SpartaBlog!

Good-bye, blog!

2010-09-09T14:42:00.003-04:00

The NCC Libraries would like to announce that we are moving away from the blog and heading in a new direction: Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, click here to visit our new Library Services page. Become a fan while you are there! We will update it regularly with information about new books and resources, library events, interesting displays, general information and more! The more fans we get, the more fun we will have!

Thank you for reading SpartaBlog over the last couple of years. We hope that you will follow us to Facebook!

New Computer Lab in the Library!

2010-08-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

You may have read about the new study rooms that were installed at Mack Library (main campus) over the summer. Did you know that a new computer classroom was also constructed in the Periodicals Tower?

If you're familiar with the "old" computer classroom, you know that it has 64 computers and was used to teach library classes on research skills. As NCC's enrollment continues to grow, the librarians have been teaching many more classes! To meet this increasing demand, part of the Periodicals Tower has been converted into a 24-seat computer classroom. (The older, larger Computer Tower room will still be used for classes with more than 24 students.)

The 24 additional computers in the new classroom may be used by students when a class is not in session. To find out when classes are scheduled, be sure to look at the sign posted in the doorway to the new classroom. Please note that the room will close at least 15 minutes before a class is scheduled, so that the computers can be set up.

If you are a faculty member at NCC and think your class could benefit from learning how to do research in the Library, be sure to speak with a reference librarian! We look forward to teaching your students in our new, state-of-the-art Library Classroom.

New Study Rooms @ Main Campus Library!

2010-08-23T07:30:00.000-04:00

The Mack Library (main campus) has two additional study rooms available for students who wish to work together on group projects. They were constructed in the Periodicals Tower over the summer break. We encourage you to take advantage of these quiet locations if your discussion with fellow students will disturb others in the Library.

To reserve a study room for your group, stop by the Circulation Desk and speak to one of the Library staff. You may also contact us by calling 610-861-5360. Reservations are limited to two hours on any given day, and to two appointments per week.

Please note that sign-up sheets are no longer being used for study room reservations. Only reservations made through the Circulation Desk will be accepted. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to a member of the Library staff.

Happy Summer, NCC!

2010-07-07T07:30:00.001-04:00

The NCC Libraries would like to remind you that our abbreviated summer hours will be in effect from Monday, May 24 through Sunday, August 22.

Here is the summer schedule:

Main Campus
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: CLOSED

Monroe Campus
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: CLOSED

SpartaBlog! will be taking a break this summer. We'll see you at the start of the Fall 2010 semester. Enjoy your summer vacation!

Welcome to NCC, Sandra Sander!

2010-07-01T07:30:00.002-04:00

Today we welcome our new Library Director, Sandra Sander, to the NCC family.

Sandra comes to us from her previous position as Library Director at Lackawanna College in Scranton. It's not unusual for librarians to have had other careers before earning their master's degree in library science, but Sandra's background is particularly interesting: she worked as a forester for the Pennsylvania Electric Company, and has coached cross-country and track. She has also done more typical "librarian" things, like serve as chair of the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association.

So if you see a new face among the librarians in College Center, introduce yourself and give Sandra a warm NCC welcome! We're looking forward to working with her, and we know you'll enjoy meeting her, too.

Book Discussion Group News

2010-05-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

This is a reminder that the final meeting of the spring book discussion group will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. in the Library's Dornish Room. The book discussion will center around Thomas Pynchon's Inherent Vice.

Take a look below at the titles we'll be reading during the Summer 2010 Book Discussion Group series. Enjoy some summer reading, then join us to discuss what you thought about the books!

2-4-6-8! It's Olga We Appreciate!

2010-05-21T07:30:00.006-04:00

Every year, Northampton Community College employees gather together to celebrate the college's accomplishments at our Staff Appreciation dinner. It's part awards ceremony, part sumptuous banquet, and a bit of good-natured teasing -- all in fun. We honor those among us who have reached milestones in their careers, and say goodbye to those who are leaving.

This year's Staff Appreciation will be special for the folks at the NCC Libraries, because we'll be giving Library Director Olga Conneen a heartfelt pat on the back as she counts down the days until her June 30 retirement. Anyone who has been at NCC for more than ten years can tell you about the many improvements Olga has made to our Libraries, including:

A major renovation of the main campus Library, which added the 64-computer teaching lab and the testing center, replaced dot matrix printers with laser jets, and gave the whole facility a desperately needed furniture and carpeting makeover;

Remodeling at the Monroe Campus Library, which doubled its size and added computers;

Expansion of the Library's collection of databases, which rivals the selection at many four-year colleges;

Addition of the Dornish Collection of Children's Literature, which contains first editions of children's books, signed by the authors and illustrators;

Adoption of information literacy as a student outcome in the college's General Education Core Curriculum, and development of the information literacy component of the COUN 150 course; and

Hiring of more staff, including more reference librarians to teach information literacy classes and assist students with research.

And you can forget about Olga slacking off in her last few weeks at NCC: another renovation has just begun at the main campus Library, where additional study rooms and another computer classroom are being added to the Periodicals Tower.

All of us on the Library staff want to thank Olga for her unflagging efforts to improve service to students and faculty, and her support of our projects and ideas. We have enjoyed our time together, and wish Olga well as she pursues an entirely new goal: relaxation!

Summer Reading Suggestions

2010-05-14T07:30:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for summer? If you're heading out on vacation or are lucky enough to lounge on the beach, you'll need a few books to keep you entertained! Check out the Mack Library's McNaughton Browsing Collection for a variety of genres. Here's a sample of new titles you'll find in this section. For more information about the book and to read reviews on Amazon.com, click on the picture of the book.

Aunt Dimity Down Under
by Nancy Atherton
PS 3551 .T426 A93443 2010 Browsing Collection

The Bone Thief
by Jefferson Bass
PS 3602 .A8475 B65 2010 Browsing Collection

Cat of the Century: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery
by Rita Mae Brown
PS 3552 .R698 C37 2010 Browsing Collection

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection
by Carol Burnett
PN 2287 .B85 A3 2010 Browsing Collection

Changes: A Novel of the Dresden Files
by Jim Butcher
PS 3602 .U85 C53 2010 Browsing Collection

Aloha Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel
by Jennifer Chiaverini
PS 3553 .H473 A79 2010 Browsing Collection

The Shadow of Your Smile
by Mary Higgins Clark
PS 3553 .L287 S48 2010 Browsing Collection

Art of Eating In: How I Learned to Stop Spending and Love the Stove
by Cathy Erway
TX 715 .E7155 2010 Browsing Collection

The Walk
by Richard Paul Evans
PS 3555 .V259 W35 2010 Browsing Collection

Apple Turnover Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes
by Joanne Fluke
PS 3556 .L685 A66 2010 Browsing Collection

Stress-Eating Cure: Lose Weight with the No-Willpower Solution to Stress-Hunger and Cravings
by Rachael F. Heller
RM 222.2 .H362 2010 Browsing Collection

The Inn at Angel Island: An Angel Island Novel
by Thomas Kinkade
PS 3561 .I534 I66 2010 Browsing Collection

The Spellmans Strike Again
by Lisa Lutz
PS 3612 .U897 S69 2010 Browsing Collection

Season of Second Chances
by Diane Meier
PS 3613 .E426 S43 2010 Browsing Collection

The Lake Shore Limited
by Sue Miller
PS 3563 .I421444 L35 2010 Browsing Collection

House Rules
by Jodi Picoult
PS 3566 .I372 H68 2010 Browsing Collection

Feathered Serpent 2012
by Junius Podrug
PS 3566 .O325 .F43 2010 Browsing Collection

Every Last One
by Anna Quindlen
PS 3567 .U336 E84 2010 Browsing Collection

Think Twice
by Lisa Scottoline
PS 3569 .C725 T48 2010 Browsing Collection

Summer Reading for Children

2010-05-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

If you will have young ones at home this summer, encourage them to read! It helps build their vocabulary and critical thinking skills, and keeps them focused on academic habits so they will be ready for the next school year.

If your children are old enough to read independently, they are sure to enjoy the summer reading program at your local public library. Kids keep track of how many books they've read, and earn prizes and recognition. If you have infants and toddlers, reading a book aloud to them can encourage development of their speaking skills and cognitive abilities.

Here are some picture books that have just been added to the children's literature collection at the NCC Libraries.

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types
by Sharon Werner
PE 1155 .W365 2009
Easy Readers Section

Read It, Don't Eat It!
by Ian Schoenherr
PZ 8.3 .S3695 RE 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

Book Fiesta! : Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day = Celebremos El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros: A Bilingual Picture Book
by Pat Mora
PZ 73 .M635 2009
Easy Readers Section

Born to Read
by Judy Sierra
PZ 8.3 .S577 BOR 2008
Easy Readers Section

If You Were a Penguin
by Wendell Minor
PZ 8.3 .M6467 IF 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

One Rainy Day
by Christina M. Butler
PZ 7 .B9773 OMR 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

Celestine, Drama Queen
by Penny Ives
PZ 7 .I949 CE 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

One Brown Bunny
by Marion Dane Bauer
PZ 8.3 .B3199 ON 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

Adios, Oscar!
by Peter Elwell
PZ 7 .E552 ADI 2009
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

The Jellybeans and the Big Dance
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
PZ 7 .N964 JEL 2008
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

The Blacker the Berry: Poems
by Joyce Carol Thomas
PS 3570 .H565 B53 2008
Easy Readers Section

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
by Nikki Grimes
E 901.1 .O23 G75 2008
Easy Readers Section and Monroe Children's Section

Mind Your Manners: It's National Etiquette Week

2010-05-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Today kicks off National Etiquette Week, which promotes polite and proper behavior. You may think of etiquette as men opening doors for ladies, or for knowing which fork to use at a fancy meal, but there is more to it than that. Etiquette affects many aspects of life, including social events, entertaining, business, using technology, personal relationships and more. For instance, how do you properly greet business associates from another country? Is it appropriate to send an engagement gift to a newly engaged couple? Is it rude to answer a cell phone call during dinner?

For guidance in navigating these and other potentially embarrassing situations, check out these resources from the NCC Libraries.

Business Etiquette

Passport to Success: The Essential Guide to Business Culture and Customs in America's Largest Trading Partners
by Jeanette S. Martin
HF 5389 .M3753 2009 Stacks

The Essential Guide to Business Etiquette
by Lillian H. Chaney
HF 5389 .C468 2007 Stacks

Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs
by Jeanette S. Martin
HF5389 .M375 2006 Stacks

Social Etiquette

Emily Post: Daughter of the Gilded Age, Mistress of American Manners
by Laura P. Claridge
BJ 1854 .C635 2008 Stacks

The New Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times
by Karen Grigsby Bates
BJ 1854 .B38 2006 Stacks

Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today; or, Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door
by Lynne Truss
BJ 1533 .C9 T78 2005 Stacks

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Etiquette
by Mary Mitchell
BJ 1853 .M58 2004 Stacks
Also available online as an e-book.

Letitia Baldrige's New Manners for New Times: A Complete Guide to Etiquette
by Letitia Baldrige
BJ 1853 .B36 2003 Reference

Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Tranquility: The Authoritative Manual for Every Civilized Household, However Harried
by Judith Martin
BJ 1854 .M37 1999 Stacks

Emily Post's Etiquette
by Peggy Post
BJ 1853 .P6 1997 Stacks and Reference

The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette
by Nancy Tuckerman
BJ 1853 .T83 1995 Reference

Image courtesy of:
Judem, Emily. "And Don't Slurp Your Soup." Colby Magazine. Colby College. Summer 2005. Web. 27 Apr. 2010.

This Day In History: Analyze This!

2010-05-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

If you've taken a psychology course at NCC, chances are you've heard of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Yesterday was the anniversary of his birth on May 6, 1856. Some of Freud's landmark accomplishments include: the development of free association during patient therapy sessions; the focus of therapy on the patient's unconscious; his work on dream interpretation; and his theories of development. Describing the human personality as having three parts -- the id, ego and superego -- was also Freud's idea.

For more information about Freud's life and work, check out these materials from the NCC Libraries:

Revolution in Mind: The Creation of Psychoanalysis
by George Makari
BF 175 .M2651 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Freud: Inventor of the Modern Mind
by Peter D. Kramer
BF 109 .F74 K73 2006 Stacks

Psychology's Grand Theorists: How Personal Experiences Shaped Professional Ideas
by Amy Demorest
BF 109 .A1 D45 2005 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Freud's Mass Psychology: Questions of Scale
by Céline Surprenant
E-BOOK (Online)

Anna Freud: Under Analysis [DVD]
by Filmakers Library, Inc.
RC 339.52 .F73 A665 2003 Media Tower

Basic Freud: Psychoanalytic Thought for the Twenty-First Century
by Michael Kahn
BF 173 .K32 2002 Stacks

The Secret Artist: A Close Reading of Sigmund Freud
by Lesley Chamberlain
BF 109 .F74 C37 2001 Stacks

The Interpretation of Dreams
by Sigmund Freud
BF 1078 .F72 1999 Stacks, Main
BF 1078 .F72 2009 Stacks, Monroe

Sigmund Freud
by Pamela Thurschwell
E-BOOK (Online)

Freud: A Collection of Critical Essays
by Perry Meisel
PN 56 .P92 F7 1981 Stacks

Freud: Dictionary of Psychoanalysis
by Sigmund Freud
BF 173 .F626 Reference

Don't forget to visit PsycARTICLES, which is part of the EBSCOhost database. PsycARTICLES is a great place to search for scholarly articles on psychology-related topics.

Image courtesy of:
Freud, Sigmund. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 23 Apr. 2010 < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-19114>.

This Day In History: Health Care

2010-05-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

May is a momentous month for the health care field!

This week marks the anniversary of the 1847 founding of the American Medical Association, which is considered the premier professional organization for physicians and medical students. The AMA keeps doctors aware of the latest developments in their field; provides information for students interested in joining the medical profession; is involved in legal aspects of practicing medicine; and does advocacy work. The AMA publishes several scholarly journals, including JAMA: the Journal of the American Medical Association.

National Nurses Week is also celebrated this month. Starting on May 6, this salute to the history and accomplishments of nurses ends on May 12 -- the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is credited as the founder of modern nursing. NCC's prestigious Nursing program is a great way for students to enter the health care field. The NCC Libraries have a number of specialized resources to help nursing students throughout their education, and this week is the perfect time to drop by the Libraries to use them!

Databases*
CINAHL: This database contains full-text articles from more than 500 allied health journals.
PubMed Central: Most of the articles on this database are full-text, and are provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Nursing and Allied Health Source: This database is one of the health care modules of ProQuest, and offers full-text information on best practices in nursing and allied health.
*For help using databases from off-campus, please contact a Reference Librarian.

Specialized E-Journals*
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
The New England Journal of Medicine
Nursing Clinics of North America
*For help using e-journals from off-campus, please contact a Reference Librarian.

Print Journals
American Journal of Nursing
Geriatric Nursing
Journal of Emergency Nursing
Journal of Practical Nursing
Journal of Professional Nursing
Pennsylvania Nurse

If you're a student in the Nursing program and need assistance with research, be sure to check out our fabulous Nursing Research Guide!

Photo credit: "Career Profile: Registered Nurse." Explore Health Care Careers. 1 May 2009. http://www.explorehealthcareers.org//en/Career.21.aspx

Rejoice in Reading This Month!

2010-05-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

May is a busy month for readers! Not only is it Get Caught Reading Month, it is also Latino Books Month. Both of these events are sponsored by the Association of American Publishers.

Get Caught Reading Month celebrates the joy of picking up a book, no matter what your age or what types of books you like to read. Latino Books Month encourages Latino communities to read, in addition to highlighting the literary contributions of Latino authors published in both Spanish and English.

The NCC Libraries contain books of all types, so jump into Get Caught Reading Month with your favorite genre! We also have adult and children's books by celebrated Latino authors, available in both English and Spanish. Here's a sampling of our Spanish-language adult fiction and poetry titles:

De Amor y de Sombra
by Isabel Allende
PQ 8098.1 .L54 D4 1995 Stacks

Caramelo, o, Puro Cuento
by Sandra Cisneros
PS 3553 .I78 C3718 2002 Stacks

La Casa en Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros
PS 3553 .I78 H618 1994 Stacks

Criatura del Olvido
by Javier Avila
PQ 7440 .A84 C74 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Elegías de Septiembre
by Benito Pastoriza Iyodo
PQ 7440 .P3863 E43 2003 Stacks

Marianela: Novelas de la Primera Época
by Benito Pérez Galdós
PQ 6555 .M2 1995 Stacks

Niebla: Nivola
by Miguel de Unamuno
PQ 6639 .N3 N5 1995 Stacks

Como Agua Para Chocolate: Novela de Entregas Mensuales con Recetas, Amores, y Remedios Caseros
by Laura Esquivel
PQ 7298.15 .S7858 C66 1994 Stacks

Cien Años de Soledad
by Gabriel García Márquez
PQ 8180.17 .A73 C5 1976 Stacks

Photo credit:
"Julia M. First Memorial Sculpture." Artist: Nick Edmonds. Sculpture is located at the Theodore Mann Public Library in Newton, Massachusetts. Smithsonian Institution Research Information System, Art Inventories Catalog. 30 April 2009. http://www.siris.si.edu/

Hidden Gems: Icky, Yet Intriguing

2010-04-30T07:30:00.003-04:00

Academic libraries contain information about a variety of topics, many of which are familiar: history, political science, art, literature, biology, technology -- the list goes on. There are books that stir up arguments, provoke thought, change opinions, enlighten, inspire and inform. But, did you know that -- lurking among these typical titles, waiting to surprise the unsuspecting reader -- there are a few titles that are truly disgusting?

Here, to satisfy your morbid curiosity, are just a few books you might find icky -- yet intriguing. You may want to read them with one eye closed!

The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters
by Rose George
RA 567 .G46 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

We first wonder, as potty-training toddlers, where the...(ahem)... "stuff" goes when we flush the toilet. But if we're serious about protecting the environment, we also need to think about it as adults. The Big Necessity discusses this very sensitive issue, including the public health threat of untreated sewage in developing nations, and what we can do about it.

The Corpse: A History
by Christine Quigley
GT 3150 .Q55 2005 Stacks, Main

Philosophers since the beginning of time have pondered what happens to our souls after we die. But what about our bodies? Have you considered donating your organs, or being cryogenically frozen? How have other societies handled the disposal of deceased loved ones? The Corpse: A History tells more than you ever wanted to know about what happens to us on the "other side."

Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide

by Glenn Kay

PN 1995.9 .Z63 K39 2008 New Books section, Main

Vampires have been wildly popular in books, television and movies for years, but lately, zombies have been coming back to life. The characters in Interview With a Vampire, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Twilight saga may be romantic and exotic, but deep down inside, they're just bloodsuckers staring at your neck all through a date. Zombies are casual dressers, goal-oriented, persistent -- and at least you can be sure that they appreciate your brain. Zombies in film run the gamut from radioactive monsters in the 1950s to stars of blaxploitation flicks in the 1970s, and they always out-gross the competition (even if they don't make any money at the box office). Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide includes reviews, filmmaker interviews, and trivia on this gory (yet often funny) sub-genre of horror films.

This Day In History: Mary Wollstonecraft

2010-04-28T07:30:00.007-04:00

Many of you may already be familiar with the author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. But what do you know about her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft?

Yesterday marked the birth anniversary (April 27, 1759) of this British author, who was also a pioneer of women's rights. During a time when women were not allowed any legal rights or privileges, Wollstonecraft advocated for women to have the same education as men. She wrote about this subject in her famous book, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Tragically, she passed away just 11 days after the birth of her now-famous novelist daughter.

For more information about this early feminist, take a look at some NCC Library materials covering Wollstonecraft's life and works.

The Essential Feminist Reader
by Estelle B. Freedman
HQ 1154 .E77 2007 Stacks

Feminism in Literature: A Gale Critical Companion
by Jessica Bomarito
PN 471 .F43 2005 Reference (6 volumes)

Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature
by Kathy J. Whitson
PN 471 .W455 2004 Reference

Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley: Writing Lives
by Helen M. Buss
E-BOOK (Online)

Mary Wollstonecraft
by Moira Ferguson
PR 5841 .W8 Z67 1984 Stacks

The Life and Death of Mary Wollstonecraft
by Claire Tomalin
PR 5841 .W8 Z84 Stacks

Mary Wollstonecraft: A Biography
by Eleanor Flexner
HQ 1595 .W64 F5 1972B Stacks

Image courtesy of:
“Vindication of the Rights of Woman, A”. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-76126 >.

Reminder: Book Discussion Group Tomorrow

2010-04-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

Just a friendly reminder that the Library Book Discussion Group will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room (CC-440). Tomorrow's book selection is American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood by Marie Arana. Bring your lunch, bring a friend, and enjoy this lively discussion about an interesting book!

The next Book Discussion Group meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The book selection is Inherent Vice, by Thomas Pynchon. Hope to see you there!

This Day In History: William Shakespeare

2010-04-23T07:30:00.005-04:00

Today we commemorate both the birth and death dates of William Shakespeare (b. 1564; d. 1616). Shakespeare is one of the world's most famous dramatists and poets, although few details of his personal life are known. His plays -- probably the most widely read and translated literary works in history besides the Bible -- have been produced on the stage for centuries, and turned into feature films. Generations of authors writing long after Shakespeare's death have alluded to his ideas, characters and familiar phrases.

The NCC Libraries are full of resources on this amazing and enigmatic author, including materials to help the novice Shakespeare reader understand his stories. Stop by and find out what we have in our collection!

Works by William Shakespeare:

The Complete Works
PR 2755 .W45 2005 Monroe

Complete Pelican Shakespeare
PR 2754 .O73 2002 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Shakespeare's Sonnets
PR 2848 .A2 B6 2000 Stacks

The Globe Illustrated Shakespeare: The Complete Works Annotated
PR 2753 .S8 1993 Stacks

The Folger Book of Shakespeare Quotations
PR 2892 .S63 1979 Reference

Critical analysis of his works:

Shakespeare, Love and Service
by David Schalkwyk
PR 3069 .L6 S36 2008 Stacks

He Says/She Says Shakespeare
by Francesco Aristide Ancona
PR 2976 .A65 2008 Stacks

Macbeth: New Critical Essays
by Nicholas Rand Moschovakis
PR 2823 .M235 2008 Stacks

Shakespeare's Philosophy: Discovering the Meaning Behind the Plays
by Colin McGinn
PR 3001 .M38 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Shakespeare for Students: Critical Interpretations of Shakespeare's Plays and Poetry
by Anne Marie Hacht
PR 2987 .S474 2007 Reference, Main and Monroe (3 volumes)

Film adaptations:

Hamlet [DVD]
starring Kenneth Branagh
Media Tower, fiction section

Titus [DVD]
starring Anthony Hopkins
Media Tower, fiction section

Romeo and Juliet [DVD]
directed by Franco Zeffirelli
Media Tower and Monroe, fiction section

Othello [DVD]
starring Laurence Fishburne
Media Tower and Monroe, fiction section

Image courtesy of:
Shakespeare, William. Photograph of an oil painting. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 4 Mar. 2010. < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-69353>.

This Day In History: Charlotte Brontë

2010-04-21T07:30:00.001-04:00

Today is the anniversary of the birth of famous Victorian-era writer Charlotte Brontë, who is best remembered for her novel Jane Eyre. (You may also recognize her sister, Emily, as the author of Wuthering Heights.) Charlotte Brontë lived a short life and only published a handful of novels, yet her legacy of creating vibrant, realistic female characters lives on.

Stop by the NCC Libraries to find information on Charlotte Brontë and her works. Here's a selection:

Jane Eyre [DVD]
Film adaptation starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens, presented as part of the "Masterpiece Theatre" series.
PR 4167 .J363 2007
Media Tower, fiction DVD section

Feminism in Literature: A Gale Critical Companion
by Jessica Bomarito
PN 471 .F43 2005 Reference (6 volumes)

Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë
PR 4167 .J36 2005 Stacks

Understanding Jane Eyre: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents
by Debra Teachman
PR 4167 .J3 T43 2001 Stacks, Main and Monroe
(Also available online as an e-book.)

The Brontës (from the Bloom's Major Novelists series)
by Harold Bloom
PR 4168 .B757 2000 Stacks

Readings on Jane Eyre
by Jill Karson
PR 4167 .J5 K377 2000 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Villette
by Charlotte Brontë
PR 4167 .V5 1998 Stacks

Jane Eyre: Complete, Authoritative Text With Biographical and Historical Contexts, Critical History, and Essays From Five Contemporary Critical Perspectives
by Charlotte Brontë
PR 4167 .J3 1996 Stacks

Critics on Charlotte and Emily Brontë
by Judith O'Neill
PR 4169 .O5 1968 Stacks

Charlotte Brontë: The Evolution of Genius
by Winifred Gérin
PR 4168 .G4 Stacks

Image courtesy of:
"Brontë, Charlotte." Photograph of a chalk drawing. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-15595 >.

It's Almost Time to Register for Online Learning Final Exams!

2010-04-19T12:00:00.005-04:00

ALL Online Learning exams, both paper and computer-based, MUST be scheduled in advance at the Mack Library Testing Center.

Students must call to schedule an appointment starting April 26, 2010 through May 10, 2010.

To schedule your appointment at the Main Campus Library, call: 610-861-5360 or 610-861-5329.

To schedule your appointment at the Monroe Campus Library, call: 570-620-9221 ext. 229.

Instructions for students:
1. Space is at a premium, so students who do not make a reservation will be asked to contact their professor to make alternate arrangements.

2. Students must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. Students who are late will lose that time on their exam. If a student is more than a half hour late, the time slot will be relinquished to another student.

3. Students need to bring a photo I.D. No tests will be administered without a photo I.D.

4. Students requiring an extension due to personal reasons, or campus closings due to inclement weather, must get permission from the instructor.

5. Students must know the name of their instructor and the course number.

6. No children will be allowed in the testing booth. Children under 12 may not be left in the Library unattended.

If you are taking courses on the Main Campus, click this link to look at the Spring 2010 Final Exam schedule. This link will take you to the Monroe Campus Final Exam schedule. Be sure to note the date, time and room location for each exam -- they may not match the time and location of your class during the semester.

Upcoming MAIN CAMPUS Library Hours for Spring '10 Final Exam Week:
Tuesday through Thursday, May 11-May 13: 8:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, May 14: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 15: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 16: 1:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 17: 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Upcoming MONROE CAMPUS Library Hours for Spring '10 Final Exam Week:
Monday through Thursday, May 11-May 13: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, May 14: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 15: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Smart Shoppers Love Consumer Awareness Week

2010-04-19T07:30:00.001-04:00

Are you prepared for Consumer Awareness Week? During this uncertain economy, it's more important than ever to choose wisely when making purchases. Visit a past SpartaBlog! post, "Why Did I Buy That?", for a peek at what goes through the minds of consumers. Also visit the web sites listed below for coupons, industry information, money-saving shopping tips, and advice to help you avoid being ripped off.

Consumer Behavior News (ScienceDaily) -- Ever wonder how -- or why -- advertising works? Do you know how much influence children have on their parents' buying decisions? Why do you feel less of an urge to buy something if you keep your hands off the merchandise? These questions and more are answered by this column on the Science Daily web site.

Consumer.gov -- This web site compiles safety, health and consumer protection information from a variety of government agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and many others. Don't miss the Scam Alert! feature, which provides warnings about online fraud, identity theft and other crimes that target consumers.

ConsumerWorld -- If you want to compare prices before you buy, look for discounts, research brands and find amazing new ways to save money, you've come to the right place!

The Consumerist Blog -- A forum for wary shoppers (some of them a wee bit angry!) to share information about how they've been fleeced -- so you don't have to fall into the same trap. No wonder they call it the web site where "Shoppers Bite Back"!

Consumer Behavior: The Psychology of Marketing. Lars Perner, Ph.D., University of Southern California -- For some scholarly research on why consumers buy what they do (even if they shouldn't), visit this web site. The author is the Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing at the Marshall School of Business, U.S.C.

Coupons.com -- The name of this web site says it all. Print your own coupons to save money on your favorite brand-name products.

MyCoupons -- This coupon site can be searched by the type of product you're buying, or by the name of the store. Includes national chains like WalMart, Staples, Best Buy, Toys"R"Us and more.

Coupon Cabin -- Before you order anything online, visit this web site first! Click the web coupons to save money on your entire order. Includes stores like Target, Home Depot and K-Mart, as well as services like flower delivery, tax preparation and Weight Watchers.

Photo credit:

"2009 Lincoln Cents." The U.S. Mint. 7 April 2009. http://www.usmint.gov/kids/coinNews/cents/

Relax! It's National Stress Awareness Day

2010-04-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

With the end of the semester quickly approaching, many students are understandably stressed about papers, presentations and final exams! Today is National Stress Awareness Day, which gives us an opportunity to recognize the things that are stressing us out, take a deep breath, and figure out ways to decrease the stress we're feeling. Experiencing too much stress can have a negative effect on health, personal relationships, and mental functioning.

Stop by the NCC Libraries and we'll help you find information on the causes of stress -- and what you can do to eliminate it!

Stress-Related Disorders Sourcebook
by Amy L. Sutton
RA 785 .S78 2007 Stacks

Encyclopedia of Stress
by George Fink
QP 82.2 .S8 E53 2007 Reference (4 volumes)

Under Pressure and Overwhelmed: Coping With Anxiety in College
by Christopher Vye
LA 229 .V94 2007 Stacks

Stress: A Brief History
by Cary L. Cooper
BF 575 .S75 C646 2004 Stacks

Emotions, Stress and Health
by Alex Zautra
R 726.7 .Z38 2003 Stacks (also available online as an e-book)

Sources of Stress and Relief for African American Women
by Catherine Fisher Collins
BF 575 .S75 C57 2003 Stacks, Main and Monroe

If you're doing research on stress, don't forget to check out our ProQuest and EBSCOhost databases for articles. Visit or e-mail a librarian if you need help!

Illustration credit:
"Scream, The." Photograph of a painting by Edvard Munch. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Web. 15 Apr. 2010.< https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/art-115514>.

Celebrate National Poetry Month @ NCC!

2010-04-14T07:30:00.001-04:00

April is National Poetry Month, an event that we look forward to every year at Northampton Community College. Join in the festivities tomorrow (April 15) -- Len Roberts Poetry Day -- when we honor the memory of former NCC English professor and poet Len Roberts. You may recognize Professor Roberts from the sculpture located in the main campus Library (near the New Books section), which was installed in 2008.

This year, Len Roberts Poetry Day will feature a visit by the internationally recognized poet and novelist Marge Piercy, who will read from her work. If you're interested in familiarizing yourself with Piercy's writing, be sure to check out some of her books from the NCC Libraries. The following titles will be featured in the National Poetry Month book display at the main campus Library.

Sex Wars
PS 3566 .I4 S49 2006
Also available in New Books section at Monroe

Going Down Fast
PS 3566 .I4 G6 1984

Braided Lives: A Novel
PS 3566 .I4 B68 1982

Dance the Eagle to Sleep
PS 3566 .I4 D3 1982

Breaking Camp: Poems
PS 3566 .I4 B7

Gone to Soldiers: A Novel
PS 3566 .I4 G66 1988

The Crooked Inheritance: Poems
PS 3566 .I4 C76 2009
Also available in New Books section at Monroe

Don't forget to sample our literature databases, which include author information, summaries of stories and poems, and literary criticism.
Literature Criticism Online
Literature Resource Center
MagillOnLiterature

Photo credit:
"Marge Piercy." Online photograph. Literature Resource Center. Web. 7 Apr. 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/ncc_paul?db=LitRCGALERN1450001635.

Celebrate National Library Week!

2010-04-12T07:30:00.008-04:00

Happy National Library Week! The American Library Association's annual celebration honors the nation's libraries and librarians. This year's theme is: Communities Thrive @ Your Library. Public and academic libraries are both built on the premise that when people come in to use them, libraries foster the spirit of community. Show your support for your community and library by visiting the NCC Libraries to use the computers, relax with the newest issue of a magazine, or pick up a book to read. Some facts about libraries and books:

There are more than 120,000 libraries in the United States. This figure includes public libraries, school (grades K-12) libraries and academic (college/university) libraries. Did you know that there are also many special libraries? Medical libraries, law libraries and corporate libraries are just a few examples. Librarians also work in archives, museums and historical societies, and help with genealogical research.

There are more than 148,000 professional librarians in America, who hold a master's degree in library and information science. There are also close to 200,000 paraprofessional library workers across the country, who may have undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines or other job training. Northampton Community College offers a specialized diploma program, available via online learning, for students who would like to work as Library Technical Assistants. Tuesday, April 13 is National Library Worker's Day, so be sure to tell your favorite NCC Library staff members how much you appreciate what they do!

Looking for some classic books to read? Check out Time magazine's choices for the Top 100 Novels of All Time.

Want to read some interesting books about librarians and the library profession? The NCC Libraries have some titles for you!

Quiet, Please: Dispatches From a Public Librarian
by Scott Douglas
Z 720 .D68 A3 2008 Stacks

The Library at Night
by Alberto Manguel
Z 721 .M25 2008 Stacks

Dewey: A Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World (Soon to be a major motion picture starring Meryl Streep!)
by Vicki Myron
SF 445.5 .M97 2008 Stacks

Library facts courtesy of:
American Library Association. Number of Libraries in the United States. Fact Sheet 1. Jan. 2009. 16 Dec. 2009. http://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet01.cfm

American Library Association. Number Employed in Libraries. Fact Sheet 2. Jan 2009. 16 December 2009. http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/library/libraryfactsheet/alalibraryfactsheet2.cfm

Illustration credit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm

This Day In History: Civil War Ends

2010-04-09T07:30:00.013-04:00

On this day in 1865, General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate (Southern) Army, surrendered to the Union (Northern) Army at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. This signified the end of the American Civil War, a conflict that had begun four years earlier, which ultimately contributed to the end of slavery, and shaped modern warfare through advances in weapons and medical technology. The NCC Libraries have many resources on the battles, people and events of the Civil War, including the devastating bloodshed that occurred at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1863.

Our Lincoln: New Perspectives on Lincoln and His World
by Eric Foner
E 457 .O97 2008 Stacks

Bitterly Divided: The South's Inner Civil War
by David Williams
F 214 .W564 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Slaves' War: The Civil War in the Words of Former Slaves
by Andrew Ward
E 464 .W29 2008 Stacks

What This Cruel War Was Over: Soldiers, Slavery, and the Civil War
by Chandra Manning
E 607 .M32 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

This Mighty Scourge: Perspectives on the Civil War
by James M. McPherson
E 468 .M24 2007 Stacks

Dixie Betrayed: How the South Really Lost the Civil War
by David J. Eicher
E 487 .E38 2006 Stacks

The Civil War 100: The Stories Behind the Most Influential Battles, People and Events in the War Between the States
by Michael Lee Lanning
E 655 .L36 2006 Stacks

A Nation Transformed by Civil War [map]
National Geographic Society
MAP-CIVIL WAR Atlas Stand, Main and Monroe

The Civil War [DVD]
by Ken Burns
E 468 .C58 1990 (5 vols.) Circulation Desk, Main; Media Tower, Main; Monroe
Also available in streaming video from the American History in Video database.

Take a look at these databases for more information:

African American Experience: Search this database for research on slavery, the Civil War and "Jim Crow" discrimination that occurred during the Reconstruction era and beyond.
American History in Video: Search for "Civil War" and find more than 50 different streaming videos on this topic. These videos are taken from shows that have aired on the History Channel, A&E, PBS and other networks.
History Resource Center, U.S.: This database contains biographies of historically significant people, narratives of battles and events, primary sources, maps and multimedia.

Works Consulted:
"American Civil War." Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
Web. 16 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-229937 >.

"American Civil War: Lee's Surrender to Grant." Photograph of wood engraving. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 16 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-82272 >.

World Health Day

2010-04-07T07:30:00.023-04:00

Today we observe World Health Day, an initiative of the World Health Organization, a group that advocates for better access to health care throughout the world. This year's theme is "urbanization and health," which looks at how the growth of cities affects the health of both individuals and society. Read about this event and what you can do to help by going to the previous links.

These NCC Library resources will help you understand how diseases spread around the world, and what health professionals are doing to prevent them.

Nursing in Today's World: Trends, Issues and Management
by Janice Rider Ellis
RT 82 .E45 2008 Stacks

Sick Planet: Corporate Food and Medicine
by Stan Cox
TD 195 .F57 C69 2008 Stacks

Pandemics and Global Health
by Barry Youngerman
RA 649 .Y65 2008 Stacks

Public Health Nursing: Leadership, Policy & Practice
by Louise L. Ivanov
RT 97 .P833 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Encyclopedia of Global Health
by Yawei Zhang
RA 441 .E53 2008 Reference (4 vols.)

Global Epidemics
by Christopher Mari
RA 649 .G56 2007 Stacks

Disease Prevention as Social Change: The State, Society, and Public Health in the United States, France, Great Britain and Canada
by Constance A. Nathanson
RA 427.8 .N37 2007 Stacks

Be sure to visit the CINAHL database and the ProQuest database to find more information about current health issues. Both databases include scholarly journal articles.

Image courtesy of:
Nurse. Art. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 16 Dec. 2009. < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-93553 >.

Explore Career Options @ NCC Libraries!

2010-04-05T07:30:00.009-04:00

Today kicks off Explore Your Career Options Week! If you're an NCC student, chances are you've decided on the kind of job you're looking for and are getting some excellent training for your future. Or perhaps you fall into another category -- you're still trying to figure out what you want to do "when you grow up," so you're attending NCC to explore the options. Either way, it's important to examine your skills and interests -- as well as your likes and dislikes -- while researching the career fields that you interest you.

The NCC Libraries have some great resources to help you explore careers, but you'll also want to visit the Career Services office for help with writing resumés, employment listings and career aptitude tests!

The Libraries subscribe to three databases related to careers:

Career Insider: Contains information on careers, industries, resumes, interviews and much more. An account must be created to use all the features of this resource.
Chronicle Career Library of Occupational Briefs (To use this database, please contact a reference librarian): Presents information on more than 2,000 occupational titles, including 650 comprehensive occupational descriptions, ranging from those that require a high school diploma (or less) through professional careers.

Vocational Biographies: (To use this database, please contact a reference librarian): Features more than 1,000 profiles of careers. Similar to Chronicle Career Library, it provides information on education, recommended courses, training, job benefits, job challenges, working conditions, salaries and descriptions of a typical "day on the job."

Here is a sample of the wide array of career books available at the NCC Libraries:

The Top 100: The Fastest-Growing Careers for the 21st Century
by Ferguson Publishing
HF 5382 .T59 2009 Stacks, Main and Monroe

College Majors & Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning
by Paul Phifer
HF 5382.5 .U5 P445 2009 Stacks, Main

Top 100 Careers Without a Four-Year Degree: Your Complete Guidebook to Major Jobs in Many Fields
by Michael J. Farr
HD 5724 .F27 2009 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Careers and Occupations: Looking to the Future
by Melissa J. Doak
HF 5382.5 .U5 C373 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Career Chronicles: An Insider's Guide to What Jobs Are Really Like -- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly From Over 750 Professionals
by Michael Gregory
HF 5382 .G733 2008 Stacks, Main

Careers in International Affairs
by Maria Pinto Carland
JZ 1238 .U6 C37 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Résumés for Scientific and Technical Careers
by McGraw-Hill Companies
Q 147 .R47 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Top Careers in Two Years: Hospitality, Human Services, and Tourism
by Rowan Riley
TX 911.3 .V62 R55 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Top Careers in Two Years: Public Safety, Law, and Security
by Lisa Cornelio
HV 9950 .C67 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Occupational Outlook Handbook
by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
HF 5382 .U53 2008-2009 Reference, Main and Monroe (also available online)

Library Hours for the Easter Holiday

2010-04-01T07:30:00.001-04:00

Please note that the NCC Mack Library has a change of schedule for the Easter holiday weekend:

April 2 (Good Friday): Open regular hours,
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

April 3 (Saturday): Open regular hours,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

April 4 (Easter Sunday): Library CLOSED

Best wishes for a happy holiday!

Photo credit:
"Pysanky: Easter Eggs." The Ukrainian Museum, New York. 6 April 2009. http://www.ukrainianmuseum.org/pysanky.html

Trail of Tears Event @ NCC Tomorrow

2010-03-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

To commemorate Native American Heritage Month, Northampton Community College will host a traveling exhibit entitled "Trail of Tears: The Journey of Survival and Success."

Be sure to stop by Laub Lounge (main campus) tomorrow to view "historical illustrations, photos, literature, video documentaries and authentic artifacts, which explore the beauty of the unique culture of the nations of the Cherokee, Iroquois, Seminole and Navajo."

If you'd like more information about Native American history, the NCC Libraries offer a variety of resources on the topic.

The American Indian Experience database contains full-text articles, images and primary source documents pertaining to Native American heritage and culture.

Native Americans
by Noël Marino
E 98 .S67 N38 2008 New Books section, Main

Invisible Indians: Native Americans in Pennsylvania
by David Jay Minderhout
E 78 .P4 M63 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Our Savage Neighbors: How Indian War Transformed Early America
by Peter Rhoads Silver
E 77 .S573 2008 Stacks, Main

Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America
by Michael Johnson
E 76.2 .J64 2007 Reference, Main

Speak Like Singing: Classics of Native American Literature
by Kenneth Lincoln
PS 153 .I52 L55 2007 Stacks, Main

Lewis & Clark and the Indian Country: The Native American Perspective
by Frederick E. Hoxie
F 592.7 .L496 2007 Stacks, Main

Encyclopedia of American Indian Literature
by Jennifer McClinton-Temple
PS 153 .I52 E53 2007 Reference, Main

Native Americans and the Environment: Perspectives on the Ecological Indian
by Michael Eugene Harkin
GF 501 .N37 2007 Stacks, Main

A Song for the Horse Nation: Horses in Native American Cultures
by George P. Horse Capture
E 98 .H55 S66 2006 Stacks, Main

Eating Fire, Tasting Blood: Breaking the Great Silence of the American Indian Holocaust by MariJo Moore
E 91 .E37 2006 Stacks, Main

The Tipi: Traditional Native American Shelter
by Adolf Hungrywolf
E 98 .D9 H85 2006 Stacks, Main

Conquest by Law: How the Discovery of America Dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of Their Lands
by Lindsay Gordon Robertson
KF 228 .U5 R63 2005 Stacks, Main

American Indian Religious Traditions: An Encyclopedia
by Suzanne J. Crawford
E 98 .R3 C755 2005 Reference, Main (3 vols.)

Image courtesy of:
“Trail of Tears, The”. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 4 Mar. 2010 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-106491>.

National Cleaning Week

2010-03-29T07:30:00.002-04:00

Do you still need to pack away your winter sweaters, clean behind the fridge, and vacuum the entire house? Are you ready to get organized, manage your finances, or even prepare your taxes? National Cleaning Week is the perfect time for spring cleaning and organizing.

Not inspired to use the weekend to get your house in order? Don't feel bad -- nobody is expected to love cleaning as much as the lady in this 1959 advertisement! Fortunately, the NCC Libraries can help you find tips to make cleaning go faster, while causing less harm to the environment.

Green Housekeeping: In Which the Nontoxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family While You Save Time, Money, and Perhaps, Your Sanity
by Ellen Sandbeck
TX 324 .S25 2008 Stacks, Main

Don't Throw It Out
by Lori Baird
TX 303 .B25 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Naturally Clean Home: 121 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Nontoxic Cleansers
by Karyn Siegel-Maier
E-BOOK (Online)

Unclutter Your Home: 7 Simple Steps, 700 Tips & Ideas
by Donna Smallin
E-BOOK (Online)

Time Management From the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule -- And Your Life
by Julie Morgenstern
HD 69 .T54 M66 2004 Stacks, Main
HD 69 .T54 M66 2000 Stacks, Monroe

Get Organized in the Digital Age: Use Technology to Save Time, Simplify Tasks, and Stay Sane in a High-Speed World
by Lucy H. Hedrick
E-BOOK (Online)

Photo credit:
1959 Singer Vacuum Cleaners advertisement. http://www.adclassix.com/a3/59singervacuum.htm

This Day In History: Tennessee Williams

2010-03-26T07:30:00.006-04:00

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tennessee Williams is remembered today on the anniversary of his birth in 1911. Williams is best known for the plays A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, both featuring Southern characters who struggle with difficult relationships made worse by the repression of post-World War II society. Williams is also notable among American playwrights of this era for being one of the first to openly address homosexuality in his writing.

Students of both literature and theater will appreciate Williams' classic plays, which are populated by complex, emotional characters. Stop by the NCC Libraries to find more information about Tennessee Williams and his works, or search the Literature Resource Center database.

The Collected Poems of Tennessee Williams

PS 3545 .I5365 A17 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Notebooks

by Tennessee Williams
PS 3545 .I5365 A6 2006 Stacks, Main

The Tennessee Williams Encyclopedia

by Philip C. Kolin
PS 3545 .I5365 Z459 2004 Stacks, Main

Plays: 1957-1980

by Tennessee Williams
PS 3545 .I5365 A6 2000 Stacks, Main

Tennessee Williams (from the Bloom's Major Dramatists series)

by Harold Bloom
PS 3545 .I5365 Z843 2000 Stacks, Main

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof [DVD]

Film adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman
PS 3545 .I5365 C3 1999 Media Tower

Readings on "The Glass Menagerie"

by Thomas Siebold
PS 3545 .I5365 G539 1998 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Streetcar Named Desire [DVD]

Film adaptation starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando
PS 3545 .I5365 S873 1997 Media Tower

Tennessee Williams: A Study of the Short Fiction

by Dennis P. Vannatta

PS 3545 .I5365 Z857 1988 Stacks

Photo credit:

"Tennessee Williams." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Vol. 16. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 306-308. 18 Mar. 2009. Web. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/ncc_paul?db=GVRL>.

This Day In History: Tuskegee Airmen Cleared for Takeoff

2010-03-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

Around this date in 1941, the Tuskegee Airmen were activated for combat duty in World War II. This unit of the U.S. Army Air Corps (the precursor to the U.S. Air Force) was the first group of African Americans to fly in battle for the United States military. The participation of the Tuskegee Airmen in the war's European theater was crucial to American success; not a single bomber plane escorted by the all-black Ninety-Ninth Pursuit Squadron was lost to enemy fighters. The unit's impeccable reputation contributed to the end of racial segregation in America's armed forces.

For more information on this groundbreaking team of aviators, check out some of these materials available at the NCC Libraries:

Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History
by Von Hardesty
TL 539 .H285 2008 Stacks, Main

The Tuskegee Airmen [DVD]
produced by PBS Home Video
D 790 .T8 2004 Media Tower, Main

Double V: The Civil Rights Struggle of the Tuskegee Airmen
by Lawrence P. Scott
E-BOOK (Online)

A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman
by Charles W. Dryden
E-BOOK (Online)

Red-Tail Angels: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II
by Pat McKissack
D 790 .M333 1995 Stacks, Main

You can also search the African American Experience or History Resource Center databases for articles, photographs and primary source materials.

Works Cited:

"Tuskegee Airmen." Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 15 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9002992>.

Tuskegee Airmen: war bond poster. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-14931>.

Reminder: NCC Book Discussion Group Meets Tomorrow

2010-03-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Just a friendly reminder that the Library Book Discussion Group will meet tomorrow (Tuesday, March 23, 2010), from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room (CC-440). Tomorrow's book selection is Different by NCC's own professor of English, Javier Avila. This novel was recently made into a Spanish-language film entitled Miente. Bring your lunch, bring a friend, and enjoy this lively discussion about an interesting book!

The next Book Discussion Group meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. The book selection is American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood, by Marie Arana.

Spring Break Library Hours

2010-03-12T07:30:00.009-05:00

The NCC Main Campus Library will run on a modified schedule during spring break. Be sure to check our hours below. This information is also listed on the right side of the blog, under the section "Library Hours." SpartaBlog! will also take a break next week. Enjoy your time off!

Sat. March 13 - Sun. March 14: Open regular weekend hours

Mon. March 15 - Fri. March 19: Library open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sat. March 20 - Sun. March 21: Library closed

Mon. March 22: Resume regular hours

This Day In History: Harriet Tubman

2010-03-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today commemorates the anniversary of the death of famed African-American abolitionist and women's right advocate Harriet Tubman (1913). This former slave helped numerous other slaves escape bondage through the network of safehouses known as the Underground Railroad. Tubman even fought in the Civil War as a spy for the Union Army. After her death, she was buried with military honors.

To learn more about this inspiring woman's life, take a look at these materials at the NCC Libraries:

Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom
by Catherine Clinton
E 444 .T82 C57 2004 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero
by Kate Clifford Larson
E 444 .T82 L37 2004 Stacks, Main

Harriet Tubman: The Life and the Life Stories
by Jean McMahon Humez
E 444 .T82 H86 2003 Stacks, Main

Harriet Tubman
by Sarah H. Bradford
E 444 .T894 Stacks, Main

Databases:
The African-American Experience: Search the name "Tubman" to find numerous encyclopedia articles discussing her life. There are even primary sources (documents written when Tubman was alive) and photographs, such as the one pictured above.

History Resource Center U.S.: Run a "People" search on Tubman to find more biographies and articles about her.

Search the general periodical databases ProQuest and EBSCOhost to find various articles about Tubman that were published in modern magazines, journals and newspapers.

Snoozing in Class? Find Out Why During National Sleep Awareness Week

2010-03-08T07:30:00.002-05:00

Students, are you feeling drowsy? Yawning or nodding off during class? You may not be getting enough sleep!

On average, teens need 9.25 hours of sleep each night. How much sleep have you been getting lately? Without proper, restful sleep, many health and mental problems can occur, including sleep disorders, forgetfulness, aggressiveness and a run-down immune system. Take time during National Sleep Awareness Week (March 7-13) to discover ways to improve your sleep habits.

For advice on getting a good night's sleep, take a look at this selection of materials from the NCC Libraries:

Sleep Problems in Children and Adolescents: The Facts
by Gregory Stores
RJ 506 .S55 S76 2009 Stacks, Main

Nightmares: The Science and Solution of Those Frightening Visions During Sleep
by Patrick McNamara
BF 1099 .N53 M46 2008 Stacks, Main

Easyflow Meditation: Guided Relaxation for Nourishing Sleep and Instant Stress Relief [sound recording]
by Monique Danielle
BQ 5630 .D36 2008 Media Tower

Sleep Disorders Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Sleep and Sleep Disorders
by Amy L. Sutton
RC 547 .S536 2005 Stacks, Main and Monroe

A Woman's Guide to Sleep Disorders
by Meir H. Kryger
E-BOOK (Online)

Counting Sheep: The Science and Pleasures of Sleep and Dreams
by Paul Martin
QP 425 .M345 2004 Stacks, Main

Restless Nights: Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea
by Peretz Lavie
RC 737.5 .L3813 2003 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Dreaming: An Introduction to the Science of Sleep
by J. Allan Hobson
QP 426 .H6285 2002 Stacks, Main

Works Cited:

National Sleep Foundation. "Teens and Sleep." 7 December 2009. Web. http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep.

"Sleep." Art. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 7 Dec. 2009. Web. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-93685.

This Day In History: Who Put the "Penn" in Pennsylvania?

2010-03-05T07:30:00.008-05:00

Pennsylvanians, rejoice! Yesterday marked the anniversary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania being deeded to William Penn, our founder. Government was established in Pennsylvania on March 4, 1681, after King Charles II gave the land to Penn as a way of repaying a debt the king owed to Penn's deceased father. Penn planned to make Pennsylvania into a sanctuary of religious freedom for Quaker refugees.

Stop by the NCC Libraries to read more about Penn's life and the history of our state:

Promised Land: Penn's Holy Experiment, the Walking Purchase, and the Dispossession of Delawares, 1600-1763
by Steven Craig Harper
F 152 .H38 2006 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Freedom Seeker: A Story About William Penn
by Gwenyth Swain
E-BOOK (Online)

Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth
by Randall M. Miller
F 149 .P366 2002 Stacks, Main and Monroe

William Penn and the Founding of Pennsylvania, 1680-1684: A Documentary History
by Jean R. Soderlund
F 152.2 .W53 1983 Stacks, Main
Also available as an e-book (online)

William Penn, Politics and Conscience
by Mary Maples Dunn
JC 153 .P4 D8 Stacks, Main

The History of Pennsylvania, in North America, From the Original Institution and Settlement of That Province, Under the First Proprietor and Governor, William Penn, in 1681, Till After the Year 1742
by Robert Proud
F 152 .P7 Stacks, Main (2 volumes)

Penn Pictures: The Founder of Pennsylvania
by Irwin Richman
F 152.2 .R57 Stacks, Main

William Penn's Holy Experiment: The Founding of Pennsylvania, 1681-1701
by Edwin B. Bronner
F 152 .B84 Stacks, Main

William Penn: A Biography
by Catherine Owens Peare
F 152.2 .P34 Stacks, Main

Some Fruits of Solitude in Reflections and Maxims
by William Penn
E-BOOK (Online)

Works Cited:

"Penn, William." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9059077.>

"Penn, William." Online image. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-99929/William-Penn.>

Student Wins Flash Drive @ Study Skills Marathon!

2010-03-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Mary Longacre, winner of the NCC Library's raffle contest!

Held at the Study Skills Marathon on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, all visitors to the Library table were eligible to win a two-gigabyte flash drive. That's a lot of storage!

Mary's name was drawn, making her the lucky winner! Mary is pictured here with Information Services Librarian Elehna Shores. Best of luck with your new flash drive!

Write It Right on National Grammar Day!

2010-03-03T07:30:00.011-05:00

Do you know the difference between occasions when you should use the words "well" and "good?" How about "farther" and "further?" Take some time tomorrow to improve your grammar by celebrating National Grammar Day!

Whether you need to brush up on the rules of the English language, or just want to impress your professor with the correct usage of "which" or "that," everyone should make an effort to correct grammatical errors. Just don't fix someone else's mistakes with spray paint, like the guys from the Typo Eradication Advancement League (TEAL), who were arrested and sentenced to one year's probation for vandalizing a sign at the Grand Canyon!

Both NCC Libraries have resources related to grammar that will help answer your nagging questions about proper usage for writing and speaking. The main campus Library would also like to remind you of our Adult Literacy collection of books and audio CDs, devoted to assisting students for whom English is a second language. These ESL materials are located in our Browsing collection behind the display of current magazines. For help with grammar, try one of these titles:

Just Enough English Grammar Illustrated
by Gabriele Stobbe
PE 1112 .S76 2008 Browsing (Main) and Stacks (Monroe)

The Bedford Guide for College Writers: With Reader
by X. J. Kennedy
PE 1408 .K49 2008 Stacks, Main

That or Which, and Why: A Usage Guide for Thoughtful Writers and Editors
by Evan Jenkins
PE 1460 .J46 2007 Stacks, Main

A Glossary of English Grammar
by Geoffrey N. Leech
PE 1112 .L44 2006 Reference, Main

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English
by Patricia T. O'Conner
PE 1112 .O28 2004 Stacks, Main

Plain Style: A Guide to Written English
by Christopher Lasch
PE 1408 .L3195 2002 Stacks, Main

English Grammar for the Utterly Confused
by Laurie Rozakis
E-BOOK (Online)

The Good Grammar Guide
by Richard Palmer
E-BOOK (Online)

March Is Women's History Month

2010-03-01T07:30:00.014-05:00

Kick off Women's History Month by learning about the first Women's Rights Convention, which was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in July 1848. It was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two pioneers of women's rights.

Stanton (pictured at left) authored the document Declaration of Sentiment, a women's version of the Declaration of Independence. Among other things, it called for the reversal of laws that prevented women from voting and owning property. Of the 300 participants who attended this convention, only 70 women and 30 men signed the Declaration of Sentiment -- but this historic meeting of minds was crucial in the movement toward women's suffrage and women's rights.

Lucretia Mott (pictured below) was one of many proponents of women's rights who also supported the abolition of slavery -- even going so far as to assist in the escape of fugitive slaves. The two women met while Mott was attending a meeting of Quaker abolitionists, and they decided to join forces in their efforts to secure civil rights for slaves and women.

To learn more about the early days of American feminism, check out some materials related to this topic, including the NCC Library's Research Guide on women's and gender studies. And don't miss the biographies of other women's rights activists available on the Credo Reference and History Resource Center databases.

Seneca Falls and the Origins of the Women’s Rights Movement
by Sally Gregory McMillen
HQ 1418 .M36 2008 Stacks

The Essential Feminist Reader
by Estelle B. Freedman
HQ 1154 .E77 2007 Stacks

The Solitude of Self: Thinking About Elizabeth Cady Stanton
by Vivian Gornick
HQ 1413 .S67 G67 2005 Stacks

The Road to Seneca Falls: A Story About Elizabeth Cady Stanton
by Gwenyth Swain
E-BOOK (Online)

Not For Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony [DVD]
by Ken Burns
HQ 1412 .W36 2003 Media Tower

Valiant Friend: The Life of Lucretia Mott
by Margaret Hope Bacon
HQ 1413 .M68 B33 Stacks

Women’s Rights
by Shasta Gaughen
HQ 1236 .W6526 2003 Stacks

The Ladies of Seneca Falls: The Birth of the Woman's Rights Movement
by Miriam Gurko
HQ 1412 .G85 Stacks

Photo credits:
"Stanton, Elizabeth Cady, (1815 – 1902)." The Crystal Reference Encyclopedia. West Chiltington: Crystal Reference, 2005. Credo Reference. 26 February 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/5756860/.

"Mott, Lucretia Coffin." Encyclopedia of Women Social Reformers. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2001. Credo Reference. 26 February 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/8021940/.

This Day In History: First National Bank Chartered in 1791

2010-02-26T07:30:00.002-05:00

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the charter of the United States' first national bank in 1791. The bank was established to help fund debt that was left over from the Revolutionary War and to introduce a stable national currency. This concept created much debate and hostility between the two political parties (sound familiar?), and the nature of the national bank is still a hot topic in today's struggling economy.

This drawing is a picture of the First National Bank, which was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For more information on the history of the banking system and the Federal Reserve, check out these books from the NCC Libraries:

The Federal Reserve System: A History
by Donald R. Wells
HG 2563 .W3626 2004 Stacks, Main

Banks and Their Customers
by Margaret C. Jasper
KF 975 .J37 2004 Stacks, Main

The Future of Banking
by Benton E. Gup
HG 1601 .F88 2003 Stacks, Main

Encyclopedia of Banking and Finance
by Charles J. Woelfel
E-BOOK (Online)

Pennsylvania, Birthplace of Banking in America
by Belden L. Daniels
HG 2611 .P4 D35 Stacks, Main

Financing American Enterprise: The Story of Commercial Banking
by Paul B. Trescott
HG 2471 .T7 Stacks, Main

Banks and Politics in America, From the Revolution to the Civil War
by Bray Hammond
HG 2472 .H3 Stacks, Main

Works Cited:
Banks and banking. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-105956>.

"Bank of the United States." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9074322>.

New Leisure Reading Titles

2010-02-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the newest titles in our leisure reading collection. Take some time out from the stress of school or work, and enjoy a fun read today! Click on the link to read a review of each book at Amazon.com.

House of Versace by Deborah Ball

Final Exam by Maggie Barbieri

Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

Mr. Monk in Trouble by Lee Goldberg

U Is for Undertow by Sue Grafton

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat and Obsession by Julie Powell

Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Big Girls Do Cry by Carl Weber

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Kisser by Stuart Woods

Domino Pattern by Timothy Zahn

Reminder: Book Discussion Group Meets Tomorrow!

2010-02-22T07:30:00.001-05:00

Just a friendly reminder that the Library Book Discussion Group will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room (CC-440). Tomorrow's book selection is The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan. Bring your lunch, bring a friend, and enjoy this lively discussion about an interesting book!

The next Book Discussion Group meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The book selection is Different, by NCC's own professor of English, Javier Avila. This novel was recently turned into a Spanish-language film entitled Miente. Join us at Northampton Community College's Lipkin Theatre for the premiere of Professor Avila's novel-turned-film on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 6 p.m.

This Day In History: Friedan's Book Sparks Women's Liberation Movement

2010-02-19T07:30:00.008-05:00

Today is the anniversary of the release of Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book The Feminine Mystique. This controversial book was published in 1963, a time when most women stayed at home to care for family and house. The Feminine Mystique discussed how women were unhappy with their limited options and helped incite the "second-wave" feminist movement. Friedan was also a co-founder of the National Organization of Women (NOW), which is still active in working for gender equality.

If you're taking a class in the Women's Studies concentration or just doing some research on the feminist movement, be sure out check out the NCC Libraries' research guide on women's and gender studies.

For other NCC Library resources on Friedan's life and work, check these out:

The Essential Feminist Reader
by Estelle B. Freedman
HQ 1154 .E77 2007 Stacks, Main

The World Split Open: How the Modern Women's Movement Changed America
by Ruth Rosen
HQ 1421 .R68 2006 Stacks, Main

Life So Far
by Betty Friedan
HQ 1413 .F75 A3 2000 Stacks, Main

The Women's Liberation Movement in America
by Kathleen C. Berkeley
HQ 1421 .B47 1999 Stacks, Main

Moving the Mountain: The Women's Movement in America Since 1960
by Flora Davis
HQ 1421 .D385 1999 Stacks, Main

Faces of Feminism: An Activist's Reflections on the Women's Movement
by Sheila Tobias
HQ 1426 .T64 1997 Stacks, Main

The Fountain of Age
by Betty Friedan
HQ 1064 .U5 F753 1993 Stacks, Main

The Feminine Mystique
by Betty Friedan
HQ 1426 .F844 1983 Stacks, Main

Works Cited:
"Friedan, Betty." Britannica Book of the Year, 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9433517 >.

Friedan, Betty. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 7 Dec. 2009 < https://libprox.northampton.edu:/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-94400 >.

Study Skills Marathon Today!

2010-02-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Don't miss the Spring 2010 Study Skills Marathon!

The action takes place in the Spartan Center (Main Campus) today, Wednesday, February 17, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This event packs many great student resources all into one place. Brush up on your study skills, learn techniques for reducing stress and meet a variety of people who can help you on your path to academic success! Representatives from student clubs, like Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and College departments, like the Learning Center and Counseling office, will be on hand to chat with you.

Looks like the students in the top photo from a previous Study Skills Marathon were getting quite a workout with the exercise balls -- you'll have to show up on Wednesday to find out what's in store for this year's event!

While you're making the rounds in the Spartan Center, be sure to visit the NCC Libraries table to learn about our services (that last photo on the right shows two of our librarians enjoying the Fall 2008 Marathon). You'll also have the chance to enter a drawing to win a flash drive. You can see the winner of last semester's flash drive giveaway here.

If you're still not convinced that you should stop by, here's another selling point: free food and beverages!

See you in the Spartan Center!

Happy President's Day!

2010-02-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

Let's take a moment to remember two of our nation's
most important leaders: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Without the guidance of these two presidents, America would be a much different nation today. The NCC Libraries contain many resources on the fascinating -- and in many ways, controversial -- lives of these two men. Since we will be open, why not come in and check out one of these books?

In the Name of the Father: Washington's Legacy, Slavery, and the Making of a Nation
by Francois Furstenberg
E 310 .F97 2006 Stacks, Main

George Washington: The Founding Father
by Paul Johnson
E 312 .J67 2005 Stacks, Main

Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge
by Thomas J. Fleming
E 234 .F58 2005 Stacks, Main

His Excellency: George Washington
by Joseph J. Ellis
E 312 .E245 2004 Stacks, Main

An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America
by Henry Wiencek
E 312.17 .W6 2003 Stacks, Main

George Washington: A Biographical Companion
by Frank E. Grizzard
E 312 .G88 2002 Stacks, Main

Looking for Lincoln: The Making of an American Icon
by Philip B. Kunhardt
E 457.2 .K86 2008 Stacks, Main

Our Lincoln: New Perspectives on Lincoln and His World
by Eric Foner
E 457 .O97 2008 Stacks, Main

Big Enough to Be Inconsistent: Abraham Lincoln Confronts Slavery and Race
by George Fredrickson
E 457.2 .F786 2008 Stacks, Main

Manhunt: The Twelve-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer
by James L. Swanson
E 457.5 .S993 2006 Stacks, Main

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
E 457.45 .G66 2005 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Lincoln in "The Times" : The Life of Abraham Lincoln, as Originally Reported in the New York Times
by David Herbert Donald
E 457.15 .L535 2005 Stacks, Main

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America
by Allen C. Guelzo
E 453 .G9 2004 Stacks, Main

This Day In History: Judy Blume

2010-02-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

If you were a girl growing up in the 1970s, 80s or 90s -- or if you know a girl who's growing up now -- you've probably heard of author Judy Blume! Readers and librarians around the world are celebrating her birthday today.

Judy Blume has written a great number of books for children and teens, which are entertaining but also call attention to coming-of-age issues. Because of her frank discussion of these sometimes sensitive topics, attempts have been made by community organizations to challenge or ban Blume's books from schools and libraries.

Join us in appreciating Judy Blume -- and your freedom to read -- by picking up some of her classic books at the NCC Libraries.

Double Fudge
PZ 7 .B6265 DO 2002 Juvenile Books, Main

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
PZ 7 .B6265 OT 2002 Juvenile Books, Main

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
PZ 7 .B6265 TAL 2002 Juvenile Books, Main

Estas Ahi, Dios? Soy Yo, Margaret
PZ 73 .B62 ARE 2001 Juvenile Books, Main

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
PZ 7 .B6265 AR 2001 Juvenile Books, Main

Iggie's House
PZ 7 .B6265 IG 2001 Juvenile Books, Main

Blubber
PZ 7 .B6265 BL 2001 Juvenile Books, Main

Then Again, Maybe I Won't: A Novel
PZ 7 .B6265 TH 1998 Juvenile Books, Main

Photo credit:
"Author Spotlight: Judy Blume." Online photograph. Random House Publishing Author's Page. Web. 8 Feb. 2010. http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=2611

This Day In History: Nelson Mandela

2010-02-10T07:30:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, we remember Nelson Mandela's long-awaited release from prison. Mandela is a black lawyer-turned-political activist from South Africa. His involvement in the movement to end government-sanctioned racial inequality -- known as Apartheid -- made Mandela a target for those who opposed his efforts. He was put on trial for sabotage and treason, receiving a life sentence in prison. After surviving more than 27 years as a political prisoner, he was released on February 11, 1990. Since then, he has contributed to building a peaceful democracy in South Africa. Mandela eventually served as president of his country and earned a Nobel Peace Prize.

To learn more about Mandela's impressive life, stop at the NCC Libraries for some materials:

A Prisoner in the Garden: The Nelson Mandela Foundation
by Nelson Mandela
DT 1974 .P75 2006 Stacks, Main

Mandela: A Critical Life
by Tom Lodge
DT 1974 .L63 2006 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Literature Suppressed on Political Grounds
by Nicholas J. Karolides
Z 658 .U5 K37 2006 Stacks, Main

In His Own Words
by Nelson Mandela
DT 1974 .M338 2003 Stacks, Main

Long Walk to Freedom with Connections: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
by Nelson Mandela
DT 1949 .M35 A3 2000 Stacks, Main

Mandela: An Illustrated Autobiography
by Nelson Mandela
DT 1974 .A3 1996 Stacks, Main

Nelson Mandela: Determined to Be Free
by Jack L. Roberts
E-BOOK (Online)

Higher Than Hope: The Authorized Biography of Nelson Mandela
by Fatima Meer
DT 1949 .M35 M44 1990 Stacks, Main

Works Cited:
"Mandela, Nelson." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 5 Dec. 2009 http://search.eb.com/eb/article-4544>.

Mandela, Nelson. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 5 Dec. 2009 http://search.eb.com/eb/article-4544http://search.eb.com/eb/art-73173>.

This Day In History: Jules Verne

2010-02-08T07:30:00.003-05:00

Where would the science fiction and adventure genres be without Jules Verne? Today celebrates this French author's 1828 birth anniversary. His famous novel Around the World in 80 Days prompted many real-life adventurers to attempt to travel around the globe in record time. Many of his visionary tales have been made into exciting films -- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea even became a ride at Disney World! But Verne's most significant contribution to science fiction literature may be the inspiration his work gave to succeeding generations of writers and filmmakers.

Stop by the NCC Libraries to check out Verne's novels, or books about his life and work. You can also search the Literature Resource Center or MagillOnLiterature databases for summaries and critical analysis of his works.

Science Fiction Pioneer: A Story About Jules Verne
by Thomas Streissguth 2001
E-BOOK (Online)

The Survivors of the Chancellor
by Jules Verne
E-BOOK (Online)

The Underground City: Works of Jules Verne
by Jules Verne
E-BOOK (Online)

Off on a Comet, or, Hector Servadac
by Jules Verne
E-BOOK (Online)

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
by Jules Verne
E-BOOK (Online)

Around the World in Eighty Days
by Jules Verne
E-BOOK (Online)

Jules Verne, Inventor of Science Fiction
by Peter Costello
PQ 2469 .Z5 C66 1978 Stacks

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
by Jules Verne
PQ 2469 .J6 Stacks

The Omnibus
by Jules Verne
PQ 2469 .O5 Stacks

Works Cited:
Science fiction. Article. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 5 Dec. 2009.

"Verne, Jules." Article. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 5 Dec. 2009. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9075124>.

Illustration credit:
"Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Image. Internet Movie Database. Web. 5 Feb. 2010. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046672/

Are You Wearing Red Today?

2010-02-05T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today is National Wear Red Day, an initiative created by the American Heart Association to draw attention to the prevalence of heart disease, especially among women. In addition to Valentine's Day falling on the 14th, February is National Heart Month -- two more terrific reminders to take care of your heart. So now's the time to learn how to fight heart disease by eating healthy food, exercising, reducing stress -- and, of course, by wearing red!

The NCC Libraries contain many resources about heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases:

Stroke Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Stroke
by Amy L. Sutton
RC 388.5 .S856 2008 Stacks, Main

Fitness and Exercise Sourcebook
by Amy L. Sutton
GV 436 .F53 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Heart
by James Peto
QM 181 .P48 2007 Stacks, Main

The Surgeons: Life and Death in a Top Heart Center
by Charles R. Morris
RD 598 .M579 2007 Stacks, Main

Every Second Counts: The Race to Transplant the First Human Heart
by Donald McRae
RD 598.35 .T7 M45 2006 Stacks, Main

Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Heart and Vascular Diseases and Disorders
by Sandra J. Judd
RC 672 .C35 2005 Stacks, Main

Strong Women, Strong Hearts: Proven Strategies to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Now
by Miriam E. Nelson
RC 682 .N445 2005 Stacks, Main

A Change of Heart: How the Framingham Heart Study Helped Unravel the Mysteries of Cardiovascular Disease
by Daniel Levy, M.D.
RA 645 .C34 L48 2005 Stacks, Main

Image credit:
Heart design postage stamp. Graphic. Zazzle, Inc. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. http://www.zazzle.ca/heart_design_postage-172422417695040468

Take a Fresh Look at Black History Month @ Your Library

2010-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Black History Month is a commemoration of African American contributions to U.S. history, held every February. During this month, we recognize leaders, artists, authors and activists, and the impact that African American history and culture have had on the nation as a whole.

The month-long celebration familiar to our generation is an outgrowth of Negro History Week, which was launched in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson (pictured at left), a Harvard-educated historian whose hope was to focus attention on the long-neglected field of African American studies.

Stop by the NCC Mack Library to see our Black History Month book display, that covers many people, time periods and topics. Click here to visit last year's presentation by librarian Rayah Levy, entitled The Whole World Is Watching.

Here is just a sample of the NCC Libraries' newest resources on Black History. For more information, search the African American Experience database. For help with using the database, speak to a Reference Librarian or call us at 610-861-5359.

African American Foodways: Explorations of History and Culture
by Anne L. Bower
TX 715 .A2428 2009 New Books, Main

Slave Songs and the Birth of African American Poetry
by Lauri Ramey
PS 310 .N4 R36 2008 New Books, Main

Hog and Hominy: Soul Food From Africa to America
by Frederick Douglass Opie
TX 715 .O548 2008 Stacks, Main

The Slaves' War: The Civil War in the Words of Former Slaves
by Andrew Ward
E 464 .W29 2008 Stacks, Main

The Cambridge Companion to the Harlem Renaissance
by George Hutchinson
PS 153 .N5 C345 2007 Stacks, Main

Freedom's Journal: The First African-American Newspaper
by Jacqueline Bacon
PN 4899 .N42 F743 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Harlem Renaissance
by Nathan Irvin Huggins
E 185.6 .H858 2007 Stacks, Main

On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
GV 884 .A24 A32 2007 Stacks, Main

African American National Biography
by Henry Louis Gates
E 185.96 .A446 2008 (8 vols.) Reference, Main and Monroe

Photo credit:
Woodson, Carter G. Photograph. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-122513/Carter-G-Woodson-1910s

Work cited:
Woodson, Carter G. Article. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9077426

A Groundhog in the Library?

2010-02-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again: will the groundhog see his shadow tomorrow -- predicting six more weeks of winter -- or fail to see his shadow, meaning spring will be here sooner than we think?

This tradition of relying on groundhogs to foresee the change of seasons dates back as far as 1841. Perhaps the most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil, who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania! Phil has been making weather predictions since 1887, and believers claim that Phil is immortal -- that he is the same groundhog celebrated in Punxsutawney today. Phil apparently takes a sip of an immortality drink each year and even communicates in a secret language to the official human "Inner Circle" president, who translates Phil's predictions into human language. Phil's life is surrounded by lore and has even been depicted in the magical feature film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray.

Did you know that the real Phil the Groundhog lives in, and is cared for by, the Punxsutawney Memorial Library? Visitors to the library are likely to find Phil hibernating in a terrarium that comprises the Groundhog Zoo. If you stop by, try to convince him that we're all interested in an early spring!

Winter Commencement This Saturday!

2010-01-29T07:30:00.011-05:00

Congratulations to those students who finished their coursework in December and are graduating from NCC tomorrow! You've worked very hard for your degrees and specialized certificates -- enjoy the day and celebrate! You'll find that, in addition to your classmates wearing graduation robes, your professors will be dressed in their academic regalia as well. Do you know the significance of the robes, hoods and caps?

Medieval scholars dressed similarly to members of the clergy, hence the long gowns. (They were probably good for fighting cold temperatures, too!) The tradition continued, turning into standards for all academics. While most gowns are black, the differences in the level of scholarship achieved by the wearers can be determined by looking at the sleeves:

Associate's and Bachelor's degrees = pointed sleeves
Master's degree = oblong sleeves
Doctoral degree = bell-shaped sleeves.

When it comes to gown trimmings, only doctoral gowns have the distinction of being trimmed in velvet down the front of the gown, in addition to three vertical velvet stripes across the sleeves.

While graduation hoods are traditionally worn by master's and doctoral degree candidates, some schools also dress their bachelor's degree candidates in hoods. There are differences in the hood length:

Associate's and Bachelor's degrees = 3 feet long
Master's degrees = 3.5 feet long
Doctoral degrees = 4 feet long.

Hoods are lined in various colors. The school colors of the graduate's university comprise one stripe, while the other stripe represents the discipline in which the degree is being granted:

Agriculture -- Maize

Arts, Letters, Humanities -- White

Commerce, Accountancy, Business -- Drab

Dentistry -- Lilac

Economics -- Copper

Education -- Light Blue

Engineering -- Orange

Fine Arts, including Architecture -- Brown

Forestry, including Environmental Studies -- Russet

Journalism -- Crimson

Law -- Purple

Library Science -- Lemon

Medicine -- Green

Music -- Pink

Nursing -- Apricot

Oratory (Speech) -- Silver Gray

Pharmacy -- Olive Green

Philosophy -- Dark Blue

Physical Education -- Sage Green

Public Administration, including Foreign Service -- Peacock Blue

Public Health -- Salmon Pink

Science -- Golden Yellow

Social Work -- Citron

Theology -- Scarlet

Veterinary Science -- Gray.

Although Northampton Community College does not require its graduates to wear hoods, if they did, the hood would have no velvet stripe, but would have our school's colors on the satin lining. Enjoy your day and follow tradition by tossing your cap into the air when graduation is finished!

Work cited:

Sullivan, Eugene. "An Academic Costume Code and An Academic Ceremony Guide." American Council on Education. 2008. 18 December 2008. http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=32494>.

This Day In History: Lewis Carroll

2010-01-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

Today marks the anniversary of the birth of author Lewis Carroll in 1832. Best known for his novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Carroll (named Charles Dodgson at birth) is sure to get lots of attention this year. Tim Burton will soon release his live-action film Alice in Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp. Carroll also published a number of volumes of humorous verse and poems.

Stop by the NCC Libraries to read Carroll's works and find information on his life:

Alice in Sunderland (graphic novel)
by Bryan Talbot
PN 6727 .T36 A84 2007 Stacks, Main

Literature Suppressed on Social Grounds
by Dawn B. Sova
Z 658 .U5 S69 2006 Stacks, Main

Lewis Carroll and His World
by John Pudney
PR 4612 .P8 1976 Stacks, Main

Complete Works of Lewis Carroll
by Lewis Carroll
PR 4611 .A1 1936 Stacks, Main

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
E-BOOK (Online)

Through the Looking Glass
by Lewis Carroll
E-BOOK (Online)

The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony in Eight Fits
by Lewis Carroll
E-BOOK (Online)

Sylvie and Bruno
by Lewis Carroll
E-BOOK (Online)

Jabberwocky
by Lewis Carroll
E-BOOK (Online)

Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 4 Dec. 2009 https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-16837>.

Book Discussion Group Meets Today!

2010-01-25T08:30:00.007-05:00

Do you like to read? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Do you crave intellectual discussions? If so, the Book Discussion Group is for you! Today's discussion at 11:30 a.m. in Library Conference Room 440 centers around Zadie Smith's On Beauty. The above flyer lists the rest of the books for this semester, all of which are available at the Library.

We hope to see you there! Happy reading!

National Take Back Your Time Week

2010-01-25T07:30:00.002-05:00

As any busy college student knows, time is a valuable resource. Between time spent in class, homework and studying, working at a job, caring for children and other family members, and spending time with friends, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself! This week, take a moment to celebrate National Take Back Your Time Week. Set aside a block of time to relax, mediate, take a walk, read a book -- anything that will allow you to take a break.

If you need some help managing your time, check out these resources that are available at the NCC Libraries:

Successful Time Management for Dummies
by Dirk Zeller
HD 69 .T54 Z45 2009 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done
by Dave Crenshaw
HD 69 .T54 C74 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Time Power: A Proven System for Getting More Done in Less Time Than You Ever Thought Possible
by Brian Tracy
E-BOOK (Online)

The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play (audiobook)
by Neil A. Fiore
BF 637 .P76 F56 2007 Media Tower, Main

Under Pressure and Overwhelmed: Coping With Anxiety in College
by Christopher Vye
LA 229 .V94 2007 Stacks, Main

Fighting for Time: Shifting Boundaries of Work and Social Life
by Cynthia Fuchs Epstein
HD 69 .T54 F54 2004 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Time Management From the Inside Out: The Foolproof System for Taking Control of Your Schedule -- And Your Life
by Julie Morgenstern
HD 69 .T54 M66 2004 Stacks, Main

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen
BF 637 .T5 A45 2001 Stacks, Main

Works Cited:
Time. Art. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 4 Dec. 2009 https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-94275>.

Have a Q&A With Your Cat Today!

2010-01-22T07:30:00.003-05:00

Today is "Answer Your Cat's Question Day." The description of this quirky observance states that, "If you will stop what you are doing and take a look at your cat, you will observe that the cat is looking at you with a serious question. Meditate upon it, then answer the question!" If you're a cat lover, you are probably entertained by your cat's antics and have no trouble believing that they want to communicate with you. Be sure to visit the hilarious Web site LOLcats, where people take funny pictures of cats and add captions that imagine what the cats are thinking.

Take time to enjoy your pet today, and check out some NCC Library resources about these inquiring critters:

Dewey: A Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
by Vicki Myron (Soon to be a major motion picture starring Meryl Streep!)
SF 445.5 .M97 2008 Stacks, Main

Essential Cat: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Cat
by Caroline Davis
SF 447 .D34 2005 Stacks, Main

Cat's Eyewitness
by Rita Mae Brown
PS 3552 .R698 C39 2005 Browsing Collection, Main

Guide to a Healthy Cat
by Elaine Wexler-Mitchell
E-BOOK (Online) 2004

The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care
by Wendy Christensen
SF 447 .C48 2002 Stacks, Main

The Encyclopedia of the Cat
by Michael Pollard
SF 442.2 .P65 2001 Stacks, Main

If you're in the Vet Tech program, we have plenty of clinical resources on treating felines, such as:

Manual of Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat
by Sue Paterson
SF 992 .S55 P37 2008 Stacks, Main

Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior
by Debra Horwitz
SF 433 .H76 2007 Stacks, Main

Feline Medicine and Therapeutics
by E. A. Chandler
SF 985 .F45 2007 Stacks, Main

Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat
by Craig E. Greene
SF 991 .I54 2006 Stacks, Main

Don't forget that we also have picture books for children featuring cat stories! See a librarian if you're interested in locating children's books, or search our online catalog -- it's called SpartaCat, of course!

Works Cited:
Domestic cat. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 4 Dec. 2009 https://libprox.northampton.edu/login?url=http://search.eb.com/eb/art-119718>

http://www.wellcat.com/january/answer_your_cat.htm

Continue the Celebration!

2010-01-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, we commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The celebration does not stop there, but continues well into February -- and Black History Month -- at Northampton Community College. Here are some exciting events that will happen soon:

Thursday, January 28: A Celebration of Dr. King in Drama and Dance. Location: Lipkin Theatre -- 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 2 (during student activity period): Student Debate -- PTK and Student Senate debate “How Should We Pay for College Education?” Professor Sol Levy will moderate. Location: Student Life Zone (College Center, 2nd floor) -- 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Thursday, February 11 (during student activity period): Guest Speaker -- “Rebuilding Trust Around the World,” Daniel Serwer, vice president, United States Institute of Peace. Location: College Center Room 220 -- 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Thursday, February 11: Guest Speaker -- “Preserving the Present,” Jacquelyn Serwer, chief curator, National Museum of African American History and Culture. Location: Lipkin Theatre -- 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 18: Film Presentation -- “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. as the famous neurosurgeon. Location: Student Life Zone (College Center, 2nd floor) -- 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 23: Film Presentation -- An encore showing of "Gifted Hands." Location: Monroe Campus Community Room -- 12:15 p.m.

January Events Celebrate King's Legacy

2010-01-15T07:30:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to campus for the Spring 2010 semester! Please remember that all NCC Libraries and college campuses will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Throughout January, the college will honor the life and work of Dr. King with activities exemplifying the theme “Reclaim the Dream.” Guest speakers will include Daniel Serwer of the United States Institute of Peace, and Jacquelyn Serwer, chief curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. For more information and a schedule of events, go to the Northampton NOW home page.

To learn more about Dr. King, and why his life and philosophy are celebrated on this day, check out these materials from the NCC Libraries:

Becoming King: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of a National Leader

by Troy Jackson
E 185.97 .K5 J343 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

What Would Martin Say?
by Clarence B. Jones
E 185.97 .K5 J577 2008 Stacks, Main

The Word of the Lord Is Upon Me: The Righteous Performance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Jonathan Rieder
E 185.97 .K5 R54 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America
by Michael Eric Dyson
E 185.615 .D944 2008 Stacks, Main

Mine Eyes Have Seen: Bearing Witness to the Struggle for Civil Rights
by Bob Adelman
E 185.61 .A235 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Going Down Jericho Road: The Memphis Strike, Martin Luther King's Last Campaign
by Michael K. Honey
HD 5325 .S2572 M465 2007 Stacks, Main

At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68
by Taylor Branch
E 185.615 .B67 2006 Stacks, Main and Monroe

To the Mountaintop: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Sacred Mission to Save America, 1955-1968
by Stewart Burns
E 185.97 .K5 B798 2004 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Ring Out Freedom! : The Voice of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of the Civil Rights Movement
by Fredrik Sunnemark
E 185.97 .K5 S866 2004 Stacks, Main

The Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Speech That Inspired a Nation
by Drew D. Hansen
E 185.97 .K5 H273 2003 Stacks, Main

Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Dream [DVD]
A&E Television Network
E 185.97 .K5 M377 2002 Media Tower

"March On!": The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
by Christine King Farris
E 185.97 .K5 F369 2008 Children's Literature (Easy), Main

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
E 185.97 .K5 R36 2001 Children's Literature (Easy), Main and Monroe

You can also find a great deal of information on the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as about the Civil Rights Movement, in the African American Experience database. To view historic film footage of the time period, visit the NCC Libraries' newest online resource, the American History in Video database, which features streaming video (similar to YouTube). Documentaries from PBS available here include America Beyond the Color Line and Citizen King. To use either database from off campus, log in with your student I.D. number and personal password. Contact the Library Reference Desk at 610-861-5359 if you need assistance.

Best Wishes for the Holidays!

2009-12-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

The staff and student assistants at the NCC Mack and Monroe Libraries wish you a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy your well-deserved break from classes!

All NCC Libraries and College campuses will be closed from December 24 through January 3. The Libraries will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2010. Here's our schedule for the holiday break:

Sunday Dec. 20:
CLOSED

Monday Dec. 21 through Wednesday Dec. 23:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours)

Thursday Dec. 24 through Sunday Jan. 3:
CLOSED for holiday break

Monday Jan. 4 through Friday Jan. 8:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours)

Saturday Jan. 9 and Sunday Jan. 10:
CLOSED

Monday Jan. 11 through Friday Jan. 15:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours)

Saturday Jan. 16 and Sunday Jan. 17:
CLOSED

Monday Jan. 18:
CLOSED for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday

Tuesday Jan. 19:
Back to regular hours for the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester!
7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (main campus)
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monroe campus)

SpartaBlog! will take a brief hibernation until the spring semester begins. See you in 2010!

Holiday Books @ the NCC Libraries!

2009-12-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Here is a sampling of holiday titles owned by the NCC Libraries. Whether you pick up a novel, or a nonfiction book that discusses the traditions and history of this season, curl up with a good read today!

Fiction:

Holiday Grind
by Cleo Coyle
PS 3603 .O94 H65 2009 Browsing collection

A Wish for Christmas: A Cape Light Novel
by Thomas Kinkade
PS 3561 .I534 W57 2009 Browsing collection

The Gift: A Novel
by Cecelia Ahern
PR 6101 .H47 G54 2009 Browsing collection

Knit the Season
by Kate Jacobs
PR 9199.4 .J336 K55 2009 Browsing collection

The Christmas List
by Richard Paul Evans
PS 3555 .V259 C49 2009 Browsing collection

The Christmas Cookie Club: A Novel
by Ann Pearlman
PS 3616 .E253 C48 2009 Browsing collection

The Perfect Christmas
by Debbie Macomber
PS 3563 .A2364 P47 2009 Browsing collection

The Christmas Sweater
by Glenn Beck
PS 3602 .E2685 C57 2008 Browsing collection

Dashing Through the Snow
by Mary Higgins Clark
PS 3553 .L287 D37 2008 Browsing collection

A Cedar Cove Christmas
by Debbie Macomber
PS 3563 .A2364 C44 2008 Browsing collection

A Christmas Carol (audiobook)
by Charles Dickens
PR 4572 .C684 2007 Media Tower

The Nutcracker (DVD)
starring Rudolf Nureyev
GV 1790 .N87 2000 Media Tower

It's a Wonderful Life (DVD)

starring Jimmy Stewart
PN 1995.9 .C5113 I87 2001 Media Tower

Nonfiction:

Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations of the World Dictionary: Detailing Nearly 2,500 Observances From All 50 States and More Than 100 Nations
by Helene Henderson
GT 3925 .H64 2005 Reference, Main and Monroe

Holiday Symbols and Customs
by Sue Ellen Thompson
GT 3930 .T48 2009 Reference, Main and Monroe

Jewish Holiday Cooking: A Food Lover's Treasury of Classics and Improvisations
by Jayne Cohen
TX 724 .C546 2008 Stacks

Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays: Hanukkah, Tu b'Shevat, Purim
by Paul Steinberg
BM 690 .S72 2007 Stacks

Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration
by Ron Wolfson
BM 695 .H3 W64 2001 Stacks

Understanding Islam and Muslim Traditions: An Introduction to the Religious Practices, Celebrations, Festivals, Observances, Beliefs, Folklore, Customs and Calendar System of the World's Muslim Communities
by Tanya Gulevich
BP 161.3 .G85 2004 Stacks

The Complete Kwanzaa: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest
by D. Winbush Riley
GT 4403 .R56 2002 Stacks

The Nativity: History and Legend
by Geza Vermès
BT 315.3 .V47 2006 Stacks

Christmas Around the World
by Time-Life Books
GT 4985 .C472 2004 Stacks

Navidad Latinoamericana = Latin American Christmas
by Charito Calvachi Wakefield
ML 2881 .L3 W35 1997 Stacks

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas
by John Matthews
GT 4995 .W55 M37 1998 Stacks

Christmas in America: A History
by Penne L. Restad
GT 4986 .A1 R47 1995 Stacks

The International Book of Christmas Carols
by Walter Ehret
M 2065 .E4 I6 Stacks

Reminder: Extended Library Hours for Finals Week!

2009-12-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

The NCC Mack Library (main campus in Bethlehem) will be open for extended hours during final exam week.

If you need to finish some last-minute research or just a place to study for exams, stop by the Library! It's also the perfect time to return any books or DVDs you borrowed this semester.

Here is the Library's schedule during final exams and over the holiday break.

Monday Dec. 14 (Reading Day; final exams begin at night) through Thursday Dec. 17:
7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Main)
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monroe)

Friday Dec. 18:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Main)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monroe)

Saturday Dec. 19:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Main)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Monroe)

Sunday Dec. 20:
CLOSED (both locations)

Monday Dec. 21 through Wednesday Dec. 23:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours at both campuses)

Thursday Dec. 24 through Sunday Jan. 3:
CLOSED for holiday break (both campuses)

Monday Jan. 4 through Friday Jan. 8:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours at both campuses)

Saturday Jan. 9 and Sunday Jan. 10:
CLOSED (both campuses)

Monday Jan. 11 through Friday Jan. 15:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (modified hours at both campuses)

Saturday Jan. 16 and Sunday Jan. 17:
CLOSED (both campuses)

Monday Jan. 18:
CLOSED for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (both campuses)

Tuesday Jan. 19:
Back to regular hours for the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester!

Holiday Books for Children

2009-12-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Help your young ones celebrate the holidays with stories related to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The following titles are just a sample of the many charming picture books in the NCC Libraries' children's literature collection.

Olivia Helps With Christmas

by Ian Falconer
PZ 7 .F1865 OLQ 2007 Easy Readers, Main and Monroe

Bear's First Christmas

by Robert Kinerk
PZ 8.3 .K566 BEA 2007 Easy Readers, Main and Monroe

Snowmen at Christmas

by Caralyn Buehner
PZ 8.3 .B865 SN 2005 Easy Readers, Main and Monroe

The Beasts of Bethlehem

by X.J. Kennedy
PS 3521 .E563 B4 1992 Juvenile Books, Main

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

by Steven Kellogg
PZ 8.3 .K33 SAN 2004 Easy Readers, Main and Monroe

Dream Snow

by Eric Carle
PZ 7 .C2147 DU 2000 Easy Readers; Main, Monroe and Dornish Collection

Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas

by Michael J. Rosen
PZ 7 .R71868 EL 1992 Easy Readers, Main

The Christmas Rat

by Avi
PZ 7 .A953 CH 2000 Juvenile Books, Main

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

by Susan L. Roth
PZ 8.3 .R747 HAN 2004 Easy Readers, Main

Hanukkah: A Counting Book in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish

by Emily Sper
BM 695 .H3 S64 2001 Easy Readers, Main

Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights

by Leslie Kimmelman
BM 695 .H3 K56 1992 Easy Readers, Main

The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories from Chelm

by Eric A. Kimmel
PZ 7 .K5648 JAR 2000 Juvenile Books, Main

The Very Best Hanukkah Gift

by Joanne Rocklin
PZ 7 .R59 VE 1999 Juvenile Books, Main

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa

by Andrea Davis Pinkney
GT 4403 .P56 1993 Easy Readers, Main

Kwanzaa: A Family Affair

by Mildred Pitts Walter
GT 4403 .W31 1995 Juvenile Books, Main

Celebrating Kwanzaa

by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
GT 4403 .H69 1993 Juvenile Books, Main

Kwanzaa

by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman
GT 4403 .F74 1992 Juvenile Books, Main

Hidden Gems: A Laid-Back Holiday Soundtrack

2009-12-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

We’ve all been there. You’d like to play some holiday music to get in the gift-wrapping mood, but if you hear one more replay of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” you'll give an elf a wedgie. What to do? Drop by the NCC Libraries for some alternatives to boring shopping mall music!

You may not be familiar with the name of jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, but his music will be instantly recognizable -- Guaraldi composed the soundtrack for the early Peanuts animated cartoons, like “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Take home the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Greatest Hits” CD, located in the Library’s Media Tower, and you’ll hear the timeless instrumental piece “Christmas Time Is Here,” featuring a soft brush on the drums that evokes the hush of freshly fallen snow. Guaraldi also arranged a cool jazz version of the holiday standard “O Tannenbaum” (Oh Christmas Tree) that contains some amazing chord progressions on the piano.

If you’re all about the vocals, don’t miss these doo-wop and a capella CDs: “Christmas in Harmony” and “The Ultimate Group Harmony Christmas Collection.” Both feature holiday songs with an early rock ’n’ roll sensibility, performed by groups like the Penguins, the Cadillacs, the Sheps and Jackie Wilson & The Dominoes. And let’s not forget Elvis! The Library’s 3-disc set, “Elvis Presley: Artist of the Century,” contains a number of sweet holiday treats, including “Merry Christmas, Baby.”

If a full orchestra playing lush, dramatic ballets and symphonies is more your style, try out the Classical Music Library database. Your traditional favorites are here: “The Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky; “Ave Maria” by composers ranging from Stravinsky to Liszt to Brahms to Gregorian chant; “Silent Night” by Franz Gruber. While you’re browsing the thousands of audio clips, why not try some new holiday music you’ve never heard before? Just search for the word “Christmas” in the song title and you’re sure to discover some hidden gems of your very own!

Help Us Decorate the Holiday Book Tree!

2009-12-07T07:30:00.001-05:00

Stop by the Mack Library (main campus) and contribute to our Holiday Book Tree! This display features a tree decorated with special "ornaments," each containing the title of staff and students' favorite books, CDs and movies. Whether you're looking for a reading recommendation or want to see if someone else enjoys your favorite movie, it's fun to see everyone's suggestions!

There are plenty of blank ornaments on the display table so you can share your favorite titles with everyone. The more, the merrier!

This Day In History: The Electric Car

2009-12-04T07:30:00.003-05:00

Today marks the anniversary of a technological and environmental milestone. In 1996, General Motors (GM) released the first mass-produced electric automobile, called the EV1 (picture on left). Other automobile companies quickly announced plans to produce similar vehicles. Electric cars and hybrid vehicles are now quite common, thanks to GM paving the way.

If you're interested in learning more about electric cars, check out these resources available at the NCC Libraries:

Clean Car Wars: How Honda and Toyota Are Winning the Battle of the Eco-friendly Autos
by Yozo Hasegawa
TL 146.5 .J34 2008 Stacks

Who Killed the Electric Car? [DVD]
written and directed by Chris Paine
TL 220 .W46 2006 Media Tower

Electric and Hybrid Cars: A History
by Curtis D. Anderson
TL 220 .A53 2005 Stacks

The Car and Its Future
by Kaitlen Jay Exum
TL 146.5 .C37 2004 Stacks

Forward Drive: The Race to Build "Clean" Cars for the Future
by Jim Motavalli
TL 221.15 .M68 2000 Stacks

For articles about this topic, be sure to search databases like ProQuest, EBSCOhost and Opposing Viewpoints!

Works Cited:
Barlett, Jeff and Keebler, Jack. "General Motors EV1--Driving Impressions." Motor Trend. 01 June 1996. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_9606_general_motors_ev1/index.html

"Business and Industry Review." 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web. 10 Nov. 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-232615>.

Credo Reference: A Great Source for Biographies!

2009-12-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

What is it about peering into others' lives that is so fascinating?

If you need information about a famous person or historical figure, you should definitely look beyond Wikipedia for a reliable biography. You're in luck, as the Credo Reference e-book database just added several biography reference books that can easily be searched to find information about your person of interest. New titles in the database include:

First Ladies of the United States
Great Irish Lives
Great Lives: A Century of Obituaries
Great Military Lives
Great Thinkers A-Z
Great Victorian Lives
Key Thinkers in Linguistics and the Philosophy of Language

The Credo Reference e-book database contains hundreds of specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias covering a wide variety of subjects. You can browse by book title and within a specific book, or you can simply search for a topic to find results in all of the books in the database. The best part of Credo Reference? It's available via the NCC Libraries Web site any time of day or night! Just log in using your student I.D. number and personal password.

Time to Schedule Final Exams!

2009-11-30T07:30:00.002-05:00

The NCC Library staff welcomes you back from Thanksgiving break. We hope you had a nice holiday!

Today is the first day online students can make an appointment to take their final exams at the NCC Libraries. Be sure to read the following information so that you are able to take your final exam.

Final Exam Week: Important Information!

You MUST schedule an appointment in advance for proctored Online Learning final exams. This includes both paper and computer-based exams.

To schedule your exam at the Bethlehem Main Campus, please phone the Library Testing Center at 610-861-5360 between November 30 and December 13. No appointments will be taken after December 13.

To schedule your exam at the Monroe Campus, please phone the Library at 570-688-2475 between November 30 and December 12. No appointments will be taken after December 12.

Please be ready to give us your Professor’s name and course number when you call.

Schedule early! The sooner you call during the scheduling period, the more likely you will be to get your first choice of appointment date/time. Don’t forget to bring your photo I.D. with you on the day of your exam!

Main Campus Library
November 30 -- December 13: Scheduling Period
December 14 -- December 19: Final Exams
Exam Hours:
December 14 through December 17 -- 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
December 18 -- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 19 -- 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Monroe Campus Library
November 30 -- December 12: Scheduling Period
December 14 -- December 19: Final Exams
Exam Hours:
December 14 through December 17 -- 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
December 18 -- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 19 -- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you are taking courses on campus, click these links to view the Fall 2009 Final Exam schedules: one for Main/LVIP/Southside and one for Monroe/Mt. Pocono. Be sure to note the date, time and room location for each exam, as they may occur at a time that is different from your regular class time.

Best of luck to you during finals! As always, if the Librarians can help you with final research papers, please stop by the Reference Desk for assistance.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

2009-11-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

The NCC Libraries will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29, and will reopen for their regularly scheduled hours on Monday, November 30.

If you're hosting family and friends this year, and need turkey-related advice, the Butterball Turkey company has a help desk staffed with real cooks who can talk you through any preparation situation! Naturally, their phone number is 1-800-Butterball.

And for those who are traveling, whether it's across the country or around the corner, the staff of the NCC Libraries wish you a safe, relaxing and fun Thanksgiving Day. See you on the last day of November!

A Little Slice of Heaven

2009-11-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be the same without the traditional slice of pumpkin pie at the end -- and there’s no better breakfast than leftover pie the next morning. But maybe you’d like to spice things up a bit this year, with an exciting new dessert recipe to share with family and friends. The NCC Libraries can help!

Just take a walk down the TX call number aisle of the Stacks, and you’ll find a variety of cookbooks containing recipes for all occasions (and skill levels). The best cookbooks for beginners are those featuring detailed illustrations, so it’s easy to see how your project should look.

Don’t let the idea of making pie crust intimidate you -- the secret is using the proper equipment. Just lay a piece of waxed paper on the counter and dust with flour. Use your rolling pin (or even a clean glass bottle) to flatten out the pastry, starting from the center and pushing out toward the edges, rotating the waxed paper as you go, like spokes on a wheel. When the crust is big enough to cover the inside of the pie plate, slide your hand under the waxed paper and carefully flip the dough into the pan. Gradually peel the waxed paper away from the crust, and trim the edges.

For more cooking tips and delicious recipes, try one of these titles:

The Art and Soul of Baking
by Cindy Mushet
TX 765 .M87 2008 New Books

Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book
TX 714 .N468 2005 Stacks

Bubby's Homemade Pies
by Ron Silver
TX 773 .S497 2007 Stacks

Good Housekeeping Great Baking: 600 Recipes for Cakes, Cookies, Breads, Pies & Pastries
by Susan Westmoreland
TX 763 .G66 1999 Stacks

Joy of Cooking, 75th anniversary edition
by Marion Rombauer Becker
TX 715 .R75 2006 Stacks

Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook
by Martha Stewart
TX 763 .S74 2005 Stacks

The New York Times Dessert Cookbook
by Florence Fabricant
TX 773 .N46 2006 Stacks

Pure Chocolate: Divine Desserts and Sweets
by Fran Bigelow
TX 767 .C5 B49 2004 Stacks

New Leisure Reading Titles

2009-11-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the newest titles in our leisure reading collection. Take some time out from the stress of school or work, and enjoy a fun read today! Click on the link to read a review of each book at Amazon.com.

Rainwater by Sandra Brown

Death Masks by Jim Butcher

Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell

Once In a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge

Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris

One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber

Rogue Warrior: Seize the Day by Richard Marcinko

Angel Time by Anne Rice

Golden Shrine by Harry Turtledove

There are also quite a few holiday stories to get you in the spirit!

Quilter's Holiday by Jennifer Chiaverini

Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans

Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs

Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman

This Day In History: Margaret Atwood

2009-11-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today marks the birthday of Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Atwood is a contemporary author, best known for her portrayal of women in her novels. Atwood began her writing career by publishing poetry, then moved on to novels, short story collections and some nonfiction. She is widely studied as a feminist writer.

The NCC Libraries contain Atwood's works, as well as critical analysis. For additional information, be sure to search the Literature Resource Center database.

Works by Margaret Atwood:

The Year of the Flood: A Novel
PR 9199.3 .A8 Y43 2009 New Books section, Main

Moral Disorder: Stories
PR 9199.3 .A8 M66 2006 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Writing With Intent: Essays, Reviews, Personal Prose, 1983-2005
PR 9199.3 .A8 W75 2005 Stacks, Main and Monroe

The Blind Assassin
PR 9199.3 .A8 B55 2000 Stacks

Cat's Eye
PR 9199.3 .A8 C38 1988 Stacks

The Handmaid's Tale
PR 9199.3 .A8 H3 1986 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Works About Atwood:

Margaret Atwood
by Coral Ann Howells
PR 9199.3 .A8 Z695 2005 Stacks

Feminism in Literature: A Gale Critical Companion
by Jessica Bomarito
PN 471 .F43 2005 Reference (6 vols.)

Margaret Atwood: A Critical Companion
by Nathalie Cooke
PR 9199.3 .A8 Z573 2004 Stacks

Margaret Atwood Revisited
by Karen F. Stein
PR 9199.3 .A8 Z896 1999 Stacks

Margaret Atwood: Vision and Forms
by Kathryn VanSpanckeren
E-BOOK (Online)

Works Cited:

"Atwood, Margaret." 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web. 2 Nov. 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9011189>.

"“Handmaid’s Tale, The”." Online Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web. 2 Nov. 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/art-73063>

Celebrate American Education Week!

2009-11-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Join in the celebration of American Education Week, brought to you by the National Education Association. This event recognizes the importance of public education from kindergarten through college. The NCC Libraries provide tons of books related to education; topics include practical applications, educational theory, hands-on activities for the classroom, equality and access in the educational setting, and much more!

Here is a sample of some of our newest education resources:

The World Is Open: How Web Technology Is Revolutionizing Education
by Curtis Jay Bonk
LB 1044.87 .B66 2009 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective
by Ofelia García
LB 1025 .G37 2009 New Books section, Main and Monroe

Creative Resources for the Early Childhood Classroom
by Judy Herr
LB 1140.4 .H47 2009 Early Childhood Education Collection, Main and Monroe

Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood Settings: From Theory to Practice
by Susan Stacey
LB 1139.4 .S73 2009 Stacks

A Teacher's Guide to Digital Media in the Classroom
by Richard Harrington
E-BOOK (Online)

Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Early Childhood Education
by Karen Menke Paciorek
LB 1139.25 .T34 2008 Stacks

The NCC Libraries also subscribe to education-related databases and electronic journals (contact a librarian for home access information):

ERIC Education Resource Information Center (access database via EBSCOhost)
The Chronicle of Higher Education (e-journal)
Equity and Excellence in Education (e-journal)
The Future of Children (e-journal)

This Day In History: "Jekyll & Hyde" Author Born on Friday the 13th!

2009-11-13T07:30:00.003-05:00

Today we celebrate the birth anniversary of famed author Robert Louis Stevenson (born in 1850). Even if his name doesn't sound familiar, you'll recognize the titles of his novels, such as:

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde;

Treasure Island; and

Kidnapped.

If you're interested in Stevenson's life or adventure stories, do some investigating in the NCC Libraries to find out more:

The Life of Robert Louis Stevenson
by Graham Balfour
PR 5493 .B2 Stacks (2 vols.)

Treasure Island
PR 5486 1911 Stacks (also available as an e-book)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
PR 5485 .A1 1990 Stacks
PR 5485 .A1 1987 Monroe
(also available as an e-book)

New Arabian Nights
PR 5484 .N5 1968 Stacks (also available as an e-book)

Kidnapped
PR 5484 .K5 1949 Stacks (also available as an e-book)

These titles, and many more by Stevenson, are available as e-books through the NCC Libraries.

Veterans' Day: Honoring Those Who Served

2009-11-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

Today, America honors past and present military veterans: those citizens who have served in some branch of the military and who may have fought in a war. This date is also Armistice Day, which is sometimes referred to as Remembrance Day, when countries around the world agreed to end World War I in 1918. (The agreement happened in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.)

The NCC Libraries offer many resources related to veterans, the military and war, including:

Veterans' Rights and Benefits
by Margaret C. Jasper
KF 7745 .J37 2009 Stacks

After the War Zone: A Practical Guide for Returning Troops and Their Families
by Laurie B. Slone
RC 550 .S548 2008 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq (DVD)
by Ellen Goosenberg Kent
DS 79.76 .A3924 2007 Media Tower and Monroe

Ask & Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out
by Steve Estes
UB 418 .G38 E77 2007 Stacks

The Father of All Things: A Marine, His Son, and the Legacy of Vietnam
by Tom Bissell
DS 557 .B57 2007 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Ground Truth (DVD)
by Patricia Foulkrod
DS 79.76 .G7686 2006 Media Tower

While They're at War: The True Story of American Families on the Homefront
by Kristin Henderson
DS 79.76 .H46 2006 Stacks

Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace
by Maxine Hong Kingston
PS 508 .V45 V48 2006 Stacks

Winter Soldier (DVD)
by Winterfilm and Vietnam Veterans Against the War
DS 559.2 .W56 2006 Media Tower

The Things They Carried (Audiobook)
by Tim O'Brien
PS 3565 .B753 T48 2003 Media Tower

Home to War: A History of the Vietnam Veterans' Movement
by Gerald Nicosia
DS 559.62 .U6 N53 2001 Stacks

War in the Gulf, 1990-91: The Iraq-Kuwait Conflict and Its Implications
by Majid Khadduri
DS 79.72 .K52 2001 Stacks

Photo credit:

"Three Servicemen." Online photograph of a bronze sculpture. Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids. 9 Nov. 2009. http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/vietnam.html.

This Day In History: The Wall Came Tumbling Down

2009-11-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

Today marks the anniversary of the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. It doesn't sound like much, right? What is the big deal about a fence coming down?

After World War II, Germany and its capital were divided and controlled by a number of countries (including the Soviet Union). The eastern portion of the country fell under communist rule, which prompted more than 2 million people to flee to West Germany. In 1961, a wall was constructed to prevent residents of East Berlin (and East Germany in general) from escaping communism by entering West Germany. Defectors risked being arrested or even shot for attempting to cross over the wall.

In 1989, when the communist leadership of East Germany was removed from power, East Germans were allowed to visit West Germany freely for the first time. Crowds went wild and eventually started chipping away at the wall. By 1990, construction equipment had removed the remaining remnants of the wall and Germany was reunified into one country.

To learn more about this symbol of the Cold War that divided a nation -- literally and psychologically -- for over 20 years, check out these NCC Library resources:

The Berlin Wall: A World Divided, 1961-1989
by Fred Taylor
DD 881 .T39 2006 Stacks, Main and Monroe

Germany and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History
by Thomas Adam
E-BOOK (Online)

The Berlin Wall Crisis: Perspectives on Cold War Alliances
by John P. S. Gearson
E-BOOK (Online)

The Berlin Wall: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and a Showdown in the Heart of Europe
by Norman Gelb
DD 881 .G45 1987 Stacks

For many other books on German culture, World War II, Nazi Germany and more, try searching our Library catalog (SpartaCat).

Works Consulted:
"Berlin: Crowd on the Berlin Wall." Online Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web. 19 Oct. 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/art-51331>.

"Germany." 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web. 19 Oct. 2009 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-58219>