Author: bbaile14

Assistant Professor / Digital Projects Librarian for Johnson County Community College

Not the Bees!!!

Did you know that bees only live 5 weeks, and that in that time they have almost a dozen jobs? They’re like the worst temp ever! Actually, they’re really good at what they do: wax making, pollen gathering, wet nursing, mercenary guard work… Pretty amazing little creatures, huh?

Well, here’s your celebration of bee-kind, Bees: Nature’s Little Wonders by Candace Savage. It’s your sneak-peek into a miraculous macro-sized insect civilization taking place on a micro scale. They’re really interesting creatures!

Epic Attention Fail

First, the premise.

So, ignoring the public service message*, we’ve just seen the premise of the book.

Now that we’ve moved passed that, the book, The Invisible Gorilla in the Room is about how all of the different illusions we unintentionally encounter in every day life.  Using the example of a gorilla from a popular Internet video (replaced here with a moonwalking bear), authors Chris Chabris and Daniel Simons attempt to explain why our subconscious blocks out or distorts things in our daily life. So whether or not you saw the moonwalking bear, it’s pretty interesting to think about why others didn’t. After all, what might you be missing?

*Don’t REALLY ignore the public service message: bikers are important!

Too Hot to Go Outside? Watch a Movie in the Library!

It’s supposed to get nasty today. We’re talking wicked nasty. So instead of having a heatstroke, we’d rather see you in the library watching one of our fine films in the A/C, like this winner: Brazil.

Set in a freaky post-apocalyptic future, one man battles the government to find a woman who appears to him in daydreams.  CHAOS ENSUES! Directed by Terry Gilliam (Monty Python’s Holy Grail, 12 Monkeys), it’s just as funny as it is horrifying.

And if you’re without headphones, you can always view the flick in: THE CONE OF SILENCE!!!!

For real, give it a spin.

Why You Should Check The Road Warrior Out at the Library

Check it out! Because…

  1. It’s an awesome movie.
  2. OK, it is kind of bad, but that actually adds to what makes it good.
  3. Checking it out from the library means you don’t have to give Mel Gibson money, which you may understandably not want to do right about now…
  4. The Road Warrior is the 3rd best Road Warrior to ever exist, right after these guys.

A Big Thank You to Our Users! –UPDATE

This has been a great summer! The overall positive attitude has been fantastic, and we know that it hasn’t been the easiest of things for you all. For example:

  • We appreciate your patience with having to log-in to most of our computers now. If you’re not a student, guest log-ins are free and available from the Regnier Center. Dirty lies! You only have to log in for printing, and the librarians can help guests get their guest printing cards. Guests will have to get temporary logins for wi-fi, though. That’s on me, guys. My bad.
  • We also implemented our Print Management system (which is a fancy way of saying that students have limited free printing and guests must pay for their print jobs).  If you need help, the librarians are more than willing and able to help you.  We know there have been some nasty hiccups, but your patience is appreciated.  We know it can wear you thin, but believe me when I say it can do the same to us.

Despite this summer of changes, we’ve been lucky enough to have great students, faculty, and guests with the patience of saints.  Thank you, everybody!

Slowing Down is Good for Our DVDs

We’ve been waiting for some new books to post. Since we’re near the end of the campus’s fiscal year, we’re adding fewer books to the catalog nowadays.

We’re still adding DVDs, mostly replacements from damaged or worn down items.  If you haven’t hit up our DVD section, let it be known that it is huge.  We’ve got a lot of feature films, including the ever-important ReAnimator, and of course more popular things like Avatar (which will be on the shelf in a couple days) and classics like Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  In addition, we’re loaded with documentaries and educational films, too, including the epic miniseries Planet Earth. Stop by, browse, and grab something that catches your eye.

Welcome to JCCC, Summer Semester I

What’s crackin’? Summer Semester I is now underway and whether you’re new or returning, we thought it might be a good idea to remind you of some of our resources here:

  • Obviously, we’ve got this blog for noise about what’s happening in the library.
  • We have a Twitter feed and Facebook page, and we’re not above asking to be your friend. Plus, we use the Twitter feed to answer any questions you might have.
  • Our LibGuides area  collection of study resources based around topics that you’re likely to be assigned at some point, as well as an RSS Feed that pumps out all of our new books.
  • And of course, our library’s website has our catalog, a lot of databases, and plenty of other resources to help you out.

Don’t ever hesitate to swing by for help, to relax, or to say hi! We’re glad you’re at JCCC and hope we can be helpful during your time here!