Enter the Walker Library Amazing Race, win a Kindle!

Walker Library is hosting an Amazing Race, November 8-12.
This race will highlight new and existing library services. You start the race at the reference desk. Successful participants will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon Kindle to be given away Monday, November 15 at 9am on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to Facebook or Twitter for more information.

Facebook - James E. Walker library (MTSU)
Twitter- MTSU library

Teaching Students with Disabilities this Friday, LT&ITC

The LT&ITC, in collaboration with the Provost and Disabled Student Services offices, will present a program to help faculty increase their awareness of disability issues and provide practical tips on how to assist these students to have successful learning experiences.

Date: Friday, Nov 12, 8:00 to 11:30 the LT&ITC Showcase will offer

Topic: Teaching Students with Disabilities: Resources and Responsibilities

Presenters: Amy Burks, Maria Clayton, Jill Hague, Gail Fedak, Watson Harris, David Robertson, Barbara Draude, and Tom Brinthaupt

Location: LT&ITC, Walker Library room 348

Register with the LT&ITC at http://www.mtsu.edu/ltanditc/events.shtml

New! Computer Availability Maps!

Have you noticed a similarity between trying to find a parking space on campus and trying to find a computer in the library? You circle and circle and pray and swear until you finally find an opening, and when you do, you hope not to have a head on collision or get into an altercation with another seeker. We can't do anything about parking, unfortunately, but now you can determine where the open computers are before you start roaming.

Simply point your smartphone or other mobile device to http://libstats.mtsu.edu:8080/ to see a listing of the computer labs in the library and the available numbers of machines. You can also click on a map of the lab to see exactly where the open computers are.

If you don't have a mobile device, you can view the maps on the TV screen in the library atrium or stop by the Reference Desk on the 1st floor to get assistance.

Protect Your Stuff!

Caution! There has been an increase in thefts and other crime in the library. Never leave your backpack, books, or other personal belongings unattended in the library.

Some statistics will help illustrate the point.
In September and October we had 22 police reports for theft, vandalism and assault. Examples of stolen items include bicycles, calculators, book bags, wallets, laptops, books and credit cards. Report aggressive or offensive behavior from other patrons to the service desk, don't try to address the problem yourself. Be careful at night and don't walk alone on campus. If you can't go with a friend, use Raider Escort. There are bad people out there, so be smart!

Instead of reading the book, try watching the movie

We have thousands of books and articles to help you with your history research, but the best way to connect with history is to watch how it happened. Find American History in Video on the History Information Sources page or in Databases A-Z list. This collection consists of 2,000 hours and more than 5,000 titles all streamed to your desktop. The collection includes awesome documentaries from the Discovery Channel, History Channel, and A&E, as well as old newsreel and government films. You can literally see history in the making. Imagine the perspective you will gain when you see actual footage of emigrants arriving in America or listen to Martin Luther King speak. Transcripts of documentaries are available to print, and the database is easily searched by era, topic, place or person. If you need more assistance or have questions contact the reference desk.

ShareFair - Wednesday, October 27

ShareFair, an annual showcase of innovative instructional approaches sponsored by the Information Technology Division and the Learning, Teaching & Innovative Technologies Center (LT&ITC), will be held this Wednesday, October 27, in the LT&ITC, room 348 of the Walker Library.

ShareFair showcases a multidisciplinary array of instructional technologies effectively used by teachers at MTSU. Participants from the various campus faculty learning communities will be represented and instructional technology specialists will be available to demonstrate new learning/teaching tools. ShareFair will also include the announcement of the winner of the 2011 Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Technology.

Sessions are from 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 pm. No need to register--just stop in! Visit the LT&ITC calendar of events for a complete schedule of the day.

On display in the Echo Dome...

Plug-in Hybrid Retrofit Kit

On display in the Walker Library through the end of October is an invention by Dr. Charles Perry, electrical engineer, Professor and holder of the Russell Chair of Manufacturing Excellence at Middle Tennessee State University. He is now working with Paul Martin III, automotive engineering expert, to patent this invention.




















This invention will allow practically any car to be converted to a plug in hybrid for $5,000 or less. The device is an electronic motor that fits inside the wheel hub of the front wheel hubs of your average car. The retrofit kit is intended for around town driving and could double drivers’ gas mileage.

Dr. Perry and Mr. Martin are currently working on producing a working prototype in conjunction with Tennessee Tech University.