Langsdale: A Student's Perspective

As the student liaison for the library, I’m updated on changes and improvements happening at Langsdale. By asking students around campus, I got a better idea of their opinions on Langsdale’s progress. The students who frequently came to the library were generally more enthusiastic about Langsdale, while students who rarely came told me what might bring them in.

Anna  Alrub, a freshman jurisprudence major, has been to the library twice. When asked what changes she thinks the library should make, Anna suggested adding more color to make it more inviting.

Some students focused more on the library’s service than environment. Shelby Cook, a junior government and public policy major, frequently comes to the library to get help. She went on to add that the librarians were friendly and knowledgeable. Barbara Sherrod, a junior English major, frequently visits Langsdale to get work done quietly. When I questioned Barbara about what she would like to see improved, she said, “more material in circulation,” more books.

Langsdale has been keeping up with the demands of students by adding a much-needed LCD-touchscreen scanner to the first floor. Also, we’ve added iPad kiosks to help you locate books and find reserves quickly. One useful new feature, released by Langsdale last semester, is the mobile site for on-the-go convenience.
This spring semester, Anna might want to come back to the library: the third floor is currently being re-modeled to provide more quiet study space.

Langsdale is focused on improvements that make the library experience more accommodating and comfortable for all.

                     -Jasmine Gibson

Mango Languages: A Student Perspective

Scrolling through the library databases, I came across something extremely different. There was a database geared towards something other than typical library research. It was a research database named Mango Languages. This database is loaded with tons of information about different prominent languages within the United States. Some of those languages include Spanish, Italian, German, and French. Mango has other languages too, but I’ll let those languages be a surprise. Mango language database has everything from basic conversational skills to more advanced learning skills. And this program can be easily downloaded to your Android or Apple device.

Mango is really simple to begin: first, log on to the Langsdale’s database. You will be prompted to enter your myUB username and password. Next, click Mango Languages by using the “Databases by Title” tab. Continue by registering as a user of Mango. (Note: there is no charge for using this database or completing the registry.)Check your email for confirmation and then you can begin. See, it’s really quick and easy.

This is simple, fun learning in a convenient setting. The program guides you through every single step, from picking a language to reading the flashcards.

A tip: turn up your volume when using this database. This way you can understand the correct pronunciations and articulations of new words and phrases. Mango is definitely something worth mentioning. I could not believe how easy and entertaining this program was. After mastering the different Spanish courses, I wondered why I had not heard of Mango Languages in high-school. It would’ve been a fine tool in learning both conversational Chinese and Spanish. This is also a great tool for brushing up on language skills. Do not hesitate to try Mango Languages. It’s one of the best programs that I have ever come across in the databases listings. Hasta luego, amigos!

The Best Place to Study

Langsdale's lobby, circa 1968

After the first few weeks of your freshman year are over, the giving out of syllabi has stopped and you finally feel like a true college student. You attend class punctually and attentively. You go home and 1) enjoy a long deserved nap, 2) eat until you can’t eat any longer, 3) begin to play your video game, 4) drown in your cellular device, or 5) bury yourself in a social networking site until sundown. Where am I going with this? Have you ever noticed how hard it is to remove the remote from your side and lift yourself from the couch, then attempt to pick up your textbook and complete your coursework? Coursework is tiring. Have you ever noticed how boring and time-consuming studying can be? Studying is one of those habits that if you don’t learn early you will struggle with later in your life. However, studying is NOT impossible.

Studying is by far the most important tool for becoming a better student. College, a great educating process, comes with a lot of demands. The positives of college courses are far greater than the negatives – like studying. Some students enjoy studying. They have plenty of time on their hands and they embrace the idea of eating apples while reading books. Some students prefer nighttime studying, some prefer daytime studying. Some students need complete silence and some students can read a whole novel while murdering their eardrums with loud music. Everyone has their own way of studying!

The best place to study, in my opinion, has to be in the library. I am a student who appreciates silence because I never have silence in my home, classes, or even in the car. I struggle with studying, so I value silence when I need to study. The University of Baltimore’s Langsdale Library has tons of books and tons of open space, especially for studying. The third floor is for quiet studying, but if you want to do group work, the second floor has group study rooms. Doing homework is extremely quick and easy when researching online using the library’s website, but books also carry a lot of valuable information. Most people like finding books on their own, but some do not. For students that wish to study in Langsdale Library, there are iPad kiosks that offer help with finding books so you won’t have to wait in line at the reference desk. The library has so much to offer, free Wi-Fi for students, printing, free spaces to study, free air/heat, and FREE CUPCAKES!!!! Oh wait! That was just during Welcome Week. Well my point is, Langsdale Library is no ordinary library… it’s the best place to study, even if your home is remotely quiet. Come over and enjoy the wonderful offerings at the library.

By Jasmine Gibson

A new face at the library

As the new student liaison, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Mariama Gregory. I study corporate communications at the University of Baltimore. I am excited to be the liaison for Langsdale because it offers me an opportunity to gain experience in marketing and advertising. My hope is to be an effective advocate for Langsdale and make it a resource students want to use. I look forward to this rewarding challenge. 

- Mariama

Greetings from Langsdale's new student liaison Abdu Eaton

Hello! I am not only a student at the University of Baltimore but I also will be working at Langsdale Library as a Student Liaison for the Fall. I am here to make sure that the UB student community knows everything and anything about Langsdale from events to the resources we provide. All questions can be directed to me via email. I will be sure to help you figure out how to work with Langsdale and to use Langsdale to better your college experience.

By the way come check out our new Zombie display! It’s spooky.
Best,
Abdu

Greetings from Langsdale's new student liaison Vincent Nowicki

Hello, my name is Vincent Nowicki. I’m a sophomore at The University of Baltimore.
My major is Jurisprudence and I’m the student liaison for Langsdale Library.
I feel my job as liaison is to be a bridge of communication between students, faculty,
and the library. As liaison you will see me all over campus promoting the library every
way I can. One of my personal goals as the liaison is to strengthen Langsdale’s social
media sites (facebook and twitter). Langsdale Library has a lot to offer and these sites are
good way of finding out new things that are going on in the library. I’m always around
campus if you see someone promoting the library it is most likely me. Don’t be afraid to
come up and say hi or ask me a question. This is going to be a great year for UB and
Langsdale. I hope to see you all soon. Remember, like us on
facebook https://www.facebook.com/langsdalelibrary Thank you.

-Vincent Nowicki

Langsdale has great new study areas

Hi students! We wanted to remind you that Langsdale Library is a great place to meet when working on group assignments. We have group study areas located all over the library. Recently, we added more areas in the lower level, including a large room with tables and two seating areas near the vending machines. And don’t forget, Langsdale Library has two special rooms on the 2nd floor that supply a big screen monitor to practice group presentations, view media, and research information. These rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis. And, of course, you can use one of our laptops in any of these areas. Come on over and check it out! If you have questions, please give us a call at (410) 837-4260.

Greetings from new Langsdale Student Liaison

Welcome back students to the fall semester of 2010! My name is Dawn Lamb and I am the new student liaison for the Langsdale Library. I am currently in my senior year studying Corporate Communications. As the student liaison, I will be assisting UB students in areas of research and information needs through appropriate resources and services. My other responsibilities will involve communicating and informing UB students about updates and new information in regards to the Langsdale Library. Please feel free to email me at dawn.lamb@ubalt.edu or stop by to see me on the 3rd floor.