book's call number is assigned based on the subject of the book, and the catalog can help you find one or more call number ranges to browse. Books only have one call number, but often have more than one subject, so you very well may find books on your topic in several different places on the shelf. The Boston Public Library has a guide to popular subjects and their LC call numbers. To see what I mean, check out the entry on "date rape."
Penn State Libraries use the Library of Congress or "LC" call number system. The BPL has a nice explanation of how to find a book on the shelf using the LC system. If you want to practice, try the "Within Range" game!
Borrowing Things
Q: I am going to be doing a big research paper soon and was wondering if I'm allowed to check out the books, or just use them and make photo copies? - K.P.
A: Yes! Most books in the Eiche Library can be checked out. These include books in the General Collection (the largest collection in our library), Juvenile Literature Collection, Mutimedia/AV Materials Collection, and Popular Titles (Browsing) Collection. You can assume books and other materials can be checked out (circulate), unless The CAT record says "nocirc" (non-circulating).
Q: How do you order books that are not in the Penn State library system? - J.S.
A: Place a request for books not found at any Penn State library location by using ILLiad.
How Long?
Q: I was wondering if students can check out magazines and for how long? I also wanted to know if you keep old newspapers anywhere in the library? - M.L.D.
A: No, sorry, the library does not lend popular items like magazines, newspapers, or reference books. However, you are encouraged to use them anywhere in the library and since they aren't loaned out, they'll always be here for you to see. These items are considered "non-circulating materials." The "Borrowing Privileges" page explains more about this, and the "Lending Code" explains your library account privileges and responsibilities.
Q: I was wondering if students are allowed to take out reference books, and if so for how long? - M.A.D.
A: Sorry--like magazines, newspapers, and journals--reference books are non-circulating items and cannot be checked out. They can be used in the library and can be photocopied ($.10 per page), if you wish to take what you need with you. See the question above for more explanation. -- Also, the University Libraries has quite a few electronic reference books that you can view on the Internet, from anywhere. See the "Online Reference Shelf" page for details.
Q: What is the typical time period it takes to receive a book from another state? - L.S.
A: Most book requests can be filled by the library one one of the many PSU campus locations, and if not, by a university in Pennsylvania through the E-ZBorrow system (see Materials Not at Penn State). All book requests are usually filled within about a week. You'll be happy if they come in a little sooner, but be aware sometimes it takes little longer.
Q: I was wondering, when there is an article or research that's at a different campus, how long does it normally take to get it? - S.S.
A: Books at another campus usually arrive within 3-5 days, sometimes as quickly as 2-3. For DIY reqeust, look for the "I Want It" button when you find a book in The CAT. Or, stop by the Eiche service desk with the title.
Reference
Q: I have a term paper on the history of American businesses and I was wondering what would be the best source of information that the library has relating to this topic? - F.B.
A: In one of our online reference resources, the Gale Virtual Reference Library, you can search or browse the contents of hundreds of reference resources normally only available in print. Included in the business category is the International Directory of Company Histories, which would be a great place to start your research. Ask at the reference desk if you need additional sources.
Hours
Q: My question for the library is what are the hours, and do they changes during finals week? - V.M.
Q: Does the library stay open later during finals week? What are the libraries normal hours? - K.M.
A: Yes, we are open later during finals week. See the Eiche Library hours page for regular and details.
Sam Wagner, for his "Name Our Librarian Superhero" contest entry:
The Database Ace, a.k.a. Kat A. Log
signature move - The Eiche Strikee
Congratulations, Sam!
The Database Ace, a.k.a. Kat A. Log
signature move - The Eiche Strikee
Congratulations, Sam!
