Love Medicine - review

Wondering if you should read the first book in the "North Dakota Reads" series? Well, I would recommend that you do! The stories are based on the lives of several Chippewa Indian families and some white families that they interact with. The setting is North Dakota near a reservation from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Louise Erdrich is an excellent writer and she will keep you interested as she portrays the every day life and struggles of these families. Their individual stories are sometimes sad to downright heart-wrenching, but also funny with some dark humor. I will admit that this is not necessarily a "feel-good" read, but I was certainly glad that I did read it and came away feeling I had learned something from it.

North Dakota Reads Discussion

All books currently available at Stoxen! Many copies of each!
Come stop by and pick up yours today!

Need to do some research and don’t know where to begin?
Here is a session on using the Library homepage that should be useful!

Sessions for Spring Semester:

Jan. 25 (Friday) – 10:00 – 10:50 am

Jan. 29 (Tuesday) – 3:00 – 3:50 pm

Jan. 31 (Thursday) – 2:00 - 2:50 pm

Feb. 6 (Wednesday) – 11:00 – 11:50 am

These sessions are for transfer students, international students, students returning to school after an absence and anyone wanting to see a brief overview of the Library homepage. This does not substitute for the library instruction provided in Freshmen Seminar and Composition 120 classes.

Class sessions are 45 – 50 minutes in length and have a maximum enrollment of 30 students (minimum of 5). Topics covered include a general review of the Library’s webpage, ODIN, accessing one’s library account and Academic Search Premier. Sessions begin at the Library Main Service desk with a 5 minute walk through the library.

New Database: Oxford English Dictionary / OED Online

The Oxford English Dictionary is widely acknowledged to be the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of English in the world. It is also the definitive record of English language development, tracing the evolution of more than 600,000 words over the last 1,500 years through 2.5 million quotations from a wide range of sources.

Features and benefits of OED Online
• Unprecedented access to the 20-volume Second Edition and the three Additions Series volumes, plus at least 1,800 new and revised entries each quarter
• Select how entries are displayed by turning pronunciations, etymologies, variant spellings, and quotations on and off
• Everything from simple word look-ups to sophisticated Boolean searching, using any of the fields in the Dictionary, can be done with speed and ease
• Find a term when you know the meaning but have forgotten the word
• Use wildcards if you are unsure of a spelling, or if you want to search for words with common characteristics
• Search for quotations from a specified year, or from a particular author and/or work
• Search for words which have come into English via a particular language
• Search pronunciations as well as accented and other special characters
• Search for first cited date, authors, and works
• Search for words with a particular part of speech
• Perform case-sensitive searches
• Restrict a search to a previous results set
• Compare revised entries with entries from the Second Edition to see how the language has changed and how new scholarship has increased understanding of our linguistic and cultural heritage.

Take a fully-illustrated tour or check out the word of the day.

Available to you 24/7 from your library.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Student Success

Welcome to a new semester and a new series of "Nourishment and Knowledge" workshops offered by the Academic Success Center (ASC). For the first workshop, we invite you to join us for lunch and an exchange of ideas on this topic:

Overcoming Roadblocks to Student Success

#1:Intervening When Students Need Academic Services

Student Center Room 18

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

12:00-12:50 P.M.

Dr. Regina Clark will lead this workshop describing the services that the ASC offers and explaining how you can make use of the ASC to help your own students. Come to hear about the concept of "academic intervention" and how you can intervene when your students show signs of needing academic assistance. Join in the discussion about identifying such students early in the semester, directing them to the kind of help they need as soon as possible, and enlisting the aid of others on campus (including the ASC and its services to students). Your questions and ideas are welcome!

RSVP by Friday, January 18 in order to reserve a meal at this workshop luncheon. You may respond to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) by e-mail at Sonja.Steffen@DickinsonState.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We look forward to having you join us and our continuing conversation about teaching and learning at DSU.

Stoxen Library Hours

Martin Luther King Holiday Hours

Saturday, Jan. 19- closed
Sunday, Jan. 20 – closed
Monday, Jan. 21 – 4:00pm – 11p.m.


Regular Hours

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Happy Holidays!

Need a break? Plan a vacation.
Or warm up with a good book.


Stoxen Library has a display of books near the entrance, that can help you do just that! See you soon.

Happy Holidays

from Library Staff

Consumer Guides for Getting & Keeping Health Insurance

We "bump" into some terrific free guides and this is one. As we all know, health insurance is a HUGE issue these days in the U.S. If you don't have a horror story relating to this, you most likely have a family member, friend or colleague with one. This Consumer Guide for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance is published by the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute and has a guide for each state and the District of Columbia. The guides summarize your rights and protection regarding health insurance.

The guides are organized similarly, including a summary of legal protections, specific information for those in group plans and individual plans, information for small businesses and the self- employed, financial assistance options (federal and state), useful phone numbers and other contact information, and a glossary of health insurance-related terms.

Health & Wellness Resource Center

The Health & Wellness Resource Center has just completed an upgrade to their database. This is a comprehensive consumer health resource that provides access to medical, statistical, health and related information. It lets you browse the latest health news, review a set of subject areas, review and select a particular resource or search across the entire database. Locate this resource via the library homepage. At the pull-down menu for subject resources, choose "health & nursing," then the Health & Wellness Resource Center.

Introducing the ...

The Small Business Resource Center is an invaluable one-stop business research center. This comprehensive database offers content that covers all major areas of starting and operating a business, including accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, tax and more. Based on a combination of unparalleled periodical and reference content, the Small Business Resource Center is a unmatched source of information for the prospective and current entrepreneurial community, as well as for students in business programs. They can link directly to pre-compiled information based on popular business topics and types, as well as sample business plans. From conducting industry research to financial planning...to marketing a product and franchising a business...users have access to all the information they need.”

Access available through the Business Resources page on the library's web site.

View a power point describing the Small Business Resource Center.

Extended Hours for Finals

Stoxen Library Hours

Extended Hours
Saturday, Dec. 1............ 1:00-4:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 8............ 1:00-4:00pm

Finals Week
Sat., Dec. 8....................... 1:00-4:00pm
Sun., Dec. 9..................... 4:00-11:00pm
Mon., Dec. 10.................. 8:00-11:00pm
Tues., Dec. 11.................. 8:00-11:00pm
Wed., Dec. 12.................. 8:00-11:00pm
Thurs., Dec. 13................ 8:00-11:00pm
Fri., Dec. 14..................... 8:00-4:30pm
Sat. & Sun., Dec. 15 &16..... Closed

Semester Break Hours Dec.15 - Jan.6
Monday- Friday 8a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed Weekends
Closed Holidays
-Mon. & Tue., Dec. 24 & 25 - Christmas Holiday
-Tues., Jan.1 - New Year’s Day

Regular Hours Resume Jan. 7
Monday-Thursday 8a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Traumatic Stress Literature - PILOTS

The PILOTS database is an electronic index to the worldwide literature on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental-health consequences of exposure to traumatic events. It is produced by the National Center for PTSD, and is electronically available to the public. There is no charge for using the database, and no account or password is required. Although it is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the PILOTS database is not limited to literature on PTSD among veterans. Try out this FREE resource!

Book Discussion

Please join me tonight at 7 pm in the library classroom (lower level of Stoxen) to talk about Deborah Ford's book of poetry A Kind of Heaven: Poems of Viet Nam. All interested persons are welcome, even if you haven't read or finished the book. I'll have copies of a few poems, and we will read them together and chat. I hope to see a few friendly faces tonight for the last activiity of the Heart River Writers' Circle for this semester. Dave Solheim

Objective Test Strategies

Have you ever had students that are not sure how to prepare for objective tests. The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students prepare a plan on how to best succeed with these tests.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo: Strategies for Succeeding on Objective Tests

Wednesday, November 28th at 8:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

Students will develop a way to best take objective tests. If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster. Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999.

Planning Your Major

If you have students still deciding on a major -- or students with declared majors who could use further guidance -- they may appreciate the help that the ASC is offering them:

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Chart a Course for the Future:

Planning Your Major and Academic Program

Student Center Ballroom

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

3:00 - 4:00 P.M.

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster. Please reply to tell us if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We hope to see you at this workshop or at another one soon!

SUPERSIZED!

Don't miss the oversized books on display. The books are being checked out quickly. You can find them on top of the new books shelf.

Writing Center Workshop

The Academic Success Center invites you to join us for the sixth "Nourishment and Knowledge" workshop of the semester. Mark your calendar now to join us for lunch and an exchange of ideas on this topic:

Building the Writing Center into Your Spring Syllabus:

What We Can Do for You and Your Students

Student Center Room 18

Monday, November 19, 2007

12:00-12:50 P.M.

We will share ideas for tapping the Writing Center--and the Writing Center Coordinator--as a resource for your students both in and out of the classroom and for you both in and out of the classroom. Come to hear about ways that we can assist you in your efforts to help your students improve as writers in their courses across the disciplines.
RSVP by Friday, November 16 in order to reserve a meal at this workshop luncheon. You may respond to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) by e-mail at Sonja.Steffen@DickinsonState.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We look forward to having you join us and our continuing conversation about when and how to use writing to teach and learn.

Poetry Reading - Heart River Writers Circle

Join the Heart River Writers' Circle tonight at 7 pm in Beck Auditorium. Dr. Deborah Ford will be reading from her recent poetry. Ford has published four books of poetry, most recently A Kind of Heaven: Poems of Viet Nam. This second main event of this year's Heart River Writers' Circle is funded through University Fees and sponsored by Stoxen Library and the Department of Language and Literature. All are welcome to attend this free, public event. Dr. Ford's reading will be followed by a reception with book sales and book signing. People interested in a further discussion of Dr. Ford's poetry may join the discussion group next Tuesday 20 November at 7 pm in library classroom on the lower level of Stoxen Library. The discussion will focus on A Kind of Heaven and participants are encouraged to read the book, but it is not required to participate in the discussion.

ESL Writing Roundtable

The Academic Success Center invites you to join us for the fifth "Nourishment and Knowledge" workshop of the semester. Mark your calendar now to join us for lunch and an exchange of ideas on this topic:

ESL Writing Roundtable II:Continuing the Conversation

Student Center Room 18

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

12:00-12:50 P.M.

This is an extension of the October 23 workshop on the same topic. At that meeting, our exchange of ideas, concerns, and current practices set the stage for our continued discussion at this session. You will hear from ESL students themselves about some of the difficulties of writing in a second language. We'll share ESL teaching strategies from colleagues at other institutions and discuss which ones seem most promising for your own students. You can also share how your thinking about this topic has evolved since our last get-together.

Even if you did not attend the October 23 session, you are invited to this workshop to join in productive conversation and help generate ideas to improve your teaching and your students' learning.RSVP by Thursday, November 8 in order to reserve a meal at this workshop luncheon. You may respond to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) by e-mail at Sonja.Steffen@DickinsonState.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We look forward to having you join us and our continuing conversation about when and how to use writing to teach and learn.

Personal Safety Workshop

I'd like to extend a special invitation to your classes to attend the Academic Success Center's Academic Skills Enhancement workshop next Thursday, November 8 at 8:00 A.M. in the Student Center ballroom. It's titled, "Protect Yourself: Maintaining Your Personal Safety" and will offer students information on topics related to: 1) identity theft, 2) stalking, 3) sexual misconduct, and 4) alcohol-induced risks. The goal is to challenge students to be aware of their surroundings, improve their safety habits, and take steps to protect others.

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact me; I would gladly send you a copy of the attendance roster.

Because the Academic Success Center wishes to serve the DSU community,we would welcome suggestions from you for workshops for next semester or next year. Also, if you would like us to schedule a specific workshop during your class time, please let me know.Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999.

Time management

The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students find a way to better manage their time.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Doing It All: Balancing School, Work, and Play

Thursday, November 1st at 9:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

This workshop addresses such things as time management and prioritizing. There will also be clues on how to set up an effective schedule to set them up to help manage their time.If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster.

Encouraging Non-Readers

The Academic Success Center invites you to join us for the fourth "Nourishment and Knowledge" workshop of the semester. Mark your calendar now to join us for lunch and an exchange of ideas on this topic:

Encouraging Non-Readers:Strategies to Help Students with Difficulty Reading

Student Center Room 18

Monday, November 5, 2007

12:00-12:50 P.M.

We will talk about those students who simply don't read the textbooks or articles assigned for their courses. Whether the texts are beyond the students' reading levels or just outside their reading interests, there are sound strategies you can use to get students "into" the reading, to support them as they read, and to measure their understanding before, during, and after reading. We are tapping the expertise of Dr. Becky Pitkin from the Department of Teacher Education to share research-based, effective teaching practices to get students reading . . . and making use of their reading in class discussions, writing assignments, examinations, research projects, etc.

RSVP by Thursday, November 1 in order to reserve a meal at this workshop luncheon. You may respond to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) by e-mail at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We look forward to having you join us and our continuing conversation about teaching and learning across campus.

Scholarships and Grants workshop

Have you ever had students tell you that they need more money for college but they don't know how to go about getting it. The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students find and apply for scholarships and grants.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Show Me the Money!: Finding and applying for Scholarships and Grants

Thursday, October 25th at 11:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

This workshop addresses such things as scholarships and grants, and the differences between the two. There will also be clues onto which grants and scholarships might be available to certain students and how to effectively apply for them.

Learning Style Workshop

Have you ever had students tell you that you don't teach to their learning style? (Have you ever felt that way about a class in which you yourself were a student?)The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students learn even when their learning styles and their instructors' teaching methods don't seem to match.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

They Just Don't Get Me!Adapting to Teaching that Doesn't Match Your Learning Style

Tuesday, October 23rd at 9:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

Students will discover their preferred learning styles and how to study in ways that take advantage of those preferences. They will also learn how to adjust when the teaching doesn't seem suited to their particular learning styles. "But that's not my learning style" is no excuse not to learn!

Book Discussion

Dr. Gary Cummisk will lead the first book discussion of this year's Heart River Writers' Circle at 7 pm on Monday 15 October in the library classroom on the lower level of Stoxen. The discussion will focus on Rawdon Tomlinson's book of poetry, Geronimo After Kas-ki-yeh, and include some other examples of poetry and fiction related to historical events and characters. Although reading is encouraged, it is not required to have read the book to attend and participate in the discussion; all interested persons are welcome. The activities of the Heart River Writers' Circle are funded through University Fees and sponsored by Stoxen Library and the Department of Language and Literature.

MLA & APA Formats Workshop

Using MLA and APA Formats in Academic Writing?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Student Center Ballroom

I'd like to extend a special invitation to your classes to attend the Academic Success Center's Academic Skills Enhancement workshop next Wednesday, October 17th at 10:00 A.M. in the Student Center ballroom. It's titled, "We’ll Give You Points for Style: Using MLA and APA formats in Academic Writing" and will offer students information on both sets of style guidelines: similarities and differences, the purpose of following formats, the basic information to remember about each, and resources for additionalinformation. The goal is to get students thinking about why academic writers use MLA or APA and to provide students with sources to consult with their future questions.If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact me; I would gladly send you a copy of the attendance roster.Because the Academic Success Center wishes to serve the DSU community,we would welcome suggestions from you for workshops for next semester or next year. Also, if you would like us to schedule a specific workshop during your class time, please let me know.Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. I hope to see you at Wednesday's workshop or at another one soon.

Goal Setting Workshop

All our students have goals of some kind. However, some students may need encouragement setting higher goals for themselves, and other students may need practical advice on how to achieve their goals. Perhaps all students could benefit from an upcoming ASC workshop:

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Where Am I Going, and How Do I Get There?Goal Setting for Success

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 8:00 - 9:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster.Please reply to tell us if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We hope to see you at this workshop or at another one soon!

Managing Conflict Workshop

Are your students having difficulty managing conflict? The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students learn to manage conflict before it manages them.

Academic Success CenterAcademic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?: Managing Conflict Before it Manages You
Wednesday, October 10th at 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Ballroom

Students will discover the importance of managing conflict before it manages them.
If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster.Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will be attending. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999.

Banned Books Week Wrap-Up

What better way to wrap-up banned books week than to spend a few minutes on the #1 most challenged books of the 21st century (so far): the Harry Potter series. Few books are at once so beloved and so despised. People of all ages stood in lines for hours the day the last book was released - it brought in a reported $166 million within 24 hours. These same books have been the source of protests in schools and libraries across the country - primarily from parents afraid that they promote witchcraft or the occult. In response, books have been written such as God, the devil, and Harry Potter : a Christian minister’s defense of the beloved novels and The wisdom of Harry Potter : what our favorite hero teaches us about moral choices. (Both of these are availale at Stoxen Library as well as the entire series - if you can find them on the shelf!)

So, if you are looking for something to read, here are a few reasons why you might like to get to know Harry Potter.

1. Great characters that grow and develop as the series goes on.

2. The worst? villain ever.

3. A real trip into another reality.

4. Enough adventure for just about anybody.

Banned Book Week Continues...

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder is on the banned book list. It is available at Stoxen Library PZ7.W6461 Li2

The book is about a year in the life of two young girls growing up on the Wisconsin frontier, as they help their mother with the daily chores, enjoy their father’s stories and singing, and share special occasions when they get together with relatives or neighbors.

“As a child, this book really started my love for reading. I was hooked on the first book and continued reading the nine-book Little House series. The series provides detailed information about the struggles and constant hard work of pioneer life.” – Corina Zalesky, Stoxen Library

Banned Books Week - Pigman

The Pigman by Paul Zindel (#44 on the banned list) tells the story of Angelo Pignati and Lorraine and John, two sophomores in high school . John is the typical trouble maker and Lorraine strives to achieve something regardless of her paranoia and her mother's put-downs. Mr. Pignati, traumatized by his wife's death, is in a state of denial and believes that she has gone away on a trip.

Paul Zindel, the author of the novel, uses a talented sense of humor in this teen novel. This book has shock value and may disturb some people. However, it shares a good message of friendship, love, and compassion. The transformation of the characters is genuine. The teens learn about life and the skills they will need for growing up. “It is serious as it is funny, as moral as it is tough, as truthful as it is exciting.” (Elizabeth Janeway)

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week (Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2007) is all about emphasizing the choice to read what you want. One of my favorites from the list of "Most Frequently Challenged Books for 1990-2000" is Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (#47 on the list). I read this book for a class in college and it has stuck with me all these years. It is about Charlie, a 32 year old man who after becoming involved in a drug experiment goes from a state of mental retardation to that of a genius. It is one of those stories about how we perceive one another and how we treat one another. A good read for any one!

Banned Books Week

Each year the American Library Association and several publishers groups sponsor Banned Book Week – Celebrating the Freedom to Read. This annual event reminds us not to take for granted the freedom of the press that guarantees the freedom to read in our country. This year banned book week is Sept. 29 – Oct. 6.

Every year hundreds of books and other materials are “challenged” in libraries and schools around the country. A “challenged” book is one for which a formal request or complaint has been made requesting that it be removed from the library’s shelves or the school’s curriculum. These include works as wide-ranging as Little House on the Prairie, To Kill a Mockingbird or the Bible.

Check back throughout the week as members of the library staff reflect on books that have been “challenged” at various times through the years. The links below will provide you with more information about Banned Book Week as well as a small listing of books owned by Stoxen Library that have been on various Challenged Book Lists.

Crunching Numbers

While some of our students excel in math-related courses, others find "thinking mathematically" a challenge. The ASC is offering a workshop to help those students with one of the biggest challenges they face: performing their best on math exams.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Crunching Numbers: Techniques for Triumphing on Math Tests

Thursday, October 4, 20071:00 - 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Ballroom

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster. Please reply to tell us if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or phone us at 483-2999.

Test Anxiety

The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students learn how to handle the stress of taking tests.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Out the Brain Freeze: Conquering Test Anxiety

Wednesday, October 3rd at 12:00 P.M.

Student Center Ballroom

Students will discover ways to tackle their test anxiety, such as how to relax when taking a test.If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster. Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999.

Preventing Plagiarism

The Academic Success Center invites you to join us for the second "Nourishment and Knowledge" workshop of the semester.

Preventing Plagiarism:
Proactive Steps to Keep Students Honest in Their Writing

Student Center Room 18

Monday, October 8, 200712:00-12:50 P.M.

We will discuss how technology makes it easier not only for students to plagiarize but also for instructors to detect plagiarism. We will also share sound teaching techniques that can thwart intentional plagiarism with assignments and instruction that are good for all students (not just those prone to academic dishonesty). We will invite you to share the ideas you have implemented in your teaching to prevent students from plagiarizing in their writing rather than having to react to it.

RSVP by Thursday, October 4 in order to reserve a meal at this workshop luncheon. You may respond to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) by e-mail at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We look forward to having you join us and our continuing conversation about when and how to use writing to teach and learn.

Theodore Roosevelt Center

Stop by Stoxen Library and check out our newly renovated space housing the Theodore Roosevelt Center.

A student viewing the Theodore Roosevelt Center online at the kiosk.

Dr. Hutson, from the Library of Congress, visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Center.

Read the announcement in the Dickinson State Digest.

Academic Success Center Fall Tutoring Schedule

Tutoring Schedule
Fall 2007

Come to the Academic Success Center (lower level of Stoxen Library) to make an appointment with a tutor by scheduling a date and time for yourself in the appointment book.

Writing Center

Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM-4:30PM

Wednesday 9:00AM-12:00PM 1:00PM-4:30PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 4:30 PM

Math Center

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00AM - 12:00PM 1:00PM - 4:30 PM

Friday 10:00AM – 12:00PM 1:00PM – 3:00PM

Tutoring Center

Accounting Tuesday 1:00PM - 4:00PM Thursday 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Computers Wednesday 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Economics Tuesday 1:00PM – 4:00PM Thursday 9:00AM – 12:00PM
History Tuesday 1:00PM – 4:00PM Thursday9:00AM – 12:00PM
Human Anatomy Wednesday 11:00AM – 12:00PM Friday 11:00AM – 12:00 PM
Political Science Tuesday 1:00PM – 4:00PM Thursday 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Psychology Wednesday 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Sociology Tuesday 1:00PM – 4:00PM Thursday 9:00AM – 12:00PM

For assistance with study skills, sign up for an appointment with any available tutor any day of the week in the Writing Center, Math Center, or Tutoring Center.

Contact us in the lower level of Stoxen Library, by phone at 483-2999, or by e-mail at dsu.asc@dickinsonstate.edu.

Study advice

Need advice on how to create an environment and to exercise behaviors conducive to concentration while studying? The ASC is offering them some help:

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Caution! Scholar at Work:Controlling Your Study Environment and Habits

Student Center Ballroom

Thursday, September 27, 20073:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Do I have to grow up?

Have you ever had students that are not sure hot to handle the new responsibility of being an adult? The Academic Success Center is offering a workshop to help students learn how to handle responsibility of adulthood and college.

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Do I have to grow up? Taking on Adult Responsibilities with Success

Wednesday, September 26th at 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Ballroom

Students will discover the importance of being responsible for their actions. Such things such as accountability are important.If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster.

Put It in Writing: Note Taking

Do your students take notes during lectures or discussions in your classes? Do you assign reading for which they take notes? If so, they may appreciate the help that the ASC is offering them:

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Put It in Writing:Note Taking Techniques to Get the Most Out of Class and Into Your Brain

Thursday, September 20 at 10:00 A.M.

Student Center Ballroom

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster. Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We hope to see you at this workshop or at another one soon!

In One Eye and Out the Other

If you have students who struggle with understanding what they read in their textbooks, the ASC is offering a workshop that can help:

Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

In One Eye and Out the Other:Reading and Using Your Textbooks Effectively

Tuesday, September 18th at 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Ballroom

If you have a class during this time, please feel free to bring the entire class to the workshop. If your class is not at this time, you may still encourage your students to attend. If you would like to offer credit for their attending this workshop but cannot attend yourself, simply contact us at the ASC; we would gladly provide you with a copy of the attendance roster.Please reply to tell if your class will attend and how many students you will bring. You may send your reply to Sonja Steffen (ASC Administrative Secretary) at Sonja.Steffen@dickinsonstate.edu or by telephone at 483-2999. We hope to see you at this workshop or at another one soon!

Managing Learning Attitudes and Behaviors

On Wednesday, September 12th at 8:00 am in the Student Center Ballroom, the ASC is offering a workshop on managing learning attitudes and behaviors. Students who attend this workshop will discover the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in life and in college. Students will compare positive and negative attitudes as well as determine that they are in charge of their attitudes. They will also discover effective things that they can do to create a study environment conducive to academic success. If you are planning to attend, please call 483-2999 or RSVP to Sonja.Steffen@dsu.nodak.edu

ASC Workshop : I Need Help

Over the course of the semester, we have all had students approach us who were struggling academically. Here is an opportunity to learn about the appropriate resources on campus and how you can guide and direct students more effectively. The ASC Workshop "I Need Help: Using the Academic Success Center" scheduled for Tuesday, September 11th at 1pm in the Student Center Ballroom is targeted at helping students understand what services are available within the ASC unit and how students can access those services. If you are a new faculty or staff member, please feel free to join us as we review critical information on academic support services at DSU. It will help you as you direct students our way. If you are planning to attend, please call 483-2999 or RSVP to Sonja.Steffen@dsu.nodak.edu

Overview sessions

Do you need to do some research and don’t know where to begin? Are you new to campus and wish to have a library tour?
Then here is a session on using the Library homepage and tour that should be useful to you!

These sessions are for transfer students, international students, students returning to school after an absence and anyone wanting to have a brief introduction to the Library. This does not substitute for the library instruction provided in Freshmen Seminar and Composition 120 classes.

Class sessions are 45 – 50 minutes in length and have a maximum enrollment of 30 students (minimum of 5). Topics covered include a general review of the Library’s webpage, ODIN, accessing one’s library account and Academic Search Premier.

Sessions begin at the Library Main Service desk with a 10 minute walk through the library.

Sessions for Fall Semester will be held:

Monday, Aug. 27 - 3 – 4 pm
Thursday, Aug. 30-4 – 5 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 5 – 3 – 4 pm
Friday, Sept. 7 – 2 – 3 pm

Library Director Retires

After 27 years of service devoted to the University and the Library, Ms. Lillian Crook, Director of Stoxen Library, announced her retirement today effective August 10th. During her six year tenure as Director, the Library has been transformed into an information commons with increased services and patron usage; the Common Grounds coffee bar opened; and the Heart River Writer's Circle was created and enjoyed by many at DSU and within the community. We sincerely appreciate the contributions Ms. Crook has made to Dickinson State University and wish her well in her future endeavors. A retirement farewell celebration will be scheduled in mid September and I hope you all can attend to express your best wishes to Ms. Crook personally.

In Ms. Crook's absence, Ms. Rita Ennen has been appointed as the Interim Director of Stoxen Library effective August 13, 2007. Questions regarding the operation of the Library or services available should be directed to Ms. Ennen.

Rich Brauhn,
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Gate counts in 2006-2007 reach a new high of 180,035 patrons.

Internet Detective

Internet Detective is a free tutorial designed to help undergraduate students develop the critical thinking skills required to evaluate internet resources. This is one of the best tutorials I have ever run across...and I have looked at lots of tutorials! It explains the need for caution in selecting and using websites for research by university students. It requires about an hour to complete, but is nicely broken into sections so one can stop and start where you last left off. It was designed to be used by anyone and is, therefore, not specific to a particular library which is helpful. There are a few short quizes throughout the tutorial so one can test your skills. I especially liked that they address plagiarism issues within the tutorial.

Interlibrary Loan form

Stoxen Library has made it more convenient to access the Interlibrary Loan blank request form. The Interlibrary Loan link on the Stoxen Library website takes you to the Interlibrary Loan Instructions page. Select Click here to sign-in to the Stoxen Library “My Library Account” to access the Blank Interlibrary Form. We ask that you use the online form whenever requesting an item from another library. If there are questions or concerns, please contact the library staff.

Going Green!

Looking for information on going green? The public now has access to a database devoted to just this issue. Until recently, it was available only to government officials. So check out SustainLane Government Knowledge Base for information on “empowering consumers, businesses and government to go green.” Some of the topics available include climate change policy, street greening, green building, energy efficiency and many more. There is also access to SustainLane.com, a directory to green products and businesses and user reviews.

All new computers

All new computers are being installed today, for both the main and lower levels.

Summer begins

Congratulations to all graduates from the Stoxen Library staff. Have a great summer everyone!

Happy Birthday, Shakespeare!

Did you know that William Shakespeare was born on this day (April 23) in 1564 and died on the same date in 1616? In honor of his birthday, check out the following resources from your library. Clicking on this link will take you to a sampling of books either about Shakespeare and his works or inspired by them.

Library Week Door Prize Winners

Stop by the Main Service Desk at Stoxen Library to claim your prize!

Ipod Accessories
Jeremy Walston
Jesse Tallmon
Shaina Dolechek
Vicky Gullickson

Desk Accessory Set
Presley Meade
Rayma Figuerva

Common Grounds Coffee Cup Thermos
Dawn Anton
Jeremy Messer

Books
Deepak Gurung
Kevin Moberg
Dana Hillius
Shanna Thompson

Gate counts continue to increase!

Here is today’s update on Stoxen Library’s gate count statistics as of April 19, 2007.

Stoxen Library Gate Counter Statistics

Year Number
1998-99 119864
1999-00 115760
2000-01 111043
2001-02 110645
2002-03 115367
2003-04 128325
2004-05 145863
2005-06 164019
2006-07 155950 as of April 19, 2007

On Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2007 - 1077 people entered the Library.
Same Wednesday in 2006 – 965
Same Wednesday 2005 – 899

Check out the new acquisitions

A National Library week moment:

Check out the latest listings of new acquisitions.

Featured here is Ms. Rita Ennen, Assistant Director/Head of Technical Services, and team leader of the acquisitions department. Rita, in close collaboration with the faculty and other librarians, makes the acquisitions selections and works with others in the department to process the materials, and to make the Listing of New Library purchases available on the Library web page for all patrons.

Record turn-out for National Library Week book discussion

Dickinson State University's Theodore Roosevelt Scholar-in-Residence Clay Jenkinson leads today's Latte & Literature book discussion focusing on The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman.

JSTOR enhancement!

JSTOR, the scholarly journal archival database, has just added a new feature. The terms you searched with will now be highlighted within the article, allowing you to quickly find the relevant sections. This is especially nice for those 20-30 page articles!

Entrepreneurial display

Featuring Scott Molander, DSU class of 1988, The Wall Street Journal, and other business resources in Stoxen Library

Tomorrow's Heart River Writers' Circle book discussion

Tomorrow’s Heart River Writers' Circle book discussion of the book Dakota: A Spiritual Geography will commence at noon in the Roosevelt Room on the lower level of Stoxen Library (overflow location will be the Library Classroom on the same level). Also, come early if you’d like to purchase a sandwich and beverage at the coffee bar. The discussion begins at noon. Hope to see you there!

Heart River Writers’ Circle Book Discussion Friday, March 23

Dr. Bruce MacDuffie, Dickinson State University adjunct instructor of religion, will lead a Heart River Writers’ Circle follow-up discussion on Kathleen Norris’ book “Dakota: A Spiritual Geography” on March 23 from noon-1 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at Stoxen Library.

Norris appeared at DSU in early March as part of “Women’s Voices” programming and read from her best-selling non-fiction book “Dakota: A Spiritual Geography.” Honored as a New York Times “Notable Book of the Year” and selected by Library Journal as one of the best books of the year, Dakota offers a timeless tribute to a place in the American landscape that is at once desolate and sublime, harsh and forgiving, steeped in history and myth.

It is not necessary to have read the book in order to attend. The discussion is sponsored by the DSU Department of Language and Literature and Stoxen Library, and is free and open to the public.

Business Policy class attends coffee bar grand opening

Professor Debora Dragseth's Business Policy class attended the Common Grounds Coffee Bar grand opening on March 1. In 2004, the students in this class conducted the marketing research on the demand for a coffee bar in the library.

First resident of Hawk's Point attends book discussion & coffee bar grand opening

Pearl Zilsdorf, first resident of Hawk's Point, attending the Common Ground Coffee Bar grand opening and noon Latte & Literature book discussion.

Kathleen Norris reading tonight

One last friendly reminder of tonight’s Heart River Writers’ Circle reading and reception, featuring Kathleen Norris, author of Dakota : A Spiritual Geography.

7 p.m. Beck Auditorium

Coffee Bar grand opening a great success

The ribbon is cut, the door prizes have been given out! Shown here cutting the ribbon are Debora Dragseth, Professor of Business, President Lee Vickers, and Director Lillian Crook.

See the posting next the main entrance for a listing of door prize winners.

Free coffee today for the Grand Opening of the Common Grounds Coffee Bar

The Library staff cordially extends an invitation to attend today's grand opening of the Common Ground Coffee Bar in Stoxen Library from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Join us in celebrating the opening of the first true library coffee bar in North Dakota, and while you are here tour the newly renovated lower level.

Common Grounds proudly features freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and tantalizing Tazo teas. The menu also includes espresso, café latte, café mocha, cappuccino, macchiato, cold beverages, fruits, and a variety of snack foods.



11:30 Ribbon cutting

12 noon Latte & Literature book discussion, led by Karen N. Nelson, Adjunct Instructor of Communication. Frank McCourt’s memoir Teacher Man, Roosevelt Room (lower level)

12 – 3 p.m. Free samples of Starbucks coffee, free snacks, door prizes, and free Common Grounds frequent user cards

Book exchange!

Do you have books just taking up shelf space? BookMooch is a book exchange site. You type in the titles of the books you want to give away, mail those books to those who request them, receive points for those transactions and then use those points to ask for books from others. You also receive points for just listing your books. There is a huge selection of books available from this exchange. I do not want to suggest that you participate in this versus the Twice Told Tales Bookstore run by the Friends of the Public Library, but this is another option.

New JSTOR content - Business II Collection

We now have access to the newest JSTOR collection - Business II. When complete, the Business II Collection will feature at least fifty titles. This collection broadens the number of core international business titles in JSTOR and also includes a number of journals that explore the intersections between economics and law, policy, and psychology.

List of current titles in Business II.
Upcoming titles in Business II.

Quiet spaces, cont.

Quiet reading and study spaces are now available on the lower level (north end). Other quiet spaces in the library on the lower level are the Roosevelt Room (as available) and Viewing Rooms 1 and 2.
Individual study carrels are located on the balcony and main levels, behind the book stacks.

Know your copy rights!

There is a new, short (six pages) brochure available on copyright. It is titled “Know your copy rights” and is published by the Association of Research Libraries. The subtitle is “Tips for faculty and teaching assistants in higher education” so the focus is for university faculty rather than the general public. Check it out!

Teacher Man book discussion

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis, reminisces about his 30-year teaching career as a high school English teacher in New York City in his memoir Teacher Man. McCourt throws down the gauntlet on education, asserting that teaching is more than achieving high test scores. It’s about educating, about forming intellects, about getting people to think.

“Teacher Man is an irresistible valedictory about a man finding his voice in the classroom, on the page and in his soul.” The New York Times Book Review

Join leader Ms. Karen N. Nelson for a lively discussion of the book on March 1, noon- 1 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room, Stoxen Library. Books for this discussion are available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

New journal : The Adjunct Advocate

According to the U.S. New & World Report, the Adjunct Advocate is the only national news magazine for the country’s 600,000 adjunct college faculty. Readers get in-depth coverage of higher education from an absolutely unique perspective-from employment trends to classroom management, the Adjunct Advocate focuses on what college educators need to know.

See the current issue on the main level display near the coffee bar. Back issues are available for check out on the lower level.

Shifting the media collections for the 2nd time in a year

The crew shifting the media collections yet again, into the new location on the lower level of Stoxen Library.

A new custodian

Bonnie Dick is the new custodian at Stoxen Library.

A quiet nook: Remodeling is nearly complete

Remodeling on the lower level of the library is nearly complete and once again the library offers a quiet area for patron use. Come and check out the newly remodeled areas!

Stoxen Library's staff

The Stoxen Library full-time staff: Front L-R, Mrs. Corina Zalesky, Ms. Lillian Crook. Back L-R, Sister Faith Wanner, Miss Eileen Kopren, and Ms. Rita Ennen.

Dr. Alice Tirrell art collection on permanent display at Stoxen Library

Dr. Alice Tirrell, a former member of the Dickinson State University faculty, taught in the history department from 1959-1972. She completed undergraduate work at Wellesley College and held graduate degrees from Radcliffe College and Columbia University. Her collection of Native American artifacts and art are on permanent display at Stoxen Library.

DSU readers

Presidential Speeches

Here are three links to databases with Presidential Speeches information.

U.S. Presidential Speeches tags the top 100 words from each speech given by presidents over the years. It lets you analyze how words used have changed (or not) over the years. To use and find speeches, under the line “Top 100 tags,” you will find a line with green arrows. Move the arrows back and forth to locate different speeches on the time line.

Presidential Speeches-video & transcripts provides video for speeches by both Bushs' and by Clinton. Transcripts are from both Bushs', Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon, Johnson, Kennedy, Eisenhower and Truman.

American Presidency Project is a searchable database for Messages and Papers of the Presidents (1789-1913), Public Papers of the Presidents (1929-1993) and the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (1993-2007).

Those books don't just magically dance to the shelves.

Those books don't just magically dance to the shelves. Pictured here is Library Associate Sister Faith Wanner, processing a cart of new books.

Lower level progress report

The lower level area is progressing with the service desk now in place and shifting of back issues of journals into the black compact shelving.

Finally, the black plastic has come down!

Update on lower level remodeling: finally the black plastic has come down and carpeting the area that previously was closed periodical stacks has commenced.

Remodeling is progressing

The new compact shelving was installed during semester break and the staff is beginning the laborious process of shifting journals into this new area.

Starbucks now being served

Starting Monday, January 8th, Starbucks coffee is now being served at the Common Grounds Coffee Bar in Stoxen Library.

A new staff member for the new year

Mrs. Becky Needham has joined the staff as an Evening Supervisor. She comes to Stoxen Library with work experience at Grand Forks Public Library.

Tired of reading textbooks? Need some holiday reading? Check out the new books shelf adjacent to the main entrance.

Happy Holidays -- the Stoxen Library staff.

The Common Grounds coffee bar finally has its dry run!

The first cups, good to the last....! Pictured are Dr. Rich Brauhn, Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Shawna Egli, Educational Enhancement Services staff, enjoying the first pot of coffee on today's dry run of the Common Grounds Coffee Bar. The coffee bar, the first Dickinson location serving Starbucks coffee, will have a soft opening in early January. Watch this blog for announcements of the grand opening to come early in 2007!

The Library has thousands of e-books for your use

Stoxen Library provides access to over 12,000 e-books for your use!

A whole lot of checkouts

Stoxen Library checked out 22,057 items to students, 3,113 to faculty, 1,014 to staff, 999 to off-campus patrons, and 340 items as interlibrary loans.

Even more statistics

In fiscal year 2006, Stoxen Library staff answered 13,624 reference questions and circulated over 22,000 items. The online licensed databases received 112,737 searches!

More numbers

In fiscal year 06 Stoxen Library added 1,568 books to the collection and 4,897 issues of periodicals (journals and magazines).

Statistical Highlights

Statistical snapshots:

Stoxen Library's holdings includes 164,567 volumes, including 5,970 videos, DVDs, and music CDs. Additionally the library owns 12,238 e-books, and subscribes to 21,000 print and online journal titles. Patrons can access 77 licensed databases via the Library web page.

The halls are decked

The halls are decked at Stoxen Library. Stop in and pick out a few books for Christmas break reading. As finals approach, hours are extended by the library staff by opening on Saturdays, Dec. 2nd and 9th from 1-4 p.m.

Typical fall day at Stoxen Library

Typical fall day at Stoxen Library

Pass the turkey, please!

Displayed on the top of the new book shelving are books about Thanksgiving, pilgrims and turkeys. Enjoy!

To honor our veterans!

In observance of Veteran’s Day, there are books pertaining to military service located on the top of the New Book shelving. Many of them are narratives of personal experiences.

Biographies...we've got them!

What do Sandra Day O’Connor, John Lennon, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ted Turner and Lance Armstrong all have in common? Their biographies and many others are the current feature on the special book display just inside the library doors. Stop by and see who you might want to read about!

Educator of the Year

Congratulations
Eileen!

Please join the library staff in celebrating Eileen, the Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year! Come to the library foyer at 1:00 today for cookies and lemonade. Way to go, Eileen. We are so proud of you!

Trick or Treat?

Check out the books and videos on witches, ghosts and goblins. The items are displayed on top of the New Book shelving.

Literary Reference Center

Looking for information on an author or their works? Check out the Literary Reference Center – a full text database featuring literature of all types, both classic and contemporary. You can access this database via a link on the Online Reference Resources page on the library’s website.

Content includes:
More than 10,000 plot summaries, synopses and work overviews
75,000 articles of literary criticism
130,000 author biographies
Full text of over 300 literary journals
500,000 book reviews
25,000 classic and contemporary poems
Over 11,000 classic and contemporary short stories
3,000 author interviews
Over 1,000 images of key literary figures

books by Symposium authors

Books by the visiting authors for the Roosevelt Symposium are now on display in the library. Patricia O'Toole, Douglas Brinkley, Candice Millard, and Tweed Roosevelt are all represented in this display. The Roosevelt Symposium begins today and runs through Saturday evening.