Why College Libraries Need A Learning Commons

Welcome back to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

Why College Libraries Need A Learning Commons

Source: Rod Library @ UNI - Flickr

You might be wondering, "What is a learning commons?" According to the American Library Association's March 2014 issue of College & Research Libraries News, learning commons is "a place where students practice collaborative learning to turn information into knowledge, each unit has strengthened its ability to enhance student learning."

In the fall of 2014, Rod Library, at the University of Northern Iowa, transformed the main floor into a learning commons. A glimpse can be seen in the picture above. The purpose of the Learning Commons is as follows: "is a vibrant, comfortable social space equipped with 21st-century tools, technology, and services that support students’ academic success." Rod Library's Learning Commons' motto is Connect, Create, Innovate, and Succeed.

Ways to Connect: 

Source: Book Bistro Area - Rod Library

• Attend events, like Rod Con, at Rod Library.
• Work on group projects, meet with friends, professors, etc..
• Relax in comfortable seating options.
• Adaptable collaborative stations are available.
• Enjoy Starbucks coffee or a grilled cheese sandwich around at the Book Bistro.

Ways to Create:

Source: Makerspace - Rod Library

• Digital Media Hub, powered by the Production House.
• 3-D printer for use.
• Talk to a Media Consultant for any technology questions.
• Production Rooms equipped to add in any producing needs.
• Technology to check out, such as: digital cameras, video cameras, lighting kits, laptops, and more.

Ways to Innovate: 

Source: ScholarSpace - Rod Library

• Makerspace, located in room 286, houses the 3-D printer, sewing machines, Legos, fabric, various types of glues, and more. It's open to the students, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.
• ScholarSpace, room 301, a place to hold professional meetings, presentations/performances, and class sessions.
• Projection/Whiteboard wall, located next the Tech Desk.
• 3-D printing and scanning.
• Learning Commons Exhibition Wall, located across from the Dichotomy.

 Ways to Succeed:

Source: Need help? AskUs! - Rod Library

• Research Librarians answer questions at the Research Help Desk Monday-Thursday from 12-4 p.m.
• AskUs! chat is available for any research questions.
• Tutoring courtesy of the A-Team on Sunday nights from 6-8 p.m. in room 287.
• Printers on every floor, scanners, and copiers available.
• Media Consultants for assistance with software like the Adobe Creative Suite and others, technology, production rooms, and more.

Recent Twitter Poll

I recently sent out a Twitter poll, asking people what students, staff, faculty, and the public love about the Rod Library. The poll ran for a week. Here are the results:

What do you love about the @RodLibrary? #collegelibrary #collegelibrarymarketing #MarketingMonday #marketing #DatewithRod #ILoveRodLibrary

— Melissa Curtis (@SnapsMacsBooks) September 20, 2016

The results go hand in hand with each other. Apparently they like the Learning Commons and all it's features.

What's your favorite aspect of learning commons? Leave it in the comments below.

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

Sources:  

"Exploring the learning commons" - ALA's College & Research Libraries News 

Learning Commons - Rod Library 

Spotlight on Learning Commons - Rod Library 

6 Banned Books I Will Read To My Kids Someday

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6 Banned Books I Will Read To My Kids Someday

Source: Melissa Curtis

Growing up, I kept hearing about Banned Books Week, but I never fully understood what it was about until middle school. Back then, I had a hard time grasping why certain books would be banned because, to me, books are magical in how they let you escape reality for a little while and immerse yourself in another world. Still today, I don't understand some the reasons books are banned; some reasons are just plain ridiculous as you will see in a short bit.

I, Melissa Curtis, stand up for the right to read. I stand firm and proud in my freedom to read. So, with that said, here are six banned books I will read to my kids someday.

1.  Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park 

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click on the title to learn about what the series is about. 

I don't know how I got started on these, but I'm glad I did. I love these books because I could identify with Junie and she made me laugh out loud many times.

Why It's Banned/Challenged: "mouthiness and bad spelling."

My Thoughts: She's a first grader, for goodness' sake; who isn't bad at spelling and a little mouthy at that age? You're probably lying if you think you weren't. Heck, I'm almost 21 years old and I still have trouble spelling sometimes and can be a little mouthy. It's her "bad spelling" and "mouthiness" that makes her so relatable and identifiable to her audience. 

2. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click the title to learn about what this book is about.

Freshman English in high school is when I read this book. And I absolutely fell in love with all the characters, especially Scout and her innocence. 

Why It's Banned: "racially and sexually-charged themes are inappropriate for young readers," according to Kenya Downs with PBS.

My Thoughts: I can understand why this book is banned, but that doesn't mean I agree with it. This book shows controversial issues through the eyes of an innocent child who realizes the world and life—and some of the people in it—aren't fair. For those of us who can grasp, they realize that cowards are the people who know the truth and don't speak up about it. It's a must-read for all ages. 

3.  And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click on the title to find more about this book.

I loved this book! It didn't hit me what this actually meant until someone told. I didn't think there was anything wrong with a two dads raising a child. 

Why It's Banned: "AntiFamily, Homosexuality, and Political Viewpoint."

My Thoughts: How can a book about a family be "antifamily"? If it's because there is two dads, there needs to be a better reason than that. The world is changing; there are non-traditional families now. I don't think that's going to change anytime soon. It's for this reason why this book needs to be read. It shows and exposes kids to non-traditional and/or different relationships and families than they are probably used to.

4.  Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to find more about this book.

If I had to choose a book to sum up my childhood, this would be the book. I could read and read this book over and over again and always find something I didn't find all the other times I read it.

Why It's Banned: "talking animals are considered an 'insult to god'," according to Buzzfeed's List of "14 Classic Children’s Books That Have Been Banned In America." 

My Thoughts: It's similar to my opinion about Junie B. Jones. Talking animals? What's wrong with that? The audience are typically kids, and kids typically used to talking animals in literature and movies. They don't mind that. But people are allowed to believe what they believe, and I can respect that.

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to learn more about this book. 

When I read this book in seventh grade, I didn't fully appreciate this book or maybe I couldn't fully grasp what Lowry wanted to get across. It wasn't until after I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins that I finally picked up on what the book was trying to tell me.

Why It's Banned: "'violence' and claims that the book is 'Unsuited to [the] Age Group'—or in other words that it’s too dark for children," according to Ben Blatt of Slate, a daily online magazine.

My Thoughts: This is was the first of many dystopian books that I've read. It showed there are imperfections in a seemingly perfect and orderly society. I don't disagree with the claim of violence, but "it's too dark for children"? It's introducing us to a kind society we might see in the future, if it doesn't already exist. 

 6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to learn more about this book.

Coincidentally, I also read this book in seventh grade. Unlike The Giver, I got what Hinton was hinting at (no pun intended). What really drove the meaning home was the fact my class did a real-life remake of the trial from the book. 

Why It's Banned: "drugs, violence and that old standby 'unchristian values,'" according to Joanna Robinson from Pajiba. 

My Thoughts: The first two reasons don't surprise me one bit. Because there are drugs and violence in the book. "Unchristian values" is a bit more tricky because when it comes to matters of faith, people have the right to believe what they believe. Despite what people think of this book, it's an another must-read because it exposes kids to the many injustices in this world and an emerging's teen experience with the old-age battle between the "haves" and "have nots". 

Do you agree? Did you see any of your favorite banned books? 

If I missed any, please comment with the book title and author, reason why, and your thoughts!

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

5 Ways College Libraries Can Use Instagram

Connecting Instagram and College Libraries

Source: Wokandapix - Pixabay

In today's fast-paced world, we don't have the time to read long, text-heavy articles anymore. It's the era of infographics, images, videos, or anything that can be seen and/or read in under two minutes. This is why it's so vital and important to be utilizing the photography and short videography social media tool: Instagram.

One place that needs to adapt to the ever-changing digital world are college libraries. And college libraries have discovered the power of Instagram to show off that they are still here and always will be. 

Here are seven unique ways college libraries can use Instagram to help market themselves. 

1. The Staff 

It's #NationalBookLoversDay, and while National Library Workers Day falls in April, we HAVE to take this opportunity to celebrate the extensive work our @millsteinlib staff does to encourage a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students! Here are just some of the friendly and welcoming faces you'll see as you walk into Millstein Library! Never be afraid to ask for help!! #H2PG #Librarians #CollegeLibrary #Pitt #Greensburg #Booklover #BookloversDay #H2P #PittIsIt #WestmorelandCounty #Pittsburgh #pgh #Pennsylvania

A photo posted by Pitt-Greensburg (@pittgreensburg) on Aug 9, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

 

People who work in college libraries can seem a little intimidating. A good way to lessen this is to show and/or feature staff members in their workplaces or in their favorite place in the library. Have them say something about why they love what they do or why they love libraries and use a hashtag like #MeetTheStaff or something unique to your library.

2. The Student Workers 

Congrats to our student Diksha for winning Servant Leadership Award! #weloveourstudents #purpleisgold

A photo posted by Rod Library (@rodlibrary) on Apr 13, 2016 at 9:17am PDT

Show off the student employees for their work for the library or their work in the classroom or even their work for their organizations. Or even just feature a student worker who has gone above and beyond in their position.

3. Instagram Challenge 

Create an Instagram Challenge to increase followers or a goal specific and time sensitive to your library and give a incentive like Commerce's Public Library staff jumping into the pool. When the goal or challenge is met, be sure to follow through on the incentive. Come up with a unique hashtag to go with it.

4. Book Face Fridays 

Our attempt at #bookfacefriday may make you want to pull a similar face but we're trying to be better, I promise! 😱 #LRC #learningresourcecentre #doncastercollege #UCLRC #library #librarylife #librariesofinstagram #collegelibrary #universitycentre #highmelton #graphicnovelcharacterdesign #artbooks #artsection #booksfordays #literature

A photo posted by Doncaster College LRC (@doncastercollegelrc) on Jul 15, 2016 at 6:16am PDT

For those are not aware what BookFace is, it is taking book covers and adding a human element to finish the book cover didn't include. This is something fun and light to do to keep the social media presence alive and upbeat and unique.

5. Fav Library Spots Photo Contest

My sister is heading back to school next week, and that made me think of my favorite place: the library! I'm happy to have graduated last year, but so many blissful days were spent amongst the shelves studying and reading. :) *** #fbf #flashbackfriday #library #collegelibrary #books #happy #bookworm #booklover #geeky #geekygirl #geekstagram #bookholic #book #bookaddict #read #reading #friday

A photo posted by Katy Rochelle (@katyrochelle) on Aug 26, 2016 at 6:23pm PDT

Create a photo contest challenging students to show off their favorite spot to study, hangout, or to maybe catch a few z's in between classes and a short explanation why they love it. The students send their photos and explanations, without names, and which ever picture gets the most "likes" earns a prize. A way to track posts is through a hashtag.

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

Who, What & Why I'm Blogging

Welcome to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

Source: @SnapsMacsBooks

Hello, readers and welcome to my blog dedicated to marketing college libraries, inspiring reading, books, and libraries, and connecting photography and design in college libraries and their public relation committees.

Hello, it's me...

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Curtis. I am a junior at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Currently, I am majoring in Interactive Digital Studies, with an emphasis on Digital Advertising and Digital Imaging, and Art minor with an emphasis on photography. Outside of my studies, I work at Rod Library as a Building Monitor and a Public Relations Student Assistant. 

In my free time, I can be seen with a nose in a book. I also enjoy all kinds of photography and using different types of cameras. If I am not taking pictures or reading, I am most likely writing or designing. 

I know about... 

A list of my skills and experience:

• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat 

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.) 

• Social Media 

• Writing (professional and creative) 

• Photography 

• Interpersonal communication 

• Leadership 

• Public speaking 

Or long story short: I am dedicated designer, writer, and photographer interested in doing public relations and communications for a college library because I want to advocate, promote, and inspire reading and books.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you come back soon!