Music Online

Our five music databases (with hundreds of thousands of streamed MP3s) are now available through a single interface. Also available from off-campus to Columbia College students and staff.

The five databases are:
American Song
Classical Music Library
Contemporary World Music
Jazz Music Library
Smithsonian Global Sound

Music Online
Available via our Article and Research Databases page and through this direct link: Music Online

See you in 2010!

How Wikipedia Works

A comprehensive guide to the who, what, when, where, how and why of the Internet's largest (and arguably most controversial) encyclopedia.

How Wikipedia Works: And How You Can Be a Part of It
by Phoebe Ayers, Charles Matthews, and Ben Yates
Find it in the Library at call number AE1.5 .A98 2008

On the Fireline

A sociological look at wildland firefighters as documented by a doctoral student with personal experience serving on a firecrew in Northern Arizona.

On the Fireline
by Matthew Desmond
Find it at call number SD421.24 . D47 2007

The Good Earth

The 1937 adaptation of Pearl S. Buck's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel won Luise Rainer (as O-lan) a repeat Best Actress Oscar.

The Good Earth
directed by Sidney Franklin
Find it in our Video Collection at call number PN1995.9 .D7G659 1937

Find Pearl S. Bucks original book at call number PS3503 .U198 G66 1949

Volleyball

Serving up the latest news, tips and techniques for all flavors of volleyball. (Is that street volleyball? Ouch!) Read up as you support the Claim Jumpers.

Volleyball
Find the current issue in our Reading Area. Back issues for all of our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library in alphabetical order. Electronic access is also available back to 2006 via our Full-text and Print Magazines link.

Oral History Series

Listen to interviews of Mother Lode residents about life in the region over the last 130 years. Some interviews include transcripts and supporting documents that are also available online.

Columbia College Library Oral History Series
Visit the Oral History Series search engine via the Library's homepage or directly through this link: http://gocolumbia.edu/library/ohs/

Game Sound

Exploring the important role that sound - music, dialogue, etc. - plays in the burgeoning video game world.

Game Sound
by Karen Collins
Find it in the Library at call number ML3540.7 .C65 2008

The Post-Impressionists

Beautiful documentaries with scholarly commentary and analysis on some of the movement's biggest names, including Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin.

The Post-Impressionists
Available in our Video Collection at call number: ND553 .N27P673

The Geography of Home

A collection of poetry about California and its varied geography.

The Geography of Home
edited by Christopher Buckley and Gary Young
Find it in the Library at call number PS571 .C2G46 1999

The Duhks

The acclaimed second album from the Canadian group of the same name known for its genre bending music. One review calls them "Destiny's Child meets the Chieftains," but The Duhks include something that appeals to almost any listener.

The Duhks
by The Duhks
Find it in the Libary's Audio Collection at call number MPC D834 .D844 2005

Planet Money

A blog and podcast about the global economy produced by National Public Radio.

Planet Money
Available online at npr.org/blogs/money and via our Business and Economics Subject Guide.

Dope

A history of performance enhancement in sports from the nineteenth century to today.

Dope: A History of Performance Enhancement in Sports from the Nineteenth century to today.
by Daniel M. Rosen
Find it in the Library at call number RC1230.R65 2008

Bloom's Literary Reference Online

Find literary criticisms, author biographies, theme summaries and more with Bloom's easy to navigate literature database.

Bloom's Literary Reference Online
Find Bloom's on the Library's Article and Research Databases page, linked from our homepage.

Poetry on Record

Listen to heavyweight poets such as Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Allen Ginsberg and others read some of the their work.

Poetry on Record: 98 Poets Read Their Work 1888 - 2006
by Rebekah Presson Mosby
Find it in the Library's Audio collection at call number PN6101 .P63 2006 (Becaue of its size it's located on on the bottom shelf of the Ps in the Audio Collection.)

Omkara

An acclaimed Bollywood interpretation of Shakespeare's Othello set in India's most populous state.

Omkara
by Vishal Bhardwaj
Find it in the Library's Video collection at call number PN1995.9 .F7O44 2006

The Physics of NASCAR

A layman's look at the 'science behind the speed' of America's top spectator sport.

The Physics of NASCAR: The Science Behind the Speed
by Diandra Leslie-Pelecky
Find it in the Library at call number TL236.28 .L47 2009

Bret Harte Woodcarvings

Curious about the Library's seven wonderful woodcarvings? Earlier this year we published a book that explains how we acquired our prized collection of Bret Harte and other woodcarvings, which have been featured in Woodcarving Magazine. Check out a copy today and find out the story behind the carvings and the carvers' that created them.

Columbia College Woodcarving Collection : Bret Harte Stories & Others
edited by Brian Greene
Find it in the Library at call number NK9712 .C64 2009. We also try to keep copies near the woodcarvings themselves.

Cooking with Shakespeare

A delicious look at the references to food laced throughout the Bard's works, complete with recipes and historical interpretation.

Cooking with Shakespeare
by Mark Morton and Andrew Coppolino
Find it in the Library at call number TX717 .M2875 2008

Caught Inside

An account of a year spent surfing in California interspersed with tidbits about everything from wave dynamics to surfboard design.

Caught Inside: A Surfer's Year on the California Coast
by Daniel Duane
Find it in the Library at call number GV840 .S8D83 1997

Keyboard

A magazine devoted to music and music technology.

Keyboard
Find the current issue of Keyboard in our Reading Area. Back issues of all our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library in alphabetical order. Electronic access to Keyboard is available through the Full-text and Print Magazines link on our homepage.

The Last Forest

As the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon has become a battleground for the multitude of groups vying for its resources. This book explores what that means for the health of the forest and all of us that depend on it.

The Last Forest
by Mark London and Brian Kelly
Find it in the Library at call number SD418.3 .A53L66 2007

Quelqu'un m'a dit

French first lady Carla Bruni's popular debut album includes a number of tracks used in recent movies and TV commercials.

Quelqu'un m'a dit
by Carla Bruni
Find it in the Library's Audio collection at call number MW EU FR .Q83 2002

Whatever It Takes

How can poor kids compete with their more privileged peers? One man's efforts in Harlem involve changing their schools, neighborhoods and even the way their parents raise them.

The resulting Harlem Children’s Zone has received lots of media attention, including a piece by This American Life.

Whatever It Takes
by Paul Tough
Find it in the Library at call number HC79 .P63T68 2008

Short Films

All of the Oscar nominated live action and animated short films for 2006, 2007 and 2008. These hard-to-find gems are a treat you can enjoy even when your evenings are filled with studying.

Short Films
by various directors
Find them in the Library's Video collection at call numbers PN1995.9 .A1C645 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Mathematical Games

A collection of math games originally published in Scientific American on one CD. Includes an interview with Martin Gardner and dozens of photos.

Martin Gardner's Mathematical games
by Martin Gardner
Find it in our Audio collection at call number QA95 .G37 2005.

Big Prisons Big Dreams

A look at how our nation's prison population has increased tenfold in the last few decades with little impact on crime rates. This is a particularly relevant topic for residents of California, the state with by far the largest prison population.

Big Prisons Big Dreams
by Michael Lynch
Find it in the Library at call number HV9304 .L96 2007

Alfred Hitchcock's Masterpieces

The prolific maestro of suspense created dozens of films in his lifetime. This four volume collection includes 15 of his time honored classics, such as Vertigo, The Birds and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Alfred Hitchcock The Masterpiece Collection
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Find it in the Library at call number PN1995.9 .T5 A43 1976

Why You Should Read Kafka Before You Waste Your Life

A brief, manageable and humorous biographical look at the Czech author and his famous quirks and literary influence.

Why You Should Read Kafka Before You Waste Your Life
by James Hawes
Find it in the Library at call number PT2611 .A26Z746214 2008

Better

A riveting look at doctors' performance in stressful - indeed, life-threatening - situations that are complicated by fatigue and limited resources; and what those challenges mean for our health.

Better
by Atul Gawande
Find it in the Library at call number RC66 .G39 2008

Ceramics Monthly

A popular magazine with ceramics news, tips of the trade, artist features and an extensive calendar of ceramics related events, Ceramics Monthly is a must read for ceramics enthusiasts.

Ceramics Monthly
Find the current issue of Ceramics Monthly in our Reading Area. Back issues of all our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library in alphabetical order and can be checked out for one week at a time. Select back issues of Ceramics Monthly are available online via the Full-text and Print Magazines link on our homepage.

Power of Art

Guided by acclaimed scholar Simon Schama, this series provides in-depth histories of eight iconic works of art.

Power of Art
written and presented by Simon Schama
Find it in the Library's Video collection at call number N5300 .S56 2007

Just Roll Tape

A wonderful Stephen Stills album with an unlikely history, Just Roll Tape was recorded in 1968 and finally released in 2007.

Just Roll Tape
by Stephen Stills
Find it in our Audio collection at call number MPF S744 .J87 1968

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Set in Southern California, Jane Fonda stars in this film adaptation of Noir writer Horace McCoy's novel of the same title.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
directed by Sydney Pollack
Find it in our Video Collection at call number PN1995.9 .D7T53 1969

A Whale for the Killing

Prolific Canadian environmental writer Farley Mowat's story of trying to save a fin whale caught in a lagoon on the coast of Newfoundland as local hunters descend for the kill.

A Whale for the Killing
by Farley Mowat
Find it in the Libray at call number QL795 .W5M66 2005. Use OPUS to locate other Farley Mowat titles in our collection.

The Pianist

Adrion Brody stars in this highly acclaimed true story of pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman as he survives the Holocaust with the help of a Nazi officer.

The Pianist
by Roman Polanski
Find it in the Library at call number PN1995.9 .D7 P5726 2002

California Agriculture

A journal of the University of California that includes original research, news and information related to agricultural topics of interest to Californians.

California Agriculture
Find the current issue of California Agriculture in the Reading Area of the Library. Back issues of all our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library in alphabetical order and can be checked out for one week. Electronic access of California Agriculture is available via the Full-text and Print Magazines link on our homepage.

The Gourmet's Guide to Cooking with Wine

The signature Chianti straw cover grabs your attention, but the mouth-watering recipes within are what you'll remember. Includes a helpful index organized by dish.

The Gourmet's Guide to Cooking with Wine
by Alison Boteler
Find it in the Library at call number TX726 .B5957 2008

Introducing Rubén González

Recorded during the same session as the more famous Buena Vista Social Club, this CD features the famed Cuban Pianist who was rescued from obscurity at age 77 for a second musical career - this time on the world stage.

Introducing Rubén González
by Rubén González
Find it in the Library's Audio collection at call number MW CA CU .I571997

The Stuff of Thought

A Harvard Psychology professor explores how the words we use explain (and determine?) human nature.

The Stuff of Thought
by Stven Pinker
Find it in the Library at call number P107 .P548 2007

Woodcarving Collection

The Library's recently published Columbia College Woodcarving Collection features professional photographs of the eight beautiful carvings in our collection along with the excerpts they're based on and history about the carvers themselves. Check it out today and explore this fascinating collection.

Columbia College Woodcarving Collection: Bret Harte Stories & Others
edited by Brian Greene
Find it in the Library at call number NK9712 .C64 2009

Radio Palestine

A varied collection of music and radio clips from the Eastern Mediterranean. A treasure for music fans and anyone interested in that part of the world.

Radio Palestine
Find it in the Library's Audio collection at call number MW AS IS .R23 1985

Smithsonian

The flagship publication of the venerated institution of the same name, Smithsonian magazine covers topics including art, history, travel and culture.

Smithsonian magazine

The current issue of Smithsonian magazine is available in our Reading Area. Back issues of all our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library in alphabetical order and can be checked out for one week at a time. Electronic access to Smithsonian is available through several providers via the Full-text and Print Magazines link on our homepage.

Street Gang

Forget the Crips and the Bloods, this book is a detailed history of Sesame Street. It includes a substantial index but sadly only a few pages of photos.

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street
by Michael Davis
PN 1992.77 .S43D38 2008

The Mission

Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons star in this film that pits missionaries against pro-slavery Portugal. Set in the depths of the jungle - including some spectacular scenes with Iguazu Falls as a backdrop, The Mission is sure to delight the senses and might capture your soul.

The Mission
by Roland Joffé
Find it in our Video Collection at call number PN1995.9 .D7 M567 1986

The Artist Blacksmith

As a fully illustrated introduction to the processes of modern blacksmithing, this title is sure to fire you up.

The Artist Blacksmith
by Peter Parkinson
Find it in the Library at call number TT220 .P37 2001

txtng

Gibberish to some, texting has become a lingua franca for millions in a few short years. This insightful book by a linguistics professor explores the good, the bad and the future of text messaging.

txtng: the gr8 db8
by David Crystal
Find it in the Library at call number TX5105.73 .C79 2008

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Acclaimed Native American author Sherman Alexie made a splash with this, his first young adult novel, which won a National Book Award in 2007.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
Find it in the Library at call number PS3551 .L35774A27 2007

Ex Mex

Before Swine Flu and a deadly drug war, the biggest story out of Mexico was its immigrants to the United States. This thoughtful book by a former Mexican foreign minister explores the people and reasoning beyond the current wave of immigration.

Ex Mex
by Jorge Castañeda
Find it in the Library at call number E184 .M5C368 2007

Special Election

Californians go to the polls again on May 19th to vote on six propositions aimed at helping to resolve the State's budget crisis. Here are two sources to help you make an informed decision when you vote.

First, KQED's California Report (heard on NPR) is broadcasting special coverage of each proposition on the ballot. Second, The League of Women Voters of California has put together its traditional nonpartisan guide to each measure.

These resources are freely available on the Internet.

Bicycling

Summer is upon us and what better time to explore the foothills than by pedal power than the start of summer. Bicycling magazine keeps you up to date on the latest gear, trips, training and more.

Bicycling
The current issue of Bicycling is available in our Reading Area. Back issues of all our magazines are in alphabetical order along the back wall of the Library and circulate for one week at a time. You can also access our online subscription to Bicycling via the Full-text and Print Magazines link on our homepage.

Howlin' at the Moon

Sam Bush is known for his fierce mandolin playing and role in popularizing progressive bluegrass. This album includes several of his biggest hits, such as Face Tomorrow and the title track.


Howlin' at the Moon
by Sam Bush
Find it in our Audio collection at call number MPC B872 .H68 1998

The Man Who Skied Down Everest

A classic in the world of extreme skiing videos, this film captures what some have called "the most exciting six minutes of film ever shot." While the descent is harrowing, the essence of this 1975 Academy Award winning documentary is the determination of the skier that gets him to Everest.

The Man Who Skied Down Everest
featuring Yuichiro Miura
Find it in the Library's Video collection at call number GV854.9 .S56M36 2005

¡Hugo!

A detailed biography of Hugo Chavez, perhaps the United States' most vocal and bombastic critic.

¡Hugo!
by Bart Jones
Find it in the Library at call number F2329.22 .C54J66 2007

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

The celebrated author of 'Everything is Illuminated' is back with a novel about 9-year-old detective and inventor Oskar as he scours New York for the right lock for his dead father's key.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer
Find it in the Library at call number PS3606 .O38E97 2006

Also check out Everything is Illuminated at call number PS3606 .O38E84 2005 and the movie of the same title in our Video collection at call number PN1995.9 .D7E93 2005.

Brutal

A scholarly work that looks at the role masculinity plays in the ethical treatment of animals.

Brutal : Manhood and the Exploitation of Animals
by Brian Luke
Find it in the Library at call number HV4703.L85 2007

Second Friday

Join us on Friday, April 10th at noon for a special Musical Interlude featuring Daniel Nestlerode, Ken van de Kieft and Meg Eshom. Grab your lunch and come on over to hear some wonderful music!

2nd Friday: Musical Interlude, April 2009
featuring Daniel Nestlerode, Ken van de Kieft and Meg Eshom
Upstairs in the Tamarack Gallery.

Fat Man & Little Boy

The fascinating true story (albeit dramatized) of the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII effort to build the world's first atomic bomb. The all-star cast includes Paul Newman, John Cusack and the late Natasha Richardson.

Fat Man & Little Boy
Directed by Roland Joffe
Find it in the Library's video collection at call number PN1995.9 .D7F35 1989

Tin House

An up-and-coming literary magazine published quarterly, Tin House includes a generous collection of 'Essays & Features' and a venue for budding authors in its 'New Voice' section.

Tin House Magazine
The current issue of Tin House is available in the Reading Area of the Library. Back issues to all of our magazines are in alphabetical order along the back wall of the Library.

New MLA Handbook

Earlier this month the Modern Language Association (MLA) released the seventh edition of its popular MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. The good folks at Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) have a simple rundown of the changes on their useful Style Guide site.

Here's a teaser on the changes: Underlining has been totally replaced by italics, and URLs are no longer required in citations. For details on these and other updates, please consult a copy of the handbook or check out Purdue's rundown.

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 7th Edition
by The Modern Language Association
Two copies of the print version of the new Handbook are available in the Library at call number LB2369 .G53 2009. A third copy is available on reserve at the Circulation Desk.

Walk Across America

Peter Jenkins tells of his adventures walking across the United States. After this jaunt he apparently couldn't stop walking, as he went on a second long walk in the US (chronicled in The Walk West) followed by yet another walk, this time across China (that book was called, aptly, Across China). That's a lot of walking.

Walk Across America
by Peter Jenkins
Find it in the Library at call number E169.02 .J37 2001

The Informed Eye

A concise overview of the main principles of evaluating, understanding and appreciating Western art. Includes numerous examples and illustrations culled from famous masterpieces.

The Informed Eye
by Bruce Cole
Find it in our Library at call number N7477 .C645 1999

Pine Leaf Boys

A contemporary Cajun band from Louisiana that brings old-time French music into the 21st century. They've nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including a nod for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music with their album La Musique. For a brief intro to the group, including samples of their music, check out this 2008 story on NPR.


La Musique
Blues de Musicien
by the Pine Leaf Boys
Find both of their albums in our Audio Collection at call numbers MJB P663 .M87 2005 and MJB P663 .B58 2007

Once

A delightful Irish love story with a great soundtrack (Bob Dylan liked the music so much he invited the two leads to open for him). Be sure to check out IMDB.com after you've seen the movie for some notable trivia items.

Once
directed by John Carney
Find it in the Library's Video collection at call number PN1995.9 .F7O53 2007.

Making Toys for Infants & Toddlers

Loaded with creative ideas to keep little ones enjoying themselves for hours without breaking the bank.

Making Toys for Infants & Toddlers: Using ordinary Stuff for Extraordinary Play
by Linda Miller and Mary Jo Gibbs
Find it in the Library at call number LB1029 .T6M53 2002

Ancient Maya

A comprehensive look at the "rise and fall of a rainforest civilization," complete with a detailed list of references for pursuing additional research.

Ancient Maya: The Rise and Fall of a Rainforest Civilization
by Arthur Demarest
Find it in the Library at call number F1435 .D45 2004

Mining California

An ecological history of the devastation caused by Gold Rush era mining techniques and the mercury they left in their wake.

Mining California: An Ecological History
by Andrew Isenberg
Find it in the Library at call number GE155 .C2I84 2006

New Scientist

A London-based magazine devoted to providing comprehensive coverage of all things science related.

Update: This post was corrected based on a reader's comment.

Find the current issue of New Scientist in our Reading Area. Back issues of all our magazines are in alphabetical order along the back wall of the Library. Electronic access to New Scientist is available via the Full-text and Print Magazines link on the Library's homepage.

Iggy Pop: Open up and Bleed

A striking biography of the regularly topless "Godfather of Punk."

Iggy Pop: Open up and Bleed
by Paul Trynka
Find it in the Library at call number ML420 .P66 I33 2007

Mbuti Pygmies

More than forty years ago Smithsonian Folkways recorded these unique sounds of the Mbuti pygmies living in the rainforest of the former Belgian Congo (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Mbuti Pygmies of the Ituri Rainforest
by Smithsonian Folkways
Find it in our Audio Collection at call number MW AF CG .M38 1992

The Meaning of Food

A delicious collection of vignettes featuring food and its place in our lives, cultures and families. We have both the DVD and the companion book to this wonderful series.

The Meaning of Food
by Patricia Harris, David Lyon and Sue McLaughlin
Find the DVD in our Video collection at call number GT2853 .U5M43 2005; the book has the same call number but is located on the general bookshelves.

The Donner Party

Imagine it's 1846 and you party of pioneers gets stuck in endless winter storms crossing the Sierra. Not fun. This documentary by Ken Burns' brother Ric brings the infamous events of that terribly tragedy to life.

The Donner Party
by Ric Burns
Find it in our Video collection at call number F868 .N5D66 2004

Darwin and Lincoln

February 12th marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. We have oodles of materials on both, but here are two of my favorites:

Evolution vs. Intelligent Design is a DVD of the fascinating Civic Engagement Project sponsored debate between renowned evolutionist Ken Miller and Berkeley law professor Phillip Johnson.

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin is an insightful look at how our first Republican president won his party's nomination and then included his rivals in his landmark cabinet.

Evolution vs. Intelligent Design
hosted by the Civic Engagement Project
Find this DVD in the Library's Archives at call number QH367 .E96 2006

Team of Rivals
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Find this book in the Library at call number E457.45 .G66 2005

Unbowed

Wangari Maathai's inspirational journey from rural Kenyan upbringing to become the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Unbowed
by Wangari Maathai
Find it in the Library at call number SB63 .M22A3 2007

Shyness

Thirty years ago shyness became an illness. This well-documented book explores how such a dramatic change took place and its widespread ramifications.

Shyness: How Normal Behavior Became a Sickness
by Christopher Lane
Find it in the Library at call number BF575 .B3L36 2007

Young Children

YC is the journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is filled with news items relevant to the field, research updates, tips and best practices.

Young Children
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
The current issue of Young Children is located in the Reading Area of the Library. Back issues of all our magazines are located along the back wall of the Library and circulate for one week at a time.

Soldier's Heart

An English professor at West Point explores the relevancy of literature for her students in a time of war.


Soldier's heart : reading literature through peace and war at West Point 1st ed.
by Elizabeth Samet
Find it in the Library at call number PS49 .U65 S36 2007

AAC Drop-in Location

Starting this week the Library will host an Academic Achievement Center Drop-in Location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 - 12:30. An AAC tutor will be available to answer your questions and to set-up tutoring appointments. Try it out today!

AAC Drop-in Location
Available in the Library Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm - look for the sign!

Planet Earth

Narrated by the jolly Sir David Attenborough, this is the highly acclaimed five-disc series about our planet captured in high definition.

Planet Earth
Find it in our Video section at call number QH75 .A3P43 2007

Obama's Challenge

Progressive economist Robert Kuttner’s open letter to the new President that lays out how Obama can follow in the footsteps of our great transformative presidents.

Both of Obama’s popular books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – are also available in the Library.

Obama's Challenge
by Robert Kuttner
Find it in the Library at call number E901.1 .O23 K87 2008

The Body Hunters

A sickening collection of true stories about medical testing conducted on the world's poor that formed the basis of John le Carré's novel The Constant Gardener.

The Body Hunters
by Sonia Shia
Find it in the Library at call number RA401 .D44S53 2006

Predictably Irrational

Why might some people be willing to steal office supplies but not money? Filled with creative and illuminating experiments, this book combines psychology and economics to explore why humans act irrationally in predictable ways.

Predictably Irrational : the hidden forces that shape our decisions
by Dan Ariely
Find it in the Library at call number BF448 .A75 2008