Bi-Weekly Update
3/14/13
Starbucks Coffee (sans Barista)
Today, March 14, Trexler Library officially announced, in a reception from 2-4 p.m., the installation of a Starbucks coffeemaker in the library, sans barista. The coffeemaker automatically grinds the beans fresh for each cup. Cost: $1.75. The two types of coffee available are Sumatra (regular) and House Blend (Decaf), or a half-and-half blend of the two.
At this time the coffeemaker accepts only flex and dining dollars. Come by and enjoy a fresh brew.
Springer E-book Collection
Trexler Library is ever-expanding its collection of e-books. One of the largest suppliers of scholarly e-books, many of them in the sciences, is Springer. To get a glimpse of how extensive just this portion of the library’s e-book collection is, run a title search in the library catalog on Springer Complete Collection 2011-12.
Host to Local High Schools
For several years now, Trexler Library has hosted AP English and AP history students from Allen High and Emmaus High. Some 20-40 students attend at a time, getting a feel for what it’s like to conduct research at a college library.
This year, on March 14, March 15, and April 3, students once again are scheduled to visit the library, learning from librarians about the various databases and the library catalog. They will gather resources and then begin work on their papers during their time here.
Students who have visited Muhlenberg in the past report that this is one of the highlights of their high school experience, a chance to see what it’s like to be a college student, before college even begins.
It should be noted that their experience would not be complete without a visit to the Dining Commons, where students enjoy the all-you-can eat experience right alongside Muhlenberg students.
Readings to Accompany Center for Ethics Events
Scuttlebutt directs you to a collection of readings, mostly online, but some in print in the library, in support of the excellent programming offered by the Center for Ethics this semester, to aid in class discussions, and just for personal interest and edification:
Sister Nora Nash (March 13)
Resources by and about Sister Nora Nash, and the subject of corporate social responsibility.Lawrence Lessig (April 15)
Resources by and about Lawrence Lessig, and the subject of the Congressional corruption.
Infomaniac
College and University Rankings
Do you often find yourself befuddled by college and university rankings? Just how do they come with those numbers? Infomaniac recalls when Muhlenberg College soared one year in the USNWR ranking only to fall back the next year. Why?
Infomaniac can’t answer just why, but can recommend a bigger-picture approach to rankings, available at the University of Illinois’ College and University Rankings site. Not bound to one ranking, the site gives a smorgasboard of rankings, with an up-front statement of the methodology of each. See which you prefer.
Calendar
3/21 Faculty author reception: Sue Curry Jansen’s Walter Lippman: A Critical Introduction to Media and Communication Theory. 12:30-1:45. Fulford Room, Trexler Library.
4/11 Faculty author reception: Elizabeth Nathanson’s Television and Post-Feminist Housekeeping: No Time for Mother. 12:30-1:45. Fulford Room, Trexler Library.
