Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Finals Stress-Busters @ Samford University Library

Finals are coming up next week at Samford University, and we've got a few things planned here at the library (in addition to our long study hours) to help you keep calm and do well during your exams.

On Tuesday night (12/10), we're going to have late night pizza-- free!  Make sure you're here between 10:30 and 11:30 pm Tuesday night to score some delicious Papa John's slices on the first floor next to the circulation desk.

If you follow Samford Library on Twitter or Like us on Facebook, I'm sure you've already heard, but you can enter to win one of 8 fifteen-minute, stress-defying, neck and shoulder massages Wednesday evening.  You can find more details on that here:  Follow, Like, Win!

We're continuing our holiday tradition of asking students to help us decorate our Christmas trees with snowflakes, and we've got a snowflake station right near the front doors where you can take a break and get creative.

Also this year, starting next week, if you decorate and address an "I survived finals @ Samford University Library" postcard for us, we'll mail it for you!  You can find the postcards and supplies sharing the snowflake table, starting Monday (12/9).

Finally, if you need a study break, we've got just the activity for you.  Grab one of the Library Art Scavenger Hunts from the front desk (or anywhere else you might find some), and if you complete it correctly and return it, you can get a sweet reward-- a full sized candy bar!  We've even got a video full of clues for you to check out on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yO1sw8vMOY

So don't stress next week, Samford-- visit your library!  

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Follow, Like, Win!

Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook and message us to enter to win a massage!

We're giving away 8 fifteen-minute massages during the week of finals, and you could win one!


Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, message us with your name and valid Samford.edu email address, and we'll notify you if you've won!


We're on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TheRefDesk



It's that easy!  This is only available for current Samford students, so tell your friends!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Story of Survival, Live @ the Library


"Of the families that boarded the doomed ocean liner Titanic in England in 1912, only one-fourth arrived safely in New York together.  Albert and Sylvia Caldwell and their ten-month-old son, Alden, were one of those families...

"Their ill-fated voyage on the Titanic was only one part of the Caldwells' intriguing adventure..." The "idealistic young missionaries" were fleeing Siam under suspicion of attempting to use "Sylvia's health as an excuse to renege on their contract and go home early."





Who:  Julie Hedgepeth Williams, author of A Rare Titanic Family
What:  Live @ the Library 2013
Where: Davis Library, Samford University
Why:  A true story of adventure, disaster, survival, and faith-- and Convo Credit is available!

Don't miss it!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Coming Up: Live @ the Library!



Homecoming Week is next week, and with that comes another great Live @ the Library event.

On Saturday, November 16th, Julie Hedgepeth Williams will join us to discuss her book A Rare Titanic Family.  Her talk will begin at 9am, but she'll arrive earlier with books to sell and sign.


Julie Hedgepeth Williams grew up hearing the story of the Titanic firsthand from her great-uncle, Albert Caldwell, who survived the tragic shipwreck, as did his wife and infant son.  Julie was so fascinated with the Caldwells' story that she wound up majoring in History (and English) at Principia College in Elsah, IL.  After a career as a journalist in Clinton, NC, she moved to Alabama, where she earned her Master's degree and PhD in Media History at the University of Alabama. 

Julie is the past president of the American Journalism Historians Association.  She teaches Journalism and Core Communication Arts at Samford.  In her "spare time," Julie travels all over the country speaking about the Titanic and the Wright brothers.

Don't miss this excellent opportunity!  Like us on Facebook, and join the Facebook event to get relevant updates!  You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/SamfordUniversityLibrary.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

New Database Trials



Samford University Library is continually previewing and testing new resources for students and faculty, so that we can best serve our users.

A big part of this process is trying out new databases for general and specific disciplinary research purposes.

There are two new trials up to preview with your Samford ID until next week-- Taylor and Francis E-books, and CRCnetBase.







Taylor and Francis E-books:
"This site offers instant access to the world's premier Humanities, Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Built Environment, STM and Law content — from renowned imprints such as Routledge, Psychology Press and Focal Press. We have more than 40,000 titles available for purchase by institutions via our eBook collections — from general subject areas to interdisciplinary selections hand-picked by our editorial teams. We can also assist you to tailor-make your own custom package."







CRCnetBase:
"'… well crafted with rich content, phenomenal speed, and intelligent navigational features. …the superbly clear tips woven throughout make it easy. … highly recommended for all libraries serving serious scientific researchers.' -Library Journal

"CRCnetBASE offers instant access to the world's premier scientific, technical and medical references with added support for libraries. Our subject collections are designed to meet the individualized needs of any sized library or institution."


These database trials and all of our other trial database access can be found on the Database Trials page, linked from the library home page on the bottom right side menu.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Special Collection Open House Today, 2-4pm

Light refreshments will be served. Don't miss it!


What:  Visit the Special Collection's Open House
When: October 31st, 2013, from 2-4pm
Where:  the Lower Level of the Library
Who: Our archivists and you
Why: It’s where Samford History Lives 

October is National Archives Month when archives both large and small are celebrated around the country. Actively collecting and organizing unique materials, archives bring the past into the present by preserving and protecting the flotsam and jetsom that are later formed into history.

History is born out of Archives.

And here on Samford’s campus, the library’s Special Collection department takes care of Samford’s history, Alabama Baptist history, Alabama history and all sort of other things like rare books and pamphlets,  civil war surgical tools, beautiful maps,  three lotus slippers, and drafts and proofs of Charles Spurgeon'sermons.  

The Special Collection is open from 9am to 5 pm Monday through Friday for any member of campus or the public who would like to handle our materials.

Founded in 1957, the Special Collection is proud to have been built entirely on gifts. Generous professors, alumni and members of the public have given wonderful materials for student’s use. 

Visit today!



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Our Favorite Things from the Special Collection, Part Three

The Samford Special Collection and University Archives Open House is tomorrow, October 31st, 2013, from 2-4pm.  Don't hesitate to stop by the Special Collection for snacks and a glimpse into Samford's history.

Here's the final installment of the favorite things of the folks who work in our Special Collection.  Each is unique and only preserved because of the hard work that these archivists do to preserve our history.  These three love the collection so much that they couldn't just pick one favorite!

Liz + A Piece of the Sherman Oak and the McClurkin letter
"Sherman Oak, named for the first president of Howard College, Samuel Sterling Sherman, was the celebrated tree on the East Lake campus. Although some note an earlier tree naming, Dr. J. M. Shelburne, in 1915, president of Howard College, began the celebration of Arbor Day. He chose the largest oak on the campus at that time and dedicated it to the first president of the College.

"The stately sturdy tree served as the meeting place for the Howard College community.  Under its large branches, couples met, dated, and proposals of marriage were made. Every Entre Nous, showing photographs of the campus and student activities, feature the Sherman Oak.

"In 1957 Howard College left the East Lake site and moved to Edgewood/Lakeshore campus.  The tree remained.  However, lightening, blight, ad age were enemies to the Oak.  In 1998, the tree was cut down.  Pieces of the tree were saved and stored.  This piece came to Special Collection. 

"Sharing a picture of the tree and this piece brought tears to a lady visiting the Collection.  'I had my photograph taken under that tree when I was a senior in high school, visiting the campus.'  This is a tangible piece of the East Lake campus, which exists no more.

"J. E. McLurkin was an upper classman when he left Howard College’s Marion campus in 1887 to attend school on its new East Lake site. McLurkin wrote his 'Cusin' about coming to the 'Magic City' and described in detail this huge, somewhat frightening city. His letter telling of the international and industrial life in Birmingham is a wonderful first hand account of this New South city.

"He also describes his opportunities to preach.  He shares his doubts to never be no more than just a farmer boy, but this experiences at Howard College had opened new 'paths' for him.  However, no matter how wonderful the new Birmingham sites were, he was not as well pleased as he would be in Marion, but 'he hoped to be better pleased when he got better acquainted.'

"In the fall of 1987, the 100th anniversary of Samford moving to Birmingham, President Thomas Corts read the letter to the incoming   freshman class.  Even after 100 years, the relevancy of McLurkin’s words reminded us of the expectation of the new, the unknown, but opportunities for students and the institution, 'when we get better acquainted.' "

—Liz Wells, Processing Archivist & Special Collection Librarian

Tabitha + Lotus Shoes from the Hearn Collection
"Among the many, many items we have in our Special Collection, I find the Chinese Lotus Shoes one of the more fascinating items.  These little shoes, which are “adult” size, are so beautiful and so ornate to be associated with such a cruel practice of binding feet.  This practice often started with little girls before the age of 6.  Binding the foot caused the arch of the foot to break and allowed the heel and toes to be brought closer together.  Having such small feet was considered a 'status symbol,' especially among 'elite' families.  Eventually, the practice of binding feet was made illegal in 1912."—Tabitha Moore, Microfilm Lab Manager

Rachel + Dr. Funderburg's stuffed caiman and the 1528 Aldine Press Edition of Pliny the Younger
"So, I confess I couldn’t pick just two things. The caiman belonged to Dr. Lonnie Funderburg, a professor on campus. Rumor has it that when he gave his extensive book collection to the library, he demanded that his caiman come along as well. It’s been with the collection ever since. 

"My other great love is the oldest book we have in the collection printed by the famous Italian Aldine press in 1518. It has its original binding and beautiful details like yaps and an inscribed text block. The English printers in the 16th century were pretty poor at their job, but the Italians produced some of the most beautiful books in Europe. Among their various achievements, the Aldine Press invented italic font, so I think of them every time I cite a source." – Rachel Cohen, Archivist/User Services Librarian

These are just a few of the amazing things we have in Samford's Special Collection.  Visit today!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

SC's Favorite Things, Part Two

Only two days left until Samford's Special Collection and University Archives hosts their open house on October 31st, from 2 to 4pm.  The Open House is part of the Special Collection's recognition of American Archives Month, which honors the work of archivists and highlights the importance of archives in preserving history.

Here are some more of the favorite things of the amazing people who work in Samford's Special Collection.

Jennifer + Portrait of Julia Tarrant Barron
"This portrait of Julia Tarrant Barron is infamously known to many on campus. However, Julia, as the portrait is lovingly called by the Special Collection staff, is a favorite of mine in the collection. Regardless of the dark appearance of the portrait, Julia Tarrant Barron was a kind and generous leader in 19th century Alabama. She opened her home and shared her resources in order to help start Judson College, Howard College (now Samford University) and The Alabama Baptist newspaper. Julia Barron was a wealthy woman who gave all she had to give to the Baptists of Alabama.  When she died, she died a pauper.  Without her, we would not exist as we are today." – Jennifer Taylor, Chair of the Special Collection


Emma + Civil War era traveling surgical kit
"It’s sort of a creepy piece, but that might be why I like it. The medical kit is so beautifully boxed and shows a piece of how life was in the past." – Emma Mcquiston, Student Assistant

Kalyn + Godey's Ladies' Book
"I like the Godey’s Lady book, because it is the precursor to modern fashion magazines."-- Kalyn Fuller, Student Assistant

The final installment of our Favorite Things will be up tomorrow.  Don't miss this slice of history.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Special Collection's Favorite Things, Part One


In honor of American Archives Month, the Samford Special Collection and University Archives is hosting an open house Thursday, October 31st, from 2 to 4 pm.  

To get everyone geared up for the occasion, the amazing folks in Special Collections got together some of their favorite things, and we're listing them here, along with their particular reasons for appreciating these treasures.
Chelsea + Stuffed Bulldog Mascot circa: 1950
"The dog kinda freaks me out, honestly. But it’s that part of him that makes him a fun part of the collection, and also an interesting piece of Samford’s history."—Chelsea Pennington, Student Assistant

Alicia + Architectural Rendering of the Wright Center
"I am an interior architecture student, so all the architectural drawings and paintings of the campus are very interesting to me. I love this painting of the Wright Center because it is not only beautiful, but a very accurate rendering." – Alicia Alexander, Student Assistant

Bradley + Geneva Edition of the Bible printed in 1595 
“The Geneva Bible is truly a historically significant part of our collection. Predating the King James Bible by 51 years, it is largely based on William Tyndale's translations from the original Hebrew and Greek. It even includes study aids! Not bad for being first published in 1560.”—Bradley Harris, Microfilm Assistant


More favorite things to follow in the coming days, so stay tuned!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

American Archives Month

The Society of American Archivists has proclaimed October American Archives Month.

From their website:

American Archives Month
 is a collaborative effort by professional organizations and repositories around the nation to highlight the importance of records of enduring value. 

Archivists are professionals who assess, collect, organize, preserve, maintain control of, and provide access to information that has lasting value, and they help people find and understand the information they need in those records.

To celebrate, we encourage you to visit our world class archives here at Samford Library.  Found on the lower level of the library, the Samford Special Collection is full of primary source documents, unique objects, and invaluable records of the history of the university, local Birmingham area and family history, and the Alabama Baptist Historical Collection.

103 year old Entre Nous.

Here are just a few of the amazing items housed in the Special Collection.  You can find out more about them by visiting the Special Collection's Treasure Chest.

Image from 1862 diary.
1862 diary entry.


17th Century Book Clasps.

Booker T. Washington letter, 1907. 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Letterpress in the Library

Today marks the opening of the .918 Letterpress Printed Ephemera Show in Swearingen Hall, curated by Samford professor Scott Fisk.  


Ephemera



From the website: 

In conjunction with the .918 show, the library has put together a display entitled "The Letterpress Process."  Set up on the east side of the main stairway in the library, this display outlines the mechanisms involved in creating letterpressed materials.  


compostition and typesetting



Also on display are a few of the extensive number of letterpress items found in the Special Collection of the library.  Most books and many other printed materials were made using the letterpress process until the mid-twentieth century.  

The .918 Show and "The Letterpress Process" will run until November 26th.  Be sure to visit both.



918 defined


To find out more about letterpress, use Credo Reference, available through the library's website, or stop by on the second floor of Davis Library and Ask Us.  

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Liz Wells Wins Whiting Award


On October 4th, 2013, Liz Wells, Special Collection Librarian and Archivist here at Davis Library, was awarded the Whiting Award by the Society of Alabama Archivists at their annual meeting.  


Marvin Yeomans Whiting was the Birmingham Public Library’s first archivist (1976-1996), a founding member of the Society of Alabama Archivists and a pioneer in the professionalization of archives in Alabama. The Birmingham Public Library co-sponsors the award.

Liz's dedication to preserving and disseminating Alabama history is well known, especially to those who have availed themselves of her knowledge and expertise during visits to the Samford Special Collection, and to her colleagues and coworkers.  

Congratulations, Liz!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Resources Affected by Government Shutdown

Government Website Shutdown Notice

If you've attempted to visit a website in the .gov domain today, you may have seen a notice like the one above.

Due to the current US government shutdown, many web based resources may be affected, including databases used for research, like the education resource site eric.ed.gov.

USA.gov has a list of affected government services and resources, available here:  http://www.usa.gov/shutdown.shtml

You can call 1-800-FED-INFO with your questions about government services.

This shutdown begins October 1, 2013, and will continue until further notice.

For more information about what library linked resources are affected, Ask Us.


Monday, September 23, 2013

Questions? Get in touch!


If you've visited the library recently, hopefully you've seen the big red Ask Us! sign next to the reference desk on the second floor.  This desk is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable students who can refer you to librarians for your in-depth research needs. 

Did you know about all of the other ways you can contact librarians for assistance?

Call us: 205.726.2196


Tweet us: @TheRefDesk

Text us: 205.863.4065

Or Live Chat with us:  http://samford.libanswers.com/  The chat box is on the left side of the page.

These resources are all available during regular library hours.

Want to ask a specific librarian a question?  Find their contact info here:  http://library.samford.edu/about/people_dept.html

Need to know how to find us or how to get in touch with a specific department?  That's available online, too: http://library.samford.edu/about/contactus.html

You can find all of this information on the main Ask Us! page: http://samford.libanswers.com/

We look forward to helping you find answers!




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Constitution Week


September 17th marks the beginning of Constitution Week, which is hosted by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

On September 17th, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.  From Credo Reference:

"...the Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, and ratified by the required number of states (nine) by June 21, 1788. It superseded the original charter of the United States in force since 1781 and established the system of federal government that began to function in 1789. The Constitution is concise, and its very brevity and its general statement of principles have, by accident more than by design, made possible the extension of meaning that has fostered growth. There are seven articles and a preamble; 27 amendments have been adopted."

You can find the entire text of the Constitution via Credo Reference here:  Text of the Constitution of the United States.

Credo Reference is an excellent resource and a great alternative to non-scholarly general knowledge websites that is available to all Samford students.  Use Credo to find scholarly articles, images, and other verified media for use in projects and presentations.

Need help with your research?  Ask us!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Be Mindful of Personal Belongings in the Library


As the 2013 Fall Semester gets underway here at Samford University, we ask all students who use the library as a study and work space to be mindful of their belongings.

The Davis Library is not only open to Samford students and faculty, but also to visiting scholars and members of the public from the Birmingham area.  Many different people take advantage of the great resources we have here at Samford.  

Please do not leave books, computers, or other personal belongings unattended or out of your sight for any length of time in the library.  

Questions about using the library?  Find out more about our policies here.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Samford University wasn’t always named Samford University

In 1841, Samford University was founded as Howard College. Originally located in Marion, Alabama, Rev. James Harvey DeVotie advocated naming the college after the 18th century philanthropist and English prison reformer, John Howard.



To a modern audience, John Howard seems a strange choice for a small Baptist college in Alabama. He was not Baptist, nor was he heavily involved in church matters. Rather, John Howard was a member of the merchant class of Britain and attributed for being the first English prison reformer. He traveled across Europe documenting the deplorable conditions of prison.

As for his dedication as a prison reformer, Howard viewed his work as humanitarian. In the 19th century, prison reform was a topic of heavy debate which is perhaps why DeVotie chose to name the school after the renowned John Howard. He was widely revered as a model of Christian compassion.

 If you’d like to read more about John Howard, check out Dean Chapman’s article for Season’s magazine in Spring 2005 or come visit the Special Collection. The Special Collection in the University Library holds a first edition, 1777, of John Howard’s book on English prisons and a second edition, 1791, of his book on European prisons, as well as a letter by Howard and several other items of interest, all thanks to the generosity of a donor.



So, why aren’t we still Howard?  In part because when Howard College became a university in 1965 there already was a Howard University. The name was changed to Samford University in honor of Frank Park Samford and the Samford family’s contribution to the university. The Howard College of Arts and Sciences retained both the name and the legacy of this great humanitarian.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the University Library will celebrate John Howard’s 287th Birthday with cake and coffee at 10:00  am.   Come Join the Celebration!



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

University Library 101

Welcome new students! Have you been in the University Library yet? We want you to spend many hours studying & using our resources while you're a SU student. We realize you might have some questions so here's a list of places to find answers:

Questions? Use Ask Us! to find more answers & all the different ways to contact us.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

The Story Continues...Librarians on the Move!

Adding to our theme of Librarians on the Move: Here, There, Everywhere, we have enhanced our support for traditional and online education with a new Research Guide and by adding the option of online library instruction. In addition to in-person instruction, and other services (see our à la carte menu), you can now request this new online service. Librarians can also create videos on how to use the library and help you embed ASK US! (A live chat and e-mail feature where students can get help) inside Moodle or on other online sites.

To request this new online service or traditional in-person library instruction, click here. From there, click on Library Instruction Request form.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Stephanie Rollins.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What happens in the library when the students aren't around?

Lots of things! We're busy planning for the future, taking care of projects that need to be completed before fall semester begins, & trying out new ideas to see what works.

Here are just a few of the things we do during the summer:

  • Attend virtual webinars
  • Move collections
  • Process new collections & manuscripts
  • Upgrade computers & software
  • Implement new programs
  • Order, process, & catalog materials
  • Make sure books & materials are shelved properly
  • Count everything that doesn't move
  • Order supplies
  • Ponder a lot
  • Schedule future displays & exhibits,
  • Handle ILL requests
  • & so much more
What? You thought we read all day? Sorry to disappoint you! 

Friday, July 19, 2013

A Baptist History Show and Tell for Alabama Churches


 Since January of this year, the Special Collection department has hosted over 290 people from 20 different churches as a part of special tours offered through the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission. Church groups from all over Alabama travel to visit Samford University and their first stop is usually the Special Collection department.


As the repository for the Alabama Baptist State Convention, one of the primary missions of the Special Collection department at Samford is to preserve, protect, and provide access to materials relating to the history of Alabama Baptists. During these tours, Samford archivists offer visitors a unique opportunity to hear and see for themselves books, documents, and artifacts relating to Alabama Baptist and Samford University history.


Staff from The Alabama Baptist newspaper often visit during these tours to discuss the importance and history of The Alabama Baptist newspaper. In the photograph above, Dr. Bob Terry, president and editor of the newspaper, talks with one of the church groups.

Other stops on the tour include lunch at the university's cafeteria, Hodges Chapel, and the Global Center. For more information about these tours, please contact the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission.

Jennifer Taylor, Archivist, Samford University Library
Rachel Cohen, Archivist, Samford University Library

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door"


On June 11, 1963 Governor George Wallace made his “stand in the schoolhouse door” speech in opposition to the integration of Alabama schools.



The event took place in the doorway of Foster Auditorium on the campus of The University of Alabama in an attempt to prevent James Alexander Hood and Vivian Malone from enrolling in classes.. The “stand in the schoolhouse door” played an integral part in politics and the civil rights movement. Gov. Wallace gained national attention from the event. Later that evening, President Kennedy made a televised speech aligning himself with the civil rights movement.

Lillie Mae Beason, a student at The University of Alabama, watched Gov. Wallace deliver the speech from across the street through her dormitory window. When the event was over, Beason watched Gov. Wallace place a rolled paper in a nearby pipe. Later, she went to retrieve the document. What she found in the pipe was Gov. Wallace’s speech.

The speech is now in the Special Collection department of the Samford University Library.

Jennifer Taylor
Archivist, Samford University Library

Monday, May 20, 2013

Intersession Hours

Please remember that the library has limited hours through June 1st. 

Consult the Library Hours page for details.

Samford University Library Hours

May 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Apr 28

1:00pm-
Midnight
Apr 29

7:30am-
Midnight
Apr 30

7:30am-
Midnight
1

7:30am-
Midnight
2

7:30am-
Midnight
3

7:30am-
5:00pm
4

10:00am-
5:00pm
5

1:00pm-
Midnight
6

7:30am-
2:00am
7

7:30am-
2:00am
8

7:30am-
2:00am
9

7:30am-
2:00am
10

7:30am-
5:00pm
11

10:00am-
5:00pm
12

1:00pm-
2:00am
13

7:30am-
2:00am
14

7:30am-
2:00am
15

7:30am-
2:00am
16

7:30am-
6:00pm
17

8:00am-
4:30pm
18

CLOSED
19

CLOSED
20

8:00am-
4:30pm
21

8:00am-
4:30pm
22

8:00am-
4:30pm
23

8:00am-
4:30pm
24

8:00am-
4:30pm
25

CLOSED
26

CLOSED
27

CLOSED
28

8:00am-
4:30pm
29

8:00am-
4:30pm
30

8:00am-
4:30pm
31

8:00am-
4:30pm
Jun 1

CLOSED

Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday: Hellenic Scholars' Library

The Hellenic Scholars' Library


Samford Classics professor Doug Clapp noted that although pride in Greek culture was exaggerated for comedic effect in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "it is no stretch to say that we can trace our ideas, our ways of thinking, back to their ancient Greek origins through the writings of, among others, Homer, Plato and Paul." "By preserving a multitude of Greek voices," Clapp said, "the Hellenic Scholars Library can help a twenty-first century world maintain access to ancient wisdom that can help us thoughtfully consider our modern quandaries."

Since 2005 over 3,000 volumes have been donated to the collection. The Hellenic Scholars' Library is located on the lower level, adjacent to Special Collection. Materials are accessible through the Samford Libraries Catalog. 

Please join us Friday, 10:00am, for the reception.

This year National Library Week is all about how Communities matter @ your library. Gifts to the University Library provide valuable opportunities for enhancements to existing library resources and services. Developing and maintaining a scholarly library and center for learning now and in the future is a long-range enterprise that requires a wide base of support to ensure preservation of and access to key information resources for scholarship. The Samford University Library has been the beneficiary of many generous gifts through the years that have enabled it to provide additional key resources that significantly enhance our offerings that nurture persons learning and knowledge in direct support of the mission of the institution.
This week we highlight five gifts: ALFA Presentation Room; The Saint John's Bible, Heritage edition; The Pilgrim's Choice and other hymnals; C.S. Lewis and other fictional works; and the Hellenic Scholars' Library.
 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Wednesday: ALFA Presentation Room

ALFA Presentation Room

Did you know there's a place in the library specifically so students can practice class presentations?

In February, Samford dedicated its new ALFA Practice Presentation in library room 214. With funding from the ALFA Foundation, the facility was renovated and outfitted with the latest technology to help students practice and refine presentations for classes, seminars, conferences and thesis defense. In addition to dedicated recording software, the room features an automatic screen, projector, video camera and confidence monitor.

Although the room is reserved for student use, this open house will introduce the facility to the entire university community and public. For more information, visit our exhibits page.
Please join us Thursday between 10-11 am, for the open house.
Popcorn will also be served on the Library Porch from 10-11.

This year National Library Week is all about how Communities matter @ your library. Gifts to the University Library provide valuable opportunities for enhancements to existing library resources and services. Developing and maintaining a scholarly library and center for learning now and in the future is a long-range enterprise that requires a wide base of support to ensure preservation of and access to key information resources for scholarship. The Samford University Library has been the beneficiary of many generous gifts through the years that have enabled it to provide additional key resources that significantly enhance our offerings that nurture persons learning and knowledge in direct support of the mission of the institution.
This week we highlight five gifts: ALFA Presentation Room; The Saint John's Bible, Heritage edition; The Pilgrim's Choice and other hymnals; C.S. Lewis and other fictional works; and the Hellenic Scholars' Library.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wednesday: C.S. Lewis Collection

CS. Lewis Collection

Through the gift and direction of a generous local donor, University Library has added 72 titles by and about C. S. Lewis since January 2012. The enhanced collections provide a complete catalog of novels, poems, theological and philosophical monographs, literary criticism, children's books, essays, and memoirs by this highly influential Christian scholar. The goals for the collection now include adding audio books and DVDs, a process that has already begun, as well as secondary works about Lewis. 

It's hard to overestimate the influence Lewis had and continues to have on generations of scholars and the public. His science fiction, children's literature, and devotional writings persist in popularity, while his scholarly works continue to be studied and analyzed. Derivative works such as movies and plays entice young audiences and lay the foundation of a generous and beautiful Christian theology. Lewis' prodigious body of work can be found throughout the library.



Help us celebrate C.S. Lewis and our other favorite authors by creating a collage inspired by YOUR favorite work! Just add it to Pinterest or Tweet using the hashtag #sulibrary (and be entered again in our daily drawings). 

This year National Library Week is all about how Communities matter @ your library. Gifts to the University Library provide valuable opportunities for enhancements to existing library resources and services. Developing and maintaining a scholarly library and center for learning now and in the future is a long-range enterprise that requires a wide base of support to ensure preservation of and access to key information resources for scholarship. The Samford University Library has been the beneficiary of many generous gifts through the years that have enabled it to provide additional key resources that significantly enhance our offerings that nurture persons learning and knowledge in direct support of the mission of the institution.
This week we highlight five gifts: ALFA Presentation Room; The Saint John's Bible, Heritage edition; The Pilgrim's Choice and other hymnals; C.S. Lewis and other fictional works; and the Hellenic Scholars' Library.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Tuesday: The Pilgrim's Choice and Hymnal Collection

Community Highlight



This unassuming little collection of 266 hymns and spiritual songs is one of only four known extant copies of the first Baptist hymnal known to have been published in Alabama. David W. Andrews compiled the work and Jacksonville, Ala., printer J.F. Grant printed it in 1843. The only other known copies reside in the Alabama State Archives, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a private collection.

Samford music professor Paul Richardson, a noted hymnologist and past president of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, acquired the hymnal and donated it to the university in honor of Liz Wells, chair of the library's Special Collection department. "She has been so helpful to me, I saw this as a way to add to the collection and honor her at the same time," Richardson said.

[page 66] from Select Gems, 1889

"The Pilgrim's Choice" joins an already sizeable collection of hymnals at Samford resulting from an earlier gift of materials to the university's School of the Arts by the Lorenz publishing family of Chicago.


[page 45] from The Sacred Harp, 1902.

 An example of shape note music made popular in the early 1800s.


A 5 Meal Food Court gift card will be awarded to a Samford student from the National Library Week entry box. See here for ways to enter. 

This year National Library Week is all about how Communities matter @ your library. Gifts to the University Library provide valuable opportunities for enhancements to existing library resources and services. Developing and maintaining a scholarly library and center for learning now and in the future is a long-range enterprise that requires a wide base of support to ensure preservation of and access to key information resources for scholarship. The Samford University Library has been the beneficiary of many generous gifts through the years that have enabled it to provide additional key resources that significantly enhance our offerings that nurture persons learning and knowledge in direct support of the mission of the institution.

This week we highlight five gifts: ALFA Presentation Room; The Saint John's Bible, Heritage edition; The Pilgrim's Choice and other hymnals; C.S. Lewis and other fictional works; and the Hellenic Scholars' Library.