Try using a Subject Guide!! On the library's web site, click on the link to "Subject Guides" (under Research Assistance). Here you'll find research guides created by subject-specialist librarians that will get you quickly to the best resources for your subject area.

Categories of resources vary depending on the subject area, but may include “Find Articles Using Databases,” “Find Books and Dissertations,” “Statistics and Data,” “General Reference Sources.” Another useful feature is the chat service on each guide – if the subject specialist is online, you’ll be able to chat immediately.

http://www.lib.odu.edu/researchassistance/subjectguides.htm

Group study rooms in the Learning Commons are in high demand. Consider planning ahead and making your reservation in advance: http://apps.odu.edu/openroom/reservation_view.php

Here are some of the guidelines:
   --> Collaboration rooms (for 2 or more students) can be reserved up to 7 days in advance.
   --> Reservations may be made for a minimum of 30 minutes or a maximum of two (2) hours. Only one reservation per day.
   --> Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reservations will be cancelled by staff at the Learning Commons Help Desk.

Come to the Learning Commons @ Perry Library to get help!

The Math & Science Resource Center, located in the Learning Commons Room 1312, is offering FREE math tutoring for Math 101, Math 102, and Math 162. Open from Monday - Friday from 9am-7pm.

Writing Tutorial Services is now located in the Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Room 1307. Hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-12pm. Appointments are required: 683-4013.

WTS provides assistance to both undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines to prepare them for the challenges of composing essay assignments, test preparation, seminar papers, theses, dissertations, and application materials. It is staffed by English Department graduate students. FMI: http://al.odu.edu/wts/

NOTE: WTS is not the "Writing Center," which has changed its name to "Academic Skills Unit." Academic Skills Unit, where you go for the writing sample placement test and exit exam, is located in the Student Success Center, located on the 43rd Street side of the Library. Reach them at: 757-683-3699 or http://uc.odu.edu/academicskills/

Post-Thanksgiving and finals in less than 2 weeks!! Come to this workshop to get some tips for managing stress, organizing work to be done for final assignments and staying motivated through the last stretch.

This event will be held in the Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Conference Room 1311 on Tuesday, November 29, from 12:30 - 1:20 pm.

This is just one of the many Academic Enhancement events held in the Learning Commons.

Perry Library and the Learning Commons:

      November 23 (Wed): Closes at 12noon
      November 24-25 (Thurs - Fri): Closed
      November 26 (Sat): 9am - 6pm
      November 27 (Sun): Opens at 9am (all night hours resume)

Diehn Composers Room and Hofheimer Art Library:

      November 23 (Wed): 8am - 12noon
      November 24-25 (Thurs - Fri): Closed
      November 26-27 (Sat - Sun): 1pm - 5pm

For the full list of library hours, go to Hours & Information on the library Web site.

Have a great holiday!!!

Minecraft Learning Commons is a virtual, 1:1 reproduction of the Learning Commons @ Perry Library.

Want to learn more? Come to the (real) Learning Commons on Tuesday, November 15 at 12:30 in room 1311. Matt Jabaily will be talking about Minecraft, the construction of the Minecraft Learning Commons, and some of the learning opportunities Minecraft and similar games offer.

For information about how to access the Minecraft Learning Commons or to take a video tour, visit http://www.lib.odu.edu/minecraft/

Databases currently available for trial:

     Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries 11/07/2011 - 01/07/2011
     Proquest History Vault, Vietnam 11/3/2011 - 12/04/2011
     PrivCo.com 11/1/2011 - 11/29/2011
     The Publishing Opportunities Database 10/25/2011 - 11/21/2011
     Jewish Studies Source 10/10/2011 - 12/10/2011
     The Early Republic 10/07/2011 - 11/20/2011
     Chicago Manual of Style Online 08/29/2011 - 12/31/2011

Be sure to try them out before the dates listed above. There is no guarantee that we will be able to acquire them. But while we have trial access, please use them and let us know what you think. Your opinion matters. We want to know what you think of the resources and if they would support your learning, teaching, or research at ODU.

Contact your subject specialist librarian or Pamela Morgan, Collection Development Officer, or click on the links above to access and provide feedback.

Access is also available from at the bottom of the FIND DATABASES A-Z page on the library's Web site.

The annual used booksale is going on right now.

Wednesday, November 9 – Friday, November 11: 9am - 7pm
Saturday, November 12: 9am – 4pm

Come to the Learning Commons Conference Room 1310 and get some good bargains!

If you're interested in Google Maps and georeferencing, take a look at the Subject Guide created by Matt Jabaily for a recent library workshop. You'll find links to sample maps and instructions for creating your own Google map. Access here, or from "Tutorials & 'How-to's" on the library's Web site.

The annual used booksale is right around the corner:

       Wednesday, November 9 – Friday, November 11: 9am - 7pm
       Saturday, November 12: 9am – 4pm

It will be held in the Learning Commons Conference Room 1310. Mark your calendars!

If you have books, CDs, and/or DVDs that you would like to donate, please bring them to the Circulation Desk and let staff know that your donation is specifically for the booksale. Donations will be accepted through Friday, November 4.

Note: A Preview Sale for the Friends of the Libraries will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Another good reason to join the Friends of the ODU Libraries!!