The DNL Report

The Modern Language Association (MLA) released the 9th edition to their style handbook in April of 2021. Fortunately, not much has changed to MLA formatting from the 8th to the 9th edition. The format for both in-text and works cited is the same across the new edition. The majority of the changes are to the handbook itself. In the new handbook, you'll find:

• expanded, in-depth guidance on how to use the MLA template of core elements to create works-cited-list entries that shows what each core element is, where to find it, and how to style it
• clarification that element names are not always literal and can apply to a range of situations (e.g., the Publisher element can refer to the publisher of a book or a sponsoring organization like the theater company that put on a play)
• a new, easy-to-follow explanation of in-text citations
• a new chapter containing recommendations for using inclusive language
• a new appendix with hundreds of sample works-cited-list entries listed by publication format, including books, databases, websites, YouTube videos, interviews, and more
• updated guidelines on avoiding plagiarism
• a new chapter on formatting a research paper
• new, expanded guidelines on spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and more
• a new chapter on using notes in MLA style

For more information, consult our updated MLA Citation Guide, ask-a-librarian, or stop by the library and find one of the several print copies of the new handbook for in-library use.

Sign-up for the Sent by Stags letter exchange program

Sent by Stags is a letter exchange program to connect Fairfield University students. Students will write and mail at least 3 letters during the Fall 2021 semester (with one other student). Optional writing prompts and downloadable stationary will be provided. This is our third semester offering this opportunity for students to find a pen pal. Open to both undergrads and grad students.

Sign-up by Sept. 20th: bit.ly/sentbystags21 Students will be contacted on Sept. 21st with more information and the name and address of their correspondent.

Sent by Stags was created by the DiMenna-Nyselius Library and The Writing Center

Sign-up to be a....

• BOARD MEMBER on our Student Library Advisory Board by 9/20
• PEN PAL in our Sent by Stags letter exchange program by 9/20
• "HUMAN BOOK" at the Human Library

We're excited to see our campus so lively again and look forward to working with you throughout the semester! Here is an overview of our services and spaces that are sure to help you succeed.

Visiting the Library

Masks are required for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors inside University facilities.

Hours: With the exception of Finals week and holidays, here are the Library's hours:

• Monday - Thursday, 7:45 am - Midnight
• Friday, 7:45 am - 10:30 pm
• Saturday, 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
• Sunday, 10:30 am - Midnight

The Library Cafe seating area and Innovation Lab are accessible 24 hours daily by swiping your StagCard on the exterior doors. The Dunkin' Donuts in the Library is open from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday - Friday.

Study Rooms: We have 13 group study rooms and 2 individual study rooms available to reserve for 2 hours at a time. For more info, click here.

Check out our list of upcoming events

Visitor Policy: Those who are not affiliated with Fairfield but are interested in visiting the library, please refer to our updated visitor policy at the bottom of this page.

Library Services & Resources

Research Help: Drop-in research help available Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. You can also chat with a librarian online 24/7 and request a one-on-one research appointment that can be conducted in-person or on Zoom. Be sure to visit our tutorials page for self-guided research help.

Borrowing Materials: Use your NetID and password to access our millions of eBooks and other online resources, or check out our vast print book collections using your StagCard at the Library Services and Information Desk. There, you can also check out materials from our Library of Things, including phone and laptop chargers, personal white boards, adapters & dongles, headphones, umbrellas, folding chairs for the lawn, and more!

Also at the Library Services & Information Desk, you can borrow materials from the Course Reserves, which consists of requires course materials professors have provided, and the Student Donated Textbook Collection, where you may find a copy of your required textbooks and other class texts. Both of these collections are for short-term, in-library use only to ensure that these materials are readily available for all students.

Click here to learn more about our borrowing policies and loan periods.

Home delivery is still available for graduate students who are 100% remote this semester and faculty on sabbatical.

Academic Commons Partners

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is home to the Fairfield University Academics Commons, which consists of the following partners:

• Office of Accessibility
• Academic Retention & Support
• Math Center
• Writing Center
• Global Fairfield
• ITS Help Desk
• Innovation Lab

Please reach out to us if you have any further questions about our services and resources!

Visitor Policy

Visitors who are not affiliated with the University must receive authorization. Those who are interested in visiting the library should email Jane Velez <jvelez@fairfield.edu> and Curtis Ferree <cferree@fairfield.edu> and provide the following information:

• Your Name
• The date and time of day you would like to visit.
• The purpose of your visit

Requests will be processed within two business days (excluding holidays.) Those who are approved to visit will receive an email with further instructions, which will also function as authorization to enter campus.

Please note:

• All visitors will be required to wear masks on campus when inside the Library and other campus buildings.
  
• Fairfield University is recommending all visitors be vaccinated or be able to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of a campus visit.
  
• If you are or someone in your party is sick/showing symptoms, you should please stay home

Books in the Library's Student Donated Textbook Collection are "on reserve" at the Library Services & Information Desk and include other required class texts besides traditional textbooks. They can be consulted for up to 4 hours in the building. Students can do their assigned course readings, use the photocopier, or free scanners in the library.

How do I know if the library has my textbook or required reading available? Try these 2 things OR ask a librarian for help

• Check the list of Student Donated Textbooks. We hope that this collection will continue to grow over time!
• Search the Library Catalog. As a general rule, we are not able to purchase textbooks for our collection, because new editions are published nearly every year. In the rare situation in which we do purchase a course textbook, we would only have one copy.

Need help searching for your book(s)? Ask a Librarian for help!

Background on the Student Donated Textbook Collection

The Student Donated Textbook Collection was started in thanks to the 2018-2019 Student Library Advisory Board. Board members had spoken out that many students do not obtain the required class books at all since they are oftentimes cost prohibitive.

During finals week each semester the library advertises this collection initiative and asks students to donate their old textbooks or any required class texts. A donation form must be filled out so that we know which courses they were used for.

For more information about this Collection contact research@fairfield.edu