“It’s alive! It’s alive!” (Frankenstein, 1931)

What is it about a good monster movie? Creature features have been a staple of the horror genre since the 1915 silent film The Golem (Germany) and have been a vehicle for film makers to show off the latest special effects while tapping into the most primitive fears of movie-goers.

The monsters of the movies stand in for the monstrous aspects of a world we can’t control, whether it’s the unconscious, a societal fear of science, nuclear paranoia or terrorism. In the end, humankind triumphs over the monster usually through a combination of moxie, firepower and sheer stubborn resistance. Occasionally, it is our own flawed world, the very thing that the attacking monster has put in jeopardy, which saves us from encroaching danger– the marching tripod aliens of War of the Worlds (2005) on the verge of domination when they are felled by the simple germs to which humans peacefully coexist.

In February we’ll be featuring some of our favorite monster movies from the Library’s film collection. You’ll see classics, contemporary contributions, comedy and camp. Maybe you’ll even see a film that scares the heck out of you. Check back with this blog every Monday in February for our pick of the week and visit the Rental Collection to see some DVDs on display.

And be sure to share your favorite creature features, movie monsters and scary scenes in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

“I’m here to kick ass and chew gum, and I’m all out of bubblegum.” (They Live, 1988)

SOS Online is a series of free, live, online sessions led by COD Librarians. You can attend an SOS Online session from anywhere– all you need is an Internet connection and speakers. Just follow the link at the time of the session and you will be entered into an online “classroom”. Android, iOS, and Blackberry devices can be used to access this session too. Details here.

Our next session:

How to Avoid Plagiarism
Thursday, Feb. 7th, 1-2pm
Presenter: Christine Kickels, Librarian

Join us online for this popular topic. We’ll discuss what it is and provide strategies that will help you avoid the pitfalls that lead to plagiarism.

See the schedule here!

SOS Online is a series of free, live, online sessions led by COD Librarians. You can attend an SOS Online session from anywhere– all you need is an Internet connection and speakers. Just follow the link at the time of the session and you will be entered into an online “classroom”. Android, iOS, and Blackberry devices can be used to access this session too. Details here.

Out next session is:

“How to Search Science Databases”
Thursday, Feb. 2, 3:30-4:30 pm
Presenter: Marge Peters, Librarian

If you are doing research in biology, chemistry or any other science, this is a “must-attend” event. You will be amazed by how many databases and search tips that are shared in this one hour session.

See the schedule here!

Introduction the COD Library
New to the campus? Join us this morning for our first SOS Online session of the semester. We will cover:
• how find books, videos, CDs, and much more in the Library’s collection;
• what to do when what you want isn’t in the Library;
• how to get a Library card and the benefits of having one;
• where to look for periodical articles and much more.

Details here:
http://library.codlibrary.org/sos/online

The Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Regular Library hours will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.

A: Yes! But…

E-readers are great– they’re convenient, fun, super useful and are becoming more easily accessible and affordable then ever. Whether you have a Nook, a Kindle, an iPad or any number of other mobile devices, you’re probably looking forward to loading it up with all kinds of great content.

The good news is that the Library has about 15,000 non-fiction e-books available via the Library website. The challenging part is figuring out how to access them, read them and, when possible, download them.

Luckily, we have a great collection of FAQs designed specifically to help you navigate the heretofore uncharted waters of E-Books in the COD Library. Got an e-reader and wondering how to use it here at the Library? We’ve got you covered. Thinking of getting an e-reader and wondering which one will be the best match for you needs? We’ve got you covered. Wondering where to turn when the Library doesn’t have the type of e-book you’re looking for? Covered!

Visit http://library.codlibrary.org/ebooks and find the answers that you’ve been seeking. Still have a question? Ask a librarian!

Read more on our Facebook page

Circulation staff will check the Library’s voicemail periodically Friday morning to assist patrons who have an urgent problem with their Library record.

Please register prior to the session by calling the Co-op/Internship office at (630) 942-2611 or by registering online at http://home.cod.edu/studentservices/coop/

It’s gangster movie season in the Library– swing by the Rental Collection and take a look at the DVDs we’ve plucked from our shelves and put on display for easy pickings. No need for a stick-up, we’re happy to share.

You’ll see the Top 10 Gangster Films as chosen by the American Film Institute, plus some of our personal favorites. The best thing about these films is that they span decades– gangsters have always been a staple of the big screen, whether we’re using them as an example of society’s failures (Scarface, 1932), holding them up as American folk heroes (Bonnie and Clyde, 1967) or just reveling in their lawless worlds (you pick!).

Do you have a favorite film? A favorite gangster? A favorite gangster era? Tell us what you reach for when you want to experience the explosions of power, greed, guns and tough-talking of a gangster film– share here on the blog or on Facebook.
“All right ramblers, let’s get rambling!” (Reservoir Dogs, 1992)