Muslim Journeys: Algeria and Nigeria

North Africa and the Middle East (political map), 2009, produced by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Photo from: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/n_africa_mid_east_pol_2009.jpg

University of Texas at Austin, Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection

We often associate the Middle Eastern, Arab societies with the Islamic faith. We forget that Islam is a world religion, with many followers from different cultures and places in the world. Community members from Redlands Peace Academy, with generosity and good will, have put together an exhibit of cultural objects from two African nations represented in their local faith community—Algeria in North Africa and Nigeria in Western Africa.

Sabreen Mohammad and Najoa Bouzidi arranged objects from cultures prevalent in both nations. The visually interesting display can be viewed in Armacost Library’s eastern display cases in the lobby. The objects are on loan from the Aiyeloja family and the Bouzidi family, both members of Redlands Peace Academy. The pieces on display include hand drums, a handsomely decorated gourd bowl, a small replica of d'Ain El Fouara fountain located in Sétif, Algeria, which was built by the Romans, a North African prayer rug, headwear, and footwear. Items are grouped by their originating nation-state.

Information about some of the items on display are also provided with the exhibit.

The Algerian-Nigerian cultural exhibit will be on display at University of Redlands Armacost Library’s lobby until Friday, September 13, 2013. The Redlands Peace Academy display is part of the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys activities at University of Redlands Armacost Library, a program that serves to highlight Islam and the cultures, histories, and stories of Muslim-majority societies. Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA).

All are welcome to visit and enjoy the beautiful cultural exhibit.

Melissa I. Cardenas-Dow
Outreach/Behavioral Sciences Librarian
Armacost Library, University of Redlands
909.748.8089
Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu

Ramadan Mubarak! From Palestine

Photo from Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranoush/2800065826/

By rana ossama

“Happy Ramadan”

We are currently in the month of Ramadan, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. This year, Ramadan started in the evening of Monday, July 8 and will last until sundown of Wednesday, August 7. Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and great introspection among followers of Islam. Marking this solemn occasion, community members from Redlands Peace Academy have put together a special exhibit of cultural artifacts from Palestine.

Shaheen Zackaria, Sabreen Mohammad, Najoa Bouzidi, and Sarah Kazmi brought and arranged beautiful items loaned to Armacost Library from the Baker Mohammed family, the Al-Ardah family, and the Hasaniya family, all members of Redlands Peace Academy. The pieces on display are different kinds of traditional headwear and dresses, a decorative jewelry box, replicas of the Dome of the Rock, the well-known mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, a prayer rug, and olive oil from Palestine. Information about some of the items on display are provided in the exhibit.

The Palestinian cultural exhibit will be on display at University of Redlands Armacost Library’s lobby until Thursday, August 8, 2013. The Redlands Peace Academy display is part of the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys activities at University of Redlands, a program that serves to highlight Islam and the cultures, histories, and stories of Muslim-majority societies. Bridging Cultures Bookshelf:Muslim Journeys is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA). All are welcome to visit and enjoy the beautiful cultural exhibit.

Melissa I. Cardenas-Dow
Outreach/Behavioral Sciences Librarian
Armacost Library, University of Redlands
909.748.8089
Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu

World Book Night 2013: The Gift of Books

Yesterday, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, Armacost Library held a reception for WBN 2013 book givers who chose our library as a pick-up location for their books. We shared our book-giving plans and locations. WBN is about spreading the love of reading, person to person. This year, WBN wants to hear more from book recipients. Book givers are encouraged to include a contact sheet in each book that will help recipients tell their stories. We want to hear about the experiences of both book givers and book recipients. Please contact me or any of the other librarians at Armacost Library about publishing your stories on Armacost Library’s blog.

Melissa I. Cardenas-Dow

Outreach/Behavioral Sciences Librarian
Armacost Library, University of Redlands
909.748.8089
Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu

World Book Night 2013 display at Armacost Library, courtesy of Denise Cline

World Book Night 2013 books

Sharing the Joy of Reading Through Read Across America

Friday, March 1, 2013 was Read Across America Day at the local public elementary schools in the City of Redlands. Honoring Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2nd), schools and parent groups across the nation celebrated the joys of reading, books, and literacy by organizing story times, pajama parties, and special breakfasts.

My Friends by Taro Gomi

I and the Armacost Library faculty had been invited to participate in Read Across America activities at Lugonia Elementary School. I signed up to read to preschoolers and kindergarteners at Lugonia Elementary and planned to read to my child's fifth grade class at Franklin Elementary School. This is just one small example of how Armacost Library and the University of Redlands provide value and positive impact to the larger community of the City of Redlands and its members.

The first Lugonia Elementary class I read to was a group of preschoolers, which had about 20 students. I read Taro Gomi's My Friends. The story was of a little girl who learns about the world around her and how to do things from her different friends, who were mostly animals. The little girl in the story did not have a name, so I asked the children to choose one for her. We decided to call the little girl Edna. Aside from the animals she called her friends, Edna named books, other children, and her teachers as her friends. Many of the children were surprised to hear that books and teachers were friends, too. I left the students in the classroom with the thought that we make friends with books when we read them. As a librarian, I hold this truth near and dear to my life's work and purpose.

Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland

Next up on my schedule was the kindergarten class at Lugonia Elementary, which also had about 20 children, about the same size as the preschool class. To the kindergarteners, I read Michael Garland's Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook. It is a favorite in my household. The book was the story of a second-grade teacher, Miss Smith, who had a fabulous storybook from which characters leaped out of the pages whenever a story is read. The kindergarten class was enthralled by the story and the illustrations in the picture book. Who wouldn't enjoy the magic of books, stories, and beautifully drawn and colored pictures, right?

From the kindergarten class at Lugonia Elementary, I made my way to Franklin Elementary School and my younger daughter's fifth grade classroom. At my daughter's request, I re-read Michael Garland's Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook. There were about 33 children in the class. They seemed to enjoy the story as much as the kindergarten class at Lugonia Elementary did.

It's a Book by Lane Smith

My fifth-grade child, too, wanted to share her own love for books and reading during Read Across America Day. She brought Lane Smith's It's a Book to her class so her teacher could read it out loud. Smith's picture book is a wonderful read and is available for check-out at Armacost Library.

Please join the Armacost Library in celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and NEA's Read Across America during the first two weeks of March (March 4-15, 2013).  Simply grab and read a beloved Dr. Seuss tale or other adored children's book displayed near our One-Stop Desk and reading areas on the 2nd floor of the Armacost Library and celebrate the joy of reading!

Each juvenile collection book we have displayed will have a small marker within its pages. If you enjoyed the book, let us know by placing the marker in the designated box at the One-Stop Desk.

Need more information? Contact Melissa Cardenas-Dow, Outreach Librarian, at x8089 or Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu or Sally Romero, Instruction and Reference Librarian, at x8904 or Sally_Romero@redlands.edu.


Melissa I. Cardenas-Dow
Outreach/Behavioral Sciences Librarian
Armacost Library, University of Redlands
909.748.8089
Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu

Celebrate NEA's Read Across America

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."

Join the Armacost Library in celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday and NEA's Read Across America during the first two weeks of March (March 4-15, 2013).  Simply grab and read a beloved Dr. Seuss tale or other adored children's book displayed near our One-Stop Desk and reading areas on the 2nd floor of the Armacost Library and celebrate the joy of reading!  It's that simple to participate!

Books displayed may be checked out by any patron with current borrowing privileges.  Regular borrowing policies apply. So go ahead, check out a book and pledge to become a lifelong reader!

History

Did you know that every year, for the past 16 years, the National Education Association celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2nd) by building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA's Read Across America?  This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.

Why celebrate Dr. Seuss?
Dr. Seuss personifies a love of children and learning.  His use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful.

Looking for Books?
Here are some of the famous Dr. Seuss titles we carry.  For more books visit our library catalog.

        

          

More Campus Events

The University of Redlands Charlotte Huck Children's Literature Festival is now in its 17th year of celebrating the best in children's literature and the people behind it.  This interactive conference offers educators the opportunity to share their passion for children's books and to meet and spend time with children's book authors and illustrators.  Check out books by some of this year's featured speakers at the Armacost Library on display with the NEA's Read Across America display.  Just look for the Charlotte Huck Children's Literature Festival logo. Regular borrowing policies apply.  

Need more information? Contact Melissa Cardenas-Dow, Outreach Librarian, at x8089 or Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu or Sally Romero, Instruction and Reference Librarian, at x8904 or Sally_Romero@redlands.edu.

Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Opening Reception @ Armacost Library

University of Redlands Armacost Library will hold an opening reception, a free program for public and university audiences, featuring the resources in the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys, a collection of materials from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA).

The Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Opening Reception provides the opportunity for public and university audiences to view the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf and similar items from the Armacost Library collections. The Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2013, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the 3rd floor of Armacost Library: 1249 E. Colton Ave., Redlands, California 92374. Space is limited. Please send RSVPs to Melissa Cardenas-Dow, Outreach Librarian, by Thursday, February 14, 2013. 

For more information about the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf materials and the Opening Reception, please visit http://library.redlands.edu or contact Melissa Cardenas-Dow, Outreach Librarian, at 909-748-8089 or Melissa_Cardenasdow@redlands.edu.

The Muslim Journeys Bookshelf and associated programs aim to familiarize public audiences in the United States with the people, places, history, faith, and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world. 

Major support for the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Local support is provided by University of Redlands Campus Diversity & Inclusion and Redlands Peace Academy.

Telling Stories With Maps

Previously we talked about the storytelling power of print maps. The map displays at Armacost Library and A.K. Smiley Public Library highlight some ways print maps can be an important part of storytelling. Using web-based digital maps to bring a tale to life is yet another powerful way to infuse geography into a narrative. The use of both print and web-based maps are just some of the tools available to students, faculty, staff, and administrators at University of Redlands. Maps, whether printed or web-based, are basic spatial information that are important elements of map-based storytelling.

Telling stories with maps is a great way to "better understand the interconnectedness that makes the world work" and help story-map creators, users, and viewers "become better world citizens" (Esri, Telling Stories With Maps: A White Paper, February 2012).

Story maps can have various purposes. Still, all share general elements and principles that include a simple, clear message, spatial information, and user experience. Below is an example of a story map that gives us a picture of the 2008 presidential election. The story map invites users to consider the past as a means to think about the future. It also melds data based on location with information based on individual and group behavior and categories. The story map also invites us to interact, learn, and explore. Even ask questions.

Past As Prologue? 2008 Presidential Election Results By Precinct
A story map powered by Esri

November 14 is GIS Day 2012

Geography and spatial skills help us see the world in different ways. GIS (geographic information systems) allow us to make connections and see novel, even unexpected, patterns from well-known, commonplace information. Esri's Matt Artz blogs, "With GIS we are not simply replacing paper-and-ink-based maps with maps on computer screens, but we are evolving and extending the definition of what 'maps' are and how we use and interact with them."

On GIS Day, November 14, 2012, presenters from different organizations within and around Redlands, California will talk about GIS and its uses in different contexts. All presentations will be held in A.K. Smiley Public Library's Assembly Room, starting at 3 p.m. From 5 to 5:30 p.m., David Smith, University of Redlands' GIS and Mapping Consultant, will speak about the uses of GIS technology on campus for classroom teaching, research, and practical projects. Students from the University of Redlands MS GIS program will also be available to provide information.

Maps Tell Stories

When we think of maps, we are often confronted with many questions. One of the most common is: "What is the map of?" Such a simple question. Or so it seems.

In our quest to understand what we are looking at, we are taken by the simplicity of maps. We overlook that maps, as Esri's Matt Artz stated, "are abstractions of geography." They focus information and communicate complex matters succinctly and easily. Within the finite border of a paper map, elaborate concepts can disappear to allow us to make use of the information it provides.

Sometimes the stories maps tell are obvious. A map of the University of Redlands campus, for example, tells a viewer what the most valuable pieces of information are. Because of this, we can logically assume that the campus map is geared towards people who need to know where to park their vehicle and are concerned about safety while on campus.

Other times, the stories maps tell may not be readily evident. A bird's eye view map of the City of Redlands from 1888, courtesy of the Redlands Area Historical Society, for instance, may provide stories that may not resonate with viewers from 2012.

Until a map is placed in context with other information-bearing objects, such as books, other maps, pictures, films, poems, or letters, the ability of maps to tell stories can go unnoticed.

Armacost Library's Geography Awareness Week displays highlight the ability of maps to tell stories. To help library visitors and patrons understand the storytelling power of print maps, we created a brochure that stresses the links between written works and the geographic information they contain. By pairing maps with books and images, we are calling attention to the importance of place and location in history, fiction, cultures, and art.

The Geography Awareness Week brochures, along with the University of Redlands Armacost Library and the A.K. Smiley Public Library map displays, are part of the GIS Day community events in Redlands, California.

Inside panel of Armacost Library's Geography Awareness Week brochure

Maps on Display at Armacost Library

As a companion to the A.K. Smiley Public Library display, a sister exhibit at Armacost Library was created by Armacost Library GIS and maps intern Stephanie Milner and outreach librarian Melissa Cardenas-Dow. Like the display at A.K. Smiley, the Armacost Library layout featured images of maps and books. This time, they are all from Armacost Library's collections.

Armacost Library's display also focuses on local, historic California. The exhibit's focal map is one that depicts the Salton Sea. It is paired with a copy of Marine Geology of the Gulf of California, edited by Tjeerd Van Andel  (1964). Photos of a map of Redlands from 1957 is paired with Redlands, Our Town by Frank E. Moore, with sketches by Jeff Owens (1984). A map of the city of Riverside is matched with a working paper from 1991, The National Orange Company Packing House: An Architectural and Technological History, 1898-1940 by Ronald Tobey, Charles Wetherell, Kevin Hallaran, and Buffie Hollis, published the University of California Riverside Department of History. Images of a map of Carmel-by-the-Sea accompanies the text Cruising With Robert Louis Stevenson: Travel, Narrative, and the Colonial Body by Oliver S. Buckton (2007). Pictures of a map of the territories of Gabrielino tribes correspond with O, My Ancestor: Recognition and Renewal for the Gabrielino-Tongva People of the Los Angeles Area by Claudia Jurmain and William McCawley (2009) and Tovangar (World): A Gabrielino Word Book by Anne Galloway (1978). The San Bernardinos: The Mountain Country From Cajon Pass to Oak Glen, Two Centuries of Changing Use by John W. Robinson (1989) is paired with a map showing routes from the Orange Belt cities in Southern California to the San Bernardino mountain resorts.

Geography Awareness Week 2012 display sign at
Armacost Library, University of Redlands
and A.K. Smiley Public Library

Geography Awareness Week 2012 display
at Armacost Library, University of Redlands

Highlighting the historical, artistic, and narrative significance of maps and map-making are the signs Stephanie Milner created to draw library visitors to the 2012 Geography Awareness Week displays. The display sign has two bird's eye view images of historic Los Angeles, California. The top image is a view of the city from 1877. The bottom image is from 1909. Both images came from the Library of Congress digital collections.

University of Redlands Armacost Library's Irvine Map Collection is currently being reorganized. Maps from the collection are still available for viewing and study upon request.

The University of Redlands Armacost Library map display, and its sister exhibit at A.K. Smiley Public Library, are part of the GIS Day community events in Redlands, California.

Armacost Library Display at A.K. Smiley Public Library

In preparation for Geography Awareness Week, Armacost Library's GIS and maps intern Stephanie Milner and outreach librarian Melissa Cardenas-Dow erected a small display of maps and images highlighting the storytelling power of maps. The display features images of maps from Armacost Library that are significant to books available at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Geography Awareness Week 2012 display
at A.K. Smiley Public Library

The entire display consists of images of maps and books that show the historical past of California. In the middle of the display is a bridle trail map of Redlands from 1941. This map, from A.K. Smiley's Heritage Room collection, depicts different trails in and around the city of Redlands. Many of the trails have been used for centuries. Some are now part of private property and are closed to the public. Others are part of the Redlands Conservancy's Heritage Trails Project, which preserves and maintains historic rural spaces in Redlands for city residents and visitors to enjoy.

Surrounding the bridle trail map from A.K. Smiley's Heritage Room are images of maps from University of Redlands, Armacost Library's Irvine Map Collection. All are paired with books from A.K. Smiley's circulating collection.

A City of Redlands map from 1957 brings geographical context to Redlands Remembered: Stories From the Jewel of the Inland Empire by Joan Hedges McCall (2012). A map of the territories of Gabrielino and adjoining Native American tribes complements The First Angelinos: The Gabrielino Indians of Los Angeles by William McCauley (1996). A map of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small city in the Monterey Peninsula of central California, is paired with Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel Treasure Island. The real-life California coastal location has long been lauded as the inspiration for Stevenson's book. The Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California! by Susan Lowell and Stacey Dressen-McQueen (2008), a tale chronicling young Lily Rose's journey from Missouri to California, is supported by images of an 1861 map of Missouri and a 1954 map of California.

University of Redlands Armacost Library's Irvine Map Collection is currently being reorganized. Upon request, maps in the collection are still available for viewing and study.

The A.K. Smiley Public Library map display, and its sister display located at University of Redlands Armacost Library, are part of the GIS Day community events in Redlands, California.

Geography Awareness Week 2012

Several University of Redlands departments, including Armacost Library, will be celebrating Geography Awareness Week 2012 from November 11 to 17.

Armacost Library will have a display highlighting how cartographic materials tell stories. A sister display at A. K. Smiley Public Library will also be created to mark the occasion. The displays will be available for viewing starting November 12th. The Armacost Library display will be located on the 2nd floor, near the Popular Books shelves. The display at A. K. Smiley will be located in the hallway leading to the Heritage Room.

A number of presentations will be marking Wednesday, November 14th, GIS Day, at A. K. Smiley's Assembly Room. David Smith, U of R's Mapping and GIS Consultant, will give a presentation on the use of GIS technology on campus. His presentation is slated from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students from MS GIS will also be on site to answer questions about the program.

"Cabaret" Design Showcase

The Armacost Library is proud to announce an exhibit of original set and costume designs from the Theatre Department's upcoming production of Cabaret!

Please visit the 2nd floor library lobby and the east staircase for a sneak preview of the show. The items will be on display from October 26th to November 13th.

The musical is "set in Berlin during Germany's Weimar Republic. Aside from issues of homosexuality, abortion, racism, substance abuse, and the danger of not speaking out, this classic musical offers chilling contemporary parallels about the political takeover of people's right. Directed by Chris Beach. Music Director is Patrick Doran-Sheeran and Choreographed by Kirsten Johansen."

For additional information and show times please visit Theatre Arts Current Productions. 

Homecoming 2012

Homecoming weekend is just around the corner. On October 19-21, the University of Redlands is celebrating 100 years of the Alumni Association.

Looking for a cool place to hang out during the festivities? Armacost Library is marking the occasion with a display of Homecoming activities past and present. Displays will be available for viewing starting Wednesday, October 17 and will be located at the 2nd floor lobby of the library. Armacost Library's display will provide a historical journey through time, featuring the halls of favorite campus hangouts. Through postcards and photographs, we will show many “before and after” shots all around campus.

Please visit the Homecoming 2012 page for a complete schedule of events for students, families and alumni.