New Materials Lists Updated - November 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of November 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

December/January Hours for Libraries

For the months of December 2007 and January 2008, the Vera Bracken Library (Medicine Hat Campus) will be open regular hours, with the noted exceptions:

• 20-21 December - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• 22 December - 1 January - Closed
• 2-4 January - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• 5-6 January - Closed

For the months of December 2007 and January 2008, the Brooks Campus Library will be open regular hours, with the noted exceptions:

• 19 December - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• 20 December - 6 January - Closed

Both libraries will return to normal hours of operation on 7 January 2008.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Office Ultimate 2007 for $64?!

Yes, it is true! You can get Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for as low as $64 Canadian.

How good of a deal is this? To buy Microsoft Office Professional at the Campus Store, it will cost you approximately $250. Office Professional includes the 2007 versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and Accounting Express. Office Ultimate includes the entire Professional bundle, but also includes InfoPath, Groove, and OneNote. To buy Office Ultimate 2007 at regular retail price, you could spend in excess of $900.

The Ultimate Steal offer ends 30 April 2008. Go to www.theultimatesteal.ca to check for pricing and qualifications.

Library Book Tree 2007

To celebrate the festive season, Library Services has setup its 3rd annual Library Book Tree.

The tree is trimmed with some traditional ornamentation, but with a little something extra. It is decorated with facsimiles of our faculty members', staff members', and students' favourite books.

Anyone can add their favourite title to the Library Book Tree with a $2 donation. All proceeds from this fund raising event will be donated to the Medicine Hat News' Santa Claus Fund.

See the Vera Bracken Library's Information Desk for more information and to donate.

Library User of the Month - December 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Terry Chapman is our Library User of the Month for December 2007.

You can read a statement by Terry by clicking here.

Student Appreciation Week Winners

Congratulations to our Student Appreciation Week daily prize draw winners. Each winner gets a $15 gift certificate to be spent at the Campus Store.

Our winners are:

• Monday - Andrew Benoit
• Tuesday - Ian Wearmouth
• Wednesday - Abraham Chang
• Thursday - Tanya Myrfield
• Friday - Alex Schmidek
  

Thanks to everyone that entered and took time to make comments and suggests. As ever, we continue to look forward to serving you.

You want more cow bell? We give you more cow bell!

In honour of Student Appreciation Week, one of the suggestions that we received was that we "need more cow bell." Being ones to never disappoint, we give you more cow bell!

Student Appreciation Week - November 26-30

Join Library Services as we celebrate Student Appreciation Week in the Vera Bracken Library.

We will be holding daily draws for $15 gift certificates to the Campus Store. On Wednesday and Thursday, we will be offering free photocopying at the Vera Bracken Library's photocopy stations. So come in, enter the contests, and take advantage of our many services.

While you are here, take some time to tell us what you like about the Vera Bracken Library and offer suggestions on how we can improve our services to meet your needs. Our Comments/Suggestions box is located near the photocopier stations and is completely anonymous.

We look forward to serving you for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008.

Connecting to the Wireless Network - Keep It Simple

To connect to the wireless network in the Vera Bracken Library, you need to keep it simple. There is no special software, user name, or password required to access the wireless network.

To begin, you only need to use the built-in Windows or Macintosh wireless connection application. To access the Windows software (see Figure 1), go to the Start button (on the task bar) > select: Connect To > click: Wireless Network Connection.

Figure 1. Opening the Wireless Network Connection application.













Once the Wireless Network Connection window opens (see Figure 2), be sure that you have selected the Library network, and click Connect to begin the connection process.

Figure 2. Selecting the desired wireless network.

NOTE:

• If you have your machine set to automate your connection, you might make an ad hoc (peer-to-peer) connection. It will look like you are connected to a network, but you will not get any Web access - you have connected to another person's computer and not the wireless network.
• If you have your machine set to connect with a static Internet Protocol (IP) address, you might not be able to connect. Use dynamic IP addressing to connect to our wireless network - this is typically a system default setting.
  
• Neither Library Services nor Information Technology Services will modify/troubleshoot personal equipment. We suggest reviewing your owner's manual, contacting your computer's technical support line, or your computer's reseller for support with your wireless equipment.
  

New Materials Lists Updated - October 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of October 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Libraries Closed - 12 November 2007

The Vera Bracken and Brooks Campus Libraries will be closed on Monday, November 12th in observation of Remembrance Day.

The Vera Bracken Library's weekend hours will be the same as normal. Both libraries will also be operating normal hours on Friday, November 9th (Student Study Day - a day when no classes are being held).

---

MEDICINE HAT
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY SCHEDULE,
November 11, 2007

• 10:00 a.m.
• Services will begin at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre (401 First Street SE).
• 10:30 a.m.
• Procession will form and march from Esplanade to Riverside Park for cenotaph services.
• 11:30 a.m.
• Conclusion of ceremonies.

Click here for additional information about street closures during this time period.

---

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Wireless Access is Available!

Medicine Hat College's Information Technology Services department has reactivated the wireless (Wi-Fi) Web service in the Vera Bracken Library. The service is available to anyone with a compatible Wi-Fi enable device (i.e., laptop, phone, PDA, etc.).

Connect to the wireless network by turning on your wireless card, and locating the Library wireless network with your machine's Wi-Fi connection program. A user name and password is not required to access the Wi-Fi network.

For more information about the service, visit Library Services' information page by clicking here.

Library User of the Month - November 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Shey Eagle Bear is our Library User of the Month for November 2007.

You can read a statement by Shey by clicking here.

Libraries Closed - 8 October 2007

The Vera Bracken and Brooks Campus Libraries will be closed on Monday, October 8th for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

In the meantime, have a happy Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy the following video from a classic episode of WKRP in Cincinnati...

New Materials Lists Updated - September 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of September 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - October 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Jody MacKenzie is our Library User of the Month for October 2007.

You can read a statement by Jody by clicking here.

"Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library" Launch Event

Medicine Hat College Library Services will proudly be participating in the launch of the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL). The launch event will begin at 10:15 a.m. in Medicine Hat College’s Centennial Hall on Friday, September 28th. A reception will be held immediately after the launch.

Library Services’ Director Keith Walker and Professor Terry Chapman will be the college’s representatives in a pan-Alberta broadcast of the official launch. Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and the Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, will be also be speaking from the University of Alberta.

Other postsecondary institutions that are participating include: The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Portage College in Lac La Biche, and Red Crow College in Cardston.

To discover more about the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL), go to: http://www.lhcadl.ca/.

Library User of the Month - September 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Laura Trebble is our Library User of the Month for September 2007.

You can read a statement by Laura by clicking here.

Library Services Launches New & Enhanced Services

Over the Summer time, Library Services has launched a series of new services designed to make your access to information and resources easier than ever. Some of the new services include an instant messenger based information service, a new interlibrary loan system, Find It, and a revamped online catalogue.

Click here to read more about the new and enhanced services that we offer.

New Materials Lists Updated - August 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of August 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Early Closure - August 31st

On Friday, August 31st, power will be cut to the B-wing and the Vera Bracken Library will consequently be closing at 3:00 p.m.

There will be a minor disruption to online services, but they should be available by 5:00 p.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Why you still need a library...

Some people think that libraries are irrelevant in the Google world. View this video to discover why we are as important as ever in the Information Age.



See? You do not want to end up like this person, do you?

It should also be said that, "Yes, we have maps."

September Hours

The Vera Bracken Library will operate for the following hours for September 3rd-4th:

• Monday (3rd; Labour Day) - CLOSED
• Tuesday (4th) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Vera Bracken Library will return to normal hours of operation on Wednesday the 5th.

The Brooks Campus Library will operate for the following hours during the week of September 3rd-9th:

• Monday (3rd; Labour Day) - CLOSED
• Tuesday-Friday (4th-7th) - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday-Sunday (8th-9th) - CLOSED
  

The Brooks Campus Library will return to normal hours of operation on Monday the 10th.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

Medicine Hat College is Still Here

Yes, the college is still here, despite being invisible to the Internet for several hours yesterday.

There was a power outage in our vicinity and Computer Services decided to shutdown servers due to a lack of adequate ventilation in their department and no guarantee from the city that power could be maintained. Additionally, our blog was also unavailable because of a planned servicing period by Blogger.com.

Click here for the article from the Medicine Hat News about the power outage.

Click here for the official press release from the City of Medicine Hat.

Library Jobs for Students

The Vera Bracken Library is currently seeking applicants for positions as Library Shelvers. These are ideal jobs for students wanting to make a little more money over the school year.

Click here to read more about the position.

For details on how to apply, click here.

New & Trial Databases

Library Services is continuing to expand it online resources and this week we introduce a new regular database and a trial database.

unitedstreaming (permanent database)

This database allows educators to stream more than 50,000 clips from 5,000+ full video programs via the Internet. Videos can be streamed via the popular Windows Media or Quicktime players - a high-speed Internet connection is advised. Discovery Education is the vendor for this product.

The content contained within is primarily targeted for the K-12 learning environments. Videos cover all forms of subject matter from a wide range of educational production companies.

This database is only accessible to registered Education [DEGREE STUDENTS ONLY] students at the Medicine Hat College. Education students and their instructors will be issued a special username/password combination.

You can access this resource, an other related education databases, by clicking here.

ENVIRONMENT COMPLETE (trial database)

Library Services is currently offering access to a trial of EBSCO's Environment Complete database. This database covers the related areas of agriculture, ecosystem ecology, energy, natural resources, marine & freshwater science, geography, pollution & waste management, environmental technology, environmental law, public policy, social impacts, urban planning, and more.

There are more than 1,590,000 records indexed and date back as far as the 1950s. More than 400 journals and 80 monographs are available in full-text.

NOTE: Access to this trial database can be discontinued without notice.

Any feedback that you can provide would be appreciated as we decide whether or not to retain this resource. You can let us know via the follow methods:

• Phone: 529-3867 (local), 1 (866) 282-8394 ext. 3867 (toll free long distance);


• E-mail: reference@mhc.ab.ca; or


• visit us at any of the library service desks in Medicine Hat or Brooks.
  

You can connect to this database and other available trial databases by clicking here.

Services Disruption, August 16th - Computer Updates

On Thursday, August 16th, the Vera Bracken Library computers will be updated, and some services will not be available on this day.

STUDENTS: Printing will not be available on this day. You will be required to use you own unique user name/password set to login on and after this day, and you will have to logout at the end of each session to protect your privacy. Your future print privileges and network drive storage space is dependent on this unique user name/password combination.

VISITORS/COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Printing will not be available on this day. The means to access a computer after this day, has yet to be determined.

Upgrades will begin in the library classroom at 9 a.m., and move to drop-in and reference computer areas afterwards.

No other library service will be affected. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Wireless Network Down

The wireless network in the Medicine Hat Campus's Café and Vera Bracken Library is down indefinitely. Computer Services is working to isolate this hardware relate issue. Please stay posted for updates.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Fall Technolgy Preview

As years progress, so does technology. Past years have introduced new online features, and technology services that are designed to empower students and make their access to resources easier. Some of the past technologies and services that were introduced, include: Blackboard, Campus Connect, Student Webmail, and Wi-Fi access in the college's café and the Vera Bracken Library.

This Fall Semester will introduce a number exciting new technological innovations. Some of the things that you can expect to see include:

• UNIQUE STUDENT USER NAMES AND PASSWORDS. Students will no longer use generic terminal IDs and passwords to access computers. This user name/password set gives you access to your print privileges and the next feature, which is...
  
  
• NETWORK DRIVE SPACE. You will no longer have to worry about forgetting you flash drive or [YUCK!] floppy disk and not being able save your work. Students will be allocated space on the network drive system, and they will be able to store information on the drive and access it from any other machine that they can login to on campus.
  
  
• NEW E-MAIL SYSTEM. A new e-mail system has been implemented on campus and students will get broader and more reliable service from the new system than the previous system. All critical communications from the college will be delivered to this e-mail address.

In all cases, stay tuned as more details are released.

Fall Semester Services Preview

People often say to library staff, “Really, you’re still open? In the Summer?!” We simply respond, “Yes. Yes, we are.” Despite the slower Summer Semester at the college, there are many things that need to be taken care of, especially as the Fall Semester approaches. New materials and services are always being developed, in addition to maintaining our current high level of resources and services.

Some of the active projects that we are currently engaged in are:

• Development of a new interlibrary loans (ILL) software package. The vendor we selected is Relais International. Once the system is in place, all patrons will have greater control over their accounts (you will create and manage your own ILL accounts now) and submitting loans will be easier and more reliable than ever – either manually or through the online databases.
  
  
• Updating of the online catalogue public access catalogue (OPAC). The revised OPAC is the most significant update that we have made in the last 7 years. A host of new features have been added that include: news feeds via our blog, easier navigation (all features are accessible from any page), spell check added to Advanced and Basic keyword searches, and cover preview/additional publication information in records. In the latter case, a user might see the cover image of the book they are interested in. If you click on the image, you can get more information on the title that might include: author notes, larger cover image, reviews, summary, and table of contents. A prime example can be found by clicking here.
  
  
• A new instant messenger system will be used so that patrons will have another means to communicate with the library’s information team. You can use the instant messenger client of your choosing (AIM/iChat, Google Talk, ICQ, MSN Messenger, or Yahoo! Messenger) or the built-in Meebo widget to “talk” to us. Stay tuned and keep an eye open for the launch in September.
  
  
• We also continue to develop and maintain both our print and online collections. This is a never-ending task to bring our patrons the best possible resources we can.

As you can see, we are busy this summer. The library staff is hard at work expanding our services and your access to information. Despite all the development, we are never too busy to help our patrons and look forward to serving the faculty, public, students, and staff throughout August and the months that follow.

New Materials Lists Updated - July 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of July 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Employment Opportunities

Medicine Hat College Library Services has a number of positions available. These job postings are for either the Brooks or Medicine Hat campuses.

Click on the job title to view the complete profile and requirements of each position:

• Library Clerk II - Circulation [Medicine Hat; Closes: 24 August 2007]
  
  
• Library Clerk II - Audio Visual [Medicine Hat; Closes: 24 August 2007]
  
  
• Library Clerk II [Brooks; Closes: 17 August 2007]

For directions on how to apply, click here.

August Hours

The Vera Bracken Library will be closed on Monday the 6th for the annual Civic Holiday, and on Wednesday the 22nd for College Day.

The Brooks Campus Library will also be closed on Monday the 6th for the Civic Holiday.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

New Materials Lists Updated - June 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of June 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Services Disruption *UPDATED*

UPDATE #4 - 19 July 2007

Our online services have returned to normal operation. All online functions are now available - this includes the online catalogue, interlibrary loan, and database access from home.

Many Web-based services will still be unavailable or have intermittent access over the upcoming weekend. You can expect the services disruption to begin as early as 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20th.

We anticipate that all services to be available Monday, July 23rd.

UPDATE #3 - 18 July 2007

We are now in the 5th day of having most of our online services being off-line, and still no known end in sight.

To compound this, a clerical error led to us being notified that the previous weekend was scheduled for a campus-wide power outage. This was not the case. The annual power outage will occur this weekend - 20-22 July 2007.

You can expect all electronic services to be inaccessible over the course of the upcoming weekend. In addition to Library Services being unavailable, other college services that are expected to be disrupted include: BlackBerry, Blackboard, the college website, e-mail, ListServ, and Campus Connect services.

All services are anticipated to return to normal on Monday, July 23rd.

Again, we are sorry for any inconveniences and thank you for you patience and understanding.

UPDATE #2 - 17 July 2007

Unfortunately many of our online services continue to be down. University of Lethbridge technicians continue to work on resolving the issues. They hope that all services will be operational sometime in the next day or two. At present, no formal time for resumption of normal operations has been given.

UPDATE #1 - 16 July 2007

Due to unforeseen hardware and software issues many of our online services (interlibrary loan (ILL), online catalogue, home access to databases, etc.) have remained off-line. Our partners at the University of Lethbridge continue to work on solutions to resolving these issues. All parties hope for a final resolution by Tuesday, July 17th - though no specific time has been set.

Access to online databases is still available, but only on campus. Related services, such as Find It and ILL, remain off-line - even on campus.

No other college service is affected. Blackboard, Campus Connect, Student Webmail, etc. are all available as normal.

We appreciate your patience in this matter.

ORIGINAL POST

During the weekend of July 14th and 15th, Library Services will experience a disruption of online services. This will affect all aspects of online services - including access to the databases, interlibrary loan services, and online catalogue. Some services could be down as early as 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13th. Services could be up sooner than the 15th, but expect to encounter intermittent disruptions throughout the weekend.

Other college services that are expected to be disrupted include: BlackBerry, Blackboard, college website, e-mail, ListServ, Campus Connect services.

The disruption of services is the result of the college's annual maintenance and upgrading of electrical services.

We apologize for the inconvenience that this might cause for some patrons.

Employment Opportunities Galore

Medicine Hat College Library Services has a number of positions available at all levels of service. These job postings are for either the Brooks or Medicine Hat campuses.

Click on the job title to view the complete profile and requirements of each position:

• Information and Technology Librarian [Medicine Hat; Management; Closes: 13 July 2007]
  
  
• Library Clerk II - Audio Visual [Medicine Hat; Closes: 9 July 2007]
  
  
• Library Clerk II - Audio Visual [Medicine Hat; Closes: 9 July 2007]
  
  
• Technology Support Technician [Medicine Hat; Closes: 16 July 2007]
  
  
• Library Clerk II [Brooks; Closes: 9 July 2007]

For directions on how to apply, click here.

Hello Credo Reference, Good Bye Xreferplus

The database that was known as Xreferplus has been renamed. The database is now known as Credo Reference.

Click here for more information about this database resource.

June/July Hours

The Vera Bracken Library will be reducing its hours of operation over the Summer months starting on June 30th. The library will now be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and closed Saturdays and Sundays.

The Brooks Campus Library will begin its Summer hours on June 25th. The Brooks Campus Library will be open Monday and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Both libraries will be closed on July 2nd for the Canada Day long weekend.

For more information about the libraries' hours of operation, click here.

New Materials Lists Updated - May 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of May 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - June 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Sarah Hennings is our Library User of the Month for June 2007.

You can read a statement by Sarah by clicking here.

Frasers Industrial Supply Catalog Database Added

Library Services has added Frasers Industrial Supply Catalog to its ever expanding list of database resources. Frasers provides supplier sourcing for B2B, and industrial manufacturers and distributors in Canada.

Information in this online resource was formerly available in print from the Frasers Industrial Supply Catalog - which has been discontinued. To gain full access, you can self-register at no cost.

To gain access and more information, clicking here.

PowerPoint 2003 Handout Revised

The PowerPoint 2003 Basics handout has undergone a dramatic revision and is available for download. This handout and many other documents can be found on the library's How to Guides page. Print copies will be available in the library shortly.

Click here to see all of the available guides.

New Materials Lists Updated - April 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of April 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - May 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Rozanne Westerhoud is our Library User of the Month for May 2007.

You can read a statement by Rozanne by clicking here.

One Book One Community Begins Search for 2008 Book Selection

The One Book One Community committee needs your help to determine what book to focus on for the fourth annual citywide read. It should be Canadian, available in paperback, and substantial enough to generate discussion and debate.

From now until the end of May, readers can suggest books by using the online suggestion form (http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/oboc/oboc.html) or printed forms available at the Vera Bracken Library or the Medicine Hat Public Library.

The One Book One Community 2008 book will be chosen from the suggested titles and announced in the fall. Events will take place 1-2 February 2008 at Medicine Hat College.

Click here for more information about One Book One Community.

Database Roundup

In the months of March and April, Library Services added several new databases to its list of available online resources. Those new sources included:

• ARTstor - This database provides high quality images to a variety of art mediums from around the world and throughout the ages.

• CBCA Complete - A large multidisciplinary Canadian content database that allows a user to search the collected holdings that can be found in other CBCA products (CBCA Business, Current Events, Education, and Reference).
  
  
• CBCA Current Events - This database provides information on current events in Canada by collecting and searching various mediums such as: newspapers, newswires, news magazines, and radio and television transcripts.
  
  
• CBCA Education & ProQuest Education Journals - This database will search both the CBCA Education and ProQuest Education Journals databases. Both collections have a large holding of education periodicals for educators at all levels. CBCA Education boasts strong Canadian content .
  
  
• Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine - This database provides more than 12,000 scientific studies on information about alternative/complementary health care studies. Herbal and other supplementary treatments are covered by this resource.
  
  
• Frasers Industrial Supply Catalog - Frasers provides supplier sourcing for B2B, and industrial manufacturers and distributors in Canada.
  
  
• The Globe & Mail: Canada's Heritage from 1844 - This database provides full-text searchable PDFs of the Globe and Mail newspaper from Canada's pre-Confederation period to contemporary times.
  
  
• Literature Online (LION) - LION is a large collection of American and English literature (poetry and prose). Other materials include critical works (books and journals) and reference works.
  
  
• ProQuest Science Journals - With more than 380 full-text journals available, this database covers all forms of scientific studies including: astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, physics, etc.

All resources are accessible from on campus and at home. With the exception of ARTstor and the Globe & Mail databases, all resources are provided via our partnership with the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library initiative.

Employment Opportunity - Library Clerk II

Medicine Hat College Library Services currently has an employment opportunity for a regular full-time Library Clerk II position available. The deadline for application is 24 April 2007.

For details about the position, click here.

For details on how to apply for the position, click here.

De-Stress Week Winners

Its exam time at Medicine Hat College, and for the week of April 9th-13th, Library Services featured a De-Stress Week. Features included books and tips about coping with this stressful time in the academic year, and prize draws. Prizes included a gift bag and gift certificates for massages.

Congratulations to our winners: Kendel Miller (gift bag), Megan Mortimer (gift certificate), and Deven Hoffos (gift certificate).

Globe & Mail Database Added to Online Resources

Library Services has added The Globe & Mail: Canada's Heritage from 1844 database to its collection of online resources. This database contains full-text searchable PDFs of the Globe & Mail from 1844 to contemporary times. This database is an invaluable resource for individuals with a personal or professional interest in history.

This resource can be accessed from on campus or at home. To gain access and more information, clicking here.

Student Appreciation Week Winners

You can view the winners of Library Service's Student Appreciation Week prize draws by clicking here.

Library User(s) of the Month - April 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Rebecca Hartshorn and Lindsey Rea - University Transfer Commerce students at the college - are our Library User(s) of the Month for April 2007.

You can read a statement by Rebecca and Lindsey by clicking here.

New Materials Lists Updated - March 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of March 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

April Hours

The Vera Bracken Library will be closed the for the following days/hours during the month of April:

• Friday, April 6th - Closed for Good Friday
  
  
• Saturday - Sunday, April 21st - 22nd - Closed
  
  
• Monday, April 23rd - Closed from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Open from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Brooks Campus Library will be closed for the following days:

• Friday, April 6th - Closed for Good Friday
  
  
• Saturday - Monday, April 21st - 23rd - Closed

Both libraries will begin their Spring hours of operation on April 21st.

For more details about the libraries hours of operation, click here.

Three More New Databases Added

Medicine Hat College Library Services has added three new databases to its holdings. The databases are:

• ARTstor - This database provides high quality images to a variety of art mediums from around the world and throughout the ages.
  
  
• CBCA Current Events - This database provides information on current events in Canada by collecting and searching various mediums such as: newspapers, newswires, news magazines, and radio and television transcripts.
  
  
• Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine - This database provides more than 12,000 scientific studies on information about alternative/complementary health care studies. Herbal and other supplementary treatments are covered by this resource.
  

All resources are accessible from on campus and at home. The latter two resources are provided via our partnership with the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library initiative.

Student Appreciation Week - March 26-30

Student Appreciation Week is coming and Library Services will be holding prize draws throughout the week and offering free photocopying (Tuesday and Wednesday).

Some of the prizes that you can win include:

• $15 student print credit
  
  
• $15 gift certificate for Le Café (a.k.a., the campus Starbucks/Internet Café)
  
  
• $25 gift certificate for the use at the Campus Store
  
  
• $50 gift certificate for use at Amazon.ca
  
  
• Free photocopying (Tuesday and Wednesday) is available to all students.

Come to the Vera Bracken Library and let us show you how much we appreciate your patronage.

More Databases for Everyone

Medicine Hat College Library Services is please to offer several new databases via its partnership with the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library. These new databases offer information in a variety of subject matters, which includes: education, literature, sciences, and all things in between.

Click the following links to learn more information about each source:

• CBCA Complete - A large multidisciplinary Canadian content database that allows a user to search the collected holdings that can be found in other CBCA products (CBCA Business, Current Events, Education, and Reference).
  
  
• CBCA Education & ProQuest Education Journals - This database will search both the CBCA Education and ProQuest Education Journals databases. Both collections have a large holding of education periodicals for educators at all levels. CBCA Education boasts strong Canadian content .
  
  
• Literature Online (LION) - LION is a large collection of American and English literature (poetry and prose). Other materials include critical works (books and journals) and reference works.
  
  
• ProQuest Science Journals - With more than 380 full-text journals available, this database covers all forms of scientific studies including: astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, physics, etc.

The vendor for each of these databases is Micromedia ProQuest. All sources will be made available for on campus and home use to college students and staff. Members of the public can access these resources from on campus.

New Materials Lists Updated - February 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of February 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - March 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Dr. Rod Harvey - a professor of English in the college's Division of Arts - is our Library User of the Month for March 2007.

You can read a statement by Dr. Harvey by clicking here.

Library Staff Fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat

Over the past weekend, the Library Lofters (our bowling team) participated in the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat's Bowl for Kids' Sake charity. To that end, the Lofters raised nearly $300 for the event.

Thanks to Sheila Drummond, Lilian Li, Carly Ridgewell, Anne Scott, and Keith Walker - the Library Lofters - for their fundraising efforts.

If you want to contribute to the Big Brother Big Sisters of Medicine Hat, please visit their website by clicking here.

February 2007 Hours of Operation - Family Day/Student Study Break Week

For the week of February 19th–23rd, the Vera Bracken and Brooks Campus Libraries will have the following hours of operation:

• Monday (19th) — Closed for Family Day
  
• Tuesday (20th)–Friday (23rd) — Open Regular Hours

The libraries will have regular weekend hours preceding and following Family Day/Student Study Break Week.

For more information about the hours of operation, please click here.

Ropin' the Blues 2007

Every year Medicine Hat College holds a themed event to elevate the spirits of staff and students during the chilly winter season. In previous years it was called Beach the Blues, but this year we have the country/western themed Ropin' the Blues.

Library Services staff readily embraced the event and went all out with the theme: Little Library on the Prairie. The Vera Bracken Library was decorated and the patrons were served biscuits and lemonade.

Other departments on campus decorated their work areas as well. The Global Tourism & Marketing department hosted its annual mini tourism expo, and a chili cook-off was held outside the Rattlers Den (the campus pub).

Click on any of the images below to enlarge them.

The Library Entrance:










The Information Desk:









Wagon Train:









The Outhouse:









The Staff:










Thanks to everyone that made these events a success.

We have a 2nd winner!

The Brooks Campus Library is pleased to announce that Mike Mandeville, a student at the Brooks Campus, was the winner of a 1 GB flash drive draw that was held during the Brooks Campus's Open House. He was one of many participants that that took part in the Brooks Campus's annual Open House event that was held February 7nd.

Thanks to all those that participated and made the Open House a success.

We have a winner!

Library Services is pleased to announce that Micheala Harty of Etzikom, Alberta was the winner of the 1 GB flash drive draw that was held during the college's Open House. She was one of many potential students and community members that participated in Medicine Hat College's annual Open House event that was held February 1st.

Thanks to everyone who came out (despite the -22°C evening) and participated.

Where the heck is Etzikom (relative to Medicine Hat)?:












Satellite image of Etzikom (click to enlarge):

One Book One Community Events Begin

Medicine Hat's One Book One Community events begin on February 2nd and run until the 3rd. You can read more about this organization and it events by clicking here.

Library Services is a proud sponsor of this community event.

New Materials Lists Updated - January 2007

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of January 2007. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - February 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that Corrina Rasmussen-Turner is our Library User of the Month for February 2007.

You can read a statement by Corrina by clicking here.

Medicine Hat College Open House - Library Draw

Medicine Hat College will be hosting its Open House today, and Library Services will naturally be participating.

Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. anyone can enter the library's draw for a Verbatim U3 1 GB flash drive. Staff will also be on hand to answer any questions that you have about the library and its multitude of services.

We look forward to everyone coming out and participating in this event.

AV Staff Member stars in "Marion Bridge"

Jamie Petro, an Audiovisual Clerk, at the Vera Bracken Library will be starring in FUT in the HAT Theatre Guild's production of Marion Bridge.

The production runs from February 1-3 and 8-10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre (located at the Cultural Centre). Tickets are $15 and available through the Esplanade Box Office or Mall Outlet - click here for more information about ticket purchasing options.

You can read more about the play and its cast at the following links:

• MHC staff by day, theatre stars by night


• February Production: Marion Bridge

Massive Database Update!

Library Services has added 35 new databases to its list of online resources. The procurement of these databases was made possible via the library's partnership with the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL) initiative.

These new resources cover a multitude of subject matter in the fine arts, humanities, sciences, and trades. Some of the more notable databases includes: Art Full Text, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, OmniFile Full Text, Mega Edition, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text. You can can view a complete list of the resources by clicking here.

The homepage for the databases was also overhauled. The various databases have been divvied up into more descriptive subject categories, thereby allowing users to select the most appropriate database(s) for their search needs. You can view the new database organizational structure by clicking here.

Medicine Hat College Library Services and the LHCADL will continue to improve upon their already impressive list of resources in 2007 and beyond.

New Materials Lists Updated - December 2006

Library Services has posted its new materials lists for the month of December 2006. The lists can be found at: http://www.mhc.ab.ca/library/newmaterials.html.

Library User of the Month - January 2007

Library Services is pleased to announce that José Rubén Valencia-Gomez is our Library User of the Month for January 2007.

You can read a statement by José by clicking here.