As you’re assembling your final projects and papers this semester, we’ve got the tools to help you put all the pieces together. This month, the library brings together collections and resources designed to help you connect, construct, and create. Start where you are and build from there.
Some Assembly Required: Citation Tools
Before you can finish constructing the perfect paper, you need to build a bibliography by the book. Citation management tools like RefWorks can help you collect sources, organize your research, and generate citations. Find more information and instructions to get started on our homepage under Research Help > Citation Tools.
Earth Day Reads: Build Your Stack Build a better understanding of our planet this Earth Day! Explore a selection of Popular Reading titles that highlight environmental issues, sustainability, and our connection to the world around us. From ecosystems just outside your door to global climate systems, this selection explores the complexity of our planet and our place within it.
Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door by Thor Hanson
Take to the Trees : A Story of Hope, Science, and Self-Discovery in America’s Imperiled Forests by Marguerite Holloway
Curious about GIS but not sure where to start? This workshop introduces QGIS, an open source tool for creating maps and visualizing geospatial data. No experience needed, join our workshop over Zoom on April 24th at 12 pm – just bring your curiosity and start stacking the blocks of your research. RSVP through the Events page at libraries.catholic.edu.
The Easter Story, Assembled
A student-curated display on the first floor brings together books that reflect on the meaning and spirit of Easter. With themes of redemption, grace, and renewal, the collection offers a range of fiction and non-fiction to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for something reflective or a joyful read, check out the titles on display and take home something that resonates with you.
Stack Up on Science Magazine
Looking for cutting-edge scientific research? The Science family of journalsoffers access to groundbreaking studies, expert analysis, and news across STEM. A premier peer-reviewed journal, it’s a great place to find credible, high-impact sources. Find it through our Database list at libraries.catholic.edu and add a piece to your research.
Block Out Time for Exhibits
Our current exhibits are stacked with stories, come explore what’s in play at Mullen!
The Weiner Manuscript Collections– The Semitics-ICOR Library presents an exhibit honoring the donation of ancient codices, manuscripts, and scrolls from the faiths of Ethiopia on the First Floor.
Study Smarter – In the First Floor Lobby, a display exploring science-backed study skills to help you construct stronger learning habits.
America at 250 – In the Main Reading Room, an exhibit observing the 250th birthday of the United States, featuring items from our Special Collections.
(1967) Women marching and holding signs near the U.S. Capitol, protesting the welfare payment restrictions in a Social Security bill / MST. Washington D.C, 1967. Trikosko, M. S., photographer. [08/28/67] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2024640677/.Women’s history is often told through famous milestones and well-known names, but it is equally a story of ideas, action, and cultural change. The films in this month’s spotlight explore the many ways women have shaped the world around them—through scientific discovery, philosophical thought, political protest, journalism, artistic expression, and collective action.
From environmental pioneer Rachel Carson to political thinker Hannah Arendt, from the mass mobilization of the Women’s March to contemporary conversations about mental health and culture, these documentaries show women questioning assumptions, challenging institutions, and redefining the boundaries of public life.
Through the library’s streaming platforms, including Kanopy and Swank Motion Pictures, viewers can discover documentaries that highlight both influential individuals and collective movements. Together, these films trace how women’s ideas and experiences intersect with larger social questions and continue to shape the world today.
The following films highlight influential individuals as well as collective movements that have shaped women’s history and contemporary conversations.
Arendt was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, and VITA ACTIVA brings us to the places where she lived, worked, loved, and was betrayed, as she wrote about the open wounds of modern times. – Kanopy
Best known for her writings on totalitarianism, political responsibility, and the nature of evil, Hannah Arendt remains a central figure in modern political philosophy. The film situates her ideas within the dramatic historical events she experienced firsthand, showing how exile, war, and political upheaval informed her thinking.
When Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was published in 1962, the book became a phenomenon. A passionate and eloquent warning about the long-term dangers of pesticides, the book unleashed an extraordinary national debate and was greeted by vigorous attacks from the chemical industry. – Kanopy
This documentary offers an intimate portrait of Rachel Carson, the marine biologist and writer whose work helped launch the modern environmental movement. By combining scientific expertise with clear and compelling writing, Carson brought complex ecological issues to a broad public audience, demonstrating how research, communication, and public engagement can reshape national conversations about the environment. Drawing on Carson’s letters and writings, the film explores both the scientific insights and personal convictions that shaped her groundbreaking work.
In 1998 Edith Stein (1891-1942) was canonised by Pope John Paul II. A German philosopher of Jewish descent, Stein converted to Catholicism in 1922 and lived as nun in the Carmelite Convent of Echt in the south of the Netherlands. During World War II, she was deported and died in Auschwitz. – Kanopy
This film explores the life and legacy of Edith Stein: philosopher, religious thinker, and later canonized saint. Through interviews and historical research, the documentary examines both her intellectual contributions and the complex history surrounding her canonization.
From the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War to anti-war protests in Washington DC, from intimate exchanges between the filmmaker and her older brother who struggles with depression to captivating interviews with people who knew Simone Weil, the film takes us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of what it means to be a compassionate human being. – Kanopy
Through archival footage, interviews, and personal reflection, filmmaker Julia Haslett explores the life and legacy of Simone Weil. The documentary considers Weil’s lifelong concern with suffering, justice, and moral responsibility—questions that continue to resonate in contemporary social and political debates.
BAND OF SISTERS follows a group of 1.15 million women and men as they march through the streets of Washington DC for women’s lives in what might possibly be the largest march in US history. – Kanopy
Capturing one of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history, the film highlights the diverse voices and motivations of those who participated. It offers a snapshot of a moment when large numbers of people mobilized to advocate for women’s rights and broader social change.
This documentary profiles UCLA professor and political activist Angela Davis, who was accused and later acquitted of murder and kidnapping. – Swank Motion Pictures
Combining archival footage with contemporary interviews, the film examines the legal case and international movement that emerged around Angela Davis. It provides a window into the political and civil rights debates of the era and the broader questions about justice that surrounded the case.
This England women’s football team was the feelgood story of the summer of 2022 and this film includes insightful behind-the-scenes access to the squad as they progressed through Euro 2022. From Alessia Russo’s outrageous back-heeled goal against Sweden to Chloe Kelly’s heroics in the final. – Kanopy
With behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches, Lionesses captures the excitement of a landmark moment in women’s sports.
How many documentaries actually make you laugh? RAISE HELL: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS tells the story of media firebrand Molly Ivins, six feet of Texas trouble who took on the Good Old Boy corruption wherever she found it. Her razor sharp wit left both sides of the aisle laughing, and craving ink in her columns. – Swank Motion Pictures
Known for her sharp humor and unmistakable voice, Molly Ivins became one of the most recognizable political columnists of her time. The documentary highlights how her writing combined investigative journalism with satire, showing how wit and storytelling can be powerful tools for engaging readers in civic life.
A working-class laundress in 19th-century London becomes radicalized when she meets a brave cadre of women who are fighting for the right to vote. – Swank Motion Pictures
While most of the films on this list are documentaries, this historical drama offers a powerful depiction of the early twentieth-century fight for women’s voting rights. By focusing on the experiences of ordinary women drawn into the movement, Suffragette illustrates how grassroots activism helped transform democratic participation and laid the groundwork for later generations advocating for women’s rights.
Two female directors hold an open casting session for an erotic film based on real sexual experiences. 100 curious women turn up, but the auditions take on a life of their own. As the women begin to take control, the casting couch becomes an intimate arena for self-reflection. From an unexpected chorus of honesty comes the potential to rethink the language of female sexuality. – Kanopy
This documentary reflects on how personal experiences shape cultural narratives about gender and intimacy, and how storytelling can challenge long-standing taboos. As the conversations unfold, the casting session becomes less about filmmaking and more about dialogue, creating a space where women speak openly about sexuality, vulnerability, and self-perception.
Director Elizabeth Sankey explores the connections between postpartum mental health and the portrayal of witches in Western society and popular culture. – Kanopy
Blending personal reflection with film history and cultural analysis, this documentary considers how narratives about witches have shaped the way women’s emotional experiences are understood. The film ultimately reflects on mental health, storytelling, and the power of reclaiming cultural narratives.
The films highlighted here represent only a small sample of the many titles available through the library’s streaming platforms. From biographies of influential thinkers to documentaries exploring contemporary culture and social movements, Kanopy and Swank Motion Pictures offer a wide range of films that illuminate the many ways women have shaped history, ideas, and public life.
Explore the collections to discover more stories, perspectives, and voices throughout Women’s History Month and beyond.
Katherine Schoonover is a Graduate Library Preprofessional (GLP) at The Catholic University of America Libraries.
Okay, bloomer. Consider this your seasonal reminder that growth is messy, deadlines are real, and the library is open. As the days stretch longer and the tulips do their thing, we’re sprouting something new—fresh books, AI workshops, overnight hours for midterms, and, last bud not least, a new readers’ advisory service to carry you away for a spring break escape. Let’s dig in.
Spring Forward into Study Nights As spring begins to bloom, so do your late-night study plans! Monday to Thursday, select reading rooms are open overnight for students who want extra time to grow their ideas. Circulation closes at 11 PM, and don’t forget to bring your Cardinal Card for after-hours access. For spring break, the library will be open on an abbreviated schedule—take a peep at our hours on our website!
Women’s History Month Picks This month we’re highlighting real women and the worlds they shaped, from the ancient world to the age of “Jane Crow,” from medieval mysticism to literary genius and lived experience. These selections explore how women have written, rewritten, and redefined history.
Workshops to Help You Flourish Grow your research skills with our digital scholarship workshops, offering practical guidance on AI, text and data mining, and data visualization.
Thursday, March 5 (12 PM) – Legal and Ethical Issues in AI and Text Data Mining
Friday, March 20 (12 PM) – Ethical, Transparent, and Responsible AI Use in Academic Research
Monday, March 30 (12 PM) – Mapping with Tableau
All workshops are held via Zoom. RSVP through the Events page at libraries.catholic.edu.
Exhibits Unfurled Check out these homegrown exhibits on display at Mullen thathighlight scholarship and history.
Take Your Brain on Vacation – A student-curated display celebrating reading for pleasure with selected titles on the First Floor.
Study Smarter – In the First Floor Lobby, a display exploring science-backed study skills to help you grow stronger learning habits.
America at 250 – In the Main Reading Room, an exhibit observing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, featuring items from our Special Collections.
Serious Study, Joyful Reading Sometimes the best break is between the pages of a good book. Receive curated reading suggestions tailored to your preferences by submitting a request through our online form. Find the form on our homepage under Features. All responses are confidential.
Grow Your Research with Historical Newspapers Take a fresh look at history with ProQuest Historical Newspapers. This database provides full-text access to major newspaper archives, allowing you to explore events, cultural moments, and everyday life through firsthand reporting. Get your research off to a strong start; look in our Database list at libraries.catholic.edu.
Many study habits feel productive—highlighting pages in bright colors, re-reading notes the night before an exam, or spending hours reviewing material that already feels familiar. These strategies can give a sense of progress but decades of research in cognitive psychology and learning science shows that what feels effective is not always what leads to lasting learning.
Drawing from several research-based books in our collection, we’ve gathered practical advice that goes beyond “study harder” and instead focuses on how learning actually works.
Across these sources, four big ideas consistently emerge:
– Learning sticks when you actively work with material, even when it feels challenging.
– Notes and readings are most powerful when they help you make sense of ideas.
– Consistent, planned study time reduces stress and improves retention.
– Sleep, focus, and feedback all shape how well learning happens.
Below, we explore each of these ideas in more detail and share resources to help you put them into practice.
If It Feels Difficult, That’s a Good Sign
It’s natural to prefer study strategies that feel smooth and familiar. But learning that feels easy often doesn’t stick. Research shows that learning deepens when we have to work a little harder to retrieve, apply, and rethink what we know. Difficulty (within reason) signals that your brain is working to build durable knowledge.
One of the most consistent findings in cognitive science is the testing effect: trying to recall information from memory strengthens learning more than simply reviewing it. In other words, the act of pulling information out of your brain helps build the pathways that make it easier to access later.
That’s why strategies like these are so powerful:
Test yourself regularly. Use practice questions, flashcards, or close your notes and write down everything you remember.
Explain concepts in your own words. Teaching or summarizing forces you to clarify your understanding.
Space your studying over time. Revisiting material across days or weeks improves long-term retention more than cramming.
Mix related topics or problem types. Switching between ideas helps you learn when and how to apply them.
Expect mistakes and use feedback. Correcting errors strengthens learning more than getting everything right the first time.
These strategies can feel slower or more frustrating than re-reading or highlighting but that effort is often a sign that real learning is happening.
Notes Should Help You Think
Reading and note-taking are often treated as ways to collect information. But research on academic learning suggests they are most effective when they help you process, organize, and connect ideas. The goal isn’t to write more, it’s to understand more.
Strong comprehension develops when you interact with material in deliberate stages and revisit it thoughtfully. Strategies like the following can make a significant difference:
Read in layers: preview, understand, then evaluate. Begin by skimming headings and summaries to see the structure. Then read for meaning. Finally, step back and ask questions about the argument, evidence, or connections to other ideas.
Write down key ideas, not everything. Trying to capture every detail divides attention. Focusing on central concepts helps you identify what matters most.
Expand and summarize notes soon after class: add clarifications, create concept maps, or condense ideas. Revisiting and refining your notes within a day strengthens memory and fills in gaps while the material is still fresh.
Use diagrams or mind maps to connect ideas. Visualizing relationships between themes can make patterns clearer and improve understanding. Seeing structure helps learning stick.
Record questions and points of confusion. Noting uncertainties creates a roadmap for review, discussion, or follow-up.
Turn notes into prompts. Convert key ideas into questions you can later use for self-testing.
These strategies work because they shift reading and note-taking from recording to reasoning. When your notes reflect your thinking, not just the words on a page, they become tools you can use later for retrieval and review.
Plan Your Time (So You Don’t Have to Panic Later)
It’s easy to treat studying as something that happens only when there’s extra time or when an exam is close, but research and academic skills guidance consistently say that effective learning is built into a routine. Planning reduces stress, prevents last-minute cramming, and makes it easier to use the deeper strategies described above.
When study time is intentional rather than reactive, you’re more likely to stay consistent and avoid burnout. Strategies like these can help:
Treat school like a flexible job. Set regular working hours each week for coursework, even if they shift slightly. Consistency builds momentum.
Plan study time around fixed commitments. Block out classes, work, and appointments first. Then schedule study sessions in the remaining time rather than hoping they’ll “fit in.”
Use short, focused study blocks with planned breaks. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (for example, 25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break) can improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
Break big tasks into smaller steps. Large assignments become manageable when divided into clear, concrete actions—outline, draft, revise, finalize.
Stop when you planned to stop. Ending on time helps prevent burnout and makes it easier to return with energy the next day.
Good studying is not about constant effort, it’s about steady effort. A realistic plan makes it possible to study consistently without panic cramming.
Set Your Brain Up to Learn
Learning isn’t just about effort. Sleep, attention, environment, and feedback all shape how well new information is processed and remembered. Cognitive science shows that what happens around your studying can matter just as much as the studying itself.
Instead of relying only on willpower, you can create conditions that support focus and memory:
Get your sleep—memory consolidates while you rest. During sleep, the brain strengthens and stabilizes what you’ve learned. Cutting sleep to gain more study time often backfires.
Reduce distractions and multitasking. Switching between tasks divides attention and makes learning less efficient. Even small interruptions can disrupt concentration.
Choose study spaces that support focus. A consistent, relatively quiet environment can help signal to your brain that it’s time to work.
Get feedback to check and correct your understanding. Reviewing mistakes, asking questions, and seeking clarification strengthens learning far more than avoiding errors.
Study with others to explain ideas out loud. Talking through concepts forces you to organize your thinking and often reveals gaps in understanding.
Learning works best when your brain has what it needs: rest, focus, feedback, and opportunities to explain ideas. Setting up these conditions makes everything else you do more effective.
Our Sources
The strategies above aren’t trends or quick hacks, they’re grounded in research from cognitive science and education. The following books, currently featured in our lobby display, explore these ideas in more depth.
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning (2014) by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, and Mark A. McDaniel
This widely cited book explains why strategies like self-testing, spacing, and embracing difficulty improve long-term learning.
Introduces the testing effect and retrieval practice
Explains elaborative questioning and self-explanation
Summarizes evidence behind spacing and interleaving
Connects research directly to classroom performance
Academic Skills for Interdisciplinary Studies (2016) by Joris J.W. Buis, Ger Post, Vincent R. Visser ; text translated by Vivien Collingwood
A practical guide to reading, note-taking, and managing complex material.
Layered reading strategies
Turning notes into thinking tools
Identifying themes and structure in academic texts
Study Skills for Social Workers (2010) by Chris Stogdon & Robin Kiteley
Blends study strategies with reflection, collaboration, and feedback.
Structured note-taking approaches
Learning through discussion
Using feedback constructively
Small, intentional changes—testing yourself, organizing your notes, planning your time, protecting your focus—can make learning more effective and less stressful. Wherever you are in the semester, it’s not too late to adjust your approach and try something new.
Want to Go Further?
More tools and resources available to help you get the most out of your studying:
🎧 Study Music for Focus
Some students find instrumental music helpful for concentration. The library’s Naxos Music Library includes a curated study playlist you can explore.
💻 Skill-Building Courses
LinkedIn Learning: Learning Study Skills
A short course covering planning, focus, and effective study habits.
🎓 Tutoring Services
Offered through the Center for Academic and Career Success, tutoring includes one-on-one appointments and subject-specific drop-in sessions. Whether you want regular support or help before an exam, you can schedule through their Cardinal Success portal or visit their desk on the second floor of the library to learn more.
✍️ The Writing Center
Also part of the Center for Academic and Career Success, the Writing Center offers in-person and virtual appointments (both synchronous and asynchronous). Consultants can help at any stage—from brainstorming to final revisions. Appointments can be scheduled through their website.
We’re bringing the rhythm and flow this season! Explore workshops, exhibits, and tools that keep your semester moving. Let curiosity lead the parade as you dive into the latest reads and resources at Mullen.
Hit the Right Note with Gale Literature Criticism
Your literary research finds its groove with Gale Literature Criticism, our highlighted database of the month! This resource brings together scholarly criticism, author background, and analysis for writers from every era and genre. Perfect for essays, close readings, and last-minute citations. Whether you’re marching through a novel or improvising an interpretation, this database can help your ideas hit all the right notes. Find it on our Database list at libraries.catholic.edu.
Celebrating Black History Month
Mullen Library is highlighting books and stories that explore Black history, culture, and lived experience. These works offer opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with the many contributions of Black individuals and communities. Browse our featured titles and discover stories that inform and deepen understanding.
Workshops That Swing
Let your AI skills swing as your research finds its rhythm with two online workshops over Zoom! Sharpen your critical ear in Critical Appraisal: Evaluating AI-Generated Claims (Feb. 20th at 12 pm) where you’ll learn how to assess and evaluate information produced by AI tools. Then smooth out the rough edges in Before You Analyze: Using AI to Clean Research Data (Feb. 27th at 12 pm) exploring how AI can help prep messy data for analysis. These sessions keep your scholarship moving to a confident, polished beat. Check them out on our Events page at libraries.catholic.edu.
Exhibits Taking Center Stage From bold visuals to thoughtful stories, our current exhibits set the tempo for discovery all semester long.
The Light They Carried – A student-curated exhibit, celebrating Luminaries of Catholic University history in the May Gallery on the First Floor.
Study Smarter – In the First Floor Lobby, a display exploring science-backed study skills to help you build better learning habits.
America’s 250th – In the Main Reading Room, an exhibit observing the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring items from our Special Collections.
Treat Your Books Like Royalty
This season, give your library books the VIP treatment. Show your library books some love: keep them dry, avoid highlighting or dog-earing pages, and return them on time so everyone can join the reading parade. When you care for your books, you help keep the rhythm going for the whole Mullen community. Sharing is caring!
Fa-la-la your way through finals at Mullen Library! From workshops that keep your research in tune to exhibits that shine brighter than holiday lights, we’ve got everything you need to wrap up the semester on a high note. Cozy hours, quiet spaces, and plenty of cheer!
Let it Snow with Acta Sanctorum
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but Acta Sanctorum makes research so delightful! This month’s featured database lets you explore centuries of saints’ lives and traditions. Ideal for history, theology, and humanities students. If your research needs a glow, let it snow, let it snow…let it saint! A flurry of holy history awaits in our Database List at libraries.catholic.edu.
Make the Yuletide Melodious
Have yourself a merry little listen with Naxos Music Library. Stream festive albums and performances to keep your spirits bright while you study and write. Build your own playlist at cua.naxosmusiclibrary.com or via our Database List. Let the music sleigh.
Make Our Circulation Team’s Wish Come True
We don’t want a lot for Christmas—there’s just one thing we need…your books back on time! Help us end the semester without any late-fees blues by returning or renewing your loans. For all your due dates, renewals, and fees, simply check out My Library Account located on the homepage. Return, renew, rejoice!
Research in a Text-Mining Wonderland
Workin’ through a winter wonderland project? Join our workshop to learn the legal and ethical basics of text data mining. Librarian Kevin Gunn will cover copyright, fair use, and best practices—everything you need to stay on the right (snow) path. Online on Friday, December 5th at 12 p.m. Register through the Events page on the libraries’ website and don’t flurry!
Do You Hear What I Hear?
This season, set the right tone in every study space:
– Group Study: 1st & 2nd Floors – conversation and collaboration encouraged.
– Silent Study: 3rd Floor – a peaceful space for serious concentration.
Wherever you land, thank you for helping keep the library merry and mindful.
It’s the Most Studious Time of the Year
As you make your end-of-semester list, check our hours twice! We keep extended hours through finals, then shift into cozier intersession hours before a long winter’s nap into the new year. See the full schedule under Library Hours and scroll to Holidays and Special Hours so you don’t get caught out in the cold.
Hark! New Exhibits Sing
This season brings two new student-curated exhibits— stop by and enjoy what’s on display! In the May Gallery, discover The Light They Carried – Celebrating Luminaries of Catholic University History. And next to Circulation explore ‘Tis the Season for Reading and check out a festive read for the holidays!
Welcome new and returning students, a new semester is upon us! We invite thee to visit Mullen Library, where many events await thy discovery. Whether thou seekest knowledge for study or curiosity, our halls stand ready to support all scholarly endeavors. Let the library be thy steadfast companion in the pursuit of learning. Read on for more details!
Seeketh Council with a Librarian
The tome masters of Mullen stand ready to aid thy scholarly quests, be it guidance in research, wisdom in source evaluation, or mastery of databases. Visit libraries.catholic.edu and click “Contact Us” to email a librarian or schedule an audience (in person or via Zoom) with the expert best suited to thy field.
Chart Thy Course: Introduction to Tableau
Harness the alchemy of Tableau Public to turn raw data into interactive maps, charts, and dashboards worthy of a royal court. See wizard Kevin Gunn demonstrate how to connect datasets, craft visual “stories,” and share your creations online. Takes place over Zoom on Friday, September 19, from 12–1 p.m. Register through the Events page at libraries.catholic.edu.
Curiosities on Display
Come forth and behold the treasures of Mullen Library! Glimpse a bygone day in The Heart of Scholarship: 100 Years of Mullen Library in the May Gallery (1st floor) with photos and artifacts documenting the history of Mullen Library. Coming soon to the Main Reading Room: It Came From the Archives… Peek into the perils of preservation with real-life “nightmares” from the University Archives!
Craft with Mullen
Forge thy own scholar’s token! Join us in crafting collaged bookmarks on Wednesday, Sept. 3, and Thursday, Sept. 4, from 12–2 p.m. in the May Gallery.
Scour the Scrolls Better with Acing Research
Sharpen thy scholarly sword! These sessions will help new adventurers master the lay of the land, conquer the databases, and discern truth from folly in the written word.
Intro to Mullen: Discover the riches of the University Libraries and learn how to wield the many resources at your command. Tuesday, September 2 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 3 at 6 p.m.
Search Strategy: Hone tactics for questing through databases and unearthing knowledge with precision. Tuesday, September 9 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m.
Types of Information: Learn to judge the scrolls you encounter from primary chronicles to scholarly tomes, and separate gold from fool’s gold. Tuesday, September 16 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 17 at 6 p.m.
Information Desk of Lore and Learning
Near the library’s entrance, beside the Welcome Desk, you’ll find the Information Desk–where wise peers are ever ready to aid thee in navigating tomes, call numbers, and scholarly quests.
Tours of the Realm
Venture into the vaults with a Rare Books Tour on Friday, September 12 or explore the chronicles of our kingdom during the University Archives Tour on Friday, September 19, both from 2–3 p.m. Please RSVP for tours. All scrolls of knowledge (and RSVP links) await thee on the Events page at libraries.catholic.edu.
The semester’s final challenges are here but you don’t have to face them alone. This month’s newsletter equips you with everything you need to triumph: research support, citation tools, special hours, exhibit highlights, and a few playful nods to a certain legendary adventure. No matter where your academic journey is headed, Mullen Library has what you need to see it through with wisdom, courage, and the power of knowledge in your corner.
As the days grow longer and campus begins to bloom, we’re celebrating all the ways students, ideas, and creativity grow here at Mullen Library. In this edition of our newsletter, we honor National Poetry Month with a spotlight on Maya Angelou, share tips for using AI responsibly in research, and invite you to explore what’s sprouting in our collections, spaces, and services. From research support to quiet study nooks and blooming inspiration, there’s something for everyone this season.
Women artists have long been overlooked in the art world, their contributions often overshadowed or excluded from dominant narratives. Adjusting Our Focus: Contemporary American Women in the Visual Arts brings attention to six artists with ties to the DC area, whose works span painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Though they worked across the last century, their art remains powerfully relevant, exploring identity, history, and social change. By shining a light on their place in American art, this exhibition invites viewers to shift their perspective and recognize the lasting impact of women in the visual arts.
Loïs Mailou Jones was a painter and educator who shaped generations of artists at Howard University. Alma Thomas, celebrated for her vibrant, abstract paintings, found inspiration in nature and color theory. Sylvia Snowden creates expressive, textured portraits that reflect the emotional and racial realities of Black life in America. Elizabeth Catlett, known for her sculptures and prints, depicted the struggles and strength of Black and Mexican working-class women. Selma Burke was a sculptor best known for her bronze relief of Franklin D. Roosevelt, considered the basis for his image on the dime. Lilian Thomas Burwell, CUA alum, merges painting and sculpture to create organic, flowing forms inspired by personal history and nature.
By bringing attention to these six remarkable women, Adjusting Our Focus encourages a deeper appreciation of their lasting impact on American art. You can visit this exhibit in the Main Reading Room of Mullen Library through Spring 2025. The virtual exhibit is available to browse on our homepage under ‘Exhibits.’
Build a better understanding of our planet this Earth Day! Explore a selection of Popular Reading titles that highlight environmental issues, sustainability, and our connection to the world around us. From ecosystems just outside your door to global climate systems, this selection explores the complexity of our planet and our place within it.
Many study habits feel productive—highlighting pages in bright colors, re-reading notes the night before an exam, or spending hours reviewing material that already feels familiar. These strategies can give a sense of progress but decades of research in cognitive psychology and learning science shows that what feels effective is not always what leads to lasting learning.
