What's New in the Libraries, Spring 2016
Library Renovations
At Kistle Science Library, alcoves were converted into two new study rooms to facilitate private study and research as well as small group collaboration. Coming soon: a laptop bar equipped with lighting and bar stools. This flexible study and research space will provide users with the options of sitting or standing while they work.
In order to improve Burling Library’s entryway, lighting was added below the balcony and the bike racks were relocated. This well-lit space protects bikes from the elements, and the newly spacious entryway allows safer passage into the library for all users. Outdoor tables and seating were also added to the balcony.
Lockers were installed in the basement of Burling Library for the convenience of users of Special Collections and the Print and Drawing Study Room. Keys are available from staff in either location.
Digital Grinnell Improvements
Digital Grinnell, our institutional repository, serves as a home for digital versions of student, staff, and faculty scholarship as well as art, books, and manuscripts held by the College. It recently saw significant enhancements aimed at improving functionality and usability. For example, a new main page format allows for easier navigation and a clearer understanding of the collections found within Digital Grinnell. The site now also features improved search capabilities and easier browsing to aid patrons in locating and accessing the information they need.
Recently unveiled Digital Grinnell collections include the Faulconer Art Collection and the Cook Collection.
Events in Burling Library
Grinnell College Libraries is pleased to host a limited number of events such as author readings, book talks, and panel discussions each semester in Burling Lounge. Additionally, academic departments, campus offices, and student organizations may schedule and conduct events in Burling Lounge. Please contact Sara Peterson with any questions about scheduling an event in the Libraries.
New Resources
Ebooks
The Libraries recently purchased the complete collection of Springer’s ebooks published between 2010 and 2014, which consists of 24,937 titles. The 2016 complete collection of 7,175 titles was also purchased, and will appear in the Libraries’ catalog as the items become available. Springer publishes titles on a wide range of subjects including astronomy, statistics, mathematics, philosophy, education, economics, computer science, business, public health, climate, and more.
Palgrave’s 2016 humanities ebooks collection was also recently purchased. It consists of 2,304 titles on topics such as literature, culture and media studies, theatre and performance, philosophy and religion, and history. These records will also be added to the catalog as the year progresses.
Databases
Index Islamicus (EBSCO)
Index Islamicus features an unmatched breadth of content on the Muslim existence, containing material published by Western orientalists, scholars from the fields of social science and humanities, and Muslims. Spanning from 1906 to the present day, coverage includes information on Muslims from the Middle East, Asia, Africa and other areas where Muslim minorities are found. Updated on a quarterly basis, this coverage includes indexing for more than 3,400 records, including articles, books, reviews, essays and papers contained in multi-author volumes.
Oxford Dictionaries—French (Oxford University Press)
Based on the bestselling Oxford-Hachette French Dictionary, Oxford Dictionaries -- French features example sentences, regular content updates, and a modern design optimized for use on smartphone or tablet. Packed with additional features, it contains over 910,000 words, phrases, and translations.
Popular Medicine in America, 1800-1900 (Adam Matthew)
This unique collection showcases the development of 'popular' medicine in America during the nineteenth century, through an extensive range of material that was aimed at the general public rather than medical professionals. Explore an array of printed sources, including rare books, pamphlets, trade cards, and visually-rich advertising ephemera.
To access these database and reference sets, please visit the Databases A-Z list.