March 30-31: Thigpen Library Is Closed

Sarah Smith / March 26, 2018March 26, 2018 / Announcements, Library News, Research Tools, Uncategorized

Please be aware that Thigpen Library in Gallatin will be closed on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, 2018 for the holiday weekend.

Research assistance is always available 24/7 through our CHAT and TEXT (615-956-2275) services.

DID YOU KNOW? The cost of keeping rabbits as pets is almost as expensive as a cat or dog! With their lifespan of 14 years on average, that rabbit will cost you more than $11,000. Stuffed bunny rabbits, however, are cheap and provide joy for a lifetime.

Want to learn more about rabbits and their diseases? AVMA Journals are now available from Thigpen Library in full-text, online. Other resources to explore animal health and care are available from our Veterinary Technology guide.

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

lsheets1 / September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 / Fun, Library News

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read, Sept. 24 – 30.

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types – in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Thigpen Library is celebrating Banned Books Week by hosting an open mic on Wednesday, September 27th from 12:45-2:15pm at the SRB Amphitheater (rain location: SRB Performing Arts Space). Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to read a passage from a Banned Book provided by the library.

For more information on banned books, see the American Library Association’s Banned and Challenged Books website.

Why are books challenged?

Books are usually challenged to shield others (typically children) from difficult ideas and information. The most common reasons for banning a book are sexually explicit material, offensive language, or material unsuitable for a particular age group.

Who challenges books?

Typically, books are challenged by parents and library patrons.

What books have been challenged?

You might be surprised at some of the books that have been challenged. Frequently challenged books include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Harry Potter series.

Ask a Librarian Now 24/7!

lsheets1 / August 25, 2017August 25, 2017 / Announcements, Library News, Research Tools

Struggling at 2:00 A.M. with research for your assignment?
Panicking at 4:00 A.M. about citing credible sources in your paper?

KEEP CALM & CHAT ON!

At any time day or night, research assistance from Vol State’s Thigpen Library is just keystrokes away at the speed of CHAT!

24 hours/day
7 days/week

Whenever you use Thigpen Library’s online CHAT service or text your questions to 615-956-2ASK (2775), the first available librarian will answer you.

To help complete your research assignments, CHAT can deliver:

Knowledge of library resources available to complete your research assignments
Tips to find & filter the correct sources that your assignment requires
Instruction using library databases to retrieve journal articles or the library’s online catalog to connect to e-books & streaming video
Help with the process of academic-level research
Search strategies including keyword & search term suggestions
Help evaluating a source’s credibility

Prefer to work directly with a Vol State Librarian?

The library offers one-on-one research help when you:

Make an appointment to consult a Librarian about your research assignment in person, on the phone or online via web-conferencing.
Visit or telephone our reference desk (615-230-3400) Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm.
Email our Reference Librarians librarian@volstate.edu.

Need to borrow books, DVDs or technology like video cameras, graphing calculators, voice recorders or photo cameras?
Explore the host of services offered at Thigpen Library and all of Vol State’s campuses and sites!

April Brings Library Joy!

Sarah Smith / April 4, 2017April 5, 2017 / Fun, Library News, Uncategorized

April is one of the most joyful months for Thigpen Library. Why? I’m glad you asked.

April is National Poetry Month.

April is Autism Awareness Month.

April includes National Library Week (April 9-15, 2017).

Thigpen Library in Gallatin is honoring these important occasions throughout the month of April with several lovely displays (upstairs, downstairs, and lobby).

Another reason to visit Thigpen Library in April? Relieve some stress!

Our “Secret Cinema” and “LOL” film displays will provide you with some great movie-viewing options. Express yourself by writing your own poem or creating your own Haiku on our whiteboard display.

Game Day (ping pong! cards! board games!) will be held on April 12 (10a – 2p, Rochelle Center) bring a friend, play a game, and grab a treat.

But – wait! There’s more: wonderful surprises and support in store for students throughout the month of April. Stop by your Vol State in Gallatin library to explore and enjoy. Happy April, everyone!

Check these out!

“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Poem” – is Merriam-Webster’s self-described “guide to some of the most famous poetic forms.”
Books of and about poetry from Thigpen Library (note: ask a librarian to help you find works by specific authors)
ACRL Value of Academic Libraries Bibliography includes wonderful articles about how academic libraries support teaching and learning and institutional missions; a great example is: “I am more productive in the library because it’s quiet…“

What is your librarian an expert in—finding sources, medieval history, recommending books—or are they an expert in making you smile? Let the world know that you appreciate your “expert in the library” during National Library Week 2017.

Your response can be text, a photo or a video posted to Twitter, Instagram, or posted directly to the I Love Libraries Facebook page.
Use the printable props we’ve provided or be original. Creativity is encouraged. Just be sure to include the hashtag #expertinthelibrary and post between Saturday, April 8 at noon CT and Saturday, April 15 at noon CT for a chance to win the $100 Visa gift card.* Extra points if you tag your library (#thigpenlibrary) in the post.

My librarian is an expert in  Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG
Librarians are experts in   Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG
I’m an expert in               Print (PDF) | High resolution PNG