Important Winter Break Notices

Building Closing
The Walker Library at MTSU will be closed Dec 22-Jan 6 for winter break and a scheduled power outage on campus. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on January 7. For most of this time, you can access our online resources through our website.

Research Tools Offline
Due to a scheduled power outage, the library website and all databases, ejournals, and ebooks will be offline Jan 2-3 (and possibly January 4). If you need to do research on these days, you might consider searching Google Scholar or the Tennessee Electronic Library. If you are unable to access full text from these sources, copy down the citations and seek access through the library when we come back online.

Fines and Holds
Also, due to the University Holiday and the planned power outage, the fine/fee payment system will be down from 4:00 pm Dec. 21 through 8:00 am Jan. 7, 2013. Any payment made after midnight on December 20 may not be cleared until January 7th.

We apologize for any disruptions to your research. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and restful break!

Winter Break Hours

Exams are over and holiday planning has hit frenzy mode, but we're still here!Remember we are closed Sat., Dec. 15th and Sun., Dec. 16th. But we re-open Monday morning!

Dec. 17-21
Open
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Dec. 22 - Jan. 1st
Closed

Jan. 2 & 3 (maybe the 4th!)
We may be closed due to a campus wide power outage (we will let you know!)

Jan 7-11
Open
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Normal hours resume Jan. 17 the first day of Spring semester.

Confused? Check the library hours page.

As (not) Seen on TV: Amazing Citation Help

Are you sick of slaving over a hot computer trying to complete your bibliography or works cited page?

We have a solution for you! Today (and everyday) only we are sharing the library's best kept secret- Our online databases (with a few exceptions) will create the citation for your article. That's right, just click on the Cite button and watch in amazement as the citation appears before your eyes.




How much would you pay for this amazing service? four million, five million? Well, today (and everyday) you can have this life changing product for the amazing price of FREE. But wait, there's more!

You need to generate a citation for a book or article? Don't despair, for this special offer we will throw in our Citation Research Guide. Just click Research Guide on the right side of the main library page and scroll down to the Citation Guide. This nifty tool includes an automatic citation builder, easybib.com and electronic versions of the most common style guides.

Still not convinced? Well hurry in today(or any day) for this special offer and you (and everyone else) will also get this amazing limited (as in all the time) 2 for 1 offer of help.

You can come to the Reference desk and get the citation style guides and friendly librarians to help you with your research or you can contact the University Writing Center on the third floor.

Hurry, Call, click or come in right away. This offer is only good for a limited (as in, always) time.

Need Help? We have a lot to give.

*image courtesy the Albert Gore Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University.
MTSU Memory Collection

Judging by the increased traffic and serious faces in the library lately, it's crunch time. Papers are coming due, presentations are looming, deadlines are bearing down... Are you feeling the pressure? We can help. Start by looking at our finals toolkit, it has resources that will point you in the right direction. For even more help,

Come to the library (or library website) to

Find books, articles and other sources to impress your professors!

• Come to the reference desk on the 1st floor to get quick guidance any time from friendly library staff
• Use our Research Guides to find quality sources on any topic
• Ask for help through our chat or email service
• Struggling for a topic? Check out the resources on the Current Issues guide. They cover perennial issues and hot topics.

Write like a pro!

• The University Writing Center is on the 3rd floor of the library. These guys and gals will work with you from the start to make sure you get your point across effectively and eloquently.

Cite those sources correctly!

• Use our recommended citation guides and citation generators
• Look for the citation tools in several library databases

Present it beautifully!

• The Digital Media Studio on the library's 2nd floor houses Macs and PCs laden with multimedia software for creating video, audio, still graphics, and slide shows. The knowledgeable staff are eager to help.
• Reserve a Presentation Practice Room to instantly view yourself giving a speech, and take home a recording, as well.

See, you're not in this alone. Now, don't you feel better?

Artist Talk in Special Collections

The decorative and colorful artistry of medieval books will be the subject of a discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. Dr. Laura Cochrane, an assistant professor in the MTSU Department of Art, will talk about “Medieval Pages: From Manuscript Leaves to Digital Images” in the library’s fourth-floor Special Collections area.

The discussion will be in association with the ongoing exhibit “The Art of the Page,” which is on display through January 2013.

Cochrane’s research interests include early medieval art, especially Anglo-Saxon and Carolingian manuscripts. She teaches courses in medieval and Renaissance art, art history methods and Islamic arts.

Cochrane earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Davis, her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her doctorate from the University of Delaware.

Library Technology Services

Need Technology Assistance?

For assistance with your technology concerns while in Walker Library stop by Technology Services located on the 1st floor (just past the elevators across from The Lounge).

We can help you with:

• Wireless Internet problems
• Document formatting and recovery
• Software use
• Pipeline and D2L issues
• TeamSpot and Meeting Place 2 & 4 assistance 
• Printing (poster size or color) and Copying.  ( there is a cost for this)

We checkout the following equipment:

• Laptops ( 4 hours)
• Mouse
• Headphones
• Graphing Calculators

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday! Change your clocks!

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 4, 2012, 2:00am.. Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour so you don't wake up any earlier than absolutely necessary.

How to Use the Library

Do you know how to use the library for academic success? If not, or if you think you might need a refresher, stop by Room 446 at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, October 23rd. This free workshop is part of the Academic Success Series, sponsored by the University College and Walker Library.

Presenter: Kristen West, Assistant Professor and Instruction Librarian

You will learn:

1. How to find the best books, articles, etc
2. What services and equipment the library offers
3. How to do research without pulling out your hair (and you have such pretty hair)
4. And more!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also check out the upcoming workshops in the series:

How to Use Your Academic Advisor

October 30th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Travis Tipton - College Advisor, College of Basic and Applied Sciences

This session will cover information on how to know who your advisor is; how to get the most out of your time with your advisor, and what questions you should ask your advisor.

---

How to Choose the Right Career for You

November 6th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Nancy Stubblefield - Advisor, University College Advising Center

Having trouble choosing a major? This session will cover techniques on helping you find the right major and career field that best fits your personality and abilities.

---

How to Unwind, Relax, Chill and Still Be a Successful Student

November 13th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446Presenter: Lisa Schrader - Director, Health Promotion

Being a college student is stressful! Academics, jobs, friends, and family can pull you in many directions, and there never seems to be enough hours in a day to get everything done. This session will cover how stress can impact your academics and your health. Leave with some surefire strategies to help you de-stress your life.

---

How to Prepare for Final Exams

November 27th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446 & December 4th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Eric Miller - Advisor, University College Advising Center

**Note: This session will be held twice to accomodate various student schedules. The same information is presented at both sessions.This session will provide a helpful guide to students who are not sure how to study for final exams. Students will prepare a "battle plan" for the last few weeks of the semester.

Have Questions?Contact Brandie Nelson at the University College Advising Center at (615) 898-2339.

Two new exhibits open in October in Special Collections

Two new exhibits are opening October 1st in the Special Collections area of the Walker Library at MTSU. The exhibits The Art of the Page: Manuscript Leaves from Medieval Europe and Elsewhere and Crossing Time and Space will be up through the end of the semester.

The manuscript leaves in the exhibit illustrate the art of the page from western Europe to India.  They represent Christian and Muslim cultures, secular and sacred texts, and books produced before and after the introduction of print technology.  The earliest leaf on display is from a Bible that dates to about 1250 and the latest is a leaf from a Koran dating to about 1860.

Also on display is work by Kathleen O’Connell who has recently joined the Department of Art in Middle Tennessee State University as an Assistant Professor. Before moving to Murfreesboro, she was living and working in Lima, Peru. The life and culture of that place as well as that of other areas where she has traveled infuse her art with color and energy. Time, space and travel are all major elements O’Connell cites as key to her creative process. This exhibit highlights O’Connell’s book art produced during the last seven years. She also works in printmaking, drawing and sculpture and incorporates aspects of these media into her artists’ books. 

Special Collections is located on the 4th floor of the Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University. Open Monday through Friday 8:30 - 4:30. 

What's Your Zone? Quiet or Group?

QUIET ZONES -- Designated quiet zones on the 3rd and 4th floors, from the elevators back.

GROUP ZONES -- Areas for groups in rooms 248 and 446 feature large tables and movable white boards. Group study rooms for 4-8 people are located throughout the building.

GROUP COMPUTERS -- Movable chairs and computer desks to accommodate two people (behind Reference Desk on the 1st floor). All group study rooms are equipped with computers.

INDIVIDUAL COMPUTERS -- There is a large computer lab on the 1st floor, right inside the front doors and to the left; computers are also located on each upper floor past the elevators.

Learn more about library spaces at this website.

Banned Books Week

Celebrate YOUR freedom to read during Banned Books Week, September 30−October 6, 2012

You can check out books from our display of banned and challenged books in the Walker library atrium.

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Take a look at a list of the most challenged books in 2011 compiled by the The American Library Association. 

For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/bbooks/

What we did over the summer...

The Walker Library was super busy over the summer. No laying on the beach or hiking in Europe for us. See what we were up to while you were taking it easy...

We got a new Dean. Have you met her yet? Take a look.

We listened to what you wanted and expanded our hours from 7am - 2am Mon. - Thurs.

We made a Library video.

We opened the Digital Media Studio Training Room.

We hired two new librarians in our Collection Management and Development department. These are the behind-the-scenes folks who build and manage access to our collections.

We redesigned our subject resource guides. These are the most commonly used resources for your subject/major. This is where you start your research!

We added 25 new scanners on the 2nd floor in the Digital Media Studio.

We have awesome new directional signage in the building to help you get to where you are going. By the way, these were designed by a senior Graphic Design student, John E.!

We spruced up all of the Group Study Rooms by fixing all the walls and slapping on a new coat of paint. They were funky!

We replaced all the chairs at the computer stations on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors!

Whew! We're tired. Can we go to the beach now? Just kidding...we are so glad to have you back, and we hope you enjoy all of the upgrades and changes. If you have any comments or suggestions, let us know!

Wanna be successful? See how...

Academic Success Series - Fall 2012

How to Be a Successful MTSU Student

Sponsored by: University College & MTSU Walker Library.

The sessions are each Tuesday at 4:30 in the Walker Library.

How to Get Started at MTSU

September 4th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Mark Convery - Advisor, University College Advising Center

This session will cover topics including how to navigate RaiderNet & D2L, understanding the Lottery Scholarship, and helpful tips about GPA and academic standing.

---

How to Use Your Time Wisely

September 11th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Danielle Stefanski - Advisor, University College Advising Center

Time management is something most students struggle with on a daily basis. This session will cover techniques to help you better manage your time.

---

How to Be a Successful Veteran Student

September 11th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 248
Presenter: Heather Conrad, VetSuccess On Campus Counselor

This session will discuss educational benefits to include Post 09/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, as well as others. We will briefly discuss all other potential veterans benefits, and explain our new program, VetSuccess on Campus and the services available through this program.

---

How to Study and Prepare for Tests

September 18th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Gia Jones - Advisor, University College Advising Center

This session will cover tips on note taking, how to effectively study your notes as well as tips for navigating different types of tests.

---

How to Set Goals and Stay Motivated

September 25th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Bruce Lund, Author, Speaker, and Founder of NEXTPERT

This session will cover information on how to reach their personal and professional goals through exciting motivational techniques. Students will learn how to stay motivated and positive despite obstacles they may face.

---

How to Give a Winning Presentation

October 2nd at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Brock Patterson, MTSU Alumnus

This session will cover tips and tricks that will help students refine their presentation and public speaking skills.

---

How to Maintain Academic Integrity

October 9th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Amanda Samsel - Coordinator, Judicial Affairs

This session will cover the four different parts of MTSU's Academic Misconduct policy and why academic integrity is so important. It will also cover what happens if you are accused of violating MTSU's Academic Misconduct policy and how to avoid plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or facilitation.

---

How to Make Study Abroad a Part of Your Academic Plan

October 9th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 248
Presenters: Tiffany Bickers - Office of Education Abroad & Jennifer Nicley - MTSU Study Abroad Participant

This session is a great opportunity for students who are interested in finding education abroad programs which offer courses that will count towards their MTSU degree. An education abroad returnee will also talk about her academic experience in Panama, including the differences between an international and U.S. classroom setting.

---

How to Use the Library

October 23rd at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Kristen West - Assistant Professor, Walker Library

Come find out what successful MTSU students know about the library and learn how to utilize the various resources available.

---

How to Use Your Academic Advisor

October 30th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Travis Tipton - College Advisor, College of Basic and Applied Sciences

This session will cover information on how to know who your advisor is; how to get the most out of your time with your advisor, and what questions you should ask your advisor.

---

How to Choose the Right Career for You

November 6th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Nancy Stubblefield - Advisor, University College Advising Center

Having trouble choosing a major? This session will cover techniques on helping you find the right major and career field that best fits your personality and abilities.

---

How to Unwind, Relax, Chill and Still Be a Successful Student

November 13th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Lisa Schrader - Director, Health Promotion

Being a college student is stressful! Academics, jobs, friends, and family can pull you in many directions, and there never seems to be enough hours in a day to get everything done. This session will cover how stress can impact your academics and your health. Leave with some surefire strategies to help you de-stress your life.

---

How to Prepare for Final Exams

November 27th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446 & December 4th at 4:30pm - Walker Library Room 446
Presenter: Eric Miller - Advisor, University College Advising Center

**Note: This session will be held twice to accomodate various student schedules. The same information is presented at both sessions.

This session will provide a helpful guide to students who are not sure how to study for final exams. Students will prepare a "battle plan" for the last few weeks of the semester.

Have Questions?
Contact Brandie Nelson at the University College Advising Center at (615) 898-2339.

Looking for room 387?

Ah, yes... the elusive room 387, more difficult to find than Harry Potter's Room of Requirement. Room 387 is a classroom in the library that is utilized by many departments on campus. Its location is on the 3rd floor inside the Curriculum area, which is just off the stairs. Once inside the Curriculum area, proceed to the back left corner (you will pass the information desk and the book shelves), turn down a narrow corridor, and wish really hard for a classroom with desks and a whiteboard.

You may also find the library floor maps useful. Room 387 is labeled on the 3rd floor image.

New? Lost? Need some direction.We can help.

Finding your way on campus the first few days can be confusing. Even if you were here last semester over the summer there have been lots of changes on campus. If you are on campus Monday the 26th or Tuesday the 27th, look for the Walker Library Question Tent in the quad in front of the library. We can answer any questions you have. We will be outside 7:30 am-1:30pm  on both days. Of course, you can come in and ask questions at any desk whenever the library is open. To help you get sorted here are some links on interest-

Campus Map

Dining Locations

Drop/Add schedule

ID office (remember you can't check out materials without an ID)

Parking

Student Union

Education Building

Advising

Rec Center

Health Center

Library Help

Library FAQ

Printing in the Library

Students, faculty and staff may print in the library by logging on to a computer with their Pipeline username and password.

When you print from a computer in the library, you must release it from the print system before you can retrieve it.

1. Select print on your computer.

2. Look at the name taped to the computer monitor and proceed to the closest print station.

3. Find your computer name on the screen at the print station and lightly tap it. If your computer name is toward the end of the alphabet (e.g., Twain or Wilde) you may need to select the Next button at the bottom of the screen to find it.

4. Tap the print jobs that you wish to print. A check mark should appear next to them.

5. Press Print at the bottom right side of the screen. Press Confirm Printing at the bottom right side of the screen.

Please note that the printers automatically delete jobs of 50 pages or more. If you must print a document this large, you will need to break it up into two or more jobs of 49 pages or less.

At this time, printing is "free" in the library. Free printing is supported primarily by the Technology Access Fees students pay.

Please print wisely.
For more on this story, please read the post Is printing really FREE?

If you just need to quickly print something, you can use our express printing station.
It is on the right as you enter the library and requires a USB drive.

Color Printing.
Color printers are located on the 1st floor at the Technology Services Desk and on the 2nd floor in the Digital Media Studio (DMS). The cost is $.50 per page for 8.5" x 11" and $1.00 for 11 "x 17" (larger size at Technolgy Services only). Charges are applied to your library account and may be paid online. Library staff members will print your job for you at the desk to ensure high quality printing. Bring your file(s) on a usb drive.

Large Format (Poster) Printing.
Available to current MTSU students, staff, and faculty at the Library Technology Services desk on the 1st floor. Posters can be printed in two sizes: 2ft by 3ft and 3ft by 5ft. Smaller images will be surrounded by white space. Cost is $14 for 2'x3' standard poster or $35 for 3'x5' poster. Charges are applied to your library account and may be paid online. See poster printing tips and policies for more information.

Laptop Printing
Library laptops print to the 1st floor printers. The name of your print job is "liblap" plus the number on your laptop (e.g., "liblap32"). Printing is not available from personal laptops.

Group Study Printing
Items printed from group study rooms will go to the printers located south of the elevators on each floor.

Weather - Forecast Printer - Meteorological Office - Bracknell - 1965. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica Image Quest. Web. 24 Aug 2012. http://quest.eb.com/images/158_2468935

Library's Expanded Hours (Finally!)

In response to student requests, the Walker Library will expand and revise its hours beginning Saturday, Aug. 25.

The new hours are:

Sunday: 1 p.m.-2 a.m.;
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-2 a.m.;
Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; and
Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The revised hours reflect an earlier opening time on weekdays, a later closing time on Fridays, a two-hour expansion from the former Sunday-Thursday midnight closing hours and a shift in Saturday hours from the previous 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Citation Management Tools -- Graduate Student Workshop 9/7

The Walker Library will offer a one-hour "Citation Management Tools for Graduate Students" workshop on Friday, September 7, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., in room 264a. This session will allow graduate students in all disciplines to get started with basic functionality of EndNote Web. Participants will learn how to:

• Create a new account
• Import records from library periodical indexes
• Manage citations
• Automatically apply citation styles to bibliographic references
• Use word-processing plug-ins

Registration is required for this workshop. Attendance is limited to 25 students; additional sessions will be offered at later dates if necessary.

Contact Jason Vance or Kristen West for more information.

Library Orientation for Graduate Students 8/23 & 8/30

The Walker Library will offer a one-hour "Library Orientation for Graduate Students" workshop on Thursday, August 23 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (repeated again on Thursday, August 30 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.) covering library basics for graduate students in all disciplines. Both sessions will take place in Meeting Place 4. These sessions will introduce graduate students to:

• Online periodical indexes
• EndNote Web and Zotero citation management tools
• Borrowing items from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan
• Requesting a personal graduate student carrel
• Getting help in the library

Librarian liaisons will also be on hand to give short library tours.

No registration is necessary. Contact Jason Vance or Kristen West for more information.

Watch the Olympics in the Library!

Watch the Olympics
in the Library Lounge!

The 2012 Summer Olympics run Friday, July 27 - Sunday, August 12. We know you are excited, and so are we! You may have considered recreating the javelin throw or stealing a horse and jumping hurdles across the bike racks in the quad as a homage. We get it, but might we suggest an alternative that won't get you arrested or give you heat stroke? Come inside the Walker Library and adjourn to our Lounge on the first floor. Here you will find two large screens that will be showing Olympic programming throughout the games. You can find the schedule of events here. Conveniently located across the hall is a vending area and restroom so you can stay focused on that wicked handball match. If you find yourself drifting during the pentathlon you can always read some of our popular new releases or peruse a magazine. You only have to leave when we do.



And after the Olympics you can return to the lounge to relax between classes and keep current.

Enjoy popular magazines, local and national newspapers, and televisions tuned to news and weather.

Want to try streaming the Olympics, here are some tips, http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/video-how-to-stream-the-2012-london-olympics-with-or-without-cable.php.

So join us, we will be watching the table tennis with particular interest.

Short Library Video

Check out this short video we show to students at various orientation activities around campus.

Download video: MP4 format

Many ways to get help in the Library

The Library has so many ways to help you. Come in, stop by and ask.

The Reference Desk (1st floor) is where you can get one on one personalized professional research assistance for your papers, projects, and class assignments. Call 898-2817, stop by, or IM us.

Circulation and Reserves desk (1st floor) From this desk, you can check out books, return books, pick up Interlibrary Loans and books placed on hold, and get books that Professors have set aside for their classes. We can also provide help with accessing E-Reserves, and retrieve items from the Music Library.

The Service Desk (1st floor) can help you with directions, information, graduate carrels and security. You can also checkout markers and 4th floor group study rooms .

Technology Services Desk (1st floor, just past the elevators) provides general software assistance, assistance connecting to the campus network, , printing assistance, assistance with MTSU systems such as D2L, pipeline, and the sky drive as well as assistance with the library spaces Meeting Place 4 and TeamSpot. We offer services such as equipment checkout, poster printing, and color printing. We strive to provide answers to any technology related questions in the library.

Digital Media Studio (2nd floor) provides a knowledgeable staff who can help you find appropriate resources, train you on the latest media software and collaborate on projects. The Digital Media Studio is a welcoming, collaborative space for users of all abilities, disciplines, levels and interests. You can also access the Library's microtext collection of books, articles, newspapers and other resources that are preserved in microtext format.

Curriculum Collection (3rd floor) provides resources and services for those studying or working in the field of education including resource units, activity guides and learning kits available for classroom use. Also available is a collection of all current state adopted textbooks for grades pre-K-12 and a selection of books typically found in an elementary school library.

The Margaret H. Ordoubadian University Writing Center (3rd floor) provides a relaxed, yet professional atmosphere in which writers from across the curriculum can become more comfortable with processes of writing. We encourage writers from undergraduates to graduate students to faculty and staff, and writers in all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to revision, to visit our friendly and experienced staff.

Special Collections (4th floor) offers collections that can help people research local and state history, MTSU publications like theses, Civil War, history of book printing and publishing, artists’ books, and movable books.

On display in Special Collections

A new exhibit of pop-up books is on display in the Special Collections area on the 4th floor of the Walker Library. Books featured in this exhibit are all part of the Dimensional and Artists’ Books Collection that is housed in Special Collections.

The display called BIG and small, WIDE and tall: Pop-up books and the function of scale will be mounted through September.

Viewers can come and enjoy a life-size alien, three-dimensional art and petite natural wonders. These and other unusual books encourage us to appreciate the imagination and artistry of their creators, but they also challenge us to think about the nature of the book and its traditional role.

CUSTOMS begins!

Welcome incoming Freshmen!



CUSTOMS sessions begin tomorrow and last throughout the summer. CUSTOMS is the Middle Tennessee State University new student orientation program. CUSTOMS helps new undergraduate students make the transition into the university; prepares new students for MTSU's educational opportunities; and initiates the integration of new students into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the institution.

Because you are about to be an official student at MTSU we want to give you the low down on the Walker Library.

Check out our Library Hours. Good news!!! Starting in the Fall we are open a half an hour earlier in the mornings and open two hours later at night!

Computers are a big deal over here (we have over 350 of them).

Like Macs? Check out the Digital Media Studio.

We have over a million volumes in the library. See our borrowing privileges.

Get expert HELP from Librarians.

The University Writing Center is right here!

And we have a full service Starbucks!

What more could you want?

Mulitple tech problems in the library today (with updates)

We are experiencing a perfect storm of technology problems in the library today.

1. A failed server in ITD is preventing logging in on public computers all across campus. The library computers are currently unavailable, except for a handful of Macs in the Digital Media Studio on the 2nd floor.

Update, 4:10 pm : Computers are back in business!

2. Off-campus access to most library databases is currently unavailable. Here is a limited workaround for article access.

Update, 4:10 pm : Off-campus access is back!

3. Wireless access is currently unavailable in the library.

Update 4:10 pm: Wireless is still down.
Update, 5/22/12: Wireless is back!

Many people are working hard to resolve these issues, but regrettably, we don't have a timeline

for when they will be resolved. We'll update you as the problems are fixed.

Contact us if you have any questions or if we might be able to help you access something.

Off campus database access interruption

We are currently experiencing problems with off-campus access to our article databases. We are working on a solution, but in the meantime, here is a way to get access to articles from a few of our EBSCO databases (such as Academic Search Premier, PsycInfo, and more).

1. Log in to your MTSU Library Account. Use Option 2 to login, which is your name and the barcode on the back of your MTSU ID (the one starting with 23082).

2. Next, search the catalog from the Books and More tab on the library homepage or directly at http://infosearch.mtsu.edu.

3. Search for your topic. The initial results screen shows books, ebooks, videos, and websites, but not articles. To view journal articles, go to the top of the screen and click on the Articles link. This will give you a list of articles on your topic.

4. Select an article and click on the Full Text links to view articles in the native databases.

Logging into your Library Account with option 2 should also grant you off-campus access to E-books that you find through the Infosearch catalog.

Library Closed and Website Down May 9

Due to a scheduled campus-wide power outage, the library will be closed all day on Wednesday, May 9. The library website will be offline from approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All systems will be back online and the library will be open regular hours on Thursday May 10.

Read more about the power outage, affected campus services, and squirrel saboteurs at http://www.dnj.com/article/20120507/NEWS/305020044.

Stock up on summer reading!

Students who were enrolled in Spring 2012 may check out books over the summer, even if not enrolled for summer classes. The check out period is 28 days* and you may renew up to three times online.⁺ All other regular borrowing policies apply.

Did you graduate? Alumni may check out up to 4 books at a time and have in-house use of research databases.

Also, any Tennessee resident over 18 may check out 2 books. Bring proof of residence the first time you come to borrow.

So grab some summer reading! Check out our collection of NY Times bestsellers* or grab some fiction from the 4th floor.

*The Popular Reading collection (NYT bestsellers) circulates for 2 weeks with one renewal.

⁺If someone places a hold on a book you will be unable to renew it and you are responsible for returning it promptly, even if you're back home in Alaska or vacationing in Bora Bora.

Distinguished Alumni Lecture FRIDAY

Please join the College of Liberal Arts, the Geosciences Department, and the James E. Walker Library for an informal talk by one of this year’s MTSU Distinguished Alumni, Alice Hudson.

Friday, May 4
10:00am
Buchanan Room (4th floor), James E. Walker Library

Alice Hudson, BA in geography, MTSU, 1969, and MLS 1970 from Peabody, will speak informally on her career at New York Public Library Map Division, where she spent 39 years working and playing with some 400,000 maps, and 60,000 atlases, dating from the 17th century to the present. She curated numerous map exhibitions at NYPL, spoke about maps around the world, and has numerous publications, all focusing on the history of cartography. Her degree in geography from MTSU got her the job, and she has always considered herself a geographer, and is grateful to MTSU for a most joyous career.


Check out this recent story about Ms. Hudson in the MTSU Magazine.

Final Exam Toolkit

The frenzy of finals can be a little overwhelming. We want to help. Not only do we have extended hours but we have consolidated the best tools in one place.  The Final Exam Toolkit , has helpful tips, shortcuts and study assistance. You can find quick ways to print, citation assistance, help with research or putting together that final project.  Need a quiet place to study, or a somewhere to practice your final presentation? We have you covered.  And of course, there is always Starbucks or our vending machines for a caffeine pick me up. 

Exam Schedule and Library Extended Hours

The Spring 2012 final exam schedule is available on the Records and Scheduling website.

This is a public service announcement from your ever-helpful librarians.

 Extended hours for exams

Here are the extended hours:

Sunday, April 22 - 1pm-1am
Mon-Thurs April 23-26- 7:30 am - 1am
Friday, April 27 (finals)- 7:30am - 5pm
Saturday, April 28 (finals) - 8am - 5pm
Sunday, April 29 - 1pm -1am
Monday, April 30  (finals)- 7:30am - 1am
Tuesday, May 1(finals) - 7:30 am - 1am
Wednesday, May 2 (finals)- 7:30am - 1am
Thursday, May 3 (finals)- 7:30am – 10:00pm
Friday, May 4 - 8:00am- 4:30pm
Saturday, May 5 Graduation!!!! Closed

To see the full Library hours click here.

Starbucks café inside Walker Library will be open longer hours too!!!!

Alarm Clocks. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Image Quest. Web. 20 Apr 2012. http://quest.eb.com/images/118_826214

Trees in the Library!

Recycled Paper
Tree Project
Drawing II

Instructor: Associate Professor Erin Anfinson

Students:
Ray Armstrong
Evelyn Burns-Garatoni
Sandi Caves
Sarah Denton
DeMarcus Jackson
Adrienne Johnson
Natsumi Kajisa
Jessica Kanizar
Kellie Melton
Kristine Sharp
Katie Stephens
Jaqulyn Swanson
Nicole Wolowicz

Last year Walker Library visitors used over 8.3 million sheets of paper in “free” printing. That much paper adds up to nearly 1,000 trees!

Students enrolled in Drawing II created this installation out of the paper collected from a single recycling bin from the library in an effort to raise awareness about the true cost of paper consumption. Although the environmental impact is staggering, the weight of lost library resources resonated closely with the drawing students. Extra funding spent on printing paper means less funding is available for technology and educational resources valued by the MTSU community.

We hope the project will provide a moment of reflection for the students, faculty and administration. Ponder before you print!