Monthly Archives: June 2012

Technology

App of the Week

If you’ve ever been curious about e-books but don’t want to pay a lot of money for a Kindle or a Nook, download Overdrive instead!

Overdrive is an app that gives you access to e-books and audiobooks from many public and college libraries and is available for multiple devices (PCs, Macs, and smartphones, among others). Right now, you can download audiobooks available at NOVA though Overdrive. To download Overdrive, visit http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc/.

Once you install Overdrive onto your device, search for your local library. Once you’ve selected your library, browse or search for the book you want (remember that not all books are available electronically.) From there, enter your library account information to download the book.

After downloading your book, access it through Overdrive:

Like traditional print books, there is a limit on how long you can keep it. Most books downloaded from VCCS can be borrowed for two weeks. Borrowers are unable to access the digital book once the lending period is over.

Go ahead and give Overdrive a try today!

Photographs, Staff

So Long Ande !

Ande Tensae

Ande Tensae, Evening Reference Librarian, recently said goodbye to the Library and its staff and patrons after eighteen months of outstanding service.  His last day on the job was Thursday , June 14th.

Ande was hired in January of 2011 to help out at the library service desks during weekday evenings and on Saturdays.  He brought with him a wealth of experience in libraries, both on the front lines and as a supervisor and administrator, as well as academic teaching experience.  This employment profile allowed Ande to step in as a valuable member of the library team from day one.

Perhaps even more beneficial to the library and to everyone who came in contact with him were Ande’s excellent customer service skills and his ever present positive attitude.  He made many friends among staff and students with his engaging manner and quick smile, and helped countless students with their research through use of his excellent reference service skills.  As he begins the next chapter of his life, travelling with his wife and young son to an academic teaching post in Canada, we extend to him our gratitude and wish him all the best.

Ande – you will be greatly missed!

Written by Bill Fleming.

Notices, Staff

Excellent work Travis Nace!

Library Specialist, Travis Nace, is the newest recipient of the coveted Pine-O-Saurus companion, the peer awarded symbol of recognition for his service excellence.  From his predecessor’s (Judy Blicharz) announcement:

“Travis is one of those un-sung heroes who go about their job efficiently, effectively, and always cheerfully. I have witnessed countless times in the Library, where Travis will stop what he’s doing and answer a question, direct a student, help with a piece of technology, or assist with any of the other many requests that are made on his time. His patient effort has not gone unnoticed.”

“His service hours toward a greener NOVA are admirable! I am proud to work with someone who cares enough to make a difference for the enjoyment of all. I commend Travis for showing us how exemplary customer service is done!”

Here’s Travis and Pine-O-Saurus in front of a Travis planned, erected and maintained New Books Display – a library favorite!  Congratulations Travis!

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Technology

App of the Week: TED Talks

What happens when a bunch of geniuses, industry leaders, and intellectuals get together? TED Talks. TED (short for Technology, Education, and Design) Talks are a series of lectures and presentations given by the world’s most innovative and intelligent people on a variety of topic. Topics include anything from computers, to literature, and anthropology. If you’re a person who enjoys learning something new, then TED Talks are for you. If you’ve ever taken a library instruction class, then you may have already watched parts of Eli Pariser’s TED Talk about the filter bubble.

Gary Kovacs (CEO of the Mozilla Coporation) recently gave a talk about the ways in which websites are tracking your data. You can view the talk by clicking here.

Archives

From the Archive: Nova, Brave and Bold

“From the Archive:
NOVA, Brave and Bold”

Several years ago NVCC started a digitization project to digitize and make public what we have in our historical archives. Each month new items are scanned and there is always at least one item that really stands out; something really funky or just culturally significant to the college. I will be making this a regular blog posting so check back often for more “From the archives”.
First up is the alma mater for NOVA. Yes, NOVA has a school song. It was titled “NOVA, Brave and Bold” and was written in 1987 to celebrate NOVA’s 20th anniversary.

NOVA, BRAVE AND BOLD

NOVA, NOVA, brave and bold,
you have lifted up our spirits.
We do hereby pledge unto you,
Green and gold we will be true.

NOVA, NOVA, hear our praise;
You will always be our inspiration.
NOVA, NOVA, brave and bold,
Hail to you the green and gold.

NOVA, NOVA, lift your lamp
High above Virginia’s byways.
So, with pride, your knowledge impact –
Beacon light for every heart.

To you come the young and old.
Through you go Virginia’s sons and
daughters.
NOVA, NOVA, brave and bold,
Hail to you the green and gold.