The Library is here to help you do your best during finals week. Check out all of the ways we’ll help you stay focused, calm, and awake during finals week....
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This page contains information about visiting the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, updates to in-person and virtual Library and Academic Commons services, and other useful links. We will continue to update this page. Our current library services and access are meant to protect the health and safety of library visitors and staff. We might have to make changes quickly as circumstances change. Thank you for your understanding.
Visiting the Building:
View the full calendar of Library hours--including the Labor Day holiday-- here.
- The Library is open to all Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff. Visitors, including alumni and Fairfield residents are also now welcome to use the building. When entering campus as a visitor, be sure to check in at the gate and say that you want to visit the library.
- Per the Town of Fairfield recommendations, masks are required for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors inside University facilities.
- The Library Cafe seating area and Innovation Lab are accessible 24 hours daily to those cleared to be on campus by swiping your StagCard on the exterior doors.
- Elevators have a one or two person limit to maintain social distancing. Signs posted to exterior doors will indicate occupancy.
- Pick your seat/area to work and sanitize with a wipe before and after use. Please do not move wipe buckets or hand sanitizer dispensers. Desktop computers, printers, scanners, copiers, must also be wiped down before and after use.
- Use Hand Sanitizer Stations before and after using shared office supplies such as staplers, hole-punch, etc.
What
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In connection with the theme of the 2021 NYC Pride Parade, we wanted to share some books from our collection that speak to the fight for civil and human rights, legal justice, as well as dignity and respect that the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face.
Awakening: How Gays and Lesbians Brought Marriage Equality to America, by Nathaniel Frank
"The right of same-sex couples to marry provoked decades of intense conflict before it was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015. Yet some of the most divisive contests shaping the quest for marriage equality occurred not on the culture-war front lines but within the ranks of LGBTQ advocates. Nathaniel Frank tells the dramatic story of how an idea that once seemed unfathomable
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It's that time of the semester again and, as always, we here at the Library are here to support you through the final weeks of the semester. Spring semester finals always feel a little bit more special, don't they? With the promise of Summer on the other end.
So, here's how the Library will help you de-stress and focus:
Extended Hours
For finals week, our hours will be:
- May 5, 7:45 am - Midnight
- May 6, 7:45 am - Midnight
- May 7, 7:45 am - Midnight
- May 8, 8:30 am - Midnight
- May 9, 8:30 am - Midnight
- May 10, 7:45 am - Midnight
- May 11, 7:45 am - Midnight
- May 12, 7:45 am- Midnight
- May 13, 7:45 am - Midnight
Research help
Struggling to find sources for your final paper? Worried about whether or not your citations are correct? Librarians are here to guide you through your research process. You can drop us a quick line through our 24/7 chat or schedule a research appointment with one of us where we can talk in more depth over Zoom. We also have citation guides, subject research guides, and tutorials that can help clear things up.
Study Rooms
Dorm life have you feeling distracted? Need a quiet space to meet up with your study buddies? Reserve one of our study rooms! All of them come equipped with a big white board where you can write down your big ideas.
Study supplies
Stop by the Library Services & Information desk and grab some pens, pencils, index cards, and highlighters, among other useful study supplies! All on the house, of course.
Coloring table
If you're in need of a short study break, or need to give your eyes a rest from staring at screens all day, stop by the coloring table on the main level. Coloring is an excellent way to keep your mind sharp while taking a break from studying.
Therapy dogs
Update 5/10
Thank you so much to Katie and Jill for bringing their therapy dogs to the Library for a visit last week! Meeko and Bailey had a wonderful time and want us to pass along their thanks for all the pets.
Couldn't make the playdate? Here are some live streams from local(ish) zoos, aquariums, and other wildlife centers:
Connecticut Beardsley Zoo Live Cam
New York Wolf Conservation Center
Refreshment cart
Our Keurig will be out at the Library Information & Services Desk throughout each day so you can get a caffeine boost without having to leave the building. A great selection of coffee & teas will be available.
Study playlists on Spotify
Our Spotify account is home to playlists curated by our librarians and some of your fellow students, designed to help keep you focused. They might not be "lofi hip hop radio - beats to relax/study to", but they're pretty darn good.
Here are a few links to specific playlists or albums that some of us like to listen to when we need to focus:
Curtis (Associate Dean for Public Services & Coordinator of the Academic Commons Partnership):
Mat (Research & Outreach Librarian):
John (Interlibrary Services Coordinator):
- "Brian Eno - Film Music 1976-2020", album by Brian Eno
- "Another Green World", album by Brian Eno
- "Apollo Atmospheres & Soundtracks", album by Brian Eno
- "Shutov Assembly", album by Brian Eno
- "Drums Between the Wires", album by Brian Eno
Matt (Senior Research Librarian & Instruction Coordinator):
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March 31st, 2021 is internationally recognized as Transgender Visibility Day and to support the members of our community who identify as trans, we gathered a handful of resources that amplify their voices, recognize their contributions, and raise awareness of the discrimination they face. This list is by no means exhaustive so please feel free to reach out to research@fairfield.edu if you would like to locate additional resources. We also recognize that a list is still just a list and welcome any opportunity to collaborate on programming or exhibits.
Books:
"While medical identification and treatment of gender dysphoria have existed for decades, the development of transgender as a "collective political identity" is a recent construct. Over the past twenty-five years, the transgender movement has gained statutory nondiscrimination protections at the state and local levels, hate crimes protections in a number of states, inclusion in a federal law against hate crimes, legal victories in the courts, and increasingly favorable policies in bureaucracies at all levels. It has achieved these victories despite the relatively small number of trans people and despite the widespread discrimination, poverty, and violence experienced by many in the transgender community. This is a remarkable achievement in a political system where public policy often favors those with important resources that the transgender community lacks: access, money, and voters. The Remarkable Rise of Transgender Rights explains the growth of the transgender rights movement despite its marginalized status within the current political opportunity structure." -- Publisher description.
"Since the mid-1990s, there has been a seismic shift in attitudes toward gay and lesbian people, with a majority of Americans now supporting same-sex marriage and relations between same-sex, consenting adults. However, support for transgender individuals lags far behind; a significant majority of Americans do not support the right of transgender people to be free from discrimination in housing, employment, public spaces, health care, legal documents, and other areas. Much of this is due to deeply entrenched ideas about the definition of gender, perceptions that transgender people are not "real" or are suffering from mental illness, and fears that extending rights to transgender people will come at the expense of the rights of others. So how do you get people to rethink their prejudices?
In this book, Melissa R. Michelson and Brian F. Harrison examine what tactics are effective in changing public opinion regarding transgender people. The result is a new approach that they call Identity Reassurance Theory. The idea is that individuals need to feel confident in their own identity before they can embrace a stigmatized group like transgender people, and that support of members of an outgroup can be encouraged by affirming the self-esteem of those targeted for attitude change. Michelson and Harrison, through their experiments, show that the most effective messaging on transgender issues meets people where they are, acknowledges their discomfort without judgment or criticism, and helps them to think about transgender people and rights in a way that aligns with their view of themselves as moral human beings." -- Publisher description.
"There are growing numbers of youth who identify as transgender, and as a result, clinicians and counselors are in need of an informed resource that covers the basics of gender identity and expression. Counseling Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: The Essential Guide responds to that need by setting out clear advice and support on working with transgender and non-binary youth with regard to their identity, mental health, personal and family life and their medical and social transition as well as offering additional resources and reading lists.
Along with the basic information needed to understand transgender clients, Irwin Krieger applies this general knowledge to work with transgender teens at what can be the most critical and problematic stage in a trans person's life. Specifically, issues of gender identity awareness and expression for youth along with the mental and physical challenges that puberty presents are discussed. This guide will inform counselors and therapists to support transgender teens in their practice, while providing the necessary tools for opening up the conversation on transgender issues in families and schools." -- Author description.
Hammeren, A. (2018). Crossing the river. Oxford: African Books Collective.
"What do you do when you realize that one of your most fundamental ideas about yourself is actually false? How do you resituate yourself in a world that has been turned upside down? This book charts the early stage of the author's journey of gender transition, as well as her process of settling down in South Africa as a fledgling academic. The story is a deeply personal one, but also one that will resonate with other transgender people, migrants, academic hopefuls, and border-crossers of all kinds. As a story of coming to terms with an identity in flux, it illustrates the fundamental open-endedness of all human identities." -- Publisher description
Mock, J. (2014). Redefining realness: My path to womanhood, identity, love & so much more. Atria Books.
"In her profound and courageous New York Times bestseller, Janet Mock establishes herself as a resounding and inspirational voice for the transgender community
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On March 25th, 2021, Fairfield University's Counseling and Psychological Services will host a candlelight vigil at 7pm near the Stag Statue. The vigil will provide a space for our community to show their support to those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, and remember those we have lost.
To support this work, here are several books, articles, and other resources that speak to suicide prevention. If you are interested in finding additional resources beyond those listed below, please feel free to reach out to us at research@fairfield.edu or use our 24/7 chat service.
Books:
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The Library is here to support you during this extra busy time of the year.
Please note: Programming is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Motivation
- Join a Virtual Study Room on Sunday Dec. 13th from 8:00-9:30pm. It will help you with time management, accountability, and with finding motivation to study or write. A Writing Center tutor moderates the VSR by asking students to declare what they are working on at the beginning. after an hour and a half of independent work among peers (with the ability to ask the tutor quick questions in the Zoom chat) everyone shares what they were able to accomplish. Try it! No registration required.
- New Spotify playlists created by Student Library Advisory Board members. There are also study tunes and playlists created by the Library staff with some of our favorite tunes.
- Need something to look forward to after finals? Sign-up for the Winter Reading Challenge.
Academic Support
- Online tutorials available. We also have curated resource lists for various disciplines a.k.a. Research Guides and Citation Guides (MLA, Chicago, APA, IEEE).
- Research Librarians are here to help you with finding, evaluating, or citing sources. Use the drop-in Zoom link, try the 24/7 chat box on the library homepage, email us, or make a research appointment. Ask a Librarian here.
- Come to a Virtual Study Room (mentioned above). Project Excel and the Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs also offer virtual study sessions which are open to all students in all class years. Check Life@Fairfield for details and the links.
- Troubleshooting off-campus access to library resources.
- ACADEMIC COMMONS SERVICES:
- ITS Help Desk staff are available Dec 14th- Dec 20thth ! Mon-Thurs 7:45-am-9:00 pm, Friday 7:45- 5pm and Sunday 2:00pm-8:00pm.
- Peer tutoring dates and times, in various subjects, posted on Life@Fairfield.
- Check the Math Center webpage for virtual drop-in hours and to schedule individual virtual tutoring appointments.
- The Writing Center will be open for virtual tutoring: Saturday, 12/12: 12-3pm (Zoom drop-in help); Sunday, 12/13: 12-4pm (Zoom drop-in help); Monday, 12/14: 1-4pm (appointment only); Tuesday, 12/15: 3-8pm (appointment only); Wednesday 12/16: 5-8pm (appointment only)
Calm
- Virtual Pet therapy! Take a break to meet some campus pets and hear some fun facts about them. If you are home and have a pet we would love for you to bring your pet onto the Zoom too! Library staff and Counseling & Psychological Services pets will be on Zoom Thursday 12/17 from 1-2pm. AND Campus Ministry and Library staff pets will be on Zoom on Friday 12/18 1-2pm.
- Wear a holiday sweater and grab a cup of coffee/tea/ or cocoa for our monthly Zoom coffee hour, Lattes with Librarians (Wed. 12/16 10-11am). There will be holiday trivia, an overview of the Winter Reading Challenge, and time for everyone to chat.
- Get access to our new original coloring pages, designed by a Fairfield U art student at the Virtual Coloring Party (Tues. 12/15 drop-in 3:30-5:00pm) or color whatever you like! All will be entered into the RAFFLE.
- The annual Pickle Hunt is virtual! Chance to win a PRIZE each day. See graphic below for details.
- Download and print our 2020 #ColorOurCollections coloring book, using images from the Library's special collections and original artwork. BTW we are currently working on a new one which will come out in February 2021.
- Try a meditation app shared by our friends in Counseling & Psychological Services. Download the UCLA Health app. C&P recommends the 3 min. body scan- practice it daily to help decrease stress and anxiety.
- Go for a walk while listening to a new podcast recommended by the Library staff for relaxation and focus.
Finish finals early? Got some free time?
- Apply for the Library Research Prize for the chance to win $1,000. Proud of a research assignment you worked on this semester? Upload your assignment and bibliography, write a short paper on your research process, and ask your faculty member to support your application.
- Add your story to our archives! Contribute to the "Documenting the Fairfield University Experience During COVID-19 Pandemic" archival project. Tell us about your experiences through the pandemic through a written reflection, photos, or video. Ex: how your holiday plans had to change; your experience taking online classes; move-in or move-out from campus experience; how you are keeping in touch with family and friends. Multiple submissions are okay!
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The DNL will continue offering online services and resources to support the students enrolled in Summer Sessions I & II, as well as all other members of the Fairfield community. Although the building remains closed, the librarians and library staff are working remotely to ensure that our services and resources are easily accessible.
Here's what you need to know:
Off-Campus Access to Library Resources
Our collection includes access to over 1,000,000 ebooks and 9,000 online academic journals. When searching the catalog, be sure to check off the "Available Online" filter to find what you can access remotely.
You can also find databases alphabetically or by subject. Many online resources can be found on our research guides which provide lists of relevant library resources based on a specific field or discipline. Citation Guides are also available for all the major styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, & IEEE).
Need help finding resources? Ask a Librarian or check out these tutorials that walk you through accessing our online resources:
In most cases, you will need your NetID and password to connect to our online resources while off-campus. For those who experience access issues, please see directions and troubleshooting tips for remote access.
Research Help
Check out our Ask a Librarian page for a complete, up-to-date list of all the ways you can reach us for research assistance. Although in-person research help is unavailable until further notice, we're now extending our research appointment hours into the summer (for the first time!). These appointments allow for a more personal and in-depth level of research assistance and can be conducted via Zoom.
We also offer a 24/7 online chat service that you can use to get help when you need it immediately.
Research Guides and Citation Guides are always available to help you start your research on a wide range of subjects and disciplines. In addition, some classes may have their own library Course Guide.
Instructional Support
For faculty migrating courses to online instruction, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library has information to assist with incorporating library resources. The two primary ways to connect to these resources is through either our Continuity Plan or Library Resources for Instructional Continuity wiki.
Please contact research@fairfield.edu for any questions regarding online instructional support.
Accessing Physical Materials
Since the library building is currently closed and staff are working remotely, we will try to purchase books you need as eBooks. Not every book is available as an eBook though, so you can use our Interlibrary Loan service to request the chapters you need. If no eBook is available and we cannot get the materials via Interlibrary Loan, contact a research librarian to help you find alternative sources.
If you need help locating an eBook or additional sources please contact research@fairfield.edu. If you have questions about Interlibrary Loan refer to this page or contact ils@fairfield.edu.
If you have questions or concerns please contact us at research@fairfield.edu so we can best answer or direct your inquiry.
Please note: The library's ability to provide these services is subject to change. Any changes will be updated on this blog post and broadly disseminated to the campus community.
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Dear students,
As we all know, this finals week is different than previous semesters. Many of you have found focus, productivity, stability, and comfort in studying, researching, writing, and collaborating (or maybe a little procrastinating) in our library building during this busy time of year. You came to our building early in the morning to stake out your favorite seat, brought ample snacks to power you through the day, or you waited patiently on a line for the free midnight coffee/snack cart. You followed the colorful paw prints on the ground to therapy dog events, took breaks at our coloring/lego tables, or participated in "group scream" on the lawn, among many other activities to to relieve your stress and come together as an academic community to bond over the shared hurdle ahead that is finals week.
We loved seeing the "library regulars" (you know who you are if you are reading this) and also the newer faces that maybe didn't frequent the building until the final days of each semester. We loved helping you find books in the stacks, explaining in-person how to cite your sources, giving away study supplies (or ear plugs when you needed them because the person next to you was typing too loudly), lending you a charger when you were in need, or just saying hello and that "you've got this."
We know that we can't replicate all of these things virtually. However it wouldn't be right if we didn't share a couple virtual de-stress activities, cheesy library-themed things, AND also remind you of the useful academic resources that can help you power through your research and writing.
Here is a reminder about the following library resources that you may find helpful during this time:
- Research Guides will help you pick the right databases and resources.
- Citation Guides to create your bibliography/references.
- Integrating Sources guide for incorporating sources into your writing.
- Quick tutorials like how to optimize your searches, locate stable links, or find peer-reviewed resources.
- Appointments with research librarians are still available. You can book a 45 min. zoom slot for research or citation help. Book here
- 24/7 chat box for research and citation help.
Don't forget to take study breaks! These may help:
- Virtual De-Stress Fest featured on the latest #SeparatedTogether newsletter on Life@Fairfield. Brought to you by the Fairfield University Health & Wellness Committee.
- Download and print our coloring book, which we made earlier this year. There are also 100s of other coloring books available on the #ColorOurCollections platform, created by other libraries, archives, and museums.
- Many libraries, organizations, and talented individuals have also created virtual escape room challenges. Some of them were made using humble tools like Google Slides! Check out this google doc list of the digital escape rooms that one library compiled.
- Our Spotify account has playlists to help you focus or get energized
- Reflect/share your experiences during this unprecedented time-frame and help us document history for the University Archives. BTW, you can do this after finals week too. There is no deadline.
If you're feeling really nostalgic for the DiMenna-Nyselius Library you can:
- Pretend you are here by saving one of the images of the library (see below) and making it your Virtual Zoom Background! We tested it this week during a Zoom meeting and got a chuckle out of some faculty and staff.
- Send your friends a virtual postcard via email or share on social media. Yes, we know it's not the same as the printed cards we provide on the first reading days and mail to your family and friends, but it can still be a nice way to tell your study buddies that you're thinking about them. Download below.
- Follow us on Instagram @fairfieldulib and keep in touch. : )
So good luck Stags! And don't forget to reach out to us if you need help.
With love and admiration for all your hard work,
Your Library
Virtual Postcards, vertical and horizontal (right click and save)
Virtual Zoom Background Images (right click and save)
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It's National Library Week (April 19-25, 2020) and we thought we would showcase some things you may not know that the DiMenna-Nyselius Library offers VIRTUALLY:
- Free digital subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Chronicle of Higher Education.
- 24/7 chat service. You may have used it but you may not know that after business hours it is staffed by librarians through the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) library consortium. Our librarians also help answer questions that come from other Jesuit University students.
- Support using citation manager tools like RefWorks and Zotero. These are especially helpful for capstone students, grad students, faculty, and anyone trying to organize and cite a lot of sources. Use the tutorial guide (link above) or make a virtual research appointment to get more help.
- Access to old yearbooks, student newspapers, university photos, and other University records in the Fairfield History Online.
- Streaming video platforms that provide access to academic films and documentaries, classics, and indie films.
- We have a new coloring book! It can be found on the New York Academy of Medicine's 2020 #ColorOurCollections website along with 100s of other museums and libraries coloring books.
- People from around the world can download faculty scholarship, through our open access Institutional Repository, DigitalCommons@Fairfield
- Browse, read, and monitor scholarly journals across disciplines with BrowZine to make your own digital newsstand.
- We have a Spotify account with study music playlists and some of the library staff have created their own playlists too.
- Statistics are tracked for everything and we even have a Library Assessment committee. Check out some of our data on our online Impact Dashboard
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