Monthly Archives: November 2016

The Library Catalog: One Stop Nonstop

Searching the Library Catalog shouldn’t prove to be difficult. Anybody who is used to finding information on any major type of search engine will be able to use it. You’re associated with an institution of higher education that has strong admission standards. You can do this. A bigger question is, why bother? When any random search on Google retrieves umpty-gazillion responses, why restrict yourself to the few hundred thousand available through the Library collections? One answer lies in the quality...

The Libraries Thanksgiving List

This week some of the library staff took some time out to pause and consider what we are thankful for: Jennifer Dean, Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technology: I am grateful to be here at Detroit Mercy and with everyone in Libraries/IDS. Sara Armstrong, Associate Dean for Technical Services and Library Systems: I’m grateful for all the people I work with. Not only do we get awesome things done. You’re all fun to work with. Marilyn Dow, Director of...

Government Documents and Government Information at UDM

The University of Detroit Mercy houses a collection of federal government documents in print, microfiche, and tangible electronic format (CD-ROMs and DVDs). It also provides access to titles available online through the Government Printing Office (GPO). These resources are available not only to students, faculty, staff, and administrators of the University, but also by federal law to anyone else who may wish to consult them. The University has the distinction of having been a selective depository library since 1884. A...

The Value and Fun of Graphic Novels

Do you know an non-reader, a struggling reader, or a reluctant reader? Do you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, nieces or nephews learning how to read? Turn them on to graphic novels. Scholarly studies are showing that the combination of pictures and words aids comprehension and vocabulary for struggling readers. With their clever and entertaining illustrations, condensed text, and unique formats, graphic novels can effectively communicate complex ideas. The University of Detroit Mercy Libraries has been collecting graphic novels for several...

Chapters in the History of the Book–Hidden Treasures

Pal·imp·sest ˈ/paləm(p)ˌsest/ From the Greek “palímpsestos,” to scrape again. This was the ultimate in recycling. Roman writers Catullus, Cicero, and Plutarch all told of the practice of making palimpsesti  on papyrus and wax tablets. (Avrin. p. 168)  After the fall of the Roman Empire the practice continued, manuscripts which were no longer useful or contained material considered pagan would have their pages cleaned so they could be reused. This would save time and money since parchment was expensive. Why is...