Briggs Library was the lucky winner of a free subscription to the American History in Video collection from Alexander Street Press. The free subscription is for one year so we will have this collection through June 2010. We encourage everyone who has an interest in history or in watching videos to take a look. All you need is a computer and internet access (the faster the access, the better). According to Alexander Street Press there are more than 1470 titles in the collection. Content comes from commercial and governmental newsreels, archival footage, public affairs footage, and important documentaries.

Examples of videos available in this collection include a United News Release video from 1942 about American bombers taking off and landing from a secret Australian air base (as an Australian American, I found this particularly interesting); a documentary on Amelia Earhart including footage of her from the History Channel; and PBS’ Summer of Love documentary. There is something for everyone so take advantage of the collection now!

This database is linked in our Articles and Databases List under American History Video or click here.

~Elizabeth Fox, Digital Information Services Librarian

George Taliaferro, guest on Dakota Midday, November 26, 2007 on SDPB radio discussed his experiences breaking the color barrier in professional football.  If you are a football fan or someone interested in sports history you will find his new biography inspiring. Taliaferro : Breaking Barriers from the NFL Draft to the Ivory Tower  is currently on the new book shelf in H.M. Briggs Library. 

Mary Caspers-Graper~Acquisitions Librarian

The four databases currently on trial are:  The Nation Digital Archive, The National Review Archive, The New Republic Archive, and Scientific American.  To access these resources visit the “Featured and Trial Databases” page, which is linked on the Briggs Library home page.

These resources are offered through Ebsco and feature material from journals, books and periodicals.  The topics covered include (but are not limited to) political, economic, cultural issues and trends.  It also includes a variety of viewpoints on topics such as politics, foreign policy, culture current events, the arts as well as science, math, health, medicine, cosmology, astronomy and archaeology.   

Take a moment to go exploring and tell us what you think by using our newly-designed chat feature.  To access the ”Ask Us!” page (which is also linked off of the home page) click here. 

~Danielle Becker, Reference/Digital Services Librarian

Sidney Poitier’s memoir, The Measure of a Man (PN2287.P57 A3 2000) has recently been added to the library’s collection.  This book was picked by Oprah Winfrey as her 56^th book club selection. To find other Oprah Book Club selections check out the following web site: http://www2.oprah.com/obc_classic/obc_main.jhtmlYou can also join an online book discussion group or subscribe to the Oprah Book Club Newsletter.