A Few More Weeks of Summer Reading!

There are only a few more weeks of summer left before the Fall 2016 semester starts! Why not bring your summer to a close with an awesome book from the Schwob Memorial Library McNaughton collection? It's filled with great leisure reading books that will help you get your mind in gear before the Fall semester starts. There are a plethora of fun reads that will satisfy any reader! You could choose to follow Eileen Tumulty's chase for the American Dream in Matthew Thomas' We Are Not Ourselves. You could explore race and its contemporary resonances through Ta-Nehisi Coates' personal narrative Between the World and Me. Or, explore the lives of music legends like James Brown, Travis Barker, and Beyonce! Not exactly what you're interested in? No worries! The McNaughton collection has a wide range of topics and genres to choose from. Surely there is something waiting for you on the shelf! The world is literally at your finger tips, one page at a time. Come by the Schwob Memorial Library and check it all out!

Happy Summer Reading!

Branden Printup

GIL-Find Instructional Videos!

Having trouble finding a book in the library? Need to find a book and other materials for class, or personal reading, and the library doesn't have it? Here's the help you've been waiting for! Our awesome librarian staff here at Schwob Memorial Library have created multiple video guides teaching how to access the content and materials you need!

Click on this link to access these videos, GIL-Find Instructional Videos

For additional assistance, please contact the CSU Libraries Information Services Reference Desk at: 706-507-8671 or you can always email a Librarian.

Farewell to the Greatest Fighter of All Time

Muhammad Ali, three time world heavyweight champion and arguably one of the most revered athletes of his time, passed away last Friday on June 3, 2016. Ali shaped history for African Americans during the Civil Rights era in America. He also impacted the boxing world significantly with unmatched charisma and an unwillingness to be defined by anyone but himself in, and out, of the ring. He was 74 years old.

Ali was both admired and vilified by the public in the 1960s and 1970s for his different political, religious, and social views. He refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector. He converted to Islam from Christianity and joined the Lost-Found Nation of Islam. He changed his name to Muhammad Ali because he claimed Cassius Clay, his birth name, was a "slave name." He inspired the world after defeating the undefeated heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman by knockout in the 8th round of their "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in Zaire. This fight has been called the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century.

Aside from his multiple achievements, victories, and comical antics in front of opponents and during news interviews, Ali was also a father. He was a husband. He was a man who believed in his ability, and the ability of the people. As one of the most recognizable faces in all of history, he will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to experience his personality and know his story.

Ali being taped before a fight

Ali with his family

Ali's world renowned knockout victory over Sonny Liston

Here in the Schwob Memorial Library there are a number of books that detail the life and accomplishments of Muhammad Ali! In addition to Ali's autobiography The Greatest, My Own Story, the McNauhton Collection in the library also has an incredibly gripping non-fiction piece on Ali and his friendship with Malcom X entitled Blood Brothers: the Fatal Friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcom X. Both books cover the political ties, boxing achievements, and history of the champ. There's no greater way to remember his life and legacy than learning about him through literature! Stop by the library to check out our resources on his life soon!

With Hope,

Branden Printup

In the Land of Pasaquan

Eddie Owens Martin, who called himself St. EOM, was the visionary artist behind Pasaquan, his home and created environment in Buena Vista, Georgia.  His mind, body, and soul went into every facet of creation behind this utopian complex. St EOM began his artistic journey as a painter, but then quickly became a self- taught, multifaceted artist who created a style composed of many artistic traditions including influences from Meso-American, African, and Eastern art and philosophies. 

Martin envisioned Pasaquan as a place where the past, present, and future could thrive under one roof, and St. EOM’s art work reflects these ideals. 

Pasaquan is currently under restoration by the dedicated workers of Kohler Foundation Inc. An introductory preview of this unique culture will be displayed on the first floor of the Simon Schwob Library August 10th to September 10th on Columbus State University’s main campus. Venture into the Land of Pasaquan!

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!

Friends of Libraries Book Sale

Spring into summer with a good book! Be sure to check out the Friends of Libraries Book Sale April 21st through 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Simon Schwob Library. 

CSU libraries encourages all patrons, faculty and staff members, and students to browse or purchase their favorite works. The book sale will take place from in the forum area on the first floor of the Simon Schwob Library. 

For more information about Friends of Libraries, the book sale or CSU Libraries, feel free to browse CSU official pages and websites.

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at the Schwob Library

The CSU Libraries encourage scholastic integrity and studious work ethic both on campus and off-campus while students are away on spring break. For many students and patrons of the Simon Schwob Memorial library, it may become harder to him or her to find activities or things to do in the library. Here are a few suggestions that may interest all readers and visitors of the Schwob library.

5. Become a Film Buff
The main campus library, the Schwob Memorial Library, offers a wide variety of films, productions and television shows available to check out to use in the library. While many are away on spring break, the CSU libraries’ film collection might interest many, compared to reading a novel or article. CSU libraries also manage Films on Demand that consists of 7,000 video titles and includes the new collection of United Newsreels, an additional 260 titles to the film collection.

4. Get Ahead on Summer Reading

The summer season is often filled with sunscreen, planned vacations, and a “good read.” There are many databases, such as Galileo, Gil-Find, and others to help avid readers compile a summer reading list. Book clubs, English majors, and other avid readers are encouraged to use the services and databases to compose a summer reading list too cool for the summer heat ahead. For more information about finding aids and the library’s databases, be sure to see CSU libraries official website.

3.  Catch up on Current Events

It is often hard for students and educators to catch up on social and current events. While most of the campus will be away, reading the local, state and national major newspapers is always encouraged in the library. Not only are newspapers available but so are other publications, i.e., academic journals, government documents, and magazines.

2. Finish Assignments and Study

One of the most snubbed feature of the library is the consist quietness that many, if not most, students appreciate on the first floor of the Schwob library. With a large portion of CSU students away, the Schwob library is one of the best places on campus to study, meet up with classmates to commune, and study together.

1. Explore

Many people come in and out the library with set objectives. Instead of planning out a trip to the library, browse the three, different floors of the Schwob library. Near the Information Commons Area, various art pieces adorn the perimeter of the computer area; yet, there are numerous historical resources to read within the CSU Archives, located on the third floor. The CSU Archives serves as a repository documenting the history of Columbus State University, the city of Columbus, as well as, and the broader Chattahoochee Valley area. Whether you wish to inquire about the Columbus and Chattahoochee Valley area history or wish to observe eclectic art work— The Schwob Memorial has it.

For more information about other events, services, and activities to do within the Schwob library, visit the official website or social media pages of the library. 

Government Documents Collection Exhibits Colorful Women’s History Month Selection

This March, the Simon Schwob Memorial library celebrates multiple iconic women who have inspired much of American history and this institution. The Government Documents Collection, on the first floor of the Schwob Library, is exhibiting a special assortment highlighting prolific, intriguing professions and the lives of several, significant women. This small collection, reiterating the importance of women’s history, will remain up in the Government Documents Collection, for the rest of March, Women’s History month.

Works such as 33 Years of Army Nursing by Brigadier General Lillian Dunlap and Women in Congress, 1917–2006, one of the most commemorative and endorsed work on the 229 women who have served in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, profiles 74 women member of the 109^th Congress and history before the first woman elected to Congress, Jeannette Rankin. Selections pertaining to subjects about military activities, political studies, medical and physical education and other subjects expand the literature, already available, about women’s history.

67th United States Secretary of State and former First Lady and U.S. Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Tributes Delivered in Congress 2001-2009 is also available in the Government Documents Collection. Clinton, along with, First lady Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Pat Nixon are the only First Ladies, yet, to have earned and hold a graduate degree. Clinton remains the only first lady elected to a public office—the U.S. Senate, and to seek presidency.

Outside of exhibiting selections about women’s history, there are multiple works in the McNaughton Collection that may interest readers attracted to women’s history and gender studies. Answering the Call: The U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1917-1919: A commemorative Tribute to Military Nursing in World War I is another colorful selection students and military-afflicted patrons will enjoy. There are various books available in the Government Documents and McNaughton Collections and entire Schwob library. Be sure to visit the Schwob library.

How to Connect to the New Wireless

What happened to the wireless connection?

For those of you wondering what is happening when you connect to wireless and why you are not on the log-in screen, Simon Schwob Library underwent a new wireless connection uplift. Now all you have to do is log-in your CSU account once and your device can log on automatically when you access the internet. 

How do I log-in now? 

Step 1: Go to wireless connections and select CougarWaveOpen or CougarWaveSecure(only for CSU Faculty/Staff/Students with Apple products)
Step 2: Open a web browser and the page should redirect to the registration page
Step 3: Agree to the terms
Step 4: Select either the CSU Faculty/Staff/Student option or the Guest option
Step 5: Fill in the information asked (Novell login for CSU and name and personal e-mail for Guest)
Step 6: A screen should come up and a bar should be loading to finish the registration process
Step 7: A pop up will appear saying registration is complete. Exit the browser, make sure your wireless connection is set for CougarWaveOpen or CougarWaveSecure, and open the browser again.
Step 8: For laptops, restart and then open the browser.

I can't connect. What's the problem?

Make sure you have established your Wi-Fi connection to either CougarWaveOpen or CougarWaveSecure as well as restart your device. Note that only CSU accounts with an Apple device can use CougarWaveSecure. If you still cannot log on, contact UITS Help Desk at (706)506-8199.

Extended Library Hours for June/July Semester

Simon Schwob's hours will be extended for the June and July semester classes starting June 16th. These hours are as follows:

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

The library will be closed on July 4th and 5th for the holiday.

For more information about our hours, please click here. Thank you

2014 African American Read-In

25 years ago the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English began sponsoring public readings across the country to celebrate African American literacy as a part of Black History Month.  CSU Libraries has built a tradition every February of taking part by inviting students, faculty and staff to read a favorite selection be it poetry, a classic novel, a children’s book, an essay, a letter or a story that has been passed down. 

“It is important to be exposed to storytelling and the power of oral tradition.”

Librarian Michelle Jones, Coordinator of the Read-In since 2010

This year CSU Library will celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the read-ins by welcoming readers, and also with special guest storyteller Josie Bailey.   Her storytelling began as a volunteer project at her son’s school and began a new and exciting career. Her stories often reflect her African- American roots and provide a bit of history.

The event will be held Thursday, February 27 in the Library Forum Area during the lunch hour from 12:30 to 1:30pm.  Lunch will be provided.

Lecture & Lunch Series: Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Join us on Tuesday, October 1st from 12:30 - 1:15 pm for "Empathetic Course Design and Thinking Like a Student" as part of the Faculty Forum Series in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. This event will be held in the Library Forum at the Simon Schwob Library, Main Campus and presented by Jan Burcham, Fletcher Distinguished Chair in Teaching Education and Thomas Dailey, Lecturer, Department of Sociology. Lunch will be provided. Please see below for more information: