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As a busy college student, finding time to relax and enjoy a good book can be challenging. That’s where Libby, the free mobile app by OverDrive, comes in! With Libby, you can access thousands of eBooks and audiobooks from your local library anytime, anywhere—from your phone or tablet. Whether you’re in the middle of studying, commuting, or just winding down, Libby provides convenient access to a vast library that fits right in your pocket.

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Why Use Libby?

Libby is more than just a digital reading app. It’s a gateway to a wide range of genres that include everything from fiction and self-help to textbooks and study guides. The app has an easy-to-use interface, allowing you to browse, borrow, and download books with a few quick taps. Plus, you can customize your reading experience by adjusting text size, changing background colors, and even setting up a night mode for comfortable reading before bed.

Deseret Book Titles Now Available

In addition to popular fiction and academic titles, Libby offers access to a growing collection of Deseret Book titles. For students looking to explore uplifting content, religious studies, or works by Latter-day Saint authors, Deseret Book’s catalog on Libby has something for everyone. You’ll find inspirational reads, biographies, and doctrinal studies that align with your values and offer spiritual insights—easily accessible through the app.

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To start reading with Libby, download the app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your library card, and start browsing. The best part? It’s free, and all borrowed titles return automatically at the end of the loan period, so there are no late fees!

Libby has you covered whether you need a break from your studies or some inspiring reads. Dive into the convenience of digital reading and make the most of your library’s resources with Libby!

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For university students studying religious history, theology, or medieval studies, understanding the lives of saints is a crucial part of their education. Acta Sanctorum, available through ProQuest, is an exceptional resource that provides access to an extensive collection of hagiographies—biographies of saints—spanning from the early days of Christianity to the sixteenth century. This database is a treasure trove of primary sources that can deepen your understanding of Christian traditions and the historical contexts in which they developed.

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What is Hagiography?

Hagiography is the study and writing of the lives of saints. These biographies often highlight the virtues, miracles, and martyrdoms of holy figures, aiming to inspire devotion and provide moral examples for the faithful. Hagiographies are not just religious texts; they are also valuable historical documents that offer insights into the cultural, social, and political landscapes of the times in which they were written.

Acta Sanctorum compiles these hagiographies into a comprehensive collection, making it an indispensable resource for students and scholars alike. By studying hagiographies, students can explore the ways in which saints were venerated and how their stories were used to reinforce religious beliefs and practices throughout history.

Key Features of Acta Sanctorum

1. Extensive Hagiographical Collection: Acta Sanctorum is one of the most exhaustive databases of hagiographical texts. It includes detailed accounts of saints’ lives, their miracles, and their martyrdoms, providing a rich source of material for understanding the role of sainthood in Christian history. The collection covers the entire liturgical calendar, offering biographies of saints for each day of the year.
2. Latin Texts with Scholarly Annotations: The original Latin texts are preserved in Acta Sanctorum, accompanied by critical scholarly annotations. These annotations provide context, explain difficult passages, and offer interpretations that enhance the reader’s understanding of the texts. For students proficient in Latin, this feature allows for direct engagement with the primary source material.
3. Searchable Database: The digital format of Acta Sanctorum makes it easy to navigate through the vast collection. The searchable database allows students to quickly locate specific saints, feast days, or themes, making research more efficient and focused. This feature is particularly useful for students working on specific research projects or papers.
4. Multidisciplinary Resource: While Acta Sanctorum is primarily a resource for religious studies, it also has significant value for students in history, literature, and cultural studies. The hagiographies offer glimpses into medieval life, art, and thought, making the database a versatile tool for exploring various academic disciplines.

Benefits for University Students

1. In-Depth Exploration of Saints’ Lives: By accessing Acta Sanctorum, students can delve into the rich narratives of saints’ lives, gaining insights into their significance within Christian tradition. This deep exploration aids in understanding how these figures were perceived and why they were revered.
2. Enhancing Research Skills: Acta Sanctorum provides an opportunity to engage with primary sources, fostering the development of critical research skills. Students learn to analyze historical documents, assess the reliability of sources, and interpret texts within their historical and cultural contexts.
3. Broadening Academic Perspectives: The study of hagiography through Acta Sanctorum allows students to appreciate the complex interplay between religion, culture, and history. This broader perspective enriches their academic experience and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the past.

Conclusion

Acta Sanctorum is an invaluable resource for university students interested in the study of hagiography, religious history, and medieval culture. With its extensive collection of Latin texts, scholarly annotations, and user-friendly search features, it offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the lives of saints and the historical contexts in which they were venerated. Exploring Acta Sanctorum not only enhances your research capabilities but also broadens your understanding of the rich tapestry of Christian history.

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The library provides online access to The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) for students and researchers who aim to produce polished, professional, and academically rigorous writing. The CMS is a comprehensive guide that addresses every aspect of the writing process, from grammar and punctuation to citations and manuscript preparation. Its thoroughness makes it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in academic or professional writing.

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Two Citation Styles for Different Disciplines

One of the standout features of the Chicago Manual of Style is its flexibility in citation formats, offering two distinct styles: the Notes and Bibliography system and the Author-Date system.

1. Notes and Bibliography System: This style is commonly used in the humanities, particularly in disciplines like history, literature, and the arts. It emphasizes the use of footnotes or endnotes for citations, along with a corresponding bibliography at the end of the document.

   • Example:
     • Footnote:
       1. Jane Doe, The Art of Writing (New York: Publishing House, 2020), 45.
     • Bibliography Entry:
       Doe, Jane. The Art of Writing. New York: Publishing House, 2020.

   This system is especially useful for writers who wish to provide extensive commentary or cite multiple sources within a single note. It allows for a detailed exploration of sources, providing readers with a rich understanding of the material.

2. Author-Date System: This style is preferred in the sciences and social sciences, where brevity and clarity are essential. Citations are included in the text, with the author's last name and the publication year in parentheses, followed by a complete reference list at the end of the document.

   • Example:
     • In-Text Citation:
       (Doe 2020, 45)
     • Reference List Entry:
       Doe, Jane. 2020. The Art of Writing. New York: Publishing House.

   The Author-Date system streamlines the citation process, making it easier for readers to follow the text without the interruption of footnotes. It’s particularly effective in fields where current research is frequently referenced.

Beyond Citations: Comprehensive Writing Guidance

While the Chicago Manual of Style is renowned for its citation guidance, it also offers extensive advice on grammar, usage, and manuscript preparation. For instance, it provides clear rules for handling tricky punctuation issues, such as the correct use of commas and semicolons, and offers guidance on dealing with digital sources, including websites, e-books, and social media.

The CMS also includes sections on preparing a manuscript for publication, from formatting to editing and proofreading. This comprehensive approach ensures that your work adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity and readability.

Why Use the Chicago Manual of Style?

Whether you're writing a research paper, a thesis, or a journal article, the Chicago Manual of Style is an essential tool that can help you communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. It not only ensures that your work is properly cited and formatted but also enhances the overall quality of your writing.

Incorporating the Chicago Manual of Style into your writing process will give you the confidence to produce work that meets the rigorous demands of scholarly communication, all while maintaining a professional and polished presentation.

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