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September 25, 2006Banned Books Week, September 23 - 30
The week of September 23 - 29 marks the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week, which is recognized each year by the American Library Association and by libraries of all types across the country. Banned Books Week "celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them." (Intellectual Freedom Committee, American Library Association)
In most instances, books are challenged rather than banned. That is, someone seeks to remove them from a library's shelves or from the curriculum, thereby restricting access by others. The most common reasons for challenges are sexually explicit content, language that is deemed offensive, and the belief that material is unsuitable for the intended age group. Books may be challenged for other reasons as well; for example, the popular Harry Potter series by author J. K. Rowling has been challenged on the grounds that it promotes a positive view of witchcraft and magic. Some books are regularly challenged year after year. These include such titles as Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War", Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time", John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", and Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
In 2006, the American Library Association is offering readers of all ages an opportunity to vote for their favorite banned book. To cast your ballot, go to www.ala.org/bbook and select the "Vote for Your Favorite Banned Book!" link. Additional information about banned and challenged books is available at this site as well.
Posted by basye at 8:40 AM | Permanent Link to this Post
September 15, 2006Constitution Day and Library Resources
Constitution Day is an American federal holiday enacted by the United States Congress in 2004 to be observed on September 17th every year to recognize the ratification and signing of the United States Constitution. All publicly funded educational institutions are required, by law, to provide educational programming and activities on the history of the American Constitution on that day. Rod Library has acquired three DVDs - Our Constitution: A Conversation, Key Constitutional Concepts, and Mandate: The President and the People - for the circulating collection for students, professors and others to view. We encourage you to utilize these DVDs in the spirit of Constitution Day. The DVDs are located on the first floor of Rod Library at the MultiService Center (MSC).
Posted by basye at 12:49 PM | Permanent Link to this Post
September 14, 2006Photocopy Payment Options
The library is planning to modify the current payment options offered for public photocopy machines. By the beginning of the Spring semester we will initiate a charge to u-bill option for the 5 black and white photocopy machines and the one soon to be ordered color copier/printer.
The current coin towers attached to the photocopy machines have the capability of adding cash to your UNI ID card to make copies. The replacement system will not be compatible with the Cash to Card system.
If you currently have money on your UNI ID card you can either spend it before we replace the towers or come to the Circulation desk for a refund. If you choose a refund you will need to get a replacement UNI ID at the Department of Residence.
The towers attached to the microfilm reader printers will continue to accept UNI ID cash to card options until we can find a suitable replacement solution for them.
Posted by basye at 8:12 AM | Permanent Link to this Post