During the community service portion of our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, juniors and seniors made links for the chain, writing messages of gratitude to family, friends, teachers, staff . . . Ms Struck brought it to the library so we could all read about the acts of kindness in our community.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Smithsonian’s Online Treasures Revealed
The Collections Search Center is an easy search interface to the holdings of the various museums that make up the Smithsonian Institution. It links to over 7.4 million records with 568,100 images, video and sound files, electronic journals, and other resources from the Smithsonian's museums, archives, library and research holdings and collections.
Many primary sources have been digitized, and are available in full through this interface. This should make it an attractive destination for juniors working on their U.S. history thesis!
There is a helpful tutorial to get you started.
The Smithsonian Collections Search Center is also mobile-aware. Users visiting the site with their iPhone or Android devices should automatically be redirected to a mobile friendly version of the site; iPad users receive the fully formatted pages. The Smithsonian Collections Blog features interesting items, current works in progress, or “whatever catches their eye”.
Many primary sources have been digitized, and are available in full through this interface. This should make it an attractive destination for juniors working on their U.S. history thesis!
There is a helpful tutorial to get you started.
The Smithsonian Collections Search Center is also mobile-aware. Users visiting the site with their iPhone or Android devices should automatically be redirected to a mobile friendly version of the site; iPad users receive the fully formatted pages. The Smithsonian Collections Blog features interesting items, current works in progress, or “whatever catches their eye”.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Objects of the Week 9 and 10
Each student in Ms. Struck's art class will be transforming one object a week. Each week the objects will be displayed somewhere in the library until the next objects arrive.
Here are two batches of objects. One is based on a scouring pad, the other on jute twine and candy cups. The inventiveness and imagination of our students is a pleasure to see.
We are looking forward to seeing what Ms. Struck's student will come up with next!
Friday, January 20, 2012
History Mystery of the Week
Our new archivist, Ms. Slater, has started a weekly history mystery. This week’s question was ‘In what year did the academy welcome its first student of African descent?’ And the follow up bonus question: ‘What was the student’s name?’ She had four correct answers from students " who knew that Wentworth Cheswell was in Samuel Moody’s first class at the academy in 1763. Mr. Cheswell apparently thought highly enough of his time here to have it mentioned on his gravestone located in Newmarket, NH. For those of you who thought that Booker T. Washington Jr., son of the famous African-American leader, was the first, you were not alone.”
Mr. Bidstrup followed up her e-mail response with a link to more information on Cheswell at America’sFounding Fathers. Master Moody's early students were indeed a remarkable group!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
SOPA Blackout Display
Wide-spread protesting in the form of blackened web pages were all over the Internet - and headlines - today. Both large, powerful web companies and smaller, private parties joined in this protest. Among the former, there are ubiquitous presences like Google, Wikipedia and Firefox; among the latter, the web comic XKCD and others.
At the crux of the matter are two bills: the Stop On-line Piracy Act (in the House) the and Protect Intellectual Property Act (in the Senate). Known by the adorable acronyms SOPA and PIPA, they are backed by major media companies and are directed against the illegal downloading and streaming of copyright-protected TV shows and movies online. However, according to criticism, the vague language in the bills would enable them to be used to stifle not only user-driven sites, like YouTube or Reddit, for example, but also big operators like search engines and small ones like self-employed media professionals.
Want to know more? The text of both bills is available through the Library of Congress (SOPA and PIPA, respectively), and contacting your elected officials is possible through the Usa.gov website.
P.S. If you need to access an online encyclopedia today, try our website instead of Wikipedia. We have access to the Encyclopedia Britannica and other databases.
At the crux of the matter are two bills: the Stop On-line Piracy Act (in the House) the and Protect Intellectual Property Act (in the Senate). Known by the adorable acronyms SOPA and PIPA, they are backed by major media companies and are directed against the illegal downloading and streaming of copyright-protected TV shows and movies online. However, according to criticism, the vague language in the bills would enable them to be used to stifle not only user-driven sites, like YouTube or Reddit, for example, but also big operators like search engines and small ones like self-employed media professionals.
Want to know more? The text of both bills is available through the Library of Congress (SOPA and PIPA, respectively), and contacting your elected officials is possible through the Usa.gov website.
P.S. If you need to access an online encyclopedia today, try our website instead of Wikipedia. We have access to the Encyclopedia Britannica and other databases.
Monday, January 16, 2012
New Databases: Sharpe and eLibrary Science
The Pescosolido library provides access to online encyclopedias and scholarly articles through several databases. We evaluate our databases periodically. This academic year, we have already added two valuable resources.
The Sharpe Online Reference database contains encyclopedia articles, an image gallery, primary documents, and foreign perspectives on United States. There are also web links and teacher’s resources on early America, economic history, and Ancient and Modern worlds. Other topics covered are conflicts, global history, terrorism, and world trade.
The eLibrary Science, as the name implies, collects scientific full-text articles from thousands of magazines and newspapers. There are also multimedia resources like images, websites, e-books, and videos. Other interesting features include biographies of famous scientists, an RSS feed to latest scientific news, and, in the Today in Science History section, snippets of significant events from the point of view of science. The database’s Interactive tab is especially well suited to casual browsing: dozens of links direct you to online games that illustrate various scientific principles.
We have added links to both these databases on our Catalogs and Databases page. Feel free to visit, and let us know how you found our current selection. We always appreciate feedback.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Highlighting Massachusetts Author Salvatore
This mini display on our first floor highlights R.A. Salvatore, a lifelong Massachusetts resident and prolific author.
Salvatore has been writing for over 20 years. According to the recent Boston Globe article, his books sell at the rate of one million a year, and they've been translated into more than dozen languages.
His most famous character has become an icon in the genre - he's featured in books and graphic novels as well as computer, video, and board games. There's been talk of a movie, even. And yet, Salvatore still lives within a quarter of a mile from his high school, near his and his family's old stomping grounds.
Clearly, Salvatore has hit on a recipe for success. His own take on his success is twofold: it's about people - the characters in the story - and realism that comes from his commitment to history and sports.
Read an interview on Salvatore at The Old Board Gamers' Blog (Part 1 and Part 2), or check out his website.
Salvatore has been writing for over 20 years. According to the recent Boston Globe article, his books sell at the rate of one million a year, and they've been translated into more than dozen languages.
His most famous character has become an icon in the genre - he's featured in books and graphic novels as well as computer, video, and board games. There's been talk of a movie, even. And yet, Salvatore still lives within a quarter of a mile from his high school, near his and his family's old stomping grounds.
Clearly, Salvatore has hit on a recipe for success. His own take on his success is twofold: it's about people - the characters in the story - and realism that comes from his commitment to history and sports.
Read an interview on Salvatore at The Old Board Gamers' Blog (Part 1 and Part 2), or check out his website.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Latest Reviews: January 2012
Welcome back! We hope your holidays were enjoyable and relaxing.
Some of the latest reviews linked to our "virtual collection" include Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth by Alexandra Robbins, Damned by Chuck Palahniuk, Sex on the Moon by Ben Mezrich, and Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card.
You can always find even more reviews through our LibraryThing profile.
Some of the latest reviews linked to our "virtual collection" include Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth by Alexandra Robbins, Damned by Chuck Palahniuk, Sex on the Moon by Ben Mezrich, and Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card.
You can always find even more reviews through our LibraryThing profile.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
MOO Cards for the New Year
Welcome back from the Holiday Break! We at the library had a hitch with our heating system early this week, but things are running well again and we are back to our normal hours.
In the photo you can see a selection of our latest MOO cards. (MOO cards are small, custom business cards.) These cards contain the library contact information and various photos from the premises. Please help yourself to one in the lobby.
We look forward to seeing all of you again!
In the photo you can see a selection of our latest MOO cards. (MOO cards are small, custom business cards.) These cards contain the library contact information and various photos from the premises. Please help yourself to one in the lobby.
We look forward to seeing all of you again!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Holiday Card Display
As the stress of exams subsides we hope you all take a moment to check out the Governors Holiday Card Display in the Cobb Room of the Phillips Building. These festive cards from the school’s past are a lovely reminder of the rich history and holiday spirit here at Governors. You can read more about the display in the archives blog.
As you all pack up to head home for the holiday don’t forget to stop by the library to pick up a new book to read or a holiday DVD to watch with your family and friends!
The library will be closing today at 3:45 and will reopen with normal business hours on January 4th.
As you all pack up to head home for the holiday don’t forget to stop by the library to pick up a new book to read or a holiday DVD to watch with your family and friends!
The library will be closing today at 3:45 and will reopen with normal business hours on January 4th.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Latest New Books
Just in time for the Holiday break, we have a batch of new books available. Here are a few of the latest books to hit our shelves.
Check out the just added titles - and more! - in the new books nook on the first floor and the small display stand in the lobby. We have also refreshed the end-of-shelf display stands in the fiction section. All of the books and DVDs in our displays are available for checkout as well - just grab them, or ask us to open a case for you.
More new books are visible via Flickr and LibraryThing, and The Book Network offers short reviews should you find yourself stumped for reading.
Check out the just added titles - and more! - in the new books nook on the first floor and the small display stand in the lobby. We have also refreshed the end-of-shelf display stands in the fiction section. All of the books and DVDs in our displays are available for checkout as well - just grab them, or ask us to open a case for you.
More new books are visible via Flickr and LibraryThing, and The Book Network offers short reviews should you find yourself stumped for reading.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Object of the Week 8
Each student in Ms. Struck's art class will be transforming one object a week. Each week the objects will be displayed somewhere in the library until the next objects arrive.
This week's item is a roll of aluminum foil. The range of transformed items is really impressive!
This week's item is a roll of aluminum foil. The range of transformed items is really impressive!
Friday, December 09, 2011
Spanish Christmas Carols
Spanish Christmas Carols a video by Pesky Library on Flickr.
Day two of Christmas caroling in the library! Yesterday the German class treated us with Christmas carols, today it was Christmas carols in Spanish.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Singing Christmas Carols
Can you think of a better way to start your day than having a group of students arrive and sign Christmas carols to you? We thoroughly enjoyed their performance and appreciated their thoughtfulness.
Now we're looking forward to a visit from the Spanish class! We hear they'll be stopping by tomorrow to sing Spanish Christmas carols.
Now we're looking forward to a visit from the Spanish class! We hear they'll be stopping by tomorrow to sing Spanish Christmas carols.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Pearl Harbor Display Updated
This December 7, 2011 is the 70th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Mrs. Marnell’s brother lives in Hawaii where he works as a systems analyst for Northrup Grumman. Since he works right on the navy base at Pearl Harbor, he sent us items to use in our Pearl Harbor display. He mailed us a copy of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin from December 7, 1941 for students to peruse. He gave us two posters: one details the leaders and the fleet of the United States; the other provides insight into Japan’s leaders and fleet. We also received postcards from the USS Arizona Memorial which honors the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives that day. Lastly, we included a photo of an Unknown Soldier grave taken at the National Cemetery of the Pacific on Memorial Day 2011.
We also included a copy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Infamy speech from the National Archives. Students who have been working on their history thesis will recognize this as a primary source document.
We also included a copy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Infamy speech from the National Archives. Students who have been working on their history thesis will recognize this as a primary source document.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Latest Reviews: December 2011
If you need a breather before the exams, or want to give your brain something else besides textbooks to read during the break, consider borrowing a book reviewed by our staff.
Just some of the latest reviews linked to our "virtual collection" include The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler, The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston, The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson, and The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra.
You can always find even more reviews through our LibraryThing profile.
Just some of the latest reviews linked to our "virtual collection" include The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler, The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston, The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson, and The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra.
You can always find even more reviews through our LibraryThing profile.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
From Book to Buffet
Over the holidays, the book Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make was an inspiration for making holiday treats. Although Tom Turkey was in keeping with the Thanksgiving tradition, we decided to make a new tradition of our own by including Swampy as another holiday dessert. This book is available on our shelves: check it out, have fun, and feed your friends! After all, who doesn't like cupcakes?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thankful Tree
As everyone is packing up for Thanksgiving break, we can feel a collective sigh of relief as everyone passes in their last assignments and begins thinking of the family and food to come. So as you are feeling this relief, it is the perfect time to think of what you are thankful for.
Here in the library we have a Thankful Tree filled with the thanks of the students here at Govs. People are thankful for everything ranging from ‘coffee’ and ‘guys who make them smile’ to ‘friends’, ‘family’ and ‘heat and electricity.’ A few students were even thankful for Governors Academy! So as everyone thinks how thankful they are for this break and passing in their assignments on time, we hope you take a moment to think of all the amazing people and things in your life that you are thankful for!
The staff of the library is very thankful for all of the wonderful students who visit us.
The library closes today (November 18, 2011) at 3:45 and will reopen after break on November 29th with normal business hours.
Happy Thanksgiving! See you all soon.
Here in the library we have a Thankful Tree filled with the thanks of the students here at Govs. People are thankful for everything ranging from ‘coffee’ and ‘guys who make them smile’ to ‘friends’, ‘family’ and ‘heat and electricity.’ A few students were even thankful for Governors Academy! So as everyone thinks how thankful they are for this break and passing in their assignments on time, we hope you take a moment to think of all the amazing people and things in your life that you are thankful for!
The staff of the library is very thankful for all of the wonderful students who visit us.
The library closes today (November 18, 2011) at 3:45 and will reopen after break on November 29th with normal business hours.
Happy Thanksgiving! See you all soon.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
JSTOR Early Journal Content
JSTOR announced recently that they are now providing free access to early journal articles. By this they mean journal content published prior to 1923 in the United States and prior to 1870 elsewhere. Anyone, anywhere in the world can search and read these articles. This “Early Journal Content” includes discourse and scholarship in the arts and humanities, economics and politics, and in mathematics and other sciences. Although only 6% of the content on JSTOR, it includes nearly 500,000 articles from more than 200 journals.
We have added a link and short instructions on how to get to this content on our Catalogs and Databases page. For more information, check out the JSTOR video above, or read their Frequently Asked Questions.
We have added a link and short instructions on how to get to this content on our Catalogs and Databases page. For more information, check out the JSTOR video above, or read their Frequently Asked Questions.
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