What's New at the UCC Library?

Celebrate Disability Pride Month & Helen Keller’s Legacy

Explore These Resources:

• The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
• The Complete Guide to Creating a Special Needs Life Plan: A Comprehensive Approach Integrating Life , Resource, Financial and Legal Planning To Ensure A Brighter Future For a Person With A Disability by Hal Wright

Explore African American History and Culture

Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library are closed on June 19th.

 June 19th marks Juneteenth, a significant day in American history commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward racial equity and justice. The library invites you to engage with a variety of resources that celebrate Black voices and deepen understanding of this powerful legacy.

Our digital and physical collections highlight the richness of Black history, art, and activism. From personal narratives and historical accounts to cultural studies and documentaries, we invite you to explore the journey of Black Americans. The UCC Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can learn and grow. Whether you're researching African American history or exploring social justice topics, we offer:

• Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Access scholarly resources on pivotal moments like the Civil War, behind the scenes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. Don’t miss this article on the Juneteenth Monument.

• Kanopy – Stream powerful films that tell Black stories, such as this collection from the University of Southern California Cinematic Arts. There is also this series called Roots, which is about one family's journey through slavery and wants to preserve their legacy.

• Books and eBooks: Featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Black authors and thinkers, including works like The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and the book The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander. Poetry includes The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. 

• Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries such as Slavery and the Making of America, which traces the history of slavery and its enduring impact.

• ERIC – Explore research on African American education, equity in schools, and inclusive curriculum development.

Understanding history is key to creating a more just future. The library supports this through tools that promote critical thinking and dialogue around systemic racism, cultural identity, and activism.

Spring Reserve Items Overdue

Library reserve items (laptops, calculators, and ECE/HDFS textbooks) check out for one term at a time. This ensures that the library is able to update all firmware, software, and keep collections accurate. This means that all library laptops, calculators, and textbooks were due Friday, June 13, 2025, and they are now overdue.

Students who do not return library laptops, calculators, and textbooks may now have a hold placed on their student account and may be blocked from registering for Summer/Fall Term. In addition, they may be referred to a collection agency and charged a non-refundable fee of up to $250. 

For further information about laptop circulation, please see this page of the library website, or reach out to us via the “Chat with Us Now” button at the top of the library website. 

Pride Month – Honoring LGBTQIA+ History, Voices, and Futures

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, resilience, and ongoing contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is not only a celebration of identity and love, but also a reminder of the continued fight for equality, inclusion, and visibility. The UCC Library invites you to explore a range of resources that support education, advocacy, and understanding.

Explore LGBTQIA+ History and Culture

Our digital and physical collections include books, eBooks, documentaries, and academic articles that cover LGBTQIA+ topics in history, literature, sociology, health, and education. Discover influential works by queer authors, explore landmark moments like the Stonewall Uprising, or learn about global LGBTQIA+ movements through:

• Gale OneFile: Diversity Studies: Access scholarly content focused on cultural and social issues, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Check out this article on Campus LGBTQ+ around the nation.

• Kanopy: Stream documentaries and feature films that highlight LGBTQIA+ stories, art, and activism. To Be Takei offers a heartfelt and humorous look at George Takei’s life, celebrating his journey as a trailblazing LGBTQ+ icon, actor, and activist.

Supportive Spaces for Learning and Dialogue

The UCC Library is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming space for all. Whether you’re researching LGBTQIA+ issues for academic purposes or exploring personal identity, we offer:

• Inclusive Book Displays: Featuring fiction and nonfiction celebrating queer voices. Such as All Boy's Aren't Blue a Memoir/Manifesto

• Private Study Areas: Respectful and quiet spaces for reflection, reading, or writing.

Educational Tools for Advocacy and Awareness

Education plays a powerful role in promoting equity. The library supports this with resources to deepen your understanding of gender, sexuality, intersectionality, and social justice, including:

• Films on Demand: View educational content created by and for LGBTQIA+ audiences, like Drawn This Way, about artists and cartoonists.

• ERIC: Access research on LGBTQIA+ representation in Choirs and other musical mediums.

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Spring Reserve Items Are Due This Week

Library reserve items (laptops, calculators, and ECE/HDFS textbooks) check out for one term at a time. This ensures that the library is able to update all firmware, software, and keep collections accurate. This means that all library laptops, calculators, and textbooks are due on or before Friday, June 13, 2025.

Students who do not return library laptops, calculators, and textbooks on or before the due date may have a hold placed on their student account and may be blocked from registering for Summer/Fall Term. In addition, they may be referred to a collection agency and charged a non-refundable fee of up to $250.

Want to avoid this hassle? 

Please return your library materials on or before Friday, June 13, 2025.

Laptops & Reserves for Summer Term

If you need a library laptop, calculator, or ECE/HDFS textbook for Summer Term 2025, they will be available at the start of Summer Term (Monday, July 7, 2025). 

Further Information

For further information about laptop circulation, please see this page of the library website., or reach out to us via the “Chat with Us Now” button at the top of the library website. 

Photography Month- Embrace the Journey

May is National Photography Month-a time to celebrate the art technique and creativity behind every great photo. Whether you're just picking up a camera for the first time or have years of experience behind the lens, the library has a wealth of resources to support your passion for photography.

Explore our digital and physical collection to find both books and eBooks on topics like Creative Photography, Black and White Photography, and editing techniques. If your looking to improve your post-processing skills check out our Photoshop tutorials on Niche Academy, including Photoshop Basics- a great starting point for editing like a pro.

For in-depth learning, dive into scholarly journals and articles available through Gale OneFile: Fine Arts. You'll find expert advice on everything from using reflectors effectively to mastering lighting techniques. Gale also features video tutorials such as how to capture stunning sunset photos. ideal for photographers of all levels. ERIC can also show you articles on taking pictures as a form of therapy called Phototherapy.

Prefer to learn through film? Kanopy offers a wide selection of streaming video content, including Fundamentals of Photography, which covers essential skills, and Photography for Birders, perfect for nature and wildlife, enthusiasts.

Whether you're interested in digital photography, nature shots, portraiture or simply learning how to take better photos with your phone, the library is here to help you develop your skills and explore your creativity.

Celebrate this month by picking up your camera and discovering something new- start your photographic journey with the library today. 

Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons & Library will be closed on Monday, May 26. We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Regular hours with resume on Tuesday, May 27. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

For a complete list of hours click here.

Recognizing Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Fostering Digital Inclusion

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), held annually on the third Thursday in May, promotes digital access and inclusion for the over one billion people worldwide with disabilities. GAAD highlights the importance of creating equitable and innovative digital experiences for all users.

Inclusive Digital Resources

The UCC Library supports digital inclusion through tools and platforms designed with accessibility in mind:

• Niche Academy: offers a variety of instructional video tutorials, including Windows Basics, all featuring closed captioning to support users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Films on Demand: provides accessible educational videos such as a Yoga for Everybody video created with diverse user needs in mind.
• Gale One File: offers additional accessibility tools and features, helping all users interact with academic content in ways that work best for them.

These are just a few of the many resources available that reflect our ongoing effort to make digital learning environments more usable and effective for everyone.

Library Services that Support Accessibility

The UCC Library provides a comprehensive array of services to ensure that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities can fully engage with our resources and facilities. These include:

• Alternative Text Formats: Access to materials in large print, audio, or digital formats.
• Assistive Technologies: Availability of specialized software and devices to support users with visual, auditory, or physical disabilities.
• Private Study Spaces: Quiet areas that support focused, distraction-free learning, you can book online or at the desk.
• Adaptive Equipment: tools such as ergonomic keyboards, mobility aids, and other assistive devices.

These services are provided in partnership with the UCC Office for Accessibility Services, and students are encouraged to reach out early to explore how accommodations can enhance their academic experience.

Digital Accessibility and Universal Design

The UCC Library also leads initiatives to promote digital accessibility and universal design across campus. The Digital Accessibility Guide serves as a valuable resource for students, staff, and faculty. It includes:

• Best Practices for Accessible Content: guidelines for designing documents, websites, and multimedia that are inclusive and user friendly.
• Assistive Technology Information: a breakdown of tools that help individuals access and interact with digital content.
• Training and Educational Resources: Materials to help faculty and staff understand digital accessibility standards and integrate them into their work.

We encourage everyone to explore these tools and consider how accessible design benefits all users. By prioritizing accessibility, we contribute to a more inclusive, effective digital world. Help us on the road to accessibility.

A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities to the fabric of American life. From culinary delights to influential music and movies, such as Flower Drum Song, on Kanopy. AANHPI individuals have shaped our world in countless ways.

Did you know that instruments like the slide guitar and ukulele, rooted in Hawaiian culture, have influenced genres such as blues music? You can find videos on Or that AANHPI innovators contributed to the development of everyday technology like USBs and made vital advances in medicine, including the development of birth control for women?

You can also explore powerful personal stories like George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy, a graphic memoir that recounts his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps during World War II.

Explore more about these incredible contributions through Gale OneFile: U.S. History and our library’s curated collection. Stop by to discover, learn, and celebrate!