Fare thee well

Fare thee well, good sir Melvin.

 

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza (Honore Daumier, 1808-1879)

The Masland Library has recently bid adieu to a great staff person of the Masland Kingdom. In the midst of disappointment for an un-had book, he would set out to gather it from the ILLied nations. When curiosity availed, he would tell you about the oldest book in the Rare dungeon. Fascinated with the mystical and perplexing writings of the Deutsche wizards, and never failing to create new facial expressions for any and every moment.

 

His name was Sir Melvin.

Sir Melvin has disappeared without a trace. Soon after those who remained in the kingdom of Masland began to notice hand and boot prints on the carpet. It wasn’t long until the security gates would go off when someone walked in, not out. Worst of all, the downstairs computer lab was suddenly gone.

When something goes awry or if there is an unexplained occurrence, the people of the Masland Kingdom know that the ghost of Sir Melvin still lingers.

 

~KC Carothers

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Summer at Masland Library

Summers are strange things, most frequently I am asked by my friends and family, what I do all day since the students are all gone, and why I still work full time.  Most people believe that summers at an academic library are similar to a high school teacher’s hours (that they are off unless they are stuck teaching summer school).  No, here at Masland Library, we begin on all the projects that were too noisy or disruptive to work on during classes.   So what do I do?

I work on Web Content; while the student workers are out in the stacks doing inventory.

We create lists to review the inventory scans; while the student workers continue to work on inventory.

Now a second student worker is working on finding missing items while I create a LibGuide.

Then towards the middle of summer we realize…all of the items we have reclassed and cataloged have filled the shelves so that there is no more room.  Now we have to begin selective shifting (there have been summers where the whole library has needed shifting).

So one student worker is shifting while another is doing inventory; another student is processing all of those reclass and new books.

Now someone is double-checking the new items; while more new items are being processed.

Now we have to shift another area while another student is STILL working on inventory.

Towards the end of summer we realize all the other small things that need to be accomplished before Weekend of Welcome; new signs for the shelves; that shelf over there has been switched with the one above it; Oh No! another whole series has come in for Biblical Reference and we need to shift everything again.  What do you mean there are information literacy sessions being held Weekend of Welcome…now I need a PowerPoint. Goodness me the Reserves still haven’t been collected…we need to get them before the new students do.  RA’s are back…eke that means that students will be here in a matter of days!

Student workers are madly cleaning up shelves and placing end cap labels on.

Reserves are being pulled and activated.

All tutorials are being reviewed and information literacy classes are being taught.

Summers are strange things. While there is definitely fewer people in the Library and fewer reference questions we are preparing to give students the best service, cleanest library, and best resources available so that they can utilize the resources we have for them.

~Laura Saloiye

 

There are bean bag chairs in the library!

Bags of beans!

Bags of beans!

(I swear I’ve seen some crazier things)

But the joy! The glee!

Dispelling despair

Is that I may be apt

To sit in this chair!

By Danielle Redden

Movie Review: Beauty and the Beast

Plenty of children grow up faithfully watching Disney musicals such as the 1991 version of Beauty and the Beast, and become inspired by the book-loving character of Belle.  However, many kids are now getting the chance to experience the story in both animated and live-action movies, thanks to Bill Condon, director of the 2017 Beauty and the Beast. The movie that came out just this March is quite an exciting experience, but certainly not without its flaws.   The musical motifs of Beauty and the Beast in both versions express themes such as love, magic, triumph, and even evil. However, there are several differences and additions to the music of the new version.  The original music created for this year’s movie seemed quite disjoint to me at first, but it became clear to me as the movie progressed that it actually was very reflective of the movie’s mood because a few things had been changed and added in the story.  The song that seemed to tether the different attitudes of the songs was the Beast’s solo called “Evermore”, which displays the Beast coming to terms with his decision to do the right thing and free Belle.  In addition to being comprehensively creative, all of the the new music was much more rhythmically free – for example, Emma Thompson took some tasteful rhythmic liberties when singing the iconic, “Beauty and the Beast”.  While on the whole it was freer rhythmically, it was certainly also a trend with this cast to sing Senza Vibrato, or in English, straight tone (a vocal technique more closely identified with pop singing).  For some voices, such as Ewan McGregor’s Character Lumiere, this worked quite well – possibly due to this style being a distinctive that has worked for him before in musicals.  However, the technique did not treat Emma Watson as well; her auto-tuned melodies seemed to have no growth, and it seemed she could not produce any sound worth listening to for longer than a few bars.  Her timid vocal interpretation of Belle was bland and frankly disappointing for me, despite her sensational acting.

A few other actors’ voices also stood out to me as I watched this movie.  Gaston (Luke Evans) and LeFou (Josh Gad) stole the show as they put on a number celebrating the character Gaston. While Gaston was different from the original movie in that Luke Evans created a character who I grew to hate more and more over time, the song “Gaston” remains an extremely fun scene with astounding improvement in energy from the original version. In both this number and later on in the movie, Josh Gad creates even more character depth than before for the character LeFou, as well as utilizing his incredible upper range and impeccable comedic timing. Finally, it is necessary to restate the brilliance of the heart-wrenching solo by the Beast called “Evermore”.  His outstanding vocals crafted a beautiful piece of music that, to me, was imperative to the pinnacle of the story.  Alan Menken quite literally outdid himself with these pieces, both vocal and instrumental,  as he composed for the 1991 version, as well as the 2017 version.

Now what does Beauty and the Beast have to do with a library? Over the past 25 years, much has changed about Beauty and the Beast, but certainly not Belle’s love of books, learning, and the thirst for knowledge that drew the Beast and Belle together.  It’s a “tale as old as time” that learning new things can help us know each other better, and inspire us to love each other deeper.

For a Juvenile version of the book click here.

~Maya Neal

*Image linked from http://www.slashfilm.com/bill-condon-interview/

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

5 Times the Library Is NOT Your Study Buddy

Student workers promote the library; but sometimes even we acknowledge you can have too much of a good thing. Here are some suggested alternatives.

1. You really need sleep, but you should be studying: You’ve been up all night, but all night wasn’t enough, and your eyelids weigh a million pounds, each.

Alternative: stay in your room. Consider sleeping 10-20 minutes. This light sleep cycle is perfect for a mind-clearing power nap, and your best sleep is bound to happen in your own bed, not at a library table.

2. You’re really hungry, but you should be studying: You’ve got a craving for potato chips. You know, and I know, that those chips aren’t supposed to be in here, what with the rustling bag and the oily finger prints.

Alternative: head to the commuter lounge. The noise level is fairly low, there’s couches, tables, computers – you can even buy your chips in the vending machines there!

3. You really want to fight with your friend/significant other, but you should be studying: you can’t seem to stop thinking about how annoying the world is, when you should be figuring out how to end world hunger.

Alternative: walk through the neighborhood. Grab a friend who will listen, or if you feel comfortable, go for a run by yourself. The creepiest people who live in that neighborhood are probably your professors, and the walking will calm your nerves and clear your head.

4. You’re really getting claustrophobic, but you should be studying: Your room, the library, the MAC, yourroomthelibrarytheMACyourroomthelibrary– MAKE IT STOP! You need a car.

Alternative: take the bus to Newtown. From the stop outside Bottom Dollar, to the stop near Starbucks, the trip is $2.25 each way. The ride is a little long, but if you want a place to study all day, that Starbucks is definitely the cutest place to do it.

5. You really want to drop out of school, but you should be studying: forget campus, forget even Newtown – that’s way too close. You might see someone you know. You might think about homework. You might have a flashback to today’s lecture. Help.

Alternative: go home. Sometimes, if at all possible, you just need your family, your room, and some good food before you venture back to the familiar face of the library front doors. And that’s okay! Even the most independent of us need a break from the sterility of library life. Take the weekend, and come back refreshed.

If we’re being honest, there are loads of times the library just isn’t your best friend. That’s okay. Before you waste hours staring at the wall, get your mind and body in the right place. And when you come back, you might actually be able to get things done.

~Christine

Seven reasons to go to Homecoming

As October looms on the horizon, the whispers and rumors of Homecoming start flying through the campus. Days of Homecomings past are remembered fondly for most, perhaps not so fondly for some, but all with a recollection of the excitement and energy that whizzes through the college. For some of us, this will be one more Homecoming to add to the several that we’ve already been to. Some might think, ‘why bother going? Been there, done that!’. But I’m here to give you seven awesome reasons as to why you should gear up and attend Homecoming 2014 with gusto!

1. The Tenth Avenue North concert.

Tenth Avenue North is a totally awesome band, and anyone that’s into Christian music will most likely agree with that statement. My personal favorite is ‘Hold My Heart’, and I’ve got a ticket purchased and fingers crossed that they will play the song at the concert! Tickets are only ten dollars for students, an incredible discount! Student Life has all the steps you need to get a ticket of your own, as well as one for any family or friends that you would love to jam out to!

2. Athletics.

For sports fans all through campus, there’s plenty of opportunity to go out and support our fellow Highlanders all throughout the day! From soccer, to volleyball, to baseball and more, Cairn has athletic games happening all throughout the day! Grab a buddy, bring a soda and go cheer on your fellow classmates!

3. The Walkway Fair.

In my opinion, this is one of the biggest events of Homecoming. The giant and awesome fair that happens on and around the walkway goes from 11am to 4pm, and has everything from a giant ferris wheel to a rock wall and more! Delicious goodies and fun games abound throughout the fair, and it’s the best chance to grab your group of friends and wander around, having a blast and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

4. Discussion Panels.

For those of you who have an intense desire for learning and really want some enduring questions to struggle with, these discussion panels are for you. For the first panel, Dr. Jonathan Master will be interviewing three of our very own professors, Dr. Marti MacCullough, Dr. John Master, and Dr. Bob Wenger! They’ll be questioned about their experiences with Cairn, their faith, and more! You can even submit your own interview questions by followingthis link! 

The second discussion panel focuses on Cairn’s outreach to urban areas and cities. Especially if you’re in a relevant major, this will be a panel you will want to be at. Cairn alumni are already out and about making a difference in the urban world, and this is your chance to see how! By following the above link, you can submit questions for this interview as well!

5. Build-A-Boat.

Build-A-Boat is a fantastically fun event to attend, especially if you don’t want to suffer the wet fate of the riders yourself. All the laughter, all the fun, and none of the mess! Get together with friends at the pond to watch as racers try to paddle their home-made boats across the pond to get the golden oar! We’ve had boats made from plastic play house doors, plastic tubes, wood planks, and more! You will laugh, grin and cheer as the racers paddle and flounder in their quest for the golden oar!

6. Historical Tours of Cairn.

For alumni and current students alike, the multiple tours and historic memorabilia that are on display are really intriguing and exciting to see. Especially as we start fresh, having just passed the blessing of our centennial year, it is amazing to see all that has passed in one hundred years and gaze at all the work that God has done in our very own college. For me, I always enjoy seeing were we have come from, and look forward to where we are heading next.

7. Arts@cairn.

As one of the final events in the evening, this is a great opportunity to cool down and relax after such a busy and exciting day. Pre-registration is necessary for the event, but it’s easy, online and free! People will gather in the lower BLC to have an artist reception with Victor Atkins. It’s a wonderful chance to get to meet with the artist, admire his works and delve into the mind of the one that created such beautiful art. It’s an exciting chance to get to know the ‘how and why’ of his creations. There is always a meaning and intention behind a piece of art, and this is your chance to learn directly from the artist what his intentions were!

As you can see, Homecoming 2014 is going to be a blast. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy family and friends, and it’s the chance to really rejoice with the community that God has provided us with. I wouldn’t miss this for the world! I know I’ll be going, and I hope you will be too!

For a full time schedule and preregistration forms, check out this link!  There’s so much more that I didn’t list, so take a look and start making your own list of what you want to see and do! Hope to see you on October 4th!

~Rachel

Cheap Library Dates- The Sequel!

This video was inspired by a previous post “Cheap Library Dates“. That blog can be read here. Please enjoy the following feature.

A Special thank you goes to the cast Daniel Wright, Rebecca Hardman and Daniel Hanselman.  The artist vision and videography is courtesy of Daniel Wright and Michael Rothermal. 

Happy Fall!

Summer has past and Fall is upon us. Colorful, crisp falling leaves, warm sweaters and boots, pumpkin spice everything, and fresh chilly air that nips at your nose and fingers. To me, this is the most beautiful time of year because of the contradiction of warm colors and cool air. This is also the time of year for Fall festivals and farmers markets that showcase all of the wonderful colors and flavors that fall has to offer. Bucks County has many events planned for this fall and most events are already in full swing. 

Did you know that the library page now has a LibGuide with all sorts of information about what to do in this area? Well it does! I was very excited to find this out especially since I am always looking for inexpensive breaks from homework and the daily bustle of life. So if you are looking for a break from homework or just need something to do on the weekends to celebrate the beautiful season of Fall I would encourage you to follow this link http://libguides.cairn.edu/what_to_doand check it out! 

Happy Fall Ya’ll!

~Jenny Dunning

Four Years Later

Guest Post by Abbie Fehr

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I came to work at the library the beginning of my freshman year at Cairn. I just thought I’d be working with a bunch of books. And while that has been overwhelmingly true, four years of working at the library—including 2 J-terms and 3 summers—has taught me that it’s so much more.  

The library’s about journals. I wouldn’t be a proper library employee if I didn’t at least give the obligatory nod to some of the other resources the library offers. I bet you didn’t even know this job was an option, but I worked two years as the Serials Clerk—stamping, shelving, and shifting the various periodicals that come into the library. They’re nifty, but most people don’t even know that they exist on the right side of the bottom floor of the library. Check them out sometime, except not literally because they’re set as Library Use Only and taking them from the library would be considered stealing. And that would make me sad. And for goodness sake, please use the online databases sometime. They make your work a whole lot easier and more credible, and you’ll have less to regret when you graduate and have no access to them anymore. At least make the most of the time you have. There’s also CDs and DVDs, including all three seasons of Downton Abbey, which of course you have the time to watch during the semester.

The library’s about studying. I didn’t actually do all that much studying in the library because, as an employee, I invariably got people coming to me with library questions when I was trying to do my homework. I didn’t like the tension between the joy of helping someone and the frustration at being derailed from my train of thought, so I just stayed away. But I’ll still think fondly of how I used the uncomfortable chairs to spur me on to finish my paper faster or how I felt lost and confused when I found that some cruel person had taken my spot at study carrel #42. Sometimes the library felt like an existential time loop, where hundreds of students have written that same eschatology paper in this building over the past 20 years. There’s a strange solace in that kind of solidarity.  

The library’s about people. While library patrons are all well and good, the people in the library that will stick with me the most are the librarians. Having worked in both parts of the library—the “downstairs” Circulation department and “upstairs” Technical Services department—I’ve had the privilege of working with all 7 of Cairn’s librarians. (Yes, there are more than just the two you see on a regular basis.) I will miss the quiet kindness that I observed in Gwenn, the teasing I took from Alice, the thunderous theological discussions I had with Melvin, the vegan recipes I stole from Laura, the analysis of period dramas I thought through with Stephanie, the laughter I shared with Nang Tsin, and the polite banter I ventured with Dr. Hui. Those things might have little to do with actual work, but that is not to imply that everyone’s lazy. We’re not. We do a lot more than patrons will ever see, and we like it that way. More than all of the stamping and shifting and shelving that I’ve done in the library, these conversations that happened amidst and around that work will stick with me the longest.  

The library’s about Jesus.  Mostly, I think, the past four years have taught me that the library’s about Jesus. I mean this on more than the fundamental fact that it’s a theological library at a biblical university. That’s just the obvious part. But through example and explanation, I’ve seen the Gospel play out between those pale pink walls. I was forgiven one day when I completely forgot to show up to work as a freshman and then restored to the point where I was given a key and the freedom to come work on library projects at off hours. There was the time where I sent my boss an email because I was nearing an emotional breaking point and didn’t know if I could keep it together at work—and rather than lecturing me about professionalism—he simply told me that he and his wife were praying for me. From serious talks on Calvinism and church music to advice on how to seduce men with pie, I’ve been convicted, challenged, amused, unsettled, and encouraged by the various people at the library. They’re not perfect. I’m not perfect. But beyond a shared love of books, a shared love of Jesus draws us together in a way that nothing else can.
I’ve learned a lot in these past four years, and the library has been a big part of it. Though gone for less than a week, I already miss it. I will always be grateful.

Goodbye.

abbie fehr.