Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Blazer Library Hosts Young Scholars


Over the course of the last two weeks, Paul G. Blazer Library has been fortunate enough to host some of Kentucky's brightest young scholars. These students are on the Kentucky State University campus as a part of the PACT and REAP summer programs, and while the majority of their research has occurred in the field, we have been fortunate to assist them in their research when they visited the Library for bibliographic instruction. A little background about the programs:

The PACT Program began in July of 2006 and was created by the Land Grant Program of Kentucky State University. It was developed to motivate middle school students to pursue careers in technology, science, mathematics, and related fields of study. The program is centered upon a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum that encourages critical thinking and enhances interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Participants in the program do hands-on scientific research under the tutelage of resident scientists on campus while utilizing some of the latest technology in the field.

The REAP program provides a summer of learning to motivated students in grades 8-11 who are interested in gaining "first hand" experiences in the various fields of agricultural sciences and natural resources. Interns will learn about scientific research, agricultural extension, natural resources, and other related career opportunities. While gaining this experience interns spend approximately seven weeks on the KYSU campus, where their living expenses on campus are provided for, and on top which they earn a weekly stipend.

We at Paul G. Blazer Library have felt lucky to aid in the research endeavors of such inspiring young minds!

Memorable Books

Of all the books that a person will read in their lifetime, there are some that just stick with you. Most books that we read we will probably ultimately forget. However, that is not to say that the books that we remember will leave a positive impression on us. While on Facebook a few weeks back I was tagged in a note by my friend and colleague, Amanda, about 15 books that will always stick with you. Here is my list.

1. Kite Runner- Khaled Housseini
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns- Khaled Housseini
3. Blood Done Sign My Name-Timothy Tyson
4. A Perfect Evil- Alex Kava
5. Night-Elie Wiesel
6. The Road- Cormac McCarthy
7. Hater- David Moody
8. Survivor- Chuck Palahniuk
9. Ordinary Men- Christopher Browning
10. Hannibal- Thomas Harris
11. The Historian- Elizabeth Kostova
12. Numbered Account- Christopher Reich
13. The Crisis of Islam- Bernard Lewis
14. The Coming of the Third Reich- Richard Evans
15. The Working Poor- David Shipler

Most of these on the list I really enjoyed, but there is one that I did not like (any guesses?). Here is Amanda's list.

1. a confederacy of dunces - john kennedy toole
2. jane eyre - charlotte bronte
3. are you there god? it's me margaret - judy blume
4. harry potter and the half blood prince - j.k. rowling
5. foxfire - joyce carol oates
6. cat's eye - margaret atwood
7. the time traveler's wife - audrey niffenegger
8. griffin and sabine - nick bantock
9. pride and prejudice - jane austen
10. jonathan strange and mr. norrell - susanna clarke
11. harriet the spy - louise fitzhugh
12. tunes for a small harmonica - barbara wersba
13. bridget jone's diary - helen fielding
14. the world according to garp - john irving
15. spellman files - lisa lutz

Now it's your turn. Let us know of a book or books that will always stick with you. We are interested to see what they are!!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

New Computers at Blazer


The Paul G. Blazer Library is excited to announce the arrival of brand new
Dell desktop computers for public use.

We are sure that you are as happy as we are to say good-bye for good to those
"out-of-order" signs that plagued us last semester.

What an awesome way to begin a new school year!

Monday, June 1, 2009

We Need Your Help!!!

Blazer Library has submitted an entry on YouTube in a contest sponsored by Gale and Librareo with emphasis on the theme "Power to the User." The contest is open until July 1, so make sure to visit The Librareo Group page and look for "Kentucky State University Entry." Rate our video and leave us some comments, because your ratings and comments are an important part of the equation in determining the winner. Thanks for your support, and here is the video!!




Remember to visit YouTube and rate our video!! We hope you enjoy!!