MATLAB: A new Addition to RDS List of Supported Software

The Research Data Services team is excited to announce that Seton Hall University now provides access to MATLAB. MATLAB, short for MATrix LABoratory, is one of the world’s most widely used environments for programming, data analysis, and modeling. MATLAB allows faculty and students to work with large datasets, solve equations, run simulations, create visualizations, and even build predictive models using machine learning and artificial intelligence. This powerful tool is available to all students and faculty opening new opportunities for teaching, learning, and research across disciplines

At Seton Hall University, MATLAB can support teaching and research in different disciplines. Physics and pre-engineering students can use it to model systems, analyze signals, and prepare for graduate study and careers in engineering. In the health sciences and nursing, MATLAB can be applied to clinical imaging, and public health analytics. Business and economics students can use it for forecasting, optimization, and financial modeling, while the social sciences can apply it to survey analysis, behavioral research, and visualization of demographic data. Mathematics and computer science courses can take advantage of MATLAB’s strengths in linear algebra, statistics, and machine learning, and biology and chemistry labs can use it for sequence data and image analysis, experimental data processing, and computational modeling.

To help everyone get started, RDS team is launching a series of introductory workshops this semester. The full workshop calendar is available here  or https://shu.libcal.com/calendar?cid=10971&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=10971&ct=47495&inc=0

With MATLAB now part of RDS’s supported software list, students and faculty across the university can request one-on-one consultations with the RDS team using this link  or https://shu.libanswers.com/form?queue_id=5828

 

Embedded Librarian & Canvas Course Enhancement Opportunity

The University Libraries are thrilled to now offer a new service: embedded librarians! An embedded librarian is a librarian that is placed within your Canvas course; when there, they can aid you and your students by serving as a point-of-contact for library, information, or research related questions. Want a librarian to build and grade assignments or learning modules for your students? An embedded librarian can do that, too. To request a librarian for your course, just fill out this form here. Questions? Contact Lead Instruction Librarian Maria Barca at maria.barca@shu.edu.

Latino/a/x Immigration Resources & University Libraries

The value of the Latino/a/x Diaspora is evident in the United States and across the globe through the exchange of a beautiful language, culture, history, music, poetry and many other aspects of the Hispanic experience.

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The University Libraries contains several works related to Latino/a/x life including the story of immigration which allows us to build upon personal knowledge and local exposure. Interest is especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, but this subject area is also an important focus of study year round.

The following sites available through the University Libraries Website focus upon general immigration and specifics on Latino and Latinx life that are available through the following links that can found within Book Collections – Immigration and Journal Articles & Other Resources – Immigration, or through our Library Guides that includes our Hispanic & Latino/a/x Resources and Latin American Studies sites. In addition, we also work in collaboration and support the work being undertaken by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute.

We welcome you to our information center in the near future, but in the meantime if you need detailed help through the University Libraries. You can book a research appointment here: Research Appointment Site.

The Papacy – A University Libraries Display

In this year of transition, honoring the Canonical authority and of the Papacy is a constant among Roman Catholics worldwide. Beyond religious example alone, when it comes to learning more about the Holy Father and his impact on peace across the world. This is a subject area which has a centuries-old tradition. The University Libraries provides our research community with several print and electronic works related to each Pontiff from St. Peter forward over time.

In honor of the Papacy and its connection to Seton Hall and the world, the University Libraries has set up a display of various works connected to various Popes in history along with the most recent Bishops of Rome. Included in this view are works by Mr. Greg Tobin, an alumnus, former Seton Hall administrator and long-time friend of the University who has written extensively on the Papacy during his time on campus and through the present day.

We can also thank Our esteemed colleague Sister Mary John Bosco E Amakwe (Sister Bosco) has recently donated a copy of the book: The Roman Curia: History, Theology, and Organization, (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2024). by Monsignor Anthony Ekpo. This print volume is available at Walsh Library and is part of the Main Collection and can be located under the Library of Congress Call Number: BX1818.E36 2024. More information on this book and background on the donation can be found via the following link in gratitude to Sister Bosco.

The display is located on the Second Floor of Walsh Library and will be viewable during our Hours of Operation.

Honoring Pope Francis & His Legacy

In looking over Papal History this year, the death of Pope Francis (1936-2025) has touched the world through his words, deeds, and example. The University Libraries has several works by and about the late Holy Father which have documented his life and influence.

In addition, there are numerous texts that highlight the History of the Papacy and outline the procedures involved with the Conclave which is the event whereby a new successor as the Bishop of Rome is elected by the College of Cardinals.

Various resources can be found via the following resources . . .

Habemus Papam! Readings Related to Pope Leo XIV

In the wake of the death of Pope Francis, the last few months have seen a global celebration post-conclave with the election of Pope Leo XIV, who has made history as the first American Pope selected by College of Cardinals.

Even during the short time that Pope Leo XIV ascended to the throne of St. Peter, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was also the subject of research and publications of various depth. He took his title in honor of Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) who was an advocate for social justice and labor rights.

Leo XIV (SHU Search)

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

Pope Leo XIII  (Books)

Pope Leo XIII (SHU Search)

American / United States Catholicism  (Books)

American / United States Catholicism (SHU Search)

For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail via the University Libraries Homepage.

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Semester!

The University Libraries is excited to host our student body along with faculty and all who have an interest in our information-based resources.  It is always a pleasure to announce our many services and by way of a general introduction we also offer many different research tools that can be of help as the semester moves forward.

From your starting point on the University Libraries Homepage there are several options under the “About,” “Find,” “Research Help,” and “Services” drop down menu headings that can be chosen including our Library HoursLibrary Maps, and the ability to Contact Us directly  regarding any question either on-site, on-line, or off-campus alike.

The University Libraries is excited to host our student body along with faculty and all who have an interest in our information-based resources.  It is always a pleasure to announce our many services and by way of a general introduction we also offer many different research tools that can be of help as the semester moves forward.
From your starting point on the University Libraries Homepage there are several options under the “About,” “Find,” “Research Help,” and “Services” drop down menu headings that can be chosen including our Library HoursLibrary Maps, and the ability to Contact Us directly  regarding any question either on-site, on-line, or off-campus alike.

We welcome your visitation in the near future, but in the meantime if you need detailed help through the University Libraries. You can book a research appointment here: Research Appointment Site.

Best wishes for the Fall Term!

Orthodox Bishop Visits Walsh Library During Summer Break

During the Summer Break on June 27th of this year, the Seton Hall University Community welcomed and hosted his Grace, Bishop (Mor) Theophilos Kuriakose of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, as he visited from India who not only wished to tour our campus, but also specifically visit our Library. He has shown himself to be a true bibliophile and his enthusiasm was contagious and inspired.

Bishop Theophilos serves as the Resident Metropolitan and Professor of New Testament at MSOT Seminary, Metropolitan and Patriarchal Vicar of Malankara Churches in Europe and Ecumenical Office President of Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. He also has been involved for many years in ecumenical dialogue internationally. The group hosting the visit happen to be all close colleagues and friends, and His Grace truly became one with the group almost immediately.

Bishop Theophilos examines documentation along with (from L-R: Dr. Nancy Enright, Chair of the Core Curriculum; Brianna LoSardo; and Athena Frade

A special tour of Walsh Library was led by various library professionals, who all graciously welcomed His Grace. Included in this coterie were Brianna LoSardo, Archivist for the Archdiocese of Newark; and Athena Frade, Sacramental Records Assistant for the Archdiocese of Newark, and Waverly Riley, Assistant to the Dean of University Libraries.

Along with inspecting the Philosophy and Theology texts found within the Main Collection stacks, a number of specific titles related to Eastern Orthodox doctrine and various documents from our Special Collections Center including a religious text penned in Ancient Syriac along with related materials of note were displayed and examined by His Grace.

Bishop Theophilos examines documentation along with (from L-R: Dr. Athena Frade and Brianna LoSardo

The time Bishop Theophilos spent on campus was nothing short of a beautiful time of fellowship and as experienced, a warm and devout person of faith. His Grace noted: “As I think back with gratitude on the progress made thus far, I assure you of my desire to persevere in the effort to restore full visible communion between our Churches. The attainment of this goal can only come about, with God’s help, through a continued commitment to respectful listening and fraternal dialogue.”

You can consult the following sites for more information on the visit of Bishop Theophilos to Seton Hall University and Syrian Religious Texts currently found within the University Libraries Catalog.

For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail via the University Libraries Homepage.

Librarian Leisure Read Recommendation – The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson

Photo of Gerry Shea

If you were alive in the mid-1980s, Bo Jackson was more than a sports star; he was a cultural phenomenon. The iconic “Bo Knows” Nike advertising campaign made him a national legend, transcending baseball and football to become a household name. There was nothing he could not do; he played professional baseball and football at an All-Star level. He was a college track star, with a blazing 4.13 forty-yard dash time, who also won the Heisman as the nation’s best collegiate football player, and he somehow found time to hunt and surf.

Sportswriter Jeff Pearlman captures his mythic accomplishments in his bestselling book, The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson. Pearlman draws on an astounding 720 interviews to tell Jackson’s amazing tale. The stories told in the book are great fun to read and hard to believe. Pearlman brings the myth to life through these stories, like the time Jackson jumped over a parked Volkswagen or when he threw a football so high that he hit the New Orleans Superdome scoreboard, 140 feet above his head.

Even in the digital world, Bo was unmatched. In the classic Tecmo Bowl video game, his character was famously unstoppable, earning him the title of “the greatest video game athlete of all time,” according to ESPN and USA Today.

You can find The Last Folk Hero in the Leisure Collection on the second floor of Walsh Library. Stop by and check it out. You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this unforgettable ride through Bo Jackson’s extraordinary life.

“Boys of Summer” The Great American Pastime & University Libraries

In the heart of the Summertime Athletics Calendar there is nothing like the sport of Baseball when it comes to both line drives and literary parallels. The University Libraries recognizes this attractive twin bill, offering action-packed experiences that live on in both memory and verse.

With this in mind, the University Libraries is proudly sponsoring an exhibit from June-September which celebrates the grand game of Baseball and its textual history. The curator of this display is Professor Gerry Shea, a lifelong fan of the game and an ardent New York Yankees fan who has a timely perspective on what Baseball means to the University Community and beyond . . .

“With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate America’s pastime. We’ve put together a display of outstanding baseball books from our collection—something for every fan! You’ll find titles on the history of the game, cutting-edge analytics, inspiring biographies of legendary players, and even picture books for young readers.”

The work of Professor Shea will undoubtedly help to inspire and promote the reading of Baseball-themed works during the vacation months through the Fall Classic and moving forward in time.

Within the University Libraries Catalog, here are some leads that show various titles that are found on the shelves of our Walsh Library to compliment individual works found attached to the display over the next few months . . .

Baseball – SHU Book Collection

Baseball – SHU Search

Baseball & Sports History (Research Guide)

For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail via the University Libraries Homepage.

Juneteenth – Representation at the University Libraries

The observance of Juneteenth is one that honors the African American community throughout the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of the American Civil War and the termination of slavery. The designation for this tribute was first introduced during the 1890s in recognition of the State of Texas having accepted the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on June 19, 1865.

Included among the informational resources that we have available for our research community include the following selections . . .

Africana Studies (Research Guide)

Juneteenth – SHU Search

Juneteenth – SHU Book Collection

Juneteenth (Commemoration Homepage)

For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail via the University Libraries Homepage.

 

David Frank Discusses Leisure Reading

We are excited to announce the latest episode of the University Libraries podcast series, Zet Forward, dropped in June. In the episode, Gerry Shea, Communication Librarian and Dr. Alan Delozier, Outreach and Humanities Librarian, are joined by Access Services Librarian David Frank for a lively discussion about their favorite sports books from the Walsh Library Leisure Collection. Whether you are a die-hard sports fan or just enjoy a good book, this episode is packed with great recommendations and fun conversation.

You can find the podcast here. Please give it a listen and discover your next great read!