See, because being Cool is obviously the most important thing on earth” – Be More Chill, Ned Vizzini. So, be cool and stop by the Mary and Jeff Bell Library’s YA, or Young Adult, Book Display, March 22 through April 26. In partnership with the TAMUCC Theatre Department, explore various YA titles in prep for the upcoming Theatre production of Be More Chill! All books are available for check out with your SandDollar ID.
Dive into creativity at our CCISD Youth Art Month Exhibit! We are thrilled to showcase the remarkable talent of high school artists from local schools. Explore their artwork on display in our first and second-floor galleries until the closing reception on March 27th at 6:00 pm.
Islanders, Happy New Year and welcome to Spring 2024! To view our up-to-date hours, visit tamucc.edu/library/about/hours/.
Look forward to our exciting Spring events by going to tamucc.libcal.com or by searching "Bell Library" on I-Engage (events coming soon)!
Visit our 24/7 Ask Us Chat at tamucc.edu/library for around-the-clock research assistance. So happy to have you back - go 'ders!
To view our updated schedule for Winter Break, visit tamucc.edu/library/about/hours/.
Visit our 24/7 Ask Us Chat at tamucc.edu/library. Have a wonderful break, Islanders, and see you in the Spring!
Finals week have you in a slump? Stop by the Mary and Jeff Bell Library’s activity table, located in the front library area, to pick up coloring pages, puzzles, and stickers to help get you through this often-stressful time of the year. Also, don’t forget to leave a message of encouragement for your fellow Islanders on our Motivation Board! Need to vent? Fill out one of our venting slips and drop it into our Bucket-O-Negativity (because sometimes you just have to let it out). For more information contact patricia.hernandez@tamucc.edu.
We are delighted to have Log Notes, or: Loving the Earth to Death by Bethany Johnson (bethany._.johnson) on display in our second floor gallery until November 28, 2023. Visit the gallery to view several new bodies of work that include a characteristically idiosyncratic, science-adjacent study of the Laguna Madre Field Station, a majority completed as a result of Johnson's residency experience at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi's Center for Coastal Studies in July 2022.
Just in time for Halloween, stop by the atrium area of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library to browse our pulled collection of horror, thriller, and mystery novels from the Popular Reading Collection! All books are available for check out with your SandDollar ID. For more information contact patricia.hernandez@tamucc.edu.
Join us as we celebrate Banned Books Week October 1-7! Share thoughts on censorship and enter to win banned books and a shirt by Full Court Press! On Wednesday, October 4, stop by the breezeway for live screen printing! T-Shirts $25 and $10 on personal items.
September 17 - 23 is Constitution Week which marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Stop by the Bell Library first floor display to pick up a free pocket constitution and bookmark while supplies last!
Did you know all TAMU-CC students, faculty, and staff have access to thousands of free LinkedIn courses with their IslandID? Learn new topics or brush up on professional skills – from time management, to computer programming, to personal branding. Visit www.tamucc.edu/information-technology/linkedin-learning/ to get started today!
With Summer I finals just around the corner, remember that we are here for you wherever you are, Islanders! Whether you have a question while at the beach, at home, or at Starbucks, you can always Ask Us! ☕🏄♂️ https://help.library.tamucc.edu/
This June, join us on social media (@TAMUCCLibrary) as we promote resources and celebrate Pride Month 2023.
Visit your library's LGBTQIA+ Social Justice Resources Guide where you can find gathered resources and follow your local Corpus Christi Pride Center and PRIDE Corpus Christi to get involved all month long!
Join us as we celebrate Preservation Month! On Friday, May 26 from 2-5pm, visit us (second floor, Bell Library) to learn tips for home preservation and best practices for keeping your own photos and documents safe. All are welcome!
The Library is a great place to get ready for finals, finish final projects, or take a breather after a long day. On our Visit and Study page, learn about all of the different spots and resources we have in the Library, such as computer labs, group study areas, study rooms, Learning Commons, Super Quiet Study, tutoring services, and more!
TAMU-CC celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month during April and May! Check out the Islander Cultural Alliance page for the events planned for this month. You can also follow us on social media for celebrations all month long (@TAMUCCLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
It's Youth Art Month! Visit our first and second floor galleries for amazing local art created by CCISD youth. Then join us for a closing reception on Thursday, March 30 from 6 to 7:30pm.
Did you know you can get library help around the clock? Chat assistance is available 24 hours! If you do your best work late at night, we can help with that. Librarians from all over are on board to help you succeed. Library resources and research assistance are available whenever you need them. Now, you can always Ask Us!
In honor of Indigenous Heritage Month, stop by the Bell Library to visit an exhibit modeled by Jaime Black's 2010 REDress Project, an installation that uses red clothing to symbolize racialized violence. Then head the I-Create Lab where you can make your own beaded dress pin.
Visit TAMU-CC's Indigenous Heritage Month webpage to stay up to date with events on campus, and follow us @TAMUCCLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for trivia, celebrations, and acknowledgements all November long.
Hey Islanders! How are you feeling about working on your college research projects? Unsure? Overwhelmed? Join the Mary and Jeff Bell Librarians in Zoom as they equip you with the tools to become more confident researchers! 🔍
In this 50-minute workshop, students will learn the process of how information is created and progresses through time via the information timeline, and how to find relevant resources using the library website. Register for a workshop today - happening all through the month of October! Visit bit.ly/TAMUCCLibSearch101 to register for a date and time that fits in your schedule and see you then!
Hey Islanders! Join us online for the latest news about your library! The best way to keep up to date with the library, learn about library resources, and see fun behind-the-scenes looks at what's in your library is to follow us on social media. Our Linktree page has all of our links for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@TAMUCCLibrary) and TikTok (@bell.library)! We also have a YouTube channel with tutorials and past workshop recordings!
Come say hi, ask questions, and join in on the fun - we love talking to y'all on there!!
Did you know we have a handy Workshop Guide with links to recordings of all of our past workshops? Spend a hot, summer day learning a new skill or listening to a Book Talk! And stay tuned for our upcoming workshops!
Our seventh Islander Faculty and Staff Exhibition is now open both physically and online! The creative work by current and retired Islander faculty and staff will be on display on the first floor of the library until Thursday, June 30. Our virtual display, along with recorded artist statements and other interactive elements, is also now available online!
Did you know you can get library help around the clock? Chat assistance is available 24 hours! If you do your best work late at night, we can help with that. Librarians from all over are on board to help you succeed. Library resources and research assistance are available whenever you need them. Now, you can always Ask Us!
Join us for our virtual Learn to Crochet Workshop Series made of two workshops - no experience required!
In our first workshop on Monday, April 18, learn the basics of crochet – the why, what, and how. In the second workshop on Monday, April 25, join us to learn how to make a crochet headband!
For these workshops, Crochet kits, including a hook and enough yarn to make the headband, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your free kit today by calling the I-Create Lab at 361-825-2311.
These kits are not required and you can also use your own materials!
Visit bit.ly/BellLibraryCrochet for the schedule, Zoom links, and more helpful resources!
Join us as we celebrate the publication of The Island University: A History of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi by Dr. Andrew Johnson, Associate Professor of Management. The book provides an excellent record of the university’s history and all proceeds from book sales will support the Dr. Andrew Johnson Endowed Pride and Traditions Award. Learn more about the author and his book at 2:00pm on Tuesday, April 12th on the second floor of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Special Collections and Archives Commons. Historical items from University Archives will be on display in the Reading Room. Refreshments and time for meeting the author will follow the presentation.
Questions regarding the event can be sent to specialcollections@tamucc.edu.
It’s time to cue the Imperial March, strap on your blasters, don your Jedi robes, and get ready to escape this year’s Star Wars themed Escape Room!! Gather your team of 4 and be ready to take on this year's challenge. The competition will run April 4 - 8 with time slots at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm each day of the week. This annual event is open to faculty, staff, students, and a combination of the three! Escape the clutches of the empire under the 45-minute time limit and win an amazing prize - and bragging rights as this year's Escape the Library champion!
To sign up: bit.ly/EscapeLibrary22
If you have any questions, please reach out to patricia.hernandez@tamucc.edu.
The Mary and Jeff Bell Library would like to invite you to participate in the Islander Faculty and Staff Exhibition! The exhibition is open to ALL faculty and staff members of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, either actively employed or retired and including student employees! Submit your work by Friday, April 15 by filling out the entry form and waiver on our guide. The work will be placed on display in the library from May 19 – June 30, 2022.
Also, beginning on May 19, photos of the submitted art will be made available in an online exhibit hosted on the library’s website along with artist statements and other interactive elements! Artwork submitted must be new work (not previously submitted) and may include painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, ceramics, printmaking, graphic design, and mixed media.
For more submission details and entry forms, visit: bit.ly/IslanderFacStaffExhibit
Hope you have a fun and relaxing break, Islanders! Looking for some library time during the break? Check out our hours on our Library Hours page for up-to-date information on our spaces and services!
Check out some of your favorite magazine titles using Flipster, the library's popular magazine platform. Flip through the pages of full color popular magazines from on or off campus. Explore titles like The Atlantic, Consumer Reports, Bon Appetit, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and many more!
The library will host the exhibit of junior and senior high artists from local school districts. As part of CCISD's Youth Art Month, the exhibit will be on display during the month of March on the 1st and 2nd floors of the library. The closing reception will take place on Thursday, March 31st from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Students, parents, families, and teachers will be on hand to celebrate the work of these artists.
Join Bell Library and TAMU-CC Counselor, Suzanne Bonds, LPC to talk about C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. This book talk will discuss themes of spirituality and religion as well as themes that unite us all, such as grief and hope. Join us on Zoom to listen to Suzanne’s take, engage in some discussion, and maybe even win a raffle prize! Join the Zoom meeting here!
Looking for something new to read? Check out the reading list on our Black Lives Matter Guide. We've selected a range of titles on justice, activism, privilege, and other topics - there are favorites from our Popular Reading Collection as well! Check out library resources and learn, watch, and listen to content online. Get involved in Black History Month events on campus and in your local community.
Did you know you can get library help around the clock? Chat assistance is available 24 hours! If you do your best work late at night, we can help with that. Librarians from all over are on board to help you succeed. Library resources and research assistance are available whenever you need them. Now, you can always Ask Us!
Taking a foreign language class this semester? Don't forget to check out our database Mango Languages and get a little extra practice in! Mango offers help with over 70 languages - learn at your own pace and explore conversations, grammar, and culture. Mango Premiere offers language learning with International Films!
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first semester of 2022! We're excited to get back to campus and get the spring semester started. New to campus? Come check out the library and find your spot - we'll have lots of new and exciting spaces to unveil soon!
Looking for journals at the library? Use the Journals button under the Quick Search box on the library homepage to access the journals we subscribe to. If you would like to use Browzine for searching, you can find it in our A to Z list of databases. You can also access journal content using the Browzine app. Got questions? Ask Us!
Congratulations to all of our graduates! Your hard work and determination have paid off - Best wishes for your next adventure!
Planning a visit to the I-Create Lab for Christmas crafts? Remember that the building will be closed December 13 -23rd and plan ahead. Make a reservation today and get in the holiday spirit. After the 13th Library staff will be working remotely and will be available to help Monday – Friday 8-5pm.
We will have a library wide staff retreat on Friday, December 17th. Remote services will resume Monday, December 20th at 8am.
Check out some of your favorite magazine titles using Flipster, the library's popular magazine platform. Flip through the pages of full color popular magazines from on or off campus. Explore titles like The Atlantic, Consumer Reports, Bon Appetit, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and many more!
Did you know you can get library help around the clock? Chat assistance is available 24 hours! If you do your best work late at night, we can help with that. Librarians from all over are on board to help you succeed. Library resources and research assistance are available whenever you need them. Now, you can always Ask Us!
National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) is an opportunity to generate greater awareness and appreciation for digital learning, discuss current issues, emerging trends, and best practices in digital teaching and learning. This year's theme is Life in a Hybrid World – Learning How to Flex, reflecting the experiences of learners and educators flexing between the traditional face-to-face and fully online modalities. DLAI invites our campus community to join us for virtual and face-to-face events focusing on digital literacy, the transition to Zoom, opportunities to participate in our Digital Scholar and Online Course Redesign programs, as well as honoring the 2021 Student Choice Digital Innovator of the Year.
Visit our NDLW webpage for the list of events and information on how to join!
The Bell Library has recently acquired more calculators and expanded our checkout options to allow calculators to circulate for longer periods. TI-30xa, TI-83, and TI-84 models are available for 7 day and full semester checkouts. Visit the Circulation Desk to make calculator reservations and learn more at bit.ly/BellLibCalculatorFAQ. Thanks to the folks at Project GRAD for making this possible. Contact us at circulation@tamucc.edu for any questions!
Did you miss a library Workshop or Book Talk? Want to know what's coming next? We've created a Guide just for workshops! Check out the schedule and put workshops on your schedule. If you can't make it - or missed one already, check the past workshops tab and look for a recording.
College can be scary; the library doesn’t have to be! This Friday, October 8 from 3 - 5pm, join us to learn about the services and resources of your campus library. Already have a favorite spot? Have fun showing family and friends your new home away from home. Our Special Collections and Archives will have some of our favorite collections on display and the I-Create Lab will be ready and waiting for you! There will be prizes and fun – we’ve got tricks and treats to help you succeed!
Be united through books and join the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as we celebrate Banned Books Week Sept. 26, through Oct. 10, with an interactive display, Full Court Press selling Banned Book themed t-shirts, and a chance to win amazing prizes!
This year’s theme is “Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us!” Stop by and learn more about the banning and challenging of books, leave comments about your thoughts on the issue, and can’t forget those prizes! A special display will highlight banned/challenged art pieces as well.
Stop by on Thursday, September 30th from 1-4 for the Full Court Press t-shirt sale! The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/BBW21 or contact patricia.hernandez@tamucc.edu.
Be sure to check out the Hispanic Heritage Month Guide! We've pulled together books, journals, databases, teaching resources, and much more. We'll host the Poetry Reading on the 5th and Meet the Author with Rossy Lima on the 6th! Don't miss your chance to win some cool prizes in the trivia contest on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information and for a full list of events, visit: tamucc.edu/hispanic-heritage-month/
Check out the events happening on campus during Constitution Week! Learn about library resources and much more on the library's Constitution Day Guide.
Can you believe it’s already Fall semester? The year is going by faster than the speed of light, but don’t forget to take a break during your studies by visiting the I-Create Lab. With the new semester comes some new prices, so here is a look at what equipment will cost you and what is free for you to use. Prices will go up starting September 1, 2021.
For more information, check out our blog: https://libapps.tamucc.edu/projects/blog/index.php/2021/08/24/i-create-pricing-update/
20th Anniversary of 9/11: Memory Project
It is important to record the memories of this historic and tragic event. Oral Histories are a great tool for collecting the daily experiences to correspond with other historic records. We have been shaped by the events of 9/11. We are seeking to record oral histories that reflect the ways this event impacted students, faculty, and staff. Please share your stories with us by contacting the Special Collections and Archives department of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library to schedule an interview. (specialcollections@tamucc.edu or 361-825-4500)
Learn more about the events of 9/11 and activities across campus, visit our September 11: In Remembrance Guide
Can you believe it’s already Fall semester? The year is going by faster than the speed of light, but don’t forget to take a break during your studies by visiting the I-Create Lab. With the new semester comes some new prices, so here is a look at what equipment will cost you and what is free for you to use. Prices will go up starting September 1, 2021.
For more information, check out our blog: https://libapps.tamucc.edu/projects/blog/index.php/2021/08/24/i-create-pricing-update/
We hope everyone has a safe and memorable Labor Day weekend! Just a reminder: The Library will be closed on Monday, September 6. We'll be back, bright and early Tuesday, September 7.
We're excited to welcome our new and returning students to campus! It's going to be an amazing semester!
Who doesn’t need a summer vacation?
Our bags are packed and we’re ready to go! The Library Blog will take a short break. We’ll be back soon – get out and enjoy the sunshine!
Need a laptop? You can check one out! Twenty-four laptops purchased by CASA Title V Project GRAD are available for checkout in the library. Students can check out laptops during library hours for in house use, three hours at a time. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant (#LS‐246561‐OLS‐20).
Just a heads up, Islanders! ProQuest e-books will be unavailable on Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. until around 4:00 p.m. due to maintenance.
For more information about this scheduled downtime, visit this article published in ProQuest's Support Center website.
The Mary and Jeff Bell Library invites everyone to experience our sixth Islander Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition both physically and online!
The works by current and retired Islander faculty and staff will be on display on the first floor of the library Friday, May 7, through Wednesday, June 30. Our virtual display, along with recorded artists statements and other interactive elements, will be available starting Friday, May 7 as well!
Visit our Online Exhibition today! https://library.tamucc.edu/exhibits/s/FacultyandStaffArt/page/welcome
For more information, contact us at bell.library@tamucc.edu.
As a reminder, face masks are still required in all public spaces on campus, including the library. While it can be tempting to lower them or remove them when studying solo, it's important to remember to keep covered and be safe.
Take care, Islanders - we're all in this together!!
To learn more about our policies regarding COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Updates Guide (https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/covid19)
For more updates related to the Islander campus and COVID-19, visit the TAMU-CC Campus Announcements page (https://www.tamucc.edu/campus-announcements/coronavirus.html)
(Please note: University regulations regarding face coverings changed 5/21/21. While we still recommend face coverings in public spaces and group settings - masks are no longer required).
This Spring, we have a few updates and reminders related to our services. Learn more about your library below!
Our Hours & Services
Our library Spring Semester hours begin on Monday, January 25.
Some services will be limited during this time.
For the most up-to-date library hours, visit our homepage (https://library.tamucc.edu/). For our virtual Ask Us services and Frequently Asked Questions, go to help.library.tamucc.edu.
COVID-19 Guide
Our COVID-19 Guide is our go-to place for updates and information about our current policies and services, such as Curbside Pick-Up, in response to COVID-19. Visit https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/ to learn about our response and what you can expect from our virtual and physical services.
Some important highlights from the guide are below!
Printing Fee Changes
Our Mobile Print provider, WEPA, has adjusted their price of printing on campus. Below are their new fees:
8.5x11" (Letter):
8.5x14" (Legal)
If you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to help! Email us at bell.library@tamucc.edu.
Looking for the latest issues of Rolling Stones, Time, Vanity, or other popular magazine titles?
Check out our newest library resource, Flipster!! https://bit.ly/FlipsterTAMUCC
International Education Week, an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, is Monday, November 16 - Friday, November 20.
Get Involved!
International Games Week is dedicated to celebrating games of all kinds and bringing awareness to gaming in libraries! Although this year we will not be having our typical in-person International Games Day celebration, we will still have virtual opportunities for everyone to get involved!!
Escape the Virtual Library: Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13
>>> Sign up your team today! <<<
The Bell Library is getting ready to host it's 3rd Escape Room competition! With social distancing in mind, things will look a bit different this year as we shift to an entirely virtual escape room. Faculty, staff, students, departments, colleges, organization, Greek Life, and all other groups on campus are being challenged to put together a team of 3-4 players and see if they have what it takes to solve a series of puzzles and escape!
For any questions, please contact bell.library@tamucc.edu.
The 2020 Open Access Week theme for this year’s International Open Access Week, to be held October 19-25, will be “Open with Purpose: Taking Action to Build Structural Equity and Inclusion.” Join us for our library events: Open Access Workshop and Townhall Discussion!
On our guide (bit.ly/TamuccOAWeek2020), we have listed out Open Access events happening in academic libraries across the country (including a few of our own!). All events are free, though some do require that you register. This is by no means a comprehensive list of what events are happening in the States, not to mention the rest of the world! If you have any questions about events or open access in general, please contact alexa.hight@tamucc.edu.
Below is more information about our virtual library events:
Open Access Workshop with Alexa Hight (Tuesday, October 20 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm)
What is Open Access? Why is it important? And how can TAMU-CC help you contribute? In this virtual workshop, our Scholarly Communications Librarian, Alexa Hight, will discuss the importance of open access and how to make the most of the Open Access Fund, an initiative to promote open publishing across campus.
To join this workshop, go to: bit.ly/OAWorkshop2020
For questions, please contact us at bell.library@tamucc.edu.
Townhall Discussion: Paywall: The Business of Scholarship (Thursday, October 22 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm)
Have you watched the film Paywall: The Business of Scholarship? Still have questions about Elsevier or Open Access? Join Mary and Jeff Bell Library's Dean Catherine Rudowsky and our Scholarly Communications Librarian, Alexa Hight, who will lead a discussion on these topics. Additionally, if you have questions regarding The Texas Coalition for United Action, please join us!
You are encouraged to watch the film for free, available on our LibGuide: http://bit.ly/TamuccOAWeek2020
The WebEx Link for the meeting is also available on our LibGuide, under our Open Access Week 2020 tab.
For any questions, please contact bell.library@tamucc.edu.
Virtual Book displays, guides, trivia contests! This year the library and campus community have many activities for students, faculty, staff to get involved in and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (or Latinx/o/a Heritage Month).
Facebook Trivia Contest
We have just started our Hispanic Heritage Month trivia contest on our Facebook page!
Be the first person to answer our questions about Hispanic culture and accomplishments correctly and we will enter you into our weekly drawing for one of our prize packs! We will post a question every day during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) and the prize packs will be available for pick-up at the library. Only current students, staff, and faculty are eligible to participate in this year's contest.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guide
Visit our guide (https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/HHM/) for a calendar of upcoming events across campus, books in our collection, our Virtual Book display, films, databases, online resources, and more!
For any questions about library celebrations, contact us at bell.library@tamucc.edu.
The Mary and Jeff Bell Library stands firmly against all forms of racism. We support Black Lives Matter and the stance against the continued discrimination and violence against the Black community.
We have created a Racial Justice Resource guide, a growing collection of racial justice and anti-racism resources, to share resources with the community. We encourage you to explore the resources, watch the videos, listen to the recommended podcasts, and to grow, for knowledge is only the beginning.
We want this to be a growing, changing guide and are open to suggestions and resource submissions! To submit resources to add (such as books, organizations, online resources) or suggestions, please share with us at bell.library@tamucc.edu.
This year our annual Islander Cell Phone Photography Show is going digital and has been hosted online! Visit the exhibit page to browse through the submissions: https://library.tamucc.edu/exhibits/s/cellphonephotoshow/. Thank you to all of the Islanders who contributed their fantastic photos! After you browse the exhibition, remember to vote for your top 5 favorites using our form! Based on your votes, the top 10 photos will be selected as winners. These photos will be printed, framed, and physically exhibited in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library.
Hey Islanders!! The Mary and Jeff Bell Library is closed, but access to all of the library’s digital resources remains a 24/7 service! Online research support will also remain in effect (Mon.-Thurs. 8am - 8pm; Fri. 8am - 5pm; and Sun. 12pm - 6pm), so don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance!
Additionally, interlibrary loan (ILL) of e-resources will continue - so if you need an article or eBook, be sure to reach out (for more information, contact ILL by emailing ill@tamucc.edu).
Please continue to check the guide for the most up to date information about library resources and services. For more information, please call 361.825.2643.
Support your fellow Islanders during finals week with encouraging words and memes on our virtual Board of Motivation! Need to vent or rage? Let it all out in our Google Forms-O-Negativity. You've got this, Islanders!!
Check out these amazing resources to celebrate Earth Week by visiting our Earth Week Guide! Learn about campus initiatives, library resources, information on the web, and recommendations from your Islander Green Team. Learn how to get engaged and make every day Earth Day!
Hey Islanders!! The Mary and Jeff Bell Library building may be closing, but access to all of the library’s digital resources remains a 24/7 service!! Online research support will also remain in effect (Mon.-Thurs. 8am - 8pm; Fri. 8am - 5pm; and Sun. 12pm - 6pm), so don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance!! Additionally, interlibrary loan (ILL) of e-resources will continue - so if you need an article or eBook, be sure to reach out (for more information, contact ILL by emailing ill@tamucc.edu). Please continue to check the guide for the most up to date information about library resources and services. For more information, please call 361.825.2643.
Do you need to pick up library materials and maintain social distance? We can help with that!
Call 361-825-2340 to request the book(s) via curbside.
We will need:
When you get to campus, take the second entrance to the Curlew Parking Lot and wait in the inside corner by the Faculty Center and Bay Hall.
Once you arrive:
We will then walk the item(s) out to the car and verify via Sanddollar or Photo ID. Stay safe and healthy!
Need to work from home? No worries! We have many online services that can help, no matter where you are. Contact our Ask Us desk over chat, text, email, phone, or ask us about our virtual one-on-one WebEx consultations - there are many ways to reach us and get the help you need, even if you can't come in!
Find our contact info, hours, and FAQ at help.library.tamucc.edu/
Spring Break is here, Islanders!! The library will be open this week from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday, March 9 to Wednesday, March 11. The library, along with the TAMU-CC campus, will be closed Thursday, March 12 to Friday, March 13. We will reopen this Saturday, March 14 from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Have a fun, relaxing, and safe break!
Founded in 2013 by Open Education Global (previously Open Education Consortium), the goal of Open Education Week is to raise awareness and showcase impact of open education on teaching and learning worldwide. Open Education Week has become one of the most foremost global events recognizing high achievement and excellence in open education.
The week-long event spotlights amazing work from over a dozen categories including live, face-to-face events, webinars, projects, and resources. To learn more about Open Education Week events, check out our Guide! If you have questions or want to learn more about Open Education on the Island, get in touch with Lisa Louis, Head of Research & Learning.
Did you know that Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects an annual theme for Black History Month? Learn more about this year’s theme, online resources, and some great library resources and the library guide that will help you engage and discover!
Welcome to the spring semester of 2020! We’re excited to have everyone back on campus. It’s great to have our library full of Islanders again. If we can help, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ve got lots of great resources to help you succeed in your courses – including people! Did you know that there is a librarian specifically assigned to your major? Discover your librarian today!
The Bell Library is offering our first Winter Break Reading Challenge. We’re challenging you to read at least two books over the Winter Break. (You can of course read more, but two seems like a good number to leisurely get through during your time off.)
Trisha has provided a handy “Bell Library’s Winter Break Reading Challenge” category sheet to help guide your winter picks. To read more about the challenge check out our latest blog post. Happy Reading Islanders!
Are you ready to walk that stage? Could you use a little bling and flair? Head on up to the I-Create Lab and decorate your graduation cap. The lab will provide the supplies - all you need is your cap and your imagination! The decorating magic happens on Tuesday December 10th from 4:00-6:00pm.
For more information, reach out to the I-Create Lab at 361-825-2311.
With the Holidays near, the I-Create Lab is here to help you create your own unique gifts!
Join I-Create student worker Drew as she teaches you how to design and create engravings for tumblers, glasses, and stemware using the lab’s laser engraver.
If you would like to participate in this workshop, please bring a glass of your own. Tumblers, wine glasses, champagne flutes, and other glassware will all work just fine!
For more information, contact emily.metcalf@tamucc.edu.
A Night Against Procrastination! Study, write, eat, caffeinate, and find Zen: Finals are just around the corner, so join librarians and students as we spend a night working against procrastination!
Stop by between 4:30-9:00 pm for a space where you can study for your upcoming tests, write your papers, fuel yourself with munchies and caffeine, and find a bit of Zen in periodic breaks.
For more information, contact emily.metcalf@tamucc.edu.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Freddie Records, a leading independent Latin record label located in Corpus Christi and home to Grammy-winning superstars, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will host the Freddie Records 50th Anniversary Panel Discussion and Kickoff Event.
Thursday, November 7
3:00-5:00 pm
Mary and Jeff Bell Library, first floor
The event includes a panel discussion by three University professors, along with comments from Freddie Martinez Sr., legendary six-time Grammy winning artist, producer, and songwriter; and Robert J. Gonzalez, Attorney at Law who will speak on the historical significance of Freddie Records.
A display of Freddie Record documents, photographs, records, along with six Grammy’s won over the years will be on display. The event will also share more information about a 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held on Wednesday, December 11, on campus.
Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Margaret Dechant at 361-825-2863.
A high engagement and high impact workshops that discusses microaggression with a special focus on the demographics of our Island!
Workshop will also cover best practices of gender and racial inclusivity. Involves a “stereotype smash” activity and reflection piece.
Participants will be considered an Inclusive Islander and receive an exclusive sticker & pin to advertise this training.
Tuesday, November 5
3:30 pm
Room 208
Interviewing and networking skills are the keys that open the locks to a successful job search and career.
This session will help you articulate your marketable and transferrable skills in an interview while providing you with the latest strategies for effectively networking and developing professional relationships!
Tuesday, October 29
3:30 pm
Bell Library, Room 208
Do you believe that access to scholarly research should be free? Learn more at our Open Access Week Movie Screening and Panel Discussion
Wednesday, October 23
2:00 pm
Legacy Ballroom, UC
Students, faculty, and other researchers need access to published research articles to help accelerate discovery and fuel innovation. Yet, most of the scholarly research available is trapped behind expensive paywalls. Come learn more about the Open Access movement at Bell Library’s movie screening of Paywall: The Business of Scholarship and panel discussion. Movie description: A documentary which questions the rationale behind the $25.2 billion a year that flows into for-profit academic publishers. (paywallthemovie.com) Come for the free popcorn bar!
Feeling out of your depth when it comes to college-level writing?
Did you know the CASA Writing Center can help? Come learn tips for approaching and managing writing projects and explores elements of the writing process.
Tuesday, October 15
3:30 pm
Room 208, Bell Library
Use the I-Create Lab to create amazing costume designs! In this workshop you will learn to use the sewing machines available in the I-Create Lab.
Friday, October 11
3:30 pm
I-Create Lab, Bell Library
Did you know you have the option of finding your way to wellness completely on your own time–from the comfort of your own home?
The Counseling Center will teach you how to use a free service called TAO Connect, an app and online program that can help you feel happier, healthier, and more productive when you’re going through tough times.
On September 26th from 1-4 pm, the library will host an Open House event where the campus community is invited to explore and discover more about their library!
As this event occurs during Banned Books Week, we will also have Theatre students running around, dressed as your favorite banned book character. Feel free to chat with The Cat from the Cat in the Hat, explore the library through a scavenger hunt, browse the Banned Books display, have your mugshot taken for having read a banned book, participate in games to win prizes and so much more!!
For more information, please contact patricia.hernandez@tamucc.edu.
Come see the library’s I-Create makerspace in action. Bell Library will be performing a live demonstration of the printing press and laser cutter/engraver to create commemorative Constitution themed giveaways! Stop by and get yours while supplies last!
Tuesday, September 17
12:00 – 2:00 pm
Library Breezeway
Writing a standout resume is a daunting task. Come learn practical tips and tricks on what to include on your resume and how to write simply while still highlighting your strengths and experiences.
Class taught by Career Services.
See more upcoming library workshops.
The new pricing structure for the I-Create Lab goes into effect Monday, August 19. View a list of all I-Create Lab charges.
For more information, you can call the I-Create Lab at 361-825-2311 or email I-CreateLab@tamucc.edu.
The Fourth Annual Islander Cell Phone Photography Show
The show features photographs captured by your cell phone, which will be displayed in the Library’s downstairs atrium exhibition space from Wednesday, July 10, through Sunday, September 15.
For more information, contact Jennifer Anderson at jennifer.anderson@tamucc.edu; or call ext. 3321.
Looking for something fun to do in the library? We currently offer 38 games of different varieties that you and your friends can use inside the library. These games range from time honored board games like Monopoly and Candyland to games like trivia based on the TV show the Walking Dead.
Join us as we celebrate the Opening Reception for the Islander Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition. The exhibition is open to all faculty and staff members and their work will be on display from May 2 through June 30!
Reception
Friday, May 10, 2019
6:00pm - 8:00pm
1st Floor Gallery, Bell Library
Related Subject Guide: Islander Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition by Trisha Hernandez
Keep calm and watch a British movie or tellybox series with our Across the Pond DVD display! The display is located near the library entrance next to the Circulation Desk.
Selections have been lovingly curated by our in-house Media Maven!
Cheerio, ‘ol chap, that’s bloody well right!
Ever wondered how President Quintanilla came to be such a phenomenal speaker? Now's your chance to find out!
President Quintanilla will teach us about public speaking tips and tricks!
Tuesday, April 16
at 3:30 pm
Room #208, Bell Library 2nd Floor
Seating is limited.
Got library fines? Want a free Whataburger? From April 1 – 14, one non-perishable food item donated to the library will remove $2.00 in fines. You'll also receive a voucher for one free Whataburger.
Join us as we celebrate the work of Dr. Michael Ramirez.
Thursday, April 4 at 2:00 pm, on the library's second floor, outside of Special Collections and Archives. An opportunity for questions and conversations will follow the event and refreshments will be served.
Find more information about Dr. Ramirez.
Celebrate Women’s History Month by watching a movie or TV series featuring a strong female character or female ensemble cast! The display is located near the library entrance next to the Circulation Desk. Selections have been lovingly curated by our in-house Media Maven!
CCISD Youth Art Month Exhibition and Reception: The Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will host the CCISD Youth Art Month Exhibition in the downstairs and upstairs exhibit areas through the month of March. The exhibit will feature work from both CCISD middle and high school students with art mediums including collage, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. The exhibit will give local art students the opportunity to come to campus to meet Island University Art Department professors and staff and learn more about the programs offered. A closing reception will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bell Library. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jennifer Anderson at email jennifer.anderson@tamucc.edu.
On September 14, 1919 a hurricane struck just below the city of Corpus Christi around the area of Baffin Bay. This September marks the 100-year anniversary of the storm. Check out our display commemorating anniversary of the 1919 hurricane located on the 2nd Floor outside Special Collections and Archives.
For decades the people of Corpus Christi believed they were guarded against hurricanes because they were built on a bluff above sea level. Indianola and Galveston had both been devastated by massive hurricanes, but Corpus Christi had escaped major storm damage. The citizens believed the storm would pass with little damage.
The day went by as many others had, they did not know the horror that awaited them. The false sense of security of the natural advantages of Corpus Christi’s landscape would be lost in just a few short hours. Much of the city was built below the bluff in the Downtown and North Beach areas. These areas offered little protection from storm surge.
In the early morning hours of September 14, the storm moved across the area. The people had less than a day to prepare and many ignored those warnings. Corpus Christi understood that no one was immune from hurricanes after this night. The seawall, breakwater, and other measures were put in place to thwart storm surge. Hurricane warnings would not be ignored again.
The Hurricane of 1919 left devastation across the city, hundreds lost their lives, and in the wake of the storm a city that needed to rebuild. The display shows the destruction of the city in the storm’s wake, the communication after the storm, the literature about the storm, and photographs of downtown today.
Check out these upcoming library workshops.
Tuesday, February 12
3:30 pm
Library Conference Room, #208
This workshop introduces students to the concepts of revision and peer review by defining these terms, emphasizing their value in the writing process, and offering suggestions for providing and receiving effective feedback. Following the workshop, students are asked to switch papers with a peer and engage in the peer review process.
Tuesday, February 19
3:30 pm
Library Conference Room, #208
When you get a writing assignment, how do you know what your professors want? How do you know what kinds of language and format will work for that class (or job)? All writing occurs within contexts that include the values, knowledge, and beliefs of the people engaged in reading and writing it. Academic writing reflects the values, knowledge, and beliefs of the discipline (History, Biology, Art) within which it occurs. This workshop, presented by the College of Liberal Arts, will help you find out what your professors are expecting, and a few tips for success. Please bring writing prompts if you have them!
Tuesday, March 5
3:30 pm
I-Create Lab
Learn the applications of a CNC Router and use one yourself at this I-Create Lab workshop!
Stop by the Circulation Desk to checkout the newest DVD display with over 40 titles.
The display will be up until the end of February. It showcases entire series of television shows that are no longer on the air, perfect for staying cozy on the couch and binge watching during the south Texas winter.
The library is hosting an open house for the new I-Create Lab with workshops and demonstrations throughout the day.
Tuesday, January 29 - Thursday, January 31
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
I-Create is located on the second floor of the Bell Library.
Check out the Whiteboard Question of the Week on the 2nd floor. We want to know about how you feel about your library – so we’ll ask a new question each Monday. We’re curious, so we’ll ask about other things too!
This week’s question, “What are you looking forward to this semester?”
The library is often thought of as the central hub of campus but few people really know about the amazing resources, services, and programs available. This blog will share news and other important library information, show you easy tips and tricks for getting the most out of library databases and other resources, and discuss issues and new trends we face in the library field and how they affect you. We’ll reveal behind the scenes details and insights into the inner workings of the library and have some fun along the way!
Can't make it to the library? Access streaming videos online. Kanopy offers over 26,000 documentary, educational, and feature films. Access Kanopy from the library's database list or download the app. There's also a Roku channel to download to watch on your TV!
Now that finals are over, pick up a book from our Popular Reading collection to read for the pure enjoyment of it. Looking for a little mystery in your life? How about a little romance? Maybe you're up for an edge of your seat adventure? Whatever your mood, you can find it in the Popular Reading collection. Happy reading!
Access to online library resources will be offline for a brief time the morning of Friday, Dec 14 from approximately 8:45 - 10:00 am. During that time our online library resources will be unavailable.
We waited until exams were done, but if you have questions or need assistance during this time, please Ask Us via chat or call 361-825-2609.
When you need a quick break from your finals week studies, stop by either the downstairs or upstairs Finals Week Break Zones to grab some coloring sheets, word search puzzles, and more.
Looking for some motivation? Visit the motivation board near the library’s entrance to get inspired or post something to inspire others. Keep with it, Islanders, you’re almost there!!
Come see three BFA Exhibits on display at the library. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must present a senior project during their final semester. The Bell Library is one of the locations that students can reserve for exhibiting their work.
This semester we have the pleasure of hosting three shows at the same time. Jade Goldick’s Symbiosis of Colour is on the first floor. Mandy Garcia’s Force Majeure and Erica Garcia’s Stage Presence are on the second floor. All three installations were part of An Evening of Fine Art Exhibitions at TAMUCC on November 16 with receptions and an opportunity to meet the artists. The exhibits will be available through December 6.
Finals are just around the corner! On November 26, come to the library for a space where you can study for your upcoming tests, write your papers, fuel yourself with munchies and caffeine, and find a bit of Zen during scheduled breaks. Your librarians and the Writing Center consultants will be on hand for any help you might need!
November 26
From 4:30-9:00 pm
Room 208
Bell Library is now on Instagram!
You’ve seen our tweets and posts on Facebook. Now follow us on Instagram @tamucclibrary.
We’ll be posting about all the fun, interesting stuff going on in the library so you can stay up to date.
Join us as we celebrate the work of Dr. Chuntao Liu. We will gather at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 14 on the library's second floor, outside of Special Collections and Archives. An opportunity for questions and conversations will follow the event, refreshments will be served.
More information about Dr. Chuntao and the Outstanding Author Speaker Series
Come celebrate International Games Day at the library! On Saturday, November 10 we will have a variety of games including an escape room, giant chess, console video games, board and card games.
International Games Week is an initiative to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games.
The first 5 Participants Win 1 Free Gamer’s Swag Bag!!
Escape Room details:
Do you and your group have what it takes to ESCAPE THE LIBRARY?
During the week of November 5-9, the Mary and Jeff Bell Library challenges the Islander Community to take part in an immersive adventure game! Departments and student organizations are encouraged to sign up for one of the many time slots and compete for the fastest escape room time!
Winners will receive recognition for their achievement, a tasty catered treat, and of course bragging rights as the year's champion.
Update: Sign ups are full but there will be four time slots available on Saturday, November 10 on a first come, first served basis. A sign up sheet will be available inside the library at 10:00 am on November, 10.
Sign your group up!
When is it OK to copy and use work created by other people? Where can you publish your work online? Come to our workshop to discuss copyright, explore open content, and learn about different digital publishing platforms.
Tuesday, October 30
3:30 pm
2nd Floor of the Library (near Special Collections & Archives)
Food insecurity is a problem that affects campuses across the nation. Every non-perishible food item donated October 15 – November 5, 2018 removes $2.00 in library fines.
Most Desired Items
All donations benefit Izzy’s Food Pantry a partnership of the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
The Bell Library is hosting an edit-a-thon focused on developing Wikipedia articles around key figures and moments in Hispanic history and civil rights. Students, faculty, staff and community members of all experience levels are encouraged to participate!
● Panel presentation
● Learn to edit the free encyclopedia
● Help others learn about Wikipedia
Chat with editors, librarians, and scholars, and contribute your knowledge.
Reference materials, lunch and editing help provided. Bring your laptop, power cord, and ideas for entries that need updating or creation.
The spooky season is upon us. Take a break from your studies and indulge in a movie or TV show. Check out our DVD display just inside the doors lovingly curated by our in-house media maven. We have something for every taste; horror, suspense, gory thrills, even creature features.
Celebrate Banned Books Week with displays, activities, and interactive events!
Stop by the library anytime this week to explore our interactive display, learn more about the banning and challenging of books, leave comments about your thoughts on the issue, and enter to win amazing prizes! A special display will highlight banned/challenged musical pieces as well.
On Thursday, September 27, 1:00-4:00 pm, stop by for the library’s Open House event where you can explore the library through a scavenger hunt, interact with banned book characters (brought to life by Theatre students), purchase a custom printmaking shirt for $20 ($10 if you bring your own item to print on), and so much more!
Think, learn, and grow by attending our September Workshops! The Library is partnering with the Writing Center and Career Services to offer workshops during the month of September. All workshops will be hosted on the 2nd floor of the Bell Library and begin at 3:30 pm.
Workshop dates and topics include:
Be sure to check back soon for details on our October Workshops!
A warm Island welcome to our new and returning students. We're excited that it's time for the fall semester to begin! If you have any questions, let us know – we’re happy to help!
Did you tune in to AMC's The Terror? Looking for more information behind this devastating expedition? Check out the library's amazing video streaming database, Kanopy, to view PBS' Arctic Ghost Ship, an amazing documentary about the plights of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
Librarians from the Mary and Jeff Bell Library worked with Dr. Jen Brown’s Public History class this past spring to create some unique online exhibits. Alston Cobourn, Lisa Louis, and Ed Warga helped students locate sources and hone their research skills to put together Environmental Narratives of the Texas Coastal Bend and The Mexican American Fight for Freedom. Students learned how to locate specific sources to showcase oral history collections. They also gained an understanding of the importance of archival preservation, metadata, and increasing the accessibility of digital collections. The project will continue to grow, so keep your eye out for more South Texas Stories.
We are pleased to announce new additions to the William and Patricia Green Surveying Records that reflect the service of and relationship between William Green and Felix, Charles, and Conrad von Blucher, who formed an unbroken lineage of official surveyors in our region and whose records extensively document the development of Nueces County and its surrounding areas. A special thanks to Joyce Green for stopping by the library to gift these items from the estate of her late mother-in-law, Patricia Green.
We’re very happy to announce the arrival of two new members of our team. Anjanette Jones joins us as our new User Experience and Web Design Librarian. Emily Metcalf is our new Instructional Services Librarian. Drop by the library and say hello and help us welcome them both to the Island!
Our Media Staff have let us know that they have a new batch of documentaries available for checkout. The films cover a wide variety of topics. They also let us know that we now have all the seasons for Vikings and Poldark. Give your brain a break today! If you have questions about anything Media related, let us know 361-825-2311.
Want to learn more about that bird? Check out Birds of North America. The library now subscribes, offering you detailed scientific information for more than 700 species of birds nesting in the United States and Canada, with images and recordings of bird songs and calls.
Did you know? 2018 is the Year of the Bird!
Special Collections and Archives recently acquired two collections of oral histories captured by students in two history classes this past fall. The students interviewed residents in the Corpus Christi area affected by Hurricane Harvey which made landfall in Rockport, Texas on August 2017. The interviews were collaborative projects with Special Collections and Archives staff and the students. You can access the histories here: http://bit.ly/2IdQ1So and http://bit.ly/2pR13WU
As Black History Month comes to a close and Women’s History begins, the library is offering limited time access to four primary source databases. The American Slavery Collection: 1820-1922, Slavery and Anti-Slavery: A Transnational Archive, Women’s Issues and Identities, and the Archives of Sexuality and Gender will all be accessible on a trial bases. Take a look and let us know what you think!
Have you been in the library lately? Our students and graduate assistants are now sporting library shirts. Looking for some help in the stacks? You can now spot a team member on sight. Many thanks to all of our students for helping make the library an awesome place to work!
ProQuest Central brings together multiple databases to provide access across all major subject areas, including business, health and medical, social sciences, arts and humanities, education, science and technology, and religion. The collection includes thousands of full-text scholarly journals, newspapers, magazines, dissertations, working papers, and market reports.
We’re looking for nominations for our next Outstanding Author in our Speaker Series. You can find our earlier speakers here. We’re excited to continue to highlight the scholarship and creative activity of our Island community. Want to brag a little? Self-nominations are welcome!
Have you met Ed? Our Reference and Scholarly Communication Librarian has added some new resources to our web site. Learn about Author Services, Copyright, Research Data Management, Theses and Dissertations, and much more! We can help with tools and services for sharing research outputs, guidance on publishing options, and assistance in decoding traditional and alternative impact metrics. Contact Ed Warga at edward.warga@tamucc.edu or 361-825-5961 for more information.
Want to learn more about that bird? Check out Birds of North America. The library now subscribes, offering you detailed scientific information for more than 700 species of birds nesting in the United States and Canada, with images and recordings of bird songs and calls.
Women’s Magazine Archive provides access to the complete archives of the foremost titles of this type, including Good Housekeeping and Ladies’ Home Journal, which serve as canonical records of evolving assumptions about gender roles and cultural mores. Other titles here focus on narrower topics but deliver valuable source content for specific research areas. Parents, for example, is of particular relevance for research in the fields of children’s education, psychology, and health, as well as reflecting broader social historical trends. The magazines are all scanned from cover to cover in high-resolution color, ensuring that the original print artifacts are faithfully reproduced and that valuable non-article items, such as advertisements, are included.
Better Homes & Gardens (1922 to 2005)
Chatelaine (1928 to 2005)
Good Housekeeping (1885 to 2005)
Ladies’ Home Journal (1883 to 2005)
Parents (1926 to 2005)
Redbook (1903 to 2005)
Have you tried streaming Kanopy yet? One of the latest additions to the library - Kanopy offers documentary, educational, and feature films. There's a companion app and a Roku channel, so you can take Kanopy with you! Enjoy over 26,000 titles on us.
Searching has changed!
We’ve changed the search platform used in a Quick Search. This will offer better search results and improve linking to library content. The changes will be most obvious in the results list and the Journals list. Take a look around and see what you think!
If you have questions or if you need any assistance, please reach out to the Ask Us Desk or stop by and see a librarian.
Did you know that the library offers access to streaming video content? Check out Films on Demand (we have both the Master Academic Package and the Nursing Video Collection!)
You can also find some amazing content in Kanopy. Download their app and take your content with you!
Can't find what you're looking for? We also offer streaming through Ambrose Digital Video.
Access Films on Demand, Kanopy and Ambrose on the library's Database page.
