Welcome Students

Pattie Piotrowski, University Librarian and Dean of Library Instructional Services

Welcome to Brookens Library and UIS for the 2017-18 academic year! I am Pattie Piotrowski, University Librarian and Dean of Library Instructional Services, and whether you are a returning, familiar face, or are new to campus, I want to extend a warm welcome and open invitation to students, faculty, and staff to visit Brookens Library. Brookens Library provides comfortable spaces for group or individual study, services ranging from research consultations to interlibrary loan, and collections that are located within the library, and online for easy access from off-campus.

I encourage you to explore our web page and find just what we have for you, or contact us by stopping by or by online, and we can work with you to write a great research paper, help track down that hard-to-find piece of research, or provide access to research you need. You’ll find new resources, new collections and research assistance featured on Research Guides.

In the library, we’ve added a few new items: faster computers and colorful task chairs on all levels, collaborative work stations with monitors for easy group work, and new lockers where you can securely charge your laptop, tablet, or phone. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the events and activities we hold, including fall campus traditions such as The Friends Book Sale in September and the Haunted Library in October. There’s also newer traditions to watch for, such as a Cereal Bar during Finals Week

I hope to see you at Brookens Library or on campus, but feel free to reach out any time and let me know how we’re doing or what else Brookens Library can do to assist in your success. Best to you all.

Meet the Team: Marisha

Name: Marisha
Major: Computer Science
Status: Graduate

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UIS?  I would say my favorite part about being a student at UIS is that I got exposed to different cultures as I got to meet new people belonging from various parts of the world.

What are your goals for the semester? The goals for this semester would be to attend more events happening on campus as I missed a lot of those in past semesters and also be more interactive. Also at the end of the semester I really want to land a good job.

If there were a reality TV show of your life, what would it be called? I feel it should be be called the “New Girl”.

Are you involved in any clubs/activities/sports on campus? Or what are your hobbies? I have just one hobby and that is reading. I am an avid reader and have inclination towards crime thrillers .

What have you learned since working at the library? Personally I feel working at the library was the best thing that happened to me at the UIS. It not only made me learn the intricacies of social interaction and helping the patrons in need but also helped me in getting involved with a team that belongs from different parts of the world.

What are your post-graduation plans? As I wrote earlier, getting a job at the end of my graduation would be the best and I really hope to get one in my field.

CINRC 40th Anniversary Celebration 9/28

Please join The Central Illinois Nonprofit Resource Center (CINRC) in celebrating 40 years of supporting nonprofits! 

 CINRC 40th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, September 28

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Brookens Library – Level 2

Light refreshments will be served

Library Book Sale 9/28

Join us for the Annual Friends of Brookens Library Book Sale!

Thursday September 28, 2017

9:00 am – 6:00 pm –  Under the Overhang Outside the Library

Prices range from $1 – $3

Please plan to pay with cash or check.  We cannot accept credit or Campus Cash (iCard payment). 

Meet the Team: Sagar

Name: Sagar

Major: Computer Science

Status: Graduate

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UIS?  I can tell you I love many things about being in UIS like the campus in the Fall semester, the learning environment and the people.

What are your goals for the semester?  My goals for this semester is to join a club, try something new non-academic and read non-assigned books

If there were a reality TV show of your life, what would it be called? Why?  Every decision that I have taken is by following my instincts and it has proved me right in many cases so I would call the reality TV show of my life as “Follow your heart”

Are you involved in any clubs/activities/sports on campus? Or what are your hobbies?  My Hobbies are one, I love playing video games on Xbox and two, I love to travel and also love photography.

What have you learned since working at the library?  The library helped me shape my Communication, interpersonal skills.

What are your post-graduation plans?  Being a computer science graduate with interest in becoming Cyber Security Specialist. I would love to see myself in the cyber security field and explore more options

Workshop Series for International Students

If you’re an international student at UIS, you’ve probably noticed that the excitement of being away from home is not without its drawbacks.  There’s a lot to experience and a lot of cultural differences to contend with.  Whether you knew it or not, that sentiment extends to the library as well.  There’s a lot to experience at Brookens Library and things may be different from what you are used to.

At the library, we want to make sure you have access to information, resources, and services that will help you succeed during your time at UIS.  We have created a workshop series for all international students that will cover topics specifically chosen to help you navigate the services and resources the library provides to all students on campus.  

Introduction to the Library – Tuesday, September 19, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm 

BRK 232 – Brookens Classroom (Main Level)

 

Introduction to Library Databases – Monday, October 9, 10:30 am – 11:30 am 

BRK 232 – Brookens Classroom (Main Level)

 

Introduction to Library Databases – Monday, October 16, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 

BRK 232 – Brookens Classroom (Main Level)

 

Citation Styles and Plagiarism – Thursday, November 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

BRK 232 – Brookens Classroom (Main Level)

 

Citation Styles and Plagiarism – Friday, November 17, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

BRK 232 – Brookens Classroom (Main Level)

 

Each session will cover a variety of topics we hope you find helpful! For more information about the content covered in each session, contact John Laubersheimer at: laubersh@uis.edu

Nachos for Norris Nation! Learn More

NACHO BAR: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

The library is launching a new student organization called Norris Nation. This group will give you a chance to engage with the library at special Norris Nation events. Here you can provide feedback on what you think the library does well, where you think we can improve, and what you would like to see the library do more of, or add to its services and/or resources.  Every time a member of Norris Nation participates at an event, they move along the Norris Nation pathway in the UIS Connection system, with various points along the pathway earning you special Norris Nation swag!

NACHO BAR! Our first event is this Friday (Sept. 8)!  It’s an after-hours event at the library, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm and involves a free nacho bar. Who doesn’t love nachos!?!? The event is listed on UIS Connection. Feel free to RSVP in advance (not required.)

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR NORRIS NATION MEMBERS & GUESTS:

Oct. 20 – Haunted Library – Norris Nation Members will get a special goodie bag

Nov. 16 – Movie Night at the Library @ 9pm 

Dec. 12 – Cookie Decorating at the Library 2-5pm

Meet the Team: Noel

Name: Noel

Major: Management Information Systems

Status: Graduate

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UIS? The best thing about UIS is its diversity, pleasant environment and great faculty. I thoroughly enjoy my master’s course here. Also, there are few amazing activities such as Springfest which gives you great exposure, good friends and campus awareness.

What are your goals for the semester?  This is my last semester in UIS. I’m excited to finish up my course and hopefully get a job in the data analytics domain. I’m looking forward to participate in all fun activities and take advantage of these last days of my student life.

If there were a reality TV show of your life, what would it be called? Why? I’d call it “The better ME”. When I look back at my self a few years, I always feel good about the way I have handled myself and how I have gain perspective in life today. Not just the academics, but my personality development and people interaction has quite improved. Looking forward to continue what I do best and be thankful for everyone who are part of it.

Are you involved in any clubs/activities/sports on campus? Or what are your hobbies?  I’m the president of the UBF (University Bible Fellowship) this semester. I’m a part of the praise team, I like playing the keyboard and guitar. I’d love to watch and play soccer. My favorite club is Chelsea (belong to EPL).

What have you learned since working at the library?  As I belong to the Library Systems team, I had the opportunity to learn about our library analytics account. I was able to gain insights about the number of students/people who access out library website on a daily basis. Also, I learnt to interact with people and help them as efficiently as I can. Its always fun out here 🙂

What are your post-graduation plans? I’m done with studying..phewww! Mostly, look out for was job in my related field and gain some quality experience. I’d love to gain experience in top companies such as Facebook, Google or Amazon.