The UVU Library Heats Things Up

This week is National Fire Prevention Week and we think this is the perfect time to share our UFRA and emergency services collections.

For several years, the Library's George Sutherland Archives have been collecting and digitizing photographs from UVU's Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. UFRA has been around since the 1960s, turning out firemen and -women to battle Utah's wildfires, find stranded people, and much more. You can see our growing collection of UFRA materials online on the Archives' website. (The Utah Fire Service History collection is just one of many digital collections the Archives have created.)

This week's display (located on the first floor) also features items from the UFRA collection and the Library's own emergency services collection.

If you'd like to learn more about firefighting and emergency services, you can find many books in section T on the fourth floor of the Library. You can check out as many books as you'd like for up to three weeks (with one renewal).

The UVU Library is Your Player Two

In 1889, Nintendo (yes, that Nintendo) was founded as a playing card company. We're celebrating their anniversary this week and next with a great display on the first floor.

We're also taking the opportunity to highlight some of our tech-y resources.

Adobe Cloud

Earlier this year, all of our Information Commons computers were updated with Adobe Cloud. You can create and edit your digital products on any of our 150+ computers. (We don't provide support, however. If you have questions about using the Adobe products, you will need to seek out some of the many tutorials available online.)

Computer Source

Curious about code? Get the latest tricks of the trade from Computer Source. Most of our databases can be used from home. All you need to do is log in with your UVID and UVLink password when prompted.

Text-A-Librarian

If you have a quick question about the Library, text it to us at 801.362.8176. We'll text you back as soon as we get your message.

The UVU Library is back!

Getting back in the habit of being a student can be tough, we know. So we gathered a bunch of books and ebooks for our display that can teach (or remind) you of the skills you need to succeed as a student. As always, if you have any questions about the UVU Library or doing research, please let us know. We're always happy to help.

Here are a couple more services that can help you this semester:

Study Rooms

We have 29 study rooms on the third, fourth, and fifth floors. You can reserve them on the Library's homepage for up to four hours within a 24 hour period. The rest of the rules and regulations are on the reservation page. These rooms are ideal for study groups and group meetings.

Textbook Reserve

The Library has a growing collection of textbooks, mostly for the 1000 and 2000 level classes. They can be checked out for up to two hours at a time. (We receive textbooks by donation, so we may not have the book or book edition that you need for every class.)

The UVU Library Remembers

Did you know...
That each of the librarians specializes in a different subject area? We can help you with your research projects for upper division classes.

2014 is the centennial year of the beginning of World War I. The summer of 1914 saw the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the declarations of war between Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Russia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Before the end of August 1914, most of the world was embroiled in fighting that would last for four years. This week, the UVU Library is sharing its collections of books, videos, and other materials about the war to end all wars.

Films on Demand

Films on Demand contains a growing collection of documentaries on almost every topic under the sun. it also includes an amazing collection of film reels and news reels from the twentieth century. Films on Demand brings history to life.

World War I Books

So many countries were involved in World War I that relevant books can be found throughout the world history section, section D, on the fourth floor. New books are being added this year due to so many titles being published in this centennial year.

The UVU Library Looks Back

Did you know...

That the George Sutherland Archives (third floor) collects materials about the history of the university as well as the history of the local area? The Archives digitizes many of the items they receive, so you can view them anytime, anywhere.

Pioneer Week is coming soon! Every year, we like to dedicate a week to sharing our growing collection of photographs, letters, diaries, and other documents of Utah's history. We recently participated in the Pioneers in Your Attic program and many of the items scanned last fall and spring are now being digitized.

If you have questions about our archival collections, contact Catherine McIntyre at (801) 863-8821 or visit the Archives page. (You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter for daily highlights from the collections.)

Mountain West Digital Library

The Mountain West Digital Library is a hub for dozens of collections across the western United States. Dive into their site to discover amazing photos and other documents from the 1800s to the present.

Utah History Books

If you'd like to know more about the history and settlement of Utah, head upstairs to the fourth floor, section F. Remember, you can check out as many books as you'd like for three weeks.

The UVU Library Takes Aim

Did you know...that the UVU Library prepares research guides that can get you started on dozens of topics? They're a great resource if you're stumped for a topic.

This week sees Samuel Colt's 200th birthday so we're taking a look at the history of firearms in the United States. Colt's controversial legacy is still with us, fueling thousands of books and articles every year.

America: History and Life

Guns were an important part of America's westward expansion. America: History and Life is a database that focuses exclusively on American history and culture and is a great place to begin a search for information about the role of guns.

Gun Books

In the heart of our technology section, on the fourth floor, you'll find books about guns. Section TS includes books about the history of firearms, the engineering of guns, and more.

The UVU Library Gets Poetic

Did you know...That many of the Library's EBSCO databases offer translation services? 

100 years ago this week, one of the world's preeminent poets was born. Pablo Neruda still casts a long shadow in the world of poetry. This week, our display features his work and the work of other South American writers. We're also highlighting our literature research tools.

If you have questions about finding poetry or literature research, feel free to ask Annie Smith, the literature librarian.

MLA International Bibliography

The Modern Language Association (MLA) collects articles, book chapters, dissertations, and other works on languages and literature from around the world. It's not unusual to find articles in Polish, Japanese, or Spanish, though most articles are in English. This is the database your English professors use for their research.

South American Literature

The literature collection is organized according to the language the author wrote in. All Spanish and Portuguese literature can be found in section PQ. Next to the authors' works, you'll see biographies and explorations of their stories, poems, and plays by critics and experts.

The Game is On at the UVU Library

Did you know...
That you can place a hold on a book (or video, or CD) that's still on the shelf? You can always get your book with on-shelf holds.

This week in 1884, Allan Pinkerton, founder of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, passed away. Our display features books about the history of one of America's first investigative agencies. We also couldn't resist adding some anthologies of great detective fiction.

Crime and Criminology Books

Are you a fan of true crime? Perhaps you're a budding sleuth? You can find most of our books about crime, law enforcement, and more on the fourth floor, in section HV.

NCJRS - National Criminal Justice Reference Service Abstracts 

This little-known database is a great source for research on crime in the United States. Many of the reports and articles come straight from investigative agencies. You can use this database anytime, anywhere.

Questions about research in this area? Ask Ben Wilson, our legal librarian, or call us at (801) 863-8840.

The UVU Library Gets a Little Risque

Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey was born 120 years ago this week. Kinsey was a pioneering researcher who shocked the nation in the 1950s by revealing what happened behind America's closed doors and by exploding long-believed myths and sex and sexuality. Researchers have been building on and revising his work ever since. This week, the UVU Library shares books and resources on human sexuality.

Books about Sexuality*

HQ is packed with books about the human experience. Section HQ 12-449, on the fourth floor, is where the Library keeps books about sexuality, the history of sex research, and related books.

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

This database is a fantastic resource for up-to-date psychology research. Many of the articles are available in full text and you can research just about every aspect of sociology and human psychology.

Did you know...

That the Library protects your privacy when you check out books? We don't keep records of what you check out once you've returned what you borrowed. Also, questions you ask at the reference desk are kept as private as possible.

* The collection is intended for educational purposes. Some of the books contain content that may be disturbing or offensive to some readers.

Learn Your Rights at the UVU Library

Fifty years ago this week, the United States Senate passed the Civil Rights Act. This Act banned any form of racial, gender, ethnic, or religion-based discrimination. It also prevented segregation in schools and stopped voter registration requirements from being selectively applied. The Act took effect when President Johnson signed it on July 2, 1964. This week, our display and collections will show the impact of the Civil Rights Act on American law and society.

American History in Video

What else can make history come to live like video? Watch newsreel and documentary footage of history as it happened in this remarkable collection.

Books about the Civil Rights Movement

Books about civil rights and the Civil Rights movement can be found throughout the American history section on the fourth floor, section E. Books in this section are arranged chronologically, so most of the books about the 1950s and 1960s will be next to each other.

Did you know...

That UVU's librarians all have master of library science degrees? They have years of experience that can help you with your research. Feel free to stop by the first floor reference desk or find your subject librarian, and ask about any library or research questions to have.