INTERLIBRARY LOAN TRANSACTIONS REACH 50,000

We all know that the University Library is home to thousands of books, articles, and special collections materials. What may be less obvious is the essential work carried out by Gail Barton, Bradley Harris, and their small army of student workers in the Interlibrary Loan Department on the second floor of the University Library.

College and university libraries have a long-standing practice of lending materials to one another, and Samford is certainly no exception. In fact, our Interlibrary Loan department is very active both in borrowing from other libraries and lending Samford-owned materials to others.

As of this afternoon, April 30, 2009, the Interlibrary Loan Department reached the 50,000 mark: 50,000 total requests processing through ILL since July of 2005. What a great achievement for this hard-working and essential service.

Moreover, ILL has been closed in on this 50,000 number very quickly. The department reached the 40,000 mark on September 6, 2008--just last fall. The most recent 10,000 items borrowed and lent have been processed in less than a year.

Gail and her team labor largely in the background, but the contribution of ILL to the intellectual life of Samford is immeasurable. Congratulations to Gail Barton and the Interlibrary Loan Department on a great achievement.

OPEN MIC POETRY READING

We had a fantastic open mic poetry reading today. Birmingham poet Michael Virga was our emcee for this event, at which 20+ students, faculty and staff shared their favorite poems as well as some of their own poetry. To view more photos, visit our Facebook pages.

CONGRATULATIONS LAURA MORELLO

Congratulations to Laura Morello, the 2009 Samford University Student Employee of the Year! We are so proud of you!

Laura, a graduating senior in the department of Interior Design, currently works in the reference unit. She divides her time between interlibrary loan, government documents and reference. Congratulations on a much-deserved award!

CHILDREN'S ART EXHIBIT: GOD'S BEAUTIFUL WORLD

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” -- Genesis 1:31

In honor of the Center’s tenth anniversary during the 2008-2009 academic year, the University Library is displaying works of art created by some of its students.

Location: University Library, 1st floor
Inclusive Dates: April 3 – April 17, 2009

EARTH DAY ART SHOW (PRIZES!)

In celebration of Earth Day, all members of the Samford community are invited to submit original works of art to the 2009 Earth Day Art Exhibition, to be held in the University Library. Click here to view an event flyer. We are accepting any piece of art that is framed and/or matted and suitable for hanging, or sculpture that is ready to display.The exhibit will be held April 19-May 1, 2009, and first ($200) second ($100) and third ($50) prizes will be awarded at an Art Reception, Tuesday, April 29th. To participate in the show, you must deliver your artwork between Wednesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 15 to Lori Northrup, Room 225, University Library. If you have questions, please email Lori Northrup lanorthr@samford.edu.

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. The University Library is joining with the Academy of American Poets and numerous schools and libraries throughout the U.S. by increasing the visibility of the poetry in our collection and encouraging patrons to explore this rich and diverse area. Come view our display on the first floor of the University Library.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK APRIL 12-18 2009

In collaboration with the American Library Association, Samford University Libraries will be celebrating National Library Week April 12-18, 2009.

Please join us for a week of daily prize-drawings, coffee in the library, fine amnesty, and poetry readings.

Tuesday April 14—In celebration of National Library Worker Day, join us at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for snacks and a behind-the-scenes library tour. Interested? Meet at the circulation desk on the first floor. Libraries work because we do!

Wednesday April 15—Visit the first floor at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. for a fresh, hot cup of coffee.

Thursday April 16—April is National Poetry Month. Weather permitting, poets and poetry-lovers will meet on the front steps of the library at 10 a.m. for reading and open mic time. Open mic signup begins at 9:30 a.m.Thursday is also Fine Amnesty Day! Present your ID and overdue returned books, CDs, DVDs and videos at the circulation desk, and your fines for those materials will be forgiven. (This does not apply to materials placed in the book drop, lost materials that have been billed, processing charges, or study room keys).

Friday April 17—Our final drawing will be today, so be sure you’ve signed up at the circulation desk.

If you have questions, please contact Naomi Gold, ngold@samford.edu. We look forward to seeing you in the library!