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Winter Break Ideas

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Fall semester exams are over and those seminar papers have been submitted! Now is the time to relax and recharge before the spring semester begins in January.  The Law Library has some interesting ideas for you to de-stress during winter break.

Between semesters may be a good time to do some leisure reading. Take time to read a novel or one of the many titles included on the library’s guide for Mindfulness & Well-Being. Reading these books now may be helpful for handling the stress during next semester’s classes. This selection of books is on the reserve behind the circulation desk.

If you are continuing to prepare for law school and beyond, there are also titles selected as suggested reading for law school. These books have been recommended by our law school faculty and are on reserve at the circulation desk.  The topics of these materials cover a variety of subjects from making law review, leadership as a lawyer, success in law school and preparing for the bar. By using the LibGuide, check out the book to borrow that piques your interest.

We also have a collection of popular fictional authors on the lower level of the library.  Authors such as John Grisham, Susan Howatch, Scott Turow and recent Dickinson Law graduate, Tom Bouman.  Check the catalog under the author’s name or the book title. You can find these books in the stacks on the lower level.

The Law Library’s collection of DVDs is located in the reference section on the main floor of the library. There are some popular movies as well as documentaries available to borrow. You may also request a DVD through The CAT.

Searching by any popular title, The CAT will list the libraries that own that title.  Place a hold on the DVD and choose the nearest Penn State library as the pick up location.  Please  be aware that other Penn State campuses will be closed for break as well as our campus. Keep in mind that DVDs and books may be renewed through your library account. You may also return your materials to the closest Penn State campus for delivery to Carlisle.

To encourage relaxation through reading, the Law Library faculty and staff have free novels available on a cart in the library beginning Monday, December 16th.  Take a book with you to read over break. There is no need to return it to the cart.  You may also add your own book for someone else to enjoy!

Winter Blahs? Try Our DVDs, Video Resources, Games and Coloring Pages

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This is the time of year when most of us feel dreary because it is cold and grey outside. There are some things you can do, through the Law Library, to chase away those winter blahs.

There is a terrific selection of movies and video games available through The CAT.  To find video games, search “video games”and choose “subject heading” from the drop down menu. There are numerous games listed at the top of the entry after you click search. Select the first entry “video games” and you will be able to scroll through the list.

DVDs may be searched in the The CAT the same way but the most methodical way is to enter the title of the DVD. Use the “I want it” button to request the video to be sent to the library. The Law library also has a collection of DVDs, including a guide to the ABA’s 25 greatest legal movies. For tips on searching for videos, this web page contains information regarding the streaming video resources we have access to through University Libraries.

Coloring pages are back! Because color design is not just for stress-busting during the exam period, the coloring station is now a permanent offering of the Law Library. Thanks to the Dickinson Law’s Wellness Committee, there is a fresh supply of design pages and gel pens for you to use to color. This station is set up at the far end of the circulation desk. Feel free to join in a communal picture or choose one of your own to work on it between your classes.

Have you played Catan? Do you remember playing the card game, UNO, or have had fun buying properties with Monopoly? Board games are enjoying new popularity and the Law Library has a few to check out. Search The The CAT for our games by entering the name of the game and limiting your search to Dickinson School of Law Library from the “In Library” menu. The entry in The CAT may include a description of the game under the detailed information tab of the entry. We also have Scrabble and a 3-in-1 magnetic board game that includes chess, checkers and backgammon.

Stop in the Law Library and try some of these suggestions to push the chill of winter away before spring arrives.

 

De-Stress for Success During Final Exams

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Before the Fall semester ends and the holiday festivities begin, final exams consume the attention and focus of our law students. Since studying and exam preparation can be especially overwhelming, the Law Library is again providing design pages, markers, and colored pencils at the circulation desk during final exam weeks. Coloring is a fun way to relieve stress and can provide a welcome break from end-of-semester pressures of exams and the expectation of forthcoming grades. Studies indicate that coloring shows promise for treating stress, anxiety, and depression, especially when intricate patterns known as mandalas are used. Choose a design to color individually or take part in a communal color page.

The Law Library has other resources for entertainment. Step away from studying and enjoy watching a movie from the Law Library’s DVD collection.  Movies both dramatic and comedic include The Founder (2017), My Cousin Vinny (1989), A Few Good Men (1992), and Independence Day (2013 release of 1996 blockbuster), to name a few.  Other leisurely study break activities to try are jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, and board games.

Treats are also available during the final exam period.  The food basket will be at the circulation desk in the evenings after 4:00 pm.

Taking care not to get overly anxious during this pressure-filled time will benefit students’ overall well-being. Unwind, relax, and come on over for some stress relief.

The Law Library staff wishes everyone great success on final exams!

Don’t Stress Out!

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Since 1992, April has been designated as Stress Awareness Month. This is especially appropriate because law school exams begin next week!

The focus of health and wellness experts during April is to highlight coordinated efforts to inform people of the causes stress can take on our health and emotional well-being. They call attention to successful ways to limit stress in life and emphasize successful coping strategies. Some stress in life can have a motivating influence but too much can lead to depression, sleeplessness, digestive issues and common illnesses.

If you feel you are suffering from stress, there are self-help resources on the Internet, or you can seek advice from a healthcare professional. There are a variety of methods to reduce stress, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, humor, talking about your feelings, and dedicating time to relaxing.

The Federal Occupational Health and Program Support Center website is a marvelous source for wellness and health services.  Another reliable site is the National Institute of Mental Health.

The Law Library also has some resources for participation. Take a break from studying and enjoy a movie from the Law Library’s DVD collection.  Entertainment DVDs include Chicago (2002), My Cousin Vinny (1989) and A Few Good Men (1992), to name just a few.

The Law Library will be providing design pages and markers at the circulation desk during study days and exams. The act of coloring has been proven to be soothing and relaxing as a stress reliever. Choose a page to color by yourself or take part in a communal color page.

Taking care not to get overly anxious will benefit your overall well-being. Take a break and come to the Library for some stress relief.

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