Nicholas Sparks is a very special author. His books are never the same old plot. It seems that many authors fall into a rut – their books all start sounding the same after you have read a few and you can predict the end even before you are a third of the way through the book. But each book written by Nicholas Sparks is refreshing and new.
His newest release, “The Lucky One,” has all the special elements needed to appeal to many different types of readers. His characters include the soldier who served in Iraq for the guys, there is the charming dog that is almost a main character for the animal lovers, and don’t forget the divorced mother with the creepy ex-husband who falls in love with the soldier for the romantic. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. “The Lucky One” is so real and yet so magical. This book has the potential to make you believe in lucky charms, second chances, and love at first sight.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Finding Newspaper Articles with NewsBank
Have you ever tried to find a newspaper article that you remembered reading a few days ago? You can’t remember the exact date but you are sure you read it sometime in the last week? Rather than going to the library and paging through all the print newspapers for the last month, (I know, you thought it was last week but time flies and it was really 3 weeks ago), did you know that you can search for an article online? The CSI Library has access to several local, state, and national newspapers through their subscription to NewsBank.
To access NewsBank go to the CSI Library homepage at www.csi.edu/library and click on NewsBank in the first column. If you are off-campus you will need to login with your CSI network login. All users must be a CSI student, staff, or faculty member. Now you can just click on the newspaper you want to search, or if you aren’t sure which newspaper just choose Idaho newspapers and it will search all five Idaho newspapers that we have access to. You can even browse a newspaper by date. The Times-News goes all the way back to June 1999.
Next time you are frantically searching for that article, remember to take a look at NewsBank.
To access NewsBank go to the CSI Library homepage at www.csi.edu/library and click on NewsBank in the first column. If you are off-campus you will need to login with your CSI network login. All users must be a CSI student, staff, or faculty member. Now you can just click on the newspaper you want to search, or if you aren’t sure which newspaper just choose Idaho newspapers and it will search all five Idaho newspapers that we have access to. You can even browse a newspaper by date. The Times-News goes all the way back to June 1999.
Next time you are frantically searching for that article, remember to take a look at NewsBank.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - The Movie is coming!
Since the trailors for the movie Twilight (based on the book by Stephenie Meyer) have started airing, our checkouts and requests for the books in this series are on the rise. It will be interesting to see if this continues after the movie debuts on November 21st. I wonder if there are three more movies in the works since the four-book series is so closely tied together. Stephenie Meyer has been heralded as the next J.K. Rowlings - and I have to agree. These books are so intriguing and geared to a wide range of ages.
This morning I ran across a companion book for this movie, "Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion." I also found a soundtrack for the movie. It seems everyone is jumping on the Twilight bandwagon.
Does anyone out there have any comments or opinions about The Twilight Saga set?
This morning I ran across a companion book for this movie, "Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion." I also found a soundtrack for the movie. It seems everyone is jumping on the Twilight bandwagon.
Does anyone out there have any comments or opinions about The Twilight Saga set?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Oprah's New Favorite Gadget - The Kindle
Have you heard! The Amazon Kindle is Oprah’s new favorite gadget! Now maybe the naysayers will believe us when we say that the Kindle is here to stay. Last Friday (October 24th) Oprah Winfrey gave a Kindle to everyone in her audience. This is quite an endorsement for this e-book reader.
In the last few months, the price of the Kindle dropped from the initial $399 to $359, and now (thanks to Oprah) there is another $50 dollars off with the coupon code “OPRAHWINFREY”. http://kindle.oprahshow.tv/kindle/?crypt=c253cWdlPGNucHRYRXtv&raw_source=kindle&kw=kindle&clicktype=lpclick&se=GG-US. But this code is only good until November 1st. So you can purchase a Kindle for only $309. That’s $90 less than then just 11 months ago when the first Kindle was released.
Oprah has also posted a “how-to” video of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos teaching her audience how to use the Kindle. You can find it at: http://www.oprah.com/media/20081024_tows_kindle. It is only about 5 ½ minutes long – but it tells you all you need to know about the Kindle to get started.
It will be interesting to see if Oprah’s endorsement increases the sales of the Kindle. And in the long run, also the number of Kindle books offered should increase. Let’s hope!
In the last few months, the price of the Kindle dropped from the initial $399 to $359, and now (thanks to Oprah) there is another $50 dollars off with the coupon code “OPRAHWINFREY”. http://kindle.oprahshow.tv/kindle/?crypt=c253cWdlPGNucHRYRXtv&raw_source=kindle&kw=kindle&clicktype=lpclick&se=GG-US. But this code is only good until November 1st. So you can purchase a Kindle for only $309. That’s $90 less than then just 11 months ago when the first Kindle was released.
Oprah has also posted a “how-to” video of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos teaching her audience how to use the Kindle. You can find it at: http://www.oprah.com/media/20081024_tows_kindle. It is only about 5 ½ minutes long – but it tells you all you need to know about the Kindle to get started.
It will be interesting to see if Oprah’s endorsement increases the sales of the Kindle. And in the long run, also the number of Kindle books offered should increase. Let’s hope!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Library & Information Science Online Courses
The Library & Information Science courses offered at the College of Southern Idaho are completely online. Take a look at the classes we offer: http://www.csi.edu/liis/ . Offering these classes online is very beneficial to students working full-time jobs, parents with small children, students who do not live close to a college campus and many others who find studying online better suits their needs. Currently, we have students from all across Idaho and even other states enrolled in our classes.
Speaking as a student instead of an instructor, I prefer taking online classes to sitting in a classroom. You don’t have to spend the time and money (don’t get me started on the high price of gas) to drive to campus. You can work on the classes around your work schedule. You don’t have to uproot your family and move across the country to attend the college. You trade a hard, uncomfortable desk for your recliner. You can take your time to extensively study pertinent points and gain a full understanding of a concept before you move on.
Now, I have to agree that online classes aren’t for everyone. You have to be a self-starter. You have to be motivated to log in to your classes on a regular basis. You can’t be afraid of technology and you have to be willing to dive in and try. And, it helps if you prefer to learn by reading rather than by hearing. You have to want to learn and want to soak up the knowledge. Online courses are definitely not for anyone looking for that easy “do-nothing” class. How much knowledge you gain directly relates to the extent of the effort you put towards learning. But I guess this is true with any class that you attempt whether it is face-to-face or online.
With the technology today there are many different means of communication to accomplish the learning activities needed to hone your skills. Blackboard, discussion boards, chat rooms, phone calls, and email are just the beginning of communication modes available. Even though there are others that do not agree, I feel an online education is just as valuable as a face-to-face education!
Speaking as a student instead of an instructor, I prefer taking online classes to sitting in a classroom. You don’t have to spend the time and money (don’t get me started on the high price of gas) to drive to campus. You can work on the classes around your work schedule. You don’t have to uproot your family and move across the country to attend the college. You trade a hard, uncomfortable desk for your recliner. You can take your time to extensively study pertinent points and gain a full understanding of a concept before you move on.
Now, I have to agree that online classes aren’t for everyone. You have to be a self-starter. You have to be motivated to log in to your classes on a regular basis. You can’t be afraid of technology and you have to be willing to dive in and try. And, it helps if you prefer to learn by reading rather than by hearing. You have to want to learn and want to soak up the knowledge. Online courses are definitely not for anyone looking for that easy “do-nothing” class. How much knowledge you gain directly relates to the extent of the effort you put towards learning. But I guess this is true with any class that you attempt whether it is face-to-face or online.
With the technology today there are many different means of communication to accomplish the learning activities needed to hone your skills. Blackboard, discussion boards, chat rooms, phone calls, and email are just the beginning of communication modes available. Even though there are others that do not agree, I feel an online education is just as valuable as a face-to-face education!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Technology is Changing How We Live!
I have been back from vacation about a week now. I took my Amazon Kindle with me, it was so cool to have plenty of books to read that didn't take up any more room than one paperback. If I would have taken hardback versions my suitcase would have been overweight at the airline counter. The woman sitting beside me in the airplane asked me how many books the Kindle would hold. When I told her about 200 she couldn't believe it. I think I have her convinced to buy one.
My husband took his iPod Touch with him on our vacation. He really enjoyed being able to pull up Internet pages and weather forecasts/conditions of home in any hotel or coffee shop that had Wi-Fi. Technology sure played a key part of our vacation.
Well, now that I'm back to work I'm working hard to get caught up. It is mid-term time here at CSI - students are studying hard and really into the swing of writing papers and creating presentations. This is another area where technology is affecting us. A few years ago the library would create transparencies for students to use in class presentations using overhead projectors. Now students prepare PowerPoint presentations and use projectors hooked to computers. It seems like each semester at least one task (that we have always done) is changed by technology. VHS tapes are being replaced by DVDs, audiocassettes are being replaced by CDs - someday maybe textbooks will be replaced by the Kindle.
My husband took his iPod Touch with him on our vacation. He really enjoyed being able to pull up Internet pages and weather forecasts/conditions of home in any hotel or coffee shop that had Wi-Fi. Technology sure played a key part of our vacation.
Well, now that I'm back to work I'm working hard to get caught up. It is mid-term time here at CSI - students are studying hard and really into the swing of writing papers and creating presentations. This is another area where technology is affecting us. A few years ago the library would create transparencies for students to use in class presentations using overhead projectors. Now students prepare PowerPoint presentations and use projectors hooked to computers. It seems like each semester at least one task (that we have always done) is changed by technology. VHS tapes are being replaced by DVDs, audiocassettes are being replaced by CDs - someday maybe textbooks will be replaced by the Kindle.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Nineteen Minutes by Jody Picoult
I just finished reading the novel “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult. WOW! Boy, does this book start you thinking. Even though this book is fiction, the author has taken elements of several school shootings that have occurred in the last few years and wove them into a thought-provoking story. The story line weaves through all of the lives that were connected to the shooter, who had been bullied and teased at school. His torment started on his first day of Kindergarten and continued until the fateful day he decided to get even and stop the torture he had been enduring for ten years.
Who was really to blame for this life destroying act? Was it his mother who told him to be tough, his father who taught him how to use a gun, the second grade boys who threw his lunch box out the window of the bus, the boy who de-pantsed him in the cafeteria, the girl who had been his friend and then abandoned him, or does all of the blame lie with the shooter?
How many times do we go through life not realizing that one small action on our part may be contributing to a monumental event or tragedy? When we snap at our children when we’ve had a bad day, when we are rude to the sales clerk when a mistake is made, or when we ignore a plea for help? Are we going to commit the action that is the last straw? Can we make a difference to someone for the better rather than the worse?
I don’t have answers for these questions, but this book has definitely started me thinking.
Who was really to blame for this life destroying act? Was it his mother who told him to be tough, his father who taught him how to use a gun, the second grade boys who threw his lunch box out the window of the bus, the boy who de-pantsed him in the cafeteria, the girl who had been his friend and then abandoned him, or does all of the blame lie with the shooter?
How many times do we go through life not realizing that one small action on our part may be contributing to a monumental event or tragedy? When we snap at our children when we’ve had a bad day, when we are rude to the sales clerk when a mistake is made, or when we ignore a plea for help? Are we going to commit the action that is the last straw? Can we make a difference to someone for the better rather than the worse?
I don’t have answers for these questions, but this book has definitely started me thinking.
Friday, September 26, 2008
How the iPod Touch is similar to the Amazon Kindle
My husband and I are complete opposites when it comes to books. I love to read and hate for anyone to read to me. My husband prefers audiobooks and loves to have someone read to him. He just can’t understand the thrill I get downloading a new bestseller to my Amazon Kindle.
This last week we purchased my husband an iPod Touch and have been downloading podcasts and music for him to listen to on the trip we are taking next week. I’m finally able to drag my (technologically challenged) husband into the 21st century (but he downloaded Old Time Radio Classics from the 1940s and 1950s, so I think we regressed by about fifty years).
Purchasing the iPod Touch has made me realize the similarities that this MP3 player has with the Amazon Kindle. With the Kindle, I can purchase and download books straight from Amazon in just a couple of minutes. With the iPod Touch, my husband can purchase and download podcasts and music straight from iTunes in just a couple of minutes. We can both search the Internet (even though the iPod Touch is way cooler with this feature). We can both listen to music with our devices.
So, I guess, my husband and I (also the Kindle and the Touch) are more alike than I thought.
Teri
This last week we purchased my husband an iPod Touch and have been downloading podcasts and music for him to listen to on the trip we are taking next week. I’m finally able to drag my (technologically challenged) husband into the 21st century (but he downloaded Old Time Radio Classics from the 1940s and 1950s, so I think we regressed by about fifty years).
Purchasing the iPod Touch has made me realize the similarities that this MP3 player has with the Amazon Kindle. With the Kindle, I can purchase and download books straight from Amazon in just a couple of minutes. With the iPod Touch, my husband can purchase and download podcasts and music straight from iTunes in just a couple of minutes. We can both search the Internet (even though the iPod Touch is way cooler with this feature). We can both listen to music with our devices.
So, I guess, my husband and I (also the Kindle and the Touch) are more alike than I thought.
Teri
Monday, September 22, 2008
Playaways vs. NetLibrary
The CSI Library has been subscribing to NetLibrary audiobooks for a few years now. They are great for patrons to download audiobooks to their MP3 player and enable them to listen while driving, jogging, or a multitude of different activities. One problem has been the complicated steps in the download procedure, it is definitely not for the technology challenged person. Also, NetLibrary audiobooks are not compatible with iPods which seems to be the most popular MP3 player on our campus.
So, to offer our patrons another avenue for audiobooks we have started purchasing Playaway units. These units are preloaded MP3 players with one book per unit. There are about the size of a deck of cards and so easy to use. They come with headphones and an extra battery. All the patron has to do is plug in the headphone and push play. You even have the option of three speeds of narration. We have about 150 different audiobooks so far and our patrons are loving them! One English class even allows students to use Playaways for book reports.
Our patrons now have two choices for audiobooks. For the techno-savy patron, we have the NetLibrary audiobooks with over a thousand choices. And for the patron who wants an easy to listen to book we have the Playaway.
Ah, isn't technology great.
So, to offer our patrons another avenue for audiobooks we have started purchasing Playaway units. These units are preloaded MP3 players with one book per unit. There are about the size of a deck of cards and so easy to use. They come with headphones and an extra battery. All the patron has to do is plug in the headphone and push play. You even have the option of three speeds of narration. We have about 150 different audiobooks so far and our patrons are loving them! One English class even allows students to use Playaways for book reports.
Our patrons now have two choices for audiobooks. For the techno-savy patron, we have the NetLibrary audiobooks with over a thousand choices. And for the patron who wants an easy to listen to book we have the Playaway.
Ah, isn't technology great.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Amazon Kindle
In the library world there has been a lot of negative talking, posting, and blogging about the new e-book reader, the Amazon Kindle. In fact, I just read in Library Journal in Feedback where one library specialist says, "I just can't see long fiction being presented in such a format...that such technologies discourage extended reading." Before last February (when I received a Kindle as a gift from my husband) I was one of those people who thought that NOTHING could replace the paper book. I had always said I would never give up my books. Well, I am now eating crow over those opinions. The Kindle is great, I have already read at least 20 full-length novels from my Kindle. Amazon makes it so easy to buy books for the Kindle. Almost too easy, since you can buy books and have them downloaded with just one click. I'm now cleaning out my bookshelves and donating my books. All of the books I want to save are loaded in my Kindle. The Kindle is about the size of a paperback book, and it will hold about 200 books. If I ever fill it up I can save my books to a SD card or just delete them and Amazon will let me download them again. Amazon evens reminds you that you have already purchased a book if you try and buy it again.
My husband and I are planning on a vacation next month, I am so excited! I can take as many books as I want and they won't weigh anything at all. When we get back from our trip, I'll let you know how it works out.
My husband and I are planning on a vacation next month, I am so excited! I can take as many books as I want and they won't weigh anything at all. When we get back from our trip, I'll let you know how it works out.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
New "What's New in the Library" Shelf
Now as you walk into the library you can see what has been added to the library recently. We have a new bookshelf across from the circulation desk to hold a sampling of the new items. So far our patrons have found it to be intriguing and eye-catching. Many have already checked out something that peaked their interest.
Come see us and what's new in the library!
Come see us and what's new in the library!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Summer School Has Started
Even though it doesn't feel like summer, the summer semester has begun!
A few changes are happening around the library. The reference desk is getting a makeover by our very own CSI carpenters. They are doing a wonderful job improving Steve's desk so that it is more user friendly. We appreciate their hard work.
Also, take a look at the History of CSI videos that have been added to the CSI Library homepage. You will find the link in the lower part of the center column. These videos were originally in VHS format, we have converted them to DVD for checkout from the library or you can watch them online from your computer.
The library has also added two loveseats to the back corner of the library for a quiet area to come relax and read books or magazines. Be sure to come over and take a look.
Hopefully the weather will start cooperating and it will start feeling like summer!
A few changes are happening around the library. The reference desk is getting a makeover by our very own CSI carpenters. They are doing a wonderful job improving Steve's desk so that it is more user friendly. We appreciate their hard work.
Also, take a look at the History of CSI videos that have been added to the CSI Library homepage. You will find the link in the lower part of the center column. These videos were originally in VHS format, we have converted them to DVD for checkout from the library or you can watch them online from your computer.
The library has also added two loveseats to the back corner of the library for a quiet area to come relax and read books or magazines. Be sure to come over and take a look.
Hopefully the weather will start cooperating and it will start feeling like summer!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
END OF ANOTHER SEMESTER
I just want to wish all students "good luck" on your finals next week.
Since it is the end of the semester, all books, videos, DVDs,etc. that students have checked out are due back tomorrow (April 30th). This gives the library staff time to send out reminders to those students who have forgotten that they have items checked out from the library.
Have a good summer and see you next Fall!
Since it is the end of the semester, all books, videos, DVDs,etc. that students have checked out are due back tomorrow (April 30th). This gives the library staff time to send out reminders to those students who have forgotten that they have items checked out from the library.
Have a good summer and see you next Fall!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
LearningExpress - Computer Skills
The library has added a "Computer Skills Tutorial" module to its subscription to LearningExpress.
The computer skills tutorials on LearningExpress Library provide more than 50 easy-to-use
courses to help you improve your computer skills.
Covers basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of the most popular software programs:
Microsoft Excel • Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Word • Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint • Internet Explorer
Microsoft Outlook • and more!
Web-based and completely interactive
Accessible at the library
or from your home computer
Just go to the CSI Library Homepage [www.csi.edu/library]
Click on LearningExpress Library in left column,
Then click on Computer Skills!
courses to help you improve your computer skills.
Covers basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of the most popular software programs:
Microsoft Excel • Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Word • Microsoft Access
Microsoft PowerPoint • Internet Explorer
Microsoft Outlook • and more!
Web-based and completely interactive
Accessible at the library
or from your home computer
Just go to the CSI Library Homepage [www.csi.edu/library]
Click on LearningExpress Library in left column,
Then click on Computer Skills!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Computer Tips
These are some of the common computer questions that we receive in the computer lab of the library.
1) HOW MANY PRINTS DO I HAVE LEFT?
Now that it is getting to the end of the semester, as students you might be wondering how many "prints" you have left from the 500 that you started out with at the first of the semester. To find out, log into a campus computer and hover your mouse over the black $ in the lower right hand column of the screen. This number is how many pages you have left that you can print.
2) HOW CAN I PRINT MORE THAN ONE SLIDE PER PAGE IN POWERPOINT?
When printing out slides from PowerPoint presentations it is possible to print anywhere from 1 to 9 slides per page. To print more than one per page, click on Print, than in the print menu on the lower left change it from "slides" to "handouts," then in the center change the number for "slides per page" to the number of slides you want printed on each page.
3) CAN I PRINT SOMETHING OUT IN COLOR?
When you want to print in color, just select the HP4600 printer in the print menu. Just remember it will cost you 5 prints from your balance for every color page printed.I hope this answers a few of your questions.
Good luck with the rest of the semester!
Teri
1) HOW MANY PRINTS DO I HAVE LEFT?
Now that it is getting to the end of the semester, as students you might be wondering how many "prints" you have left from the 500 that you started out with at the first of the semester. To find out, log into a campus computer and hover your mouse over the black $ in the lower right hand column of the screen. This number is how many pages you have left that you can print.
2) HOW CAN I PRINT MORE THAN ONE SLIDE PER PAGE IN POWERPOINT?
When printing out slides from PowerPoint presentations it is possible to print anywhere from 1 to 9 slides per page. To print more than one per page, click on Print, than in the print menu on the lower left change it from "slides" to "handouts," then in the center change the number for "slides per page" to the number of slides you want printed on each page.
3) CAN I PRINT SOMETHING OUT IN COLOR?
When you want to print in color, just select the HP4600 printer in the print menu. Just remember it will cost you 5 prints from your balance for every color page printed.I hope this answers a few of your questions.
Good luck with the rest of the semester!
Teri
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
New Online Reference Books Available
The CSI Library has added a new set of online reference books -
Oxford Reference Online: Premium Collection
A mini-reference library of dictionaries, quotations, maps, timelines, and handbooks on all sorts of subjects
Oxford Digital Reference Shelf
Encyclopedia of Evolution
Encyclopedia of Global Change
Grove Encyclopedia of Classical Art and Architecture
Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature
Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States
Take a look and see what you think!
Teri
Oxford Reference Online: Premium Collection
A mini-reference library of dictionaries, quotations, maps, timelines, and handbooks on all sorts of subjects
Oxford Digital Reference Shelf
Encyclopedia of Evolution
Encyclopedia of Global Change
Grove Encyclopedia of Classical Art and Architecture
Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature
Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States
Take a look and see what you think!
Teri
Friday, April 4, 2008
Computers Slow in Library
The library has had many comments about the speed of the computers in the library. The IT department is working on increasing the speed and response times of the Internet. The are three different ages of computers in the lab, ask at the front desk to find out where the newest ones are located.
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