Langsdale Library Blog

Welcome Back! || Video Contest!

2010-01-25T16:36:00.003-05:00

Welcome back. I hope you're all enjoying a smooth start to the Spring 2010 semester.

We're kicking the semester off with a video contest at Langsdale. Those of you who diligently read the daily digest may have already heard about said contest. In case you missed it, here are some of the details:

You make a video about Langsdale and turn it in by February 26th. If you win the contest, you are the proud owner of a $50 gift card. Sounds good, right?!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "I don't have a camera!" "I don't have video editing software!" Well, worry no longer. You can borrow a camera from OTS and you can edit your video in one of the labs on campus. How convenient!

Now that you're hooked, you can get more information about the contest (official rules etc.) here: http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/contest.htm

If you want to know more, arrange a time to film in the library or ask questions, please contact Michael Shochet at 410.837.4277 or mshochet@ubalt.edu.

We can't wait to see your entries! Happy filming....

Alumni Author Celebration February 10 - Langsdale Auditorium & Gallery

2010-01-21T08:58:00.007-05:00

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 10 from 6-8pm for Langsdale's celebration of UB alumni authors. We have a number of published authors with undergraduate and graduate degrees from UB (probably more than we've identified), and the library wants to celebrate their talents. So please join us for a reception and program on the 10th in the Langsdale Auditorium and Gallery to recognize these accomplished authors:

Usha Akella
Arnold T. Blumberg
Sherry Bosley*
Shirley Brewer*
Shahzad Kavoossi Farzad
Vincent DePaul Gisriel
Abigail Green
Marcie Jones
Jeffrey Kluger
Heather L. McKenzie*
Leslie F. Miller*
Clayton Oliver
Lee Raskin
D. Paul Reynolds
Emidio (Mel) Rossi
Janet Ruck
Susan Tatterson*
Marsha Wight Wise*
K. A. Wisniewski*
Debra Wolf

Several authors (*) will be reading from their works or leading a panel discussion on the writing/publishing process. Others will be selling and signing copies of their books during the reception. Langsdale will display a number of the authors' works and will host a photography exhibit by alumni Susan Tatterson.

The event is free and open to the public - we hope you'll join us in the celebration!

Open Access: What is it and why does it matter?

2010-01-19T08:43:00.004-05:00

Attention students, faculty, staff, and administrators: Do you know about Open Access and how it relates to all of us in the UB community?

"Open access (OA) is a worldwide movement wherein full-text scholarly articles are completely free and unrestricted to all users to read, copy, download, and distribute over the World Wide Web."
(Western Carolina University's Glossary of Library Lingo)

Specific interest groups, including the scientific research community and academic librarians, have been grappling with OA issues for years. Increasingly, however, conversations about open access are occurring across departments and divisions on college and university campuses. All members of the UB community have a vested interest in being aware of the issues associated with access to scholarly publications, including faculty who publish in peer-reviewed journals to further scholarship in their fields and advance their careers, librarians who acquire and provide access to these publications in print or online, students who use these resources in the pursuit of education, and administrators who make policy and budgetary decisions.

For a quick and entertaining introduction to the OA movement, check out this video: Open Access Manifesto. Peter Suber, an Earlham College philosophy professor turned OA policy strategist, provides a more comprehensive overview.

Want to see some OA journals? The Directory of Open Access Journals will connect you to thousands of scholarly and scientific journals which are available in full-text for free. Browse the DOAJ's listings (currently 4570 journals!) by subject category.

Open access issues are currently making news headlines as a result of the Obama administration's interest in public access to taxpayer-funded research. The President's Office of Science and Technology Policy is currently hosting a Public Access Policy Forum on its blog, and the deadline for comments and responses from the public is extended through January 21st, 2010.

If you'd like to know more about the OA movement, you're in luck -- there's a wealth of information available through the web. Here are a few highlights:

The Open Access Scholarly Information Sourcebook
Are you a student? Administrator? Researcher? OASIS has customized information for each of these categories based on what type of user you are.

Open Access in 2009: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
This blog post by Richard Poynder is exactly what it sounds like -- a year-end review about all things OA.

The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition
SPARC is a one-stop shop for news, articles, videos, and links about the effort "to correct imbalances in the scholarly publishing system."

ACRL's Scholarly Communication Toolkit
The Association of College and Research Libraries created this toolkit as "an educational resource primarily directed to librarians," but it provides useful overviews of interrelated issues, including authors' rights, journal economics, open access archiving, and new models of publishing.

Double sided printing comes to Langsdale

2010-01-14T11:40:00.000-05:00

You may have seen the recent announcement that the OTS computer labs now have double-sided printing available. In addition to being better for the environment by reducing the amount of paper used, this enables you to get more printed pages out of your allocation each semester.

Langsdale Library is happy to report that we have jumped on the double-sided printing bandwagon. Unfortunately, at the present time only 1 of our printers (LABLANG3) can actually do double sided printing, so maybe we are just hanging onto the side of the bandwagon. But we do what we can.

So, if you are in Langsdale Library and want to print on both sides, remember to print to LABLANG3, conveniently located on the 1st floor right by the stairway and elevator.

Leisure Reading?

2010-01-13T15:07:00.001-05:00

Are you looking to do some leisure reading but don't quite have the time to tackle a large tome? Then perhaps you'll want to check out the Story of the Week.

Every Monday the Library of America (LOA) will feature a new Story of the Week. It could be anything: a short work of fiction, a character sketch, an essay, a journalist's dispatch, a poem. What is certain is that it will be memorable, because every story is from one of the hundreds of classic works of American Literature published by the Library of America.

Movies and Leisure Reading

2010-01-04T17:10:00.001-05:00

The library is open again. Come check out our movies and leisure reading now, before the semester starts, while you still have free time!

Looking for a quiet place to study?

2009-12-14T09:22:00.003-05:00

It's exam time, and you need a quiet place to study. Check out our recently renovated basement - it's quiet, it's bright (so you won't fall asleep), and it's a great place to focus on that tough final!

All the staff in Langsdale wish you success on your exams and hope you have a restful break!

Langsdale Library Presents.....

2009-12-07T11:50:00.002-05:00

Here is another student worker at Langsdale, Sirandon Williams.

What do you like about the library?

It is very quiet and I like the people that I work with.

If you could recommend a service from the library to a friend what would it be?

Probably InterLibrary Loans. They help you get materials that Langsdale do not own or currently possess.

Do you enjoy working here?

This is actually the best job I've had, its peaceful and the workers are very friendly.

What is he strangest thing you've seen in the library?

I haven't seen anything strange since working here.

Major: Human Service

Year: 2011

From: Baltimore, MD

Favorite food: Sausage pizza from Papa Johns

Favorite color: Black

Texting or facebook: Facebook

What's your favorite phone model? Any samsung model.

Looking for a great book?

2009-12-07T08:46:00.002-05:00

For those of you looking for a good book to read over the holidays or need one for a holiday gift? The New York Times have printed their list of notable books. UB and USMAI have many of these titles, so save a little cash and check them out for the break!

Free Coffee and Snacks at Langsdale

2009-12-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

Need a break from studying? Or looking for a quiet place to study?

Come to Langsdale Library for free coffee and snacks.

Monday-Thursday, Dec 7-10th

10am-6pm

1st Floor of Langsdale Library, 1420 Maryland Avenue.

Langsdale Library Presents.....

2009-12-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

Here is another student worker here at the Library, Alex Tremble.

What do you like about the library?

The people I work with, everyone is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I know that when there is something that I can't find, I know the reference librarians and circulation workers will do their best to help me.

If you could recommend a service from he library to a friend what would it be?

Interlibary loans and reference librarians.

Do you enjoy working here?

Nope...I love it !!!

What is the strangest thing you've seen in the library?

A customer was extremely upset about something that we had no control over. The lady cursed out one of our female workers. However, she could not have been more respectful and pleasant when she spoke to a male co-worker and I.

Major: Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Year: 2nd Year Graduate Student

From: California

Favorite Food: Gumbo and chili Frito casserole

Favorite color: Brown

Texting or facebook: Texting

What's your favorite phone model: Blackberry

Vinyl -- What's the buzz?

2009-11-30T08:53:00.008-05:00

Have you heard that records are making quiet comeback? Record sales were up in North America in 2008 and again in 2009.

In the age of the mp3, what's all this buzz about vinyl? Come see for yourself at Langsdale! In addition to perusing our new leisure reading selection, why not visit Special Collections and enjoy some 'leisure listening' time with the Conrad Schafran jazz collection? This collection of over 6,000 records includes jazz, blues, and folk recordings donated to the UB archives by Conrad Schafran, a 1949 alumnus who wanted to share his love of jazz music with future generations.

Wonder which albums we've got? You can browse an alphabetical inventory here. All of our records are also currently being added to the library's catalog -- over 1,000 titles have been added so far (and counting)!

Interested in taking a listen? Go to the archives' website and submit a Research Request Form. The archivists will have a turntable, receiver, and headphones ready for your arrival in the Special Collections department (4th floor).

Vinyl junkies and newbies alike are welcome to enjoy our Schafran jazz collection!

Test Instruments

2009-11-25T15:10:00.004-05:00

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research solves a persistent problem for students in research methods classes in fields like psychology: how do you obtain a copy of one of test instruments that researchers use to perform original experimental research?

Test instruments (otherwise known as test measures, scales, surveys, or questionnaires) have always been hard for students to obtain. Most researchers publish them through private companies that set a high price on them. Students can easily find the results of empirical research by searching for journal articles in library databases like PsycINFO but that doesn't give them the actual test instruments that the researchers used.

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research is a 2-volume set of books at the Langsdale Library. It gives examples of hundreds of test instruments that students can use for research or class work. Problem solved!

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research is available in the Reference section on the 1st floor of the Langsdale Library, call number: BF176 .C66 2007. You can also preview the book at Google Books.

Langsdale Library Presents.....

2009-11-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

Here is Tyeshea Neal, another student worker here at Langsdale Library.

What do you like about the library?

The quiet area's where I can study.

If you could recommend a service from the library to a friend what would it be?

The reference librarian because they are awesome and they are always there to help you research the database.

Do you enjoy working here?

Yes, I get to meet new people from all over the campus.

What is the strangest thing you've seen in the library?

One of Barbi students have an asthma attack

Major: History

Year: December 2010

Favorite color: Blue

From: Baltimore

Texting or Facebook: Facebook

What is your favorite phone model: Sprint Palm Pre touch phone.

Langsdale Library Presents.....

2009-11-20T12:27:00.002-05:00

Here's Naim Alali, another student worker here at the Library.

What do you like about the library?

It's quiet and I can get whatever I need done. I also like the study rooms and that everything is easy to find I don't have to go far.

If you could recommend a service from the library to a friend what would it be?

Computer Labs and workshops available.

Do you enjoy working here?

Yes I do.

What is the strangest thing you've seen in the library?

In the men's bathroom, someone put a booger on the wall with arrows pointing to it.

Major: Entrepreneurship

Year: Sophomore 2012

From: NYC

Favorite Color: Green

Texting or Facebook: Texting

Whats your favorite phone model: IPhone

International Education Week

2009-11-18T15:05:00.004-05:00

This week is International Education Week and I asked a few of Langsdale Library's staff to recommend a book by an International author.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe-recommended by April Duncan
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini- recommended by Catherine Johnson and Tammy Taylor
Blindness by Jose Saramago- recommended by Tamara Smith
House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende-recommended by Erin Toepfner
Gabriela by Jorge Amado- recommended by Adrian Korz
Germinal by Emile Zola- recommended by Thomas Arendall
Disgrace by J.m Coetzee- recommended by Lucy Holman
Left to Tell: discovering God amidst the Rwandan holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza- recommended by Shamija Moncur

Now as we approach the Thanksgiving break you can have a belly full with this list of books to read.

If you would like to feature an International dish or beverage at your Thanksgiving dinner email me at shamija.moncur@ubalt.edu

Langsdale Library Presents.....

2009-11-17T11:41:00.002-05:00

OK, so the end of the semester is quickly approaching, next on my list of things to do, is to introduce to you the student workers at Langsdale Library. You may see them around the stacks, behind the circulation desk or just up and down making sure everything is in perfect order.

So first on my list is William Kuit and here is his response to some questions i asked him.

What do you like about the library?

I just love working here, being around the people and just helping everyone.

If you could recommend a service form the library to a friend what would it be?

The Leisure reading section on the 1st floor has a great selection of up to date books to read.

Do you enjoy working here?

Absolutely amazing. I love it.

What is the strangest thing you've seen in the library?

Seeing a homeless man in the basement reading a book.

Major: Corporate Communication
Year: Freshman
Where are you from: Westminster Md
Favorite color: Blue
Texting or Facebook: Texting
What is your favorite phone model?: Blackberry

If you have any questions please visit us at :http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/

The Bell is Back!

2009-11-16T08:10:00.011-05:00

Ship's Bell of U.S. Cruisers Maryland and Baltimore Returned to Library - Along with Scholarship

Over four years ago it was announced that "The great bronze bell that has stood at the center of the John and Frances Angelos Law Center lobby for the last 20 years was transferred to Langsdale Library's main floor." [Langsdale Link S 2005]

Two years later, however, the library was renovated and the ship's bell, which had traveled the world in the naval service, was on the move again, though just across campus to a temporary location in Academic Center. It is now back in the library, the centerpiece of the U.S. Documents Reading Room on the second floor. Like the documents kept there, the bell is federal property, on deposit here. The U.S. Navy Historical Center first placed the bell, which had served the cruisers Maryland and Baltimore, at the university in 1981.

On the Saturday before Veterans Day, the bell was unveiled in its new location. The USS Baltimore Association raised money not only for a new stand and plaque, but also for a USS Baltimore Scholarship to be awarded for the first time in 2010. Leading these efforts and speaking at the ceremony were Roy R. Grundy, retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve; David Blomstrom, the last President of the USS Baltimore (CA-68) Association; and Capt. Christos Zirps, USN (Ret.) who oversaw installation of the bell and moderated the ceremony. All three men served aboard the Baltimore in the 1950's. They credited Capt. John M. Backer, USNR (Ret.) of Baltimore for bringing the bell to the attention of the Association at what they had presumed to be their last reunion in Memphis, TN.

Displayed on the wall behind are items from the UB Print Collection associated with the naval service in the early twentieth century. A set of 24 naval prints depicts vessels of the "Great White Fleet", sister ships of the cruiser Maryland. On the far left is one of a series of World War I recruiting posters in this collection.

Langsdale Basement to be closed, Microfilm inaccessible

2009-11-12T16:21:00.001-05:00

The basement in Langsdale Library will be closed for asbestos abatement from Monday Nov. 16 – Wednesday Nov. 18. The basement will be inaccessible during that time. Fortunately, there is not much down there at the moment so most people won't even notice the the closure. Well at least not until they have to use the facilities (tip: there are bathrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors). The other main impact of the closure is that our microfiche and microfilm will be inaccessible for a few days.

Thank you for your patience.

Invisible China: E-Book of the Month

2009-11-09T09:59:00.004-05:00

In this eloquent and eye-opening adventure narrative, Colin Legerton and Jacob Rawson, two Americans fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Uyghur, throw away the guidebook and bring a hitherto unexplored side of China to light. They journey over 14,000 miles by bus and train to the farthest reaches of the country to meet the minority peoples who dwell there, talking to farmers in their fields, monks in their monasteries, fishermen on their skiffs, and herders on the steppe.

In Invisible China, they engage in a heated discussion of human rights with Daur and Ewenki village cadres; celebrate Muhammad’s birthday with aging Dongxiang hajjis who recount the government’s razing of their mosque; attend mass with old Catholic Kinh fishermen at a church that has been forty years without a priest; hike around high-altitude Lugu Lake to farm with the matrilineal Mosuo women; and descend into a dry riverbed to hunt for jade with Muslim Uyghur merchants. As they uncover surprising facts about China’s hidden minorities and their complex position in Chinese society, they discover the social ramifications of inconsistent government policies--and some deep human truths as well.

Hailed by Publishers Weekly as “a spectacular achievement reminiscent of early 20th-century anthropological monographs by Margaret Mead and Ruth Benedict,” Invisible China will be available to Langsdale Library patrons November 1-30. To access this title from the Langsdale Library homepage, click on NetLibrary (E-Books) and follow the links. Once in NetLibrary, click on the e-book of the month on the right side of the page. You will need your library barcode to access Invisible China.

UB Yearbooks on the Web

2009-11-05T15:28:00.001-05:00

The University of Baltimore was founded in 1925 to provide an opportunity for working adults to receive degrees in Law and Business graduating its first class in 1928. This graduating class began the tradition of publishing an annual yearbook. Known as The Reporter, the title was suggested to the editorial staff by Dr. Edgar T. Fell, who taught Admiralty Law. The yearbooks were published continuously until 1975, the only exceptions were 1930 and 1936.

The yearbooks were digitized from the holdings of the Special Collections Department in Langsdale Library. The scanning was undertaken by Stephanie Raszewski, a student intern and Tom Hollowak, associate director for Special Collections, who also designed the webpage. Palak Desai, a graduate assistant at Langsdale created the website.

Please take a look at the University over the years at:
http://archives.ubalt.edu/ub_collection/yearbooks.html

Leisure Reading

2009-11-02T14:10:00.003-05:00

Thought Langsdale Library was all about textbooks? Well you guessed wrong; we now have our Leisure Reading section, which is located behind the reference desk. All you Twilight fans-we have the whole series. Are you more of a poetry reader?... Or a fiction reader? We've got everyone covered.

Why don't you browse our leisure collection

Langsdale's Annual Book Sale Nov 4-5

2009-10-29T11:12:00.001-04:00

"Good books cheap" has always been the motto of the Langsdale Library Annual Book Sale. The sale will be held in the Gallery of the Langsdale Auditorium

Wednesday November 4th: Noon to 8PM
Thursday November 5th: 9 AM to 1 PM.

Over 3000 books plus cd's, DVD's, VHS and audio books will be offered for sale. Most hardback books will be $2. Most paperback books will be 75 cents for less. Audio and video materials will also have low prices.

Several book dealers from Virginia and Washington attend this sale for the bargains. Shouldn't you come too?

See you at the sale.

Langsdale has articles in MP3

2009-10-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I am a Reference Librarian and I thought you might be interested in the option to hear articles from two of our resources: Opposing Viewpoints and Science Resource Center. You can find links to these at http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/databases/databases_by_title.htm

Opposing Viewpoints covers social issues, such as Gun Control, Genetic Engineering, Censorship, Endangered Species, and Terrorism. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center brings together viewpoint articles, contextual topic overviews, government and organizational statistics, biographies of social activists, court cases, profiles of government agencies and special interest groups, newspaper and magazines articles, as well as links to more than 1,800 reviewed and subject-indexed web sites.

Science Resource Center provides a one-stop resource for all science-related research needs.

Susan

Question of the week

2009-10-20T12:07:00.003-04:00

Hi there, it's me again your Student Liaison. Ever wanted to tell someone about a change that you would like to see in the library? Now is the time to come on over and step up to the easel, located on the main entrance of Langsdale Library.

Question changes every week.

Don't forget our Librarians are here to help you.

Visit us @:http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/