ON DISPLAY: Biology Department

Our second in the Bring Your World Into Our World series, the Biology Department display showcases a variety of exciting fields of study within the sciences. Rocks, fossils, animal skulls, a video clip of the sun with a prominent sunspot, and a student's bug collection are featured in the cases, along with a telescope, star chart, and models of salt and ice crystals.  Read about what students in the Biology Department study, produce, and go on to do after they graduate, and view pictures of recent alumni. After learning about the man who pioneered snowflake photography, help the kids or grandkids make a proper (6-sided) paper snowflake (materials provided). 

NEW LOOK: Journal Finder

• Enter the title of the journal or magazine, click "search," and a results list appears.
• Locate the exact name of the journal you want (some have very similar titles), then click on the computer icon to see a list of databases in which the journal may be found. 
• Click on the hyperlinked journal title next to the database you wish to use, noting the date range of the available full text. As with any new resource, if you would like help with Journal Finder, please contact a librarian.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Mrs. Lavonne "Vonnie" Johnson

How long have you been working at the college? Since 1987

What is your job title and role?
I am the Public Services librarian. I basically manage the public aspects of the library. I supervise the student assistants, develop the collections, work with database vendors, teach library skills classes, and much more.

What's the best thing about your job?
Two things: 1) interacting with the students and faculty and 2) doing research. I really enjoy that; I enjoy taking a subject and finding information about it. There's such a variety of subjects that students are looking for. I learn a lot, especially when the students are researching for biographical sketches. I love helping them do the research and then seeing how they apply those skills to other aspects of their college career. I also love being able to challenge students in their walk with the Lord. (editor's note: Vonnie is currently mentoring a student, is regularly involved in a small group Bible study on campus, and she and her husband, Paul, are hall parents for half of Robinson 3rd.)

What are some of your hobbies/ interests?
I love travelling with my husband, especially to the ocean (we have been to the Outer Banks of N.C. 7 times and recently went to Maine). I also like spending time with people--going for coffee, fixing meals for them, listening to them--and going to visit with extended family.

Anything specific you want to communicate to the faculty and staff?
We're here to serve you as much as we're here for the students. Sometimes that fact gets lost in the busyness of the school year. We're available to help both with personal research and in your classroom. Don't forget to contact me for assistance in helping your students to research, and send me your suggestions for additions to the library's print and online collections!

 

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Well, it’s winding down isn’t it? Another semester is hitting crunch time and we are busy helping busy people. We are combining the November and December issues to help us feel a little more caught up with it all. In all your rushing, don’t forget to notice the little things in the library that make it a little more interesting place to be. For instance, we have added the corner shelving units (currently featuring seasonal books from our collections), a new sofa table, and end tables in the reading area. The kiosks are ready and should be equipped with computers to access the online catalog soon. The library digital sign runs daily quotes to add a little perspective to your day. Our “Bring Your World into Ours” display currently features the sciences and will soon be expanded with a wall display, thanks to a grant from the BWA. It’s also time to “deck the halls” of the library for Christmas. We wish you a holiday season that comes at a slow enough pace for you to notice and enjoy all of the little things.

--Dr. Gary Fitsimmons