PowerBlog

The Patrick Power Library is excited about being part of a new province-wide initiative titled One Book Nova Scotia .  It is being organized by Libraries Nova Scotia , a consortium of university, college and public libraries, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage and the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia.  More information is available from the official web site .   The idea is to get as many Nova Scotians as possible to share the experience of reading the same book.  This year’s selection is Twenty-Six by Leo McKay Jr., a novel based on the Westray mining disaster.  As one of the partner organizations, the Library is encouraging participation among as many Saint Mary's students, faculty and staff as possible.  In addition to our catalogued copy, we have 5 additional copies available to be borrowed.  Just ask at the Circulation Desk.  The book is also available at local independent and chain bookstores (and, of course, the usual online sources), in

You read that right.  The Atrium, with all of its comfortable chairs and its computers (and printer), is now open all day, every day. As soon as the Library closes (most nights at 11 o'clock), Security will arrive and keep the Atrium open.  This should prove really popular with all those night owls whose brains don't seem to kick in until midnight approaches.  Laptop not working? Printer out of ink?  Roommate driving you crazy? Not a problem. But there are a few things you need to know: It's for SMU students (and faculty & staff) only. You'll need to show your ID, so make sure you bring it with you. It will be a safe environment - University Security will be monitoring the space. No food, just drinks It's the Atrium only - no access to McNally, Burke or Science buildings You'll need to use the entrance off of the Quad (facing the Student Centre) Security has a list of acceptable conditions of use (no excessive noise, disruptive behavior).  Thi

As you may have noticed, some portions of the library aren't as bright as they should be.  Many of the lights in the main Reference area on the first floor and significant sections of the 2nd and 3rd floors are out.  Needless to say, on an overcast day like today those areas are rather gloomy and not great places to work. However, we have alerted the University to the problem and they will be working to fix it as soon as possible. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience.  Hopefully, the Library will be back to its old bright and inviting space very shortly.

Or if you're new to Saint Mary's, welcome to the Patrick Power Library (virtual edition).  We hope your summer was enjoyable, interesting, maybe even profitable. We use this blog (and our Facebook page ) to let people know what's going on here (libraries are changing rapidly these days and we're no exception) - new journals, books or databases, improvements to our services, changes to our hours, just about anything. For example, even though this past summer was a relatively quiet one compared to the previous few years (construction of Atrium, renovations to the building), some things will look different.  Our homepage has been refreshed and reorganized.  It has a new background photo and colour scheme and, more importantly, the middle and left-hand "windows" have been (we hope you'll agree) improved.  Of course, if you have any questions or need any help just ask at the Information Desk. And if you're a frequenter of the second floor (with its