Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Chat Reference Service

Ever find yourself with a reference question when you're miles from the library? Try the library's new Instant Messenger reference service! Use chat reference for answers to factual questions or to be directed to resources that best address your research question. To use the service, visit the library's chat reference page. Follow the instructions to connect live with a Gustavus librarian.


Also consider using chat reference when you're in the library but don't want to give up your computer. As always, you can also contact the librarians in person, via email, or phone. We look forward to chatting with you soon!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Patricia Lindell Scholarship

Every other year the library awards a $1,200 scholarship to a junior or senior student who will work on a project of benefit to the library and the wider Gustavus community. This spring the project will focus on the purpose and outcomes of common reading programs in higher education.

Though these “one book, one campus” community reading events are held on campuses across the country, very little research has been done on them. The recipient of this scholarship, working with Professor Barbara Fister, will conduct a literature review, design and carry out an online survey of colleges with common reading programs, and will write up the results to provide insight into the nature and impact of common reading programs on college campuses.

Application forms can be picked up in the library and should be turned in, with a faculty letter of recommendation, by November 10th to the library administration office. This scholarship is made possible by the Gustavus Library Associates.

By the way, the winner of last spring's Lindell research award will be announced in early December.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Library Toolbar for Firefox

Do a lot of searching? Try using our new Firefox toolbar! Once you install the LibX Gustavus extension, Firefox will have a handy-dandy toolbar, always available on your browser, that allows you to search the MnPALS library catalog, check our Journal Locator, and even drag search terms into it to run a Google Scholar search. This only works with the Firefox browser, but it's awfully useful.

Check out our Journals

We now check out journals and magazines overnight, hoping to encourage students to discover and enjoy our print periodical collection. No, Virginia, it's not all on the Internet. But starting this semester you can take home an issue of Harper's or New Scientist for a leisurely read.

Booksale @ the Library

We now have an ongoing booksale! Take a look at the book cart beside the front entrance - and take a book home for only fifty cents. Proceeds go to our acquisitions budget.