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News & Events

Libraries inspire curiosity outside of the classroom


The O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library caters to a variety of needs and interests for students on campus. It provides traditional library spaces where students can find a quiet environment to read, relax, and explore the extensive book collection across four floors. These conventional library activities remain relevant even in today’s technology-driven era.
Additionally, the library offers spaces for social interaction. The first floor encourages conversation and group work, with multiple computers available, and there’s even a coffee shop serving a wide range of hot and cold gourmet coffee drinks and light treats. Moreover, students can utilize the podcast studio in the library that is equipped with necessary tools and software, allowing them to access multimedia resources for class-related projects or personal endeavors.
And when students do need to focus on writing papers or using library resources, the library staff will be readily available to assist them. More on that next month.
As an academic library, OSF aims to promote curiosity and motivate users to explore diverse subjects, expanding their knowledge beyond the classroom. By integrating both traditional and modern elements, the library creates an inclusive and dynamic environment, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

Database Highlights & Trials, Media/Music Collections, Music, News & Events

CLASSICAL MUSIC OF INDIA

SERIES 1

Music is an inseparable part of Indian Culture which reflects how the nation is diversified for its cultures, language, food, and people. Indian music heritage is an ever-expanding treasure that is passed down from generation to generation. It dates to Vedic times over 6,000 years ago, where chants developed a system of musical notes and rhythmic cycles. There are many genres of Indian music like classical, regional folk, Sufi, Ghazals, Filmi and Indian pop music, and it is the uniqueness of Indian music which brings millions of fans together worldwide.

Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is very closely connected to nature and takes inspiration from the seasons and times of the day. It has two fundamental elements or concepts named ‘Raag’ and ‘Taal’.

‘Raag’ is a melodic framework and forms the structural framework of the music. It consists of specific set of notes which construct the melody. ‘Tala’, on the other hand, is a rhythmic structure or beat that measures the musical time, and it works as a base on which Raga is created. It can induce specific emotional response ranging from ‘Happy’, ‘Sad’, ‘Calm and relaxed’, ‘tensed’ etc.

Genres of Indian Classical Music

Before 13th century, there was only one Indian classical music but after that the Indian Classical Music got divided into two sections and different styles. The North Indian Hindustani Classical Music which is practiced in North India and The South Indian Carnatic Classical Music which is practiced in South India
Similarities:

  • Although they have differences in styles, interpretations, and audience appeal, they both are Raga based and share similar origin and themes.
  • Both the musical styles use a Tanpura as a Drone instrument which support the melody of another instrument or singer and create the pitch and base for the performance.
  • Both the music developed through common ancestors, Sanskrit language, and Vedic traditions.

 Differences:

  • Both Raga and Tala being the central notion of both the music traditions, the sound and result is different and same raags and musical concepts have different names due to difference in the language.
  • The Carnatic music is free from external influences and is pure, while the north Indian music has Persian and Mughal influence.
  • The Carnatic music was originated in Bhakti Movement, while the Hindustani music was originated in Vedic period.

Namaste!!

Listen via our database about Indian Classical Music, concerts, and the finest musicians:
Rules of Raga (Video)
https://login.ezproxy.stthomas.edu/login?URL=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=99819&xtid=113462
Ravi Shankar Live in Concert: (Video)
https://login.ezproxy.stthomas.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/mq784B4xn
Indian Classical Music: (Video)
https://login.ezproxy.stthomas.edu/login?URL=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=99819&xtid=5066
Ravi Shankar: The Man and His Music (Video)
https://login.ezproxy.stthomas.edu/login?URL=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=99819&xtid=4345
South Indian Classical Music House Concert (Video)
https://login.ezproxy.stthomas.edu/login?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/gp78oOP83

By Pragya Verma

 

 

Latin America, Libraries, Media/Music Collections, News & Events

Join Us for the First Latiné Film Festival at UST

University Libraries, MCL, Film Studies, OCB, HOLA will be hosting the first 2023 Latiné Film Festival this April! The festival will be screening three films: Guie’dani’s Navel (Dir. Xavi Salas, 2018), Song Without a Name (Dir. Melina León, 2019), and Los Lobos (Dir.  Samuel Kishi Leopo, 2019). More details about each film below.
Come view these films to learn more about immigration, nationality, race and ethnicity, and gender in Latin America and the United States.
Broaden your knowledge through these three amazing films and participate in the panel discussion at the end of each film. Even more, attending a film will count for extra credit for Spanish classes and/or an event for the Social Justice & Cultural Transformation for the Common Good TBLC. Receptions will follow.

When: Wednesdays in April (April 5, 19, 26) from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: OEC Auditorium

Wednesday, April 5th at 6pm


Guie’dani’s Navel (2018): This film follows the journey of a young girl forced to leave her indigenous village in southwest Mexico, to accompany her mother as a domestic servant in an affluent neighborhood in Mexico City.

Wednesday, April 19th at 6pm


Song Without a Name (2019): This historical fiction film tells the story of the nightmare that many Indigenous Peruvian women experienced in the 1980s.

Wednesday, April 26th at 6pm


Los Lobos (2019): Los Lobos depicts the struggles of single mother Lucía and her two young sons, Max and Leo, in their early days of their arrival in New Mexico.

If interested, click the link to login and RSVP on Tommie Link: https://stthomas.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8981068

Libraries, Media/Music Collections, News & Events

Get Creative in a Video & Podcast Studio!

Have you ever wanted to start a YouTube channel or podcast? Well, did you know that UST has video and podcast studios available for you to use?
Dedicated to students, these studios are available during normal library hours. Studios provide students with self-service recording capabilities for assignments and personal projects.

The Video Studio

The space can be changed to accomplish the look and feel you are going for in your video. A few studio configuration ideas are stand-up presentation, sit down presentation, or morning talk show. To achieve these configurations, there’s a height adjustable SMART Board, furniture, lighting, sound, etc. This gives your project the perfect, distraction-free setting. Feel free to use the camera provided in the room or bring your own smart phone or device.

The Podcast Studio

The studio is equipped with a table microphone to record 1-4 people in a round-table environment, acoustic padding, and a computer with your choice to record using Panopto or Audacity. It is a distraction-free setting perfect to record group discussions, audio presentations, and podcasts.

To reserve the podcast studio, scan the QR code below!

Be creative and have fun!

By Claire Weiss

SMART board room in O'Shaughnnesy-Frey Library with table, white board, and SMART board
Services

Study Room Renovations!

New features are available in O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library study rooms 321 and 322! The St. Thomas Libraries and The Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing collaborated to renovate the third-floor study rooms and added smart boards, whiteboards, and converted walls into drawable surfaces.

Dr. Sheila Yeh, the Associate Vice Provost for University Libraries and Online Education, was pleased with this collaboration. She said “It’s important that we advanced these two group study rooms based on student feedback. These types of spaces, that support broader student successes, also align with Gen Z’s preferences.”

Jessica Nelson, the Student Success Director at the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing, said “We encourage our students to utilize a variety of learning techniques when they approach their studies. The large writing spaces allow for kinesthetic and visual learners to mind map, chart, and illustrate course materials in an engaging way that will support long-term retention of information.”

All students are welcome to reserve and use this space. Need whiteboard markers? The O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library has whiteboard markers available for check out.

Room showing a table, whiteboard wall, and smartboard

Room showing a table, whiteboard wall, and smartboard

Interested in reserving one of these study rooms for your next study session? Here’s how!

From the library homepage, click on “Reserve a Study Room” on the top right hand corner:

Screenshot of library home page with an arrow pointing to the Reserve a Room link in the upper right corner

Choose the study room location that works for you:

Screenshot of the main room reservation page

Red sections of the calendar are already reserved. Green sections are available – the revamped study rooms are on the bottom of the calendar under OSF Smart boards:

Screenshot of the reservation page listing available rooms. Red is unavailable, green is available.

Select the time you’d like to reserve – the calendar will mark it in yellow as “pending”, slick “submit times”:

Screenshot of selecting a time from the available time slots

Double-check that the hours are what you wanted, and review the terms & conditions

Screenshot of booking details such as room location, date, and time

You’ll be able to reserve the booking under any name you decide – many students choose a name their study group will recognize. Click “submit my booking” and your reservation will be confirmed via email.

Screenshot of submitting the reservation after confirming details.

When you get to the library, head to the front desk and let the friendly library staff person know that you have a booking – they’ll get you a key to the study room. Happy Studying!

Classical Languages, Database Highlights & Trials, Libraries, Modern Languages

Database Trial: European Etymological Dictionaries Online (Brill)

During the month of February, the University of St. Thomas Libraries is conducting a trial for the Indo-European Etymological Dictionaries Online (IEDO). IEDO reconstructs the lexicon for the most important languages and language branches of Indo-European. It is a rich and voluminous online reference source for historical and general linguists.

To access to the trial click this link
Please send comments to Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Head of the Music & Media Collections.

 

 

Art, Database Highlights & Trials, English, Libraries, Media/Music Collections, Music, News & Events

Video Streaming Database Trial: Digital Theatre+

During the month of February, the University of St. Thomas Libraries is conducting a trial for the Database Digital Theatre+. It includes videos of over 900 full-length productions, including Digital Theatre, BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company, Broadway Digital Archive, Royal Opera House, London Symphony Orchestra, as well as in-depth interviews with industry professionals including actors, directors, and all backstage staff: lighting technicians, fight coordinators, stage managers, et al.

To access to the trial click this link
Please send comments to Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Head of the Music & Media Collections.

Database Highlights & Trials, Latin America, Libraries, Media/Music Collections, Modern Languages, News & Events

Video Streaming Database Trial: Platino Educa

During the month of February, the University of St. Thomas Libraries is conducting a trial for the Database Platino Educa.  This platform offers unlimited access to hundreds of Spanish and Ibero-American movies and documentaries. It is classified by subjects and covers themes including Environment, Social Sciences, Language and Literature, Arts, and Social Justice.

To access to the trial click this link

Please send comments to Cindy Badilla-Melendez, Head of the Music & Media Collections.

Data Services, News & Events

Open Access to Federally Funded Research to Expand

Of note for faculty researchers: Recent actions from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will expand public access to the results of federally funded research. Fulfilling a long-time goal of open access advocates, the OSTP issued a memo on Aug. 25, 2022 that orders federal granting agencies to update their public access policies to make publications and research, including the underlying datasets on which that research relies, publicly accessible without embargoes or charges. The agencies are required to update their access policies no later than December 31, 2025. Press Release | Memo.

In a related development, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been working for several years on an updated Data Management and Sharing Policy, which takes effect on January 25, 2023. The final DMS Policy states that “[s]hared scientific data should be made accessible as soon as possible, and no later than the time of an associated publication, or the end of the award/support period, whichever comes first.” The NIH policy will presumably be updated to be more explicit about making available the research publications to comply with the OSTP memo.

These requirements expand OSTP guidance dating from 2013 that allowed a one-year embargo of publications and limited the requirements to agencies issuing more than $100 million a year in research & development expenditures, which exempted certain agencies and programs.

While the requirements are essentially already in place, this change removes the embargo, expands the programs subject to open access requirements, and requires that researchers make the data available to the public “at no cost.” This essentially means that the research will need to be published as “open access.”

It is not yet known how scholarly journal publishers and researchers will adapt. Will some publishers opt to automatically make federally funded research open access, or will they simply push to maintain the existing system of article publishing charges, or even double-down by increasing such charges? Will the open access plans issued by the agencies consider publishing pre-prints in a repository sufficient to meet the requirement (I don’t actually think this would comply). Will grant rules and funding in the agencies allow the full cost of article publishing charges be built into grant application budgets, or be limited? And will researchers remember to include such costs in their budgets? (typically such charges have been allowed, and researchers are encouraged to fully budget for them in their grant submissions). Answers to these questions and others will inevitably develop over time in a period of some uncertainty.

Guidance for St. Thomas faculty research grant applicants on all aspects of the grants process can be found on the Research & Grants support site, the Sponsored Programs website, and the Libraries Research Data Management guide. One option for publishing research and supporting datasets (in addition to the scholarly journals) is the Library-sponsored Research Online repository.

Additional Readings:

Zahneis, Megan. (Aug. 2022). “‘A Historic Moment’: New Guidance Requires Federally Funded Research to Be Open Access,” Chronicle of Higher Education. 

Anderson, Rick, and Wulf, Karin. (Oct. 2022). “The New OSTP Memo: A Roundup of Reactions and an Interview Preview,” The Scholarly Kitchen blog.

Questions? Contact me and I’ll answer as best I can or connect you to other resources as appropriate.
John Heintz, Academic Services Librarian and research data services specialist | jpheintz@stthomas.edu | 651-962-4646.