Library News

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The colorful window display at Falvey’s entrance honors the 2009 Falvey Scholars. Designed and mounted by Joanne Quinn, Events and Outreach team member, the display features a large blue title panel flanked by two red ones, one explaining the Falvey Scholars program and the other announcing the winning scholars’ research presentation schedule on May 1.

Central to the display were five empty picture frames, representing the areas, Arts, Engineering, Business, Nursing and Sciences, from which the scholars will be chosen. The winners have now been announced and their photographs are on display.  (more…)

On April 16, Falvey students and staff gathered in the lounge to honor the library’s student employees. The staff relies on students to help at the main service desk, manage interlibrary loan materials, process new books, maintain the stacks, assist with library events, and offer support to the Academic Integration team, as well as other important duties.

Five of Falvey’s 65 student workers will be graduating in May. The Student Employee Appreciation Committee (SEAC) presented the graduating seniors with Villanova Alumni license plate holders and certificates of acknowledgement for their hard work.

Christine Rogers, Access and User Assistance, won a drawing for a $50 Gullifty’s restaurant gift certificate. SEAC member Bill Greene, who served as emcee, presented the prize to Christine.

Those attending the party enjoyed pizza and home-baked desserts. SEAC members are Bill Greene, Mary Heyman, Marie Roman, Joanne Quinn and Phylis Wright. Student employment is handled by the library director’s office.

Photograph by Alice Bampton

Trial subscription until June 22, 2009. (Let us know what you think.)

Counseling and Therapy in Video provides a searchable online collection of videos available for the study of counseling, psychology, and psychotherapy. When complete this site will include “400 hours and more than 330 videos to allow students, teachers and professionals to see, experience and study counseling in ways never before possible.” The types of videos include:

• Counseling Sessions and Demonstrations
• Consultations
• Lectures, presentations, and interviews
• Teaching and Discussion Guides
• Continuing Education (C.E) Credits

Can it be argued that Pope Benedict XVI bears the mantle of John Paul II as an heir to his legacy? Brennan C. Pursell, Ph.D., addressed this claim, drawing on his recent book, Benedict of Bavaria: An Intimate Portrait of the Pope and His Homeland, at the John Paul II Legacy Lecture on March 23.

Both men grew up in regions with a baroque Catholic culture which was festive, sensual and divine. John Paul II possessed a philosophical orientation and a preference for dialogical personalism. Benedict XVI mirrors these characteristics. (more…)

A library is a good place to study, conduct research and hold study sessions with friends over endless cups of coffee during finals week. However, Falvey Memorial Library, apart from being a great resource for faculty, students and the University community, hosts various internship opportunities that offer in-depth practical work experience to Villanova University graduate students as well as to individuals from the outside community.

The Events and Publications teams offer a shared year-long paid internship to a graduate assistant with the communication department. This intern’s duties are divided between these two teams and include “working with students, staff, faculty and guests while maintaining a regular flow of feature articles and blog entries that meet exacting editorial standards,” explains Darren Poley, Outreach librarian.

Through this experience, the intern will achieve a level of mastery with event planning and management and gain the ability to work with a diverse group of people. “The intern would, it is hoped, benefit from learning about team efforts and resources for organizing and documenting library intellectual programming,” says Poley. (more…)

“Poetry is a public experience,” said Judy Olsen, subject librarian for English, as she opened the Fourth Annual Open Mic Poetry Reading on April 15 and introduced Lisa Sewell, Ph.D., associate professor of English and director of programming, Women’s Studies. Dr. Sewell welcomed everyone and introduced Christine Simmons, editor-in-chief of Arthology, Villanova University’s student literary-art magazine, who presented the brand new 2009 issue.

Rory Scanlon, a senior, read “Not Snow Men But Snow Cubes,” a clever poem with intriguing images, such as geometric shapes in unexpected natural settings. Rory received Class Poet Honorable Mention at the May 1 English department awards ceremony.

Jenny Nelson, another senior, offered “Ode to Headphones” and “Affirmations of a Big Footed Woman,” both of which depict familiar subjects in innovative ways. Kay Meyers, a community resident and graduate of Villanova University, provided a change of pace with her narrative poem inspired by an interfaith, multi-ethnic art exhibition. (more…)

It’s the spirit of African-American anguish, rebellion and survival. It’s beans ‘n’ cornbread. It’s the zoot suit. It’s the sound of the Mississippi Delta, Chicago and even England. It’s the devil’s music. It’s the blues!

On March 30, Katharine Hall residents, along with their Augustine & Culture Seminar (ACS) instructors and guests, celebrated their appreciation of the blues. The evening opened with a Blues Museum in which students showcased their work, while Stephen Spatz of Falvey Memorial Library played selections from his 3,000-plus blues LPs on the turntable. (more…)

In response to your feedback, the library has relaxed the lounge policy. Patrons are no longer required to pack up their belongings and exit the lounge at the official closing time. All library materials being used in the lounge will need to be returned to the front desk and staff will ask to see Wildcards so that only authorized Villanova students, staff, and faculty are in the lounge after closing. We hope this new policy enhances your experience in Falvey Library.

The Earth Day motto is “Recycle, Reuse, or Reduce.” At the library, recycling bins abound, recyclable products are purchased, and packaging materials are reused. We have DVD titles such as China Blue and Thirst and book titles such as Brewing Justice and Organic, Inc . What are you doing to make the world a “greener” place?

Tell us in the Comments!

Are they glorified comic books? Or do some deal with weightier issues? We have a little of both (”Still I Rise” is on order). Have you read any graphic novels lately?

Are there certain titles we should have in our collection?

Tell us in the Comments!