"Research" online?

One of the major problems of conducting research online is that we tend to scan and not critically read the content. Another is the huge amount of rubbish clogging up those internet tubes ... Lila can't really help you out with the former, but here's a pointer on the latter. RUSA (a branch of the American Library Association) just announced The Best Free Reference Web Sites 2009. You've no doubt heard of and used some of these web pages (BBC Country Profiles, FastWeb, Purdue Online Writing Lab) but many will be new to you. The list includes information on why the selected web sites are so amazingly useful, what kind of info you'll find, and who maintains the site. Check out the list and see what you think!

Extended Hours

As of Monday, October 19, the library will stay open until 12:30am on weeknights. That's right, an extra 1.5 hours of reading/meeting/studying enjoyment. I know, I know...you're so welcome.

Monday-Thursday 7:30am - 12:30am
Friday 7:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 12:30am

Happy Fall Break

Have no fear, Lila will be here all break long! Here are the Fall Break hours:

Thursday and Friday, October 15-16: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday, October 17: 12 noon - 4:30pm
Sunday, October 18: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

National Information Literacy Awareness Month

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the important role information plays in our daily lives, and appreciate the need for a greater understanding of its impact.

Think Lila is yanking your chain? Well, such reputable sources as the Office of the Press Secretary and the American Library Association aren't known for their tomfoolery. Lila encourages you to take advantage of the services we provide to help you develop strong information literacy skills. Read about our information literacy program and contact us with any questions!

Contemporary Japan in 100 books!

The Bunch Library has been selected as a recipient of the Nippon Foundation's "100 Books for Understanding Contemporary Japan." Dr. Ernest Heard, Library Director, prepared the application and Dr. Ronnie Littlejohn, Chair and Professor of the Philosophy Department, wrote a supporting letter. The Library was notified of its success in late August.

The Nippon Foundation is a philanthropic organization, active in Japan and abroad. The goal of the foundation's 100 Books program is to "expand contemporary international knowledge and understanding about Japan reaching a wider audience than ever before, supplementing in a more substantial and long-term way the things that people have seen about Japan in movies and television...It puts good quality books about Japan on library shelves that are within reach of ordinary people. The result, it is hoped, will be a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of contemporary Japan that transcends stereotypes and out-dated ideas."

Stop by and show your appreciation by checking out one of these beautiful and fascinating new books, currently on display on the first floor of the library!