Free Online Courses

Sometimes I just can't get enough of the WEB 2.0 stuff that goes on around here. I've been twittering lately and today I got a twitter feed from another librarian providing a link to free open-source non-credit classes at Yale University - I'm ready to take Game Theory but followers of this blog might be interested in Introduction to the Old Testament or the Philosophy Department class on Death - for more free open source courses from the best US universities try Dan Colman's list at Openculture

Avast me hearties!

Thar be pirates everywhere today - some just be looking for the pillaged treats and others be looking fer treasure

if ye be hunting using our treasure map, be sure it be back here by 6 bells (3o'clock) as fine booty awaits!

Labor Day Weekend

Just as you were getting settled in, it is time to close the library for the Labor Day weekend. We will close at 6pm on Friday and re-open at 8am on Tuesday. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Facebook

Are we Library 2.0 or what? The Library now has it's own Facebook page and we encourage all of our friends to become fans. Here you will find some applications, library news, and a calendar of upcoming events. It's just another way to stay in touch with the library and connect with other friends.

The Scottish Play...

The Catholic Book Club of Denver had their monthly meeting at the Cardinal Stafford Library. The format this month varied a little from the usual style. Sarah Crockarell, assistant director of Macbeth in this year's Colorado Shakespeare Festival, moderated the discussion. Topics covered were the Gunpowder Plot and its connection to the play, religious themes of the time, and analysis of the characters in the play.

As you can see from the picture, this month was a pretty good draw. More than 30 people were in attendance to participate in the conversation! So, while we are still in the middle of the hottest part of the summer, we can still enjoy fellowship and dialogue! What the picture doesn't show is all of the food and drinks that were prepared and presented. It was very nearly a feast!

Next month, the book is John by Niall Williams. Check for it at your local library; you don't have to find it at Amazon, but do come join us for the conversation.

ATLA Conference

Not too long ago, Fiona mentioned in a blog post about all of the meetings that the library was hosting where librarians would be present. I have been lucky enough this week to attend the annual American Theological Library Association conference. Conference info is here, if you’re interested.

Basically, the association exists to be a source of networking and professional development for librarians. They have a conference each year (in a different location), and hundreds of librarians descend on the city lucky enough to host us. Last year, the conference was held in Philadelphia, next year the conference will be in St. Louis, but this year the conference is June 26, 27, 28 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Some of the topics have included Facebook and Second Life in theological libraries, open access to journals for students at the theological institutions, and on like that. It’s really a great opportunity to meet other people, get new ideas, and share what we’re doing at our own libraries. Many libraries are represented: the Library of Congress, Duke University, Harvard School of Divinity, and St. Charles Borromeo are just a few examples.

While this is work, it’s also fun too. I got to tour the Parliament building in Ottawa (which is just a short walk from the conference hotel).

Summertime and the livin' is easy.......

Things are a little quieter around the library right now. Most of the Seminarians are gone for the Summer but we do have several here working on their theses.
Please be respectful of those spaces carved out by these hard working guys.

Last week we hosted a meeting of Special Librarians who are affiliated with the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) and were please with such a fine turnout for the day-long program "The Plight of the Special Librarian: Working With Limited Resources". Stephen Sweeney, our Reference Librarian, is Pesident-Elect of this group.
This week we will sponsor a meeting for area Theological Librarians in anticipation of the annual ATLA meeting. At least 17 librarians will be joining us for lunch on Thursday and a lively discussion about issues facing Theological Libraries. And last, but not least, on Friday we host the Intellectual Freedom Committee for CAL an their monthly meeting.
Who knew so many librarians could meet at one place in a week?