This fall, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell proclaimed the month of October “Information Literacy Awareness Month” in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, information literacy is a skill set that includes finding, accessing, evaluating and using information. While not unique to the 21st century, in today’s information-rich environment these skills are more important than ever. Just think: could you travel, without finding and accessing information about your destination first? Would you vote, without evaluating the information provided to you by a campaign commercial? The proclamation recognizes the need for Virginia’s citizens to develop information literacy skills, stating that they are “a critical part of effective decision-making.”
College students use information literacy skills every day. In the library we focus on teaching those techniques that will both help students finish their homework and also prepare them to be smarter, more successful information consumers in their careers and lives beyond Hollins. Students learn how knowledge is organized by those who produce, disseminate, and preserve it; we also partner with faculty to teach the principles of using information ethically and effectively. Information literacy keeps us all busy: in the 2011-12 school year, library staff taught 96 classes to 1,071 students.
Governor McDonnell’s proclamation was the result of a campaign organized by the Library of Virginia, the official library and archives for the Commonwealth. The LVA has preserved the unique history and records of our state since 1823. It is also responsible for advancing and promoting libraries and archives state-wide to ensure that Virginians will have open and free access to information.
Read the full proclamation: http://tinyurl.com/ccxnx2c 
To learn more about information literacy, see the Association of College & Research Libraries website: http://tinyurl.com/cecdy45

If you’ve ever wondered what public libraries in Roanoke have to offer, now’s your chance to find out.  While the Wyndham Robertson Library and the Roanoke College Library supply academic materials, the public libraries have several features that can be very beneficial to students.

The Hollins Branch is conveniently located on Peter’s Creek Road, only five minutes away from campus.  They have audio books, an extensive children’s literature section and a well stocked fantasy and young adult section.  It is also possible to download audiobooks and eBooks to your computer and phone.  You are allowed to download 3 at a time and may keep them for
7-14 days. This branch also has a wide selection of films, including most new releases.  There is also an app available for mobile phones that allows you to use library services directly from your phone.  Visit http://va.boopsie.com to download this app.  Free
computer and internet use is also available and printing only costs 10 cents a page.

Check out the website for the  Hollins Branch of RPL:http://tinyurl.com/cocsjuw

The library and the writing center are coming to you! We’ll be tablesitting during dinner Monday through Thursday, November 26-29.

• Research questions?
• Writing questions?
• Citation questions?

Come and see us!

New Library Exhibit!  Now that that renovations are complete, come find out about theatrical activities in the early days of Hollins and the unique story of how the Little Theatre was built.  Display located on the 3^rd floor of the library, next to the Hollins Room.

Due to the cancellation of Hollins evening classes and events, the Library will also be closing after 6:00 p.m. today, October 29 . Any additional information or updates will be posted on my.hollins and on the library’s website.

College & University Archives for genealogists: what to expect when you go

Come check out this great free workshop for family weekend – all are welcome!

Saturday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the library’s Instruction Room (2nd floor)

Beth Harris, our Special Collections Librarian, has worked with many genealogists inquiring about relatives with connections to Hollins. She will provide advice and suggestions for anybody who might one day be interested in contacting a university archive for information, whether your ancestor might have worked for the school or attended the college as a student.

Followed by an optional tour of the library. For more information, contact Beth Harris at bharris@hollins.edu or 540-362-6237.

Several lockers in the library’s coffee commons are still available for semester-long reservation. Why carry large stacks of books around for your projects, when you can store them with us? Lockers are free and secure.

We are also now taking reservations for carrels, also available per semester (up to three carrels per floor will be available for reservations.) If you want your own corner of the library, reserve a carrel today!

Applications and rules for carrel and locker use are online:

http://www1.hollins.edu/library/lockerform1.htm

If you have not used the film viewing room lately, you’ve missed a major upgrade: it’s gone high-def and wide-screen! The viewing room (on the library’s ground floor) was outfitted this summer with Blu-Ray players at every station, two large 32″ screens for groups, and two 26″ screens for individual viewing. In addition to the large screens, soon there will also be hubs for up to four headsets at the group stations, so you can bring your peeps to watch the movie with you, in complete-surround-sound comfort.

Along with the newest Blu-Ray/DVD technology, two stations also feature VHS players and one has a laserdisc player.

The viewing room upgrades were funded in large part by the Klaus Phillips Equipment Fund. The fund was established with gifts made in memory of Klaus Phillips, a professor of film at Hollins from 1987 until his death in 2011. A plaque will be installed in the room recognizing the contributions of Phillips and the memorial fund.

To learn more about the viewing room or other media equipment services at Hollins, contact Media Services Manager Gabe Simpkins  at 540-362-6235 or gsimpkins@hollins.edu .