Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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).


Monday, September 15, 2014

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.

Monday, September 1, 2014

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.)

Monday, July 28, 2014

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.

Monday, July 21, 2014

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.

Monday, July 14, 2014

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.

Monday, July 7, 2014

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.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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.

Monday, June 23, 2014

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.

Monday, June 16, 2014

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.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Explore 150 Years of Alzheimer's Research at the UVU Library

150 years ago this week, psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer was born. Alzheimer studied the condition that would later be named for him: Alzheimer's Disease. In recognition of Alzheimer's contributions to medicine, all of our displays and collection highlights will focus on the degenerative brain disease.

Books about Alzheimer's

The UVU Library has a growing collection of books about psychology and psychiatry. Because Alzheimer's is both a medical and a psychological condition, most books on the topic are can be found in section RC, on the fourth floor.

eBrary

eBrary is a collection of medical ebooks. The advantage of this collection is that material is constantly updated. Once you've found a book on your topic, you can use the provided tools to search inside the book, highlight sections, and create your own library shelf.

Did you know...

That you can reserve study rooms on the Library's website? Click on the yellow button in the lower right corner of the Library's home page, read the rules and guidelines, then click the green button to start making your reservation.

Monday, June 2, 2014

The UVU Library Remembers D-Day

This week marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy. Our displays and collection highlights will help you learn more about this historic event.

Books about World War II

Books in our history collection are arranged geographically, then chronologically; books about a country's history will be next to each other, arranged by date. The books about World War II have their own subsection on the history shelves. You can find most of our books about WWII in section D 731-838.

JSTOR

Because of its unique mission to preserve archival copies of journal and magazine articles, JSTOR has a wealth of historic and history-related material. Not only can you use JSTOR to find articles about history, written by historians, you can find articles written at the same time as important events.

World War II Veteran Oral Histories

As our veterans age, it becomes more important than ever to capture and preserve their stories and experiences for future generations. The Library's George Sutherland Archives has been working with faculty in the history department for several years now recording, transcribing, and digitizing the oral histories of veterans from the second World War. (The Veterans Oral History Project also contains the experiences of veterans from the Vietnam, Afghanistan, and the Iraq Wars.)

Did you know...

That you can use your UVID card to check out books from other libraries? The UVU Library has a standing arrangement with all college and university libraries in Utah that allows you to take advantage of their collections. You may be required to bring proof of address along with your idea, details vary by library.

Monday, May 26, 2014

The UVU Library Dives into Sci Fi

Harlan Ellison will celebrate his 80th birthday this week. Ellison is one of the leading lights of American science fiction and is a winner of all three of the major literary awards in the genre. This week, the UVU Library invites you to dive into our science fiction collection.

Literature Resource Center

The LRC is a great place to learn more about authors and their work. It includes biographies, lists of books and stories, and more.

Science Fiction Books

Literature is organized by author nationality, then chronologically. This makes it a little tricky to browse for books on the fourth floor. The best way to search is by author. Use the Literature Resource Center to find names or stop by the Reference Desk for suggestions. We're more than happy to help you find a good read!

Did you know...

That you can check out media equipment from the Library? You can find a list of everything in our collection online. Equipment can check out for four hours at a time, but not overnight.

Monday, May 19, 2014

The UVU Library Makes an Impression

Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt was born 160 years ago this week. The Library will highlight the work of the iconoclastic group of painters in celebration. Perhaps we'll inspire you to pick up a brush yourself?

Art Full Text

Art Full Text is still the best place to get started on any art-related research. The database gathers news and criticism about art from trade publications and scholarly journals. The articles you find in this database will help you learn more about the techniques artists use and about the meaning behind their work.

Books about Painting

Books about art are arranged by medium (i.e. sculpture, drawing, graphic design, etc.). Books about painting can be found on the fourth floor, in section ND. Within this section, you'll find books not only about the painters themselves, but also books on the technique.

Did you know...

That the Library has a Family Study Room? Located on the first floor of the Library, the Family Study Room offers a place to study with your children in the event of babysitting and scheduling emergencies. Please note: campus policy prohibits unaccompanied minors on campus. Help us keep everyone safe in the Library by accompanying your children outside of the Family Study Room.

Monday, May 12, 2014

The UVU Library Remembers Nelson Mandela

Last year, the world lost one of its leading visionaries and advocates for peace when Nelson Mandela passed away. This week, the Library will honor his legacy by sharing some of our resources about Mandela and South Africa.


Books About South Africa

Books offer through overviews for topics in history and biography. Books about South Africa can be found on the fourth floor, section DT.

Films on Demand

The Library has had access to Films on Demand since last December and we're still finding interesting new videos on so many different topics. The collection is particularly strong in the social sciences, so you can find many videos about apartheid, Nelson Mandela, and recent South African history.

If you are interested in using videos from Films on Demand in your classes or in Canvas, we can help you set that up. Just call us at the Reference Desk at (801) 863-8840 or contact your subject librarian.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

The UVU Library Goes Digging

This week sees the 140th birthday of famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter. Carter is best known for finding Tutankhamun's tomb, one of the few burial sites to remain undisturbed since ancient times. To celebrate Carter's discovery, we're highlighting our books and resources on Egypt and Egyptology.


This anthropology database can be used to learn more about the various aspects of Egyptology: linguistics, archaeology, ethics, and much more.

Books About Egypt

Books about ancient Egypt can be found on the fourth floor, in section DT. Books about history are arranged geographically (by country) and then chronologically.

If you have questions about using any UVU Library resources, call us at the Reference Desk at (801) 863-8840 or contact us via LiveHelp. 

Announcements

Normal Library hours will resume on Monday, May 12. Until then, we will be on shortened hours. See our online calendar for details.

Beginning May 9, the Library's north entrance will be closed as construction workers build the bridge between the Library and the new classroom building.

Monday, April 28, 2014

The UVU Library Rides into the Sunset

Twenty-five years ago this week, spaghetti western director Sergio Leone passed away. We're celebrating his legacy with a great display.

You can find even more videos on the second floor of the Library. We have thousands of DVDs just waiting to be checked out—just make sure you return them on time. If you have some Library fines, you can pay them off this month by donating food or by participating in the First Book program. For more on First Book, inquire at the UVU Bookstore.

Good luck, everyone, and good-bye until next semester!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Take a Picture with the UVU Library

Thirty years ago this week, America lost one of its most iconic photographers. Ansel Adams' work is instantly recognizable and his influence can be seen everywhere. This week, the Library will be celebrating Adams' legacy in our displays.

Art Full Text 

Art Full Text is the best place to learn more about the meaning behind works of art in all media. Most articles can be read directly from the database.

Photography Books 

Our books about photography and many of our books about photographers can be found in section TR. More books can be found in the art section, section N.

Media Equipment Checkout

If you feel inspired by our displays and books, check out a camera from the first floor Circulation Desk and create your own works of art.

Monday, April 14, 2014

The UVU Library Gets Poetic

The National Poetry Month festivities at the UVU Library continue this week. Earlier in the month, we welcomed UVU professors Alex Caldiero, Rick McDonald, Rob Carney, Steve Hall, and several students to read at our Poetry Matters event. You can watch on our YouTube Channel.


This week, we're putting our poetry resources on display.

Poetry

Poetry and books about poets can be found in section P on the fourth floor. Literature is organized by the author's nationality, then chronologically—so there is no one poetry section, as such. British, Canadian, Indian, American, French, Spanish, Latin (Roman) and Greek, Portuguese, Russian, and German writers all have their own sections. Within each section, you'll find writers arranged from the earliest times (usually the medieval period) to the present.

Project Muse

Project Muse is a great resource for contemporary literature research. It offers one of the best means of keeping tabs on the current poetry scene.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Deaf Studies at the UVU Library

Utah Valley University is hosting the sixth Biennial Deaf Studies Conference April 10-12, making this a great week to highlight our deaf studies collections and demonstrate how our new streaming resources can be used by the hearing impaired.

Deaf Studies Books

Section HV is packed with amazing books about society. It also contains many of our books about deaf education, deaf culture, and more. This section also includes books on American Sign Language and books for interpreters. (You can also find videos on learning sign in section HV of our media collection, on the second floor.)

Deaf Studies Research Guides

This guide contains a list of useful reference books, recommended databases, and vetted websites that can get you started on any research project pertaining to deafness and deaf society. Deaf studies is a broad area for research, so we also recommend stopping by the Library to talk to a librarian or contacting us online. We can help you narrow down your topic and save you some time.

Films on Demand...with transcripts!

We're very proud of our newest acquisition, Films on Demand. This streaming video package not only helps us bring you the latest in documentaries and educational videos, it also contains a lot of helpful features. One of these is that many of the films in the collection has a complete English language transcription. The transcription is searchable and portions of the text will highlight as the video progresses. To find the transcript, just look to the right of the video and click the Transcript tab. If no transcript tab is available, there is a list of segments (video portions) with summaries of the content.