University Libraries

After some 80 years at CUA, the collection of pamphlets and manuscripts related to the 1713 papal bull Unigenitus is being cataloged in advance of the 300th anniversary of this document, issued by Pope Clement XI to combat the doctrinal errors of Jansenism.

More information on this collection,  once part of  Pope Clement’s library,  may be found on the RBSC blog:

http://ascendonica.blogspot.com/2012/05/unigenitus-101.html

As cataloging progresses more details will be available on specific items in this extensive collection, along with information about the project’s impact on other departmental activities, including possible reading room closures.

From this Summer, we changed the system behind the “FindIt” button , and have a new page to access our online databases and e-journals. Please see below for the summary:

	Before	Now
FindIt button
The page after clicking “FindIt” button
Articles Databases and More
CU’s e-Journal

We also have a new ticket system set up for you to report the problems related to our online services. We are looking forward to bringing you a better service!

Summer 2012 Lockers Available to Graduate Students

Mullen Library will be offering a limited number of lockers to all graduate-level students for the Summer 2012 semester.  Please note the following schedule and come by the Circulation Desk to check out a locker key.

Monday May 14: lockers will be made to all graduate-level students. First come, first serve.

Monday August 27: all lockers must be cleared out and keys returned to the Circulation Desk. Note: lockers cannot be renewed.

Questions? Please contact Mullen Library’s Circulation Desk (202-319-5060)

Jennifer Adams in Religious Studies & Humanities Services has created a new research guide for working with critical editions. The guide includes basic information and resources about critical editing, examples of critical editions, tips for working with a critical apparatus, and further resources available to the CUA community (including books, articles, and websites), in addition to some interactive exercises and quizzes.

We welcome suggestions and comments! Please contact Jennifer Adams at adamsj@cua.edu or Kevin Gunn at gunn@cua.edu (202-319-5088).

CUA Public Affairs has a press release on the finding aid recently created by Archives for the records of the National Council of Catholic Men (NCCM). This now defunct lay group sponsored ‘The Catholic Hour’ on radio, 1930-1968, and on television, 1952-1968.

Prepare yourself for a great joy! The Music Library and the School of Music now have a beautiful new north courtyard. Thanks to funds from the Music Library’s Rose Marie Grentzer endowment and the graduate students in music (GSA), we now have an outdoor study area with beautiful greenery, wireless internet, and places to sit.  See photo by clicking here!

The Full Story:

The idea for beautifying the north courtyard came about in early 2011. Thad Garrett, Assistant to the Music Librarian and then secretary of the Graduate Student Association, had begun discussing with music senators Brian Rice and Chloe Canton how to spend the rebate money that the graduate students in music would be receiving. They decided that they would like to pursue purchasing tables, chairs, and benches for the north courtyard to provide additional study and lounge space for students in Ward Hall.

Thad approached Dean Wagstaff’s office and was sent to Denise Puricelli, who is chair of the School of Music Beautification Committee. At this point Maurice Saylor, Music Librarian, was asked to help in the planning of this area. Maurice had always admired how Chris Vetick, Director of Grounds Maintenance, has transformed the look of the campus. Chris was brought into the discussion to design a functional and welcoming space.

At this point it was determined that funds beyond those coming from GSA would be needed. Maurice suggested using funds from the Music Library’s Rose Marie Grentzer Endowment since the space provides an outdoor reading area for the Music Library. The wireless signal was tested outside in all areas of the courtyard and was found to be strong enough to stream both audio and video. The idea was taken to Steve Connaghan, University Librarian, who approved the use of the Grentzer fund.

Denise organized meetings with the appropriate parties to discuss the plan. From there, Dominic Traino and Rick Ricker discussed what repairs were needed to the exterior of the building and to the existing drainage system in the space. Marc DeOcampo created plans which, after a few drafts, were approved by Dean Wagstaff. Cristina Verderese Canning, Assistant to Dean, helped organize the sources of funding, and the work began. Phase I of the project was completed on May 3, 2012, and included all-new landscaping: two benches along the walkway, five redbuds, three cypress trees, a large river birch, and many shrubs and ornamentals. Plants were chosen to help control the drainage issues.  A weeping blue atlas cedar was planted with periwinkle in the circular planter by the entrance to the Music Library.  Phase II is to include electrical outlets, tables, and additional seating, and is dependent upon funding from the School of Music.

Mullen Library will remain open 24 hours per day until closing Friday, May 4 at midnight.

Limited services will be available after midnight. The stacks will be closed, but laptops will be available for loan . Everyone entering the library will be asked to show ID. Only those showing a CUA ID will be admitted after midnight.

Coffee and cookies will be available in the May Gallery from 10:00pm until they are gone.

New vending machines were installed in Mullen earlier this semester. They can be found on the Garden level right off the main stairs and lobby elevator. They serve soda, snacks and coffee. Some of the machines take credit cards.

This year the Catholic University of America (CUA) celebrates the 125th anniversary of it’s founding.  In honor of this momentous occasion the library has put together a Guide of Library Resources.  The purpose of this guide is to help those interested in the history of CUA to locate information  available in the University Libraries. Please take a look and we hope you find this guide useful.

Need a break from finals? Join the Counseling Center on Monday, April 30 between 1-4 pm in the May Gallery on the first floor of the John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library to have a little fun and learn healthy ways to take care of your stress during finals. Tips, games, activities, snacks, and free brief massages will be available.