Library Research Prizes Available for 2016-2017

libraryresearchprize_banner_finalAre you working on a research project this semester? Did you use the library’s resources, services, collections, or spaces in order to complete your research? Then the Weinberg Memorial Library Research Prize is for you!

Two prizes of $500 each are awarded every year to the winning Undergraduate and the winning Graduate submissions. All you need to do is write a 500-word essay describing your research process and how you used the library in completing the project. Click here for some tips on how to craft the best 500-word essay you can about your research.

Then, submit the application materials for your project through the Library Research Prize website by the Fall 2016 deadline: Monday, December 5, 2016 by 4:00 pm. This deadline is for projects completed in the Summer 2016 or Fall 2016 semesters. There will be another deadline for Spring 2017 research projects. Winners are announced at the end of the Spring 2017 semester.

Research projects can be individual or group projects, though winning group projects will receive one $500 prize for the group.

A statement of faculty support from the instructor who assigned the research project is also required for each submission.

Details on how to apply, what to include in a completed application, and what the selection criteria are, can be found at the Library Research Prize website. Any additional questions can be sent to Prof. Bonnie Oldham, Information Literacy Coordinator (bonnie.oldham@scranton.edu).

We look forward to hearing about your research!

The Last Hurrah!

IanAs the academic year comes to a close, I’d like to recognize one more outstanding student worker who will graduate next week. Ian Taylor of Delran, New Jersey has been working in Circulation Services for the past two years. Ian is a lively presence at the Circulation Desk, eager to assist patrons with whatever they need.  He does an excellent job of sorting and shelving books.  His work is always very accurate.  We certainly will miss his pleasant personality and his sense of humor.

Ian’s studies have been in Theology/Religious studies. He especially enjoyed Dr. Clark’s Virtue & Christian Ethics class.  His minor field of study is Media Information Technology.  He is an active member of The Aquinas, Students for Life, Catholic Relief Services, Liturgical Ministries, Campus Ministry, Praise & Worship groups.  He could always be seen assisting in Mass as a Eucharistic Minister.  He plans to eventually become a priest.

Ian loves to read and made good use of our library during his time here. His favorite book is The Confession by John Grisham and his favorite movie is The Grace Card.  He advises other students to utilize this library and its vast amount of resources.  He always made good use of Palci EZBorrow and Illiad and encourages other students to do the same.

Congratulations Ian! All the best to you as you continue your religious life.

5.06 ~ The University of Scranton’s Day of Giving

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Don’t judge a book by its cover.

More than just books, the Weinberg Memorial Library is a central hub for collaboration, technology, art, research, and even coffee breaks. Scranton students have 24-hour access to this campus hotspot, as well as 24-hour online access to thousands of special collections and digital resources.

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Thanks to Friends like you, the Weinberg Memorial Library is able to grow the number of resources available on campus and online each year. Today, on The University of Scranton’s Day of Giving, consider making your 5.06 gift to the Library.

Buy a Book on 5.06!
Did you know it costs $75 to add one book to the campus collection? With a gift of $75 or more today, a nameplate will be added to a book in your honor.

MAKE MY 5.06 GIFT

Spotlight on Student Worker Olivia Homish

Olivia Homish was referred to us by the CTLE for a work-study position within the Library at the start of her sophomore year in 2013. Now, as she heads toward graduation this May with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the Library Dean’s Office would like to take a moment to recognize Olivia’s hard work and dedication to our office over the last four years.

A second generation Royal and a native of Archbald, Olivia, was familiar with the University’s reputation and beautiful campus early on. During the past several years, Olivia’s enjoyed interacting with the kind and friendly students, faculty, and staff the University of Scranton is known for. The Dean’s office relied on Olivia to assist in office tasks with professionalism and congeniality, which she did with ease. She not only worked for us the last six semesters, you could also find her in the office over intersession and summer breaks.

Now that she’s a senior, Olivia would encourage other students to ask questions while in the Library; there are a lot of resources for students to use, which they might not be aware of.  Her favorite classes were her management classes and she also participated in Business Club. Olivia’s favorite movie is The Dark Knight, and she enjoys working out when she’s not in class. One fun fact about Olivia is she’s not done with her studies yet—she plans to pursue her M.B.A.! When she’s finished, she hopes to find work in healthcare management.

Olivia is a tremendous asset to our office, and will be hard to replace. Thank you, Olivia, for all your hard work. We wish you all the best!

The International Film Series Presents: The Black Balloon

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Image courtesy of Neoclassics Films Ltd.

When Thomas and his family move to a new home and he has to start at a new school, he just wants to fit in. That becomes more difficult when his pregnant mother is hospitalized and his father puts him in charge of his autistic older brother Charlie. Thomas struggles with the responsibility since he both loves and is sometimes embarrassed by his older brother. Will the support of his family and new girlfriend be enough to help Thomas fit in and accept his often chaotic family life?

Director Elissa Down drew on her experiences growing up with two autistic brothers, and she offers a realistic and sympathetic look at a family with an autistic teenager.  The Black Balloon is in English and stars Rhys Wakefield, Gemma Ward and Toni Collette.

Please join us on Wednesday May 4th at 7 p.m. in Room 305 of the Weinberg Memorial Library for this free event. Professor Allison Lai will lead a discussion following the film.

This event is open to faculty, staff, students, and the public. Please email sharon.finnerty@scranton.edu for more information.

Spotlight on Student Worker Melisa Gallo

bandbMelisa Gallo of Scranton, PA began her studies here in the Fall of 2012. One of her good friends, who also worked in the library, referred her to a job in Circulation Services at the end of her freshman year.  She began working at the start of the Fall 2013 semester and she’s been with us ever since.

Melisa studies Psychology and hopes to become a clinical psychologist. Dr. Orr, Dr. Karpiak and Dr. Norcross are her favorite professors.  She especially enjoys her Abnormal Psychology class as well as her Field Experience in clinical settings.  She is treasurer of the Psychology Club on campus.  She is also an active member of the Association for Psychological Sciences Caucus (APSSC), the Scranton Neuroscience Society, the Asia Club and Autism speaks U: The University of Scranton.

When she’s not studying or working, Melisa enjoys reading and watching movies. That’s why she feels like she belongs working in the library where she’s comfortable and enjoys the atmosphere. It’s exciting for her to see all of the new books firsthand and the Media department has many of her favorite movies to watch.  Her favorite book is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.  Her favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast.  Another interesting hobby of hers is playing the alto saxophone.

Her advice to other students is to take advantage of all the library has to offer. Explore the Library’s collection and remember Interlibrary loan services when you can’t find what you need here!

Melisa is proud of her French-Canadian heritage and enjoys traveling to Canada to visit family. She also had a remarkable trip to Ireland that she will never forget.

Thank you Melisa! We hope you continue to go places!

Spotlight on Student Worker: Brandon McKenzie

A psychology major from Westchester, New York Brandon McKenzie began working in Media Resources/EdLab in the fall of 2014 and as his graduation date gets closer, the Library would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment.

Brandon is helpful and friendly to all patrons and his interest in films and theater make him a great fit for Media Resources/EdLab. He is involved in the Liva Arts Company, a non-profit, student-run organization designed to serve the academic, social, and cultural needs of the University of Scranton. It produces two musicals each year. Last spring Brandon played the part of Roger in Rent and he will be playing Doody in the upcoming production of Grease. He’s also a member of Colleges Against Cancer, a club that plans events on campus to raise money for the American Cancer Society and brings awareness about cancer to the student body. His hobbies include playing music and reading, and his favorite books are the Maze Runner series. Something people would be surprised to learn about Brandon is that he is in an episode in the second season of The Good Wife.

Brandon has a variety of interests and his career aspirations include being a counseling psychologist, actor, musician and personal trainer.

Thank you for your hard work Brandon and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Spotlight on Student Worker – Olivia Gillespie

Olivia Gillespie of Ocean City, New Jersey began studying at The University of Scranton in the fall of 2012 as an Exercise Science major. Before the end of the spring 2013 semester, she had changed her major to English Literature with minors in Spanish and Theology. It was just around that time when she approached me at the Circulation Desk inquiring about a work-study position. We corresponded over the summer and she began her work here at the Circulation desk with the start of the fall 2013 semester.

She loves being able to watch the campus community as they pass through the library. Her job allows her to meet new people while meeting their needs. She advises fellow students to utilize the library. There are so many librarians and resources that can inform you and make your education easier and more fulfilling.

Olivia is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English National Honor Society. She enjoys writing stories and poems. She’s won the Berrier Prose Award for her entries in Esprit, a literary magazine published by the students of The University of Scranton. In fact, Olivia is currently its Editor-in-Chief! She tutors English students in the CTLE and last semester she was a teaching assistant for Freshman Seminar.

Though English is her first language, she loves studying Spanish and Portuguese. Not only can she speak in all three languages, but she dreams in all three languages every night! In her spare time, she enjoys beat boxing and rapping. Her favorite movie is The World According to Garp.

Currently, Olivia is a semi-national finalist for a Fulbright Scholarship. If selected, she will travel to Brazil in March of 2017 to teach English in a college classroom. Her career aspirations are to become either a teacher, a lawyer or an interpreter or perhaps all of the above. Whatever the future brings, we wish her all the best.

Thank you Olivia!

Environmental Art Show – Call For Art!

env art call for art 2016

The library is seeking submissions for the 6th Annual Environmental Art Show. The art show will be held from April 15th until the 21st.

The purpose of the Environmental Art Show is to promote the natural beauty of our environment and the ideal practice of sustainable living through artworks of all types, including painting, photography, repurposed goods, sculpture, and more. The show is comprised entirely of University of Scranton student, staff, and faculty submissions, so please consider contributing!

The deadline for submissions is set for Thursday, April 14, 2016. All works of art can be dropped off at either the circulation or reference desks of the library. All artwork is returned after the exhibit has closed.

For photos from the past Environmental Art Shows see the following links:

EAS 2011 — EAS 2012 — EAS 2013 — EAS 2014 — EAS 2015