List of Top Colleges in California

By Surveen Arora

California is a place which is not only renowned for its varied landscape and Hollywood celebrities, but it is also a great center of education. Apart from the residents of California, students from different parts of the world also come here for pursuing different programs from the top colleges. There are numerous colleges and universities in California which offer varied programs to students worldwide. Several disciplines like photography, business, acting, nursing, etc are in offer for the students. If you are interested in pursuing courses from California, you can have a look at the list of colleges in California offering different programs.
Top Colleges in California

Here we will be discussing about the top colleges in California of different disciplines of study.
Popular Junior Colleges in California

The junior colleges help students to gain skills and knowledge which prepare them for 4 years of degree programs or for entering into professional field. Some of the popular junior colleges in California are listed below:

1. Santa Barbara City College
2. Napa Valley College
3. College of Alameda
4. American River College
5. Los Angeles City College

Popular Fashion Colleges

Presence of Hollywood makes California an ideal place for fashion. The fashion industry is flourishing in this state and students can create great career for themselves in this industry. Some of the top colleges which are well known for different courses in fashion are listed below:

1. California College of the Arts
2. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)
3. Otis College of Art and Design
4. Academy of Couture Art
5. Academy of Art University

Top Acting Colleges in California

If you want to make a career in acting, then you can enroll in any of the top colleges which are well known for their acting programs. The skills and technique of acting are taught in these acting programs. Here is a list of colleges in California which are well known for their acting programs.

1. American Musical and Dramatic Academy
2. The Hollywood Film & Acting Academy
3. Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre
4. Theatre of Arts Multimedia School of Acting
5. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Top Colleges of Nursing

Nursing is a profession which is growing day by day. There are many colleges which offer different nursing programs. There are different job roles for nursing in the professional field. Here we will list some of the top colleges which have different programs in nursing which the students can avail.

1. Biola University
2. University of San Francisco
3. Humboldt State University
4. Loma Linda University
5. Samuel Merritt University

Top Dancing Colleges

Dance is all about passion. If you have the passion, you can establish yourself as a renowned dancer and make dancing your profession. However it is essential to get a certificate or degree from a good dancing college. Let us have a look at some of the top dancing colleges in this state.

1. California State University Long Beach
2. University of California-Irvine
3. Pomona College
4. Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance
5. School of Music and Dance, San Diego State University

This is an extensive list of colleges in California from where you can make your pick.

Surveen Arora is a knowledge seeker and has keen interest in a vast range of topics. She is passionate about writing and loves sharing information which might be helpful for the people. Education is an important part of her writing. To get more information about list of colleges in California

[http://studyinus.bestindiaedu.com/colleges/california.html], she recommends visiting different educational sites.
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Preparing for University 101

By Rubel Zaman

Basic university prep actually begins in early childhood. Most college educated parents want their children to enjoy the same level of prosperity, high income opportunities and prestige that they have, so they start young. Nursery school programs such as Montessori are chosen so the child's cognitive processes will be awakened and invigorated.

Aside from intellectual studies, there are many ways to prepare aspiring students for university and in fact life. Some may be surprised to know that music and math are related, as they both involve metering. Noting and following the beat, rhythmical applications and enhanced concentration all benefit young students. At this point fresh brains are able to sort information and even new brain control centers may be formed to accommodate this new knowledge. Language is another key learning enabler. Most university students will speak at least one foreign language, others may speak more. For each language learned in childhood, the brain creates a new language control centre.

Foreign language can be likened to a bridge, spanning communications with countless new people and opens doors to other cultures. Everyone knows that the world has become very small. Foreign students routinely begin learning English in first grade, if not earlier. Internet communication is commonplace and more than one language exponentially provides the options of increased communication, business, sales, income and travel opportunities, not necessarily in that order.

Another important aspect of university preparation involves developing socialization skills. Some say the best way of doing so is by killing two birds with one stone and enrolling young students in athletic programs. The physical activity, communication, discipline, team work and conflict resolution skills learned through team sports, training and competition help prepare the students for real world challenges on every level. There is a marked difference between students who have trained athletically and those who have not. They are often less self-centered, have better time organization skills, and know what it means to respect authority for the greater good of the team. With childhood obesity on the rise, the actual sport activity is also good for weight control. Additionally, sports teach the positive results in learning lifelong habits of regular physical exercise. This activity relieves stress, creates a serotonin peacefulness and develops self esteem. Last but not least, sports programs promote muscle development and coordination skills which also ease students in socialization issues.

Preparing for university begins in earnest at the high school level. What's learned in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades is later reintroduced on a deeper level in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. As the saying goes, you can run but you cannot hide. The best strategy in preparing students for University is to take the bull by the horns and start young. Let the student realize that the future is important, and that what is learned now will reflect on his / her life's path for the future. When in doubt, if the student is unreasonably struggling with a subject (like Chemistry, Physics, etc.) the parents should be prepared to help bridge the gap with a competent tutor. Warm words of encouragement go a long way, as well as rewards for goals met. Within a period of time, the student will realize that the road to higher education is well worth the effort and sacrifices made along the way.

Whether you are looking to retake your A levels, or simply looking for a change of scene for sixth form, take a look at RIC

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Definition Of Eclectic With Examples, Synonyms, Antonyms And Derivation

By David F James

A definition of eclectic is:

• selecting what is best from various methods and styles,
• combining elements from a variety of sources,
• not following any one system but using the best elements from many systems

The word eclectic comes originally from the Latin legere meaning to collect, choose, assemble and French (eclectique) and Greek (ekletikos) words meaning selective, literally picking out.

Some synonyms of eclectic are:

diverse, assorted, varied, broad, all-embracing.

Antonyms include:

narrow, specific, particular, homogenous.

Sentence Examples

Insert the word "eclectic" into the blanks below:

1. __ styles and influences have been evident all through his song writing career.

2. The club had an amazing __ mix of wealthy stock market traders, bohemian artists, moneyed bankers, and musicians from all musical genres.

3. The walls of his apartment reflected his __ tastes in art.

4. Coming from the school of thought that teaches "Do one thing and do it well" I was amazed at the success of this little restaurant with its __ menu.

5. London has a long history as a cosmopolitan city, but in recent years the __ mix of cultures has reached new levels.

Remember the definition of eclectic is: selecting what is best from various methods and styles, combining elements from a variety of sources, not following any one system but using the best elements from many systems.

6. "I must admit, the mix of Chinese and Indian cultures is charmingly __."

7. For me, the highlight of the cruise was the lavish __ buffet served each evening right through to midnight.

8. The show had the audience riveted to their seats with a fast-moving __ mix of musicians on stage.

9. After studying alternative therapies for some years the treatments she offered her clients became quite __.

10. Always known for his conservative tastes, he surprised everyone by marrying a girl who was deeply __ in every area of life.

11. As you entered the foyer, you were immediately captivated by the variety of fabrics and __ prints worked in very original ways.

12. The book is really just an __ mix of essays recounting his childhood experiences between the two world wars.

Develop A Passion For Words

After reaching adulthood, many people level off in their interest in vocabulary building. They tend to make do with the level they have reached and make do with it for the rest of their lives.

Others take an active interest in constantly expanding their vocabulary and their progress in their career and social life literally takes off.

This can be a powerful motivation for developing a passion for words. Numerous studies have linked a powerful vocabulary with success in business and life in general!

It doesn't have to be a daunting task. Following the pattern set by the definition of eclectic above, spend a few minutes a day considering an interesting word (sign up for a word a day service, there are many on the internet) and develop a passion for words!

Continue improving your vocabulary by reviewing the blog post: Definition Of Galvanize And The Frogs Legs Connection!

Check the growing list of video Vocabulary Builder lessons here:
http://www.englishwithdj.com/vb

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How to Sell Used Textbooks Online

By Lisa An Freeman

"Books, too, need to travel," an old proverb says. But will it make the journey even more exciting when you can be paid for it? Here are some steps on how you can sell used textbooks online without lifting a finger.

Sort and select

Selling used textbooks means sorting out which goes in and which goes out. That includes making sure that your textbooks are in perfect condition. This will lure more customers into buying your textbooks. Check the book for receipts, old post cards, and other stuff that may have been tucked within its pages. If you have extra time, you can even repair the cover of your books which may have been damaged. This can also increase the profitability of your books once they are up for online selling.

Name your price

Second-hand books are expectedly much cheaper than its original price. If you really want to make money by selling used textbooks, it is important that you put on a price that is reasonable for you and your customer alike. You can research and canvass for prices before deciding on your own list. This will give you a rough estimate of your price range. Additionally, making money by selling used textbooks can only be proactive once you know your audience. Are you catering to students or professionals? Are you geared toward bulk orders or retail? Answering these questions will help you decide on your prices and determine your niche. You should also consider the shipping rates when selling used textbooks online. If the location is just within your area, you can have it delivered for free upon purchase of a particular amount. You can also assign a meet-up place so your buyers can pick up their orders in convenience.

Choose the right online selling portal

Once you have your books and target market, it is time to look for the right online selling portals. One good thing about selling used textbooks via internet is convenience. You can sign-up, register for free, and post your products in a snap. There are many online selling portals to choose from. You can decide based on your target market and the portal's reach. Some sites may also have special categories for your used textbooks. It may be a little tricky but it is important that you select the most apt section for the product that you are selling. After all, this is where you market will drive into once they log in and start looking for what they need.

Join social networking sites

Another way of promoting your used textbooks is by joining social networking sites. Like most online selling portals, these sites come for free. Many people resort to Facebook and Twitter to advertise their product because the said platforms have wide reach of audience and are convenient to use. It is also easy to showcase your products using these sites as you are free to post pictures and other details. Keep in mind that many customers tend to be visual. They rely on what they see in deciding what to buy or not.

Textbooks that are no longer of any use are simply a waste of space. You can visit www.booksvalue.com for the selling of used textbooks that you do not need anymore.

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The Right Time to Move Out From Your Day Job

By Stephanie Doughlas

Should you quit your day job? Why should you quit your day job? When is the right time to quit your day job? If you care about your own well-being and peace of mind, then you should escape the rat race as soon as you feel uncomfortable with it. Here are some occasions in which you should quit your day job as soon as possible:

1. When you feel uncomfortable with your work environment

If you no longer feel comfortable with the "atmosphere" of your work environment, then you will tend to feel stressful very quickly. This includes how your boss treats you, how good your terms with your co-workers, how nice is the place where you work, and so on. If you don't like what you're seeing in your work environment, then it's the time for you to make a move.

2. When you feel uncomfortable with your co-workers

Do you keep getting bad treatment from your co-workers? If you keep being an object of verbal abuse from your co-workers, then you should consider limiting your interactions with them. But, if the relationship is too bad for you and you can't handle it properly, then you should consider quitting.

3. When you feel uncomfortable with your boss

How your boss treats you? Are you not getting the appreciation from the work you've done tediously? Does your boss keep neglecting your contribution for the company? Does your boss acknowledge what you've done for him and for the company? If not, and if your work is constantly under-appreciated, then you should consider leaving your job.

4. When you feel uncomfortable with how your company operates

Do you feel that the company you're working with is engaging in bad practices? If you think so, and if you can convince yourself that it is so, then you shouldn't keep yourself there. You have to find a way to quit from your day job. There are better opportunities that you can grab out there.

5. When you feel deep urge to leave your day job

If there is constant uneasiness in your heart that keeps urging you to leave your job, perhaps it is better for you to follow your intuition. It is better for you to follow your heart instead of following the money. I know that you might want to stick on the job because of the money that you earn. But, you might consider another job if your motivation is limited only on money. You should at least get a job that you like so that you can do your job while enjoying your life to the fullest.

Here's why you should quit your day job: Why You Should Never Get a Job. If you want to make solid income from home, check out http://beginnermoneymaker.wordpress.com/ to get more information.

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Travel The World And Get Paid: Internships Abroad and Other Avenues For Young Adults

By Hae Debenham

You've finished school - what's next? You can stay home and relax. You can work at a local store and earn some money. You take your chance in another city and launch your career there. You can volunteer to spend your time and resources for a cause close to your heart. You can spend your time with friends and families, or you can use the opportunity to think and plan for your future. With so many possibilities and opportunities for you at this exact moment, why not go all-out? Why not go for the world-literally? Go overseas, travel the world and learn and earn during your trip.

One particular way to make your experience much more workable, structured as well as purposeful is to actually seek programs that offer paid internships abroad. Internships are very well liked among students, as it could also work as a fantastic way to create funding for your trip and also cost of living while you are away from home. The opportunity can also be a major factor to add in your portfolio or resume, as well as a way to start building your networks with the international professional arena. As well as other students from across the world that happen to be also involved with the program, you can actually live, learn, work and immerse yourselves as you negotiate various cultures and languages.

There are different terms of agreement if you get accepted for an internship abroad. Some internship programs provide some form of support, such as a monthly stipend and living allowances. Others combine monetary and logistics assistance, such as offering housing facilities you can share with your batch mates. The best internship programs are those that offer a comprehensive set-up wherein all your essential living arrangements and a few extras are covered. Seek a program that will be most suitable to your educational background and experience, as well as your financial capabilities.

One of the most sought-after travel opportunities for young people is the internship program. In case you are eligible for the program, you are offered the permit to work part-time or full-time to support your travel costs as you stay in the partner country of your choice.

It's not surprising whenever the idea of travelling alone to a foreign land fills you with fear and trepidation. After all, leaving behind the people and places most familiar to you may be one of the most mentally stressful experiences you could ever have. The transition can be tough. Traversing to a location where the language, people, the way of life and even the food seem peculiar to you can be over-bearing. But with a well-made travel plan and an open way of thinking, you can learn to travel safely, with confidence, and with a positive understanding for the people and experiences you will confront on the trip. Have a safe trip!

The internship programs were created not only to take chances for a better career path but also to begin a mutual understanding as well as friendship between Japan and other countries. This may encourage students of various degrees to improve their knowledge and skills. Visit www.japaninternship.net for more information.

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How to Be a Better Mentor - Top 3 Tips

By Vivian Kloosterman

What is mentoring? Let's start with the definition of a mentor - because sometimes it is confused with being a coach or a manager, but in reality it's a very different animal.

My Concise Oxford dictionary tells me that mentor is derived from the Greek "men" to think. Mentor was the adviser of the young Telemachus in Homer's Odyssey. A mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser. If I turn to Wikipedia for a modern-day interpretation - surprise! - it refers to Homer's Odyssey and concludes that Mentor has been adopted as a term meaning someone who imparts wisdom to, and shares knowledge with, a less experienced colleague. So some keywords are - experienced, trusted, adviser, share, think, wisdom, knowledge.

If I look back on the mentors who have helped me over the years, there are 3 top characteristics that they share. I've used these to create 3 top tips to help you develop your mentoring skills and learn how to be a better mentor...

1. Listen more than you talk. Mentoring is about caring for the other person (the mentee) and wanting to help them develop and progress. It is about helping them analyse their situation better and identify gaps in their skills or knowledge.It is not a lecture. And you can't learn about your mentee if you're the one doing most of the talking. So listen actively.

2. Ask the right questions. When you have listened actively you are in a position to ask the right questions. Questions should be "open" in the sense that the mentee can't just answer "yes" or "no" but has to go through a thought process and then articulate those thoughts. Sometimes voicing those thoughts doesn't happen straightaway - but you plant the seed of an idea and let your mentee go away to mull it over.

My sister is a highly skilled registered social worker who counsels at risk youth. One day I asked her how she does it, what techniques does she use? Her reply was that she listens carefully and then tries to ask a question that gives a person insight. It might be an insight into their situation, an insight into the reasons they do what they do, or an insight into how they can improve or modify their behaviours.

But the key is "insight." It might be uncovered by the astute questioning of the mentor, but the insight is owned by the mentee. You help them to work it out for themselves.

3. Walk the walk. You have to lead by example. No matter how clever your words might be, if your actions don't match your words, you are compromising your ability to mentor.

For instance, if you talk and give advice about the importance of professional ethics, but don't apply them when the going gets tough, then in the eyes of your mentees your stock will diminish.

Mentors have a role in guiding the continuing professional development of their mentees and helping to discover areas in which mentees need to develop skills and expand knowledge. Active listening and astute questioning, interspersed with advice, helps mentees to focus on where they want to be and what they should be doing to get there.

Vivian is the founder of Continuing Professional Development with over 30 years of professional experience in the fields of business leadership, governance, project, risk and resource management and professional engineering. Continuing Professional Development delivers interactive online learning courses over the web that are practical and relevant to help professionals meet CPD requirements. Find out more about how to source online courses to provide essential skills to advance your career and add value to the intellectual wealth of both individuals and organisations at www.continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org.

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How To Face An Interview

By Benjamin Brumm

The Aim Of An Interview
The first thing to consider for a job interview is to have a think about the purpose of an interview. A job interview is where a representative of the company meets with you to establish several things:

• If you are capable of doing the job in question
• If you are a good fit for the company
• If the salary expectations of both of you are similar

You need to be able to go in and prove the first two points. The first point, being capable to do the job, comes down to how well you match the job description and the role being offered. Obviously, you wouldn't be there if you didn't think you had the skill for the job! This point, however, is more about the recruiter trying to determine if you can do the job well enough for the company and will fit the role that has been advertised.

The second point is where the recruiter tries to determine if you will be a good cultural fit for the company. Culture is a big part of workplaces these days, and it basically translates to the environment and personality of workers and the company as a whole. If the company values creativity highly, then they will want to see this in you. The same goes for teamwork, intuition, hard-working, dedication, and any number of qualities.

The third point, the salary expectation, is a little different and actually has room for negotiation. I'll write more about this in a future post, but if your expectations don't match the recruiter's, then one of you will need to adjust or the job offer won't go ahead.

How Do I Meet These Criteria For An Interview?
So, we've highlighted a couple of points that form the basis of an interview. Now it's time to work out how we can turn the odds in our favour and learn how to face an interview.

Research and Be Prepared
One of the most important parts of the interview process is actually researching the company you're applying for. This is more than just the name of the company and the location they're based in. You should learn more about their mission, the type of workplace they have, what their workplace demands are, what their main projects or products are, who their main clients or customers are. All this information will help you in the interview process, by showing how thorough you are with your work and how much you want the job at the company you're going for. It will also help you adjust your interview technique to make sure you're a good fit for the company. You can talk up various characteristics of yourself that match the company's values. For example, if you're a bit of a perfectionist and find out the company values high quality products, you can mention that you're perfectionist attitude results in good quality work.

Have Confidence
Nothing beats confidence in a social situation. Well, maybe a few things in an interview, like topic knowledge, but having confidence goes a long way to getting a job. This isn't just confidence of getting the job - it's confidence in your own skills, confidence in your speaking ability, confidence in the company you're going for. If you act and speak with confidence, you'll come across as someone who knows what they are doing and what they want, which will increase your chances of the recruiter offering you the job!

Be Polite And Professional
Manners and politeness are one of the most important parts of an interview. The way you act before, during, and after the interview will say a lot about who you are as a person and will be included in the recruiter's assessment of your application. Make sure you smile when you greet the interviewer, and stay calm. There's no need to panic during the interview. If you're not sure about a particular question that the interviewer asks, you can ask them for clarification. It's better to ask for clarification that to make something up and get noticed as someone who doesn't know what they're talking about!

I try to remember these points whenever I go for an interview, and I like to think it helps my chances of landing the job.

For more tips and information on how YOU can become a better IT professional, including how to start a career in the IT field, visit Complete IT Professional

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Free White Pages

By Scott Kintraw

Free white pages are available to everyone who uses the web. Whether you want to search for someone's address and phone number, or do a reverse phone or reverse address search, or a search for an email address, you can do it online.

But where do you actually get free white pages on the web?

This article will list the best places to get searchable and free white pages, and explore other techniques you can use, so that you can find the person, number or address you want quickly and easily.

USA - Whitepages offers a people and business search, plus reverse phone, reverse address and email searching. Only a last name, plus the city or zip code are required for the simple free white pages search. Results include full address and phone number, current time at the location and sometimes other details like a street map.

Canada - Whitepages offers a similar free white pages search for Canada. Only the ads and color scheme are different to the USA version.

England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland - BT offers a fast white pages search based on the person's surname and town. Again, results will include full address details and a map showing the address location.

Other countries - Numberway has a well-organized directory of all international white pages services, with several phone book options available for every country. If they don't list it, the chances are it doesn't exist yet.

If you do a lot of searching for phone numbers, and you use the Firefox browser, you should consider adding the special people search toolbar, which allows you to do white pages and reverse phone number lookups directly. Once installed, it will always be available to use. It is free.

You probably would have guessed that you can use Google to find free white pages information (currently, for the USA only).

If you search for a person's name and city in Google, you will see any relevant results at the top of the search results listings. For best results, type the person's first name (or the first name's initial), the full last name and the city of residence into the search box. You can also use the state or the zip code instead of the city name. Reverse lookups in Google require the phone number and area code.

Yahoo also offers a dedicated free white pages search for the USA, plus an email and reverse phone number search.

Now - go and get them! For direct links to all these white pages and people finder resources and more, go to free white pages at kintraw.com

Scott Kintraw writes about all the ways the web can empower everyone.

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Best Fantasy Books of 2012

By Dominic Munroe

Each year the world of fantasy books has offerings from both favourite authors and promising newcomers, and 2012 is no exception. Vampire books and young adult fantasy are as hot as ever. If you are looking for something exciting to add to your reading pile, tuck into some of the best fantasy books out this year.

1. The Wind Through the Keyhole, Stephen King. The renowned author may be known for horror books, but his Dark Tower series is one of the best fantasy series ever written and it has a fierce following. This instalment stands on its own, so even newcomers to the series will be able to follow along. It's a story within a story within a story, with Roland telling his ka-tet about a time when he was hunting a shape-shifter and encountered a terrified boy whom he comforted with a story his mother had told him.

2. 11/22/63, Stephen King. Out in paperback in 2012 is King's phenomenal time-travel story about a Maine schoolteacher who finds himself transported back to the 60s when he steps through a portal. He decides to use the opportunity to stop a transformative event in American history- the assassination of JFK. What follows is an incredible journey rich in history, suspense, and love.

3. Deadlocked, Charlaine Harris. This is the twelfth instalment in the popular Sookie Stackhouse series that inspired the tv series True Blood. Sookie investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding the death of a girl at a vampire party.

4. Fifty Shades of Grey, E.L. James. Erotic fantasy has taken mainstream book audiences by storm with the first instalment in a steamy new series that started out as Twilight fan fiction. A graduate student's chance encounter with a young billionaire leads to an affair to remember- complete with mystery, intrigue, and bondage.

5. Hollow Earth, John and Carole E. Barrowman. This is the first book in a new series for young adults, but adults will find it equally captivating. Young twins discover they have the power to make their drawings come to life and enter the world of a painting at will- and that a secret society is bent on harnessing their power to enter the hidden realms of hollow earth where demons await.

6. Picus the Thief, Robin Bennett. This was published in 2011, but it should definitely make your list in 2012. Picus finds himself trying to stop a vampire civil war while being chased by faeries and befriending a witch. Enter an imaginative world where the Hidden Kingdom is beginning to clash with the world of the humans.

7. Windhaven, George R.R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle. Fans of Martin's Game of Thrones series will love this. Set in the watery world of Windhaven, the story follows Maris and her quest to become, by merit rather than inheritance, one of the elite silver-winged flyers who fly across seas to deliver news and stories to distant people. But her success is short-lived when a revolution threatens her world and she is forced to make sacrifices.

8. Insurgent, Veronica Roth. This is book two in the highly-acclaimed Divergent series set in a dystopian world. With the her world collapsing around her, Tris is trying to deal with the sacrifices she has had to make. But as she tries to uncover the secrets behind her society, she realises that the sacrificing has only just begun.

Enjoy the best fantasy books available in 2012.

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How to Get Online Tutoring

By Liz James

Online tutoring is fast becoming one of the most popular ways for students to get help with any subject, anytime. For students coping with increasing workloads and hectic schedules, online teaching offers a simple and convenient way to learn, without leaving your room.

A decade ago, students who wanted extra help with any subject had three options; hire a private tutor, stay for after school programs, or travel to a tutoring center, apart from asking older siblings or classmates for help. While tutoring centers and private tutors provide professional service, they can be inconvenient and expensive. Online tutoring addresses both of these concerns without compromising on the quality of the instruction being delivered.

Spoiled For Choice, Convenient to Use

Today, the web is replete with online teaching service providers and students can have their pick. Most sites feature live tutoring while others provide instant help via email or chat. There are games, puzzles and quizzes to help students learn better and test their knowledge of each subject. Since students don't have to travel to a particular location to avail of this tutoring or stick to a pr-determined schedule, online learning gives them a lot of flexibility to design their own study time table.

Students have different study habits. Some students prefer getting their work finished early while others might wait till after dinner to get cracking. A few might prefer the early morning hours, before they leave for school or college. Online tutors recognize this difference in study habits, and the need for assistance during their study hours and not before or after it. This is why students can schedule tutoring sessions for whenever they want and rest assured that they will get the help they need when they want it.

Before selecting a tutoring service, go to a number of sites and compare what each service has to offer. Many sites allow students a demo session before they sign up for tutoring, which gives students a chance to assess how well the site caters to their needs. Online tutoring is generally much more affordable than the other types of tutoring, and students can also look out for seasonal offers and package deals which give good value for money.

Online tutoring has a lot to offer students and the sites which provide this service report having happy customers who are thrilled at the ease with which they can learn now.

Know about What are the advantage of online tutoring?? How it can help students to learn better? Which are the easy ways to solve math homework and practice it.

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The Difference Between Study Skills, Study Techniques and Study Methods

By Susan Du Plessis

When one considers learning and study, one should always keep in mind that there are three aspects that are of importance:

STUDY SKILLS:

The ability of any learner to study successfully depends to a great extent on his fundamental study skills, i.e. his ability to concentrate, to perceive correctly and accurately, as well as the ability to remember what has been perceived.

Study skills should not be confused with study techniques and study methods. The difference between these can be explained by using the game of soccer as example. In order to be a soccer player, a person FIRST has to master the fundamental soccer skills, e.g. passing, heading, and dribbling the ball. Only after that can he be taught techniques and methods. In the same way, in order to be a good student, a learner FIRST has to master the fundamental study skills.

Mnemonics training is often done without keeping this sequential fashion of learning in mind. A mnemonic is a specific reconstruction of target content intended to tie new information more closely to the learner's existing knowledge base and, therefore, facilitate retrieval. There are a variety of mnemonic techniques, including keywords, pegwords, acronyms, loci methods, spelling mnemonics, phonetic mnemonics, number-sound mnemonics, and Japanese "Yodai" methods. An example of an acronym is to remember the word HOMES to recall the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. The purpose of number-sound mnemonics is to recall strings of numbers, such as telephone numbers, addresses, locker combinations or historical dates. To use them, learners must first learn the number-sound relationships: 0=s; 1=t; 2=n; 3=m; 4=r; 5=l; 6=sh, ch, or soft g, 7=k, hard c, or hard g; 8=f or v; and 9=p. To remember the date 1439, for example, the learner uses the associated consonant sounds, t, r, m and p, and will insert vowels to create a meaningful word or words. In this case, the word "tramp" can be used.

There are, however, at least two problems in improving memory by means of mnemonic instruction. The first problem is -- as already stated -- that it overlooks the sequential fashion of learning. Mnemonics instruction is, to a large extent, instruction in memory techniques, which should be taught only AFTER the skill of memory has been learned. It can be compared to a person being taught soccer tactics, such as the "wall pass," while he has not yet adequately mastered the skill of passing the ball. As stated in 'Knowabout Soccer', "No matter how good your passing technique, if the quality of your passing is poor, your technique will not be effective." The second problem is that by teaching memory crutches only, the result is, as stated by Scruggs and Mastropieri, "on more complex applications, generalization attempts [are] less successful." If the SKILL of memory is taught, however, the learner can apply it in any situation.

STUDY TECHNIQUES:

There are three learning techniques that can be employed to make study more successful.

1. Association: This is probably the most important and most effective of all the learning techniques, of which mnemonics is probably the most commonly used association technique.

2. Thinking in pictures: One is able to remember much better what has been seen in the mind's eye than what has been thought in abstract terms. Therefore, one should always consciously try to think in terms of pictures.

3. Reduce frequency of brain waves: The brain usually vibrates at 20 cycles per second or higher. Dr. Georgi Lozanov was probably the first who discovered that, if the frequency of the brain waves is reduced, more effective study becomes possible. He found that playing slow Baroque music could reduce the frequency of brain waves. José Silva was probably the first who discovered a method to reduce the frequency of brain waves at will.

STUDY METHODS:

Most learners have the bad habit of only studying the day before a test or exam. There are two serious disadvantages attached to this method of study:

1. There is never any regular practice of study skills.

2. It has been found that within 24 hours -- on an average -- one forgets up to 80% of what one has learned. If, however, the study material is reviewed after 24 hours, it takes 7 days before 80% is forgotten again, and if another review is done at this point, then it takes 30 days to forget 80% again.

Research has shown that, if the correct pattern or review of studied material is followed, memory consolidation is enhanced significantly, and the overall time spent in learning is slashed dramatically. The following pattern of initial study and subsequent review will certainly deliver excellent results:

1. Set up a timetable that is divided in study periods of 30 minutes each. On the first day on which this new timetable will be implemented, take the first study period to learn some study material thoroughly. It must be brief enough so that it can be absorbed in only about 15 minutes. Once the full study program is in operation, as you will soon realize when you read further, one only has about 15 minutes in each study period of 30 minutes in which to study and absorb new material. The rest of the time is spent on reviewing previously learned material. The piece of work must be summarized and thoroughly studied in these 30 minutes. Take a rest of 5 minutes at the end of the study period.

2. Review after 5 minutes. Take 3 minutes of the next study period to review the study material of the previous study period, before new material is again summarized and thoroughly studied.

3. Review after 24 hours. Take 3 minutes to review the material that was studied the previous day. Then take 3 minutes to review the work that was studied 5 minutes ago, before again studying and summarizing new material.

4. Review after 7 days. Take 3 minutes to review the work that was reviewed 7 days ago, before reviewing the work that was studied the day before, and then reviewing the work that was studied 5 minutes ago.

5. Review after 30 days. Take 3 minutes to review the work that was already reviewed 30 days ago, before reviewing the work of 7 days ago, then that of 24 hours ago, and then that of 5 minutes ago.

6. Review after 120 days. Take 3 minutes to review the work that was studied 120 days ago, then the work that was studied 30 days ago, before reviewing the work of 7 days ago, then that of 24 hours ago, and then that of 5 minutes ago.

Visit Susan's website A 2 Z of Learning for information on fundamental learning skills. *** This article can be freely used as long as a link to "A 2 Z of Learning" (http://www.learninginfo.org) is provided.

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Indian Higher Education - An Overview

By Arun B Chandran

Wide discussions are held on the state and concerns of Indian higher education. What really is the issue here? Let us take a look!...

Though the problems associated with this sector are multilayer-ed, I had divided it broadly in to administrative and academic problems, with few subtitles under these as I feel that all other problems like, social, psychological etc. associated with this sector comes in the backdrop of these broad problems. Let us first look in to these problems before going in to the reforms required.

CONCERNS

I) ADMINISTRATIVE-

i) Reservation- Reservation and Privatization are perhaps the most debated topic in our higher educational sector, and hence I have listed it first in the list. Increased concern over reservation has negatively affected our higher educational system as it has taken away lime light from many other major concerns. Reservation in any sector (&especially I educational system), causes loss to society, as the brightest do not reach better institutes; but we still continue with it thinking it would bring more good to the society than its losses. Though the need for a reservation still exists it is time to think of its re-allotment for more effectiveness. Sam Pitroda, the chairman of National Knowledge Commission, "Reservation has probably set us back several years in our ability to carry out the reforms we need to."

The popular support that reservation gets had prompted many of our politicians to o on further with reservation (with a need for Supreme Court to intervene in the matter and cap reservation limit to maximum of 50 Percent). The social tensions faced by the authorities against this policy is mainly managed by increasing the total number of seats and also because many among the upper class pursue foreign education.

The proper implementation and gradual reduction of reservation in a democratic country like ours need strong political will, free of prejudices.

ii) Political intervention in universities- This takes place both in policy formation and implementation. Bureaucratic sluggishness, misconceptions and prejudices retard the growth of our higher education sector. The denial of visa for prominent global educationalists to come to India, the slow moving files in government offices on matters concerning collaboration of industry and institutes, the delays in allocation of new courses etc. are the finest examples of this aspect.

Among the policy matters too, the absence of Political visionaries had been a problem while there were 5 IITs established during Nehru's period, only 1 IIT was established prior to the recent establishment of5 new IITs. Unhealthy political among the teaching and the student community and the inefficient funding has also retarded the growth of this field. A prominent educationalist tells, "Our deans and administrators now hang on the spoken word of our politicians, and student unions and teachers beat to their drum. It's so entrenched that asserting independence in appointments and day to day decision turns you in to a radical, a rebel in the system."

As political elite and the government receive benefits of these negative aspects, they prefer a status-quo. Thus, in our higher educational system, we have this uncomfortable condition, as Nandan Nilekani puts it "the state interferes, rather than guiding; (play) politics rather than policy".

iii) Regulation- In the regulatory aspect of higher education, we have a dual problem. On the one hand, we have a confusing array of different regulatory bodies like UGC and AICTE and on the other hand, neither the government, nor UGC or AICTE has an effective control over our Universities. The rating system of the UGC and AICTE is also one with many loop holes.

Due to absence of good legislation, UGC and AICTE had reduced to regulatory bodies that stand helplessly by, as India's university system crumbled, and thus half of India's expanding colleges, as a Vice-chancellor remarked, "are intellectual and social slums".

iv) Funding- India spends only 1.9 percent of its GDP on higher education, the lowest among any nations with GDP higher than $500 billion. Its spending on research activities at universities is also very low compared to both the developed and the emerging nations. Even the funds that are presently allotted are not efficient enough. But, it should be noted that higher funding or investment in higher education can lead to better results only with reforms in the total system.

II) ACADEMIC-

i) Quality of the Higher education- India is the 3rd largest in the number of higher educational institutes after China and USA and is one of the largest degree producers in the world.

But, quality of these is quite unsatisfactory. No worthwhile invention has been made here. Rote learning can identified as one of the factor behind this. India's engineering and medical colleges, management schools and universities are facing a serious shortage of quality academic faculty by about 20 percent. Global competitiveness of Indian students is comparatively small and is still smaller if the top 10 institutes of India are taken out. India does not have more than 5 universities in the top 500 bracket of the academic ranking of world universities.

ii) Number of Institutions for higher education- Though India is one of the largest in terms of number of institutes for higher education; it is still short of them. This shortage is expected to be more by 2015, thanks to the efforts to improve the enrollment ratio. By 2015, we need at least 1500 universities, against 350 we have today.

iii) Research- The research standards of our country has been poor, both in terms of quality and quantity. If we consider a particular area, say Computer Science, where we are assumed to be strong, we can see that annual PhDs in this field in our country is 25, while it exceeds 800 in USA and 2500 in China. IIT is granted 3-6 patents in a year, where as it is 64 for Stanford and 102 for MIT! We haven't seen any technological adaptation after 1970s and 1980s and not a single major invention emerged from India over past 50 years!!!

iv) Employability- "75 percent of the Indian graduates are unemployable for the work they are trained for", was said by Shri. Narayana Murthy of Infosys. Many people prefer sub-standard engineering degree than good vocational skills, where as 90 percent of the employment opportunities require vocational skills. McKinsley estimates that only 10 percent of Indian students in arts and humanities and only 25 percent of Indian engineering graduates are globally competitive. 12 percent of the 41 million unemployed are either a graduate or a postgraduate!

REFORMS

It is an agreed fact that reforms are required in the area of higher education. Many suggestions on this matter address many of the problems mentioned earlier. Some of them are a panacea for more than one of those problems.

A 'super regulator' which forms a single independent regulatory body would eliminate the confusion prevailing over multiple arrays of regulatory bodies. This would also bring more transparency, setting up of uniform controls and better quality in higher education. We need independent regulatory body free from government or political intervention.

Private participation, if properly propelled can bring out both qualitative and quantitative improvement in our higher educational sector. It is neither possible nor sensible for the government to invest the huge amount that is required for, in our higher educational sector. Private participation, from both inside and outside the country should be encouraged to make more institutes in our country. This will take away the deficit between the demand for higher education and the availability of institutes. This will avoid the instances like that which happened in Delhi University this year, when a 100percent cut-off was announced in a college under the university. Institutes like TISS, BITS, Lady Sriram College, Sriram College of Commerce, Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), CMC Vellore, St. Stephen's College, etc. has taken away our doubts on the quality of private institutes.

The interactions between industries and institutions should be encouraged, taking necessary precautions, as this can increase the employability of the students.

Reforms have taken in our country when visionaries came in to action, like it happened during Nehru's times. When visionaries like M.S. Swaminathan, Vikram Sarabhai, Sam Pitroda, Verghese Kurien etc. acted, reforms required happened with direction. In the higher educational sector of our country, we have "a Niagra of reports and a Sahara of actions". Reforms required in higher educational sector requires controversial steps, as we are in a democracy. In fact, the market economy has been pushing us to the necessary reforms, to an extent. The question is, whether India can bring about these reforms fast enough to avail the opportunities that the country has today- domestically and globally???

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Study In India: The Advantages of Indian Systems of Global Education

By Pankaj Kumar Singh

India is well known for its diversity in languages, cultures, traditions, flora fauna, and geographical disparities. Being one of the oldest civilizations, India is acknowledged for its significant contributions to the knowledge world. Since ancient times it has proved its excellence in the field of academics. India has nourished many talents in fields like Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Astronomy, Management and Finance over years. In ancient times many foreign travelers traveled to India to enrich their knowledge and education. Ancient university of Nalanda has its golden history of enriching scholars from several corners of the globe during the period of Buddha and Mahavir timing 6th century BC. Prudent education system has its roots back to many centuries in the history of India.

The present education system in India is mostly influenced by the British system of education. Under the influence of British colonialism the modern Indian education system has prospered with systematic approach. In the post-independence era there have been significant reforms in the Indian system of education to make the standards distinct and widely adaptable. In 21st century independent India is roaring as an economical superpower with its fast growing economy, industrialization and globalization. There are numerous world-class educational Institutions exist in India. The standards of education are at par with the top-notched institutions of the world. Even there are institutions which are regarded as the most preferred in their respective majors.

In the mean while India has developed holistic system of education catering for the comprehensive development of an individual. From time immortal there exist an essence of emotional bonding between the student and the teacher in Indian system of education. Out of many structures of education provided in India the "Gurukul" system of education has proven its excellence over others. In the recent years this system of education is being adopted by many frontline educational institutions for attaining superior outcomes.

There are numerous vanguard institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Symbiosis International, Xavier's Institute, TATA Institute are present and excelling in India. They have proven their standards on the global platform. India provides its scholars wide choices for individually preferred field of excellence. With world-class facility campus equipped with latest technologies, Indian educational establishments provide its students life time opportunity of education and curricula development. With affordable and qualitative educational system, Indian educational establishments stand apart from its competitive counterparts.

Technically speaking India offers top of the standards facility to experiment and learn so as to develop the creative side of personality. Indian education system emphasizes on creating personalities rather than preparing workaholic machines. The value education has enriched Indian system of education with every facet of life for joyful learning. This is the rationale behind creating global leaders with marvelous potential. Indian is transforming itself as global hub for business process outsourcing. With its relatively low man-hour overheads it is attracting global investors with fair opportunities for futuristic investments. The international exposure of Indian economy has opened up many doors for foreign direct investments. To meet this demand of technical man-force, educational systems in India are continuously devising strategies to provide best of the quality education to its students.

As the cost of education in India is relatively low as compared to the other developed countries, it has gathered wider acceptance from students around world. The opportunities are plenty and this invites people around the globe to explore their share. The future of Indian education system is focusing more on knowledge economy. This provides abundant resources for exposure and experience for any student to learn through a state of rapid changing economy stage.

The options for study in India are widely diversified with wide presence of broad range of choices for education. You can choose to study on campus, off campus, on distance and correspondence learning modes. The flexibility of education system allows virtually everybody to ascertain their scope of education at any level. Moreover you have a friendly atmosphere while thinking of study in India. India is a country with varied of educational standards spread across its length and breadth. Sovereign Government of India facilitates the intermingling of cross-cultural relationships. With all theses distinct advantages, India is adopted as the num�ro une choice of education.

Whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, India has unique opportunities in terms of quality and value added education with state-of-the-art infrastructures and veteran faculties for each one of you. This facilitates the person in you to transpose in to a globally acclaimed citizen.

Mr. Pankaj is providing SEO Services India to Infinite Courses. Infinite Courses is an honest endeavor launched to effectively address the concern of the greater than ever student/ education seeker population. Infinite courses aptly acknowledge that there is a plethora of career alternatives and courses out there in the open world; the only hindrance is the verdict of right career conduit and the right institutes to pursue that aim. Search for Study In India options.

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Educational Leadership in the 21st Century

By Johnson Joseph

Education plays a unique role right from the birth of humanity in its onward journey. In the background of the emerging global country of 21st century, education has incomparably challenging roles to play. The 'global family' becomes a close -knit community, minimizing and eliminating geographic, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and all other barriers and the role of education has to undergo a conspicuous change. At this era of reconstruction and redefining, the very concept of education has to be reconstructed, redefined and modified assimilating the good elements of the past and discarding the bad ones. In fact, the basic concept of education remains intact in its mission but pedagogy and methodology have to be reviewed. That is what T.S Eliot said, "It is in fact a part of the function of education to help us escape, not from our own time -- for we are bound by that -- but from the intellectual and emotional limitations of our time."The educational leadership in this century is endowed with the noble role of managing these changes in an effective and appropriate manner.

The most important challenge of education is to keep pace with the knowledge society. The knowledge and information evolve, develop and are acquired at an alarming speed. The educational leadership has to help the institution encompass the exploding growth of knowledge lest it would remain obsolete. This emphasizes the education being technologically up to date and scientifically exploring. This paradigm shift is due to the giant leaps in communication and information technology that can be manipulated as an asset rather than a challenge. Thus, the real concern in education today lies in the effective management of this complex phenomenon. Therefore, the academicians need to be dynamically ultra paced in the pedagogic process.

The highest edge of competition is the talisman of 21st century. This quest for excellence prioritises the need for competitiveness in all fields. The quiescent knowledge imparted through conventional methods may leave the principal and the agent in the education far behind the signs of the time. The product of an alma mater needs to be equipped with the best to face the world ahead of it. Unless the institution succeeds in this noble mission, it will merely be added up as just one among the others in the list of the so-called millions of schools. Thus, leading innovation in education ensuring uncompromising quality in the minutest of details and at the same time being effective, the educational leadership makes an institution a pace-setting one.

An effective education is life education. Advancing one's knowledge and imbibing competence become worthwhile only when it contributes to the emotional intelligence and quality of life of the individual. John Dewey defines," Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself". 21st century has the biggest chaos in its values and priorities. Along with achieving professional growth in life, the overall development of the individual needs a special stress. Education should equip an individual to re-define and re-discover the culture and values for oneself. How an individual takes decisions and allots priorities depend on how well the education has expanded his/her horizons. To dedicate oneself to the service of the nation and his/her fellowmen, one needs to be reinforced by the quality of education he/she receives. The question is whether the modern education leads a learner forward along a path where he is enriched academically, culturally, emotionally, physically and spiritually or not. "The main part of intellectual education is not the acquisition of facts but learning how to make facts live." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

The education is a vision, mission and a passion. The field of education thus needs visionaries, missionaries and people with zest and zeal. When it comes to Indian educational scenario, a country with human capital as the greatest strength finds, at the same time, its enormously growing population as one of the hurdles in its path to greater heights. Benjamin Distraeli states, 'in the education of the people of this country, the fate of this country depends'. Provided the population becomes equipped with quality skills and education, the country will have a strong edge over the other nations in the emerging world. Specifically for India, its future lies in how the young generations bring forth favorable changes in all the realms of political, economic, social, spiritual so on and so forth. As the education moulds the generations, so will be the future of the society. To conclude, G.K Chestertson rightly said, "Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another".

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The University Of Louisville Libraries - A Library of the 21st Century

By Arthur Smith

Whilst in Louisvlle attending a seminar on contemporary American literature and touring various sites of cultural interest the University Library was one of those sites that had a never-fading impression on my mind not only for its unique architectural plan but for other inexpressible qualities that make it an ideal place for quiet and serene study. My first visit was when the Director of our program led us there for an induction into the use of computers and the internet in literature research. The room we were led into for the class was fully equipped with computers in all the over fifty desks for students and a master screen monitor for the instructor. Many other rooms including the state of art auditorium were equally well equipped.

I passed through the library on many other occasions. But the most significant one was when on my way from the University post office the thought occurred to me of recording the beautiful vistas of the campus in pictures as well as in mind and one such was the Ekstrom Library which represented to me the focal point of all the other libraries scattered at various ends of the expansive campus.

I took about two views of this building and I was still gaping in wonder especially at the bewitching splendor of its frontage with readers combining eating and relaxing. I was particularly struck by its inviting, comfortable, and open space teeming with students and bustling with activity, a lovely terrace equipped with outdoor furniture, facing a pleasantly inviting green outdoor space, exploiting the favorably warm climactic conditions here for enjoying nature. Taking advantage of the generally mild Kentucky weather with its ample, inviting green space, students can study or just catch a break at a number of outdoor tables on the terrace. On nice days, there are few better places to study-and certainly it makes for an inviting entry

I found myself wandering in to get a better view. As I wandered through I remembered my mission of seeking support for our resources-starved university libraries in Sierra Leone. My search for the head led me into the office of Mr David Hogarth who instantly became an able facilitator of my mission enabling me within a week to meet the Dean of libraries.

Whilst awaiting my appointment with her I was led on a tour of various parts of the Ekstrom library. This library, I learnt, holds more than 1.1 million and 5,100 journal subscriptions supporting research and curricula in the humanities, social sciences, business and education. It also contains large collections of microforms, government publications, multi-media and current periodicals, the Granville A. Bunton Pan African Collection, the Barbara S.Miller Multiracial Children's literature Collection and the Bingham Poetry Collection.

The Rare Books and Photographic Archives provide rare research sources for scholars and other researchers. African American collections, English, European, and American Literatures collections together with the substantial space given to reference and reserved books make this library a very significant research as well as information disseminating tool. But it is also a repository and exhibitor of many prized manuscripts and other documents like for example the outstanding 1482 first printing of Euclid's Elementia and a copy of the Principia with annotations in Newton's hand. The working collection of Richard M. Kain, and the first editions and manuscripts of James Joyce and W.B. Yeats preserve much of Irish Literary Renaissance heritage. There is also quite a good collection of Modern English and American writers with noteworthy editions by 1890's authors and books as well as autographed letters from members of the Bloomsbury Group.

A famous and ever-growing and rich collection of special materials, archives and photography include:

Roy and Dela White Collection of Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Arthur J. Slavin.Collection of English History.

Hattie Winston Collection of African- American Scripts and Screen Plays.

Irwin Hilliard Archive of Fine Bindings.

Billy Davis 111 Collection of Aerial Photography.

Other special collections include the James Chandler World War Posters and Lafin Allen's Kentucky Maps.

The photographic Archives houses more than 2 million photographs and manuscripts as well as fine art prints. It also offers printing services and a rotating series of exhibits.

The Roy Stryker Papers include photographs and manuscripts from documentary projects directed by Stryker at the Farm Security Administration, Standard Oil Company and Jones and Laughlin Steel. The Cautfield and Shook Royal Photo and Lin Caufield collections consist of photographs from Louisville's past. Whilst the Lean Thomas, Matlack Studio, Arthur Y Ford and Henderson Settlement School collections document life and culture in Appalachia. 2,000 prints by many notable American artists such as Paul Caponegro and Gary Winogrand constitute the library's Fine Print Collection.

The library also serves a much wider community beyond the campus.Through e-mail, phone or in person one could request and receive help or even fix a session with a research librarian here. A Cardinal card enables you to check out up to 99 items at a time and renew books on-line. Visiting academics are entitled to inter-library loans of up to 15 books. A University of Louisville student enjoys the privilege of searching for items reserved for his class on-line. Minerva gives on-line access to catalogues and gateways to many collections. University of Louisville distance learners could access off-campus through their ULINK username and password both library assignments by their professors and electronic databases of library resources for self-directed research from non-University of Louisville internet addresses.

Ekstrom Library houses and lends resources to the Delphi and the Writing Centers. The Delphi Center helps professors use technology in their teaching and prepares them to teach courses online. The writing center assists students, professors and staffs with writing projects and holds workshops on improving writing skills. Through this center an appointment with a writing consultant could be scheduled and important writing resources found.

The University of Louisville libraries a conglomerate of libraries stocking books on few selected disciplines such as music, visual art, health sciences, engineering, physical science and technology at the time of my tour was in the process of moving in to Ekstrom the main library, the over 149,000 volumes constituting the engineering, physical science and technology books and journals.
Besides the William Ekstrom main Library, the University library network consists of: The Kornhauser Health Sciences Library; The Dwight Anderson Music Library; The Margaret M. Bindwell Art Library; and The University Archives and Records Center.

The Kornhauser Health Sciences Library a comprehensive and the most current health sciences information resource center is also a "Regional Resource Library" in the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. It represents a significant resource for the entire health sciences community of the Louisville metropolitan area and the western half of Kentucky. It has over 250,000 volumes, 2,700 journal subscriptions, audiovisual materials and a variety of electronic formats. It stocks numerous items relating to health care in Kentucky and the Trans-Appalachian West, including historical collections, the medical school archives, book manuscripts and physical objects.

The Dwight Anderson Music Library providing user-centered services offers seamless access to information resources in all formats and serves as a center for teaching and learning which supports the University of Louisville School of Music curriculum and research. It houses the largest academic music collection in Kentucky including the Gravemeyer Collection of Contemporary Music comprising all submissions to the internationally renowned Music Composition Award as well as a large assortment of sheet music containing thousands of Louisville imprints celebrating the history of music publishing in the city and the "Traipin Woman" collection with its emphasis on American folk song.

The Margaret M. Bridwell Art Library with its more than 80,000 volumes is a gateway to information for teaching, research and scholarship in art, design, art history and architectural history. It subscribes to over 300 domestic and foreign journals and museum bulletins. It has also hundreds of videos and provides access to the major electronic and print indexes. Subjects covered here include painting, drawing, sculpture, print-making, photography, architectural history 45, interior design, graphic design, art education, pottery, fiber arts and decorative arts. It also holds approximately 3,000 rare and scarce volumes and about 150 linear feet of archival materials.

The librarians strive concertedly with academic staff to meet the information literacy and research needs of a diverse population recognizing that libraries are an essential tool in the University's mission to become a premier nationally recognized metropolitan university.

The University of Louisville libraries is guided in all its undertakings by its vision that libraries are the academic heart of the university and a place for discovery and learning outside the classroom and the lab. They therefore seek to participate as active and integral partners in meaningful learning, outstanding teaching and effective research. Users are therefore always being instructed on information availability and use. Services and resources are tailored to suit the varying needs of users. Library staff thus identify, evaluate and select materials of varying formats to develop collections that meet user needs. They also apply technology, research and instructional innovations to enhance services and access to traditional and electronic collections.

Rapid expansion in stocks, rapid technological advancement including the introduction of a robotic retrieval system has enabled more books than could be retained in the library halls being stacked in trays which are accessed by computers on user request. The system gives the library enough space for over three million volumes. The less frequently used volumes will be loaded into the system, and students can still browse titles in open stacks in the old wing of the library. Books stored in the RRS are identified as such in MINERVA, the library's catalog. To request the item, patrons click on a live "request" button onscreen, and then a robotic crane is sent off to find the item, moving among racks of steel bins holding books and journals from which the robotic arm selects, grabs and delivers the appropriate bin to a pickup station where a library attendant pulls the exact item and delivers it to the circulation desk within minutes. The entire process which I witnessed myself takes only minutes and handles numerous simultaneous requests.

Having the RRS, I was told, also saves the library the cost of a courier service and the additional library staff needed to operate a remote storage facility. The Ekstrom Library's RRS stands out in how artfully it is built into the central design of the new addition. With numerous windows on the system, students can literally stand at the circulation desk, make a request, and actually see the system fill their form watching it work serving almost as a piece of 21st-century art, a book fountain of sorts, whizzing and whirring volumes past the windows. In all, the Ekstrom addition contributes a hefty 42,500 square feet of space to the library

The library's robotic retrieval system (RRS) has freed up significant space for exhibits in the library, like the one by Split Rock Studios, St. Paul; designer, Lisa Friedlander that highlights the year of Kentucky's founding and features a statue of Henry Clay, Kentucky senator from 1806 to 1850. The desk is a replica of the desk Clay used when he was in the Senate-the actual desk is in the office of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who endowed the Ekstrom expansion and the McConnell Center for Political Leadership.

The libraries now seem poised to attain the ambitious goals of the university of becoming a premier metropolitan university that is nationally recognized for advancing intellectual, social and economic development. The library's massive atrium allows light to pour into the building and over the circulation desk.

The libraries' technological resources have developed to state-of-the-art electronic information centers for the campus community with more than 550 computer workstations from which one can borrow laptop computers for use anywhere in the libraries. Advanced wireless technology enables laptop users to access the internet and the libraries' vast electronic resources. Researchers could access 25,000 full-text journals and hundreds of electronic databases.

Two teaching laboratories enable librarians to conduct classes in the library with instant access to the online world. The library's three new, modern instruction labs equipped with wireless technology and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, emphasize the library's continually expanding role in teaching and learning. Instructional Lab 1 and Instructional Lab 2 have become extremely flexible spaces hosting a version of the 3M Road Show for Kentucky librarians.

The university community can access thousands of electronic information resources from hundreds of computer work stations in the libraries and also from anywhere: their offices, classrooms or home. Minerva, the online catalogue indexes and accesses the many items held within the libraries. Through its access to national and regional electronic networks one could search many library catalogs and databases around the nation and even around the world.

The University of Louisville Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the most prestigious and influential library association in North America. Strong financial support from the University administration has propelled it up to national prominence and impetus in strengthening its ties with Metroversity, a consortium of higher education institutions in metro Louisville, Kentucky, Virtual Library and other library consortia in the region and nation thus adding significantly to the materials made available to its students and faculty and to students and faculties from other campuses.

It has established Kentucky's first library chair, the Evelyn J. Schneider Endowed Chair For Scholarly Communication underwritten by the estate of a longtime university librarian and the state's Research Challenge Trust Fund. The first chair holder, Dwayne K. Butler is a highly regarded expert in copyright law, particularly that related to educational and electronic resources.

Overseeing all these developments for the past eleven years has been a charismatic, energetic, ingenious and visionary woman, Prof Hannnelorewery Rader, Dean of Libraries, whom I had the privilege of talking to. Prof Radar brought to Louisville a wealth of experience. For seventeen years she headed the Cleveland and Wisconsin university libraries and held various positions at Eastern Michigan University for almost twelve years. She has written widely in her field and attended many professional conferences. She was eventually named in 1999 Outstanding Academic Research Librarian.

Through Dr Radar's innovative ideas, her drive and direction together with the expanding library collection, upgraded resources, a more inviting environment, helpful and innovative library staff and academics library usage has recorded a 60 percent increase thus exceeding the 2 million per annum mark. One of her striking innovations is the Tulip Coffee Shop in the spacious lobby where readers enjoy tasty sandwiches and other relishing rolls with cups of tea, coffee orange juice or diet coke as they read or scroll through the internet. The Tulip Tree Café has become so popular that it may soon need to add another cash register.

Louisville offers one of the nation's best information literacy programs. Louisville libraries are no longer just places for research, but are now like other libraries today places of active instruction.
According to Prof Radar, her philosophy is to cater for the needs of the mostly non-traditional studentship mostly adults of varying ages and non-residential for increasingly comfortable atmosphere and facilitating the processes of accessing information. This explains her introduction of the snack bar and the constant restructuring and redecorating of the premises.

"We wanted to have a space where students could learn and do research but also socialize. ... We wanted to offer a library space for all of those things," for as she stressed "Our students are urban, many are part-time and don't live on campus. We want them to be on campus." To accomplish that, she says, they completely reimagined their library for the 21st century.

"Space was an issue," Rader says. "We were running out of space for our materials, and that's pretty much a problem for most academic libraries." Today, the library space is more than repository but a place for instruction, to showcase unique holdings and exhibits, and to foster student collaboration and all forms of interaction, both with information sources in all formats as well as with librarians.

With space a key concern, the highlight of the Ekstrom Library expansion is its robotic retrieval system, a unique system made up of more than 7000 steel bins, offering climate-controlled storage for up to 1.2 million volumes. Rader was already familiar with how efficient the system could be, having come from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, one of the first to install such a system. "We never really considered an off-site storage facility," as she said. "We don't want to store the books miles away, send for them when a student needs them, and then wait to have them delivered to campus." For as she notes, the robotic system can retrieve and deliver a book in a matter of minutes while off-site storage can sometimes take days.

The University of Louisville being a public institution, open to the general public,it is, according to Rader putting an even greater premium on space and efficiency. So rather than filling the space with immovable objects, such as banks of PCs, it is completely wireless and filled with flexible seating, from stuffed, comfortable chairs and small tables to wooden chairs and large, roomier tables for students to spread out their work. "Students can bring their own or check out laptops at the circulation desk." Meanwhile, 600 traditional workstations remain in the old wing for those who wish to use them.

The Libraries in their entirety, the Dean told me, hold millions of print volumes from many countries, electronic books and databases and thousands of electronic journals, reference materials, other library resources, library guides and services.

In addition to increased room for student collaboration, the library expansion features three new library instruction labs, where formal or informal classes are held, and the charming new 150-seat Elaine Chao auditorium, all handicapped accessible, and equipped with the latest technology, including wireless Internet access and state-of-the-art AV equipment.

With digital resources offering access to information, much of the library's space is freed up for the library's more unique holdings. An ambitious slate of lectures, seminars, conferences, exhibits, and displays, all designed to engage students, faculty, and the community in the library have been laid out as ongoing activities. Chao, who serves as Labor Secretary under President Bush, spoke recently in the auditorium that bears her name.

In addition, the library is home to the McConnell Center for Political Leadership, featuring the papers and exhibits of Kentucky's Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. The bipartisan center sponsors a range of programming, including lectures and seminars. In fact, the Ekstrom expansion owes a great deal to the McConnell Center-the $14.2 million project was funded by federal grants earmarked by McConnell.

The Elaine L. Chao auditorium is named for the current U.S. Secretary of Labor and plays host to a full slate of lectures and seminars. The space between the rows is exceptionally wide, preventing cramped knees or contortions to allow people to pass. The acoustics in the auditorium are "perfect," making the space the university president's favorite venue for press conferences presenting a great location for TV cameras, press feeds, etc. Chao herself recently spoke there, as has Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA).

To Radar though it's still a library storing information, it is also a place for people to hang out, a place for the whole university, a space to be, a space for events, for special teaching and learning sessions." a 21st-century library."

Arthur Smith was born and was schooled in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He has taught English since 1977 at Prince of Wales School and, Milton Margai College of Education. He is now a Senior Lecturer at Fourah Bay College where he has been lecturing English language and Literature for the past eight years.

Mr Smith's writings have been appearing in local newspapers as well as in various international media like West Africa Magazine, Index on Censorship, Focus on Library and Information Work. He was one of 17 international visitors who participated in a seminar on contemporary American Literature sponsored by the U.S.State Department in 2006. His growing thoughts and reflections on this trip which took him to various US sights and sounds could be read at lisnews.org.

His other publications include: Folktales from Freetown, Langston Hughes: Life and Works Celebrating Black Dignity, and 'The Struggle of the Book' He holds a PhD and a professorship in English from the National Open University, Republic of Benin.

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