News October 2009

Online Access to Books Increased

You may have noticed something new this semester in your searching of CardCat, our library's online catalog. If a book in our collection has a digital equivalent on Google Books, the book will be displayed in the CardCat record. This allows you to read excerpts and in some cases view the entire book online. This greatly enhances access to library materials.

Helen B. and Martin D. Schwartz Special Collections and Digital Complex Dedication

The Helen B. and Martin D. Schwartz Special Collections and Digital Complex dedication ceremony was held on August 17, 2009. The ceremony included remarks from Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora, Vice President for Information Technology Phil Repp,
Dean of University Libraries Arthur Hafner, and Mr. Martin Schwartz.

The Schwartz Digital Complex is a space designed to connect people to digital media assets and special collections available through the University Libraries. The space also includes areas for collaboration and access to televised news from around the world. This technology-rich facility in Bracken Library was made possible by a generous gift from Martin Schwartz in honor of his late wife, Helen.

October 2009 Tip of the Month

In order for your students to do their best work it is important for them to be familiar with, and know how to use, the resources available to them. Instructional Services offers library instruction sessions designed around your students' class assignments. Subject-specific sessions are designed to help them locate and evaluate relevant resources. Librarians will help your students develop the information-seeking skills necessary for their academic success. You may sign up for a session in person, by telephone at 765-285-8017, or by e-mail at libinstr@bsu.edu. Information Services is located in BL 101 on First Floor West. Please schedule your class at least two weeks in advance.

Events October 2009

Through October 1, 2009 through December 30, 2009

Dr. Charles E. Braker Orchid Photographs will be on exhibit in Bracken Library through December 30, 2009. This exhibit features the photographs of retired Purdue University professor Dr. Charles E. Braker. The photographs in this collection are the result of Bracker’s passion for orchids and photography. Also showcased in this exhibit is the rare four volume edition of Reichenbachia, a 19th century series of books which contain color plates of orchids named after orchidologist, Heinrich Gustave Reichenbach. These books were published in two series, each volume dedicated to a particular queen or empress beginning with Queen Victoria and ending with the Queen of the Belgians. 300 of the top orchid images may also be found in the University Libraries Digital Media Repository . A demonstration of the digital collection can be seen on October 20, 2009 from 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. in the Schwartz Digital Complex. For more information, please contact Lajmar Anderson at ldanderson@bsu.edu.