This week in CQ Researcher

“Gun Violence,” by Kenneth Jost, May 25, 2007 Are stronger measures needed to protect society?

The shooting rampage at Virginia Tech on April 16 has raised new questions about safety on college campuses and renewed the nation's perennial debate on gun control. Nationally, the incident has focused attention on how to reduce gun violence, which annually claims around 30,000 lives – 82 each day, far more than twice the Virginia Tech toll.

A bill to strengthen the federal background-check system for gun purchasers is gaining support on Capitol Hill, even from the powerful National Rifle Association. But some gun advocates want states to ease weapons laws. They argue that allowing more people to carry weapons will deter gun crimes and enable potential victims to protect themselves.

Should schools adopt additional security measures to try to prevent mass shootings?
Should it be harder for someone with a history of mental illness to obtain a gun?
Should laws limiting the carrying of concealed weapons be relaxed?

To read this article and others visit our Articles and Databases webpage http://www.swccd.edu/~library/articles.htm and click on CQ Researcher.Select the Access Off Campus link for information on how to access this resource from off campus locations.

Issues & Controversies in American History

This month's cover story in the Facts.com Issues & Controversies in American History database focuses on some of the hardships facing the settlers of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America. Did the settlement fail to flourish because of Jamestown’s system of collectivism, which some argue inhibited hard work and self-reliance? Or were other factors, such as a lack of fresh water and several unexpected disasters, to blame?

To read this article and others visit our Articles and Databases webpage http://www.swccd.edu/~library/articles.htm and click on Fact.com Issues & Controversies in American History .Select the Access Off Campus link for information on how to access this resource from off campus locations

Summer Hours

The Library on the main campus will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 25.
May 26-28: closed
May 29-31: 1-4 p.m.
June 4 - August 9: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; closed Friday
through Sunday


June 4 - August 9 at the HEC library in National City:
Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Tuesday and Wednesday 5-8 p.m.
closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

This Week in CQ Researcher

“Fair Trade Labeling,” by Sarah Glazer, May 18, 2007

The number of products sold with fair trade labels is growing rapidly in Europe and the United States.

Does fair trade certification improve life significantly for small farmers in developing countries?
Does fair trade certification distort markets, ultimately hurting some small producers?
Would trade reforms help small farmers more than fair trade certification?

To read this article and others visit our Articles and Databases webpage http://www.swccd.edu/~library/articles.htm and click on CQ Researcher.Select the Access Off Campus link for information on how to access this resource from off campus locations.

New Books - May 16, 2007

Hizbullah, African Drum Music, and Stanislavsky. What do they have in common? You can read about these topics and many more in the new additions this week to the new book shelf.

This week in CQ Researcher

“HPV Vaccine,” by Nellie Bristol, May 11, 2007
Should it be mandatory for school girls?

A new vaccine that prevents infections from a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes cervical cancer is being hailed as a major achievement in women’s health. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for girls ages 11-12, and could be used by females ages 9-26.

Some state lawmakers moved quickly to make inoculations mandatory for school attendance to ensure vaccine access regardless of socioeconomic status. The requirement was approved in the District of Columbia and Virginia. But reactions to an aggressive lobbying campaign by vaccine manufacturer Merck coupled with general concerns about immunization safety stalled efforts to mandate the shots in many states. Conservative groups joined the opposition, saying the vaccine would encourage inappropriate sexual activity and override parental autonomy.

Is the new HPV vaccine safe and effective?
Should the HPV vaccine be mandatory?
Did the quick push for HPV mandates harm public health?

To read this article and others visit our Articles and Databases webpage http://www.swccd.edu/~library/articles.htm and click on CQ Researcher.Select the Access Off Campus link for information on how to access this resource from off campus locations.

Early Library Hours

The library will open at 7 am beginning Wednesday May 16. Here is our extended hours schedule until the end of the spring semester. Come by for an early morning visit.

• Wednesday May 16 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Thursday May 17 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Friday May 18 - 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Saturday May 19 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Closed Sunday May 20
• Monday May 21 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Tuesday May 22 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Wednesday May 23 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Thursday May 24 - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Friday May 25 - 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

For a complete schedule of library hours , see the Library Hours page.