Widespread marketing and misrepresentation have resulted in a glut of phony degrees, and you should check any alleged accreditations against the US Department of Education Database. Sometimes though, it is not only the phony college who benefits, as the list below will reveal.

8 Outrageous Frauds involving online degrees

Colby discovered that a qualification gave him more kudos amongst his peers

Craig and Alton Poe formed the Trinity Southern University (TSU) in January 2004 and offered “degrees” in a variety of subjects for a fee between $299 and $499. They hacked into 60 Pennsylvania businesses to distribute over 18.000 spam emails advertising the scam. Using a bogus résumé for the deputy attorney general´s cat, investigators were able to acquire an MBA degree for “Colby” with a 3.5 grade point average. In March 2005 the brothers were fined a total of $131.000 for their fraudulent actions. (Full Story)

Trenda Halton of Peoria, Arizona defrauded the government of nearly $540.000 by recruiting 136 people to pose as students and enrolling at the Rio Salado College in Tempe over a 15 month period from July 2006. By having her recruits participate in online “classes”, Ms Halton received federal student loans and Pell Grant money. The scam came to light when handwriting on application forms was found to be similar, and Halton, plus 23 other defendants, have now been ordered to repay $793.073. (Full Story)

Pellar was unable to use his yacht as often as he would have liked

Ronald Pellar was a hypnotist and fraudster who established the Columbia State University operation from an apartment in San Clemente, California. Peller offered degrees in a number of fields to people who had not finished college – claiming that they would qualify for their degree based on life, work and academic experience. At the height of the fraud, CSU was grossing $10 million per year. In 1998 Pellar was sentenced to 67 months in prison, ordered to pay $45.835 in restitution and forfeit his $1.5 million yacht. (Full Story)

Dixie E and Steven K Randock Sr. were the brains behind one of the biggest recent online diploma-granting rackets. Over a six year period from 1999, they masterminded diploma mill fraud on a grand scale – selling more than $6 million worth of phony degrees to students in over 130 countries. Using fronts such as Saint Regis College, All Saints American University and New Manhattan University, the Randock´s were indicted in 2005 and sentenced to three years imprisonment in July 2008. (Full Story)

Capinger´s "cure-all" was no defence against the strength of the Caribbean sun

Gregory Caplinger achieved his legitimate Biology degree from Indiana University in 1974. Over the next decade he acquired both a bogus medical degree from the Metropolitan Institute of Great Britain and a fake doctorate in Biochemistry and Immunology from Sussex College of Technology (UK). His “credentials” enabled him to set up a clinic in the Dominican Republic, from where he courted investors for his anti-cancer drug “Immustim” and swindled over 100 people out of sums of up to $90.000 each for their treatments.  He died in July 2009 whilst serving a 12 year prison sentence for fraud (Full Story)

Dr George Reuter established the “International Accrediting Commission for Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries, Missouri” by marketing heavily amongst then-unaccredited colleges. His method of a quick visit to the premises, collection of a check and instant accreditation became unstuck when falling foul of the equally bogus “East Missouri Business College”. Set up by Assistant Attorney General Eric Vieth, and including such luminaries as “Peelsburi Doughboy” amongst his list of executives, Reuter was enticed to the bogus St Louis college, where he was slapped with an injunction and heavy fine. (Full Story)

Not the real Ann Armstrong - or is it?

Ann Armstrong, a 67 year old grandmother from Las Vegas, masterminded an online scam with her children and grandchildren, creating 66 fake identities to apply for numerous grants and student loans. Armstrong and her family netted almost $1 million from a large number of online universities before a financial aid officer at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno recognized a similarity in the voices of the (fake) applicants on the telephone. Mrs. Armstrong was sentenced in 2006 to 57 months imprisonment and ordered to pay back $662.081 in restitution. (Full Story)

Thomas James Kirk established the “World Christian Church” into which he placed ownership of his diploma mills to claim religious exemption from state education laws. One, the La Salle University of Louisiana, was raided in 1996 by the FBI and IRS. Kirk was charged with 18 fraud related offences and sentenced to five years imprisonment. At the time of his arrest, and despite his vow of poverty, the “World Christian Church” was found to have assets in excess of $45 million. Kirks wife now continues the educational work of the church from a rented mail box in Honolulu. (Full story)

Whether you’re trying to learn English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Italian –you get the picture – it’s good to get free help along the way. Luckily, there are tons of free online resources out there.

Here are 75 to get you started …

1. 101Languages.net – Learn basics like vowels, consonants, phrases and vocabulary for various languages like Arabic, Bambara, Cebuano, Estonian, Icelandic, Latvian and Serbian.

2. 123TeachMe.com – 123TeachMe offers free learning materials, including games, quizzes, vocabulary builders, mp3 study lists, RSS vocabulary lists and more for adults and children.

3. About.com – About.com offers access to various free language resources for French, Spanish and English.

4. AKTub.com – This site offers a free web-based Arabic typing tutor with a ton of cool features.

5. Apples4theTeacher.com – Free foreign language and American Sign Language resource for children.

6. AskOxford.com – Free language learning resources for French, German and Spanish are available including interactive exercises, sample material from dictionaries and more.

7. BabelNation.com – Free site that offers online language courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

8. BBC.co.uk – BBC offers free audio and video courses in French, German, Spanish, Greek, Chinese and more, as well as beginner’s courses.

9.  BellEnglish.com – Free language-learning activities and games with a no-fee registration.

10.  Byki.com – The site allows you to download free language-learning software to help you with over 70 languages right on your desktop.

11.  Chinese-Outpost.com – Take free Chinese courses, find tutorials and utilize additional directories to learn the Chinese language.

12.  DigitalDialects.com – Digital Dialects offers free use of interactive games to help learn nearly 60 languages.

13.  Edufind.com – Resource for free access to language courses, online tests, software and language blogs. Videos

14.  EFLWorksheets.com – This English language-learning tool offers free worksheets and online exercises.

15.  EffectiveLanguageLearning.com – A ton of free language lessons (tips and strategies) for Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

16.  eLanguage.com – While the site isn’t completely free, it does offer free resources for various languages, including grammar guides.

17.  eLanguageSchool.net – A huge resource for learning multiple languages, including Dutch, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Korean and German.

18.  EnglishBanana.com – Games, quizzes and additional links to help learn the English language.

19.  Engoi.com – This site offers free exercises, games and online instruction to increase vocabulary retention.

20.  ESLGold.com – ESLGold.com helps you practice the English language via their vocabulary pages, exercises, examples, quizzes, and even a few study buddies.

21.  ESLMonkeys.com – Tools for those learning English as a second language, including free lessons, books, videos, quizzes, flash cards and interactive programs.

22.  ExamEnglish.com – You can test your English language skills if you’re learning the language or studying for tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, CPE, CAE, FCE or PET.

23.  Fonetiks.org – Find online pronunciation guides to varieties of the English language and nine other languages.

24.  Forvo.com – A word pronunciation dictionary that offers words as pronounced by their native speakers.

25.  FreeLang.net – Take advantage of free dictionaries, human translation and other useful resources to help you learn a number of languages.

26.  FreeLanguage.org – This site offers videos, podcasts, written tutorials and more to learn over 30 languages, including Luxembourgish, Mandarin, Polish, Tagalog and Swahili.

27.  Goethe-Verlag.com – Goethe-Verlag offers free language tests for such languages as Estonian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Swedish, Czech, Croatian, Turkish, Arabic and Dutch.

28.  Google Language Tools – While these tools don’t teach a language like the other sites, it does provide very handy translation options.

29.  GuidetoJapanese.com – Basic guides to teach Japanese language grammar.

30.  1-Language.com – Free access to materials and resources that help learn the English language like flash games, word searches, language courses and a reading library.

31.  ILUSS.it – Offers access to free online courses and resources for the self-learner who wants to study the Italian language.

32.  InternetPolyglot.com – Tutorial slide shows, lessons by pictures and sounds, word translation assistance and games to help learn languages.

33.  iTalki.com – Offers access to language teachers, language-exchange partners, discussion groups and other free resources for several languages, including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Hindi.

34.  JapaneseLinks.net – List of mostly free links to websites that teach the Japanese language.

35.  Languageguide.org – Free sound integrated resources to learn language basics like numbers, time, greetings and more.

36.  Language-Learning-Advisor.com – This language-learning guide offers access to resources for dozens of languages, as wells aids, books, movies, music and more.

37.  LanguageLearningLibrary.org – This site offers lessons for basics like grammar, common phrases, numbers, time and more in a number of languages.

38.  LanguagesHome.com – This is a resource of translations from English to dozens of languages.

39.  LearnEnglish.org.uk – Great site for both adults and kids to learn the English language through games and theme-based activities.

40.  Learn-Korean.net – Learn the Korean language via free learning tools to help you speak and write.

41.  LearningThai.com - Tons of free lessons and additional resources to help you learn the Thai language.

42.  LingQ.com – This site offers free access to downloads, vocabulary assistance, a personal tutor and a live community. Must sign up for free account.

43.  Linguanaut.com – Take advantage of free videos, phrases, alphabet and more for over 50 languages.

44.  LiveandLearnLanguages.com – Podcasts, audio lessons, courses and dictionary reviews are available free of charge for dozens of languages.

45.  LiveMocha.com – This site includes courses in 30 languages (over 160 lessons for each), helpful tips from native speakers and conversational learning lessons.

46.  MangoLanguages.com – Mango is a free resource that teaches actual conversation skills for 12 different languages.

47.  MultilingualBooks.com – This site offers free access to a variety of online courses and lessons for languages like Russian, Arabic, Dutch, Dari, Korean and Portuguese.

48.  MyHappyPlanet.com – My Happy Planet connects users from around the world and allows them to send and receive messages to help learn respective languages from native tongues.

49.  MyLanguageExchange.com – Find a partner within this online community to help you practice your second language with a native speaker who is learning your language.

50.  NativLang.com – Learn to read and write English, Greek, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Latin and more.

51.  Omniglot.com – This is a free language-learning resource that offers help with grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing skills, phrases and more.

52.  OnlineFreeSpanish.com – Free games, music, activities and lessons to help learn the Spanish language.

53.  OpenCulture.com – Free language resources, including lessons you can download to your mp3 player offered for 37 languages.

54.  Parlo.com – While the site isn’t entirely free, it does offer one or two free courses each month at no cost.

55.  Phrasebase.com – This is a free social networking site offering access to international language exchange partners.

56.  Single-Serving.com – Learn essential phrases and words for travel, print them and even store them in an mp3 player to listen to them anywhere.

57.  SinoSplice.com – This site teaches Mandarin Chinese language and offers correct pronunciation, vocabulary lists and more.

58.  SpanishPrograms.com – Gain access to several free Spanish lessons and tutorials.

59.  SpanishUnlimited.com – Learn Spanish then test your level with the language test divided into levels for those ranging from beginners to advanced.

60.  SpeakOz.com – Learn the English language through a number of podcasts, videos, ebooks, dictionaries and articles.

61.  StudySpanish.com - Free Spanish tutorials offered to help with vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and verbs. Travel guides and cultural notes also available.

62.  TalkEnglish.com – Helps develop spoken English for business, travel and interviewing purposes.

63.  TextKit.com – This site offers free resources to help you learn Ancient Greek and Latin.

64.  Transcon.info – This site offers free text and audio content for current phrases in Africa, Iraq and other areas of the Middle East.

65.  Transparent.com – Transparent offers a number of language-learning products, including free software to download, articles, games and a language-learning community you can join.

66.  UniLang.org – UniLang offers tons of free resources, including language courses, videos, audio and podcasts, phrasebooks, stories, games, articles and other exercises.

67.  UniversitiesandColleges.org – This free language resource offers podcasts, online college courses, iPhone/iPod Touch applications, and access to general language-learning sites.

68.  VerbaLearn.com – Verba Learn helps people who want to improve their English vocabulary.

69.  VistaWide.com – Free online dictionaries, translators, verb conjugators, lessons, courses and practical applications for those wanting to learn numerous languages.

70.  Vocabulary.co.il – Fun games and activities to help build your English language vocabulary.

71.  Vocabulix.com – This free tool offers over 90 predefined vocabulary lessons and allows you to create your own foreign language lessons to share with others.

72.  WebGerman.com – Access to free online television from around the world as well as language picture dictionaries, language-learning libraries and more.

73.  WomenLearnThai.com – Thai language learning courses, as well as other resources to help learn the language.

74.  Word2Word.com – Word2Word.com is a free resources that offers access to help with over 115 languages, including links to online courses and other resources.

75.  World-English.org – This site offers tons of resources for learning the English language, including tests, top English words, slang, fun facts, games and vocabulary.

Image: wstryder

Are you a techie looking to acquire some computer science knowledge without a hefty university price tag? You’re in luck! Tons of colleges and universities are offering free access to their valuable course materials free of charge.

For most, all you have to do is visit their site and begin learning. So if you’re ready, here are 50 free computer sciences classes that you can take advantage of right now.

Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence

1.  Algorithms (ArsDigita University) – Study the design of algorithms according to methodology and application.

2.  Artificial Intelligence (University of Massachusetts, Boston) – This is an intro to the main techniques of Artificial Intelligence.

3.  Computer Science 171: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (University of California, Irvine) – This course looks at informed and uninformed search, constraint satisfaction, games, optimization and more (courses 273A and 273B are also available).

Computer Architecture and Systems

4.  Circuits and Electronics (MIT) – Explore the fundamentals of the lumped circuit abstraction.

5.  Computer Architecture (University of Washington) – A look at quantum computing, memory hierarchy and more.

6.  Underactuated Robotics (MIT) – This course discusses nonlinear dynamics and control of underactuated mechanical systems.

Computer Science Basics

7.  Christopher Newport University Computer Science Classes – C++, Data Communications and Network Design and Implementation course materials.

8.  Fundamentals of Computer Science I (Grinnell College) – Introduction to computer programming using Scheme (includes algorithm design, coding, testing, debugging, etc.).

9.  Fundamentals of Computer Science II (Grinnell College) – Learn the design, analysis and verification of algorithms.

10.  Breadth Topics in Computing Science (Capilano University) – Learn how computer systems work, as well as good problem-solving and design skills.

11.  Great Ideas in Theoretical Computer Science (MIT) – A challenging introduction to some of the central ideas of theoretical computer science.

12.  History of Computing (University of Washington) – An interesting look at the history of computing from the beginning to present day.

13.  Introducing Ethics in Information and Computer Sciences (The Open University) – Take a look at ethics as it starts to emerge within the realm of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS).

Databases and Data Structure

14.  Database Management Systems (ArsDigita University) – This course offers a more formal approach to Relational Database Management Systems.

15.  Database Systems (Harvard University) – A general introduction to database research.

16.  Introduction to MATLAB (MIT) – Acquire fluency of MATLAB through interactive lectures and problem-based assignments.

Internet and Multimedia

17.  Advanced Internet Services (Columbia University) – This course covers emerging Internet multimedia services (real-time services, packet scheduling, audio and video coding, etc.).

18.  Applied Multimedia Technology (University of Notre Dame) – Explore the use of multimedia in communicating information and solving problems.

19.  Computer Graphics (Indian Institute of Technology, Madras) – Dr. Sukhendu Das of IIT Madras offers 43 compelling lectures on computer graphics via YouTube.

20.  Finding Information in Technology (The Open University) – This course teaches you how to evaluate the material you find on the Internet in your study of technology.

21.  Information Technology and the Labor Market (MIT) – This course explores how information technology is reshaping different dimensions of the U.S. labor market.

22.  Internet Application Protocols and Standards (Stockholm University) – Course content on Internet application layer protocols and standards.

23.  Intro to Computer Graphics (Rice University) – Take advantage of lecture notes, as well access to links to free OpenGL tutorials, specs and books.

24.  Web-based Information Systems (University of Alberta) – Take a look at issues related to the design and implementation of web-based applications.

25.  Webpage Authoring (Sophia – Gavilan College) – This is a hands-on introduction to using Hypertext Mark-Up Language (HTML).

Networking

26.  Computer Communications (University of Calgary) – Free access to this computer networking and TCP/IP course with online notes, slides and a free book in PDF format.

27.  Computer Networks (Princeton University) – Study computer networks and the services built on top of them (multi-access networks, routing and flow control, IP, TCP, BGP).

28.  Computer Networks (Indian Institute of Technology, Madras) – 40 lectures from Prof. S. Ghosh regarding computer networks.

29.  Fundamentals of Computer Communication Networks (University of Florida) – Take advantage of online notes covering data transmission, coding, error detection and more.

30.  Internetworking (University of Technology, Sydney) – Get free notes for multi-protocol LAN design, IP and IPX, WAN design and more.

31.  Network Systems (University of Washington) – This course focuses on the design of computer networks, protocol design, peer-to-peer systems and more.

32.  Understanding Networked Computing (University of Michigan) – This course promotes a deeper understanding of networked computing and its effect on society.

Programming Languages

33.  Adventures in Advanced Symbolic Programming (MIT) – Cover the concepts and techniques for the design and implementation of large software systems.

34.  HTML Basics (University of Washington) – Learn the basic structure of an HTML document, what HTML tags look like and more.

35.  Introduction to Java Programming (Orange Coast College) – This course offers an introduction to the Java programming language.

36.  Multicore Programming Primer (MIT) – Introductory course in parallel programming.

37.  Object Oriented Programming in C++ (University of Southern Queensland) – Extend basic procedural design and programming knowledge into the objected-oriented paradigm.

38.  Programming with Robots (Capilano University) – The course uses Lego Mindstorm robots to illustrate the fundamental concepts in computer programming and problem solving.

39.  Programming XML in Java (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) – Free course covers the ins and outs of programming XML in Java.

40.  The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (ArsDigita University) – Enjoy this introduction to programming and the power of abstraction.

Operating Systems and Security

41.  Computer Security (Cornell University) – Course notes and graphics discussing computer security.

42.  Operating Systems and Tools: UNIX (Virginia Tech) – This is an excellent beginner’s guide with helpful information for users of the UNIX operating system.

43.  Unix Workshop (ArsDigita University) – This self-study workshop allows you to review and learn a wide range of Unix tools (shell scripts, awk, lex, yacc, grep, etc.).

Software Engineering

44.  Computer Systems Engineering (MIT) – Learn about the ins and outs of engineering of computer software and hardware systems.

45.  Elements of Software Construction (MIT) – This is an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of software development.

46.  Introduction to Software Engineering in Java (MIT) – This is an introduction to Java programming and software engineering designed for those with no experience.

47.  Principles of Software Engineering (University of Washington) – A closer look at software engineering and design.

48.  Software Design (Grinnell College) – This course studies the software life cycle and includes a look at design, coding, testing and documenting large software packages.

49.  Software Engineering I (Purdue University) – These lecture slides cover software processes, requirements analysis, software architecture and testing.

50.  Systems (ArsDigita University) – Take a look at topics related to the engineering of computer software and hardware systems.

While living in a dorm room with a roommate can be exciting if you are lucky enough to bond with this new friend, most students don’t quite enjoy the “friend-for-life” experience that is promoted in movies. For some, the college experience is best enjoyed in a one-person (single) room.

However, the one-person room is not always easy to obtain, especially during the first year in college. So if you’re thinking of getting your own room, here are some tips to increase your chances.

1. Request / Pay for One – and Fast

Probably the easiest way to get into a single room in the dorm is to request one as soon as possible. Depending on the bureaucratic make up of your school, you may have to take a back seat to seniors who request single rooms first. However, if you play your cards right – and are willing to put up the extra money – you may be able to get yourself a room all your own.

2. Prove You Have a Social Disorder

So of course this isn’t something you want to make up for the sake of having your own room, but if you can prove legitimately (doctor paperwork, etc.) that you have a social disorder or other psychological disorder that requires you to be alone then you could receive a single room even in your first year of college.

3. Attend a School with Tons of One-Person Rooms

It’s a rarity, but there are a few schools that offer a ton of single rooms (ex. Scripps College). Attending one could increase your odds of getting a single room. However, if the school does offer singles in addition to other options – and you’re a freshman – you want to check its policy to see if you’re able to have your own room. Also, keep in mind that a quality college experience extends beyond the dorm room. In other words, your room could be great, but the rest could be horrible.

4. Convince Your Roommate to Move Out

If your roommate has just become best buds with a student or group of students living up the hall, you might be able to convince him or her to move in with them so that you could have your own room. However, it’s good to keep in mind that if you convince them to move out too early in the year, they may simply be replaced with a new roommate – one you don’t like at all.

5. Get a Resident Advisor Position

If you’re a natural leader and want your own room, you could apply for a resident advisor (RA) position that would make you in charge of a wing or floor. The good news with this position is that you would get your own room, but you would actually need to take your job seriously, so keep this in mind before you apply.

If you really want to get your own room, with a little determination and creativity, your dreams may just come true.

It’s hard enough to read college books in literature class without thinking about reading them once you exit the classroom. However, there are a few books that are so great that you don’t want to put them down! If you want to know what books you’re likely to enjoy both in and out of the classroom, take a look at the following 10 best reads.

1.      The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

This novel has made tons of “top 10 lists” for many decades and was even ranked second in the Modern Library’s list of the 100 Best Novels of the 20^th Century. Always found on college literature reading lists, the story of Nick Carraway, a young bachelor who makes his way east and meets the great Jay Gatsby is an interesting one that leaves readers captivated year after year. 

2.      The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

This very popular college read very often finds itself on bookshelves across America long after graduation. Why? Because no one can resist the story of Holden Caulfied, the 16 year old who was expelled from prep school due to his reaction to the common alienation experiences by teens. It’s definitely a hard one to resist. 

3.      Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

The story of George and Lenny is one of two great friends who play very significant roles in each other’s lives. It tells a tale that plays out somewhat tragically in the end; however, the ride along the way is one that students who read it in class and seem to pick up again and again, long after they’re required to.

4.      To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Scout and Jem’s childhood in Alabama is chronicled as we have the opportunity to be flies on the wall of their lives. We see their innocence shook and their characters shaped while they learn the reality of human nature in their time period. It’s a true page-turner, indeed. 

5.      Lord of the Flies by William Golding 

This classic tale tells the story of a group of English schoolboys who find themselves on a deserted island after a plane crash. Though published in 1954, the story is still just as moving and relevant today as it was then, making it a top read inside and outside the classroom.

6.      The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 

Virtually everyone has read this Mark Twain classic about Huck and Jim as they travel on a riveting journey. Though they meet menacing and often comedic characters along the way, a major part of what makes this a classic is Huck’s view of the world at his impressionable age. 

7.      The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 

This controversial novel set during the Great Depression still moves readers today as it questions justice, the role of government, power and capitalism. Taking an uninhibited look at the injustices of migration from the perspective Joad family that moved from Oklahoma to California, this book leaves readers unable to put down their books. It’s no wonder it won a Pulitzer Prize in 1940.

8.      The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne 

This book offers the same level of gossip inherent in today’s reality shows, which is why it’s still so popular. Garnering a bird’s eye view of a pregnant Puritan woman in the 19^th century whose husband disappears, we are endlessly entertained by this magnificent tale of adultery.

9.      1984 by George Orwell 

This story looks at the dark side of humanity by showing the possibilities of brainwashing through government control. It’s a bit disturbing at points, but what an interesting read it is! It’s definitely a college book that you will find yourself still reading as you walk out the classroom door.

10.  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 

You may have already seen the movie but this won’t stop you from enjoying the novel time and time again. This humble story of the orphan Pip who dares to dream big can bring out the dreamer in anyone – especially after his dreams come true. After reading it, there’s no doubt that this story will meet your greatest expectations.

1. Librarians take care of libraries, which are still invaluable today.
2. Not all information is on the internet.
3. Older books still hold great cultural significance.
4. Libraries are still repositories for some of the most valuable works of literature in the world.
5. Even with the internet, the library is still the best place to do research.
6. Girls with glasses can still rock the “sexy librarian” look.
7. “Sexy Librarian” is still a popular costume at Halloween.
8. You can’t exactly find periodicals like The New England Journal of Medicine in Barnes and Noble.
9. For that matter, looking at turn-of-the-century National Geographics is still pretty entertaining.
10. Colleges need something to remodel every so often.
11. The library is still the best meeting spot for college students working on group projects.
12. Libraries are where most colleges store some of their history (choir CDs, videos of athletic matches, etc.).
13. A library is one of the few places people can have free internet access.
14. This means some libraries even hold LAN parties during later hours.
15. Somebody has to help lazy people find what they want.
16. Even online collections of books usually connect directly to a library.
17. “Librarian” is still a better career choice for spinsters over “School Lunch Lady.”
18. Studies have shown libraries and librarians improve student test scores.
19. They also have been shown to improve students’ individual learning skills.
20. With their training in instructional design, librarians can help teachers find resources for their curriculum.
21. Librarians also help teachers to use a variety of media in the classroom.
22. Many libraries today offer enough DVDs to serve as a poor man’s Netflix or Blockbuster.
23. Librarians often put together special programs to get children to read early on.
24. While teaching children to use the library, librarians end up teaching them valuable problem solving skills.
25. They also teach children to use multiple resources to form their own original works.
26. If librarians were no longer around, kids wouldn’t understand the opening scene from Ghostbusters.
27. Librarians know a lot about proper citation skills, as well as ethical uses of information, in order to avoid plagiarism issues.
28. Libraries are still a cheaper place to make photocopies than FedEx Kinko’s.
29. Despite the advances in computer technology, a human will still find information better than a search engine.
30. Librarians can also find information better suited to the person who needs it.
31. A library is much MUCH more well cataloged and organized than the internet.
32. Libraries have much better quality control than the vast majority of websites.
33. Who else is going to learn the Dewey Decimal System? You?
34. Seriously though, no one wants to learn the Dewey Decimal System.
35. For that matter, who else is going to show you how to use that microfiche machine?
36. Experienced librarians often know exactly what resources students need for particular courses.
37. Many libraries collaborate and offer book exchange programs, offering users an almost limitless supply of books and media.
38. Librarians can help relieve some of the workload from teachers by helping students to understand information better.
39. Some engineering teams have already explored the idea of a fully digital library…and ended up designing a traditional library with some advanced technology.
40. The copyright costs for digitizing all literature would be astronomical without even factoring in distribution and storage.
41. Even without the costs, digitizing all books in existence would take hundreds of years at the current rate.
42. The internet still mostly only holds information from the past 15 or so years, compared with the hundreds of years of knowledge found in a library.
43. Even though libraries themselves may be losing attendance, their online archives and websites are still receiving plenty of visitors.
44. Despite the rising popularity of e-books, 80% of people surveyed say they still prefer paper books.
45. The experience of reading an actual book is being preserved by libraries.
46. Libraries provide one of the few places for anyone to find quiet area to just read or study.
47. Sometimes, but not always, libraries have free coffee.
48. Sometimes there are even free snacks.
49. Unlike the internet, libraries are careful that the information they contain is checked for usefulness before being included.
50. Also unlike the internet, libraries are much less influenced by corporate interests.
51. They are also less likely to be manipulated by individuals, like search engine optimizers.
52. Information on more specific topics can be much easier to find in libraries.
53. Digital or not, a library still needs a human staff to run it.
54. The resources of a library are well indexed and will always deliver reliable results (I.e. no “broken links”).
55. Many popular news publications still require subscriptions to view their content online, but are still available for free at the library.
56. Libraries provide free and abundant knowledge to everyone (a privilege people didn’t always have).
57. Not everyone can afford books, but everyone has access to the library.
58. Someone has to buy all those books that college professors write.
59. Public bathrooms in libraries are usually cleaner than most places.
60. A library can mold itself for the specific community it’s in, whereas websites usually try to bring in everyone.
61. At libraries, you can take practice qualifying tests for almost any profession.
62. You can always make suggestions to librarians for specific books you’d like to see.
63. Many libraries also display original works of art or even have separate galleries.
64. Some libraries also hold a limited number of free museum passes that anyone can use.
65. If you don’t have a computer, you can always use the ones in the library.
66. The same goes for certain premium software and special databases.
67. If your library offers wi-fi, it’s probably free.
68. Several libraries also offer programs that cater to senior citizens.
69. Believe it or not, studies show that libraries are good for their local economy, since they make their community for attractive to potential businesses and individuals.
70. Libraries are still a cornerstone for free speech and open access to information.
71. When dictators like Hitler and Mao Zedong set out to eliminate a country’s culture or history, they started by shutting down the public libraries.
72. A library still provides a neutral environment for the free exchange of ideas.
73. Public libraries are surprisingly cheap to maintain, but benefit everyone in the community.
74. If you’re a comic book lover, you can probably find plenty at your local library.
75. They might even have some of those expensive indie graphic novels available.
76. We’re still an incredibly long ways away from a paperless world.
77. You might as well use the library, since you’re already paying for it through taxes or tuition.
78. There’s less risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome from reading books.
79. A library is a great excuse to get out of the house (seriously, why would anyone argue with you about it?).
80. Books are very portable and never need recharging.
81. With the economy these days, going to the library is a great source of free entertainment.
82. You can “try before you buy” any number of books without spending a dime.
83. Some libraries even have bookmobiles or mailing programs that deliver books right to you.
84. Studies have repeatedly shown that reading improves your basic vocabulary and just generally makes you smarter.
85. Regardless of what form a library takes, a librarian will always be ready to guide you to the information you need.

For a recent college grad, there’s often nothing more challenging than finding a job. However, there are some great jobs out there with very reasonable pay. You just have to know where to look. So if you’re in search of employment, here are 10 great jobs to start right after college.

1. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst

If you are accepted for this position, you will be expected to analyze, design, test and evaluate network systems that include LAN, WAN, Internet, intranet and other data communications systems. This job, which follows computer science, information science or management information systems majors usually starts at a little over $40,000 and has an average 53.4 percent growth rate.

2. Financial Analyst

Also know as securities or investment analysts, financial analysts examine financial information to make suggestions to businesses on ways to invest money. The average rate of growth for this job is 34 percent and usually follows finance, economics, business administration, accounting and statistics majors. Starting pay in 2002 was $57,100.

3. Market Research Analyst

As a market research analyst, you will primarily be responsible for interpreting data, formulating reports and making recommendations based on what you’ve discovered. The starting pay is a little over $33,310 and its growth rate is about 20.1 percent. To step into this position, you should have a background in economics, finance or statistics. If you’re not quite a recent grad, a good way to get your foot in the door is to acquire summer internships in the marketing sector before graduating.

4. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are also known as communications or media specialists. In this position, you would serve as an advocate for the business, nonprofit organization, university, hospital or other organization you work for. Communications, public relations or journalism majors usually fall into this position. The rate of growth is 17.6 percent and the beginning wage averages $29,580.

5. Sales Agent (Financial Services / Securities and Commodities)

A financial services sales agent is often known as an investment banker. In this position, you would be responsible for helping businesses finance their operations. Also, you might make plans with investors who want to provide funding in exchange for debt or equity. If you are a securities sales agent (stock broker) you work as a middle man between investors and traders. Both positions look for business, finance, accounting or economics majors. Starting pay is around $30,000 and the rate of growth is 24.8 percent.

6. Educational, Vocational or School Counselor

As a counselor in the educational realm, you would counsel people in one-on-one sessions as well as in groups, administer tests to help people find their strengths and interest and maybe even help people face serious issues like child abuse. Counselors may have education, teaching or counseling degrees. The starting pay is around $28,000 and the rate of growth is 12.6 percent.

7. Paralegal / Legal Assistant

To walk in the door as a paralegal or legal assistant, you will likely need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. You should be prepared to help the attorney prepare for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings by investigating case facts. The starting pay for this position is around $28,000. The rate of growth is 22 percent.

8. Accountant or Auditor

Both accountant and auditor positions start with pay around $40,000 to $50,000; however, a specific employer may pay more or less. As an account, your job will be to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports, while an auditor (which is a type of accountant) usually works specifically to verify company financial records. To step into these jobs, you will need to major in accounting. Their rate of increase is around 18 percent.

9. Computer Support Specialists

Workers in this position are often referred to as help-desk technicians. For this job, responsibilities often include troubleshooting technical hardware, software and systems problems as well as answering phone calls and analyzing problems via automated diagnostic programs. The starting pay for this position is between $27,000 and $37,000 and the rate of growth is 12.9 percent.

10. Cost Estimators

Cost estimators work primarily in the construction industry and are responsible for accurately projecting upcoming project costs for their company to help ensure a profit. The beginning wage is around $32,000 with an 18.5 percent rate of growth. Recent grads with degrees in building science, construction management, architecture or engineering are often considered.

There’s nothing like free money – especially when it can be applied to something as productive as college tuition. However, the best free college money – scholarships – can often be difficult to obtain because of their strict guidelines.

But before you decide to give up on the idea of getting your own scholarship, take a look at 45 of the weirdest college scholarships out there. With scholarships as strange as these, you may be eligible for more free college funding than you think!

1. Tall Clubs International Scholarship – If you’re a male 6’ 2” or taller, or a female 5’ 10” or taller, you just may qualify for this $1,000 scholarship. To qualify, you simply need to write an essay entitled “What Being Tall Means to Me.”
2. Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award – This $7,500 scholarship, free trip to Disney World and spot in a Milk Mustache ad are available to 25 student-athlete high school seniors with 3.20 GPAs who participate in school or club sports.
3. Van Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship – You can win $1,000 if you’re a descendant through birth or legal adoption of Lambert and Annetje Van Valkenburg.
4. Potato Industry Scholarship –The National Potato Council awards annually one $5,000 scholarship to a graduate student pursuing Agribusiness, which enhances the potato industry.
5. Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest – Who would ever think that creating prom outfits out of duct tape could win a lucky couple $3,000 in scholarship money?
6. American Welding Society Scholarships – Are you a talented welder – or have an interest in being one? If so, you may be eligible for welding scholarships that could help pay for education in soldering, brazing, joining and thermal spraying.
7. Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship – $2,500 is awarded to one or more students annually who love the art of vacuum coating. Is this for you?
8. Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship – Scholarship funds are awarded each year to sophomores, juniors and seniors attending Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. To quality, you must be left-handed, have financial need and a good GPA.
9. Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest – If you love ducks season you may be eligible for $2,000 in scholarships. So get your favorite duck call and get prepared to win some money!
10. David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship – Students attending Ball State University could win up to $10,000 in scholarship money by submitting a variety of creative media.
11. Excellence in Predicting the Future Award – You don’t have to be a fortune teller to win this $400 award. You just need to be good at predicting the financial market and have a desire for economics.
12. The Billy Barty Foundation – This scholarship is awarded to students who are short in stature – under 4’ 10” – and have proof of dwarfism.
13. National Marbles Tournament Scholarship – This contest for eight to 14 year olds awards between $1,000 and $2,000 scholarship money to those skilled in the game of marbles.
14. Common Knowledge Challenges – If you know a lot about a lot then you may be eligible for a series of Common Knowledge Scholarships that range from $250 – $3,000.
15. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship – Looking for $5,000 in college scholarship money? Simply be a vegetarian high school student who promotes vegetarianism in your school or community.
16. National Make It Yourself Wool Competition – Do you consider yourself a fashion guru with a special taste for wool? If so, you may qualify for one of four scholarships with the American Sheep Industry.
17. Discover Scholarship Award – This scholarship for high school juniors requires a 2.75 GPA and proof of a significant roadblock to earn $40,000 for post-high school education, training, certification or licensing.
18. Alice Mcarver Ratchford Scholarship – This special scholarship goes to single female undergraduate students in financial need who live on campus, don’t have a car and no other scholarships.
19. KLI Academic Award: The Kor Memorial Scholarship – If you’re a “Trekky” then you’ll love this $500 scholarship from the Klingon Language Institute for students in the field of language study. Luckily, you don’t need to know Klingon to qualify!
20. Dannie Jasmine Mule Deer Foundation Scholarship – This $500 scholarship is eligible to students who love of nature, are enrolled at University of Nevada, Reno and have studied Environmental and Resources Science for at least two semesters.
21. John Gatling Scholarship – Do you plan to attend North Carolina State University and have the last name Gatling or Gatlin? If so, you may be eligible for this full-ride scholarship.
22. School Bank and Orchestra Magazine Scholarship – By writing a simple essay you could qualify for $1,000 in scholarship money. 2009’s entry essay is “I believe music must remain a part of the school curriculum because.”
23. American Association of Candy Technologists Scholarship – College sophomores, juniors and seniors could qualify for $5,000 in scholarship funds if they carry a 3.0 GPA and major in food science or other related areas. Sounds like a sweet deal!
24. Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest – If you didn’t get the Klingon Scholarship, you may qualify for this contest that awards student authors and illustrators in the genre of Science Fiction.
25. National Rifle Association YES Scholarship – After being accepted to the NRA Youth Education Summit, contingents may apply to the scholarship that awards up to $30,000 in college aid – no rifle shooting required.
26. American Society for Enology and Viticulture Scholarship – Being a grape lover has definite benefits, especially when it comes to this scholarship that awards undergrad and grad full-time students majoring in viticulture or encology.
27. Ayn Rand The Fountainhead Scholarship – If you enjoyed the book The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand and are in the 11th or 12th grade, you could receive up to $10,000 in scholarship money by writing the best essay concerning the novel.
28. Hood College Heritage Scholarship – If you have a parent or grandparent who received a bachelor’s degree from Hood College, you may be eligible for a $5,000 one-year scholarship.
29. OP Loftbed Scholarship – This $500 scholarship only requires that you attend an accredited college or university and answer a few quirky questions (ex. What will you type in your next TEXT, Tweet, or Instant Message to your best friend?).
30. Evans Scholars Foundation Scholarship – Golf lovers could benefit from this WGA-sponsored scholarship that gives young caddies with financial need (and a great caddie record) the opportunity to pay for college.
31. Zolp Scholarship – Here’s another lucky last name scholarship. This one is from Loyola University and asks that your last name be Zolp and you be Catholic in order to qualify.
32. Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship Fund – To qualify for this scholarship, you must have resided in Mount Carmel, PA for 10 years, attended Mount Carmel Public High School, stay away from tobacco, liquor and narcotics, and steer clear of strenuous athletic contests.
33. Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship – This highly uncompetitive scholarship offers $7,000 yearly to bagpipe major students.
34. Eileen J. Garrett Scholarship – The desire to study parapsychology along with proof that you’ve written about it before is all you need to qualify for this $3,000 scholarship.
35. Starfleet Academy Scholarship – If you’re an active Starfleet member (an organization modeled around Star Trek) who attends any type of post-high school learning institution you could earn $500 in scholarship money.
36. United States Bowling Congress (USBA) Scholarships – USBA offers a number of scholarships to bowling fans with dollar amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
37. American Nudist Research Library Scholarship – If the nudist in you is itching to get out – and you don’t mind living in a nudist colony – then you could benefit from $1,000 for college.
38. Surfrider Foundation Scholarship Program – This grassroots organizations awards scholarships to undergrads, grads and PH-D students who are members of the Surfrider Foundation.
39. Michigan Llama Association (MLA) Scholarship – Being an MLA member or being the child of a member is all you need to qualify for this scholarship.
40. Tylenol Scholarship – Tylenol offers $5,000 to $10,000 awards to 40 lucky students each year. How to qualify? Desire a career in the medical field.
41. American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship – High school students who don’t mind reading an essay about fire sprinklers then taking a 10-question test could qualify for a $2,000 scholarship.
42. Collegiate Inventors Competition – Students who have you been enrolled full-time at a U.S. or Canadian college or university for at least 12 months and have a new idea, process or technology could qualify for $15,000 in scholarship money.
43. LaFontaine Aquatic Entomology Scholarship – The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) $500 scholarship is for aquatic entomology lovers and scholars performing research in the field.
44. Mycological Society of America Scholarships – $2,000 scholarships are available to students, teachers and researchers who study mycology (the study of fungi).
45. Hiram College Hal Reichle Scholarship – Talk about quirky. This scholarship comes from the Secret Society of Serendipitous Service to Hal (SSSSH), which loves students dedicated to community service.

Few people know how utterly untactful I can be in a job interview. I have only had two serious job interviews in my nineteen years and both times I got rejected. I don’t attribute this to me having a poor personality or an unimpressive CV, I just think that I was unprepared. A year ago I had an interview at PC World, they asked why I wanted to work there. My answer was (I quote) “because I like technological…*awkward pause*…things.” Looking back on it, all I can do is laugh. It’s no wonder why I did not get that job and although I sincerely believe I would have been excellent at it, I didn’t give a good impression in my interview.

Last week I received an email from my university’s fantastic careers and employment service offering students the chance to have a mock interview with Ernst & Young. Needless to say, I jumped on the opportunity as fast as I could. I’ve had a lot of time to think about my interview skills from the PC World interview to now and although I was nervous, I was also prepared.

The interview went well with me answering a number of questions to an excellent standard. I surprised myself by how well I did (what else would you expect from a ZCL writer?) . A few of the questions he asked were “what is your biggest achievement?” “give an example of a time when a goal was set for you and you reached it” and “when have you worked in a team and succeeded?” After the interview I got the chance to talk to my interviewer from Ernst & Young about some common things that people had gotten wrong in their own mock interviews. Here, I’d like to share with you five things that I learned:

1) Don’t look out of the window. When you’re being interviewed keep steady eye contact. Try and avoid the temptation to look out of the window.

2) Don’t make your CV too complicated. My interviewer told me about one guy he had interviewed whose CV was about four pages long in block print. He then complimented me on mine for its simplicity and straight-to-the-point nature.

3) It’s okay to ask your interviewer to repeat the question. I know we don’t like to come off as though we’re not paying attention or are too dumb to have understood the question the first time it was asked, but it’s better to fully understand the question than to answer the wrong one.

4) Broaden your answers. Try and use different examples for each of the questions you are asked. For example, if they ask you three questions about ‘teamwork’ try and illustrate that you’ve demonstrated teamwork on three different sectors of your CV rather than focusing only on one.

5) Answer the question. When you’re asked a question, answer it and don’t ramble off topic. Although you think you’re making yourself look better by fitting more information in, you’re actually making yourself look worse.

The experience I gained in my mock interview with Ernst & Young was invaluable. I feel much more confident now that if I ever get called for an interview, I’ll be able to manage it just fine.

Do you have any interview tips or horror stories like mine? Feel free to share them!

Image by: Alex Beadon Photography