Library News

Syracuse University Library has developed a research guide to help students explore themes in the book A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. A Long Way Gone is the 2008-2009 selection for the Syracuse University Shared Reading Program. As of way of introducing new students to the intellectual community on campus, the Syracuse University Shared Reading Program provides new undergraduate students with a copy of the book and facilitates programs, events, and courses throughout the academic year that incorporate the book’s theme. This is the fourth year the Library has developed a research guide in support of this program.

A Long Way Gone research guide includes book reviews, background information on Beah, and resources on topics such as child soldiers; culture and history of Sierra Leone; African rap and hip hop music culture; and more. The guide refers students to articles, audio files, videos, photographs, and web sites. Teaching guides and tips on finding relevant materials are provided in the guide as well.

The research guide is online, available to the public, at: http://library.syr.edu/instruction/class/sharread2008/.

For more information about the guide, contact Susan Miller at 443-2091 or email smmiller@syr.edu.

Posted by Kathleen White at 2:35 PM | Permalink

Beginning in the fall 2008 semester, the Learning Commons on the lower three floors of E.S. Bird Library will remain open from Sunday at 10 a.m. through Friday at 10:00 p.m. These new, extended hours will provide access to study spaces, technology, and library resources at times convenient to student schedules. Service hours will vary somewhat, with staffing generally until midnight. A Public Safety officer will be present in the building from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. A valid SU/ESF ID is required to enter the building after 9 p.m.

For library hours, see: http://library.syr.edu/information/hours/fall2008.html

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin at 1:41 PM | Permalink

A fascinating collection of memorabilia associated with presidential campaigns from 1824 to 1972 is now on display on the 6th floor of E.S. Bird Library. Drawn from the artifactual collections of Syracuse University Library’s Special Collections Research Center, the exhibition of buttons, banners, bumper stickers, brochures, apparel, and other items provides a historical overview of the images and slogans candidates have used to position and advertise themselves in their quest for the White House. The exhibit is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday through January 20, 2009.

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin at 1:38 PM | Permalink

Syracuse University Library Associates invites members and friends to a lecture, "Out of the Sky: 9/ll, a Tribute," presented by Werner Pfeiffer, sculptor and book artist. The event will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday, September 11 at the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, First Floor, Bird Library, Syracuse University.

Free event parking is available in Booth Garage on the corner of Waverly and Comstock Avenues.

Pfeiffer, a native of Germany who emigrated to the United States in 1961, witnessed the tragedy first-hand. His book is a sculptural tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the lecture, he will assemble "Out of the Sky" while commenting on the technique and inspiration behind it.

For more information on this lecture, please contact Anne Roth at 685-6832.

Posted by Kathleen White at 8:56 AM | Permalink