Where is the W.E.B. Du Bois Library made out of Legos

The Lego Library is currently on the third floor in the Digital Medial Lab
Information about the Lego Library: "This scale model of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library was constructed as part of a team building exercise during the summer of 1994 by students enrolled in the University's Professional Master of Business Administration Program.  The materials and model building expertise were generously donated by LEGO Systems, Inc., located in Enfield, Connecticut.  Students enrolled in this course titled "Teambuilding and Interpersonal Communications" all constructed scale models of the Mullins Center, the Fine Arts Center and the Silvio Conte National Polymer Research Center.  If you have any questions about this effort please call the School of Management, 545-5608."

If I have an overdue book, can I take out another book?

It depends...if they checked out a regular book with a regular due date and are overdue, they WILL be able to check out other items.  However if they got a notice and the book is recalled and overdue, they will NOT be able to check out any other items.  They HAVE to return that book first.

Depending on how overdue it is, they may still be able to renew online but they can ALWAYS renew in person.

If you are ever unsure the best thing is to send them to the LC Desk.

Does the Library or anywhere on campus lend out pianos or instruments?

The short answer is no, not really.

However in the Digital Media Lab, one of the sound booths does have a keyboard in it.  This can't be taken out of the room.

There are pianos on campus that students may use.  There used to be one in the Student Union ballroom.  I know there is also one near the Roots Cafe in the Honors Dorm complex.  They are also pianos students may be able to use in the rehearsal rooms in the Music Department.

Off campus students could check out Gerry's Music Shop that rents instruments, this however will cost money and is located in South Hadley. There are other music stores in Northampton that might rent instruments as well.

Why is there a fence around the library?

Good Question!

The short story: When the Library was built, it was originally going to look like Lederle or the Fine Arts Center.  It was supposed to be just concrete.  They decided to add a brick facade to the outside of the building.  (If you look up at the building you can see the white lines where the sheets of brick meet.)  It turns out there was a problem with how the brick facade was attached.  Where the sheets meet they pushed together and pieces of brick fell off called, "spalling".
Due to this the library was moved back to the previous library in Goodell.  Some books stayed here and they would come and get them when students requested them.  The problem was eventually fixed and everything was moved back to the W.E.B. Du Bois Library.  As a precaution they put up a chain link fence for protection.  It was hideous!  And was up for over 30 years.  (It was here when I was here.)  Click HERE for an article talking about the removal of the fence.  
So they finally put up a nicer fence and that is what we have now.  It may not have to be there but still is just in case.

*There is a handout somewhere in the drawer titled, "When the Chips are Down... Everything you've always wanted to know about the library but they were afraid to tell you..."  This will give more detailed information.

Where are the computer labs?

I think some students use the phrase "computer lab" because that is what they were called in high school.  I think they just mean where are there computers.  I would just send them either downstairs to the Learning Commons. If they are looking for a specific IT Classroom, have them check the schedule or direct them to the correct floor.

Q&A: How did Calipari room get its name?

The Calipari room is named after the gentleman who gave the money for the room, John Calipari.  Mr Calipari was the basketball coach at UMass from 1988-1996.  He was the coach when our basketball team was good.  Here is more information about him if interested http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Calipari 

Q&A: Can people actually go through the tunnel from this library and the Student Union?

There is actually no tunnel that goes from the library to the Student Union.

Q&A: Which library was the library before the W.E.B. Dubois Library?

History of the Library:

The original library was on the first floor of the Old Chapel and was open in 1886.
In 1935 the Library was moved to the new building, Goodell Hall where it resided until 1973.
Finally it moved to the current location, to the W.E.B. Du Bois Library in 1973.  Although when it was first opened it was referred to as the University Tower Library.  It was called the Du Bois Library in February 1996.

For more information:
Old Chapel:
http://www.library.umass.edu/spcoll/youmass/doku.php?id=o:old_chapel
Goodell Hall:
http://www.library.umass.edu/spcoll/youmass/doku.php?id=g:goodell_hall
Du Bois Library:
http://www.library.umass.edu/spcoll/youmass/doku.php?id=d:du_bois_library&s[]=library

Q&A: Can you download audiobooks onto your ipod or phone to listen to it?

I know that this library does not have audiobooks in our collection physical collection.  With all of our e-resources we may.  I would think that you could not download them due to copyright issues.

I would send anyone asking about this type of question, especially that it concerns technology, to the Learning Commons and Technical Support Desk.

Q&A: Where's the A125 Staffroom in the library?

This room is not in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, it is located in the Lederle Graduate Research Center.  I know that none of the rooms in the building start with letters.

Q&A: What are the hours of the Science Library?

They are listed on the confusing hours handout.  Find the semester schedule, the Science Library line, and viola!

You can also find them on the library home page, on the top right.

Q&A: Are there any places in the Library or on campus that would be a good place to have huge group (13 people) study sessions?

The only formal "group study" is down in the Learning Commons but not for that large of a group.

As for on campus, they could go to an unused classroom. 

Q&A: When I lift the computer screen up, it immediately turns the monitor off. Why?

I think from us swinging the computer around so often it loosens the wires and connections in the back.  Briefly it will reduce the connection and you lose the screen.  If you make sure the connections are secure it does happen less.

Q&A: Is there a place in the library that hands out magazines or newspapers?

The only place that we have newspapers and magazines is on the Lower Level.  This unbound periodicals can circulate to UMass students for 24 hours.  Newspapers however cannot leave the bulding.

If it is a student in a journalism class they will usually need to purchase their own copy.  Papers are sold at the UStore and at the Newman Center on campus. 

Q&A: Where is "UM Du Bois Reserves/Media"?

If it says, "UM Du Bois Reserves/Media" in the catalog, it is downstairs at the LC Desk.  I have mentioned that this terminology is confusing but it has not changed yet.

Q&A: Where can someone get a Social Security Card

I would direct them to this website: http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

If you click on the "3 Take or Mail" option you can put in a zip code and it will give the closest office.

Q&A: Where are the autobiography books?

Autobiographies cataloged using the Library of Congress are not all in one place, they will vary by topic.  So you need to send someone looking for these types of items to the LC Desk and a Librarian will help them.

It is a good rule of thumb: if they do not have a specific book and/or author, send them to the LC Desk for Reference help.

Q&A: Are there any art supplies somewhere on campus?

They do sell Art supplies (paints, pastels, easels, canvas, colored pencils, etc...) at the Campus Store.  They have a rather large supply to support the Art programs on campus.

The craft Center in the basement of the Student Union also has available supplies. Their website is HERE.

Q&A: Where can someone get something laminated?

Students can get items laminated at the Campus Design and Copy located in the Student Union. Click HERE for a complete price list of services.

Q&A: Where is Room LITS 231 in the Library?

From searching online, there is a LITS 231 Room at the Mt. Holyoke Library.