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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Undergraduate Research Award

Attention, all undergraduate students. Yes, I'm talking to YOU!

University Libraries is giving out an Undergraduate Research Award to a research project that best demonstrates the ability to locate, select, and synthesize information from library resources and uses those resources in the creation of an original research project in any media. We'll be awarding $500 to the winner!

So what does this mean?  If you're a full-time undergrad who has used library resources to gather research for a project in the spring, summer, or fall semesters in 2013, you're eligible! You'll just need a short essay describing your research strategies and a letter of support from a faculty member. More information can be found here.

xoxo,
Irma

Friday, December 13, 2013

Holiday Reading Recommendations

Happy holidays from University Libraries!

Now that the stress of final exam week is over, why not think about picking up some reading material for Christmas break?  Jackson Library will have special hours over the next few weeks:
14-15 Saturday - Sunday CLOSED
16-19 Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
20 Friday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
21-31 Saturday - Tuesday CLOSED

But don't worry, you've still got plenty of time to stock up on all those books on your list.  Here are some of my recommendations:


 1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from arriving by stealing all the presents and food from the village, but much to his surprise it comes anyway.



2. The Santaland Diaries and Season's Greetings by David Sedaris and Joe Mantello
"Out of work, our slacker decides to become a Macy's elf during the holiday crunch. At first the job is simply humiliating, but once the thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa's workshop, he becomes battle weary and bitter. The piece ends with yet another Santa being ushered into the workshop, but this one is different from the lecherous or drunken ones with whom he has had to work. This Santa actually seems to care about and love the children who come to see him, startling our hero into an uncharacteristic moment of goodwill just before his employment runs out."--Publisher description
 
3. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Luther and Nora Frank decide to skip Christmas this year and go on a cruise when suddenly everything gets chaotic.
"Addressing a variety of topics and themes, Toward the Winter Solstice explores the relationship between the world of nature and the world of ideas. In one way or another, the poems attempt to link the external material universe with that sense of inward self-awareness central to our experience of life."--Book jacket





5.  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus


6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A miser learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his past and suggest his future.
 
Captures the essence of the African American celebration of Kwanzaa and offers more than fifty recipes, along with facts and projects that add to the holiday's spirit.

8. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
This is one of O. Henry's most famous short stories. It's a tale of a young married couple who have little money to buy each other Christmas presents - with a charming surprise ending.

Want more reading lists? Check out Goodreads's Christmas Book Lists.
Happy Holidays!

xoxo,
Irma