Book Searching: Find Your Book No Matter What

Written by Sunshine King  @10sunking

A lot of times I find myself typing in a phrase of a book I barely remember and low and behold no magical book pops out to give me the answer to a question I can't even form. Five minutes later of rephrasing what I think the title is and I'm done. It's frustrating trying to remember a title or author for a book when sometimes all you recall is a feeling or a piece of it.

This is where the phrase "two heads are better than one" come into play. If you can't remember the title or the author of your book and you've tried thinking of memorable quotes, characters, plot points, the appearance of the cover, etc. and nothing comes up then see if someone else can help you.

Online groups such as Goodreads: What's the name of that Book??? have several people dedicated to helping each other out just for this purpose where you can post the book you are missing and other members will try to find a match for it. This is a great way to break into the book community as well and possibly find people with the same interests in books as you.

Also, keep in mind librarians and book store associates can help as well, especially if you're able to find a library or book store with people working solely in certain areas of literature such as adult or children's books. You can find all the nearest libraries to you and their collections using Worldcat.

Finding the right book can be a difficult process if you're missing key pieces of information, but searching for it doesn't have to be a solo job. The same can be said with any sort of material you're researching, and there are several subject librarians at Columbus State University that are excited and willing to help you find material you're looking for even if you have a general idea of what it is.

While talking about it to people might not provide instant gratification than looking it up online, you might miss out on good places to search based on others' experience or you may be missing pieces of information that you wouldn't think of but someone else will.  

The internet can be a great place to find information but remember that people are resources too and can understand you in a way far better than a search engine can. Whether through the virtual world or real life reach out to others and seek their support.

That being said, if you're trying to remember titles for YA books I can help you out! Feel free to send questions by Twitter @CSULibraries or Facebook at Columbus State University Libraries or leave a comment in this post.

Happy Searching!

Closed May 25th for Memorial Day

Columbus State University Libraries will be closed May 25th, 2015 in observance of Memorial Day.

Getaway with a Great Book This Summer

Have little time or money for an adventure this summer but want one all the same? The library has recreational reading for anyone who wants to experience something new. Bring your CSU ID or Friends of the Library card for your own instant getaway.

Maymester and Summer Hours at CSU Libraries

During the month of May and summer months, CSU libraries will be open at a different time. Be sure to review the Maymester and summer hours to plan your next visit.

Maymester Hours

Monday - Thursday   8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Friday                         8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday                     Closed

Sunday                        1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Summer Hours (Begins June 15th)

Monday - Thursday   8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Friday                         8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday                     1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sunday                        2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Music Library Hours

Monday - Thursday   9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday                         9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday                     CLOSED

Sunday                        2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

*Exception: July 3rd & 4th Closed

For more information, browse CSU Libraries Official Page or CSU Music Library Page.

Closed May 14-17, 2015

The libraries will be closed May 14 for staff development and the main library will be closed May 15th due to air conditioning trouble. Maymester hours for the libraries will begin May 18th. Please see below for our new hours.

Maymester Hours

Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Summer Hours (Begin June 15th)

Monday - Thursday	8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday	1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sunday	2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Music Library Hours

Monday - Thursday	9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday	CLOSED
Sunday	2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

*Exception: July 3rd & 4th Closed

CSU's National Library Week Bookmark Available

Students, faculty and staff members, and patrons are encouraged to pick up their copy of this year’s National Library Bookmark Contest Winner. The design, by Alyssa Hudson, features the quote, “Read— Expand the garden of your mind with CSU Libraries.”

Hudson’s design as well as two other entries were displayed during the week of National Library Week at CSU and exhibition and voting. The winning design features warm colors and is covered with flowers throughout the bookmark.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the winning design while supply lasts. “Mark” your place with your summer reading with this awesome piece of art and creative bookmark. 

For more information about similar events of National Library Week, feel free to browse American Library Association. For more information about CSU’s National Library Week or future events like the bookmark contest, be sure to visit the Official CSU Libraries Page.

                                 

Tips on How to Compile The Best Summer Reading List

While enjoying the warm months of summer, students and patrons are advised to continue their pace of studies and start with their summer reading. Whether it’s a graphic novel, works as long as Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings or a magazine article, be sure to review suggestions on how to compile the perfect summer reading list or simply how to become a better reader.

Reading is one of the most prolific kills to have. Reading improves your writing and comprehension skills, increases one’s ability to focus and concentrate as well as improves one’s chances of excelling academically and professionally. 

Reading lists give readers something to look forward to and help readers to set academic objectives and goals. Summer reading lists continues one’s pace of studies, outside the academic fiscal year; expands one’s vocabulary, and helps readers to understand other cultures and languages, not of his or her own.  

Suggestions for Finding the Best Reads

1. When in search of a good novel or book, search for similar subjects, topics, or genre that is associated with the topic you are looking for or have in mind. 
   
2. Use databases such as GALILEO, Lib Guides and Gil-Find to narrow and filter your search results to find the best sellers, popular picks, or to help compile your summer lists. 
   
3. Browse literary journals, magazines, and reviews for contemporary and current reads that are popular or recommended. 
   
4. For readers interested in movies that began as novels, search Movie indexes like, IMBM  for popular and well respected productions. 
5. Plays, poetry chapbooks and collections, graphic novels and magazines are not excused from summer reading lists. Include works like these to add color to your selections.   
6. Readers that are attracted to specific genres or certain authors are advised to follow up on their favorites by requesting favorite authors at your local or school’s library. 
   
7. Find a cozy and comfortable place to read. A comfortable environment to go to may help a reader's passion to read. Find your own nook or private place to read. 
   
   
   

CSU Libraries encourages and advises all students and patrons to compile their summer reading list with the above suggestions. For more information, be sure to visit CSU Libraries Page.

Beat the Heat with Summer Reading

Students and patrons are advised to accommodate the summer heat in the Schwob Memorial Library to continue scholarship and the pace of their studies. Be sure to review suggestions for keeping cool during the hot months of summer and the last weeks of the spring semester. 

Studying for finals, planning summer vacations, or cramming all the information you are accountable for before a final can be overwhelming especially with the pollen-infused, heavy summer heat blaring throughout the CSU campus and libraries.

CSU libraries encourages patrons and students to “Beat the heat” with a few suggestions that may jump start his or her summer and summer reading lists. Be sure to also browse Galileo, Gil-Find and other CSU library databases, and CSU libraries to compile your summer reading lists, to beat the heat!

Top tips for beating the heat

1. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water and non-carbonated drinks 

2. Dress in appropriate fabrics and garments to keep cool

3. Wear the appropriate grade of sun protection for your skin

4. Stay cool with a good book or magazine inside or near the Chattahoochee River

5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to increase energy 

For more information, be sure to visit the Schwob Memorial Library for a various reading selections to read and stay cool! For more information or help with summer reading, contact a CSU Subject Librarians for help. 

New Government Documents Exhibition Features Political History Selections

During the last weeks of the spring semester, be sure to visit the new Government Documents Exhibition curated by Jesse Chariton. Explore new and interesting topics about political cartoons, American politics and American political history before the end of the year and spring graduations. 

Located near the Express Einstein’s Bros. Bagels, its new location, on the first floor of the main library, the exhibition highlights multiple selections of various historical events and topics.

Titles like, Blind Justice: Jacobus tenBroek and the Vision of Equality, Thomas Jefferson's Library: A Catalog with the Entries in His Own Order, George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four, and Herblock's History: Political Cartoons from the Crash to the Millennium are just a few selections that the exhibition displays. Other major themes like Russian politics, library history, and other selections that cover the evolution of technology will be up for the month of May.

Students and patrons are invited to view and skim the exhibition. For more information, be sure to visit the Schwob Memorial Library, Government Documents Coordinator, Alison Sperry, or the curator of the current exhibition, Jesse Chariton.