Jen Library Reference Department

CC image by iboy_daniel at Flickr.com

Did you know about the new bus route between the Jen Library and Arnold Hall? The Pink Line (aka “The Success Express”) opened for service at the beginning of the quarter, to better serve those of you in English, Speech and Art History classes. It’s a quick and easy way to get to the library to work on those all-important research assignments, without having to feed the downtown parking meters.

The Pink Line runs approximately every 15 minutes from 8am – 6:45pm, Monday through Thursday. The full schedule (PDF) is on SCAD’s transportation website (MySCAD login required).

CC image by Flickr user Nutmeg

Hey artists’ books fans! Don’t forget that SCAD’s Third Annual Artists’ Book Symposium, “Variant Hues”, takes place this weekend at SCAD-Atlanta’s ACA Library. There are student workshops with visiting artist Macy Chadwick as well as great publications to be seen from Vamp and Tramp, purveyors of artists’ books and fine/ small press editions. Events run all day on both Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13.

While you’re enjoying the symposium, be sure to visit Trois Gallery for “No Translation Required: Artists’ Books in Germany and Georgia“. This exhibit represents a collaboration between SCAD, the University of the Arts, Braunschweig, Germany, and the Klingspor Museum, Offenbach, Germany. It showcases selections of the best contemporary book art in each country. It will be on view through April 16th.

And if you’re not able to make it to Atlanta, Jen Library has plenty of materials on handmade and artists’ books. Whether you want to view an original, gain research or inspirational information, or make your own, there’s lots to explore! Here are a few individual titles to get you started:

• The Century of Artists Books -  N7433.3 .D78 2004
• Cuban Artists Books and Prints – N7433.35.C9 C83 2009
• Eye on Europe: Prints, Books and Multiples, 1960 to Now – NC225 .W93 2006
• Non-Adhesive Binding – Z 271 .S66 1992
• Books, Boxes and Portfolios – Z271 .Z4413 1990
• Artists’ Multiples, 1935 – 2000 – N6494.M8 B87 2001

Would you like the chance to boost your portfolio, win free art supplies, AND share your work with thousands of people across multiple SCAD locations?

If the answer is YES, then enter SCAD Libraries first-ever Student Art Contest! We are asking current students from ALL departments and locations to create an original bookmark design for the Libraries. The most creative, professional and eye-catching design will be printed as the official bookmark for SCAD Libraries, AND earns the artist a $100 gift certificate to a local or online art supply retailer. Two runners up will win great prizes as well.

What’s your visual take on the Libraries? Will you design an original Library mascot, superhero or icon? How about a sketch of an outfit that was inspired by a book? What does your research to-do list look like? Or maybe you have an interesting story about doing research that you can tell in two or three comic panels. The options are endless!

For details and enter, visit the official contest webpage at http://library.scad.edu/screens/contest.html

But don’t delay! The contest closes on Sunday, March 21 at 11:59 P.M.

Questions? Ask a librarian to learn more.

CC image by Flickr user bolinhanyc - click to see original

Are you attending the Interaction Design Association’s conference in Savannah this weekend? IxD 2010 is centered at the Trustees Theater with additional events, discussions, presentations and more happening around the area. If you’re on Twitter, follow @IxD10 and #IxD10 to stay up to date on the latest conference news and reports.

During the conference, stop into Jen Library to check out special IxD participant exhibits and more. PLUS we have plenty of great materials to whet your interest in interactive design! Suggested titles:

• Designing Interactions QA76.9.H85 M64 2007
• Making Meaning: How Successful Businesses Deliver Meaningful Customer Experiences HF5415 .D55 2008
• I Miss My Pencil: A Design Exploration TS171 .B664 2009
• Design Fundamentals for New Media  QA76.575 .B46 2005
• Design Research Now: Essays and Selected Projects  TA174 .D475 2007
• Contextual Design: Defining Customer-Centered Systems  QA 76.9 .S88 B493 1998
• The Design of Everyday Things TS171.4 .N67 2002
• Designing Gestural Interfaces QA76.9.U83 S24 2009
• New Media, Old Media: A History and Theory Reader P90 .N52 2006
• Second Person : Role-playing and Story in Games and Playable Media GV1469.17.S63 S43 2007
• Digital Storytelling : A Creator’s Guide to Interactive Entertainment QA76.76.I59 M55 2008
• Interactive Architecture NA2543.T43 F69 2009
• Place Advantage : Applied Psychology For Interior Architecture NA2850 .A94 2009

…  more IX, UX and related design titles are available to choose from. Click the call numbers to begin exploring, or pick a title and browse the stacks nearby to see similar items. Or ask a Librarian to give you a helping hand!

The Savannah Film Fest is GO and it’s centered right across the street from Jen Library, at the Trustees Theater. While you’re in the neighborhood enjoying movies this weekend, stop in to peruse our massive collection of screenplays, cinema studies, and performance books. You might even end up rubbing shoulders with the stars: some have been popping by the Jen to talk about what they do best.

For example:

Emmy Rossum and Zach Gilford interviewed at the Jen Library

Drop in and say hello!

CC image by UBC Library Graphics

Did you know that fellow SCAD students are ready and waiting to help with your classes and assignments? SCAD Peer Tutors are upper-level students who have deep knowledge of their discipline, and of course know all the ins and outs of SCAD student life. Whether you need to master a complicated Visual Effects program, boost your design know-how, re-work a drawing, or write a research paper, they can help! And they work all across campus – in fact, there is probably a tutor in one of the buildings you visit regularly.

To view tutor profiles, learn about the program, and schedule an appointment:

• login to MySCAD (in a new tab)
• then return to this page and click here to enter the Peer Tutoring website.

Matt Fisher is one such tutor whose office is located in Jen Library, room 218 (2nd floor). His specialty is Reading Comprehension. Matt graduated with honors with a B.A. in English and Education, and is now pursuing the M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing at SCAD. Matt kindly answered a few questions about what he does. Read on…

Jen Library: What does ‘reading comprehension’ mean exactly, and why is it an important skill to have?

Matt: Reading comprehension entails the skills necessary to read effectively and understand what’s being said. Even if you’re a strong reader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply “looking at the words,” while thinking of something else. By developing skills in reading comprehension, you will cut down the time you spend on assigned readings, and have a better understanding of the content.

As Reading Comprehension tutor, it sounds like you can assist with a range of academic needs. What are some of the services that you provide to SCAD students (especially with finals)?

As finals approach, the concerns of heavy readings are compounded by research paper deadlines. If you need help learning and implementing editing techniques for your essays, or developing skills that will lighten the burden of assigned readings, consider setting up an appointment via MySCAD under reading comprehension.

What inspired you to become a Peer Tutor?

Before coming to SCAD, I had the chance to teach reading for several weeks in 7th grade and 12th. I love helping people in any facet of life, but pedagogy has proven itself to be one of the ways I can best do so.

Any other things you’d like to share?

This is a laid-back environment. We will take a look at whatever problems you have, and I will do my best to assist you. It’s a free service, so there’s nothing to lose.

Thanks Matt! Again, please visit the Peer Tutoring page on MySCAD to learn more and make an appointment.

Are you this committed to your writing?

Heads up Library fans -  it’s Writing Center Week! WC staff are hosting fun and practical events, workshops and consulting sessions in Savannah, Atlanta, and online.

Learn how to:

• Get your creative juices flowing with listing and brainstorming activities
• Use free online tools to stay organized and save time
• Master the fine art of revision
• Create perfect citations
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

To learn more, login to MySCAD and check out the Writing Center site under Resources Tab > Directory. The full schedule is listed there. And check out their Twitter and Facebook pages too!

Last April, the Jen Library turned 10! That’s right, we have been your SCAD-Savannah library since 1999. Before we moved here, did you know that the library was in Poetter Hall? It was very tiny, both in collection size and staff size. Then in the 1990s, SCAD bought an old department store and moved everything to its present location at 201 E. Broughton St.

You can read all about the history of the Jen Library and how it came to be by visiting the Special Collections Department website. Here’s the link!

Check us out on Facebook and become a fan of SCAD Jen Library!  The reference librarians can’t wait to answer your questions on Facebook.  We’re looking forward to any suggestions as well.