CIPD Case Studies Extra!

CIPD have released an expanded and updated version of the Case Studies Club - CIPD Case Studies Extra.

This is a more up-to-date interactive service which has information and resources tailored to CIPD qualifications. The resource is relevant for use as a part of the CIPD Level 3, 5 and 7 qualifications. It is primarily a teaching resource which will help you to access the best resources for your teaching and it still contains all the original case studies.

The new package includes:

- module specific and easy access, saving you time and effort when planning your lectures

- new video content featuring interviews with leading practitioners centred around real-life situations giving a range of perspectives from the real world

- clips from training DVDs presenting real-life situations encouraging discussion and promoting critical thinking

- practical, downloadable quizzes helping students to think about their subject in more detail

- regular updates and new case studies keeping things current, helping students stay engaged

- all areas of subjects covered including international HR

To access this resource go to the Library website and click on the Online Resources A-Z link, then Databases and select CIPD Case Studies Extra. From here you will see a link to the resource, and the username and password you will require for access.

Happy Independence Day!

Hot on the heels of Canada Day on Friday, today is American Independence Day. Fourth of July celebrations will be taking place today in the United States and all over the world. Once again you can get yourself in the mood for the festivities with the help of your SMU Library. We have an extensive collection of American literature in Townhill Library: Herman Melville, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sylvia Plath, Jack Kerouac, Alice Walker... We've got them all! Dynevor Library has a superb collection of DVDs, so you can enjoy Hollywood classics like 42nd Street or more modern thrillers such as The Bourne Identity. (Remember, during the summer vacation, even the two-day loans will be issued out to 6th October 2011!) As ever, Owen Library is the place to go for tourism resources, so head to Mount Pleasant for travel guides and information on the USA and its cities and states. Go on, tuck into some of mom's apple pie and immerse yourself in some American culture. (Please don't get any pie on our resources, though!)

O Canada

1st July is Canada Day. It's the day when the people of Canada rejoice in all things Canadian (and their independence from Great Britain), so why not celebrate by rocking out to Summer of 69 and then settling down to watch Back to the Future? (Bryan Adams and Michael J. Fox are both Canadian, you see. ) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate and Wills, are joining in with events on the second day of their Canadian tour, but you can still mark the day if the furthest you're going is your SMU library. Introduce a Canadian theme to your borrowing - Townhill Library has a selection of books by Canadian author Margaret Atwood (I can heartedly recommend The Blind Assassin), find out more about the country with a travel guide from Owen Library at Mount Pleasant, or find out more about Canadian art and artists at Dynevor Library. Happy Canada Day everyone!

You've got us in the palm of your hand!

We've gone mobile! If you use your phone to access the internet, you'll be pleased to know that you're now able to read our blog in a mobile friendly format. You don't need to do anything, our blog will adapt to whatever device you are using, just open your browser and enjoy! Now you can take us with you in your pocket and catch up with all the latest library news anytime, anywhere!

Children's literature prize winners announced

The 2011 Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals were awarded last week. Patrick Ness has won the Carnegie Medal for his book, Monsters of Men, which is the finale to the Chaos Walking trilogy. Grahame Baker-Smith is the Greenaway winner for the picture book FArTHER.

These prizes are awarded annually by CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and are highly respected in the publishing industry, as well as by us librarians! The Carnegie Medal, awarded to the writer of an outstanding book for children, was established in 1936 in memory of Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy philanthropist who used his fortune to establish over 2800 libraries all over the world. Kate Greenaway was a popular children's illustrator in the nineteenth century. The medal that bears her name was established in 1955 and recognises distinguished illustration in a children's book.

You can find out more about the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals on the website: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/. You'll also find lists of past winners, many of which are available to borrow from the Teaching Practice collection in Townhill Library. You'll find lots of popular authors amongst the prize winners. Many of these books are classics which are well worth a read or a re-visit, even if you're all grown up! Don't forget, books borrowed during this summer vacation won't need to be returned until the 6th October 2011.

Just a reminder - SMU Libraries are open during the summer vacation!

As it's the last day of term, this is just a little reminder that your SMU Libraries will be open right through the vacation. Please see our website www.smu.ac.uk/library for further information on opening hours - we look forward to seeing you during the summer months!

Telephone system maintenance - disruption on Monday 27th June

Essential maintenance work is going to be carried out on the telephone system at Swansea Metropolitan University on Monday 27th June.

This is going to affect the Dynevor campus, the BBC building and some phone extensions in the Cadogan Building and Alexandra Road for most of the day.

As Dynevor Library will be affected, if you need to ring us please can you alternatively phone either the Owen Library (01792 481 141) or the Townhill Library (01792 482 113). Apologies for any inconvenience caused.