More databases updated to include latest MLA citation formating

The number of Ritz databases that will automatically generate a current MLA citation for an article has been increased to include the following Gale products:

• Virtual Reference Library
• Literature Resource Center
• Twayne’s Authors Online

Keep in mind that these citations are computer generated and may have errors in them. Be sure to double check all database derived citations as you prepare your Works Cited list!

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Visit the Ritz Library, Hudson Hall, 3rd Floor and check out the display presented by the Black History Committee:

CONGRATULATIONS to the NAACP on their 100th Anniversary!

Stop by the Circulation Desk and pick up instructions to view the online exhibit entitled The Missing Chapter: Untold Stories of the African American Presence in the Mid-Hudson Valley presented by SENYLRC.

Haiti Earthquake Information

The Middletown Thrall Library has put together a special coverage resource guide to the on-going situation in Haiti.  Click here for information.  

Check out our Oversize Books Collection

When you have the opportunity, stop in the Ritz Library and take a gander past the Oversize Books collection. Found in our Oversize Collection are beautiful old and new books on wildlife, nature, birds, art, and architecture among others. For example, we have a 1944 edition of The Birds of America, featuring the original drawings of John James Audubon. The 435 plates of exquisite renderings of the bird life in America found in this volume were originally drawn between the years 1827 - 1838. Complementing the beautiful volumes that we have on birds are multiple books on wild flowers, such as Wild Flowers of the World with paintings by Barbara Everard and two volumes of Wild Flowers of Western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Basin with water colors by Andre Avinoff. Enjoying the beauty of the plates can enhance your day!

In another vein, Stubbs Anatomical Works is a fascinating look at early attempts at representative anatomical exactness. The drawings by Stubbs for The Anatomy of a Horse from 1766 are included, along with human and other animal anatomy drawings. For something completely different, take a look at General Dynamics book entitled Dynamic America. Published in 1960, Dynamic America follows the creation of the General Dynamics Corporation from 1880 until the publication date in 1960. By the way, General Dynamics Corporation still exists today. Dynamic America shows the changes in the United States from a rural nation to an industrialized one. The photos, drawings and pictures included show the effects of the various war efforts and the growth in this country. Included also are images and sheet music reproductions from war times such as George M. Cohan's Over There.

Besides these few great old gems there are various art books such as 30,000 Years of Art and other old books on artists and paintings, architecture, and other topics. Stop in the library and view our Oversize Books Collection!

A blast from the Past

This month, the display case at the entrance to the Ritz is highlighting selected DCC memorabilia that was recently donated to the Jerry Lee Archives. Included is a Dutchess beer mug (from back in the days when liquor was served on campus!) sports decals, tickets from plays in the 70s, and even a book of matches with DCC's logo. Also on display are copies of student and alumni newspapers from the 70s and various other "Blasts from the Past"!

This display will run until January 31st.

Videos of Lyceums available at the Ritz

Is there a DCC Lyceum that you missed and want (or need) to watch? Now you can stop by the Library to view videos of any of the Lyceum programs that have occured during a semester. They're available for both individual and group viewing in the Ritz's Instructional Media room on the third floor of Hudson. Programs ready now include:

• Sonia Manzano" One, Two Three, Who Put Latinas on TV"
• Amber Madison“What You Need to Know About Hooking Up”
• Dr. Samuel S. Bowser “Two Decades on (and Under) Antarctic Ice”

Need more information? Call 431-8634 or e-mail RefDesk

iPods are on reserve in the Ritz Library!

Have you ever wanted to experience music outside the realm of popular music? Perhaps listen to a classical or jazz piece? Well, here is your opportunity. The Ritz Library has two Apple iPod Nanos (portable multi-media devices) on reserve at the front desk that you can borrow for up to four hours for use in the library. Loaded with over 400 classical and jazz music selections, you can review this list and see if a piece you are looking for is available. If not, please let us know. We'd like to expand our selection in the future. If you enjoy using the iPods, please let us know that also. We welcome feedback! Any questions or concerns, please email tina.kiernan@sunydutchess.edu.