PowerBlog

Different students use study week for different things. Some stay in Halifax and hit the books, some go home to wherever home is and hit the books. Some don't do much of anything, taking a break from all things academic, conserving their energy for that final push at the end of the term. At Saint Mary's, staff also get a bit of a break. The last day of study break (tomorrow) is a day off. Most offices on campus will be closed. Not many services offered. But we just wanted you to know that, in spite of all that, the Library will be open . We won't have our regular hours but we will open at 9:00am and stay open until 9:00pm . So if you need a place to study tomorrow - or use a computer or borrow a book or get help with an assignment - don't worry. We've got it covered.

Well, not bigger in that sense. It will still fit on your smart phone. It's bigger because we've added a lot more information, a lot more links, a lot more ways to access our resources. We've improved the overall "look and feel" as well. Not only can you search for books, you can also retrieve articles from some of our most popular databases, like ABI, Ebsco, JSTOR and Web of Science . You can also find out when we're open, get contact information, read our blog or get live help with your research questions. All from the comfort of your hand held device. Just look for the "Mobile" icon on our homepage or go HERE . Technology can be a wonderful thing...

Not library staff. We made sure they were included when the building was renovated. We talked about how big they should be, how students would use them, the kind of furniture they should include. We designed them. For students. So they could work on group projects together or just study together. We have 9 of them, they're pretty nice and they're pretty popular. Which is why we're so disappointed that, for the second weekend in a row, one of the study rooms got trashed. Yeah, I know. Hard to believe. Cups of coffee deliberately spilled over the table, bottles and wrappers everywhere, chairs put on shelves, gouges in the walls. I've seen the photos. When the study rooms haven't been booked by anyone we leave them open for groups of students to use. Because we trust them, that they are mature, responsible adults. Apparently some aren't. We don't want to adopt more restrictive policies for using the study rooms. We'll see. But our cleaning staf...

Every year around this time the Novanet libraries, including this one, give borrowers the opportunity to clear their overdue fines while also helping local food banks. The campaign is called Food for Fines and here's how it works: For each non-perishable food item you donate, $2 will be deducted from any outstanding fines you may have (to a maximum of $20). So if, for example, you owe $16, just bring in 8 items and your slate will be wiped clean. Donations can be dropped off at the Circulation Desk at the Library's entrance (and of course you can make a donation even if you don't have any fines). They will then be given to the campus food bank to help Saint Mary's students And cash is also welcome. This year's campaign runs from January 30 to February 10 . So don't miss this chance to save some money (you'll have to pay off those fines some time) while contributing to a great cause.

A lot of new students (and a few professors too) arrive at Saint Mary's each January. They may have transferred from another school, they may be upgrading their education after being in the workforce for a while. Perhaps they're here to learn English at our TESL Centre. The one thing they have in common is that they'll all need an official Saint Mary's ID card. And you get those at the Library. It's not only a handy thing to have, it's needed to get the student bus pass, to use The Tower, to qualify for discounts around town and, of course, it's also your library card. There's an office for producing ID cards on the main floor of the Library. And it's open: Monday 10-2, 6-8 Tuesday 10-2, 6-8 Wednesday 10-2, 6-8 Thursday 10-2, 6-8 Friday 10-2, On demand Saturday 1-5 Sunday 3-7 Bring your best smile.

The library's starting to fill up. Things are picking up where they left off. But January is very different from December. You don't have the holidays. But you don't have exams or those big end-0f-term assignments either. Some 1/2 credit courses are over and done, already fading into memory, some are just getting started (new stuff to learn, new profs to learn from). And those loooong September all the way to April full credits? Well, at least you know what's in store. You know what you signed up for. And remember, whatever the course, whatever the assignment, whether you're in the midst of your first year, or your last, we can help. Got a paper that won't write itself? Don't know where to find those journal articles your professor insists upon? Don't know what a journal article is? Go to the Library's Information Desk and just ask. That's what they're there for. It will make the term, and your life, a lot easier. Hope you had...

From all of us to all of you. Sure this term has been tough. Late nights. Anxiety-ridden deadlines. Lots to learn. But that's in the past. Forget about it and just enjoy the time off. Next term will take care of itself. Worry about it when it gets here. In the meantime, you've got a few weeks to relax, eat well, maybe watch a few movies, play a few (or more than a few) games, spend time with those you like to spend time with. And we'll be here waiting for you when you come back. It'll be 2012. Endless possibilities.

Those three words just seem to go together. They have a history. Libraries fit in there too. December and April are two of our busiest months as students fill every vacant seat in search of a place to get ready for those multiple choice/essay/take home barometers of their progress. Some exams are wake up calls, some are pleasant surprises, some are satisfying affirmations. All of them are tough. So if, in the next few weeks, you're among those crowded into the first floor (I'm not talking about those angels on the upper floors working silently away like so many sixteenth century monks), how about turning the volume down a bit? Have some compassion for your fellow students. Maybe they're an hour away from their third exam in four days. An hour to squeeze as many facts, ideas, concepts and professor's opinions as possible into their heads. Notice the beads of sweat forming on their brow, the haunted look in their eyes, the nervous twitching. Try whispering. And d...

For most students the next month is not their favourite time of the year. Papers and then exams to write. Lots of research and studying. Lots to do before they can take that well-deserved Christmas break. There's not a whole lot that the Library can do to ease that burden. But there are a few things: Staff at the Reference Desk can help with your research. And we can stay open longer hours so you have a place to go to study. Which is what we'll be doing starting this weekend. As of this Saturday and continuing every day until December 19, the Library will remain open until 1:00 in the morning. Even though the Circulation Desk will close at 11:00, the rest of the library will be open so that students will have a quiet place to cram (or use the computers). For a full schedule, right into the new year, go HERE . And good luck with your exams (and papers).

Tomorrow is November 11, the day when Canadians honour those past and present members of the armed forces who served and protected their country. Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday so that people can attend the various ceremonies held in communities across Canada, including Halifax, to mark the occassion. Most of these ceremonies are held in the morning. In recognition of this, the Patrick Power Library will be closed that morning. We will open at noon and stay open until our usual 11:00pm.

Sometimes Wikipedia works just fine - if you need a quick, simple introduction to a topic. And you don't care how well it's written or who wrote it... But sometimes Wikipedia just doesn't cut it. Like when you need an authoritative description and analysis of a subject, written by a recognized expert in the field. Like you'll find in reference books (encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, etc.). Of course, one of the reasons for Wikipedia's great popularity is its ease of access as a web-based, 24/7 resource, always just a few mouse clicks away. Well now you can have "the best of both worlds": e-reference books. These are electronic versions of standard, high quality reference works, available remotely from the library web site. To access them, you just have to go to our e-books page, available HERE . Some of them are available as part of a collection. For example, Access Engineering contains hundreds of handbooks and encyclopedias on civil, indus...

With all the recent renovations to the Library, especially on the main floor, we thought it would be a good idea to add some more visual interest to the space. Hence the arrival of some new art installations. The first, a 6'x16' mural, was created by Nova Scotian artist Jamie Baxter in 1993. It makes a bold statement on the brick wall near the Information & Research Desk, as pictured here. It is an impressive, imposing presence. The second, entirely different work, is a ceramic sculpture created by American artist Matt Wedel. Entitled Blue Flower Tree on Orange. i t was part of an exhibition of the artist's work by the Saint Mary's University Art Gallery in 2009. About 4' high and 3' wide, it adds a splash of colour among the armchairs in front of the glass wall looking out on to the quad. If you're interested in samples of other work by these artists, go to a Facebook page HERE or a web site HERE . And let us know what you think of these latest en...

Apparently there is a water pressure problem throughout Halifax which the water commission is busy trying to repair. Which is why the washrooms in the library and many other parts of the campus need to be closed. Some washrooms are available, including the Atrium, Science and Burke buildings. A bit of a hike but not too far. The library's packed today so hopefully the problem will be fixed soon. In the meantime, thanks for your patience.

...for the past few days now a fairly loud drilling noise can be heard periodically in many parts of the library, some louder than others. We know it's disruptive and we know it's annoying. And we apologize profusely. But, unfortunately, there's no way around it. This building is about 35 years old and some of the exterior is starting to show it's age. In order to prevent further deterioration and leaking, repairs need to be made to the brickwork. Which requires a lot of drilling. Which explains all that noise. We wish it didn't need to be done but.... We've been told that the work is scheduled to be completed by October 21. For your and our sake we hope they're right. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

...started today and the Library is a big part of it. Education Week is a series of events designed to inform Saint Mary's students about the various campus resources and services that are available to them. For more info and the full schedule, go to SMUSA's web site . On Tuesday we will be offering workshops on how to use the library to get the books, articles and other materials your professors want and you need. We'll introduce you to the book catalogue and our journal databases as well as provide tips on getting the most out of the library's web site. If you want to learn how the library works, this is your chance. Sessions are open to all, just drop by the new classroom at the far end of the main floor. They're being held 11:00-noon and 4:oo-5:00 (and "refreshments will be served"). Hope to see you tomorrow.

If you are, be sure to check out our new Forensics Sciences LibGuide. You can find it in the "Get started in..." drop down menu on our homepage or by going HERE . Libguides are convenient, one-stop-shopping electronic introductions to a particular academic discipline. We have 30 of them, one for every department on campus. The forensic science guide includes tips on searching for books (including e-books), reference sources, recommended relevant journal databases, even suggestions for other useful web sites. It also provides help with academic writing and style guides and citations. While LibGuides were designed for those exploring a subject for the first time, experienced researchers find them useful as well. It really is a great way to "get started".

As you know, most of the library's computers are clustered near the entrance. In the midst of a high traffic area. With the service desks close at hand. And study tables and working students just a few feet away. Which means (as some of you have informed us) that computer users are frequently trying to work in the midst of a pretty hectic environment. It's true that there are more PCs at the far end of the first floor but they're pretty popular. With that in mind, we recently made some changes to the IT services we offer: 6 computers have been relocated to the third floor. This, of course, is a "Quiet Zone" where no noise is permitted, assuring that some of you will be able to use a computer free of the distractions all too common on the main floor. 4 of them are along the right hand wall as you come on to the floor while the other 2 are in the far corner. And they are connected to the printers downstairs. Many students own a laptop, tablet or smart phone,...

It doesn't matter whether you're just starting out at Saint Mary's or you're a seasoned veteran. September represents a fresh start. Grade 12 or your first (or second or third) year is history. Now there's new courses, new profs, new things to learn. That's where we come in. The Library will be here whenever you need us. Got a paper to write? Can't find that one perfect article that will shine a light on a topic giving you fits? Need a quiet place to study? For you or your group? Need a computer? Need some advice? We offer all those things. So drop into the library or drop by our web site. And if you can't find what you need, ask us. We're there to make your (academic) life just a little easier. Enjoy the year.

We're just about to start the Labour Day weekend - the calm before the storm. Which means that the library will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday to give us a breather before the campus revs up for another Fall term. On Tuesday we'll be open 9:00am-5:00pm. Because Wednesday is the first day of classes, that's when we'll move into the schedule we'll have for the rest of the semester: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 7:00pm Sunday noon - 11:00pm But in the meantime, we're going to enjoy these few days off...

It's that time of year! A new batch of incoming students is careening around the corner and they're all going to need an ID card. And not just any old card. The official Saint Mary's "get into football games, get your bus pass, check out library books, I'm now a real university student" card. And where and when can you acquire such a hallowed piece of identification? It goes like this: August 25 - noon August 30: in the Library ID office (closed Sat. & Sun.) August 31 - September 2 10am-4pm: at the Service Expo, Loyola 290 September 3-5 11am-3:30pm: at the Service Expo, Loyola 290 September 6-7 5 10am-4:30pm: at the Service Expo, Loyola 290 September 7 7pm-9pm: back in the Library September 8 10am-9pm: Library September 9 10am-5pm: Library September 10> regular ID office hours resume That should just about cover it. But if you have any questions related to the wonderful world of IDs, just call the Circulation Desk at 420-5547.