The fall season is coming to an end and students are being asked to select an activity for the winter season. One choice is Knit Club, open to both the novice and the expert knitter. Instruction and guidance is supplied by Chris Robinson. Students knit warm scarfs, hats and mittens which are donated to the Pettengill House in Salisbury. As stated on their website: "Pettengill House strongly supports education, health and self determination. Our programs continue to have built in self sufficiency mandates which foster independence, dignity, self advocacy and responsibility."
Knit Club is a great place to learn new skills and help keep people warm! Talk to Mrs. Robinson in the bookstore and then come check out one of our knitting books for patterns and inspiration.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
America Recycles Day, November 15
America Recycles Day is a nationwide initiative promoted by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAP) and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC).
The purpose of America Recycles Day is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment. It is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. 2009 marks the 12th ARD.
The Governor's Academy has had its own green program for a number of years now. Our library has recycling bins for paper, bottles, and cans, both for patrons and staff. We encourage you to use them - we do!
The purpose of America Recycles Day is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment. It is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. 2009 marks the 12th ARD.
The Governor's Academy has had its own green program for a number of years now. Our library has recycling bins for paper, bottles, and cans, both for patrons and staff. We encourage you to use them - we do!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Special Olympics Soccer Volunteers
Every year the Governor's community looks forward to combining our motto "Not for self, but for others" with a fun filled day of soccer and hundreds of very special athletes. On Sunday students, faculty, and staff from Governor's Academy and Triton Regional High School hosted the annual Massachusetts Special Olympics Soccer Tournament Finals. The skies were sunny, the athletes were ecstatic, and the smiles were evident all around.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Learning to Learn - But How?
Here at the Pesky Library we attempt to support all learners and learning styles. The reading/writing-preference learners are easiest to accommodate simply because of how libraries as an institution developed. Modern libraries, however, contain much, much more than just printed word.
For auditory learners, we have language aids, for example, as both tapes and CD-ROMs. We carry both fiction and non-fiction audiobooks (shelved at AC, near the entertainment DVD collection). For visual learners, we not only have films and documentaries, but also visual dictionaries of English (REF 423) and teach yourself books loaded with diagrams. Check out the various crafts books, for instance. You can also browse our movie versions of classic works of literature - but be aware, they often take surprising liberties with the story compared with their written 'ancestors!' Tactile learners are, perhaps, the most challenging to serve, but we do try. All through the academic year, we set up displays that include reading materials for browsing, captions and explanations, and accessories.
If you have an idea of how we could help you learn better or better take your learning style into account, please let us know!
For auditory learners, we have language aids, for example, as both tapes and CD-ROMs. We carry both fiction and non-fiction audiobooks (shelved at AC, near the entertainment DVD collection). For visual learners, we not only have films and documentaries, but also visual dictionaries of English (REF 423) and teach yourself books loaded with diagrams. Check out the various crafts books, for instance. You can also browse our movie versions of classic works of literature - but be aware, they often take surprising liberties with the story compared with their written 'ancestors!' Tactile learners are, perhaps, the most challenging to serve, but we do try. All through the academic year, we set up displays that include reading materials for browsing, captions and explanations, and accessories.
If you have an idea of how we could help you learn better or better take your learning style into account, please let us know!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Berlin, 20 Years Ago
Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The event led Germany to reunify, plus caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Cold War's end.
Today, Berlin residents and visitors alike gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to remember how the Germans rejected the dividing lines represented by the wall. German Chancellor Angela Merkel - who grew up in East Germany - presided over the celebrations, which were attended by tens of thousands of people despite a downpour of rain. After the leaders spoke, a chain of 1,000 giant foam dominoes, painted with messages of freedom by young people, was toppled along where the wall once stood. The festivities were capped with fireworks and a concert featuring music from Berlin's State Opera and the American rock band Bon Jovi.
Pop into the library for more information, and don't forget to check out the Berlin Wall display in the lobby.
Today, Berlin residents and visitors alike gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to remember how the Germans rejected the dividing lines represented by the wall. German Chancellor Angela Merkel - who grew up in East Germany - presided over the celebrations, which were attended by tens of thousands of people despite a downpour of rain. After the leaders spoke, a chain of 1,000 giant foam dominoes, painted with messages of freedom by young people, was toppled along where the wall once stood. The festivities were capped with fireworks and a concert featuring music from Berlin's State Opera and the American rock band Bon Jovi.
Pop into the library for more information, and don't forget to check out the Berlin Wall display in the lobby.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Steaming the Display
Our community service volunteers are helping us prepare our November displays. They are steaming the wrinkles from the bunting which will be used as a backdrop for "Letters to and from the homefront." We have really enjoyed having these two be part of our library program during the afternoons this fall.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
NaNoWriMo
November is the National Novel Writing Month, a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.
Part of the reason behind NaNoWriMo is just to get a book written. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
The way to win NaNoWriMo is by writing 50,000 words by midnight on November 30. Every year, there are many, many winners. You must be 13 or older to have an account on NaNoWriMo.org. But all ages are very welcome to take part in National Novel Writing Month. It is an international event despite the "National" in the title - it does not refer only to the United States. This is an event for all nations. You can write novels in any language you like.
Check out our library display for inspiration, or go to nanowrimo.org for more information.
Part of the reason behind NaNoWriMo is just to get a book written. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
The way to win NaNoWriMo is by writing 50,000 words by midnight on November 30. Every year, there are many, many winners. You must be 13 or older to have an account on NaNoWriMo.org. But all ages are very welcome to take part in National Novel Writing Month. It is an international event despite the "National" in the title - it does not refer only to the United States. This is an event for all nations. You can write novels in any language you like.
Check out our library display for inspiration, or go to nanowrimo.org for more information.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
H1N1 at TGA
Yesterday The Governor’s Academy vaccinated 100 high risk students and faculty against H1N1.
The H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu," is a respiratory disease caused by a type of flu virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has collected a number of resources to help you better understand the disease. They include audio files, podcasts, and tips on how to protect yourself from catching the H1N1 virus.
For the most up to date information on the spread of H1N1 flu and state programs in Massachusetts, please visit the DPH blog. The updates include downloadable weekly PDF reports.
Naturally, the school Health Services can also help with questions. The Duncan Health Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact them at (978) 499-3126.
Please remember that most cases of the H1N1 influenza have been mild. Most people have not required hospitalization and have recovered uneventfully.
Although there is an increase in the number of influenza cases on campus, all classes and activities are proceeding as planned at the moment.
The H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu," is a respiratory disease caused by a type of flu virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has collected a number of resources to help you better understand the disease. They include audio files, podcasts, and tips on how to protect yourself from catching the H1N1 virus.
For the most up to date information on the spread of H1N1 flu and state programs in Massachusetts, please visit the DPH blog. The updates include downloadable weekly PDF reports.
Naturally, the school Health Services can also help with questions. The Duncan Health Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact them at (978) 499-3126.
Please remember that most cases of the H1N1 influenza have been mild. Most people have not required hospitalization and have recovered uneventfully.
Although there is an increase in the number of influenza cases on campus, all classes and activities are proceeding as planned at the moment.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Lost and Found
The first quarter is barely finished, and already there is a surprising number of books, notebooks, and umbrellas in the Lost and Found bin in the copier room. There is also a tall stack of clothing, including jackets. Please go check the bin and retrieve yours!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Scary Movies
If you're thinking about cuddling up to a nice scary movie tonight, check out our DVD display. We have 1,000 entertainment videos in our collection and at least one of them is sure to make you look under the bed or into dark corners. Happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Students today interact with information in entirely different ways than their teachers ever did. While we adapt to use digital information, we also wonder if students have lost some of the ability to process information in their quest to be online, all the time.
This morning I took advantage of new digital capabilities to view and listen to the keynote speech from the Internet Librarian conference while sitting behind the library desk. Vint Cerf, VP & Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, spoke about how people interface with information. He shared that in a recent conversation, Henry Kissinger expressed concern that people are thinking more shallowly about things than they once did; that such communications as emails, Facebook, and Twitter reduce the amount of time we spend thinking about things. Mr. Cerf re-stated this by saying that our culture is trending toward abstraction and brevity. He said that “Power corrupts and PowerPoint corrupts absolutely.”
In education, we love to adopt new technologies and expose our students to as many time-saving gizmos and gadgets as we can. The important thing to remember is that the technology is not the important part. If the technology makes the education more accessible, then we should use it. However, technology for the sake of technology may breed students who no longer have the critical thinking skills to solve the problems of today and tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New Databases on Trial
We're currently evaluating new databases to see if they provide material for your research needs. This is a great opportunity to find more resources for your papers for free!
To access the trial databases, go to http://elmstreet.govsacademy.org/course/view.php?id=517 or Elmstreet > Database Trials (underneath Library). The databases require a user name and password; these are listed in the Elmstreet document.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Jack-o'-Turnip?
Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve) is associated with symbols like the jack-o'-lantern. But did you know that these lanterns were first carved from a turnip or a rutabaga?
A 1970's collection of Scottish Halloween traditions describes the carving of a turnip lantern like this:
"To make a lantern, choose a large round turnip. From the top, cut off a thick slice--about a quarter of the whole--and scoop out the inside, preferably with a spoon, taking care not to break the skin.
The 'shell' should be as this as possible, but a stump must be left at the bottom and hollowed out to serve as a socket. Now take a sharp pen-knife and carve on the turnip a man-in-the-moon face, a skull and cross-bones, or other device. Then get a candle, plain or coloured as desired, and set firmly in the socket. Make two holes near the top, one at each side of the handle. It should be long enough to prevent any risk of burning one's hand. Alternatively, the lantern may be suspended from a forked stick.
When the lantern is lit, there is a soft, luminous glow, and the device you have carved stands out clearly. There is room here for considerable artistry."
The excerpt above - and many other intriguing traditions - can be found in The Folklore of World Holidays (REF 398.2 MAC).
A 1970's collection of Scottish Halloween traditions describes the carving of a turnip lantern like this:
"To make a lantern, choose a large round turnip. From the top, cut off a thick slice--about a quarter of the whole--and scoop out the inside, preferably with a spoon, taking care not to break the skin.
The 'shell' should be as this as possible, but a stump must be left at the bottom and hollowed out to serve as a socket. Now take a sharp pen-knife and carve on the turnip a man-in-the-moon face, a skull and cross-bones, or other device. Then get a candle, plain or coloured as desired, and set firmly in the socket. Make two holes near the top, one at each side of the handle. It should be long enough to prevent any risk of burning one's hand. Alternatively, the lantern may be suspended from a forked stick.
When the lantern is lit, there is a soft, luminous glow, and the device you have carved stands out clearly. There is room here for considerable artistry."
The excerpt above - and many other intriguing traditions - can be found in The Folklore of World Holidays (REF 398.2 MAC).
Monday, October 26, 2009
Things to Read
Looking for something else to read besides text books? Our profile on LibraryThing links to book reviews written by current and former students, staff, and faculty of the Governor's Academy. On Being Foreign: Culture Shock in Short Fiction is an interesting read found through the reviews that I happen to have personal experience with. I probably would not have found it on the shelves had it not been for serendipity - and LibraryThing!For a little more playful approach, check out what The Book Seer recommends. This web site suggests titles on the basis of books you like. These suggestions are pulled from two popular web sites (LibraryThing and an online store).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Dummer Doodles
This week, our archivist Laurie DiModica has been busy with the inventory of antique books housed in The Governor’s Academy Archives. She made a singular discovery and shared the following with us:
“There are approximately 300 books, with the oldest dating to the 17th century. Many of the books—their handcrafted bindings and leather covers worn but resilient—can be traced to their use during the earliest years of the academy, when Headmaster Samuel Moody educated hundreds of boys during his 27-year tenure (1763-1790). So many of these boys went on to lead notable lives in government, military, business, and the ministry. It is possible to identify several of the antique books as belongings of specific students; inscribed with the handwritten “Dummer’s School,” the oldest of the books also list their owner’s name and date of ownership. Some of the books were handed down from student to student, traceable through chronological order.
While the signatures begin to personalize these items, a few books reveal a bit more. In R. Brookes’ The General Gazetteer: Or, Compendius Geographical Dictionary, a 1762 publication that was shared by William Williams of Salem and Samuel Moody of Newbury (students of the academy ca. 1783-1785,) one can see, tucked on the inside front cover and initial page, an example of 18th century student doodling.
“There are approximately 300 books, with the oldest dating to the 17th century. Many of the books—their handcrafted bindings and leather covers worn but resilient—can be traced to their use during the earliest years of the academy, when Headmaster Samuel Moody educated hundreds of boys during his 27-year tenure (1763-1790). So many of these boys went on to lead notable lives in government, military, business, and the ministry. It is possible to identify several of the antique books as belongings of specific students; inscribed with the handwritten “Dummer’s School,” the oldest of the books also list their owner’s name and date of ownership. Some of the books were handed down from student to student, traceable through chronological order.
While the signatures begin to personalize these items, a few books reveal a bit more. In R. Brookes’ The General Gazetteer: Or, Compendius Geographical Dictionary, a 1762 publication that was shared by William Williams of Salem and Samuel Moody of Newbury (students of the academy ca. 1783-1785,) one can see, tucked on the inside front cover and initial page, an example of 18th century student doodling.
In the photograph below, doodles from the inside cover of The General Gazetteer can be seen, including an outline of two male figures, one much more detailed than the other, and labeled with “John Stoddard”. The page is ripped just next to this text, but it is likely that it read “Wanton” to reflect the name of another Dummer School student, John Wanton Stoddard of Newport, RI. Stoddard attended the academy during Headmaster Samuel Moody’s tenure. Is the Stoddard’s drawing of himself…or perhaps this is a caricature from a friend (Williams? Moody?).
Apparently, the contents of The General Gazetteer—descriptions of “all the empires, kingdoms, states, republics, provinces, cities, chief towns, forts, fortresses, castles, citadels, seas, harbours, bays, rivers, lakes, mountains, capes, and promontories in the known world; together with the government, policy, customs, manners, and religion of the inhabitants—was not enough to keep Dummer boys singularly focused!”
Thanks, Laurie for reminding us that students haven’t really changed over the centuries!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chapel Talks
Every Wednesday, we meet in the chapel to listen to an inspirational speech. We hear students speak of their good and bad experiences and how their lives have changed. We hear poetry and music. Yesterday, Kevin Ramos-Glew, a Spanish teacher, spoke of the importance of mentors in his life. He shared memories of his brother and important lessons he learned from him. He also encouraged us all to learn from our mentors, to be inspired by "the greatness of others."
Here at the Governor's Academy we have many mentors to choose from. Teachers, dorm parents, advisors, coaches, peer advisors, and administrators all mentor students and each other. One of the best parts of this school is the community and how everyone here wants everyone else in the community to succeed.
If you'd like to listen to Mr. Ramos Glew's speech, go to http://elmstreet.govsacademy.org/mod/resource/view.php?inpopup=true&id=16079.
Past chapel talks can be found at http://elmstreet.govsacademy.org/course/view.php?id=25.
Here at the Governor's Academy we have many mentors to choose from. Teachers, dorm parents, advisors, coaches, peer advisors, and administrators all mentor students and each other. One of the best parts of this school is the community and how everyone here wants everyone else in the community to succeed.
If you'd like to listen to Mr. Ramos Glew's speech, go to http://elmstreet.govsacademy.org/mod/resource/view.php?inpopup=true&id=16079.
Past chapel talks can be found at http://elmstreet.govsacademy.org/course/view.php?id=25.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Scanning in the Library
The new library copier now also works as a scanner. Here's how to e-mail a scanned document to a Governor's Academy e-mail address:
- Enter your User Number with the keypad and press OK on the copier display screen. The user number is posted on the board behind the copier. DO NOT use the Admin Login; you will not be able to log on that way.
- Press Image Send twice.
- Select Address Book, and go to Global Address Search. Enter the beginning of the recipient's name. Select Search. Select the correct recipient from the list. Select To to add the name as the recipient of your e-mail. Repeat for any additional recipients.
- Select Condition Settings.
- Place your document on the upper left hand corner of the glass. Press the black and white copy button (the lower button in the left hand corner of the machine) to scan the first page. Repeat for all pages you want to send.
- Select Read End on the copier display screen to end the scanning and send the e-mail.
- Press Logout on the keypad to reset the copier for next user.
- Enter your User Number with the keypad and press OK on the copier display screen. The user number is posted on the board behind the copier. DO NOT use the Admin Login; you will not be able to log on that way.
- Press Image Send twice.
- Select Address Book, and go to Global Address Search. Enter the beginning of the recipient's name. Select Search. Select the correct recipient from the list. Select To to add the name as the recipient of your e-mail. Repeat for any additional recipients.
- Select Condition Settings.
- Place your document on the upper left hand corner of the glass. Press the black and white copy button (the lower button in the left hand corner of the machine) to scan the first page. Repeat for all pages you want to send.
- Select Read End on the copier display screen to end the scanning and send the e-mail.
- Press Logout on the keypad to reset the copier for next user.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
It's That Time of the Year Again
The first quarter is rapidly coming to an end, and that shows at lunch time: if you want to borrow a laptop, or use one of the library computers, or even have a seat, make sure you come early!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday 10/25 Hours
Reminder: Due to Parents Weekend, there will be no evening hours next Sunday, October 25th. The library will be open between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Computer Trouble
We have had some problems with the library laptops this fall. Some exhibit the black screen of death, others merely refuse to let students (and staff) to log on.
We are working with the tech support staff to resolve these issues. We have also updated our instant help notes on the laptops. Look for the laminated inserts either on the left or the right hand corner of the laptop.
Please also remember that the newest laptops have a wireless On/Off switch on the left side. If you cannot connect to the school network, check that the switch is in the On position.
As always, if these tips are ineffective, let us know. We're here to help.
We are working with the tech support staff to resolve these issues. We have also updated our instant help notes on the laptops. Look for the laminated inserts either on the left or the right hand corner of the laptop.
Please also remember that the newest laptops have a wireless On/Off switch on the left side. If you cannot connect to the school network, check that the switch is in the On position.
As always, if these tips are ineffective, let us know. We're here to help.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Literacy in a 2.0 World
President Obama has declared October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month, saying we must “learn the skills necessary to acquire, collate, and evaluate information for any situation.” President Obama echoed the sentiments of our librarians when he said, “We now live in a world where anyone can publish an opinion or perspective, whether true or not, and have that opinion amplified within the information marketplace. At the same time, Americans have unprecedented access to the diverse and independent sources of information, as well as institutions such as libraries and universities, that can help separate truth from fiction and signal from noise.”
At the Governor’s Academy we encourage our students to employ the services of our librarians to help them determine which sources are credible and which are not.
While some voices speak out saying that libraries are less important in the day and age when information is freely available at the touch of a button, President Obama has pointed out that librarians can be the first line of defense against misleading information. The materials that we collect in our libraries are chosen to serve our patron’s needs, but only after they’ve been reviewed by subject experts. As a part of this educational institution and in collaboration with our faculty, we constantly strive to promote and nurture information literacy in our students.
At the Governor’s Academy we encourage our students to employ the services of our librarians to help them determine which sources are credible and which are not.
While some voices speak out saying that libraries are less important in the day and age when information is freely available at the touch of a button, President Obama has pointed out that librarians can be the first line of defense against misleading information. The materials that we collect in our libraries are chosen to serve our patron’s needs, but only after they’ve been reviewed by subject experts. As a part of this educational institution and in collaboration with our faculty, we constantly strive to promote and nurture information literacy in our students.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
College Counseling Announcement Board
We have made space by the copier for the College Office to post dates and times of upcoming visits by reps of different colleges and universities. Seniors can spend time in sessions learning about different programs and asking many questions. We were glad to turn over this bulletin board during this busy time!
Monday, October 12, 2009
It's turning chilly... in more ways than one
October is not only the time for bright leaves, it's the time for dark chilly evenings. October is also the time for ghosts, mysteries, inexplicable events, and spooky stories... perfect for spending a long evening with!
Friday, October 09, 2009
International Exchange
During the past few weeks we hosted five visitors from the Pudong Foreign Languages School in China. Last spring, four students and one teacher from the Governor's Academy enjoyed a lovely stay at the Pudong School. This spring, students will have a chance to travel with fellow students and teachers to China, Kenya, Honduras, South Africa, and Italy. Applications to participate in these programs should be completed as soon as possible.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
National Book Month
October is National Book Month! This annual event encourages readers of all ages to enjoy books. Check out the Pesky Library's display in the lobby, or read more about National Book Month at the National Book Foundation's web site.Image to the left: National Book Month Nonfiction Display
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Missed Research Help Meetings
Our students are getting busy with schoolwork, juniors perhaps more than everyone else because of their history thesis projects. So far we've seen many juniors for advice on how to start their research. We show them how to use the library catalog and explain the features of our databases.
Occasionally, unfortunately, students do not show up for their appointments. If you can't make your appointment, please let us know. We prepare for each and every meeting. By making sure we know you're coming, you get the most out of the instruction sessions, and get your research on the way.
Occasionally, unfortunately, students do not show up for their appointments. If you can't make your appointment, please let us know. We prepare for each and every meeting. By making sure we know you're coming, you get the most out of the instruction sessions, and get your research on the way.
Monday, October 05, 2009
From Mail Call to Your Hands
Image to the right:
A sampling of new dvds in our collection
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library
Friday, October 02, 2009
Mark Salzman signs his book for a student
Every year, the entire school reads a common book. A highlight of this process is a visit from the author who speaks to the entire campus and in smaller groups. For those who wish to have their books autographed we host a special luncheon in the library following the convocation speech. This year's common book, Lost in Place : Growing up Absurd in Suburbia, amused us all. Salzman in person is every bit as amusing as his writing: he exposes the extraordinary happenings in commonplace situations. While he regaled us with tales of difficulty and woe, his final message was to be able to find the humor in life and to be able to forgive both others and ourselves. He offered the insight that forgiveness can cure a lot of human suffering.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Catching Fire September 2009
Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, has really caught fire in our library. It arrived on the shelves today and is already checked out with two reserves placed on it. Suzanne Collins has us hungry for more.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Book Vendors and New Books
We choose to purchase many books after reading what reviewers have to say. Vendors, however, bring the books to us for personal examination. Holding the book in our hands gives us a very good idea of whether or not a particular book will actually be used once it's in the collection. We can examine the table of contents and personally observe the reading level and how well it matches that of the students most likely to use the information. We can observe charts, graphs, and pictures and determine whether or not a particular volume complements our collection or overlaps what we already have. And once we've established a relationship with a vendor, they know which books are most likely to pique our interest.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Children's Books
As a prep school library, most of our services are tailored toward high school students. As a boarding school we have families on campus with needs and interests that are outside those of a normal high school library. We have a small collection of children's books for faculty families to check out. It's fun for the students and librarians alike to see young children entering the library with a sense of wonder and a desire to be read to.
We recently received a donation from a faculty family of once-loved books. We're anticipating lots of smiles when these books are discovered on our shelves.
We recently received a donation from a faculty family of once-loved books. We're anticipating lots of smiles when these books are discovered on our shelves.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Academic Honesty
On Wednesday, in place of our weekly chapel speech, the entire school community was treated to a presentation on academic honesty and plagiarism. Following the presentation, all students met with their advisors to make certain that the message presented was understood. Each student then signed an academic honesty agreement.
Academic honesty is taken seriously at the Governor’s Academy. As headmaster Doggett reminded us, our reputations will follow us throughout our lives. Once tarnished, a reputation for dishonesty is hard to refurbish.
One tool that we provide to help our students avoid unintentional plagiarism is Noodle Tools. This program connects a student’s online note cards with the information needed for their citations and bibliography. If they desire, they can copy and paste entire sections of an electronic source on one card and type the actual words they intend to use from that source on another card. These two cards will remain in a group with the source card so the student can easily locate and document their sources.
We remain committed to helping our students be ethical users of information. Noodle Tools is just one of the library’s tools for supporting our community.
Academic honesty is taken seriously at the Governor’s Academy. As headmaster Doggett reminded us, our reputations will follow us throughout our lives. Once tarnished, a reputation for dishonesty is hard to refurbish.
One tool that we provide to help our students avoid unintentional plagiarism is Noodle Tools. This program connects a student’s online note cards with the information needed for their citations and bibliography. If they desire, they can copy and paste entire sections of an electronic source on one card and type the actual words they intend to use from that source on another card. These two cards will remain in a group with the source card so the student can easily locate and document their sources.
We remain committed to helping our students be ethical users of information. Noodle Tools is just one of the library’s tools for supporting our community.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Automation to the rescue
The juniors have started researching their history thesis papers. The library can help make this process easier. We offer many helpful books from how to formulate a topic to answering your thesis statement. Books are not the only resource the library has, however. There are links to electronic databases and various guides on the library Moodle site, Classrooms on Elmstreet.
One useful tool for collecting and formatting your citations is NoodleTools. You can access NoodleTools most easily through the U.S. History Thesis course; there is a link to it (and a video tutorial!) at the end of the page. Once you have created an account with NoodleTools, you can create a citations list for your paper and type in the information for every source (title, author, publication year, place of publication etc.). NoodleTools will format your list automatically according the bibliographic style that your professor specifies. You can then save that citations list in Word format and export it; incorporating the citations into your paper is as easy as cutting and pasting. And don’t be shy – you can always ask the librarians for help!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Literary Mashups - Summer 2009
In the world of computer technology, mashups take one program’s functionality and combine it with another to create a new product that’s a combination of the two. Google maps has inspired a number of mashups that allow people to combine places with twitters, swine flu outbreaks, or even locating a book’s setting.
Writers have joined in the frenzy and are now creating mashups of books. In Woodsburner, John Pipkin takes the true story of how Henry David Thoreau started a wildfire and creates a novel of the life and philosophies that might have been inspired by that event.
In Vanessa and Virginia, Susan Sellers looks at the life of Virginia Woolf through her older sister’s eyes, inventing thoughts and ideas that may or may not have been true.
While these mashups are more the norm in historical fiction, with real lives being looked at through a fictional lens, other authors have taken the idea of combining two literary ideas a step further. In The Heroines, Eileen Favorite brings Madame Bovary, Scarlett O'Hara, and other literary heroines together to find strength and solace in each other so they can continue the lives destined for them by their original authors. Caroline Cooney's Enter Three Witches, mashes Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a novel about a young woman raised in the court of the times. In Saving Juliet, a young actress from New York is transported into the world of Romeo and Juliet in a way somewhat reminiscent of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Perhaps the most ambitious new mashup in our collection is Seth Grahame-Smith’s insertion of zombies into Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Writers have joined in the frenzy and are now creating mashups of books. In Woodsburner, John Pipkin takes the true story of how Henry David Thoreau started a wildfire and creates a novel of the life and philosophies that might have been inspired by that event.
In Vanessa and Virginia, Susan Sellers looks at the life of Virginia Woolf through her older sister’s eyes, inventing thoughts and ideas that may or may not have been true.
While these mashups are more the norm in historical fiction, with real lives being looked at through a fictional lens, other authors have taken the idea of combining two literary ideas a step further. In The Heroines, Eileen Favorite brings Madame Bovary, Scarlett O'Hara, and other literary heroines together to find strength and solace in each other so they can continue the lives destined for them by their original authors. Caroline Cooney's Enter Three Witches, mashes Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a novel about a young woman raised in the court of the times. In Saving Juliet, a young actress from New York is transported into the world of Romeo and Juliet in a way somewhat reminiscent of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Perhaps the most ambitious new mashup in our collection is Seth Grahame-Smith’s insertion of zombies into Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Selecting a topic
There's an intensity to the start of our year supplied by the junior curriculum. Each junior in American History writes a thesis paper on a topic of choice. They are now coming to explore possible ideas. Often a parent or grandparent will make a suggestion over the summer based on family history. Sometimes they are inspired by a novel or a movie or a current event. We give suggestions for overview and background readings. We have also placed many ideas in a course on Classrooms on Elm Street, our Moodle site.
Friday, September 18, 2009
A reader.....
Cushing Academy recently spent half a million dollars to transform their library into a “learning commons”/coffee house. See “Welcome to the library. Say goodbye to the books.” They’re giving away every book that wasn’t antiquarian or donated. Even if we had the money to give all our books away and buy electronic books, we wouldn’t do it. Here’s why...
Our students and faculty aren’t a homogeneous group. Some of them love the feel of a book in their hands. Some don’t want to keep another battery charged constantly. Others complain of eye-strain. Many like to take books to the beach or on vacation or on the team bus and don’t want to worry about losing a $500 e-reader.
Our students also have many different learning styles. Some are easily distracted by online materials and would have a difficult time staying on task if doing all their reading on the Internet. With email, twitter, and facebook messages popping up, reading an e-book can be difficult at best. When surrounded by electronic gadgets, some students will automatically begin searching YouTube or their favorite sports sites. For many, the ability to escape the electronic realm provides a quiet, calming, and focusing influence.
Perhaps more importantly, the use of a solid book for research gives the reader a type of order and organization not readily apparent in an electronic book. The table of contents is in the front; the index is in the back. The author has organized the material by chapters so that ideas are developed in depth. E-books can be searched for a particular word or a factual answer. However, having that ability invites the opportunity to skim and to avoid reading deeply. Research requires students to read long passages and absorb meaning and make inferences. The type of reading that is made possible by electronic books has its place; links can be followed to see how different threads of information are related. But the printed book teaches organization and understanding in a way the electronic book does not.
We also teach our students that not every book can be found by searching the catalog. Browsing a set of shelves often leads to serendipitous finds that wouldn’t occur if we searched online for a particular list of keywords. The way we arrange books on the shelves leads readers to find related ideas in proximity to each other.
At Governor’s Academy we will continue to make a variety of formats available for students to use. As we continue to add to the number of materials that we make available electronically, we won’t abandon the technology that has served us so well.
Our students and faculty aren’t a homogeneous group. Some of them love the feel of a book in their hands. Some don’t want to keep another battery charged constantly. Others complain of eye-strain. Many like to take books to the beach or on vacation or on the team bus and don’t want to worry about losing a $500 e-reader.
Our students also have many different learning styles. Some are easily distracted by online materials and would have a difficult time staying on task if doing all their reading on the Internet. With email, twitter, and facebook messages popping up, reading an e-book can be difficult at best. When surrounded by electronic gadgets, some students will automatically begin searching YouTube or their favorite sports sites. For many, the ability to escape the electronic realm provides a quiet, calming, and focusing influence.
Perhaps more importantly, the use of a solid book for research gives the reader a type of order and organization not readily apparent in an electronic book. The table of contents is in the front; the index is in the back. The author has organized the material by chapters so that ideas are developed in depth. E-books can be searched for a particular word or a factual answer. However, having that ability invites the opportunity to skim and to avoid reading deeply. Research requires students to read long passages and absorb meaning and make inferences. The type of reading that is made possible by electronic books has its place; links can be followed to see how different threads of information are related. But the printed book teaches organization and understanding in a way the electronic book does not.
We also teach our students that not every book can be found by searching the catalog. Browsing a set of shelves often leads to serendipitous finds that wouldn’t occur if we searched online for a particular list of keywords. The way we arrange books on the shelves leads readers to find related ideas in proximity to each other.
At Governor’s Academy we will continue to make a variety of formats available for students to use. As we continue to add to the number of materials that we make available electronically, we won’t abandon the technology that has served us so well.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Flu Patrol!
By this time you have probably seen the library staff walking around with white cloths twice a day. Because of the H1N1 flu (swine flu) spreading, well, like a flu, we're cleaning keyboards, mice, and door handles with a disinfectant. We hope this helps in keeping everyone healthy.
Remember, there is hand sanitizer and tissues available at the front desk, should you feel the need to freshen up a bit. And check out the flu display on the main floor, across the front desk!
Remember, there is hand sanitizer and tissues available at the front desk, should you feel the need to freshen up a bit. And check out the flu display on the main floor, across the front desk!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
New Evening Librarian Says Hi
Hello all, and welcome (back) to the Pesky Library!
I'm your new evening librarian. Although I'm only three days into the semester, I can already tell what a great community the Governor's Academy is, and how cool our students are. It is exciting to start the semester with you! Please don't hesitate to ask questions, or just come say hello.
Cheers! :D
Mrs. Eppu Jensen
I'm your new evening librarian. Although I'm only three days into the semester, I can already tell what a great community the Governor's Academy is, and how cool our students are. It is exciting to start the semester with you! Please don't hesitate to ask questions, or just come say hello.
Cheers! :D
Mrs. Eppu Jensen
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Freshman Class is Looking Up
A group of freshmen toured the library during Unity Days this past weekend. We are delighted to have students back on campus and clearly thrilled with the great smiles and positive attitudes we've seen from this years' new students. This good-looking tour group paused inside the front doors for a brief look up.
Unity Days gives each class an opportunity to spend some time together before classes begin. This year's freshman class played games on campus, toured Newburyport and the campus, and went out for ice cream. Sophomores participated in team and trust activities and went roller skating. Juniors devoted their weekend to community service including hosting a field day for students from Kipp Academy. The Senior class camped at Brantwood and hiked Mount Monadnock.
Everyone seems happy to be back together again. We're looking forward to a great year.
Unity Days gives each class an opportunity to spend some time together before classes begin. This year's freshman class played games on campus, toured Newburyport and the campus, and went out for ice cream. Sophomores participated in team and trust activities and went roller skating. Juniors devoted their weekend to community service including hosting a field day for students from Kipp Academy. The Senior class camped at Brantwood and hiked Mount Monadnock.
Everyone seems happy to be back together again. We're looking forward to a great year.
Friday, May 29, 2009
And summer break begins.....
The laptops are in orderly stacks with neatly banded chargers (no more spaghetti!) The items on the lost and found display have mostly been reclaimed. Wishes for a good summer have been floating around since lunch. AND, I have probably chatted with the last student attempting the tangram puzzle. We at the library wish all a wonderful summer full of reading, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
We've got a Monster!
There's a monster in the library and he's showing up everywhere. His picture is in the copy room, in the magazine room, on the computer monitors and even on the ceiling!
So we asked
"Who is the library monster?
Why is he (or she) so angry?
Is there a story to tell?'
Here's what we learned...
"I came from the evil Boston Public library where I had been caged up for 15 years. My mother was brutally killed when a library cart sped out of control running her straight over. From then on I decided to get revenge by eating other books and scaring library goers. I wish I could be a normal book and be loved but the anger overwhelms me. So watch out. I will eat your books and assignments in fits of literary rage!
- Library Monster
P.S. The reference books taste the best."
"Such a sad tale. Would a little bibliotherapy help?"
"Probably, I eat books because I'm unhappy and I'm unhappy because I eat books. Your sympathy soothes me but I fell as if a tasty book is the only thing that can fill the void in my heart.
- Library Monster
P.S. I feel like I have a chance to start a new chapter in my life (pun alert)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Time to say goodbye
Well, everyone, my time here as the evening librarian is over. I have managed to finish my Ph.D. this year while working at Governor's Academy, and will take a position in the fall as a Faculty Fellow at Colby College. Luckily, I will have a few Governor's alum there to remind me of the wonderful community I was lucky to work in during this past year.
I will miss all of the library study hall regulars! Take care of yourselves and study hard!
Darla Linville
I will miss all of the library study hall regulars! Take care of yourselves and study hard!
Darla Linville
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day 2009
Steve Barton, Governor's Academy Class of 2008 and a student at The Citadel, spoke to the school during our Memorial Day service. He spoke of the sacrifices made by soldiers and asked if anyone was familiar with the name "Paul R. Smith." Sergeant First Class Smith saved his unit at the Baghdad airport in 2003, but gave his own life to see that his men would arrive home safely. Sergeant Smith was awarded a posthumous medal of honor.
Steve also asked us to each view one of the following war films during exam week and to consider the sacrifices made by the men who served in those battles as we watch. The films he recommended are We Were Soldiers, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.
Steve also asked us to each view one of the following war films during exam week and to consider the sacrifices made by the men who served in those battles as we watch. The films he recommended are We Were Soldiers, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Summer Travel
Maybe you are going someplace exotic this summer. Maybe your plans are already made: to climb to the high peak or dive deep in the clear blue ocean or to explore that far-away city. However, if this summer you'll be in more familiar locations with some time on your hands, you can always get a taste of the excitement through travel literature. In these stories, intrepid travelers with a gift for storytelling have set their adventures to words.
In Beyond the Sky and the Earth, Jamie Zeppa decided to not go to graduate school, and instead to travel to Bhutan, a mostly closed Himalayan country with a need for English teachers, in 1989. She left her overly cautious grandfather and her very stable boyfriend to seek an unknown adventure with unexpected consequences. Through Jamie's eyes, we meet her students, we learn about the customs, and we see the incredible landscape of this mountainous, Buddhist country.
Annie Hawes takes on a different kind of adventure, into the flavors of northern Italy. With her sister, she signs up to graft roses for the winter in a small Northern Italian town. She doesn't know much about roses except that they smell nice, but figures she will catch on when she arrives. This account reveals Annie's experiences as she inadvertently breaks social customs and misunderstands communications. The funny mishaps of the British sisters and the delightful descriptions of their meals remind readers of their own experiences of learning to love a new place.
Happy travels!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Archives Researcher Publishes!
Rachel Hope Cleves, an assistant professor of American History at Northern Illinois University, spent time last spring in our archives researching Elijah Parish whom she describes as "the short, loud and morbid minister of Byfield, Massachusetts, who for two decades prior had been preaching passionate sermons against the depravity of democratic bloodshed." We have as part of a collection many of his sermons and letters. Our association with the Byfield Parish Church goes back to Moses Parsons who was tasked with the responsibilty of choosing the academy's first shoolmaster. Her book, with a nice bit of appreciation in the preface, arrived recently in the mail. We are happy to have been part of her research process and look forward to delving into the Byfield preacher's role in this period of history.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Final Exams
Seniors have completed their last exam at the Governor's Academy. The rest of the school will take exams next week. This year we were fortunate to have Ms. Brigitta Allen in the library to help students with study skills. She has offered several classes on exam preparation and created a Moodle space for students to access her handouts. All Governor's Academy students can use her handouts from anywhere they have access to the Internet.Similarly, students can access library materials, class information and assignments, and any other information their teachers post for them. While only Governor's students, faculty and staff can access course materials, a look at our home page gives a quick snapshot of the many offerings we have at the Governor's Academy.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Some things change, others never do
Technology and global connectivity have changed the way we do business, yet there are still global truths that are timeless. While discovering an old Kurt Vonnegut title, I was reminded of
the power of the printed word and the many ways books serve us in their various forms. In Fates Worse than Death, Vonnegut talks about his search for inner. personal peace through transcendental meditation. What he discovered was that he had already had experienced the same health benefits when absorbed in a book.
Vonnegut says he shared his experience because so many people nowadays (1990) regard printed material as "nothing more than obsolescent technology...practical schemes for transmitting or storing information." Vonnegut's experiences with transcendental meditation, however, led him to see that "the feel and appearance of a book when combined with a literate person in a straight chair can create a spiritual condition of priceless depth and meaning" (page 188). His similarities of experience (between reading and TM) include the world dropping away, pulse and respiration rate slowing, and the gaining of wisdom.
Whether or not the future generations will be able to find this same inner peace with the e-book is yet to be seen. I, however, find these things in Vonnegut's writings and recommend both his fiction and non-fiction to anyone who has the ability to laugh at human foibles and wishes to experience inner peace and tranquility.
the power of the printed word and the many ways books serve us in their various forms. In Fates Worse than Death, Vonnegut talks about his search for inner. personal peace through transcendental meditation. What he discovered was that he had already had experienced the same health benefits when absorbed in a book.Vonnegut says he shared his experience because so many people nowadays (1990) regard printed material as "nothing more than obsolescent technology...practical schemes for transmitting or storing information." Vonnegut's experiences with transcendental meditation, however, led him to see that "the feel and appearance of a book when combined with a literate person in a straight chair can create a spiritual condition of priceless depth and meaning" (page 188). His similarities of experience (between reading and TM) include the world dropping away, pulse and respiration rate slowing, and the gaining of wisdom.
Whether or not the future generations will be able to find this same inner peace with the e-book is yet to be seen. I, however, find these things in Vonnegut's writings and recommend both his fiction and non-fiction to anyone who has the ability to laugh at human foibles and wishes to experience inner peace and tranquility.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Mr. Robertson's final projects in Children's Literature
A spring senior English elective has as its final project the creation of an original children's book. We love when they come over to be displayed in the library. The creativity of the authors simply shines. The Little Tadpoles is handsewn from felt with growing tadpoles page-by-page seeking their mother. A Ride to the Beach employs real sea shells and flaps that lift with Spanish translations. Stop by and see them in the next few days.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Formal Gowns Everywhere!
Do you love formal gowns, tiaras, high heels and the excitement of dances? Love to anticipate the drama, the secrets, the hopes and the disasters?
Luckily, formal season is here, and at The Governor's Academy students are participating in a variety of ways!
Some girls are donating formal dresses they've previously worn to the Fairy Godmother Project, an organization that collects dresses to make sure that every girl in the North Shore has a dress to wear to her
formal dance.Some students are buying tickets and formal wear for themselves in preparation for the big night.
And some students are reading stories about prom from our "All Dressed Up..." display, looking forward to the year they will have a chance to attend the formal dance.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Slideroll trial
Last week's MLA conference gave us lots of new ideas to try in the library. One that I couldn't wait to get my hands on is Slideroll, a free software application that works with flickr to make a slideshow to post on your webpage. Here's my first slideshow, with pictures from the conference.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Michael Cunningham
Last week, we attended the Massachusetts Library Association conference. One of the highlights was an evening program with Michael Cunningham. He entertained us with stories of his writing and his novels, but his most memorable statements (to me) were those about writing in general. In particular, he said that a novel is “a dream the writer and the reader are having together.” In other words, the writer isn’t necessarily the last word on the story. Each reader brings their own experiences and feelings to a story, and therefore may see things in the story that the writer never intended or considered. His comments were made in reference to questions about interpretation of his works, and made me think about literary criticism in a new way. I had been taught to read the published critics to gain insight into stories, but didn’t necessarily think that my own insights might have the same value. Understanding the world an author grew up in gives insight only into the part of the story the author intended. The reader’s insights complete the story each time it is read. As Mr. Cunningham stated, an author "doesn't know everything" written into his or her own books.
Stories survive to be reread only because we relate to them, not because there is something that can stand alone without the reader. Classics, then, are those stories that relate to what is human inside us regardless of setting or historical era.
Stories survive to be reread only because we relate to them, not because there is something that can stand alone without the reader. Classics, then, are those stories that relate to what is human inside us regardless of setting or historical era.
Monday, May 11, 2009
MLA 2009 Public Relations Award
The 19th Biennial Public Relations Awards of the Massachusetts Library Conference are announced at the annual conference. This year they added a social networking category which we entered. We created a scrapbook of the ways we use Flickr to promote what's happening in our library - teaching and learning, reading, acquisitions, displays, special programs - to students, faculty, alums, parents, and prospective students. Posting pictures to Flickr lets us tell our story in a different way. We highlighted the 365 Day Library Project in which we participated last year. We received a first place blue ribbon and a lovely, frameable certificate!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Robespierre Reaching Readers
In days gone by reaching readers required nothing more than having a book with words printed on the page sequentially. In our current digital age it can be a real challenge to get a student to pick up a BOOK. Publishers are tackling the task admirably as seen in these two volumes on Robespierre. The earlier edition, and I’m sure you can tell which one that is(!) was published in 1953; the other, 55 years later in 2008.
We’d like to think there will always be some redeeming features to books, which will allow them an existence of 50, a 100, or more, years into the future. It is not just their pictures, and eye catching scripts, but by virtue of their depth of content, ease of use and continued universal access, that we hope to see such longevity.
We’d like to think there will always be some redeeming features to books, which will allow them an existence of 50, a 100, or more, years into the future. It is not just their pictures, and eye catching scripts, but by virtue of their depth of content, ease of use and continued universal access, that we hope to see such longevity.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
These boots were made for walking display
The weather is turning warm and we've been getting outside more. Thoughts of summer vacation also has us searching for places to hike. Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is a wonderful travelogue for anyone considering an Appalachian trail hike. My adventures on short sections of the trail were far less adventurous than Mr. Bryson's, but his narrative gives one a sense of the "flavor" of the trail. He encountered some interesting characters and shared some memorable moments with his hiking companion that make this book one of the most enjoyable hiking stories I've come across. For more hiking book suggestions, visit our Flickr page.
Monday, May 04, 2009
H1N1 display
For current information on the H1N1 virus, visit the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website. For background information on epidemics and viruses you might enjoy one of the books in our display. Titles can be found on our Flickr page.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Allies Book Sale for Grandparents' Day
We welcome grandparents to campus today. Already we have had many visitors to the library and have been busily handing out newspapers and books for grandparents to read while their grandchildren are preparing for class. The Allies are hosting an Adopt-a-Book table in the Arena where a lovely lunch for the families is being held.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)