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Finals Week Stress Relief event series - Winter 2018
It’s hard to believe that winter quarter 2018 is drawing to a close, but suddenly Finals Week is only days away.
UCR Library is committed to creating a supportive atmosphere to help our students cope with the stress of final exams. This is why we present our Finals Week Stress Relief event series at the end of every quarter.
These events give library employees an opportunity to get to know our students better, and for our students to let off steam together in a safe and fun way.
This quarter, we have crowd favorites returning to the line-up, such as Therapy Fluffies, Surprise Snack Giveaway, R'Finals Study Jam, as well as a few new activities.
Finals Week Stress Relief will kick off on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. The full schedule of events is as follows:
Wednesday, March 14
- Study Break Corner / Art Project begins (Rivera & Orbach)
- Pie Day (Rivera & Orbach) - 3:14 pm *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Rivera) - 7:00 pm *while supplies last
Thursday, March 15
- Therapy Fluffies with the WELL (Rivera & Orbach) – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Goodie Bags with Middle Eastern Student Center (Rivera & Orbach) - 4:00 pm *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Rivera) - 7:00 pm *while supplies last
Friday, March 16
- Squish Away Your Stress: Make Your Own Stress Ball with the Creat’R Lab (Orbach) – 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm *while supplies last
- A Wrinkle in Slime: Make Your Own Slime with the Creat'R Lab (Rivera) – 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm *while supplies last
- Surprise Snack Giveaway (Rivera & Orbach) *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 8:00pm *while supplies last
Saturday, March 17
- Good Luck on Finals Giveaway (Rivera & Orbach) - 2:30 pm *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 8:00pm *while supplies last
Sunday, March 18
- R'Finals Study Jam with the Academic Resource Center (Orbach) - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 10:00pm *while supplies last
Monday, March 19
- Chicken Soup for the Soul (Orbach) - 2:00 pm *while supplies last
- Snack Attack: Pizza with ASUCR (Orbach) - 7:00 pm *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 10:00pm *while supplies last
Tuesday, March 20
- Cookie Break (Rivera) - 1:00 pm *while supplies last
- Snack Attack: Popsicles with ASUCR (Orbach) - 7:00 pm *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 10:00pm *while supplies last
Wednesday, March 21
- Pop-Tarts Cafe (Orbach) - 11:00 am *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 10:00pm *while supplies last
Thursday, March 22
Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 10:00pm *while supplies last
In addition, there is a contest to win a VIP Study Room for Sunday, March 18 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Details for the contest are available on our Facebook page.
500 Years of Utopia Exhibit Opens
A new exhibit opened in Special Collections & University Archives, which commemorates the 500th anniversary of Thomas More’s Utopia.
More's book led to a proliferation of utopian fiction in the Western world. Utopias usually critique the politics of the author’s time and imagine what a better society might look like. Many utopias sparked social movements, such as the Utopian Socialism of the 19th century. The vibrancy and diversity of the utopian imagination allude to a simple definition of the term. 500 Years of Utopia explores this subject and showcases the Eaton Collection’s works on utopias and dystopias. It highlights key texts of the last 500 years, explains their importance, and calls attention to the beauty of the books as artifacts.
The exhibit also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek series, which premiered on September 8, 1966, with a display of Star Trek memorabilia for the Eaton Collection.
500 Years of Utopia is the first of a series of exhibit collaborations between the Eaton Collection and UCR’s Science Fiction and Cultures of Science Program (formerly Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies). JJ Jacobson, the Klein Science Fiction Librarian, co-curated it with graduate student Irene Morrison, who works in the field of utopian studies, specifically utopian literature and real-world utopian ideologies.
The exhibit will remain on display on the fourth floor of Rivera Library until December 15, 2016.
About
The UCR Library serves as an information commons and intellectual center for the campus and is the nexus for research and study at UCR.
UCR Library Student Guide
The UCR Library provides a full range of services, resources, and assistance for UCR students. We are dedicated to your success!
Whether you are new to UCR or a returning student who just needs a refresher, use this page as a guide on how to use the library.
Use our website: library.ucr.edu
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View our UCR Library Website Homepage Guide to familiarize yourself with our website and see how you can easily access common library resources.
Your R’Card is your library card
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Use your R’Card (your Student ID Card) to check out books and other library resources and technology.
Print, Copy, Scan
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There are Wepa kiosks with the ability to print, copy, and scan on the first floor of each library. These kiosks are managed by ITS and are located throughout campus. All UCR students receive a $7 credit every quarter to use at Wepa kiosks. Visit our Print, Scan, Copy webpage for more information, or visit the ITS Knowledge Base on Wepa printing for frequently asked questions.
Research resources
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When it comes time to research, don’t start at Google, start at UC Library Search. You can also see all the databases we offer the UCR community directly at our A-Z Databases webpage. We also offer curated Research Guides and Subject Guides that are prepared by library staff and list library resources by topic. Do not forget to use the campus VPN so you can access library resources like journals and databases from off-campus.
How to find course reserve items
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Your course instructor can place materials like textbooks on course reserve. You can borrow course reserve materials for short periods of time as an alternative to purchasing books. To find course reserve material, visit search.library.ucr.edu (UC Library Search) then click “Course Reserve” at the top. Type in your instructor’s name, the item you are looking for, or your class name. Once you find your item, note the call number and head over to the circulation desk with your R’Card to retrieve the item.
Study Spaces
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We offer several types of study spaces in both of our libraries. You can study in one of our open study spaces or book a group study or gaming room. Learn more at our Study Spaces webpage.
Ask us!
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We have library staff available to answer your questions via text, email, or through the Chat with Us feature on our website. You can also request a one-on-one consultation with a librarian if you need assistance with a research project. Visit our Ask Us webpage for more details.
Creat’R Lab
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As a UCR student, you have access to the Creat’R Lab. The Creat’R Lab is an inclusive, state-of-the-art makerspace open to the UCR community. The Creat’R Lab offers 3D printing, sewing machines, virtual reality, media equipment, and more! See all that the Creat’R Lab has to offer on our Creat’R Lab Makerspace webpage.
Free workshops and meetups
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The UCR Library holds free workshops and meetups every quarter. Learn about digital scholarship, GIS, take one of our Creat’R Lab workshops, and more. Visit ucrlibrary.eventbrite.com to see what workshops are available and to RSVP. You can also view recordings of our past workshops on our YouTube page.
Access our leisure reading collection online
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You can access books from our leisure reading collection and thousands of magazines for free via the Libby app or visit ucr.overdrive.com.
Finals Week Stress Relief
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The UCR Library holds a series of fun stress relief activities during finals week called Finals Week Stress Relief. Past events include snack giveaways, therapy dogs, and craft events. You can also access a list of remote-friendly stress relief activities on the library’s Activities webpage all year long.
Poster Printing Service
- We offer poster printing services (by appointment only). Pay using Bear Bucks. Find out more, or make an appointment, by visiting our Poster Printing page.
The resources and services listed above are just a sample of what we offer UCR students. If you have any questions on additional services or different ways we can support you, feel free to ask us! To learn even more about the UCR Library, check out the links listed on this page under Related Information.
Barry Harvey
The Client Systems Engineer provides technology services that include planning and creating complex software images, imaging and deploying workstations, integrating application software, configuration management, troubleshooting client systems, directory services administration, peripheral support, and general client support.
He holds a B.S in computer science from California State University, San Bernardino, as well as industry-recognized certifications in client systems, networks, and other key technologies. Barry joined the library in 2014.
Client Systems Engineer
Krista Ivy Shares California Citrus History at LA Nature Fest
On Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19, Reference/Instruction Librarian Krista Ivy represented the UCR Library at LA Nature Fest.
Presented by the LA Natural History Museum, LA Nature Fest welcomed more than 30 exhibitors and 7,600 visitors to their Nature Gardens for the festival. Activities included live animal presentations, nature walks, stage performances, nature crafts, bird walks, and expert tips on how to attract wildlife to your garden.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” Krista explained. “We were invited to share information about Riverside's pivotal role in the development of the California citrus industry.” For her presentation, Krista collaborated with rangers from the California Citrus State Historic Park.
Krista's booth included a colorful timeline depicting the significant points in California’s citrus history and when the first citrus trees were brought to California. Krista said "I can’t tell you how many times I heard, ‘Oh I didn’t know citrus wasn’t native to California!’”
For the children’s craft activity, Krista brought coloring pages of citrus-related images from UCR Library’s Special Collections, inspired by the #ColorOurCollections movement.
The citrus crate labels that Krista used to decorate the library’s booth were a crowd favorite. The labels highlighted Riverside citrus brands and were reproductions from a large collection of citrus and fig labels (MS 038) housed in the UCR Library's Special Collections. "People would point to familiar images and relate to the artworks often depicting an idealized time in California history," observed Krista.
The library’s booth was located in a prime spot, which proved to be an excellent promotional opportunity both for the UCR Library and for the UC Riverside campus. “I spoke with several alumni, and some prospective students who were anxiously waiting for their acceptance notification from UCR,” Krista said.
Finals Week Stress Relief: Spring 2019 Event Series
Spring quarter 2019 is drawing to a close, and with it the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. Finals Week is only days away.
UCR Library is committed to creating a supportive atmosphere for our students, as final exams can breed a lot of stress. That is why we present our Finals Week Stress Relief event series at the end of every quarter.
These events give library employees an opportunity to get to know our students better, and for our students to let off steam together in a safe and fun way.
This quarter, we have crowd favorites returning to the line-up, such as the Therapy Fluffies, R'Finals Study Jam, and Surprise Snack Giveaway, as well as a few new activities.
Finals Week Stress Relief will kick off on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. The full event schedule will include:
Wednesday, June 5
- Therapy Fluffies with The WELL & Active Minds (Rivera & Orbach) – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Squish Away Your Stress (Rivera) 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. *while supplies last
Thursday, June 6
- Spin It to Win It (Orbach) 2:00 p.m. *while supplies last
- A Wrinkle in Slime (Orbach) 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. *while supplies last
Friday, June 7
- Surprise Snack Giveaway (Rivera & Orbach) *while supplies last
Saturday, June 8
- Cookie Break (Orbach) - 3:00 p.m. *while supplies last
Sunday, June 9
- R'Finals Study Jam with the Academic Resource Center (Orbach) - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 9:00 p.m. *while supplies last
Monday, June 10
- Pizza Party (Rivera) - 3:00 p.m. *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Orbach - 5:30 p.m. / Rivera - 6:00 p.m.) *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 9:00 p.m. *while supplies last
Tuesday, June 11
- Sundae Yummy Sundae (Rivera) - 3:00 p.m. *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Orbach - 5:30 p.m. / Rivera - 6:00 p.m.) *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 9:00pm *while supplies last
Wednesday, June 12
- Bagels & Cheer (Orbach) - 1:00 p.m. *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Orbach - 5:30 p.m. / Rivera - 6:00 p.m.) *while supplies last
- Late Night Snacks with the Provost & Student Wellness (Orbach) - 9:00pm *while supplies last
Thursday, June 13
- #TBT: Unstressable Uncrustables (Orbach) 2:00 p.m. *while supplies last
- Snack Wagon with ASUCR (Orbach - 5:30 p.m. / Rivera - 6:00 p.m.) *while supplies last
In addition, there is a contest to win a VIP Study Room for Sunday, June 9 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Details for the contest are available on the UCR Library Facebook page.
Volunteers are always welcome to help run the events.
Any library staff that are interested in volunteering should contact Sahra Missaghieh Klawitter or Elisha Hankins to find out how to get involved.
Free test-prep resource supports equity for UCR students who hope to earn advanced degrees
The nationwide debate continues surrounding the efficacy and potential civil rights violations of college-admissions tests, like the SAT, as discussed in a recent UCR News story and a series of articles in the LA Times.
One prominent argument against standardized testing is the socio-economic barrier created by the high cost of test preparation resources and tutors, which disadvantaged students and underrepresented minorities often cannot afford.
At the start of each new year, we are reminded that many graduate programs also require admissions tests -- ranging from the MCAT, the GRE, and the LSAT, among others -- which perpetuate these obstacles for students who hope to pursue advanced degrees.
To address this critical social justice issue for our community, the UCR Library offers free resources that support student success both in their coursework at UC Riverside and toward their future aspirations.
One such resource is PrepSTEP, a highly-acclaimed eLearning platform with interactive tutorials, practice tests, and more.
Free to use for currently-registered UCR students, PrepSTEP includes a full suite of dynamic eLearning resources, including:
- Practice tests for graduate admissions exams (including the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MAT, MCAT and PCAT)
- Tutorials in core math, science and English skills
- College success skills
- Career preparation
- Basic computer skills
- Placement test preparation
- eBooks
- Resources for Spanish speakers
To find PrepSTEP on the library’s website, visit: Library.ucr.edu > databases > search for “PrepSTEP” -- or use this short-link (which works best on campus or when logged in through VPN): bit.ly/ucr-testprep
The library’s one-year trial will conclude on June 30, 2020. Extension of the PrepSTEP license will depend on how frequently library users access this resource. Try it today and let your library staff know whether you found it helpful!
Collection Strategist for Arts and Humanities Carla Arbagey is available by email or phone for assistance with PrepSTEP.
Library Acquires Rare Interpretation of Sacajewea Journal
Epic poem showcases "expedition of discovery" through unique lens.
In March, the UCR Library acquired one of 65 copies of The Lost Journals of Sacajewea. Held in Special Collections & University Archives in Rivera Library, this book is a reinvention of Sacajewea's personal journal. From the paper to the cover to the binding to the typeface, and all the way through the photographic interventions that accompany the narrative, it feels fragile and rare and incredibly special in your hands.
Spring 2005 marked the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. And yet, while she is perhaps the most famous American Indian woman in history, Sacajewea's biographical details still remain a great mystery. Intrigued by this, and observing two exhibitions at the Missoula Museum of Art related to the bicentennial, master printer and book artist Peter Koch collaborated with poet and author Debra Magpie Earling to develop this visually-stunning poetic interpretation of Sacajewea's personal journal from the expedition.
"Debra Earling’s narrative takes us behind the eyes and ears of a pregnant 17-year-old girl traveling up the Missouri River with the 'expedition of discovery' in 1804-5," explains Koch. "She is haunted by visions." This sensation is expressed through the incredible photographs that accompany Earling's poem. The narrative is printed on semi-transparent, handmade paper so that the images float eerily through the text. Jonathan Gerken utilized empty shell casings, trade beads, and handmade smoked buffalo rawhide paper to bind the book in Koch's shop. The historic Fell typeface, reminiscent of the Eighteenth Century, evokes an indistinct nostalgia for the era.
Robert G. Trujillo, Frances & Charles Field Curator of Special Collections for Stanford University Libraries, has called the book "an important work to own—for content as well as design and printing." This edition is limited to 65 copies, each signed by the author and the artist.
The complete prospectus can be found online at Peter Koch Printers. Please contact Special Collections & University Archives at (951) 827-3233 or specialcollections@ucr.edu to make viewing arrangements.
Image courtesy of Peter Koch Printers.
Finals Week Stress Relief event series: Fall 2017
It’s hard to believe that fall quarter 2017 is drawing to a close, but suddenly Finals Week is only days away.
UCR Library is committed to creating a supportive atmosphere to help our students cope with the stress of final exams. This is why we present our Finals Week Stress Relief event series at the end of every quarter.
These events give library employees an opportunity to get to know our students better, and for our students to let off steam together in a safe and fun way.
This quarter, we have crowd favorites returning to the line-up, such as Therapy Fluffies, Surprise Snack Giveaway, Study Jam, as well as a few new activities.
Finals Week Stress Relief will kick off on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. The full schedule of events is as follows:
Wednesday, Dec. 6
- Art Project begins (Rivera & Orbach Libraries)
- Therapy Fluffies with the WELL (Rivera & Orbach Libraries) – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday, Dec. 7
- All-Day Cartoons (Rivera & Orbach Libraries) – 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Squish Away Your Stress: Make Your Own Stress Ball with the Creat’R Lab (Orbach Library) – 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Friday, Dec. 8
- Surprise Snack Giveaway (Rivera & Orbach Libraries)
Saturday, Dec. 9
- Fruit Ninja Bowls (Rivera & Orbach Libraries) – 2:00 pm (while supplies last)
Sunday, Dec. 10
- Study Jam Tutoring with the Academic Resource Center - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Orbach Library)
Monday, Dec. 11
- Cookie Break (Orbach Library) – 1:00 pm (while supplies last)
- Massage Therapy with ASPB (Orbach Library) – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 12
- Hot Cocoa & Donuts with ASPB (Rivera & Orbach Libraries) – 2:00 pm (while supplies last)
Wednesday, Dec. 13
- Pizza Party (Rivera & Orbach Libraries) – 2:00 pm (while supplies last)
In addition, there is a contest to win a VIP Study Room for Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Details for the contest are available on our Facebook page.