Ohrstrom Blog

Lisa Laughy August 28th, 2008

Deb Baker – Interim Reference Librarian

Encyclopedia of American Journalism edited by Stephen L. Vaughn, Routledge, 2008.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: Ref. 070.03 V46

This unique reference explores how the media has shaped American perceptions throughout our nation’s history, contributing to our national culture, impacting the way Americans stay informed, even influencing how citizens will react to information. Articles cover themes such as “Feminist Journalism,” or “Religion and the Press,” prominent news organizations, individuals, time periods, and events; entries on ethics and legal issues examine the press’s limits. Helpful research tools include a thematic list of articles and suggested reading for each entry.

HELPFUL FOR: Humanities IV, American Domestic Policy, The Cold War World, American Foreign Policy, Vietnam Voices: Multiple Views of the American Experience

FUN FOR: journalists, future pundits, news hounds, history buffs

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Tags: American Domestic Policy, American Foreign Policy, Humanities IV, Journalism, New Reference Book, The Cold War World, Vietnam Voices

• Humanities , Research
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Lisa Laughy August 27th, 2008

Deb Baker – Interim Reference Librarian

The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge: A Desk Reference for the Curious Mind, St. Martin’s Press, 2007.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: Ref. 031 N42

With over 1300 pages of information on dozens of subjects, the newspaper whose motto is “All the News That’s Fit to Print,” attempts to offer all the facts your curiosity desires. Dip into overviews of everything from the “History of Computing” to “African Literature” or a “Dictionary of Food” – and don’t miss puzzle editor Will Shortz’s tips on solving the NYT crosswords and sudoku.

HELPFUL FOR: Life, the Universe, and Everything

FUN FOR: puzzlers, foodies, trivia buffs, game show lifelines, Jeopardy contestants

Tags: Business, Economics, Fine Arts, Media, New Reference Book, Performing Arts, Science, Social Science, Sports, Technology

• General Works , Research
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Lisa Laughy August 26th, 2008

Deb Baker – Interim Reference Librarian

The African American Almanac, 10th edition edited by Brigham Narins, Gale Cengage, 2007.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: Ref. 305.896 AF82 2008

A comprehensive guide to the role of African Americans in culture, society, and history, this updated edition includes over 1,000 biographies; articles on dozens of topics in the humanities, arts, and sciences; a chronology; lists of African American firsts and awards in a variety of fields; landmarks by state; and “Significant Documents in African American History.” Numerous maps, tables, photos, and illustrations and a ten page bibliography enrich the text.

HELPFUL FOR: African American Literature: Revolution or Reconciliation, American Cultural Studies, Advanced Studies: in American History, Leadership for Social Justice, World War II Seminar

FUN FOR: history buffs, game show lifelines, Jeopardy contestants, travelers

Tags: African American Literature, American Cultural Studies, American History, New Reference Book, Social Justice, U.S. History, World War II Seminar

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Lisa Laughy August 25th, 2008

Deb Baker – Interim Reference Librarian

Do you want to know more about Islam, but don’t have a lot of time to spend looking for resources? Have a specific question and want a precise answer from a reliable source? Writing a paper and want to consult primary sources? Ohrstrom Library’s newest online reference database, Oxford Islamic Studies Online is suitable for both casual browsing and serious research.

When you open Oxford Islamic Studies Online, the toolbar provides drop down menus for several possible paths: search options, browsing, Qur’anic studies, timelines, and learning resources. Don’t miss this last choice, which offers a collection of trustworthy internet sites on Islam, a glossary, recommended reading with links to bibliographies, and two sets of reference articles: What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, and Focus On. The editors’ introduction explains that these essays “are designed to stimulate thought and enhance understanding of vital aspects of the Islamic world.”

This desire to help curious readers gain a fuller understanding of Islam gives “Focus On” and “What Everyone Needs to Know” a smart, open tone – like listening to a favorite teacher’s best lecture. Oxford’s outstanding reference materials and user friendly tools make research accurate and simple. A date converter, Qur’anic verse lookup, and handy “cite” button that instantly provides Chicago or MLA citations are examples of Oxford’s thoughtful design.

Visit Ohrstrom Library’s website for brief descriptions of all the online databases available.

HELPFUL FOR: Humanities III & V, Humanities electives
FUN FOR: cultural creatives, news hounds, world travelers, journalists, art and architecture lovers

Tags: Citations, Humanities, Humanities III, Humanities V, Islam, Islamic Studies, Oxford Islamic Studies, Quran

• Databases , Humanities , Web Resources
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