The Medical Education Campus Library Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000

The faculty and staff of MEC Library are thankful for the many wonderful, hardworking students who make our jobs a pleasure every single day. Thank you!

Our hours for the week of the Thanksgiving holiday will be:

Monday, November 23: Open 8:30-8:30
Tuesday, November 24: Open 8:30-7:30
Wednesday, November 25: Open 8:30-12 noon
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: CLOSED

Remember, we have lots of bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles if you'd like to do a little "fun" reading during the break. No long waiting lists like at the public libraries! :)

Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
MEC Library

Did you know?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier was an inspiration for David Baldacci's newest thriller, True Blue (available for check-out in MEC Library). More details from WTOP: http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1804980

Alert: don't use your thumb drives on NOVA campuses computers

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

A new virus has been detected on some college computers. To help minimize the spread of the virus, removeable drives (including thumb drives) should not be used on NOVA campus computers until further notice.

On the MEC, it is possible to upload your thumb drive files to your email account (sending the file as an attachment to yourself) using a Mac in the Open Computer Lab. You can then open the email at any campus PC and open the document from your email.

Please be aware that there is only one Mac available in the lab at this time, so any work you can do before coming to campus will probably save you some waiting time.

We'll keep you posted!

Lots of new bestsellers in the library...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:39:00 +0000

(click to enlarge)

Here are the latest bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles available in the MEC Library (click on the titles to see reviews & ratings on Amazon.com):

Fiction:

A Gate at the Stairs, by Lorrie Moore
Grace Hammer, by Sara Stockbridge
Homer and Langley, by E.L. Doctorow
Juliet Naked, by Nick Hornby
Mama Dearest, by E. Lynn Harris
Nine Dragons, by Michael Connely
Say You're One of Them, by Uwem Akpan
That Old Cape Magic, by Richard Russo
Traveling with Pomegranates, by Sue Monk Kidd

Memoirs:

I Am the New Black, by Tracey Morgan
Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son, by Michael Chabon
Moonwalk, by Michael Jackson (orignally published in 1988, rereleased in October 2009)
Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin
True Compass: A Memoir, by Edward M. Kennedy

Other Nonfiction:

Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that Are Saving Lives Against All Odds, by Sanjay Gupta

To reserve any of these books, call the MEC Library at 703-822-6684. To suggest other books you'd like to see in the MEC Library, submit your suggestion here.

Reduced hours this Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Heads up- MEC Library will be open 10:30-5 this Friday, 10/30. You can sleep in a little before you study. ;)

Google has its place

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Your professors probably use it all the time, just like you do. But when it comes to research for your papers and projects, they'll tell you that using a Web search engine isn't always a good idea. There are lots of good Web sites out there, but quite a few that aren't accurate, current, or authoritative.

Keep in mind: practically anyone can publish a Web page and make it look good, even if they don't know what they're talking about.

Plus, what you can find with Google can't compare to the millions of e-books and magazine, journal, and newspaper articles you can find in the library databases. The vast majority of these are not free to the general public, but for NOVA students, they are!

(want to use the databases, but not sure how? Call us and we can help: 703-822-6684)

But sometimes you do need or want some Web pages for an assignment. Over the next few weeks I'll be publishing some tips on how to make Google work for you.

Google Tip:

When it comes to academic research, some of the best info on the Web is published by educational institutions and the government. You can limit your search to certain domains by typing in your search, then site: (don't forget the colon!) and the domain (.edu, or .gov).

For information on nursing ethics published on college or university web pages:

For information on swine flu published on government web pages:

Come on in!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0000

You've probably noticed the classroom in the back of the library. Whenever we're not using it for teaching, it's open to individual students and groups for study and group work.

Since MEC Library only has two group study rooms, the classroom is an excellent overflow area for groups to work together without disturbing the rest of the library (shutting the door is allowed).

It also gives individual students access to 26 extra computers and extra work space, which is great when the library is crowded.

New bestsellers in the library...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Here are the latest bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles available in the MEC Library (click on the titles to see reviews & ratings on Amazon.com):

Intervention, by Robin Cook
The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown
Resurrecting Midnight, by Eric Jerome Dickey
South of Broad, by Pat Conroy
Twenties Girl, by Sophie Kinsella

Call MEC Library at (703) 822-6684 to reserve any of these titles. Happy reading!

MEC Library will be closed on Saturdays

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:16:00 +0000

MEC Library will be open regular hours this Saturday, September 26, from 9-1. After this weekend, we will be closed on Saturdays for the foreseeable future.

We hope to resume Saturday hours as soon as possible, and will keep you posted.

Alert! Don't park in the Sears parking lot at Springfield Mall

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:02:00 +0000

Some students have been parking in the Sears parking lot at Springfield Mall, then walking to the Medical Education Campus for class. PLEASE NOTE- Sears began towing this week!

Labor Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Don't forget- MEC Library will be closed from Saturday through Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. See you on Tuesday!

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Attention Nursing students: did you know that the Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses is available as an e-book through the NOVA Libraries? You can use it from home- no check-out required!

To find it:
1) Go to the NOVA Libraries website: http://www.nvcc.edu/library
2) Mouse over the Books & More box in the middle of the screen, revealing a small menu. Click on E-books.
3) Select Stat!Ref (if you're off campus, log in with your myNOVA username & password)
4) Select the Titles tab to see all the books in the collection
5) Click on Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses.

Does the library have my textbook?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:07:00 +0000

A frequent question we hear from students is, "Does the library have textbooks?"

The answer? Sometimes!

The MEC Library typically doesn't purchase textbooks. However, professors sometimes give us copies of textbooks for the library's reserves shelves.

What are the "reserves"?
Books, DVDs, copies of articles, and even skulls (yes, skulls!) are put on reserve by the library staff or your professors so that they are always available for students use while the library is open. Reserves items are kept on the shelves behind the front desk, and are not allowed to leave the library.

How do I know if my textbook is on reserve?
Your professor might tell you, or the information might be in your syllabus. If you're not sure, you can always stop by or give us a call at (703) 822-6684, and we'll check for you.

How do I use something that's on reserve?
Bring your NOVACard to the library's front desk and ask for the item you want (remember, we have many, many things on the reserves shelves, so bring as much information about the item as possible so we can find what you're looking for). We check the item out to you, you use it in the library and return it to the front desk before you leave. Easy!

New Hours for the Fall Semester

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Welcome back for the Fall semester!
The MEC Library hours will be:

Mondays:
8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays:
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays:
8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fridays:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturdays:
9 - 1

Reduced Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

MEC Library will operate under reduced hours during the break between the summer and fall semesters.

Weekdays
Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 21
Open 8:30 - 5

New bestsellers in the library...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Here are the latest bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles available in the MEC Library (click on the titles to see reviews & ratings on Amazon.com):

Fiction:

Best Friends Forever, by Jennifer Weiner
The Blue Notebook, by James Levine
The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, by Rebecca Wells
The Neighbor, by Lisa Gardner
Roadside Crosses, by Jeffrey Deaver
Sisters and Husbands, by Connie Briscoe

Nonfiction:

Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs: the Making of a Surgeon, by Michael Collins
The End of Overeating, by David Kessler

Call MEC Library at (703) 822-6684 to reserve any of these titles. Enjoy your summer reading!

Library Research Orientation for NUR Students

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:40:00 +0000

First-year Nursing students are required to attend a library research orientation. The MEC librarians taught several classes in June, and there are five more scheduled for late August/early September. There are both in-person and online options, but don't delay- space is limited and one class is already full!

Many NUR students have already had a library research class as part of SDV 101. However, the classes we teach for NUR are more advanced and will cover the specialized health & nursing research tools that will help you be successful with your nursing papers and projects.

For more information, see Blackboard or contact the Nursing department. For those who have already taken a research class, is there anything we could do differently to make the classes more helpful?

Cool numbers for a hot day

noreply@blogger.com (Andrea) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Shortly after noon on July 8, comes the moment that can be called 12:34:56 7/8/9.

10 Reasons to Pick a Community College

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:11:00 +0000

10 Reasons to Pick a Community College, by Lynn F. Jacobs and Jeremy S. Hyman

"With family budgets now under the microscope, community colleges have become attractive alternatives to the more expensive four-year colleges and universities. There are many reasons that nearly half of American undergraduates choose to start their higher education in a community college. Here are the top 10..."

President Obama at the Annandale Campus today!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:31:00 +0000

President Obama will be at the Annandale Campus today, hosting a town hall meeting on health care reform. For more information, and to find out how to participate in the meeting via Facebook and Twitter, see the White House blog.

According to the blog:

We'll not only be monitoring all of those conversations closely during the
event and looking for ways to incorporate your feedback into the conversation,
but following up after the event in the coming days to get to as many questions
as possible from the ones the President couldn't get to, and to address
follow-up questions to his answers there.

Make your commute more interesting with audiobooks!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:23:00 +0000

Travelling for the holidays? Long flight? Are you spending way too much time travelling between work, school, and clinicals? Why not download an audiobook from NOVA's OverDrive and make the time fly? Find fiction and nonfiction, classics and bestsellers. Now compatible with most Apple devices, including iPod, iPod Touch, and iPhone! (for a list of compatible devices, click here.)

By the way- Overdrive has music and videos, too!

To use Overdrive Audiobooks:

- Go to www.nvcc.edu/library

- Mouse over Books & More, and click on eBooks

- Select Overdrive Audiobooks

- From the Getting Started sidebar (far left), click on the Quick Start Guide

- Download and install your free software (remember, off-campus computers only)

- Check-out, download and enjoy!

- Log in using your VCCS username and password (the same one you use for MyNOVA, Blackboard, and PeopleSoft)

New bestsellers in the library...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Here are the latest bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles available in the MEC Library (click on the titles to see reviews & ratings on Amazon.com):

Fiction:

Dark Places, by Gillian Flynn

Dead and Gone, by Charlaine Harris

My Father's Tears, by John Updike

Shanghai Girls, by Lisa See

Swimsuit, by James Patterson

Wicked Prey, by John Sanford

Nonfiction:

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, by Michael J. Fox

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, by David Kessler, MD

The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship, by Jeffrey Zaslow

Resilience, by Elizabeth Edwards

Call MEC Library at (703) 822-6684 to reserve any of these titles. Enjoy your summer reading!

Tips for Success: Take advantage of delivery service from all seven NOVA libraries!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Don't forget- as a student or faculty/staff member at NOVA, you can request books from any NOVA campus library and have them delivered to whichever campus is most convenient for you.

To request books or DVDs/videos:

1) Simply do a search in the online library catalog, leaving the drop-down menu under Select College on Northern Virginia CC. This tells the catalog to search all seven NOVA libraries.

2) When you see the book you want, look at the Campus column, and click on the link for the campus that owns the book:

3) On the next screen, click on the link that says Request this item.

4) You will be prompted to log in. Use the same username and password that you use for myNOVA.

5) Be sure to select the campus to which the item(s) should be sent:

It usually takes 2-3 business days for items to make it from one campus to another. Don't forget to bring your NOVACard for check-out. Books can be returned to any NOVA library.

New bestsellers in the libray...

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Reading for fun? It may seem like an impossibility during the fall and spring semesters, but summer is here and it's time to relax a little. Stop by and check out the newest arrivals!

(call MEC Library at (703) 822-6684 to place a hold on any of these titles)

Haiku Stu!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth DeAngelo) — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Congrats to Stu Nickerson, MEC Nursing student, for winning the 2009 National Library Week Haiku Contest! MEC Library was pleased to present him with a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. We received many great entries- check back in the coming days for more Haiku poetry from your fellow students.

Stu's winning haiku:

Quiet study room

Peaceful place to focus on

Things I need to know

Educational Support Services Dean Ruth Stanton
presents Stu Nickerson with his Barnes & Noble gift card.