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Library Lowdown


A Newsletter for UO Students from the UO Libraries


Welcome to Library Lowdown, the inside track about the UO Libraries for University of Oregon students. Library Lowdown keeps you informed of new and improved library services, resources, programs, and events that further the university's mission of teaching, research, and service.










Summer 2008


Table of Contents

  1. Mark Your Calendars Now for 24/7 in Knight Library!
  2. Library Exhibit Celebrates Olympic Trials and UO Track and Field Legacy
  3. New UO Libraries Portland Branch Now Up and Running
  4. Congratulations to the 2008 Undergraduate Research Award Winners!
  5. Have Fun and Learn Something, Too! Check Out the Science Library's New Video Game Collection.
  6. 10 Library IT Resources You Shouldn't Live Without
  7. Think Links


1. Mark Your Calendars Now for 24/7 in Knight Library!

All UO students could use a little extra peace and quiet to study when the end of the term comes around. That is why Knight Library stays open 24/7 during Dead Week and Finals Week. This term, 24/7 will run fromTuesday, June 3, to Friday, June 13. For more information, click here.


2. Library Exhibit Celebrates Olympic Trials and UO Track and Field Legacy

More than 100 years of Olympic Trials and track and field history at the University of Oregon are currently on display in an exhibit in Knight Library entitled "Leadership and Legacy: Olympic Tradition in Track Town USA."


3. UO Libraries Portland Branch Now Up and Running

The UO Portland Library and Learning Commons opened earlier this month in the White Stag block of downtown Portland. This new branch of the UO Libraries reflects the dramatic changes occurring in the form and function of top-tier research and academic libraries across the nation.


4. Congratulations to the 2008 Undergraduate Research Award Winners!

Four UO students have received scholarship awards for research done using resources in the UO Libraries. Congratulations to Diana Dickman, Scott Montonaro, Jenette Eccleston, and Michael Matsumaro for their outstanding work!


5. Fun and Games in the Science Library

Video games in the library? That's right! The Science Library is continuing to make a collection of video games and the consoles that play them available for checkout to UO students, faculty, and staff. Find out more about this checkout program.


6. Ten Library IT Resources You Should Know About

UO students have access to many IT resources through the UO Libraries. Here is a small sampling.

I. UO Libraries Website

Your first and best stop for all your research and study needs. Here's where you'll find the best resources for any topic you're tackling.

II. The Learning Commons

Need a room where you can collaborate or study with other students? A place to practice group presentations? Access to high-powered multimedia software, scanners, and other technologies? The Learning Commons in Knight Library is your ticket to success.

III. Blackboard

If you haven't already encountered Blackboard in one of your classes, you soon will. It's the university's online course management system, brought to you by the UO Libraries.

IV. Summit Catalog

How does easy access to 28 million items housed at 34 university and college libraries in the Pacific Northwest sound? Summit gives you that and more. You can search Summit through the library's website.

V. Online Library Account

Using your online library account is as easy as checking your e-mail. Keep track of all things library with your personalized account.

VI. Instant Messaging Help

Get your reference question answered from your dorm, apartment, home, or even on the road. IM a reference librarian and stay put. (You can also get reference help by phone or e-mail.)

VII. Laptop Checkout

Get portable. Borrow a laptop from the UO Libraries. They're loaded with Microsoft Office and Adobe's Creative Suite, and configured for full Internet connectivity.

VIII. Undergraduate Research Awards

Turn your research skills into scholarship dollars. Enter the Undergraduate Research Awards competition.

IX. Library News RSS Feed

Get an RSS feed from the Library News web page, and you'll get immediate notification when a new library service or resource comes on line. You can access Library Lowdown, our electronic newsletter especially for students, from the News page, too.

X. Everything Else

We've only scratched the surface. You'll find hundreds of other useful services and resources by browsing the library's website or by talking to our friendly librarians.


7. Think Links

Your library has a number of services and resources designed to help you study and conduct research. Here are some useful links: