10 Anonymous Suggestions for the Library

1. Social Hour (reverse quiet hours) one night a week, where students can come in and talk while they do their work or just hang out.
2. On Mondays, the Library should have a coffee and tea bar, because Mondays are hard, and who doesn’t love coffee and tea while doing homework?
3. The Library should provide standing desks for those who wish to burn more calories while doing their homework. These desks also improve posture, and help the student to stay awake when they are extremely tired and doing homework.
4. On Thursday nights, the Library should have “Story Time with Scotty” in the juvenile book section. He would pick or tell a story that he has crafted to an audience of students, faculty, professors, and their children.
5. On Tuesday nights the Library should turn on Looney Toons in the upstairs computer lab, so when students need a study break they can go and watch Looney Toons. Call it “Looney Toons Tuesday”.
6. The Library should have therapy tea cups pigs for stressed out students to spend time with. Pigs are an animal that very few people are allergic to, so there would be no worry of allergic reactions. Pigs are also becoming more and more popular as therapy animals. With the teacup pig, it would be easier to handle and potty train, it would also not be as loud as a larger pig.
7. There should be an (soft sounding) intercom system throughout the library. This way when the library is closing, the student workers can announce the amount of time that the patrons have left in the library.
8. Student workers and supervisors should have interconnected headsets. These headsets would allow the student workers and supervisors to communicate, even when they are not all in the immediate vicinity.
9. In the Library, there should be a small door separating the lobby from the main library, that way, there could be soft study music playing in the lobby. This would send a comforting welcome to both the staff and patrons.
10. The options of movies should be updated a little more frequently. They should also be more advertised so that the students are more aware that they have the opportunity to borrow movies to watch in their free time.

Which is your favorite?

~Sierra Kiekel

Book Review: The Stork is Dead

Throughout the library, there are many books. Most of which do not get checked out very often. The other day, I was straightening out some books in the back of the Mezzanine. Here, I saw a book that caught my eye. The book is titled, The Stork is Dead. Now as one can infer from the title, it is about something that has to do with babies, or, yes I’m going to go there, the conception of babies. Now if you don’t know how that process works, please go talk to Nurse Allison. I’m sure she would be happy to sit down and discuss it with you. When I started reading the book, I honestly could not put it down.

This book is aimed towards the audience of teenagers who are struggling with the temptation of sex. Even if you are not at a point in your life where this topic could apply to you, I highly recommend reading the book. Not only is the book very well written, but it also honest. For me, honesty is something that is very important. I would rather someone be blunt and honest with me than beat around the bush and approach a situation passive aggressively. Not only does this book openly discuss the forms of sexual temptation that teenagers go through, but it also uses real questions that have been asked and real situations to answer them. The author of the book is also Christian, so that’s always a plus! The way he approaches the answers about sex and sexual activities is honest and in a way that is glorifying to God. This book talks about what most churches tend to avoid, especially around teenagers. Sex is something that is enjoyable, but within the context of marriage. The Stork is Dead explains this in an open, honest, and actually helpful way. If you yourself are curious about this topic, or plan on having many interactions with teenagers in the near future, I highly recommend this book. But also remember, sex is natural. It’s something that we do need to talk about, but in an appropriate and helpful context. All of which this book does.

~Kara Williams

Let the music begin!

Hey, are you majoring in Music? Looking to broaden your musical horizons or
simply add a new track to your playlist? Then Cairn University’s Masland Library is the
place for you! Throughout the library’s first and second floors, you will discover an array
of wonderful books on many of the world’s greatest composers. Explore the stories
behind the lives of Chopin, Debussy, Mozart and Beethoven and how their genius came
to be.

Masland Library offers material on a vast number of genres, ranging from Choral
Music to Hip-Hop. Jazz, Folk, Chamber Music, Gospel and Rock n Roll can also be found. There’s even a selection of more obscure genres like Honky-Tonk and Shaker. If your focus is biblical studies, there are books on the history of Christian Music, Spirituals and Amish Hymns!

For anyone looking to play or research a musical instrument, there’s a multitude
of materials to choose from. Expand your knowledge of piano, woodwinds, strings and
percussion so you can “rock out” with friends or serenade someone special. There’s
even music from the Romantic and Baroque Periods, perfect for dancing the night
away. Masland Library is the ideal place for Music majors and non-music majors alike,
whether you desire to brush up on your theory skills or broaden your musical horizons.

And do not forget our online resources, we have some great databases like Alexander Street Press and Naxos Music Library!  These sources will allow you to find sheet music and to listen online to a huge library of music.

So, do yourself a favor. Take a trip to our amazing library, and let the music begin !

~Ms. Diamond Franklin, Vocal Performance

LexisNexis, for up to date news

Students constantly come to the library looking for sources for assignments or just to investigate in topics of interest to them.  One of the Masland Library’s databases, LexisNexis offers insight to “hot topics” in the world today. Specifically, the database has published numerous articles on the Zika Virus, a disease hitting headlines daily here in the US and throughout the world.

The virus starts from an insect bite and causes fever, rashes, and joint pain, yet what may even be worse than these bad sensations are the effects it has on newborns when the virus is spread from mothers to fetuses. Babies infected with the virus are being born with microcephaly, a defect in which the baby’s head is abnormally small and effects the brain.

Students should take advantage of sources such as LexisNexis because they inform us of issues happening all around the world today.  If it wasn’t for articles I found I wouldn’t know about this dangerous issue going on throughout various nations. These resources provide us with information about politics, weather, health, and so much more. Once you know about all that’s going on it’ll make you want to do something about it, even if it’s something as simple as raising awareness through sharing the information with people you know. Don’t waste time being uniformed, get into the world and experience what’s really going on in it.

Other databases with news:

ABI Inform, Chronicle of Higher Education, New York Times, and Newspaper Source

Kaitlin Smith

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.

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

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)

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

A New Perspective of the Library (Part II)

In case you missed the first part of this blog series, I have set out to show Masland Library visitors that the library is a valuable resource for social entertainment. In Part I, I hit on some of the library’s top movies of various genres. While movies are great entertainment for large groups of people, they do not necessarily facilitate great social interaction. If there is much interaction, the movie has probably become background noise and everyone missed an important movie scene. So now I bring you to music, the perfect element to set the mood for your social events. Even you are the loner of the party Taylor Swift once eloquently stated, “People haven’t always been there for me but music always has.” Therefore, I encourage you to check out some of the library’s music and let it permeate the atmosphere of your social life.

Music

*The library’s CD collection can be found on the 2^ndfloor on your left before entering the computer lab. Although I will not expound upon them here, the Masland Library has some RECORDS available to borrow. If you are retro enough to own a record player, ask us more on how to get your hands on a record.

Romantics Sampler – CD M5 .R663 1995

Let me clarify first by saying this is not a compilation of songs for a passionate date. The word Romantics refers to a time period and genre of classical music from the 18^th century. This is music is called romantic because it explored the breadth of emotion in a way music had not before. Therefore, the modern music listener can find great refreshment in these pieces.

Scott Joplin Piano Rags – CD M25 .J81 P53 2004

Now these are some true American originals. Just imagine you and your friends in some small town establishment out west 100 years back, playing cards and listening to an old man tickling the ivories with some good old rag time.

Spanish Guitar – CD M126 .S62 2002

This CD is sure to bring that spice that was missing from your life. Do not forget about this one for all of your Cinco de Mayo parties.

Quartets – CD M450 – CD M457.4

While great majority of our CD’s consist of classical music, I wanted to highlight the quartet section of the collection. In Fall of 2013 the world renown Ying String Quartet came and played for our school. Some of the greatest classical music was written for such a group of players on these instruments: two violins, a viola, and a cello. Only four instruments! This music is not only for the sophisticated.

Jazz, Louis Armstrong – CD M1356 .A736 D445 2000

Jazz, Duke Ellington – CD M1366 .E461 D933 2000

Jazz, Coleman Hawkins – CD M1366 .H395 C654 2000

If you have not been sufficiently exposed to big band jazz, you are missing out on one of the greatest musical joys in life. This music may, dare I say it, make you want to dance. To give you a little more direction within these three artists, Louis Armstrong played some mean trumpet (and had a great voice!), Duke Ellington worked the piano, and Coleman Hawkins played some sweet tones on the tenor saxophone.

Star Wars Original Trilogy Soundtrack – CD M1527.2 .W721 S27 2004

                It is Star Wars. Need I say more?

International Music Mix – CD M1627 .I58 1999

A little bit of this. A little bit of that. Musical flavors from all around the globe. Now you can connect with all of your multicultural friends!

Simon and Garfunkel – CD M1630.18 .S55 S5 1972

I have always considered these guys to be the original indie band. They formed a new genre of folk-rock in the 1960’s. That may seem old but their music does not sound it. Simon and Garfunkel is great for the car or chilling at all times of the day.

Soulful Music by Leontyne Price – CD M1670 .P953 1996

I cannot say I have ever listened to this lady, but I do know she was famous. The nature of the music of this album is just as the title suggests.

Manheim Steamroller, Christmas in the Aire – CD M2065 .M354 C475 1995

If you have ever listened to Christmas music on the radio, you must have heard Manheim Steamroller. I would describe them as new age electric orchestra rock going wild on Christmas tunes. These songs could put you in the holiday mood in July.

Michael Card, The Hidden Face of God – CD M2198 .C37 2006

Michael Card is an older but well known Christian artist that came to our school in Fall of 2013. This is only one of several albums we have of his, but check them all out!

~Wayne Hailstone

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