The Bones of Plenty

For our next ND Reads program we will be discussing The Bones of Plenty by Lois Phillips Hudson. Lois Hudson was born and spent her early years in Jamestown, ND. The Bones of Plenty was her first novel and it won the first prize from the Friends of American Writers.

The Bones of Plenty has been described as taking a “brutally accurate” look at the hardships of farm life during the depression. The story is placed near Eureka, North Dakota during 1933-1934. It depicts drought, landlords and bank failures along with the many other daily struggles of farm life. Written as a series of episodes almost like a journal, the book leaves you with a vivid impression of the day to day life experience of the Custer family. Pick up this wonderful book and finish with a greater understanding of the depression years and feeling that you lived for a short while on that farm.

New books and more

Remember to check the New Library Purchases page for a complete listing by month of all new materials added to the library collections. The list for Feb. 2008 has just been posted.

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

Overcoming Roadblocks to Student Success #2:

Accommodating Students with Disability Services

Student Center room 18

Monday, March 10, 2008

12:00-12:50 P.M.

Missi Baranko with Disability Services and Kelly Mattis with Educational Enhancement Services will lead this workshop describing the services that DSU offers to students with documented disabilities. Conversation will center on the challenges that such students face in the university and the ways that instructors and the ASC can work together to support them. Please join in the discussion; your questions and ideas are welcome! RSVP by Thursday, March 6 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. [If you will be away from your office during Spring Break, RSVP this week to avoid forgetting to do so next week!]

Stoxen Library Spring Break Hours

Spring Break Hours

Sat. & Sun., Mar. 1 & 2 – Closed

Mon. – Fri., March 3 – 7

8:00am – 4:30pm

Sat. March 8 – Closed

Sun. March 9 – 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Stoxen Library Regular Hours

Monday-Thursday 8a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

What's new at the library?

Here is a session especially for staff and faculty about new products/new features and tips from your librarians. Plan to attend one of the following sessions (approximately 45 minutes):

Wednesday, Feb. 27 – 3 pm or
Thursday, Feb. 28 – 2 pm

These sessions will be held in the classroom on the lower level of the library. Please RSVP to Eileen (483-2136 or eileen.kopren@dickinsonstate.edu) if you plan to attend.

College Library Website of the Month!

The Communication Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries has named Stoxen Library's website their Feb. 2008 College Library Website of the Month. Their full review of our site can be found here.

More Opportunities from the ASC

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 Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?: Managing Differences
Tuesday, February 26th at 1:00 P.M.

Student Center Room 112

Students will discover productive techniques for dealing with the conflicts that inevitably arise in life. Conflict may be unavoidable, but it doesn't always have to have negative results. Students will learn how to handle conflict in a healthy way.

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, February 28 at 9:00 A.M.

Student Center Room 112

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 keep attendance rosters to help you determine who form your class attended.
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!

Fun Valentine's Day Facts

Okay, so this isn't totally library related...but it's fun! These facts are from the ResourceShelf News. Look for the North Dakota connection:

1,198
Number of locations producing chocolate and cocoa products in 2005. These establishments employed 38,718 people. California led the nation in the number of such establishments with 128, followed by Pennsylvania with 121.

26 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2006.

$411 million
The combined wholesale value of domestically produced cut flowers in 2006 for all flower-producing operations with $100,000 or more in sales. Among states, California was the leading producer, alone accounting for about three-quarters of this amount ($316 million).

6%
The percentage of currently married women who have been married for at least 50 years. Just more than half of currently married women have been married for at least 15 years.

Romantic-sounding places to spend Valentine’s Day:
Roseville, Calif.
Rose City, Mich.
South Heart, N.D.
Loveland, Colo.
Darling township,
Minn.Loveland, Ohio
Romeo, Colo

More opportunities from the Academic Success Center

Three new workshops are being offered by the Academic Success Center.

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

Tuesday, February 19, 200812:00 - 12:50

P.M.Student Center Room 112

Have you ever had students that have difficulties when taking a test. 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

The Out the Brain Freeze: Conquering Test Anxiety

Wednesday, February 20th at 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Room 112

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 and FAFSA tips.
Academic Success Center

Academic Skills Enhancement Workshop

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

Wednesday, February 27th at 10:00 A.M.

Student Center Room 18

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.

If you have a class during these times, 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!

MIND CANDY?

See what you are feeding you're brain.

The Brain Food Pyramid @ Stoxen Library can help you nourish your brain.

(Notice the top of the pyramid is all our favorite: mind candy?)

North Dakota Reads tonight!

Tonight (February 11th) at 7:00 p.m. in Klinefelter 107 Stoxen Library and the North Dakota Humanities Council are sponsoring a North Dakota Reads Books Discussion. We will be talking about Louise Erdrich ( a North Dakota author) and her award winning book of stories Love Medicine. Please come out and join us. Our guest speaker is Cindy Nichols an instuctor of creative writing and literature at North Dakota State University.

Library Hours - President's Day Holiday

Stoxen Library Hours

President’s Day Holiday Hours

Saturday Feb. 16 - Closed

Sunday Feb. 17 – Closed

Monday Feb. 18 – 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Regular Hours

Monday-Thursday 8a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

New Plagiarism DVD

We have a new plagiarism DVD available at the Library. The run time is 18 minutes with six “chapters.” The chapter titles are “Introduction,” “Types of Plagiarism,” “Organization,” “Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing,” “Documentation and Citation,” and “Conclusion.” There is a Discussion Questions and Activities component (Academic Fraud, Organizing Time, Using Note Cards, When to Use Quotes, Paraphrasing and Citation).

The publisher description recommends a 7 – 12 grade level. However, the “students” interviewed about the consequences of getting caught plagiarizing give college examples (“I lost my scholarship”), so I saw nothing in the DVD that “talks down” to students.

There are a couple of ways that I think this DVD could be used. Because the “chapters” are only about three – four minutes each, one could selectively show one or two for class discussion. We would also be willing to put the DVD on reserve for viewing by a class on their own time.

The call number is: DVD PN167.A96 2004. For a while, it will be displayed with the new DVDs on the cart by the Lower Level Service Desk.

Two New ASC workshops

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, February 12th at 2:00 P.M.

Student Center Room 112

Some of your students might benefit from advice on studying: 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

Wednesday, February 13th at 2:00 pm

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!

Welcome back, Katrina Beaudoin!

Make sure to stop by Stoxen Library and say “hello” to Katrina Beaudoin, who returned this past January. Katrina is our new Circulation Supervisor/ Office Manager and we are glad to have her back! Katrina previously attended DSU for three years and also worked for us as an Evening Supervisor back in 2005 after she returned home from finishing her B.A. in English from the University of North Dakota.

Katrina is from Dickinson, but we recently stole her from Manhattan, Kansas—where she worked in the Interlibrary Loan, Government Documents/Maps, and General Reference Services departments as the Microforms Unit Manager in Hale Library at Kansas State University. She decided to return home after almost two years there, realizing she really missed helping the people from her home state with their library needs. You will find her hopping around Stoxen, helping student staff at the front desk and processing over due notices.

If you need to check out any library equipment, she’s the one to help you with that! Have an item to place on Reserve? Stop by and talk with her, she’d be glad to do that for you! Katrina plans to start her master’s degree in Library and Information Science soon, but currently is working full-time for us here at Stoxen, and also part-time at the Dickinson Area Public Library, bringing over ten years of library experience here to help at Stoxen! You may also find her running around outside--Katrina is an avid runner, logging over 6 miles every morning! Welcome back, Katrina!

Where Did Corina Go?

See Corina Zalesky in her new office/position.

The Library Assistant in Stoxen Library can help you with your Interlibrary Loan needs. You’ll find her busy processing books, collecting stats and compiling work study data in addition to all the services she helped you with as office manager/circulation supervisor.

Check out the new equipment available @ your library!

Now available for checkout at Stoxen Library for classroom/instructional use:

Four Sony Handycam Digital Video Camcorders

These digital video camcorders may be checked out by faculty, students and staff at no charge. Students must have an Equipment Permission Slip signed by their instructor to use the equipment, which is available at Stoxen library or online at http://dickinsonstate.com/pdf/lib_equipment.pdf

Equipment included in checkout:
Case, power adaptor, power cord, USB cable, rechargeable battery, tripod, and AV connection cable. Instruction booklets are available upon request.

Camcorders will take moving, as well as still images, and are recorded onto mini DVD discs, either DVD+R DL, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW. However, Stoxen library does not supply these discs, just the camcorders. Loan period for this equipment is four hours.

Don’t forget to bring your DSU ID along to check out the camcorders and all other library materials. Reservations for equipment are encouraged! For more information, or to place a reservation, call Stoxen Library at 483-2135 today!

Congratulations, Faith!

On December 17, 2007, S. Faith Wanner graduated from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, with a Master’s degree in Library Science. Beginning in fall semester of 2005, she completed the coursework through the Web Institute. Accredited by the American Library Association, the School of Library and Information Sciences prepares “information professionals of the highest quality to serve the state, the region, and the global community.” Faith began working at DSU in 2003. Assuming the position of Head of Technical Services, S Faith is now responsible for collection development, acquisitions, and account management activities, cataloging and classifying all library materials, maintaining the online catalog, coordinating interlibrary loan services, managing online databases, and assisting the Head of Public Services to provide reference and public service to the community.

7 Things You Should Know About Lulu

Hmmm...sounds rather provocative, doesn't it? Actually, Lulu is a web based tool for those wanting to self publish something (book, brochure, report, etc.). It is a service that provides access to the tools that one needs to design, publish and print original material. It can even be used by faculty to publish their own textbooks.

The "7 Things You Should Know About..." is a series from EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative that deals with emerging information technologies. Each "brief" focuses on a single technology. Other recent technologies in the series have included Skype, Twitter, Citizen Journalism and Haptics to name a few.

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.