The Autobiography of Uggles

Posted on November 16, 2015 by JMS

Uggles the UGL cat here! Due to my popularity and positive qualities that some describe as “being impossibly cute,” the Undergraduate Library has asked me to take over social media this week and I am starting with the blog! People know me as the UGL librarian with the best hair, but there’s more to my story than great fur. Let’s take a look into how I became the research superstar that I am today.

Me as an angsty teenager. It was just a phase.

Me as an angsty teenager. It was a phase.

A long time ago a beautiful baby kitten was born in a barn, a barn unsuitable for the cat’s beauty. This little kitten was full of energy, incredibly cute, and was a strong, independent kitty. If you haven’t figured it out by now, that kitten was me – Uggles. For a while I played around the barn, chased mice and all of that fun stuff, but I soon realized that I was different than my brothers and sisters. While my siblings didn’t even think to question their boring, dry cat food, I was busy researching the medical benefits of a wet food diet. I knew that I was a different cat with real goals and aspirations, so I decided to head to the good state of Illinois where my cat ambitions could lead me to bigger and better things.

I was quite the procatstinator as an undergrad.

I arrived in Illinois and decided to attend the best school for cats in the entire country – Mewniversity of Illinois. There I double majored in history and Meowconomics. I graduated early and decided to take my talents to the number one library school in the nation – The University of Illinois. I have always loved researching and helping people so I dec- SQUIRREL! Ahem, excuse me. I always loved helping people so I decided to study librarianship. My primary focus was Kitten Services Librarianship, but I also researched the effects of prolonged purring on the study habits of undergraduate students.

Luckily the UGL saw my skills and offered me a very attractive package of health insurance and toy mice. What else could I need?! I started working at the UGL this past spring and I am currently the head of Feline and Snuggling services, where I wow students with my cuteness while helping them find information. I love interacting with students and will hopefully be around in the spr – MAGIC RED DOT! Excuse me…. In the spring.I really enjoy helping students find what they need, mostly because I am a very nice cat and also because I feel bad. Most of the students I see are seriously lacking in fur. How will they ever survive these cold Champaign winters? Currently I am the head of Feline and Snuggling Services where I wow students with my cuteness. Did you see my debut video? That is just a sample of what I bring to the table… that I am mostly likely on top of without your permission.

Cat-leesi

In my spare time I like to peruse the UGL media collection for sophisticated TV shows. My favorite is a show about aristocratic cats in turn of the century England. Have you heard of Downton Catty before? I also thoroughly enjoy photoshopping myself into random images from the internet using the Macs in the Media Commons. Do you see that photo of me on the Iron Throne? I look purrrrfect! If I was a Cat-leesi my rule would, of course, be benevolent and just. I would shower you all with jingly ball t – BIRDS!!!!

To witness more of my social media takeover, follow the UGL Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for the rest of the week!

READ.WATCH.PLAY: Be Library Famous!

Posted on October 5, 2015 by JMS

Ever look at your dorm room or apartment walls and wonder, “My decorations are alright, but a poster of myself would really spice this place up”? Well, it’s your lucky day! The UGL is excited to announce the second annual READ.WATCH.PLAY. Poster Contest. All you have to do is tell us about your favorite library resource and you could be featured on a poster in the UGL! Not only will you get to keep a copy of the poster, but all of your hard work during those late-night study sessions will pay off when you become Library Famous.

READ.WATCH.PLAY. Poster Contest

Here’s how it works:
1. You must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Illinois.

2. You must follow us on at least one of our social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.

3. You will then pick a book, movie, or video game that you want to pose with. Explain to us (just 2 or 3 sentences) why you chose that book, movie, or video game and why you think other undergrads would be interested in it.

4. Tell us about your favorite service or space at the Undergraduate Library.

A print application will be available at the Circulation Desk on the Upper Level of the UGL. Too excited to wait? Click here for an online application!

Winners will be chosen on November 9 and a “photo shoot” will take place at the video production studio in the UGL. Be prepared to reveal your inner supermodel. Once the photos are done, your poster will be printed out and displayed in our wonderful library through spring. An extra poster will be printed out for you to keep!

UGL 101: The Unexpected Joys of the Undergraduate Library

Posted on September 21, 2015 by JMS

Photo courtesy of UGL Media Commons

Have you ever wanted to learn about all of the unique services the UGL has to offer in one video? Lucky for you, the UGL has created a new tour video! Group rooms, video production studio, loanable technology – we’ve got it all. Check it out below to learn more!

For more information on UGL services, check out some of the following links:

Reserve a Group Study Room

Office Hours

Video Studio Reservation

Audio Studio Reservation

Loanable Technology

Like the video? Let us know by tweeting at us (@askundergrad) or writing on our Facebook wall (Undergraduate Library @ UIUC).

About That New Tree in the Courtyard…

Posted on September 7, 2015 by JMS

Welcome back Club UGLers! As the semester wears on you may find yourself in the Undergraduate Library a little more than you expected. That could be a product of many of our fine services such as Loanable Technology, Course Reserves, or the fast and efficient printing. It could also be that you find our late night hours are convenient for that last minute paper or project. Nevertheless, you may come accustomed to your underground surroundings. For those of you veteran UGL goers, you may notice that sudden and drastic change in Courtyard foliage.

Photo courtesy of UGL Media Commons

Unfortunately, the Undergraduate Library had to say goodbye to an old and trusted friend this summer. Treebeard, the mighty leader of the Ents, passed away in early June from a sudden and unforeseen tree disease. As many of you know, Treebeard was a naturally grown leader. From acorn to full grown tree, Treebeard lived a life that many have admired. From his shepherding of the forests of Middle Earth to his successful charge against Saruman’s fortress during the War for the Ring, Treebeard was a wise and powerful Ent.

We at the UGL did not want to upset you this early on into the semester. We know how attached you were to our own personal tree herder. But alas, we did not want to go the way of parents buying a new goldfish to replace their child’s old, dead one. While that may have worked for a fish when you were 7, it probably would not have worked with a tree – mostly due to the size, but also because of its place in your hearts.

Photo courtesy of Stanley Zimny via Flickr

Fortunately, Treebeard was a more resilient tree than most. As you may have already noticed, there is a new and admittedly smaller tree located in the courtyard. Like a proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, Treebeard returned as a beautiful, new type of tree. While Treebeard’s last form was that of a maple tree, Treebeard has been resurrected (with knowledge and wisdom intact) as an Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry. Like the seasons, Treebeard II will undergo changes throughout the year. In the spring Treebeard II will be congratulating the graduates with white flowers. During the summer months Treebeard II will be enjoying the break like the rest of us with purple, edible berries. Lastly, during the fall, Treebeard II will be saying goodbye to the summer and welcome a new school year with the beautiful red foliage that gives the type of tree its name.

Now some of you may be upset with the loss of shade that the original Treebeard gave to the courtyard, but rest assured that Treebeard II carries all the knowledge, comfort and potential for shade that the original Treebeard had. So as we welcome a new semester, and the sizable workload that comes with it, we also welcome Treebeard II: The Tree of Trees long may he reign!

Photo courtesy of Andrey Zharkikh via Flickr

If you have any further questions about Treebeard’s new form or anything else dealing with the Undergraduate Library please like us on Facebook (Undergraduate Library @ UIUC) or follow us on Twitter or Instagram (askundergrad).

UGL 101: Welcome Back!

Posted on August 24, 2015 by JMS

Welcome back to campus! Whether it’s your first time visiting the Undergraduate Library or you consider the UGL your second home, we’re glad to have you here. We know this is a busy time for students, so to help ease the stress of a new school year, we’re putting together some helpful UGL information to get you started on the right foot.

Photo courtesy of UGL Flickr

The UGL will have some abbreviated hours during the first two weeks of school before returning to the normal hours. Here is a breakdown of the following two weeks:

Monday 8/23 through Thursday 8/27: 8:00am to 12:00am
Friday 8/28: 8:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday 8/29: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday 8/30: 10:00am to 12:00am
Monday 8/31 through Thursday 9/3: 8:00am to 12:00am
Friday 9/1: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday 9/2: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday 9/3: 10:00am to 12:00am
Monday 9/4 (Labor Day): Closed

The library will open back up at 8:00am on Tuesday, September 5, and the UGL’s regular 24 hour (Monday through Friday) schedule will resume.

For more information on library hours, check out the library homepage: http://www.library.illinois.edu/

Upper Level of the UGL. Photo courtesy of the UGL Media Commons

The UGL has a little something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to meet for a group project, need some help getting started with research, a space to play video games, or want to check out a GoPro to document your bike ride through campus, our Upper Level is the place to go. The Lower Level of the UGL is perfect for studying quietly, discovering a new graphic novel, or finding a video game or television series to check out.

Media Commons. Photo courtesy of the UGL Media Commons

The Media Commons, located on the north and east side of the upper level of the Undergraduate Library, provides students with the opportunity to experiment with emerging technologies. The Media Commons offers students a chance to create and use digital media. With an audio booth, green screen room, editing software, and loanable technology at your fingertips, you’ll be able to create nearly anything.

Learn more about the Media Commons here: http://www.library.illinois.edu/ugl/mc/index.html

What’s your favorite part of the UGL? Tweet at us at @askundergrad and let us know!

New Science Fiction Books at the UGL

Posted on August 17, 2015 by JMS

Are you a fan of space travel? Do you crave futuristic storylines? Are you interested in reading about science, technology, and parallel universes? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you’re in luck. The UGL has recently added several new science fiction works to its collection. Whether you’re looking for a standalone cyberpunk novel, or a space opera series, the UGL has you covered.

Nigerians in Space by Deji Bryce Olukotun

Olukotun’s debut novel is equal parts action and history. Nigerians in Space, which is primarily set in Cape Town, combines African politics, culture, and thrilling adventure. This afrofuturist science fiction novel is a great choice for readers that want a little bit of everything.

The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle

The Atlantis Gene is the first novel in the Origin Mystery Trilogy. Riddle’s novel takes place at the start of the next human evolution. This novel takes both the past and future of humans into consideration with great detail. The Atlantis Gene is a great choice for anyone who is looking to be immersed in incredible detail and a fast-paced plot.

The Bohr Maker by Linda Nagata

Nagata’s Locus award winning novel blends cyberpunk and hard science fiction to tell a story about nanotechnology, privilege, and strong female characters. The Bohr Maker is the first book in the Nanotech Succession, a collection of standalone novels. Readers looking to think deeply about what it means to be human should consider checking this book out.

Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon

Trading in Danger is the first of five novels in the Vatta’s War space opera series. Kylara Vatta, the novel’s heroine, forgoes tradition and chooses to join the military rather than pursue a career in her family’s business. Things don’t quite go as planned and soon Ky’s easy journey as a ship captain turns into an adventure filled with interplanetary rebellion and exciting space battles. This book is great for readers that are looking to become immersed in an action-packed series about military strategy and brilliant characters.

Tau Zero by Poul Anderson

Tau Zero is a hard science fiction novel that fuses emotion with technology. Anderson’s novel follows the crew of a starship as they embark on a journey to reach a distant star system. With in-depth scientific explanations of how time, relativity, and the cosmos work, this novel is a great read for hardcore science enthusiasts.

What are your favorite science fiction novels? Let us know in the comments!

Summer in the UGL

Posted on May 20, 2015 by QLB

You did it! Finals are over and summertime (well, almost) in the UGL has started. For those of you who in town or who are taking classes, the UGL will be open. Come on in and check out some DVD’s or video games. If you need a space to study, you’re in luck, the UGL has various spots where you can relax or do homework.

Summertime in the UGL. Photo courtesy of Alain via Flickr Media Commons

The hours will be the following:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM- 6:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM

Saturday: 1-5 PM

Sunday: Closed

We will be closed May 24th and 25th. There are a couple of days where the UGL is closed, so if you have any questions, feel free to check the hours on the library gateway page. Have a great summer and be on the lookout for our summertime reader’s advisory blogs and other fun stuff!

De-Stress Fest! Therapy Dogs, Chair Yoga, and a special guest

Posted on May 4, 2015 by QLB

The Spring semester is almost to an end and finals are near. Take a break and refresh with therapy dogs at the UGL, Grainger, and Funk ACES libraries. And check out the UGL’s first-ever De-Stress Fest, featuring yoga, coloring books, McKinley Stress Management Peers, and the UIUC Counseling Center. For the grand finale, Uggles the UGL Cat (weather permitting) will be outside of the UGL for a meet-and-greet!

Join us for the de-stress fest!

The Therapy Dog Schedule is:

May 7th ACES:

Jeannie 2-4 PM
Fitz 2-4 PM
Wyatt the Cat 2-4pm

May 11th Grainger:
Sam 2-4 PM
Lilly 2-4 PM
Atlas 2-3 PM

May 12th UGL:
Raven 2-4 PM
Twiggy 3-4 PM
Atlas 2-3 PM

The De-Stress Fest will include Chair Yoga sessions provided by Christine Janak (http://www.christinejanak.com/). Two sessions will take place at 2:15 to 2:45 and 3:00-3:30. The UIUC Counseling Center will also be at the UGL providing information on campus de-stress resources, as well as the McKinley Stress Management Peers.

There will also be a scheduled meet and greet with Uggles the UGL Cat on Tuesday May 12th on the plaza level outside the UGL (weather permitting). Take this opportunity to take a selfie with #Uggles.

Now – let’s meet some of our certified therapy animals, provided courtesy of the CU Canine Connection and CU Registered Therapy Animals (https://cucanineconnection.wordpress.com/).

Lilly

Rub Lilly’s tummy!

This cutie will be at Grainger on May 11th. She is a Goldendoodle with many talents. They include being a registered therapy dog and a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ). Like many dogs, her likes include snuggling, playing with humans, and listening to a good book.

Hercules and Fitz

Hercules and Fitz

We also have Hercules and sibling, Fitz. Fitz is a visla/chocolate lab mix, while Hercules is a boxer/Boston terrier/American Staffordshire terrier.They both enjoy chasing each other and squirrels, taking naps, and being cuddled. They will be at ACES on May 7th, so come say hi!

Raven

Raven, on the left

Raven is a Standard Poodle.She does most of her therapy work at libraries and loves people from all ages. In order to relax, Raven likes to play fetch with Frisbees and tennis balls. She will be at the UGL on May 12th.

Sam

Sam. Photo courtesy of the Media Commons

Sam in all his glory. Photo courtesy of the Media Commons

Sam is an adorable and fuzzy Alaskan Malamute. He is great company and enjoys when people pet him. Like everyone, he is not a fan of finals but is very happy to be at UIUC to relieve peoples stress. Sam will be at Grainger on May 11th. Come on by and take a picture with him!

Wyatt

Wyatt the Cat. Photo courtesy of Lori Kistler

Wyatt is a “puppy cat.” What does this mean? He loves people petting him and how good of a boy he is, He is 6 years old and has been a certified therapy cat for 2 years, His likes includes getting petted by humans and eating junk food. Wyatt will be at ACES on May 7th.

Remember, these are just a couple of dogs (and cats) that will be here during finals week. Mark them on your calendar and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Treebeard: Origins

Posted on April 27, 2015 by QLB

It was the dawn of the Fourth Age of Middle Earth. In the long and horrific war for the Ring, the forests of Middle Earth suffered great losses at the hands of Saruman and the orcs of Sauron. Treebeard and his fellow Ents slowly rebuilt the forests, though their work was long and arduous. Under the blessing of Aragorn, the forests regained their strength and the tower of Saruman was overrun with new forests: the Watchwood. Treebeard was proud of his kinsmen and was pleased to see peace being restored to Middle Earth. The other Ents were quite pleased as well, and most buried their roots to return to life as it was before the war.

Courtyard Tree, now also known by its nickname, Treebeard. Photo courtesy of the Media Commons

Treebeard, however, found that he was not ready to plant his roots in one place. He knew that the gift of wisdom would be wasted if he stayed. Although he regretted parting from his fellow Ents, Treebeard set out on an adventure of his own, in search of people to aid and forests to rebuild. He traveled long and far from the Watchwood and with each day he encountered fewer of his kin. He grew lonely in these strange lands, and at times he considered returning to Watchwood. But he traveled on towards the northern most parts of Arnor, into a land that, to his knowledge, had not yet been traveled or mapped. He was utterly alone. Accompanied only by his desires to spread his wisdom.

For many years, Treebeard wandered through and beyond the Northern Waste. The beard on his face grew long and unkempt. The limbs of his branches began to bow as he grew weary. Just as he began to worry he would never find what he was seeking, he came upon a vast forest at the end of Middle Earth. He was overcome with happiness as the forest resembled the old home he left long ago. As he entered the forest, he was entranced by the familiar smells and sights of it. The soil beneath his roots felt rich and healthy. He saw tall, strong trees with vibrant colors and thick bark. The creatures of the forest lived happily within the dense branches and leaves. He was reminded of days long ago, when he had watched over the forests of Middle Earth. He was reminded, too, of the many travelers who sought wisdom and guidance among the Ents. Here, in this forest, although it was rich and healthy, he would find no travelers and his wisdom was not needed. The forest reminded him of his purpose and lifted his spirits. Although it is hard to say exactly what route he traveled along, for even he cannot recall, Treebeard found his way from Middle Earth to a strange land that natives called Illinois.

There in Illinois, he happened upon a building that was constructed underground like a hobbit hole. He saw a sign with strange letters which read “Undergraduate Library.” He was told that an Undergraduate Library was a place where knowledge was sought and gained. He was overjoyed to have discovered a place whose whole purpose was to store and dispense wisdom. Treebeard knew he had arrived at his destination, and so he planted his roots right in the middle of the courtyard. Here, the natives, which called themselves “undergrads”, could come to him for advice and guidance.

For more information on Treebeard, the Ents, or the rest of Tolkein’s Middle Earth look no further than the UGL. For Tolkein’s books about Middle Earth follow the link here. Don’t forget the resources in the UGL’s media collection. For the movies inspired by the books, check out our catalog.

Lord of the Rings

Come visit Treebeard in all his glory. He is located in the courtyard on the lower level of the UGL.

Name the UGL Courtyard Tree

Posted on April 6, 2015 by JMS

It’s National Poetry Month! We were originally going to talk about the incredible selection of poetry we have available at the UGL, but another event has stolen our attention: April Absurdity! Although it is a shame that we can’t point readers to great works such as current Poet Laureate Charles Wright’s 2014 Pulitzer Prize winner Black Zodiac, your chance to give the UGL courtyard tree a nickname is too important.

UGL April Absurdity 2015

April is an exciting month at the University of Illinois, as temperatures rise and students are able to enjoy time outside. We won’t suggest reading Wendell Berry’s The Broken Ground, even though it would be a great way to celebrate nature and the good weather we have been getting, so instead we hope that you will participate in naming the tree that gives students a glimpse of life while studying underground at the UGL. Names for the tree will be accepted between April 6 and April 13 and they can be suggested by online survey, on the whiteboard near the UGL Circulation Desk located on the Upper Level, and through Facebook and Twitter.

Student studying in UGL courtyard in 1969, photo taken from University Archives (http://ow.ly/LefGX)

During the week of April 13 through April 20, students will be able to vote for their favorite name at the UGL Circulation Desk and through the UGL’s social media. The whiteboard next to the Circulation Desk will be updated with brackets to show the progress of the names. If we didn’t have to tell you that the final name would be announced on Arbor Day (which is April 24) we could highlight some of our other books of poetry, such as Sharon Olds’s Stag’s Leap, or even a classic work like Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Collected Poems and Translations.

UGL Courtyard Tree, courtesy of Media Commons

National Poetry Month is such an exciting time at the UGL, which is why it is so upsetting that we can’t mention our books like Lucille Clifton’s Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems, or Adrienne Rich’s The School Among the Ruins. (See what we did there?) If you need inspiration to come up with tree names, be sure to check out Americans’ Favorite Poems: The Favorite Poem Project Anthology.

Americans’ Favorite Poems: The Favorite Poem Project Anthology

Stay up to date with April Absurdity and do your part in helping name the UGL courtyard tree!

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