Time and time again, we have people come into Mantor Library expressing this desire. They’re not looking for a specific author, or even one genre. They just want to be able to go to an area of the library and find something interesting. Something “fun.”
Up until now, we’ve always suggested they try the public library down the street. After all, the focus of an academic library is on weightier matters: research and scholarly papers and primary sources. Not “fun.”
Then we got to thinking.
Perhaps an academic library is more than just research and scholarly papers. Perhaps it’s about the people who use the library, as well. People who keep coming in, wanting “something to read.” People like you. And the truth is, you are not alone.
Across the country, there are people like you, wanting books to read. Many of them are finding those books and talking to each other about them. These are the sort of materials we decided Mantor Library should be offering in addition to its standard fare, and that’s why we started a new book collection: Discoveries. Read on to find out more.
Discoveries: A Reading Adventure
FAQ
What is Discoveries?
A collection of fiction and non-fiction books that are being read and discussed on campuses across the nation. It also includes books of local interest to the UMF community. Currently there are over 60 books in the collection, which is located in Mantor Library's browsing room, across from the check out desk. More titles will be added over the course of the year. You can see which books are available here.
What is Discoveries NOT?
It’s not a replacement for the public library. You won’t find the latest Danielle Steele or John Grisham book in this collection. These are all books that have been selected by the staff at Mantor Library and added one by one to this collection.
Why spend money on books like this, especially when the rest of the collection needs help?
Since fiction typically costs so much less than academic works, we were able to add quite a few books with little money spent. In addition, many of the books were donated to the collection.
What’s the benefit of having a collection like Discoveries?
The books in this collection are selected to fill a gap in the collection policies between academic and public libraries. They’re not intended to duplicate collections found in bookstores or public libraries, but to provide a sampling of diverse titles with recreational and, potentially, educational value to members of the UMF community.
Is the library taking suggestions for books to add to the Discoveries collection?
Of course. Simply speak to a staff member or email suggestions to web-mantor@umf.maine.edu. We can’t promise we’ll add every suggestion we get, but we’re always looking for new books to enhance the collection and look forward to hearing suggestions.
I heard one of the PSAs about Discoveries on WUMF. Can I listen to it again online?
Naturally. You can hear both--just click the appropriate link below:
PSA 1
PSA 2
What about that cool map you have in the browsing room? Can I see a close up of it?
Of course. It's available here, small and really large.
