The Inside Cover
Newsletter of the Midway College Library
APRIL 2008
Volume 1, Number 8
Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.
-Ray Bradbury
To those with ears to hear libraries are really very noisy places. On their shelves we hear the captured voices of the centuries-old conversation that makes up our civilization.
-Timothy Healy
A truly great library contains something to offend everyone.
- Jo Godwin
A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library
- Shelby Foote
The Dewey Decimal System...What a scam that was!
- Cosmo Kramer
Join the circle of knowledge
@ your library
Celebrate National Library Week, April 13-19 @ your library. Started in 1958, NLW is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. Stop by the library anytime throughout the week and help us celebrate NLW's 50th anniversary.
Let us know what you think!
During National Library week, the library will be conducting its annual library user satisfaction survey. Stop by the library and pick up a survey and a snack or visit the library's web site for an online survey. You will be notified by e-mail when the survey link become active.
Research Tip of the Month
As the end of the semester quickly approaches it's time to start thinking about finishing up that research paper. Whether you are almost done writing or you haven't quite started yet here are some useful tips to consider before you hand in that final draft.
-Don't wait until the last minute to start writing: You cannot start a research paper the night before and expect to produce an A paper. You should start writing at least 2 weeks before your due date to ensure that you will be able to make corrections before the final draft.
-Review your sources: Sit down and go through all of your sources to make sure that you have everything you need.
-Consider writing your bibliography first: If you put all of your material together before you start writing you will be less likely to over- look sources that you need to document within your paper.
-Solidify your thesis and develop an outline: Expanding your thesis and outlining the points you want to make in your paper will help you utilize your resources correctly and stay on track throughout the writing process.
-Read, re-read and re-write: Your first draft should not be your final draft. Take the time to read over what you have written, make corrections, re-write and then read again. Remember writing a research paper is an ongoing process.
-Peer review: Many times when we read our own work we tend to miss mistakes. Have an outside party read your first draft and offer suggestions. The Writing Center in the student center is an excellent place to find an outside reader.
-Proofread: Do not rely on spell-check to proofread your paper. While it is a wonderful and convenient tool, it will not catch all of your grammatical errors. Take the time to read over your paper and look for grammar mistakes. The Writing Center specializes in grammar and would be happy to help you proofread.
-Make sure that you document everything that isn't yours: While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, plagiarism will get you a failing grade. If you didn't write it, make sure you credit the person who did. If you are unsure about how to document a source the library has plenty of material on APA and MLA citations and the librarian is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
-Don't be afraid to ask for help: The Writing Center and the library both have plenty of resources for you to use as you journey through the research paper writing process. Although we can't write it for you, we can make sure that you follow all the steps to produce the best research paper possible.
What do the library and horses have in common during the month of April?
Well, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is being held at the Kentucky Horse Park April 24-27. It is the only four star three-day event in the Americas and consists of cross-country riding, dressage and jumping. The library has a whole collection of books and videos related to equestrian events starting in the 798 range. So, you can go to the RK3DE to watch the horses, then stop by the library and check out some equestrian books and videos to learn more.
Cell phones in the library
Are you getting mean looks from students at the library? Libraries aren’t the stuffy places they used to be, but people still want to work quietly. Please be respectful with cell phones by taking them outside when you receive or make a call. Your fellow students thank you.
Next month: A special issue on getting through Finals Week
Look for April showers to bring May's newsletter soon.
http://eagles.midway.edu/library