Journalism and newspapers have been called the “fourth branch of the government” by some because of their importance to self-government. In reporting on decisions made by government leaders both at state and national levels, the press allows citizens to make informed choices regarding those in office, a necessary aspect of democracy. However, with the rise …
Author Archives: Blogs Administrator
Meet the Library: Reference and Instruction
The Reference and Instruction department of Van Wylen Library performs an integral role in the library mission. In addition to helping students and faculty individually with research, the reference and instruction librarians work with many different Hope classes, including every First Year Seminar, all sections of English 113, and numerous upper-level courses. Priscilla Atkins is …
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Collection Highlights: Sustainability
In light of Hope College’s recent sustainability initiative, Van Wylen library would like to highlight some of the resources it has related to this topic. The library has resources for many subjects related to sustainability, such as sustainable development, environmentalism and green technology. The sources in these collections range from physical books on the shelves …
Visiting Writers Series: Susan Choi
The Fall 2009 portion of the annual Jack Ridl Visting Writers Series wrapped up on Thursday with a reading by novelist Susan Choi. In addition to having authored the Pulitzer Prize finalist novel American Woman, Choi has written two other full length novels, The Foreign Student and Person of Interest. She has also been published …
FLIP Camcorders
Van Wylen Library recently purchased four new Flip UltraHD video cameras, which are available for checkout at the Media Services desk on the second floor. These hand-sized camcorders digitally record up to two hours of video with the push of a button. Any member of the Hope community can use one of these camcorders, though …
Amazon Kindle DX
Van Wylen Library now has an Amazon Kindle DX available for Hope students, faculty, and staff to use. It can be checked out for two weeks at the first floor circulation desk. The Kindle DX, an e-reader designed by Amazon, can hold well over 3000 books in a device that is thinner than most magazines. …
Meet The Library: MeL and ILL
Even though Van Wylen Library has 370,000 print volumes and has access to 20,000 electronic serial titles, sometimes you may need to access a book or article the library doesn’t have. If this happens, the Michigan Electronic Library (MeL) and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can help you out. MeL is a service that lends books and …
Drop-In Writing Center
Van Wylen Library and the Academic Support Center have started a new program through the writing center. Between 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, students can come to the project room on the first floor of the library (room 113) and have a tutor from the writing center help them with a paper. …
Citation Conversations
Participate in a campus discussion about citation rules and formats. We welcome input from students and faculty. Students have expressed confusion and frustration about creating “correct” citations. Directions given to students in class are not always consistent with what is stated in the most up-to-date version of the particular style guidelines; nor are all faculty …
Library Book Sale Begins Oct. 28
Van Wylen Library’s fall book sale will begin on Wednesday, October 28 and last for approximately two weeks. The sale will include books that have become outdated, duplicates of what the library already has, and material that is now accessible online. Materials at the sale are very affordable. Hardcover books will cost $2, while paperbacks …