Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Zoological Record, the world’s oldest continuing database of animal biology.  The online database contains records back to 1864.  The broad scope of coverage ranges from biodiversity and the environment to taxonomy and veterinary sciences, and, as the world’s leading taxonomic reference, it also acts as the world’s unofficial register of animal names.

Find Zoological Record under Z in the list of Databases, or select it from the list of all databases in the Web of Science.

… by checking out one of the many books on ice cream from the Consortium Library or its partner libraries.  Learn about the history of ice cream, find recipes for making your own, or read some fiction books where ice cream is featured prominently in the plot!

And if dairy isn’t an option for you, here is a list of titles about making all sorts of frozen treats for these hot summer days.

Stay cool, and enjoy!

In addition to celebrating Arctic Council’s 20th anniversary in 2016, the U.S. is now in its second year chairing this high-level circumpolar forum for political discussions on common issues to the governments of the Arctic States and its inhabitants.  The U.S. chairmanship theme, One Arctic: Shared Opportunities, Challenges & Responsibilities reflects the U.S. commitment, with international cooperation, to protect the marine environment, conserve Arctic biodiversity, improve conditions in Arctic communities, and address the rapidly changing climate in the Arctic.

UAA’s very own former Chancellor, Fran Ulmer, is a member of the U.S. Chairmanship team where she serves as Special Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State on Arctic Science and Policy.

Canada, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the U.S. comprise the Council’s eight member Arctic States.  In addition, six Permanent Participants, organizations that represent Indigenous Peoples, are also members.  The chairmanship of the Arctic Council rotates every two years among the Arctic States; in 2015, the U.S. took over the two-year Chairmanship rotation from Canada.

For more information, press releases of the U.S. accomplishments and goals for its chairmanship, and much more, click here.

Did you know April is Mathematics Awareness Month?

Celebrate by reading a biography of a famous mathematician (can you name one?) or a book on the history of mathematics.  The Consortium Library has a plethora of books and other resources on all things math, as well as a collection of study DVDs for learning algebra, geometry, calculus, and much more.

Here’s a sample.

Well, no actually.  The Consortium Library does not purchase textbooks for classes.  Luckily, you have some alternatives:

1) Stop by the Library’s circulation desk to see if the book for your class has been put on reserve by your professor. Make sure you know the instructor’s last name and the title of the item. Or you can check for yourself by going to Course Reserves and looking for the course by instructor last name, course name, or course ID.

2) Check if you are able to rent the textbook through the UAA Campus Bookstore or purchase a used copy.

3) Try one of the websites listed in our Textbook guide to rent, download, purchase used, or access an open textbook.

Good luck with the spring semester!