What's Happening at the NEIU Libraries?

Monday, Oct. 13, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. – Main Campus, Alumni Hall

We’re excited to welcome Yale Law Professor Justin Driver for a conversation about his new book, The Fall of Affirmative Action. In it, he takes a close look at the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard — a ruling that brought big changes to how colleges approach diversity.

Driver argues that both critics and supporters of affirmative action have misunderstood what the Court actually said. Drawing on his background as a constitutional scholar and former Supreme Court clerk, he explores what the decision means and how universities can still work toward equity and inclusion within the law.

Driver’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and PBS NewsHour. This event is a chance to hear from one of today’s leading voices on constitutional law and education.

This event is organized by the NEIU Libraries, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Legal Affairs and is co-sponsored by Heterodox Academy. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Dean of Libraries Steven Harris at s-harris9@neiu.edu.

Banned Books Week (October 5–11) is an annual celebration of the freedom to read and the role libraries play in providing access to a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and stories.

Each year, libraries across the country highlight books that have been challenged or removed from shelves in various settings. While the reasons may vary, these books often represent diverse voices, unique viewpoints, and meaningful contributions to literature, education, and culture.

At our library, we see Banned Books Week as an opportunity to reflect on the value of open access to information, and to encourage curiosity, exploration, and thoughtful discussion.

Explore Our Virtual Display

To mark the occasion, we’ve curated a Banned Books virtual book display featuring titles that have been challenged in the past. Whether you’re looking for a classic you’ve always meant to read, or something new that sparks your interest, we invite you to explore these titles and enjoy the richness of diverse voices and stories.

Why It Matters

Libraries are about more than just storing books—they’re about access, inquiry, and lifelong learning. Banned Books Week reminds us of the importance of maintaining spaces where readers can explore freely and form their own ideas.

We’re proud to support that mission, and we’re here to help you discover your next great read—this week and every week.

October is Filipino American History Month, and NEIU Libraries is excited to join in the celebration! This month is all about recognizing the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans—and we've put together a few ways for you to explore and engage with these important stories.

Stop by Our Library Display

If you’re on campus, be sure to check out our display on the first floor of the Ronald Williams Library. We’ve curated a selection of books, films, and other materials that highlight the experiences of Filipino Americans—past and present. From history and activism to literature and identity, the display offers a glimpse into the many ways Filipino Americans have helped shape U.S. history and culture.

Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time or looking to dive deeper, we hope the collection sparks curiosity and conversation.

Explore Our Virtual Display Anytime

Not on campus? No problem. We’ve also created a virtual Filipino American History Month display featuring online resources you can access wherever you are. It’s a great way to explore more voices and perspectives—whether for a research project or just for your own interest.

NEIU Facilities staff are conducting water damage remediation on the lower level of the Ronald Williams Library, so materials on those shelves are temporarily not available. Please request books beginning with call numbers A, B, C, D, and E from I-Share libraries instead. Staff at Circulation or Reference can help you with these requests if you need assistance.

For any questions about the remediation project, please contact Dean of Libraries, Steven Harris, at s-harris9@neiu.edu.

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) is a joyful recognition of the many contributions people with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean have made to American society and culture.

The NEIU Libraries is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant physical and virtual book displays! Come discover a wide array of books that honor the rich cultures, histories, and voices of Hispanic communities-available both in-person at the Ronald Williams Library and online. Join us in celebrating their stories, achievements, and lasting impact through literature and learning. 

Welcome to Fall 2025 from NEIU Libraries!

We’re excited to welcome you to a new semester and want to remind you that the NEIU Libraries are here to support your academic journey—wherever you are! Whether you're on the Main Campus, at El Centro, CCICS, or learning remotely, we offer both in-person and virtual services to help you succeed.

Here’s how NEIU Librarians can support you:

• Help you find the right sources for your assignments—books, articles, streaming media, news, images, data, maps, and more
• Work with you to narrow or broaden your research topic
• Assist in locating textbooks, ebooks, or other materials—even if we don’t have them on-site
• Teach you how to find peer-reviewed or scholarly articles
• Meet with you one-on-one to guide you through research assignments
• Curate research guides for your subject area
• Help you understand citation formats    
• Support all your research and information needs

What you’ll find at NEIU Libraries:

• In-person and online library services
• Quiet study areas and group workspaces
• Access to computers, Wi-Fi, printers (black & white and color), scanners, and copiers
• Reserve private study rooms, media viewing spaces, virtual meeting rooms, and even recording studios
• Low-contact pickup for books and other materials (learn more about making requests in our Introduction to Research Guide)
• Textbook Reserve Collection – Check to see if we have your textbook, or ask your instructor to place a copy on reserve. You can also request a textbook via this form
• Borrow laptops, video cameras, and Raspberry Pi kits

Need tech help? The Library Tech Desk is here for you!

Our friendly Tech Desk staff can:

• Help with printing, scanning, and file formatting
• Answer your questions about Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other software
• Offer one-on-one tech training and support
• Our Tech Desk can assist with general tech questions—no appointment needed
• Support specialized software in our Research & Publishing Lab, including SPSS and Minitab

Connect with us

• Have a question? Use the chat bubble on our website or this chat link to connect with a librarian or tech expert
• Schedule a research appointment online (via Google Meet or in person)

• Get tech support online or in person at the Tech Desk

  
  For full details about our hours and services, please visit the NEIU Libraries website.

  
  We’re looking forward to working with you this semester—welcome back!

Technology can make or break your semester. NEIU Libraries’ Laptop Loan Programs are here to support your academic journey. We offer laptops for students who need them this fall. Here’s what you need to know:

• All currently enrolled NEIU students are eligible.
• The loan period is eight weeks, with the option to renew through the end of Fall semester. We also provide laptops on two-week loans.
• First come, first served availability. Supplies are limited!

Reservations for library laptops open on Monday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. We’ll be releasing more machines as we process them on Mondays. You must complete all the instructions emailed to you in order for the reservation to be processed and considered complete.

For questions or assistance, reach out to libtechdesk@neiu.edu.

Each year, the NEIU Libraries hosts the Library Research Awards to celebrate the excellent research of NEIU students! We're thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 award as well as a shoutout to our honorable mentions!

Winners

Sana Kausar Habiya

It's been over two years since I started my master's in public health in spring 2023 at NEIU. I am almost done with my master's, expecting to graduate in Fall 2025. I became a more active student when I started working as a research assistant last fall, 2024. Since then I have worked on many research projects on campus that focus on students' well-being, including studies on neurodivergent students, sleep quality, and substance use.

I would like to acknowledge my faculty advisor, Dr. Chika Ejike, for her invaluable guidance throughout this project. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Christina Ciecierski for her support and mentorship in helping me achieve these milestones. Lastly, I want to thank Lisa Wallis from the NEIU library for her assistance in guiding me through the fundamentals of research.

Courtney Moran

I worked with Dr. Geddes as an NEIU Honors Scholar researching cattail DNA for my undergraduate research. I graduated in 2014 and just returned this semester to pursue my MS in Biology. I started this semester with a deep dive into literature research and jumped at the chance to present because I believe that sharing my research with others, in any stage of the process, will enhance it.

I'd like to thank my mentor, Dr. Geddes, has provided excellent guidance so far as I begin my graduate journey. Research librarian Lisa Wallis helped me refine my research process and introduced me to Zotero, a reference management software, which has proven to be a great asset.

Congrats to our winners, who will each receive a $300 cash prize!

Honorable Mentions

This year the Committee also chose to award several honorable mention awards. These students will receive $50 each as a prize for their excellent work!

• Danya Adhami & Celeste Lopez (Co-Investigators, Honorable Mention for Bibliography)
• Diana Mireille Ortiz Rojo (Honorable Mention for Short Essay)

Congratulations from the NEIU Libraries!

As the semester draws to a close, a few reminders about the NEIU Libraries:

Power through the semester with Fuel for Finals
Free coffee and snacks in the Ronald Williams Library café, May 5-8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Take a break from studying. 
Visit the café space in the Ronald Williams Library to do some coloring or work on a puzzle.

Remember to return your library books and materials before you head out for your summer!
Also remember to return laptops by appointment (or lockers) between May 5-9th. Email libtech@neiu.edu with questions!
Watch your Nmail for more information on long-term laptop loans for next semester!

Normal library hours continue through the summer.