LibAnswers is Here!

Welcome to a New Year and new semester at Saint Leo University! To better assist our patrons’ reference needs, we have implemented a new system: LibAnswers!

Library users can type questions into a LibAnswers box to search a knowledge base of FAQs. These FAQs are uploaded from questions received and answered by SLU librarians, as well as from questions and answers that librarians generate and upload. 

If a satisfactory answer to a question does not appear in the FAQs, library users have the option to submit the question as an email through the LibAnswers question box form. 

Librarians are still available for assistance at the reference desk, by telephone, or through email, but head over to our library page and give LibAnswers a try! The link to LibAnswers can be found on the main library page in a tab next to “Access LibGuides” or at saintleo.libanswers.com.

Wishing you success with the upcoming classes!

The SLU Film Society Presents: Pacific Rim

The SLU Film Society presents:

Pacific Rim (2013)

When: Monday, October 21, 6:30 p.m.
Where: TECO Hall
What: Pacific Rim (2013, 131 minutes, PG-13)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, and Ron Pearlman

In the humble estimation of the Film Society, Pacific Rim has no redeeming social value whatsoever. However, it is a rare and always interesting event when someone like del Toro, one of the world’s most highly skilled directors (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth), chooses to make a summer action movie.

Pacific Rim follows the exploits of a group of human robot fighter specialists who must stop the threat presented by the emergence of monsters of the Godzilla/Gamera/Mothera variety. These monsters are bent on destroying Southeast Asia and then, presumably, the world. The result is pure film. This is a movie that makes us very happy.

The film will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles.

Join us for the film, discussion, and light refreshments. For further information, contact Donald Pharr (8280), Carol Ann Moon (8261), or Marcela Van Olphen (8370). We look forward to seeing you there!

The SLU Film Society and the Spanish Club Present: The Impossible

Please join the SLU Film Society and the Spanish Club as they present the film The Impossible.

Starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland, the film is based on a true story, depicting a family taking a luxury vacation in Thailand in 2004. Suddenly the historic tsunami hits and obliterates everything around them, separating the family and severely injuring the mother (Watts, who received an Oscar nomination for best lead actress). What happens in the aftermath is incredible.

In the humble opinion of the Film Society, J.A. Bayona (The Orphanage) is one of the best young directors on the planet.

Come join us for a remarkable experience of film, discussion, and light refreshments. For further information, contact Donald Pharr (8280), Carol Ann Moon (8261), or Marcela van Olphen (8370). We look forward to seeing you!

John David Harding: Writing and Research Instructor

An additional Writing and Research Instructor has joined the Saint Leo Pride!

John David Harding received his BA in English with a focus in Creative Writing from Louisiana State University in 2008 and then went on to complete his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Fiction) at LSU in 2011. In addition to his studies, John David taught creative writing and composition at LSU, where he was also a graduate assistant for classes in Shakespeare and Contemporary Fiction. For two summers, he assisted with courses at a summer program for high school students at Northwestern University in Chicago. When he was a junior in college, he began his teaching career as a writing tutor at the LSU Writing Center.

Coming from a small town, Phenix City, Alabama, John David likes to read and write, play easy video games, and visit the amazing state parks of Florida.

John David is absolutely committed to serving our distance learning community! You can make an appointment for writing help by emailing john.harding@saintleo.edu or calling (352)-588-7576. His hours (EDT) are Tues 11:00-8:00; Wed 8:00-5:00; Thurs 11:00-8:00; Fri 8:00-5:00; Sat 10:00-7:00.

Please join the library staff and Saint Leo Community in welcoming John David to the Pride!

Changes to Library Services: WorldCat

Hello, Saint Leo Pride. it has been a while since the last blog post, and there are some exciting new changes coming to the services that the library will be providing our patrons. Beginning August, our catalog database will be switching to WorldCat, and we will be implementing LibAnswers, a new way to ask and retrieve answers for reference and library questions.

WorldCat is a global system with user-friendly features that will be replacing our existing catalog. Much like our current search box, Worldcat can be accessed through the library website. The result format will look different (as seen below), but you will still be able to limit your search by different criteria, such as book, eBook, language, and many others. A great feature that WorldCat provides is that if we do not possess a book in our collection if it is available at any surrounding libraries.

This new system allows for easier use of access, retrieving materials, and has a more aesthetically pleasing display. Further details to be announced as the time draws near!

Updating Reserve Items at the Circulation Desk

The Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library is currently updating all reserve items at the circulation desk. Items on reserve will be either re-shelved in the circulating stacks or returned to faculty. If you would like course materials placed on reserve for the upcoming term, please complete the form found through our website and submit to cecilia.bolich@saintleo.edu.

All requests should be emailed by August 23 for the Fall 2013 semester to ensure availability.

-Aimee Graham, Online Librarian - 

Happy Fourth of July!

From all of us at the Daniel Cannon Memorial Library, we are wishing everyone a safe and happy 4^th of July! In celebration of our nation’s birthday, the library at Saint Leo University is displaying works of America’s history! Browse the collection regarding America’s history, and if you’re craving something a bit more informative, our catalog can help you find even more texts of Americana! We also have a great collection from American writers in our stacks, including Hemingway, Irving, Steinbeck, and so many others that made American literature the masterpiece it is today. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

-Aimee Graham, Online Librarian -