Orientation Library Presentation

I thought I would just share the rap poem that I wrote and performed at student orientation today.  Thankfully, it got a great reception.  You've got to turn your cap around to make it work, and the students started a clapping rhythm about halfway through.

When you’re checking off items on your bucket list,

There’s one great place that shouldn’t be missed.

Now, I know you’re wondering what that special place could be

Why, of course, it’s the ship’s li-brar-y.

If you’re headed for some ports,  and you don’t have a plan,

We’ve got guidebooks for you that will help you expand

Your horizons of all the possibilities

And the best part of all—the use of guidebooks is free.

Or, you’re taking a course that requires chapter readings,

Come check us out—we should have what you’re needing

Or better yet, you need a journal article

We can get it for you without using Google.

How about some fiction for all your spare time,

We’ve got some good stuff, and it won’t cost a dime.

Or, some poetry to read while you’re lying in the sun,

We’ve got poets from all countries. I bet you can’t read just one.

Or you’ve got a tough project for your business class

And finding information is kicking your ass,

See us about a database called Business Source Complete

We can save you lots of time and what you get is pretty neat.

On your next “B” day if you’ve got a paper due,

And what you’re proposing is supposed to be true,

What you need is some supporting documentation.

We’ll fix you right up and won’t expect compensation.

But when you’re working on that paper,

Don’t try to pull some caper.

Make sure there are citations, because there are high expectations when even sailing on the oceans.

Want to read the Wall Street Journal or New York Times,

Want to write poems like this and need a book of rhymes,

We might be on a ship but we’ve got what you need.

The Library’s got it all you’re certain to concede.

Since I’ve got you all in here, please raise a hand up high,

And promise me this so we don’t have to say goodbye.

When you get a book from us, be sure to check it out.

Even if we’re closed, all say “yes, I’ll check it out”.