blog reflection 2

over the past few weeks, I've learned a lot of new stuff about libraries. before this class, I didn't really give much thought to libraries, thinking of them solely as places to get books. after completing activities such as the library visit, though, I've found out that libraries provide much more than just books. I definitely do not think that libraries are not needed now that the internet is more accessible - libraries hold tons of information that is not available online. even though I do use the internet much more than I visit the library, I still rely on the library for research that is not freely available online.

and ebooks are no replacement for real books.

project 1: library visit

for this assignment, I chose to visit a library that I walk by on my way home from school..

Cal State Fullerton Pollak Library
800 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92834-4150
Ph: 657.278.2633 | Fax: 657.278.2439
http://www.library.fullerton.edu/default.aspx

The Pollak Library is actually made up of two different libraries that are connected internally; the older, scary South building (pictured above) has no windows and the newer, modern looking North building (partially pictured above) has windows and also many of the library's newer technology. Each building has several floors that offer many different attractions (including an exhibit room on the first floor that displays different free cultural exhibits each month) and also books. There are computers and bathrooms on basically every floor. Some floors offer basic, small wooden tables while other floors comprise of comfortable loungey chairs next to plastic plants and laptop connecting port things (and wireless internet access, sometimes). There are also several computer lab areas, printers, copy machines and soundproof conference rooms in the basement and the first floor, most of which are available to the public, sometimes at a fee to both students and the public.

The library has a huge collection of works. I did a few random searches on the library catalog (watermelon, the beatles, jules verne, ancient mesopotamian culture, ATP) and each search yielded a bunch of results. However, audiovisual materials and periodicals may only be checked out by faculty and staff (special collection works may not be checked out by anyone, but you are allowed to make photocopies of some). All other books are available to anyone who has a library card (non-CSUF students may purchase one).

Pollak Library uses the Library of Congress classification system. It has a large reference section on the first floor, which consists of a giant collection of maps, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc. The library also has an extensive electronic reference service that claims to

"subscribe to over 110 electronic resources, including full-text databases, e-books, and abstract indexes, most accessible from both on- and off-campus." (http://www.library.fullerton.edu/)

For example, the reference desk offers online "Ask a Librarian" services through email and chat. Library computers are also available everywhere throughout both of the buildings and they all provide access to CSUF's own database and search engine.

Overall, the extensive collection of books and media, its openness to the public, the large number of offered services and the quiet atmosphere of Pollak Library make it an ideal place for studying and research. The only downfall of the library is that it is kind of scary to walk alone in the upper floors of the windowless South building.

blog reflection 1

alright, so I've only been in this class for a week now but I've already learned so much about blogging, ebooks and library databases. I really like the relaxed atmosphere of this class...there aren't any quizzes or anything that I need to worry about and the due dates are realistic and manageable. i've skimmed through some of the textbook and found some stuff that would actually really be helpful!

i'm bored so here's a haiku

i'm blogging right now.
it's actually pretty fun.
on to project 1.

hello world?

so this is what it's like to have a blog. :)
actually, I think I created one before, but I've never really used it. I don't read a lot of blogs very often, but I think I'll start reading some now..