America meets the Fahrenheit 451 world

In the blink on an eye, any country in the world can be taken out with nuclear weapons. Technology has become life threatening; however, few seem to worry about its effects. People are blind to the direction the world is headed in. Omar N. Bradley once said, “If we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner.” In the same way, Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 alludes to the current modern-day world. American society believes it has met the peak of intelligence; however, Bradbury shows his readers how negligent American society has become through the chaos within the culture, which ensues when wisdom and youth are neglected.

Fahrenheit 451 was published in the early 50’s, despite the era it was written in, Bradbury makes many valid points reflecting modern culture. Bradbury predicts the obsession with technology and the problems it may cause; including, but not limited to, an enormous lack of human interaction. The characters do not care for others and have become very egocentric.  It is as if they never grew up. During times of stress, anxiety, etc. they resort to technology to comfort them, bringing to mind a parent comforting a child with a pacifier.

This book is a great read, especially for those who enjoying thinking. You can find Fahrenheit 451 on the shelves of the Masland Library here at Cairn University in our fiction section. Challenge yourself to prove this story wrong and get to know your fellow school mates. How will you stop America from reaching a dystopian nightmare?

~Ismael Santana

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A Grace Sufficient

Vulnerability can be defined as the state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. And nothing stings more than the vulnerability of uttering those three little words: “I don’t know.”  It’s a phrase that clings to the vocal cords like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth, and we have to use it more times than not if we’re honest with ourselves. If all the knowledge to be obtained were a circle, the knowledge any one college student possesses would be nothing more than a pen dot within it.

In fact, as students, ours is a position characterized by lacking knowledge and depending on those who have gone before us so that we may grow our minds and perceptions. These predecessors lead us to ask questions and dive into the abyss of research possibilities, which is exciting . . . until you realize you have three papers to write, two exams to study for, and that huge social event that simply cannot be missed.

Thankfully, there are people and offices established all over campus to support students as we endeavor to unfold the mystery that is navigating adulthood and intellect. In the ARC there are people who are trained to help you manage your schedule and optimize study time. Likewise, the library has experienced staff with hearts ready to serve any student needing assistance.

Laura Saloiye, a Cairn University alumna, has worked at Cairn since 2001, first as a student and, beginning in 2008, as a librarian. In addition to her pleasant personality, Laura has a copious knowledge of the research process and the Masland Library resources that can help any student better utilize all the library has to offer. She is one of the most beneficial tools the Masland Library has to offer the students at Cairn University. The entire Cairn community can learn how to efficiently research and eloquently sift through depths of knowledge which extend well beyond the limits of the many pages on our shelves. You need only ask.

~Theresa Yandell

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Introducing Karl Barth

I have no idea who Karl Barth is.

I spent the majority of this past summer working in the Masland Library.  Okay, insert reader commentary:

Reader: “WHATTT? The library is open during the summer???”

Why, yes, dear reader!  The library is open for Monday-Saturday during summer classes and Monday-Friday for the rest of the summer.  If you do decide to stop in anytime after summer classes are completed, you will likely see student workers among the bookshelves, preparing the library for the coming school year.  This past summer, myself and several other student workers were given the task of shifting almost every book in the main section of the library.  In the course of this tedious-but-necessary task, one man’s name seemed to appear over and over:

KARL BARTH.

No matter what section we were shifting that day, Karl Barth had either written a book on it or someone had written a book about Karl Barth’s thoughts on the matter.  I have done no research on who exactly Karl Barth is and why he has so many opinions about everything, so it does not really make sense that I am writing a blog post about him.  However, I believe in you, reader, and your researching ability.  I just searched his name in the library catalog and was given over 300 results, so he is probably an important person.  So, go! Find out who this man is!  Maybe write him a letter asking him to please calm down and stop writing so many books that I have to shelve.  Here’s a couple books that are in our library collection about good ol’ Karl:

Karl Barth in the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer –  BX4827.B57 P3615  2000

 

How Karl Barth changed my mind –  BX4827.B3 H59 1986

 

The Humanity of God –  BT28 .B273 1996

*This one is actually by the man himself!*

 

Christianity and Barthianism –  BX4827.B3 V36 1962

Okay, so apparently Barth has a whole school of thought named after him.

 

Hopefully those books can get you started on the journey of Barth knowledge on which I have never traveled.

~Valarie Meiser

Leave the shelving to us!

As the body of Christ, it is natural to possess the desire to assist others.  When visiting the library, the best assistance you can give us is to not re-shelf books.  We appreciate that you re-shelf books in an attempt to help us out, but leaving that job to your fellow student workers will help us out even more.

• Records are kept within library systems for the usage of books. These records let the library staff know how often books are used and which ones are most essential to the student body.  Therefore, all books you use – whether you check them out or use them in the library only – need to be recorded in the system.  To help us do this, please leave books on the tables, on the carts throughout the library, or bring them to the front desk and stick them in the book-drop slot.
• In a library, all books are categorized and have certain “homes” within the stacks. Letting library workers re-shelf books helps to ensure that all books are in the appropriate home.  If books are not in their home, they become difficult to find and are then deemed “missing.”  Those poor books  I bet they really miss their neighborhood friends they’re used to being around.   You can help them stay happy by dropping them off on the tables, carts, or at the front desk to be returned to their home by the library workers.
• Fun fact: Student workers get paid to clean up your books and re-shelf them. That’s right.    With real money – not Monopoly money.  By allowing us to re-shelf your books, you help us work for our money.  Plus, why go through the madness of trying to re-shelf books when you don’t have to.  Let us help you, by leaving the shelving to us.

**Disclaimer:  If you are walking through the library and notice books within the stacks that have colored slips in them, please leave the slip in the book.  Student workers who are in shelving training put those in so that the library staff can double-check them, so that they are indeed in the correct spot.  This process, along with the ones mentioned above, helps ensure that when you embark on the great book-finding journey, the perfect will book will be right there waiting for you.

~Rea Fearson

 

Things You Didn’t Know about Your Cairn University Library

Well friends, you have a great resource at your fingertips. Unfortunately there are those who have no desire to use it or have no idea how to use it. Your Cairn University Library has the ability to increase the value of your education, to which you give so much of your time, effort, energy, and money. I am saddened to meet people on campus who have never checked out a book, spent any amount of time studying in the library, or even have no idea that the school gives you free prints to use in the library printers. I have met graduating seniors who have never even set foot in the library. This scares me. So, in light of this catastrophe, I am making a “did you know” list for our beloved “bibliotheque . ”

1. Your prints.

Oh yes, Cairn student, you are given free prints to use during the semester. This seems
obvious, but there are some people out there that have no clue. So maybe you knew you had
prints, but maybe you didn’t know the copier upstairs is the only place you can print with color?

Sure maybe you knew that too, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that you can print your paper and
have the PRINTER STAPLE YOUR WORK FOR YOU. Yes. With a simple click of a button on
the print menu, the Multifunction printers (MFP) (aka the big copiers downstairs and upstairs)will staple things for you right in the machine. Easypeasy.

2. There are records, and a record player.

This is for all you hipsters out there. Let’s say you were down at Sunday Breakfast or some
other local thrift store and you saw a killer vinyl for just a couple bucks. You have a phonograph at home, but home is oh so far away. Problem solved!

3. During finals week, there is free coffee.

That’s right. Your heard me. Free coffee. ‘Nuff said.

4. Rare book archives.

This one is actually pretty cool, and it’s what I do every day, so ask about it! We have a large
collection of rare books, some even dating back to 1700. Let’s say you’re working on a project and trying to come up with a unique angle to impress your prof. You can find sources from the 1800’s and see what the theologians of that time thought and compare it to what you’re learning in your classes today. The possibilities are endless. These sources must stay in the library, but you can come during office hours (84:30) and get special permission from a full time librarian to use a certain book. You can find titles by searching on the website just like any other book.

5. There are study rooms.

If you have a group project, or maybe need to find an even quieter place than the library, these rooms are spacious and allow you to spread your homework out in a private space.

6. Free books and book sale.

I meet lots of people who don’t know that the library has a book sale. If you go through the
lobby, down the stairs, and to the right, there’s a table with some hidden treasures at great
prices. And there is usually a cart of free books hanging around the front doors of the library for anybody to take advantage of.

7. RESERVE BOOKS

Or maybe your professor didn’t tell you. For a good number of classes here at Cairn, the
professor will put the required textbooks/books on reserve at the library. So instead of spending all those extra bucks, check with the front desk! You can check out reserve books at the front desk and have them for 2 hours. You can simply read, or scan what you need at a copier, send it to yourself, and be ready to go.

8. Movies.

The library also has a collection of movies behind the front desk, and it is a decent selection. Check it out!

9. Online Renewal.

I think this one is most surprising to people. You can simply go to “your account” on the library home page, and renew any books you have, unless you’ve renewed too many times. Just a heads up…

10. Databases.

The library has amazing collection of eBooks, as well as DATABASES. These resources are an incredible asset to writing any paper ever. There is an extensive list that allows you to choose a database that specifically fits the subject of your paper, and then you can do a detailed search. The best part is that these resources are accessible from anywhere. So check them out.

Footnote: Ask your librarians anything. If you have any questions, we love to help if we can, and find out if we don’t know. We also like it when people acknowledge our existence and talk to us,even if it’s a smile. So embrace your library. Learn the ways of the books.

Caitlin Williams

PS: The library has social media. Look them up. Trust me. There are gift card giveaways,
events, competitions with lucrative rewards… Do it.

Things you may not know…

ï  There are DVDs you can check out.  That’s right; the Masland Library has a collection of DVDs that you can check out as a student.  Here are just some of the movies that are available: Gone With the Wind, Planet of the Apes, Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hobbit, Downtown Abbey, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Star Wars (episodes 4, 5, 6), and Shakespearean plays.  So, if you want a movie night with some friends, but you’re in need of a good movie, come over to the library and we’ll help you out.

ï  There is an ongoing book sale.  The book sale is down the steps and to the left on the first level of the library.  There are many books as well as some cassettes and VHS tapes.  Everything is very well priced and is worth a look.

ï  There are free books.  FREE?!  Yes.  FREE!  As college students, we love free things; and guess what, you’re in luck.  The library has a section of free books between the two entrance/exit doors.  If you’re looking for a good read and a book you can keep – for free – check out the free book section during your next trip.

ï  There is a color copier/printer.  There are large copiers/printers on the first and second (mezzanine level) floors.  However, the copier/printer on the first floor only uses black and white ink.  If you want to copy or print something in color, make sure you head up to the second floor (mezzanine level) and utilize the large color copier/printer up there.  It works in the same way as the way on the floor, so you should be a pro at operating it.  However, if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask one of the library workers.

ï  There is a juvenile section and a curriculum lab.  If you have a love for children’s books or if you’re an education major, this is just for you!  These two sections are located on the second floor (mezzanine level) in the back right.  Feel free to utilize and enjoy them as much as you desire and relive some of your childhood.

ï  There are conference rooms you can utilize.  Are you and your friends (or study group) looking for a quiet place to study?  If so, come to the front desk and ask to check out a key for one of the three conference rooms.  You can check these out in two hour increments any time that the library is open.  You can also renew them if you need to, just not overnight.

Rea Fearson

Freshman Survival Guide

There are many things that I have learned from being a student here at Cairn. Some of them I had to learn the hard way. Others were because I listened to some of my professors, friends who were upperclassmen, and other people who were important in my life. Looking back from the senior’s perspective, I wish I had listened to some more thoroughly. I would like to share with you some of the tips my friends and I learned.

1. Stay hydrated:

This may sound silly, but you can be surprised how far a little water can go. When your water intake is low, you may experience headaches or even exhaustion. Water even can help you with your digestion as well as helping your brain function well.

2. Get plenty of rest:

One of the things that you hear about a lot in college is students who pull all-nighters before a test. This may not be your best option. Cramming all that information in your head tires you out, and then your brain has no time to process it. When you sleep, your body and brain are realigning everything from the day. As a result, the person who attempted the all-nighter will not be able to process the questions well on the test that they studied for – if they can read them at all. Several of my friends have not slept like they should and had trouble functioning the entire day sometimes have nearly passed out. Personally, I cannot function well in class or stay awake unless I have had a minimum of 7 hours, but that may be different for you.

3. Eat well:

This one seems like another duh, but when you become busy as a college student, it is easy to skip meals. I really do not recommend skipping meals from personal experience. I had skipped breakfast a few times, and I always felt so hungry by 10am, or I felt sick. Several of my friends also had bad experiences with this.

4. Know your limits:

One of the mistakes that I made sophomore year was that I jumped into too much at one time. My grades showed it. I didn’t fail, but I didn’t do excellently either. If you know you are someone who stresses out too easily, don’t get too involved. There are going to be times where you have to skip an event to finish a paper. It happens.

5. Plan ahead on your assignments:

This one was a killer for me. I was told by a professor freshman year that I should start papers, especially big assignments, two weeks ahead of time. I wish I had listened to him. It would have saved me a lot of grief. Always have a time to study and a place. This helps a lot. For those who would like to study in the library, I am including the regular library hours in this post.

Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sunday 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

6. Do not neglect your personal bible study:

This one may seem more like “Why do I have to do this?” I know. I have had that attitude. As a student, we feel saturated with Bible content because every semester we usually have one bible class. At times, I thought it was enough, but it never was. I felt emotionally and spiritually run down faster when I was not reading my bible. There are some things that you cannot get from Bible classes as well. God can speak personally to you through your bible study. There have been so many times this semester already that my bible readings have encouraged me when I was feeling down, or my trust of God was wearing too thin. Your personal time is when God wants to let you know that you can be still and know that He is God.

~Elisabeth (Beth)

Should Scotland be an Independent Country?

As the vote on the Scottish referendum approaches, the vote to stay or go has drawn near to a 50/50 split. For decades, many of the Scottish people wished to be their own country, separated from England and the Queen. But becoming an independent country is no easy task; there are many details that must be considered in order for independence to be a wise choice. Although Scotland already has their own educational system, health care, and police force run independently of England, questions such as the economy and currency, energy, oil and gas, pensions and welfare, citizenship and immigration, military, and the possibility of obtaining EU membership, must be considered.

Scotts desire to have more control in what takes place within their own government. Currently, with the UK’s system of government and parliament there is devolution (the delegation of power to a lower level) this gives Scotland a certain amount of control within their country. Many Scots are currently arguing that they do not have enough power and that the only way to truly make the best decisions for Scotland they need to have their own government system in place. Others argue, that a No vote for the referendum is better, for with it, they are not giving up the possibility of gaining more control, but rather, from a no vote a greater devolution would take place. 

As of this point, the current polls are:

No – 47%

Yes – 46%

Don’t Know- 7%

                

There is much or the UK’s system of government that I still yet to fully understand, there are so many different approaches that countries can set in place to be run successfully. Although I may not understand all of what is taking place, it has been fascinating keeping up with this news through the use of The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Wall Street Journal that are both located within the library, along with the BBC’s website. Having both of these newspapers and many more at the library are a wonderful resource to expand out of the “bubble” of college and keep connected with all that is taking place in the world.

~Leia

The Joys of Independent Study

When homework continually piles up throughout the semester, it is hard to think of doing any independent study for one’s own benefit. But sometimes, some independent study is actually more refreshing than draining.

During this semester, I have had the opportunity to begin studying Islam. For one of the fastest growing religions in the world, it is upsetting how little I knew about it. Once I decided that I desired to know more, I began perusing a few different sections within our library that contained literature on the subject. I found many decent resources, but I must say that my favorite book that I stumbled upon is Unveiling Islam by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner. Although I am currently only 54 pages in, this book has taught me a substantial amount about this belief system.

The authors of Unveiling Islam, Ergun and Emir, are brothers who were raised as Sunni Muslims. Now, highly respected theology professors, Ergun and Emir wrote this book together in order to present the practices, ethics, and beliefs of Islam. Ergun and Emir helpfully present the Islamic beliefs by directly contrasting them to Christianity.

Some other books that were also helpful to me were Islam: A Short Guide to the Faith by Roger Allen and Shawkat M. Toorawa, and A New Anthropology of Islam by John Bowen.

As college students, there is so much to balance, and the idea of adding one more thing onto our plate doesn’t exactly sound like the most appetizing option, but amidst all of the stress of homework and extracurricular activities, it can be nice to set aside some time to invest in an area that is unrelated to your studies that interests you. Balancing time is key, but I encourage you to take a book, fiction or non-fiction, and set aside time during your semester to read for fun. With always reading for classes, the joy of reading tends to disappear. I challenge you to remember that reading can actually be quite an enjoyable endeavor.

~Leia Brunette

Silly Snow Days

 So, it’s threatening to become a common situation: a major snow storm has you stuck on campus on a snow day – without electricity, without WiFi … without NETFLIX. What are you supposed to spend your day doing now?! Believe it or not, there was a time when people curled up with a good book when the weather

kept them indoors (shocking, I know). While you may think the library is made up entirely of the BIB REF section, there are a lot of resources here that will help you replicate that TV watching experience as best as possible. With a little imagination you’ll forget you’re not watching the real deal. Here’s some suggestions for stocking up before the next storm:

If you watch NEW GIRL: Jess Day is probably the best teacher, ever. Submerse yourself in the kind of whimsicality that she would enjoy by visiting the children’s section on the library mezzanine floor. For the best picture books, try Caldecott award winners, which have their own section. For a heavier read, try Harry Potter (how have you all gone without them for so long?!)

If you watch THE OFFICE: Remember when Michael Scott started his own paper company? Oh, what fun… Some of the library’s books on entrepreneurship and marketing are really entertaining (okay, they lean more towards educational, but can’t earning money be fun, too?)

If you watch PARKS AND REC, or situation comedy/parody: The library has a great little section of parody fiction, humorous quotes, and joke books. Try browsing call numbers PN 1647 – PN 6261.

If you watch ANIME: Right under that comedy section are a few books on comics and manga art.

If you watch GOSSIP GIRL, UGLY BETTY, or CARRIE DIARIES:  If New York socialites are your thing, try “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton or “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Bonus – “The Great Gatsby” is really, really short.

If you watch SUPERHEROES: Try “God on the Streets of Gotham” by Paul Asay, or any of the books based on movies in that section.

If you watch THE MINDY PROJECT: One of Mindy’s trademarks is her love of pop culture, but remember Mindy’s pastor fiancé, Casey? Explore how pop culture meets the church in books such as “Pop Culture Wars” by William D. Romanowski, or “Why Johnny Can’t Sing Hymns” by T. David Gordon. Or… you could always mosey over to the BIB REF section? Hey, I guess it’s not that bad after all.

~Christine Fitzpatrick