Hey everyone, this blog is going to have a little of everything. It will predominately focus on the different aspects, resources, and services available at our very own Murphy Library. It will also include some interesting information on fitness, nutrition, study habits, and general student know how. ENJOY!
If you haven't read the Hunger Games Trilogy then you're missing out. This is a young-adult adventure science fiction series written by Suzanne Collins. A friend recommended this series to me a while back and I finally finished it the other day. At first I was a bit hesitant because it was listed under young-adult section, but after awhile I said "To heck with it I consider myself a young adult". The books follow the trials and tribulations of Katniss Everdeen and and her friends in a violent competition where every step and turn could mean sudden death. The book takes place sometime in the far future, where North America has been destroyed, in a place known as Panem that is split into 12 districts. As a means of punishment from a past rebellion each district must offer 1 male and 1 female volunteer to take part in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is an elaborate competition where there can only be one victor/survivor...I know, I make it sound cheesy, but seriously, check these books out!
Hey everyone! Check out the new add on page for the blog just below the description. Get an inside look at the people who help make Murphy Library possible. These are some of the best, nicest, most beautiful people I have met throughout my college career here at UW-L. I am so glad that I got to know all of these people and they have become an important part of my daily college life, I'm proud to present them to you. ENJOY!
Library Study Locations
I find that when I try to study at home I end up roaming on YouTube, looking for something to eat, or anything else that may help to procrastinate on studying. There are just too many things at my disposal when I'm at home and I will find any reason, no matter how absurd, to get out of studying.
When I get serious about studying I have to force myself to go to the library. I'm not completely sure why, but, I am much more able to focus on studying or homework when at the library.
The library is a great place when your looking for a quiet, secluded, and conducive environment for studying. Here's a quick list of some of best (and some secret) locations, that I have found, to study in:
Bean Bags
Seriously, who wouldn't want to study on something that made their "tush" feel like it was being kissed by a cloud? Apart from a great place for studying this is also the best location to fall asleep in the library, hands down! ***Secret Bean Bag Location: In the Children's section on the second floor hidden in the back corner there is a bean bag. This is the perfect location if you are looking for a nice private little slice of study heaven. Hardly anyone goes back there so your likely to get your seclusion.
Group Study Carrels
The carrels are great for studying in groups of 2 or more. They provide a wide open space to sprawl out all your study materials and some have white boards that allow you to brainstorm ideas.
***Secret Group Study Carrel: This secret carrel is located in the basement in a room known as the "Map Room", technically room #17. The carrel is tucked inside of this room on the far left corner, group study carrel #19. There are few that realize that the map room is available for student use and even fewer that know the available study carrel in there as well.
"Room 251"
I put quotations around the this location because its technically not a room, not anymore at least. This is located on the second floor on the immediate right as you cross the bridge. This is a nice place to study because it is somewhat closed off from the rest of the floor due to the counter, which creates a nice separation from everything. There is a table that you can hog for yourself and sprawl out all of your homework.
Bridge Nooks
Also on the second, these little nooks are tucked away close to both of the bridges. I recommend this location when you have a great deal of reading to get through. The lighting is perfect because their is one wall that is completely made up of windows which allows a lot of natural sunlight to enter. I prefer to read under natural sunlight because I find the library lights to harsh and it gives me a headache if I read under them for too long. (maybe its just me?)
Quiet Zones
On the second floor you will find that there are many locations that have signs such as the one pictured below. These are good places for individual study because they are much quieter than the rest of the library. This is good if you are someone who can't fully concentrate on homework when there is background noise.
STUDY TIPS/TECHNIQUES
Here's a link that gives great and helpful study strategies for both in and out of class. Try some of these to help prepare yourself for the upcoming finals that you may be facing. http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/website/website.htm
Library Reserves This is a fantastic service that is provided by the library. There are many materials that are available for checkout and in-library use. There are course reserves, e-reserves, distance education e-reserves, faculty development library materials, and library reserves. I would like to draw special attention to the library reserves. The library reserves contain materials which can help you study for your professional exams. The following is a list of a few of the exam study guides/materials that are available: -Wiley CPA Exam Review -MCAT Exam Review -NSCA-CPT Practice Exams/DVD -PT Exam Study Guide - Praxis I & II -ESOL & IELTS and plenty more!
You may also find a few useful pieces of equipment to check out -ethernet cables -apple adapters (for use with large T.V.s) -Stereo Headphones
I was ecstatic when I had heard that they had 3 practice examinations booklets and the DVD for the NSCA-CPT. I am currently studying for my CPT certification and the library saved me 100$ worth of study materials and helped better prepare me for the upcoming exam. So, if you have a professional exam coming up soon or know you will be taking one in the future don't forget to check with Library Reserves prior to buying your study materials. It may end up saving you precious time and money and allow you to direct more time and effort to studying. More information about Library Reserves can be found through the Murphy Library web page or by talking with staff at Circulation.
Poor College Student's Meal "Hobo Dinner"
All of the ingredients listed are optional and the amounts can be changed depending on how many you are serving. You can omit, substitute, or add vegetables and meat to match your preferences. The below list of ingredients is roughly the amount for a single serving.
-3oz pork chop (visible fat trimmed off)
-H20
-2 cup roughly chopped cabbage(1 x 1 inch pieces)
-2 small-medioum onion roughly cut(1/2 x 1/2 inch pieces)
-1 1/2 cup potatoes chopped(I prefer purple fingerling but any type works)
-2 large carrot chopped
-1 clove minced garlic
-1 pat of butter
-aluminium foil
-pinch of salt
-1 tsp pepper
Nutritional Information
The amounts for the above meal fit within the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the Department of Agriculture.
Carbs: 87g
Protein: 47g
Fat: 17g
Total Calories: 692
Make a pouch with the aluminium foil large enough to hold and cover all of your ingredients. You may need to use a second sheet to cover everything, or you can make several small pouches and divide the ingredients up equally.
Start by boiling the potatoes in a pot of water until soft (not mushy). Spray the foil pouch(s) with cooking spray to avoid any sticking. Mix all of the vegetables together and lay a base layer in the pouch and top with minced garlic. Place the chosen meat on top cover with the rest of the vegetables and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning. Close up and seal pouch and place in oven pre-heated oven at 375-400 degrees F for approximately 30-45 minutes or until the meat is cooked to your desired level and the vegetables are softened. You can also make this on the grill or over an open fire to give a little bit of that added smokey flavor. Chicken is another awesome meat to use in this meal if your looking to steer clear of some of that fat.
Great seasonings to try...(omit salt and pepper if you try these)
-rosemary
-creole seasoning
-various steak seasonings
References:
"Healthy Diet: End The Guesswork With These Nutrition Guidelines." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-diet/NU00200>.
The reference desk is a perfect service to help get you where you want to be or what you need from the library. The reference desk is located centrally in the library just past the circulation desk. If you are new to campus and are looking to become more information on the resources and services available at the library or if you are having a tough time finding what you need the reference desk can help.
Maybe you're too busy or a little shy to ask your question in person, no problem, you can “Ask-A-Librarian” via web form/email, through telephone, or through live chat. Personally, I have found the live chat to be really useful. This is especially true on those days when I’m feeling super lazy. The live chat runs during the hours that the reference desk is staffed. The chat can be found on the Murphy Library website and on the left hand column of the main page there is a link “Chat with Librarian”.
Apart from physical exercise and nutrition, mental health is another important aspect of overall wellness. Stress is a healthy part of life and affects everyone. Generally, acute stress helps to emphasize the pleasures of life. A good example of this acute stress would be the anxiety or “butterflies” that you experience prior to a first date. These stressors are what help to make life such an interesting and fulfilling ride. However, stress is not always a good thing and can even be harmful. Too much stress can be distracting and de-motivational. Research has shown that excessive stress can hinder the immune system by reducing the amount of germ-fighting cells within blood. This reduction in germ-fighting cells increases the risk of infection for an individual. I found the following excerpt from Wellness for Life interesting.
The Wellness Councils of America report the following concerning stress and its relationship to illness, particularly the common cold:
-People who have been under severe stress for 1 to 6 months are two times more likely to get a cold
-Individuals undergoing more than 2 years of stress are four times likely to get sick
-The least likely to catch a cold are those with many relationships
-Unemployment or underemployment increases the risk of developing a cold by 3 ½ times
Other illnesses that are directly related to stress:
Hypertension (this is problematic because it has a strong relationship to cardiovascular disease)
Ulcers
Skin disorders
Exercise To Help Manage Stress
Exercise is a great way to help manage the stressors of daily living. Regular exercise, 3-5 days/week for 20-30min. each session, can produce positive effects. Exercising helps to boost the production of endorphins, the brains feel good neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter can help by improving mood. Exercise can also increase self-confidence and make the physical body stronger which will allow the individual to withstand a greater amount of stress. According to an article by the Mayo Clinic, exercise can also help to improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.
Exercise is a great way to help you manage the stress in your life, but, it is certainly not the only way. For more information on how to manage stress I encourage you to take a look at Wellness for Life.
References.
-Murray, Steven R. Wellness for Life. Reno: Bent Tree Press, 2007. 79-92. Print
- "Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Combat Stress." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and-stress/SR00036>.
Universal Borrowing
Have you ever found yourself looking for a specific movie or book at Murphy Library only to find that its not available? Fret no more, universal borrowing may be the solution for you!
Sadie got to read her favorite book thanks to UB
What is it?
It's a phenomenal service that is offered to students, faculty, and staff which allows us to search catalogs from all libraries within the University of Wisconsin System. We are able to request and receive materials from other libraries which may not be currently available at Murphy Library. The requested material will be delivered to the circulation desk within 2-4 days, or if you know you will be near another UW campus you can designate a pick-up from there. How sweet is that?
Materials...what kind of materials?
Books, government publications, audiovisual materials, some curriculum materials and any other materials that would normally circulate on a campus.
How long to I get to hold on to those "materials"?
-Books: 28 day loan period for students and a semester long period for faculty/staff
(two renewals are allowed for students)
-Videos and Curriculum Objects: 14 days for all patrons with no renewals UNIVERSAL BORROWING SITE
Quick Brekkie Ideas Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal w/ a Banana
-1 cup quick oats
-1 1/2 cups water
-1 pat of butter
-1 box raisins(individual servings size 1 1/2oz.)
-1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and sugar mixture
Add water to oats and microwave, stir every 30 secs for roughly 1 1/2 to 2 min. I usually stop when most of the water is absorbed/evaporated, but there is still a tiny bit left(raisins will soak of the rest). Add the pat of butter and stir in once melted. Add the remaining ingredients and you've got a quick and tasty meal all in less then 3 minutes. What the heck are you going to do with the rest of your time in the morning!?
Whats so special about oatmeal? It helps to reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad cholesterol"). The soluble fiber in oatmeal is what helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. 5-10g of soluble fiber a day decreases your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The above recipe/meal contains 10g of fiber; oat = 4g, raisins = 2g, banana = 4g
What's wrong with high cholesterol? *High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is one of seven identifiable positive coronary risk factors that provide a significant correlation to Coronary Artery Disease(CAD). CAD is the leading cause of mortality in Western society.
*Hypercholesterolemia is when an individual's total serum cholesterol is >200mg/dL or HDL cholesterol <35mg/dL
References:
"Cholesterol: Top 5 Foods to Lower Your Numbers." Mayo Clinic. N.p., 7 May 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002>.
Earle, Roger W., and Thomas R. Baechle. NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training. N.p.: Human Kinetics, 2004. 165-66. Print.
http://kikibatsu.wordpress.com/2010/02/
Student Profile
Name:
"Because I'm awesome!!!"
Sadie Tennessen
Year:
Senior
Major:
Interpersonal Communication Studies
Minor(s):
Psychology and Sociology
Job Title:
Administrative Office Assistant
Job Responsibilities:
Mail distribution, filing, weekly deposits, and "being just plain awesome!"
Favorite part of working in the library?
"Room 14. Heard of it? Didn't think so."
Random Fact(s):
Drinks unpasteurized raw milk and eats bananas upside down
