Library closed Dec. 18 through Jan. 2

The Birmingham-Southern Library, along with the rest of the College, will be closed from Saturday, December 18 through Sunday, January 2. We will re-open on Monday, January 3, at 8:00 a.m. Happy Holidays!

Extended Library Hours & Important Dates!

Perhaps they should have studied at the Library the night before.

Extended Library Hours for Finals

The Library will be OPEN ALL NIGHT before each Exam Day

Final Exams will be on December 9, 10, 13, 15, & 16

Wed. Dec. 8 – OPEN ALL NIGHT
Thurs. Dec. 9 – OPEN ALL NIGHT
Fri. Dec. 10 – Open ‘til 10 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 11 – Open ‘til Midnight
Sun. Dec. 12 – OPEN ALL NIGHT
Mon. Dec. 13 – Open ‘til 2 a.m.
Tues. Dec. 14 – OPEN ALL NIGHT
Wed. Dec. 15 – OPEN ALL NIGHT

Library services end at 2 a.m. (after 2 a.m. no check-outs; no reserves; no copier or printer support; no paying fines)

Many thanks to SGA & Campus Police for making these extended hours possible!

Another Important Date:
ALL Interlibrary Loan Books are due back on Thursday, December 9th.

Who's That Pictured in Southern Accent?

Who Are These People? Where Are They? What Are They Doing?

Imagine yourself a few short years from now skimming through your old yearbook. "What's his name?" you might ask. Well, here's your chance to help the BSC College Archives document what was happening on the Hilltop in 2010.

We have a copy of the 2010 Southern Accent at the Library Reference Desk. We'd like you to help us out with the names, places, and activities that are pictured in the yearbook.

So, stop by and write in the names of the people you know. We will then make an index to the yearbook so this information won't be lost. It could be a fun break from studying and writing papers, too!

Thanksgiving Hours

The American Thanksgiving. Some believe that the Pilgrims were first in 1619. But it was Abraham Lincoln who in 1863 first proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. While the Pilgrims were thankful for a safe voyage across the Atlantic, Lincoln was living in a more somber time, having exactly one week before delivered his stirring address at the Gettysburg cemetery.

--Guy Hubbs, College Archivist

Library Hours for Thanksgiving Week

Tuesday, November 23 -- 8:00 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, November 24 -- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday, November 25 - 27 -- CLOSED

Sunday, November 28 -- 2:00 p.m. - midnight

"Thanksgiving Day" image by Thomas Nast from Harper's Weekly, November 26, 1863

Top Ten Words of 2010

The Global Language Monitor has announced its top words of the year (as well as the top phrases and names). And the winners are:

1. Spillcam
2. Vuvuzela
3. The Narrative
4. Refudiate
5. Guido and Guidette
6. Deficit
7. Snowmaggedden
8. 3-D
9. Shellacking
10. Simplexity

For clear definitions, see the full story (published Nov. 14, 2010) at the Global Language Monitor website: http://www.languagemonitor.com/.

ScienceDirect Unavailable Much of Saturday

Attention All Science Researchers!

Because of system maintenance at the company, one of BSC Library's most heavily-used science databases, ScienceDirect, will be unavailable on Saturday, November 13, from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m.

Do not despair because there are many other databases that cover science topics. Be sure to explore the list of databases arranged by subject and try other options. Remember, if you use Biological Abstracts, you will need to check to see if BSC has access to the journals/articles you want. Do this by searching for journal titles in the Library's Ejournals list.

Remember, too, that Reference help is available on Sundays from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Not Your Usual Poetry Reading

Andrew Hudgins, poet and Alabama graduate will speak in the Norton Theatre on Tuesday, November 9 during Common Hour. Ned Balbo of The Antioch Review* says Hudgins' "skill, economy and sense of mischief" confirm his place as "one of our few indispensable poets." Mr. Hudgins attended Huntington College in Montgomery and teaches at The Ohio State University. He has won several awards for poetry. He has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and The National Book Award and has published numerous poems and books such as Shut Up, You're Fine and After the Lost War, A Narrative. This event qualifies for CEIS credit.

*The Antioch Review. 62:1, Winter 2004

Pacifist

I said I was a pacifist.
I wouldn't kill a flea.
All living things are sanctified--
at least as much as me.

But ants kept running underneath
my shoes, to my regret.
Mom gave me pin-worm medicine,
and gnats drowned in my sweat.

Mosquitoes landed on my neck.
I slapped before I thought.
And when I saw my bloody palm
I wasn't overwrought.

My baseball glove is made of skin
stripped from a cow, and dried,
and the chicken in my chicken pie
is not a suicide.

"Though I love baseball and meat pie,
These deaths are not my fault,"
I said. Then, hell, I went outside,
and covered snails with salt.

--from The Antioch Review, 61:3, Summer 2003

Love your library ~ Leave no trace!

The library is starting a new campaign. The amount of food and drink being consumed in our building has risen noticeably in recent months. At the same time, the number of hours that housekeeping staff are able to devote to the library has declined, and they are finding it very difficult to keep up with the refuse. While cockroaches and other vermin appear to be thriving, we do not consider their happiness to be an important goal at this time; we would prefer to have an environment with less garbage and fewer bugs.

The library's official policy allows covered drinks only in the building. However, if you do bring food into the library, we ask that you remove all of your leftovers - or as the Boy Scouts say, "Pack it out!" Garbage cans are located just outside the library entrance, for your convenience.

Thank you for helping keep the library clean.

Your Hilltop News Online!

Extra! Extra!

Read All About It!

Keeping up with all the campus news is easier than ever. The Hilltop News is now online!

You can read the current issue and the previous archived issues for this semester at: http://www.thehilltopnews.com/

If you are looking for articles from earlier years, the Library has a complete run of The Hilltop News which started in 1939. 'Southern's earlier newspaper was called The Black and Gold and ran from 1919 to 1939 when it changed its name to The Hilltop News. Visit the College Archives to see the old newspapers. The Hilltop News is listed in the Library's Online Catalog and has a direct link to the online version of the newspaper.

Library Book Sale -- Homecoming Weekend

You'll never have a better chance.

Hundreds and hundreds of books for sale this Homecoming Weekend in the Library lobby.

Paperbacks 2 for $1.00

Hardbacks $1.00 each

Friday & Saturday, October 22 & 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New printing system (PCounter) for public access computers at BSC

Beginning October 11, 2010, a new system called PCounter will be in place to monitor printing from public computers at Birmingham-Southern.

BSC students, faculty & staff may print using their email user ID and password.

Community patrons: Please visit the library circulation desk to purchase a print card. The printing cost for community patrons will be .06 per page. Color printing is .25 per page.

NOTICE: All Print Jobs are set to print in DUPLEX mode (front & back). To print one side only, you must click on the Properties button (Fig. 1) after clicking PRINT and manually select “1 – Sided” (Fig. 2).



PCounter Info
When you initiate a print job, the following information (Fig. 3) will appear containing the name of the print job, the number of pages, and how much your account will be charged. Simply enter your email credentials (students) or your patron credentials (community patrons) and then click print.

Once your job has printed, a popup (Fig. 4) will appear in the bottom right hand corner with your username and your remaining balance. To check your balance at any time, from anywhere ON CAMPUS, visit http://mypbalance.bsc.edu/PCounterBalance/ and enter your credentials (students only). Community patrons may inquire at the circulation desk as to what their print balance is.

Alabama Biodiversity

This Provost’s Forum, recorded on April 8, 2010 is entitled “4533+ Species: Why Alabama is a Global Hotspot for Biodiversity.” Dr. Duncan did a great job explaining the reasons Alabama is a hotspot in terms of its geography and climate. He then reported on several visits to areas in the state which demonstrate our unique biodiversity. It is a really neat presentation!

The files are at:

iPod video file

Audio file

They may take a few moments to load. Enjoy!

Steve Laughlin

Banned Books Week 2010

Banned Books Week is September 25 through October 2, 2010.

As Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., in Texas v. Johnson, said most eloquently: "If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable."

from the American Library Association web page " About Banned and Challenged Books "

Imagine a world where access to information is restricted.

Imagine a world where books, such as Huckleberry Finn, are banned.

Your BSC Library has copies of Huckleberry Finn and other challenged and banned books. And you can get the books we don't have through Interlibrary Loan.

For information on banned and challenged books go to

http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/aboutbannedbooks/index.cfm

Free Museum Day - Saturday, Sept. 25th.

The annual Free Museum Day sponsored by the Smithsonian Museum network is Saturday, September 25th. You can get two admissions on each card. One card per family.

Some of the 20 museums in Alabama participating in the event are:

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Birmingham Museum of Art
• Vulcan Park and Museum
• Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum - Moundville
• Kentuck Museum Association - Northport
• Anniston Museum of Natural History - Anniston
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center - Huntsville

You may go to this link http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html?2010 to find a list of all participants and to print your free tickets.

Steve Laughlin

Constitution Day -- September 17

Every year on Constitution Day educational institutions across the United States teach students about the important history of the U.S. Constitution. This year the Birmigham-Southern College Library encourages you to learn a little more about the document that makes our government so preferable to the alternatives that are out there. The Library has created a research guide highlighting interesting information about the Constitution.

The image is from the Massachusetts Centinel, August 2, 1788.

Farewell to Carolyn Cooper

Carolyn Cooper, long time library secretary, has chosen to retire after 33 years of service to BSC, working with four library directors. The Library staff is both happy for her upon entering a new phase of her life, and sad as we will not be seeing her smiling face every day. A great U. of Georgia fan, she kept us posted on their team, as well as any interesting tidbits from People magazine and the tabloids. She handled library book orders, gift books, periodical check-ins, relations with campus departments, and organizing special events hosted by the library, as well as many other tasks. We are fortunate to have her coming in once a week for a while until (someday) we can hire someone in her place, but we can never replace Carolyn. Library staff will be having a dinner soon to celebrate her retirement. We wish her a happy retirement!!

BSC Library Staff

Please pardon our slightly shortened hours...

The library will close at 10 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 7 and 8 (instead of the usual midnight closing time), due to the delay in BSC workstudy assignments. We hope to begin our regular fall schedule soon.

We apologize for this unanticipated and unusual shift in library hours.

Library will re-open Tuesday 9/7 at 8 am

The Library will be closed over the long Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 6). Our doors will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7. In the meantime, please remember that remote access to the library catalog and databases is always available, using your BSC email login and password.

Happy Labor Day!

Welcome, new and returning students!

Fall semester at BSC begins September 1, and the library is open for business! If you're a new student and feeling quizzical, please take a look at the Top 10 library questions asked by new students. We'll be offering library orientation sessions for first-year and transfer students on Tuesday, August 31, at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

If you're an old-timer - welcome back! Please feel free to stop by and check out a new book, DVD or CD. We missed the energy that a full contingent of BSC students and faculty brings to the library. We're glad you're back - and hope to see you soon!

Student art in the library

Molly Fowler, a 2010 BSC graduate, exhibited a lovely series of untitled photographs in Birmingham-Southern's annual Juried Student Art Exhibition this past spring. The Library has acquired Ms. Fowler's creative work, which is now on display on the ground floor of the building. We hope to add at least one piece of excellent student artwork each year, drawing on proceeds from the library's ongoing used book sale.

Please stop by and check out Molly's prints - along with other eye-catching works of art by BSC students - on the lower level of the library!

New books on international cultures & customs

The library has been the indirect beneficiary of a grant from the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation. The grant, secured by Anne Ledvina in BSC's Sklenar Center for International Programs, has helped fund several thousand dollars worth of books (both print and electronic) and videos. Among the books are titles from the Culture & Customs series and the CultureShock! series. Online books include a selection of NetLibrary books on international business (focusing on the cultural dimensions of business) and the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures & Daily Life (available in the Gale Virtual Reference Library).

All of these books are listed in the BSC Library Catalog. You may also stop by the library to see a display of some of the titles in question!

Our Government's Documents

In his Farewell Address to the nation in 1796, President George Washington suggested that Americans should "Promote, then as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."

The Birmingham-Southern College Library is happy to help in that diffusion of knowledge, specifically of the knowledge published by the U.S. government through its collection of government documents.

The Library is a Selective Government Depository Library, so we only receive part of the vast output of the government and federal agencies. Of course more and more documents are published online, so we have access to much more than would ever fit on our library shelves. Also, we can borrow documents from the Regional Depository in Tuscaloosa.

The government publishes material on almost every subject imaginable, from reports on the response to the current financial crisis to documents about specific events in American history.

So, how do I get all this information, you may wonder? You could start at the BSC Library catalog (recent documents will show up there, along with any available links to online versions.) You can also explore the guide to Internet access of government information at http://orgs.bsc.edu/libref/govdoc/govdoc.htm

Or, you could come talk to us at the Library!

4th of July Holiday: Library closed July 3-5

The Library will be closed July 3-5 (Saturday through Monday) for the 4th of July holiday. Library hours will also be shorter than normal on Friday, July 2: due to a scheduled campus power outage, the library will open at 9:30 am and close at 4:30 pm.

Have a happy 4th of July!

Summer Term has arrived!

Welcome to summer! Beginning June 9, the library will be open the following hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm

We invite you to stop by and read a book, surf the web, or simply chill.

Here's to a fine summer session!

Faculty book order notices now to be e-mailed!

Starting June 1, the Library will begin sending notifications of "Books you ordered that are now available in the library" via email rather than paper. The email will be titled BSC Library. There will be one email per book. We might, on occasions when a large number of books you have ordered come in at one time, still send you paper notices so we do not overwhelm your email. Thanks. Steve Laughlin

Library hours between terms

Summer school begins on Wednesday, June 9. Until that time, the BSC library will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will be closed on the weekends and on Monday, May 31, for Memorial Day.

We hope everyone is enjoying the break between terms!

Vince Gawronski's Provost's Forum Podcast

The BSC Library is pleased to present podcasts of Dr. Vince Gawronski's Provost's Forum - "Democratic Consolidation: The Special Case of El Salvador" recorded April 27, 2010.

The files are at:

http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/V_Gawronski_20100427.mp3

http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/V_Gawronski.mp4

The top link is to the audio version, and the bottom link is to the video presentation.

We hope you enjoy the podcasts. Dr. Gawronski demonstrates his great knowledge of politics in Latin America, as well as his deep interest in the region.

Steve Laughlin

Library Extended Hours for Finals Week

Library hours during finals week are as follows:

May 6 Thursday 8:00am - 2:00am
May 7 Friday 8:00am - 10:00pm
May 8 Saturday 9:00am - midnight
May 9 Sunday 2:00pm - 2:00am
May 10 - 12 Monday - Wednesday 8:00am - 2:00am
May 13 Thursday 8:00am - 10:00pm
May 14 Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
May 15 - 16 Saturday - Sunday CLOSED

Library facilities will be reserved for use by BSC students, faculty and staff only during the exam period (5/6/10 through 5/13/10). The Library Electronic Classroom will be open to students for all hours the Library is open during this time.

Good luck with finals!

A Week Full of Concerts

The last week of classes is coming up, and why not start it right? Three concerts are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, meaning three chances for CEIS credit! The BSC New Music Ensemble is starting off the week with their concert in Phillips Rehearsal Hall, Monday at 4:00. Following this performance, the Hilltop Singers are performing their season finale in the Hill Recital Hall that same night at 7:30. Last but not least, the BSC One-A-Chord Gospel Choir will perform their program entitled "Preserve a Landmark: Proclaim a Joyful Song" on Tuesday at 7:00 in the Bruno Great Hall. Each concert promises maximum enjoyment, so come see your fellow students in action as they celebrate the end of a wonderful year.

Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Concert

The Music Department here at Birmingham-Southern had its' early beginnings in the City as the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. It has since maintained its' standard of excellence in its' teachings and performances by students and teachers alike.

One of these such performances will be held Thursday evening. The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band are performing at 7:30 pm in Hill Recital Hall. So take some time out of your busy schedule and go enjoy the show. We hope to see you there!

Women of the World--Dream Big and Take Charge!

Join your fellows this Thursday, April 29, in a Common Hour event with a different focus: women and entrepreneurship. ‘Women in the Workplace’ is always a hot topic, and in this event, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting a panel to discuss issues and inspire students. “Dreaming Big and Taking Charge: Female Entrepreneurship Panel” will be held from 11am-12pm in Norton theatre; the three panelists are all female entrepreneurs from Birmingham, prepared to share their experiences, businesses and challenges with the BSC community. Audience participation and questions are encouraged.

The panelists include Dr. Karen Starks, Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Community Entrepreneurship Institute, Inc. (CEI, Inc.), Meagan Peace, co-founder and owner of Hayah Cosmetics, and Elizabeth Clark, owner of Integrity Insurance Group.

Dr. Starks started CEI Inc. in 2005, with the mission to “advance social and economic well-being in urban communities through entrepreneurship.” Dr. Starks is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work, specializing in social policy and community development.

Meagan Peace started Hayah Cosmetics as a natural mineral makeup line for richer complexions; Hayah gives wide selection of high quality cosmetics to women of all ethnicities, tones, and skin types. Hayah’s mission is “an empowerment movement that seeks to inspire beauty from the inside out.”

Integrity Insurance Group is an independent agent for Fortune 500 companies, made to provide nearly all kinds of insurance for an array of individuals, businesses and their employees.

All BSC students are encouraged to seize this cultural credit opportunity and learn more about three women of Birmingham, and the greater effort of female entrepreneurship, all saying: dream big and take charge!

Hair is bringing the '60s back!

Hair, the revolutionary musical that debuted in 1967, is coming to BSC! When it debuted in 1967, it was considered extremely controversial, not only for the way it tore apart every convention of the day, but also for the way the cast interacted with the audience. It challenged every practice and notion while simultaneously daring people to act for what the believe. Written by Galt MacDermont, Gerome Ragni, and James Rado, Hair changed the way musicals were portrayed and performed. It was blunt, explicit, and left audiences reeling with its inspiring message. While not entirely relevant in this day and age, it still leaves a message of love and peace that audiences everywhere can relate to. Performances start April 22 and run through April 25. Tickets are $10 for general public, $5 for students of any age and school, but please be advised that Hair contains explicit dialogue and situations, and is recommended for mature audiences only. For an interview with director Michael Flowers, visit http://www.bsc.edu/academics/theatre-dance/chats/theatre-chat-hair.htm

Latin American Studies: So Much More than "¡Hola!"

The great exchange has begun again; starting Friday, April 16^th and closing Saturday, April 17^th, the Latin American Studies Symposium, hosted by Birmingham-Southern, explores new research and old ideas regarding Latin America. Thoughts will fly as this interdisciplinary undergraduate research conference commences with participants from throughout the Southeast and beyond. Students can gather and collaborate with people from a diverse group of universities and locales, presenting research and studies they’ve worked on for a long time. The theme this year is eco-tourism, and the reception will be held in BSC’s Southern Environmental Center on April 16. To see a detailed schedule of the symposium, please click here.

The Keynote Speaker is even a Birmingham-Southern graduate, Hugh Yarbrough, who will present on April 16 at 1:00pm in Norton Theatre. He graduated BSC in 1990 with a BA in International Business and Spanish, and now he works in the Yachana Foundation in Ecuador as Director of Development. He is a Spanish translator, and works at the Yachana Lodge, a geo-tourism site located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. His talk is titled: Yachana Foundation: Solutions and Sustainability through Education (or One Gringo’s Take on Creating a World that Works for Everyone). Prepare to be entertained and educated as this alumnus presents.

As scholars on every level begin to share ideas about current issues in this area, expect to come away with renewed fervor for Latin America. Birmingham-Southern is excited to host this great exchange, and hopes to bring fresh light into an important area. For more information about registration and the Latin American Studies Symposium program in general, please visit our BSC link.

Bishop's Lecture in Faith and Ethics: Dr. Stanley Hauerwas

On April 13th, this year's guest speaker for the Bishop's Lecture in Faith and Ethics, Dr. Stanley Hauerwas will be presenting in the Norton Theatre during Common Hour, a qualifying event for Intellectual/Cultural Credit. An expert on applications of ethics and theology in everyday life, Dr. Hauerwas' work often waxes interdisciplinary.

Dr. Hauerwas has previously been honored with the title "America's Best Theologian" ascribed by Time magazine as well as being invited to give the prestigious Gifford Lectures at the University of St. Andrew's in Scotland.

Concert Choir's Homecoming Performance

Early last month, the BSC Concert Choir traveled the Southeast performing their program "Musica Sacra et Profana", and now they're finally home. The choir will perform for the last time this semester at the First Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham on Sunday, April 11th. The program features music for brass, percussion, and choir, and will include works by Giovanni Gabrieli, Dan Locklair, and Bob Chilcott. Admission is free, and the performance will start at 4 PM, and don't forget that this is a cultural credit! Go out and support this outstanding musical group!

Podcast of Dr. Sara Robicheaux's Provost's Forum

The Library is pleased to present Sara Robicheaux’s Provost’s Forum entitled “Sabbatical: Reflections, Research, Rejuvenation.” The presentation, recorded on March 11, 2010, has an excellent explanation of the causes of the recent financial crisis, as well as a really neat summary of Dr. Robicheaux’s activities during her recent sabbatical.

http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/S_Robicheaux.mp4 http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/S_Robicheaux_20100311.mp3

The first link is to the video version, and the second is the audio only version. They may take a few moments to load. We hope you enjoy the podcasts as much as we enjoyed producing them.

Steve Laughlin

Provost's Forum - Scot Duncan, "4533+ Species: Why Alabama is a Global Hotspot for Biodiversity"

Come join us this Thursday during Common Hour in Norton Theatre to learn more about the plant species in Alabama and why Alabama has such a wide variety. We are not only home to five physiographic regions (regions of geological variation), but few know that we also have the most species of carnivorous plants!

The lecture will be given by our own Scot Duncan. Dr. Duncan is an Associate Professor of Biology here at BSC. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida and in graduate school, he studied the ecology of tropical forest restoration in Uganda, Africa. His current research focuses on Montane Longleaf Pine forests and the stream ecology of the Cahaba River and Black Warrior River Watersheds.

This is sure to be a very interesting event and we hope to see you there!

Funny Money: Dr. Yoram Bauman and Comedic Commerce

Knock-knock.

Who’s there?

Economics….Wait, what?!

Let’s face it. Most people, when they hear “Dr. So-and-So: Economist,” instantly start dozing. Dr. Yoram Bauman, however, promises to break this trend. He touts himself as “The World’s First and Only Stand-Up Economist,” and the New York Times backs him up in this claim. They summarize his life as “An economist who teaches at the University of Washington and performs stand-up comedy.” An odd combination to be sure, but Dr. Bauman comes to Birmingham-Southern this Tuesday, April 6, to prove to the world that money can be funny. Come see him perform in Munger auditorium at 7:30pm as he graces BSC with his humor on his tour across America, bringing comedy to economics from California to New York. His blog topics include things from ‘In the news’ to ‘Harry Potter economics,’ and Dr. Bauman is most recently promoting his book “The Cartoon Introduction to Economics, Volume 1: Microeconomics.” With a life-goal of reducing our carbon footprint, I’m sure Dr. Bauman will excel at educating and entertaining the crowd this Tuesday. Come out and prepare for laughter as your brain twists to combine finance and funny.

Intrigued? Find more at: http://www.standupeconomist.com/. All information in this blog taken from this site.

EASTER Closing Dates

The Library will be closed Friday through Sunday, April 2-4. Have a great weekend.

"The Working Poor": David Shipler on Poverty in America

Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow David Shipler, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of several best-selling books and accomplished journalist, will be speaking on April 1 in Norton Theatre at Common Hour, an event qualifying for Intellectual/Cultural Credit.

Entitled "The Working Poor", this talk shares its title with Shipler's latest book which details the stories of working-class Americans in their battles with poverty in spite of valiant efforts.

Shipler has worked with a variety of publications, most notably as Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in the Washington Bureau as well as covering critical junctures in Eastern Europe and Russia. Additionally, he has taught at prestigious institutions such as Princeton University and Dartmouth College.

Shipler will also be speaking on Wednesday, March 31 at 3:30 pm in Munger Auditorium, on "Liberty in a Time of Terrorism."

New database trials

The BSC Library currently has trials to several databases, including:

Classical Music Reference Library

The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Online

Classical Scores Library

African American Music Reference

American History in Video

GREENR - Global Reference on the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources For login information, please visit the Database Trials page (accessible from on-campus only). In addition, the Library has free access to the following databases until the end of June:

American Antiquarian Society Historical Periodicals Collection: Series 1

American Antiquarian Society Historical Periodicals Collection: Series 2

American Theological Library Association (ATLA) Historical Monographs Collection: Series 1:

American Theological Library Association (ATLA) Historical Monographs Collection: Series 2:

And we have been granted access to the following database through the end of the year: Humanities & Social Sciences Index Retrospective: 1907-1984

We hope you enjoy playing with these databases!

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is known for performing a wide range of music, and it doesn't look as if they're going to quit anytime soon. Their upcoming performance, aptly dubbed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", promises to present a stunning array of Asian film music, and will feature two outstanding individuals: George Gao, a "master of the erhu" (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) who will perform the concerto, and Mei-Ann Chen, a star on the rise, will conduct. Tickets range from $15-$25, and the performance will begin at 7PM on Thursday, March 25 at the Alys Stephens Center, 2100 10th Ave. S. For more information, call the Alys Stephens Center (205-975-2787) or visit the Symphony's website (www.alabamasymphony.org). Anticipate an exciting performance, and don't forget to keep your ticket. You'll need it to get that CEIS credit!

Library hours during Spring Break

Spring break is upon us!
The library hours during the break will be as follows:

March 13-14 (Saturday-Sunday): Closed
March 15-18 (Monday-Thursday): 8 am - 5 pm
March 19-20 (Friday-Saturday): Closed
March 21 (Sunday): 2 pm - midnight (regular schedule resumes)

Enjoy the break!

Provost's Forum: Dr. Sara H. Robicheaux, March 11

Time may be money to some, but knowledge is beyond value.

Join Associate Professor of Finance, Dr. Sara H. Robicheaux, in Norton Theatre on March 11th during Common Hour as she presents a Provost's Forum entitled "Sabbatical Finance Topics: Banks, Stock Prices, Debt, and Executive Compensation".

As an added bonus, this event qualifies for student Intellectual/Cultural Credit!

Steve Hendley's Provost Forum Podcast Available

The BSC Library is happy to share podcasts of the Provost's Forum by Dr. Steven Hendley entitled Ethical Naturalism: What it Can (and Cannot) Do for Us, presented on February 11, 2010. The links are:

http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/S_Hendley_20100211.mp3 http://orgs.bsc.edu/podcasts/S_Hendley.mp4

The first link is to the video version, and the second is the audio only version. They may take a few moments to load. We hope you enjoy this interesting presentation.

Steve Laughlin

Spring Dance Choreography Workshop

If you're stressed about tests or just need a break from work, make your way down to the theater for the Spring Dance Choreography Workshop. The performances start on March 4th and continue through March 6th, and will feature original choreography by BSC dance students. Each performance starts at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $10 for public and $5 for students, and students should also remember that this is a cultural event! Go and buy a ticket before they're sold out, and don't forget to enjoy the show!

Common Hour Event Featuring Dr. Sandral Hullett

Health care is a topic that is heatedly debated these days in our nation's Congress. This is also the topic that will be discussed on campus this Tuesday by Dr. Sandral Hullett.

Dr. Hullett has worked to improve rural health care for Alabamians. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and her master's in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (visit Healthcare Hall of Fame: Alabama for more details).

Dr. Hullett will be giving the opening speech for the annual BACHE Women's Conference. The conference this year is titled, "Women, Health, and Community: Alabama and Beyond." It will take place in BSC's Norton Campus Center March 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We hope to see you there at this wonderful opportunity to learn more about a topic that is so integral to our nation's past, present, and future.

Music to my ears: Symphonic Students

For the past 10 years, Birmingham-Southern has hosted the Whittington Competition, named for Frances and Dorsey Whittington who led the Birmingham Conservatory of Music (now known as the Music Department here at BSC). Going for gold, many ‘Southern students participated, but this year the top three winners were Wei Dai, Hannah Ellington, and Iris Reddick. Now these students not only have the honor of winning the competition, but they get to perform with the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra this Sunday, February 28!

The performance will be held in Hill Recital Hall at 3 p.m., and will be free to the public. Students, faculty, and any other interested parties are encouraged to come and listen to some of the best BSC has to offer to your ears. The performers will each get to give a solo, accompanied by the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra.

Wei Dai, a junior music major here studying abroad from Xiamen, China is planning to perform the first movement of the First Piano Concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven. She’s here studying piano from BSC Prof. of Music and Artist in Residence, Bill DeVan. Hannah Ellington promises to knock socks off with arias by Sergei Rachmaninoff and from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” She’s studied vocal performance and is now perfecting her art as a senior under BSC Associate Professor of Music Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw. Iris Reddick completes the act in a Whittington debut as a freshman cellist studying under BSC adjunct faculty member Avi Friedlander. She will perform “Kol Nidrei” by Max Brunch.

Altogether, the talent in the show is tremendous, and it promises to be a lovely afternoon to soothe the ears before another week begins. Come for a time of beauty and melody, and don’t be surprised to see this writer bobbing her head in a corner!

Database Trials

Database Trials

( the image at right is from 19th Century U.S. Newspapers -- The Macon Telegraph, (Macon, GA) Sunday, August 30, 1896; pg. 20; col C.)

From time to time, the Library tests new databases. This gives us a chance to try new products to see if they could be useful for our students and faculty. We make these trials open to the library users so everyone can use them. Since the Library cannot purchase or subscribe to every database that we try, we rely on feedback from our BSC community to let us know how useful these products are. Take a look at our current trials. Let us know what you think!

You can get to them from the Database listing under “Database Trials”

http://library.bsc.edu/tools/trials.htm

The databases we test change regularly. Some of the current databases to try are:

Ebrary
Gives access to the searchable full-text of 45,000 academic books. Trial lasts until March 5.

19th Century U.S. Newspapers from Gale
Provides the full-image texts. Trial lasts until March 15.

BSC Celebrates Black History Month 2010

Birmingham-Southern College’s Black Student Union is observing Black History Month by presenting a number of interesting events during the month of February. This year’s theme is “The Economic Empowerment of African-Americans”; and the month’s activities were initiated with Elaine S. Jackson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Urban League, speaking on “The History of Black Economic Empowerment”. On February 16th, Dr. Barbara Allen, Interim Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, discussed how economics has affected the educational system, students, and schools in her work with the Birmingham City Board of Education.

Other activities for the month include:
• A Film and Discussion: “Hip-Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes”, February 18th at 7:00 pm in the Norton Theatre.
• Night in the Chapel with guest Pastor Mario Cooper and the One-A-Chord Gospel Choir, February 22nd at 7:00 pm in Yielding Chapel.
• Free Food for Thought: “Black in America – Part 2” Documentary, February 23rd at 7:00 pm in the Loft.
• Closing Celebration: Enjoy food, music, and fellowship as the BSU closes out Black History Month 2010 on February 25th from 8:00 pm until midnight at Norton Great Hall.

For more information, visit
http://www.bsc.edu/events/pdfs/black-history-month.pdf

Check out the photo of the week!

Birmingham-Southern's "photo of the week" for this week features the three students who spent many hours in the BSC archives, processing and organizing Richard and Joshua Green's Sherlock Holmes Collection. Click here to see the photo.

Spring term begins!

Welcome back!

Although the temperature was in the 20's last night, we are now officially entering the Spring semester.

The Library will be open until 5 pm on Monday and 10 pm on Tuesday, the first day of class. We will then resume our regular schedule.

Librarians are here to assist you with your research as you dive into your classes. Please feel free to draw upon the resources on the Library website, and to call on us at any time... in person, on the phone, or via the chat or email links on the front page of our site.

Good luck in the new semester!

Relax With A Good Book

As Interim 2010 ends and you finish the last of your projects, take some time for relaxation. The Library has music CDs, movies, and, of course, books to read for fun. Our "Browsing" collection is a selection of books for leisure reading--mysteries, romances, popular fiction, etc. These books are shelved near the current periodicals near the lounge seating. Give your mind a break from your studies and pick up a good book. Here is what some great minds have said on the value of reading:

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain, attributed*

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. ~P.J. O'Rourke*

I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book. ~Groucho Marx*

I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage. ~Charles de Secondat, Baron de la Brède et de Montesquieu, Pensées Diverses

No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning*

"Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are" is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread. ~François Mauriac*

There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs. ~Henry Ward Beecher*

To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life. ~W. Somerset Maugham*

To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one. ~Chinese Saying*

Reading . . . the best state possible in which to keep absolute loneliness at bay. ~William Styron, Sophie’s Choice

All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they really happened and after you have finished reading one you will feel that it all happened to you, and afterwards it all belongs to you. ~ Ernest Hemingway, Esquire, Dec. 1934

Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered. ~ W. H. Auden, The Dyer’s Hand, 1962

I don't believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book. ~ J. K. Rowling, USA Weekend, Nov. 14, 1999.

*from BrainyQuote.com

Electronic delivery of ILL to students now available!!

The Birmingham-Southern Interlibrary Loan Department is happy to announce that we are expanding the delivery of Interlibrary Loan articles via email to BSC students. These will be delivered to your @bsc.edu e-mail account as attachments and will be in the PDF format. The email will say Birmingham-Southern College Document Delivery Notification (ILL number or something similar). We will only send articles to @bsc.edu e-mail accounts.

Some articles cannot be delivered via email due to format and/or problems with the quality of the article. Where possible, we will email, but you may still have to pick up paper copies of some articles. In that case, we will notify you the article is available at the Circulation Desk. Thanks and have a good year!

ILL Department