Library Newsletter & Favorite Books

The latest edition of the Rohrbach Library Newsletter is now available at:
http://www.kutztown.edu/library/about/newsletters/Spring2006News.pdf

We continued our series on favorite books in the newsletter. Faculty were asked to submit a title of their favorite book and tell us why they liked it. In addition to the ones listed in the newsletter, the following faculty submitted their choices:

Dr. Richard S. Courtney - Geography Department:
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda (1968; Pocket Books). This book marks the beginning of one of the most influential series of books on anthropology/religion/metaphysics. Castaneda introduces the world to a Yaqui shaman named Don Juan Mateus, and proceeds to tell the story of how he became an apprentice to Don Juan. I have always found Castaneda's books humorous, enlightening, and thought provoking. I remember talking to my father about Castaneda and Don Juan several years ago. We were discussing whether or not we believed Castaneda's fantastic tales and if his works were indeed non-fiction. I found that I could suspend my disbelief. Don Juan was real enough to me. I think most college students will enjoy this book, though it is not constructed like a typical work of non-fiction or like a novel. One word of caution is that once you get started on the path of knowledge, you will find it particularly difficult to stop. Be prepared to want to go on to the rest of Castaneda's books.

Dr. Dawn Slack - Modern Language Studies Department
The first two relate to work, but are so interesting, I would read and recommend for anyone: 1. Popol Vuh, (The translation by Dennis Tedlock) It's an explanation/exploration of the Mayan book of creation. It's very circular, but is accessable and is like a treasure chest of information about the Mayas as well as human nature. 2. Anything by Pat Mora, a US Latina writer of poetry and prose. Her novel, The House of Houses is a pseudo-biography of her and her family as she follows the generattions from Mexico to the US. Ghosts, memories are just as alive as humans.
For just fun reading, I love anything by Carl Hiassen: biting satirical humor in offbeat Florida settings; always very unique descriptions and events. James Lee Burke is also a favorite, especially his novels set in New Orleans. I eagerly await his books.

Learning Technologies Center - New Location

The Learning Technologies Center has moved!

Formerly in Rohrbach Library Rooms 22 and 23, the LTC now calls RL 27 its home. The new location is great, complete with offices, a work space for student workers, and a new lab for working with faculty. Not to mention that we finally got some windows! Check out our new location any time from 8-5 on weekdays for assistance or just to say hello!

RefWorks Update

We have received notice from RefWorks that the KU Library Catalog filter has been completed. This will allow you and your students to import records from the library catalog into RefWorks. You can also search the library catalog directly in RefWorks, directions are below:

Adding references from the Library Catalog

To download records from the Rohrbach Library Catalog, follow these instructions:

• Search the Library Catalog and mark the records of interest (remember to click on 'Retain Selected Records' if you change screens)
• Go to 'Print/Save/Email Options' at the bottom of the screen. Select Format: Full Record, and click on 'Print or Save'
• Save the results to your Desktop as a .txt file.
• Login to your RefWorks account.
• Place your cursor over References and click on Import.
• For Import Filter/Data Source select Endeavor Voyager from the drop-down menu.
• For Database select Kutztown University.
• Select Import Data from the following Text File.
• Click on Browse and select the saved .txt file.
• Click on Import below the text box.
• Your citation(s) will automatically be imported into the Last Imported Folder.
• You may view the records or move them to the folder of your choice.
• Note: If you copied the Library Catalog search results instead of saving to a file, choose Import Data from the following Text. Click in the text box, click on Edit in the browser menu, then Paste. Click on Import.

Alternately you can search the Library Catalog directly in RefWorks

• Login to your RefWorks account.
• Under the Tools menu, choose Search Online Catalog or Database.
• From the drop-down menu, choose Kutztown University.
• Enter your search terms into the search boxes, and click Search; results display in a new window.
• Choose the results you want and save them to a folder.
• To search again, simply close the results window, and enter new search terms in the search boxes.

For complete instructions go to the library's refworks help page at http://www.kutztown.edu/library/er/RefWorks_help.asp

As always I am happy to schedule a refworks training session for you, your dept, or your classes.

Bob Flatley
Rohrbach Library