Welcome to Summer!

Welcome students, faculty and staff to Eastfield Community College!

Drop by the library for:

  • computers
  • books
  • magazines
  • DVDs and videos
  • friendly help

Summer hours starting June 5:
          Mon - Thurs. 7:30am - 10pm
          Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
          Saturday 9am - 2pm
          Sunday - Closed

Changes at the library: Update

The Eastfield Library has a new centralized desk! Circulation has moved into the desk and soon reference will be there as well. So remember, to check books and cd’s in or out, inquire about books placed on hold, reserve a study room, or other general questions stop by the new centralized desk and talk to a circulation attendant.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time of transition in the library.

Construction!

Please excuse our dust! The library is getting a new service desk and things are turned around for the moment. Please note circulation (where you drop off or check books out) has temporarily moved to the Reference Area, near the student computers.

Behold the people!

BEHOLD THE PEOPLE: R.C. HICKMAN’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF BLACK DALLAS 1949 - 1961

October 28 - December 9, 2008

 

R.C. Hickman, famous Dallas photographer, documented the life and times of the African-American community in Texas through his incredible images published between 1949 and 1961. His photographs depict the struggles of the people, the extraordinary lives of many performers who became legends, and the vivid sights and sounds of early Dallas. His photos, Lost Dallas, introduce places that once were so popular and have now ceased to be. This is a wonderful history of Black Dallas in photographs. Informative, educational, and inspirational, Behold the People should not be missed. This exhibit is made possible through Humanities Texas and with the sponsorship of SPAR (Student Programs & Resources) at Eastfield College.

New Directions for a New Year

Can’t decide on a major? Want to change your direction or career? Check out these great books at the library for help!

The Book of Majors (EREF L901 C7442 2007) is found in the reference section of the library. This detailed work has descriptions of over 800 majors, universities that offer them, and career paths you could follow with your degree.

Career Wisdom for College Students (EMAIN HF3381 V58 007) offers interesting information and insights to help students decide what career to pursue.

With all the talk of careers, check out How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters (EMAIN HF5383 C742 2008) to make a great first impression.

Don’t forget to investigate career choices with our selection of career books!

 Happy Holidays! :)

Book Review: Top Ten Death Penalty Myths

book cover

The Top Ten Death Penalty Myths by Rudolph J. Gerber and John M. JohnsonThe myths or misconceptions of capital punishment are outlined succinctly by Rudolph Gerber and John Johnson in their book, The Top Ten Death Penalty Myths. Some of the myths the authors present show a failure of traditional thought to accurately reflect reality. Topics discussed include:

  • Not all persons in prison, or who find themselves on death row are actually guilty of the crime.
  • Social class dictates legal counsel and final verdicts.
  • There are discriminatory practices in the Criminal Justice System.
  •  Executions at midnight, which are surrounded in secrecy, do not provide an effective deterrent to prevent others from committing the same crime.
  • We like to believe that lethal injection is a painless means of dying; however, the procedure is an excruciating means of death.
  • Capital punishment appears to provide closure for the victims but witnessing the execution of the offender only exacerbates the grief of the victim and brings into clear view the agony of the family of the perpetrator.

In this comprehensive review, the authors provide a revealing critique of the misrepresentation of the death penalty as a public policy issue. Each major myth purported by advocates of capital punishment is systematically dismantled and refreshingly analyzed.

—————————–

The following is a review from Library Journal and may be accessed here: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6574071.html?q=%22top+ten+death+penalty+myths%22

Gerber, Rudolph J. & John M. Johnson. The Top Ten Death Penalty Myths: The Politics of Crime Control. Praeger. 2008. 256p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-275-99780-9. $49.95. CRIME

Does the United States need a death penalty today, especially since we are among the few nations that still have one? Its proponents claim that it deters crime, that death by lethal injection is painless and humane, that it is racially neutral, and that it provides “closure” for the victim’s families. However, in this volume, attorney Gerber (retired judge, Arizona Court of Appeals) and Johnson (justice studies, Arizona State Univ.) dismantle these claims and several others with clear, well-researched arguments. Beginning with the history of the death penalty in Colonial times, the authors document how it has evolved over the years and how it has affected lawmakers and ordinary citizens alike. Particularly interesting are little gems of information about how politicians have used it to further their own careers. Although the authors lack the passion of a Sister Helen Prejean (who provides the foreword), their book is a vital contribution to the anti-death penalty cause. Written in lay readers’ language, the arguments are poignant and intense. The book could serve as a primer for anti-death penalty groups. Highly recommended.-Frances Sandiford, formerly with Green Haven Correctional Facility Lib., Stormville, NY

WELCOME!

 Fall 2008 is here!

Welcome to Eastfield College!

Welcome back to those returning as well as new students, faculty, and staff. The new semester brings new events, challenges, opportunities, and friends. Finding new classrooms can be hectic, but remember to stop by the library and enjoy the great services offered!

Here is some useful information to start the semester:

Eastfield College Library
L200 (second floor of the L building, above the lower courtyard)
Phone: 972-860-7168

Hours of operation:
Monday - Thursday     7:30am to 10pm
Friday                            7:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday                       9:00am to 2pm

A photographic celebration of the human spirit

Eastfield College Library
Presents

“People’s Lives: A Photographic Celebration of the Human Spirit”

A Humanities Texas exhibit
July 21 - September 1

 

Photographs by Bill Wright of Abilene, Texas, reflect ordinary people whose lives have intersected his through over 20 years of world travel. Based on a book published by the University of Texas Press, the photographs examine people in various aspects of their lives including their home life, work, and play. Less observance than participatory, Wright has connected with his subjects in a most intimate manner. He remembers the events, the conversations, and the reason for each photo making this assemblage a meaningful work of art.  Many foreign cultures are represented such as China, Uzbekistan, Australia, Nepal, Morocco, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Throughout all, Wright has insisted on celebrating the spirit of “strength, joy, courage, and determination.” His photographs reveal the heart of the people with love and adoration. Not to be missed, “People’s Lives” is a wholesome memorial to the human spirit.

The project was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Eastfield College Student Programs & Resources.

For more information, call 972-860-7168 or visit www.eastfieldcollege.com. This event is free to attend.

Coming up…

July is busy! Between all the fun, work, and studying don’t forget these important dates:

July 3rd - Summer Session I final exams
July 3rd - Summer Session I ends

July 4th Holiday!!!

July 7th and 8th - Eastfield Library closed. You may still come in to return items and use copy machines.
July 9th - Summer Session II begins
July 11th - Friday class meeting
July 18th - Friday class meeting

Don’t forget to register for the Fall Semester. Registration is going on now!

 

Summer fun!

BBQ!

Swimming!

Summer Vacation!

Let the Eastfield College Library help you with your vacation plans! We offer travel and culture books for the United States and the world. Take a look:

Quick Escapes: Dallas/Ft. Worth         F394 D213 R634 2005
This book, located in the reference section, highlights 23 weekend getaways in and around Texas. It features mini vacation ideas with outdoor themes, museums, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and much more.

Mobil Travel Guides 2006-2008.
A great series of books located in the F section of the reference and main collections, the guides give detailed information about the entire nation including Hawaii and Alaska. Each city entry includes basic information such as when the city was founded, population, zip and area codes, hotels, and contact information. Great features for each entry include “what to see and do” and “special events”.

Cultures of the World
This is an outstanding series of books that detail cultures, events, and sights of countries from all over the world. Each book contains information on the country’s geography, history, economy, environment, and culture. The books are located near the reference desk and are available for check-out.

For more vacation planning ideas try NetLibrary e-books. NetLibrary carries many of the Frommer’s travel guides that can be accessed from any computer with Internet service. Try out NetLibrary through the DCCCD library home page. Enter your name and student id number to gain full access.

Summer is here! Have fun!