Happy Retirement to JJC Librarian Diane Shutts!

Diane Shutts began her career at Joliet Junior College in October of 1991.  She was hired as a temporary part time librarian and was promoted to an adjunct reference librarian in May of 1992. Diane has assisted thousands of students, faculty and community patrons. She processed interlibrary loan requests and was instrumental in JJC’s implementation of ILLiad which gives students access to books and articles from across the U.S. She mentions that the greatest changes in her 22 years at JJC have been the rapid growth and implementation of technology. Diane notes that today’s students are tech savvy, and she remembers the days when computers and databases were new to everyone. Her favorite JJC memory is the book club led by fellow librarian Susan Prokopeak because she was able to meet people from different parts of the campus. She is most looking forward to traveling and spending time with her grandchildren during retirement. Diane expresses, “I enjoyed my time here, and I will miss everyone.” We will miss our dear friend and colleague, and we wish Diane every happiness in the years to come.

Diane in 1992.                                 Diane today.

Library Survey–Win an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire HD, Nook GlowLight or one of two $45 Cafeteria Gift Cards!

You are invited to help us improve JJC Library services by participating in our 2015 Library Feedback Survey. Here is your opportunity to let us know which Library services are most important to you and how well we provide those services. We read every comment! Participants in the survey are eligible to win one of five prizes:

• An iPad Mini
• A Kindle Fire HD
• A Nook GlowLight
• $45 JJC Cafeteria gift cards (2)

To be entered in the drawing, you must include your email address at the end of the survey. Your email address will only be used for the drawing and will not be linked to your responses in any way. The survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete and will close at 4pm on Friday, May 8th.

Please click below to take the survey:

Faculty and Staff

Students

Thank you in advance for taking our survey and may the odds be ever in your favor!

When Abuse is All You Know, Thursday, April 30, 2015, 1:30-3pm @ the Main Campus Library

Hosted by S.H.A.R.P. (Students Happy About Reaching Their Potential), author Teresa Collins’ thought provoking presentation will be followed by a Q&A, raffle and book signing. Collins’ book, “When Abuse Is All You Know,” is her very candid, up-close and personal memoir of tragedy to triumph. In it, she provides tools and resources to empower individuals that are victims of abuse to rise above the pain of their past and step into the freedom of a flourishing future. Please join us. For more information, contact Tonetta Jones at tojones@jjc.edu.

Happy Birthday, Octavio Paz.

“To read a poem is to hear it with our eyes; to hear it is to see it with our ears.”

Nobel prize winning author, Octavio Paz (1914-1998), was born in Mexico City. Paz is known for his poetry and prose. He published 30 books and poetry collections during his lifetime. In his writing, Paz explores his Mexican heritage and the political culture of his country. Experience the words of Octavio Paz at the JJC Library. The Collected Poems of Octavio Paz (call number 861.62 P298C) and The Other Voice: Essays on Modern Poetry (call number 809.1 P298O) are available to check out.

Art Collection on Display at the JJC Library

Paula Swanstrom, an Accountant at Joliet Junior College, has her personal collection of art on display at the library. The collection includes autographed cels from Warner Brothers cartoons including Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam, a signed Dilbert print, and more. The collection is in the display case down the hall from the circulation desk and across from the print room.

We asked Paula a few questions about her collection:

How did you get started collecting art?
I never really understood Van Gogh or Picasso, but I did understand Bugs Bunny. We bought the first cel from Gallery Lainzberg in Iowa right after we got married (and had money); the last one was right before my daughter was born (no more money).

Any interesting stories about any of the pieces?
Bugs Bunny is a production cel, meaning it was actually used in creating the cartoon “Bugs Bunny’s Bustin’ Out All Over”. You can actually see the place in the cartoon where this cel appears.

I knew Scott Adams was going to be at a conference I was attending, so I brought a Dilbert greeting card with me. I didn’t realize that he had already signed the inside, then I asked him if he would sign the outside because I wanted to frame it. So the card has a second signature and picture of Dogbert on the inside as well.

Favorite artist or cartoon?
I enjoy them all, especially the old ones from Warner Brothers and Hanna-Barbera.

Plans for future acquisitions?
HAH! See question #1

Cartoonists That Changed the World, Tuesday, March 10, 6:30pm @ the JJC Main Campus Library

This discussion and demonstration takes a fascinating look as the lives of the visionary artists who created the world of comic art and altered pop culture forever. Participants also will be able to try their hand at cartooning. Supplies will be provided. Please call (815) 280-1555 to register for this free program. For ages 18+.

Brown Bag Lecture: Gender and Media: The Social Construction of Femininity and Masculinity in a Gendered Society

Our next Brown Bag Lecture is on Thursday, March 5, at Noon at the Main Campus Library. Gender and Media: The Social Construction of Femininity and Masculinity in a Gendered Society will be given by Dr. Roya Falahi –Kharaghani, Professor or Social & Behavioral Sciences. This presentation will focus on how the media convey values, norms, and meta-messages about gender, culture, sexualities, religion, and other social institutions that are infused with particular social constructions of femininity and masculinity. These social constructions, in turn, have an adverse impact on men’s and women’s physical and mental health.

We hope to see you! Please feel free to bring your lunch. Light refreshments will also be served.

Please note:
If you cannot attend, please check the Brown Bag Lecture Series webpage, which will contain audio recordings of Brown Bag Lectures.

The Great Read: Celebrating Pop Culture

The Great Read promotes literacy, reading and conversation. Through April 29th, local area libraries including the JJC Library are offering programs, contests, prizes, and of course, books. This year’s theme is Pop Culture and explores how every fad and trend impacts the way we talk, live and perceive the world around us. For a complete listing of events, visit The Great Read website. Please join us for two fun and free events at the JJC Library:

Cartoonists that Changed the World, Tuesday, March 10th, 6:30-8:30pm

Take a fascinating look at the lives of visionary artists who created the world of comic art and altered pop culture. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at cartooning as you are guided by an artist through the steps of developing a character of your own. All supplies will be provided. Adults only please. Registration is required: 815-280-1555.

Steampunk Saturday, Saturday, April 11th, 9-11am

Steampunk is a Pop Culture movement that blends the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, technology and creative arts. This program is suggested for 3rd through 8th grade students and will be a hands-on creative morning that will feature Steampunk literature and art. All supplies will be included in this free activity. Parents are welcome to stay.

NEW–Magazines Can Be Borrowed for a One Week Loan Period

Magazines can be checked out for one week (except the current issue) with your JJC ID. We have a variety of educational, popular and fun titles including Cooking Light, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Midwest Living and many more.

Mark Your Calendars! Spring 2015 Brown Bag Lectures

The Brown Bag Lecture Series presents programming that sparks thought-provoking dialogue and reflection through the sharing of scholarship and professional interests within the JJC community.

• On Tuesday, January 20 at 12 noon in the Main Campus Library, Rene Allen (Compensation Analyst) will be giving her lecture, The Energy in Humans. She will be discussing what affects the energy flow in human bodies, effective ways to improve vitality, and a psychic shield “Golden Sphere” for daily protection.

• On Wednesday, February 11 at 12 noon in the JJC Planetarium, Dr. Noella D’Cruz (Professor, Natural Sciences) will be giving her lecture, Light Pollution and Astronomy.

• On Tuesday, February 24 at 12 noon in the Main Campus Library, Diana Zilly (Instructor Social & Behavioral Sciences) will be giving her lecture, Empowered Goal Setting. Everyone hears about New Year’s resolutions and how hard it can be to make them happen. Learn about the empowering mindset that comes from hypnotherapy and the philosophy of martial arts so that you can become more effective in reaching your goals. This lecture will include some valuable tools and handouts that you can use right away to get started. Interactive and fun, you’ll leave with an energized outlook on achieving your personal goals. Ideal for people who want to improve their eating, exercise, and organizational habits. Great for people who procrastinate!

• On Thursday, March 5, at 12 noon in the Main Campus Library, Dr. Roya Falahi –Kharaghani (Professor, Social & Behavioral Sciences) will be giving a lecture in celebration of Women’s History Month.

• On Tuesday, April 21, at 12 noon in the Main Campus Library, Andy Neill (Professor, Natural Sciences) will be giving his lecture, Legumes and Your Sustainable Future The Fabulous Legumes and Our Proteinaceous Lives!

In the coming days and weeks, the Brown Bag Lectures Series webpage will be updated with our new mission statement, schedule for upcoming lectures, audio recordings, and information for prospective Brown Bag lecturers. So please check back.