Library Tour '07: The Catalogers

The Catalogers would make a good name for band, but the catalogers in Bailey/Howe could also be called The Decoders – or The Coders, for that matter since they do both. Our group even has a few things in common with Peter, Paul and Mary: one is named Mary and another really digs rock n’ roll music. But what really makes Larry, Michael and Mary special is the work they do independently.

Mary VanBuren-Swasey was kind enough to give me an introductory lesson in cataloging. She patiently walked me through a somewhat bewildering maze of “orphans,” bibliographic records, indexes, codes, cutters, rules and exceptions. She was a good teacher. And what I learned is that cataloging = detail + accuracy + consistency. And, thereby, Catalogers = Precision. Without them, libraries would be anarchy.

Which brings me to Michael Breiner, who gave me a splendid overview of his work and an inadvertent glimpse into his intellectual interests. Catalogers get a great overview of the world by viewing what passes through their hands. And, conversely, their own world views and interests help inform their work. Among other things, Michael catalogs media and music. And any day now, he will issue what he calls “The List” (another good band name) featuring his Favorite Ten Albums of 2007. Sitting with Michael brought me to my next conclusion: If it exists, it can be cataloged; and, ergo, catalogers know a lot about existence.

The third member of The Catalogers is Larry Dubois, who specializes in “value-added” cataloging in addition to doing a lot of the Wilbur Collection (about Vermont or Vermont institutions). He shared some gorgeous art books – treasures unto themselves – and showed me how he codes and describes them by referencing a wide variety of resources from the OCLC to the Library of Congress, in addition to calling upon his years of experience. Watching Larry work leads me to believe that being a cataloger requires a rare combination of skills – a head for numbers and a way with words. Most people have one or the other.

But Larry, Michael and Mary have, and do, whatever it takes to make our collections accessible to patrons. I’m not sure what to call “it” exactly, so I’m going to rename our band of catalogers “The Ineffables.”

Our holiday spirit

Thank you, again, to Darcelene for organizing the Christmas Food Project. She raised $270.45 from libraries colleagues and was able to purchase 262 pounds of food for those in need. That's the spirit!

Winter Gathering '07

Many, many thanks to the libraries social committee --Darcelene, Larry, Sylvia, Helen, Marci, Sharon, Katie and Chris Krupp--for staging and hosting a wonderful winter event. It was beautiful and delicious and perfectly organized.

Dean's Council Minutes, Dec. 4

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES

A meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

Present: Mara Saule, Peter Blackmer, Paul Philbin, Keith Gresham, Birdie MacLennan, Nancy Bercaw, Jeff Marshall, Selene Colburn and Jeanene Light (representing Marianne Burke)

I. Welcome

Mara welcomed Jeanene Light, who will be the acting director of Dana Medical Library and will attend Dean’s Council meetings while Marianne Burke is on sabbatical, Jan. – June 2008.

II. FY09 Budget

The FY 09 university-wide budget hearings will begin on Thursday, Jan. 24. Each Dean and VP will have 10 minutes for budget presentations. Then, the fiscal committee will meet and discuss. At end of February, Mara and Peter will meet with Provost to discuss the status of the Libraries FY09 budget submission. Again this year, it is expected that all divisions will be returning 1 percent of general fund base budget resources.

III. BH Master Planning

The next meeting regarding Bailey/Howe master planning/re-visioning is set for Tuesday, Jan. 8. Selene is collecting a list of building consultants, and some with “learning commons” experience in particular. Peter and Scott continue to explore options for the entrance to BH in an attempt to make it more welcoming without sacrificing security.

IV. Libraries Strategic Plan

Mara requested a Dean’s Council Retreat (tentatively scheduled for Friday, Jan. 25) to work on the larger strategic planning process. The retreat will examine the recommendations from the Discovery and Delivery Council, the Tech Services Work Group, R2, as well as the strategic plans at peer institutions. A SharePoint site will be created for planning purposes and document review. Goals and expected outcomes for the retreat will be clear and will reflect high aspirations for where the libraries want to be in 5 to 10 years.

V. Collection Space Planning Timeline

Birdie presented her working timeline for libraries space considerations and collection shifting. BH is at about 75-80 percent of its maximum capacity and is collecting at a rate of about 20,000 volumes per year. (Five years ago, the rate was 25,000.) BH discards between 2,000-4,000 titles per year. Birdie and Keith have been working on long-ranging collection space and weeding issues. Scott Miller has been measuring actual linear feet space, which will help determine actual percentages to be weeded from the collection and what can and should be moved where.

VI. Library Logo

The Communications team has selected two logo designs, created by the Scuola Group, for potential use by the libraries. The top pick is a liberal interpretation of the tower brand, but utilizes UVM style guidelines in terms of font and color. Mara will share the designs with the President next Friday.

Tech Services Working Group Update

The Technical Services Working Group continues to meet on a weekly basis to investigate ways the libraries can more effectively meet the needs of patrons. The group recently gathered statistics and compared the workflows for acquisitions (non-serials) and cataloging at Bailey/Howe and Dana. Members of the TSWG met with various staff members in both libraries.

The group will next explore the workflow in both libraries' serials departments, including print serials and e-resource maintenance.

--Tina Kussey (chair), Sandy Aldrich, Larry Dubois, Toni Fortini, Albert Joy, and Jeanene Light.

Next Libraries Open Forum: Blackboard Learning System

THE TOPIC AND SPEAKER FOR THE NEXT LIBRARIES OPEN FORUM:
(10 to 11 a.m. in the Dean's Conference Room, BH, Wednesday, Dec. 12)
Blackboard, Today and Tomorrow: As recently announced by the Provost,
UVM will implement the Blackboard Learning System this fall. Jill
Jemison, the project manager for the Blackboard project and
Instructional Technology director at the College of Medicine, will
discuss what an enterprise learning management system can offer the
university community. She will show how the college uses Blackboard,
social networking and library integration to make a interactive, media
rich curriculum experience for their students and demonstrate how UVM
may leverage these tools.

Mara to Host "Open Office" Time

Beginning January 9, Mara will host "open office hours" every Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Of course libraries employees can pop in any time to visit with her and get chocolate. But now there will be reserved time for anyone to stop by and share comments and communications. No appointment necessary.

New Employee in Media

Bailey/Howe is pleased to announce that Anne Dixon has been hired in media services as a library support generalist. She worked at the library in Champlain Valley Union High School for 7 years before taking this position. Anne lives at Shelburne Farms where her husband Sam is the dairy farm manager. They have two children, John, a junior at CVU and Georgia, a seventh grader at Shelburne Community School. Anne enjoys taking long walks, cross-country skiing and cooking. Welcome, Anne!

New Employee in the Dean's Office

We are happy to welcome Lisa Beaulieu to the libraries today, as a new part-time employee in the Dean's Office. She will be here from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be responsible for much of Mara's scheduling, as well as work orders for building maintenance and housekeeping, among other things. Lisa comes to us from UVM's Development and Alumni Relations Office, where she was a programmer/analyst. She is a graduate of Florida State University.

Thank you Darcelene!

Special thanks goes out to Darcelene and her husband today for delivering 251 pounds of food and supplies to the Chittenden emergency food shelf. And thanks also to libraries-wide generosity, which generated $303 for these efforts. Darcelene did all the shopping, and spent $226.55 on the Thanksgiving haul, which leaves a balance for of Christmas $76.45.
And what's the value of Darclene's time and effort? PRICELESS!

Progress Report from the D & D Council

When we began our work, we all assumed that our first order of business would be the OPAC, given its capacity to turn some of the best metadata in the book industry into the most boring and inadequate representations of our collections possible. The information that the current OPAC provides our patrons is only slightly better than instructions from IKEA.

We discussed the OPAC's good and bad points at our first meeting, which included these observations: The current Voyager OPAC is unforgiving about spelling. It doesn't come back with, "Did you mean..." or even place you in a list of similarly spelled words so you can browse its indexing (though it does do so for correctly entered author searches.) Nope, it tells you, "Your search retrieved no records!" (The exclamation point provides a note of lightness, of "Hey, too bad you can't spell, but we're still excited!")

It does not provide facets, or breakdowns of the subjects your search generates so you can explore broader or more narrow aspects of your search. It's brutal about author names, and still requires us to type in last name first, first name last, etc. even as most web search engines return results regardless how the name is typed in. It does not make suggestions ("If you're looking for books about X subject, you might take a look at ...")

It doesn't allow patrons to write reviews or notes about titles they read. Searches fail if an article is typed in a title search (entering "The sun also rises" gets you back to that excited declaration that "Your search retrieved no records!" while Mr. Hemingway's book hides stealthily in the database. On the plus side, if you spell correctly, leave off definite and indefinite articles, follow last name rules, etc. you can determine whether our library owns a book.

These problems will be a major focus of the D&D Council. However, another issue seized our attention at the start, and we're making good progress toward solving it: namely, improving the performance of our link resolver (Linksource), providing meaningful and consistent icons and/or language within our multiple databases to inform patrons when full-text is available, or directing them to alternate search possibilities, and generally doing our best to rein in the nonconformity of our databases to any standards.

Our goal is to, as much as possible, create an environment where patrons will be able to instantly recognize a uniform set of icons leading people to full text articles or to other services the library can provide to obtain an article. We also realized that we lack a form on our web site that links directly to Linksource so that people can immediately determine if the libraries offer the full text of an article they have a citation for.

Another of our goals is to lead patrons to print (hard copy) journals via Linksource, if we can make that work, so patrons can easily see their choices of print or online access. These tasks will involve working closely with members of Information and Instruction who oversee the administrative functioning of our databases. Members of the D&D Council have to first complete their research before taking that step, but you should start to see some changes happening relatively soon when you're searching for articles.

--by Peter Spitzform, for the D&D Council

Dean's Council Minutes, Nov. 6

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES

A meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Selene Colburn, Jeffrey Marshall, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Peter Blackmer and Nancy Bercaw

ABSENT: Marianne Burke

General Updates and Announcements

Mara announced that the next meeting for “Re-visioning Bailey/Howe” will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 13. She also recently met with the SGA president and vice president, who expressed their interest in being part of the process. Mara further mentioned that the Provost envisions locating the new “Writing in the Disciplines” director and department in B/H as well, which would further foster an “information commons” environment. Mara also reported on a study called “Studying Students” in which librarians and an anthropologist studied the undergraduate research process at the University of Rochester. Their fascinating findings can be found at (http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/downloadables/Foster-Gibbons_cmpd.pdf).

The CDI Grant has come to an end. Jeff is working on the narrative report and Winona has been transferred to library funds until we hear about the renewal of the grant.

Billings planning is moving forward. The project will proceed in two phases: one, renovating the main and lower floors; and then, two, renovating Cook Commons. Phase one features two projects – renovating historic Billings by fall 2009 and the bottom floors for special collections. Environmental controls for the building are an important consideration.

Selene reported that the Communications Team received the first round of logo designs and sent them back with comments. The designer is working on redesigns. The Com Team hopes to roll out new logo/templates in January and will proceed with the signage project in January.

Paul explained that the web redesign is almost ready to be implemented and will probably be public by the summer. There will be a prototype by the beginning of January for student testing.

Birdie announced that the “Order on Demand” launch was moving forward. The process can help BH make more strategic decisions about collections.

Peter announced that Lisa Beaulieu will begin working in the Dean’s Office as an assistant on November 26. She will work daily from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Keith announced that the search committee for the head of CMS is moving forward.

Birdie's Article in "Libraries & the Cultural Record"

"The Library and Its Place in Cultural Memory: The Grande Bibliothèque du Québec in the Construction of Social and Cultural Identity" - a peer-reviewed feature article by Birdie MacLennan - has just been published, in the latest issue of Libraries & the Cultural Record 42, no. 4 (2007): 349-386. It can be viewed through the Project Muse web site: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/libraries_and_culture/toc/lac42.4.html

Highlights from the Middlebury Trip

Click on photos to see larger versions.

The UVM Libraries' Staff and Faculty Professional Development committee sponsored a trip to Middlebury College Library on Friday, Nov. 2. In addition to an excellent and informative tour of their new library led by Library Director Barbara Doyle-Wilch, we also had the opportunity to meet with several librarians to discuss challenges that face all academic libraries. The discussions ranged from the staffing of the Information desk, where questions are triaged and at which all staff members can serve, to the diminished traffic at the Reference desk, to ERMs, and Print on Demand. Middlebury staff expressed much interest in what we do here and were pleased with the opportunity to share what we know and any potential collaborations. Other than myself, UVM librarians did not attend; however, library departments and projects were well-represented by staff members.

Thanks to all who were able to come on this interesting trip.

-- Angie Chapple-Sokol

Happy Halloween

Witch staff member is that?
Oh, man, who let another another bat in Bailey/Howe?

Minutes from the Libraries' Annual Meeting

Please see this link for Chris Krupp's minutes from the Libraries Annual Meeting on Oct. 22.
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgb55c24_34gmmfhz

Day Trippers

Birdie took this photo at the Saint Johnsbury Athenaeum during a meeting of the Vermont Catalogers Round Table. About 35 catalogers from around the state of Vermont attended.

Tech Services Working Group Updates

Tina Kussey (chair), Sandy Aldrich, Larry Dubois, Toni Fortini, Albert Joy, and Jeanene Light.

The TSWG has been meeting weekly since September. At this stage, the group is primarily gathering data about technical services departments, including statistical data points and notes on workflows. The members first worked with bindery and end processing staff to gather data about their departments, and are now focusing on Bailey/Howe and Dana acquisitions functions.

The TSWG will develop scenarios that more efficiently and effectively serve patrons (and possibly increase staff/faculty capacity), and identify one as their recommendation to the Dean. All scenarios and recommendations will be presented to the Dean in December.

Libraries Annual Meeting

Here is the agenda for the 2007 Annual Library Meeting, which will be on Monday, October 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Bailey/Howe Library staff lounge, with light refreshments served from 8:30 a.m. This is our annual opportunity to hear reports from our Dean, and our division leaders on developments in their respective divisions. It is also their opportunity to introduce their new personnel, so if you are new to the Libraries since the last annual meeting (November 6, 2006), please be on hand to meet the rest of the library staff.
Thanks. -- Larry Dubois
This Agenda is set as of Monday, Oct. 22 by the committee.

AGENDA

Annual Library Meeting

Monday, October 22, 2007

Bailey/Howe Library staff lounge

8:30 a.m. Light refreshments

9:00 a.m. Meeting comes to order

Mara Saule, Dean

Keith Gresham, Information and Instruction

Birdie MacLennan, Collection Management

Paul Philbin, Access and Technology

Jeffrey Marshall, Special Collections

Marianne Burke, Dana Medical Library

Darcelene Lewis-Wedge, Treasurer’s report

Other business

Meeting adjourns

CMS Director Search Underway with New Title

The search committee for the position of Director of Information Resources Management has been named and the process is underway. Although the position title has changed, the department name remains the same (Collection Management Services).

The committee includes:

• Keith Gresham (chair)
• Larry Dubois
• Jeanene Light (faculty standards committee rep)
• Winona Salesky
• Peter Spitzform
• Sharon Thayer
• Juliet Young

Discovery & Delivery Council Charged, and Ready

During a meeting this morning, Mara met with the newly-formed Discovery and Delivery Council, consisting of Chair Peter Spitzform, Donna O'Malley, Selene Colburn, Winona Salesky, Daisy Benson, Elizabeth Hassemer, Laura Haines and Fran Delwiche.
"I'm really excited that this council is getting started," Peter says. "It's a great group, and we're all intensely interested in exploring how we can make our patrons' experience ever better and richer as they use the library catalog and a variety of our other tools. We will make every effort to keep everyone posted about what we're doing on this blog and elsewhere."

Dean's Council Takes a Field Trip

The Dean's Council took a field trip to Williston to witness the space and its contents. The place is spotless and in perfect order, thanks to Scott Miller. And more collections are to come, with Birdie and Keith working on a plan for what should go where and when.

Staff with 15 Years of Service or More

UVM staff with greater than 15 years of service will be honored tonight at the Staff Recognition Dinner in the Davis Center. Libraries and learning resources staff to be honored include the following folks (years of service in brackets):

Sandy Aldrich (17)
Jake Barickman (19)
Wendy Verrei-Berenback (15)
Sue Bishop (22)
Peter Blackmer (17)
Kathy Bohan (32)
Shirley Bolkum (35)
Ingrid Bower (18)
Michael Breiner (29)
Steve Cavrak (28)
Catherine Cooper (21)
Marcie Crocker (20)
Prudence Doherty (25)
Lida Douglas (24)
Larry Dubois (34)
Scott Edelstein (22)
Linda Eldred (32)
Bill Gill (25)
Wes Graff III (28)
Hope Greenberg (17)
Wendy Gunther (23)
Hendley,Jane Alice 22.0
Lori Holiff (18)
Alan Howard (21)
Brenda Hutchins (28)
Kor Kiley (22)
Chris Krupp (23)
Barbara Lamonda (29)
Darcelene Lewis-Wedge (32)
Annette Mailhot (29)
Marie McGarry (22.0)
Sue Mower (29)
Brenda Nelson (21)
Helen Olson (16)
Bonnie Paquette (34)
Peggy Powell (28)
Jim Reed (34)
June Trayah (33)
Mary Van Buren-Swasey (38)
Roger Wiberg (29)
Wes Wright (20)
Juliet Young (19)

Dean's Council Minutes Sept. 25

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES

A Meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Selene Colburn, Jeffrey Marshall, Marianne Burke, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Peter Blackmer and Nancy Bercaw

I. Communications Team Update

Laura Haines and Selene Colburn presented recommendations by the Communication Team for libraries’ signage, news updates and the location and information on the flatscreens in BH. The Com Team stressed the need for a consistent message and look throughout our buildings and with partner units as much as possible. Also discussed was the need for keeping news fresh on the libraries home page—keeping patrons updated on what’s happening inside. Department heads were asked to communicate any division events and news to Nancy and Selene, who will maintain the news page in a timely and worthy manner. Click here to see full list of recommendations, but note that not all will be adopted. Further updates to come. http://www.uvm.edu/~pblackme/Recommendations.doc

II. Staff Appreciation Week.

Treats for B/H staff members will be circulated on Wednesday and Thursday by the Dean’s Council. Dana Medical Library kicked off the week with a staff breakfast in which the faculty served as waiters.

III. Liaison Program Update

Keith informed the Council that liaison program is ready to be rolled out. The only outstanding issue was whether or not pictures should be included on each liaison’s link. The Council felt that photos should be strongly encouraged, but certainly not mandatory. Mara will alert the Provost’s Council of Deans (Thursday, Sept. 27) that the liaison program is now in place.

IV. Williston Space

Questions remain about how to use the remaining available space in Williston, which is approximately 2400 linear feet. Mara noted that what is moved should be linked strategically with priorities for space vacated, and that we shouldn’t just fill space without a reason for doing so. Birdie and Keith will pursue the matter further.

V. Updates.

· Holiday hours. UVM will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s. Paul and Marianne will work on a limited schedule for B/H and Dana.

· The search committee will be announced soon for the Head of CMS position.

Tech Services Working Group

The new Technical Services Working Group met on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. The group has been charged to examine Technical Services activities in Bailey/Howe and Dana in order to identify common workflows and determine how each area can be made more efficient and effective to meet the needs of the users at both libraries. At this initial meeting, Mara Saule reviewed the group's purpose and outlined the timeframe for producing a report of the group's findings.

Members of the Technical Services Working Group are: Tina Kussey (chair), Sandy Aldrich, Larry Dubois, Toni Fortini, Albert Joy, and Jeanene Light. The final report and recommendations will be presented to the Dean and posted on The Dean's List blog by December 14, 2007. The Libraries aim is to implement some actions early in 2008.

Update on Billings, by Jeff Marshall

The University has selected the Boston firm of Schwartz/Silver to redesign the Billings Library as a home for Special Collections, the Center for Research on Vermont, and the Center for Holocaust Studies. The concept for Billings places the Special Collections reading room in North Lounge, a classroom and public event space in Marsh Lounge (behind the great fireplace), and exhibit/reception space in the Apse.
The entire ground floor of the existing structure, encompassing the 1987 addition to the eastern side and the basement of Ira Allen Chapel, will be cleared to make room for collection storage and offices. Between the historic first floor of Billings and the ground-floor storage, the old Round Room will accommodate the Center for Digital Initiatives and manuscript collection processing. The rest of this middle level will remain a cafeteria in the first phase of the project, though other uses more compatible with Special Collections may be introduced in a second phase.
One of the most exciting aspects of the plan is the opportunity it provides for collaborations with the Center for Research on Vermont and the Center for Holocaust Studies. Each center will occupy one of the balcony office suites overlooking North Lounge. Working with partners such as the Humanities Center and the Honors College, we will establish Billings as a leading campus intellectual center, integrating teaching, research, speakers, exhibits, and festive events.

UVM Accreditation Information

As many of you may already know, Mara is co-chairing UVM's 10-year Accreditation Process with Jill Tarule. I'll be helping out as project manager and I'll try to keep you posted on any new developments. Click on this link for our first announcement:
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/theview/article.php?id=2446

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES: Sept. 11

A meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Marianne Burke, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Peter Blackmer and Nancy Bercaw

ABSENT: Selene Colburn, Jeff Marshall

I. Tech Services Next Steps

Marianne and Birdie presented their draft charge for a soon-to-be created Libraries Technical Services Re-Visioning work group. The committee will be appointed based on Council recommendations.

II. Delivery & Discovery Council

Mara will soon appoint a work group to help define the Delivery and Discovery Council and determine its goals.

III. St. Michael’s and Bailey/Howe

Students, faculty, staff at St. Michael’s College now have reciprocal borrowing privileges with Bailey/Howe. Paul will track the impact on the library’s collection.

IV. Libraries Liaison Program Update

The Libraries Liaison Program, featuring a combined list of Dana and BH liaisons, is now accessible at http://library.uvm.edu/services/liaison/index.html

V. Paul Philbin Professional Leave

Paul is going to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to create a health a science library with Fred Pond, Medical Librarian at Dartmouth. They will provide technical support in the creation of an information and service desk and a computer lab. The exact dates have yet to be determined, but Paul expects to leave in mid-to-late October for six-to-eight weeks. He will return to Tanzania in the spring for follow-up efforts. Mara and Paul are working on coverage issues. Mara also noted that there may be an opportunity for the libraries at large to participate or make a contribution to the project. (Kazi mzuri, Paul).

NAHSL 2007: Building Bridges

This year's North Atlantic Health Science Libraries (NAHSL) invites all librarians from medical and academic libraries to attend the annual conference in Woodstock, October 28-30, 2007. The theme for this year's meeting is "Building Bridges: Connecting Medical Libraries and Communities.” The conference program focuses on social responsibility, social networking through technology, and social intelligence as we work in collegial, constituent, and global communities. Plenary speakers include Roy Tennant, M.L.S, who will discuss "Social Networking Through Technology." For a complete lineup of speakers and schedule of events, see http://www.nahsl.org/2007/ for further information. And special thanks to everyone at the Dana Medical Library who helped organize this important and exciting event.

The ASK Campaign

On Wednesday, during the Student Activities Fair outside the Davis Center, Selene and Daisy continued the libraries' quest to get students to ask questions and find answers. Located next to the hot dog stand, they got a great response and great pictures.

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES: Aug. 28

A Meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Selene Colburn, Marianne Burke, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Peter Blackmer, Jeff Marshall and Nancy Bercaw.

I. General

Mara asked the Council as well as Bailey/Howe Library colleagues to be aware of how student traffic patterns are affected by the opening of the new Davis Center.

II. Libraries Budget Strategies for FY09

Mara attended a Council of Deans’ retreat last week, during which upcoming budget issues were discussed. The process will be similar to the last year with a hearing in January.

III. Update on Searches

Barbara Lamonda is the new head of ILL. Two searches in that division remain open: library support generalist and library support media. A national search for the head of CMS will begin soon. Keith will chair the search.

IV. Dana-Bailey/Howe Tech Services Workflow

Maximizing common processes across the two libraries was discussed. A Dana/BH realignment group will be created with 3 representatives from Dana and three from BH. Armed with a very clear and realistic charge, the group will make recommendations based on data collected by working/consulting groups.

V. Discovery and Delivery Initiative

The Council discussed the creation of a Discovery and Delivery Initiative (or think tank) based on the idea of re-energizing and re-framing what the libraries do through the (varied) eyes of users. Selene presented the Council with a compilation of notes and comments by libraries colleagues about the concept. She explained that they seemed to be excited about pushing resources to the user based on users’ experience. Suggestions for the Initiative included the following: looking more at how users are discovering resources, reviewing our own user-studies as well as professional literature, among other ideas. The next step is to create a planning group.

VI. Williston Move

The move will completed this week. Since only half the space has been used, suggestions for additional usage are welcome.

Libraries Tour: Medicine and Media

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” --Hamlet

That’s why we have people like Angie Chapple-Sokol and Lori Holiff in our libraries: to help people find out what they don’t know. And until I ventured out on my latest leg of the libraries tour, Horatio, I didn’t know much about Angie or Lori.

The in-depth work of a medical reference librarian begins with a question, like What’s the differential diagnosis of compartment syndrome? (Or something like that.) Once asked, Angie (or any one of the reference librarians) goes into sleuth mode to find very specific detailed results. As a liaison to the nursing program, Angie provides nurses and students with evidence-based research to help them make decisions about changing procedures – or not changing them as the case might be.

Angie also organized and arranged Dana’s medical history collection, which includes rare books from as far back as 1598 as well as archaic devices like a solid pewter bedpan and skull hole punchers (all given call numbers). I highly recommend a visit to see them in all their glory and creepiness.

The instruments make me think of “The Elephant Man” for some reason, which happens to be one of the 4,900 DVD movies available from Lori and the cinema-savvy staff in Media Services, a place where technology is sprouting as rapidly as new releases. Take your pick of 8,000 videos, or 6,000 albums, or 3,000 compact discs. Don’t know what to get? See the staff picks, or ask Lori directly. Despite her busy schedule, she’s always willing to talk shop.

If you don’t have the equipment necessary to watch her recommendation, you can watch (or listen) in-house. And if you want to make your own movie, Media Services can hook you up with a camera and an editing suite. The supply room is organized so meticulously that whatever you want is at ready to go when you want it.

Maybe I should rent “Hamlet” and find out what Horatio didn't know.

Libraries Planning Retreat Comments

I want to say thanks again to everyone who attended the Libraries Planning Retreat on Aug. 3. Thanks for staying and participating despite the heat. Thanks for the candid comments and creative ideas. And thanks for working to transform R2’s Report into our own plan for the libraries. The next step in our timeline is to create work groups and more information is forthcoming. For now, here are the unedited, stream-of-consciousness ideas that flowed from retreat participants in the form of index cards, flip charts, post-it notes and yellow pads. A few comments came in via-email and they have been added as well.
-- Mara

http://www.uvm.edu/~pblackme/Final_Libraries_Retreat_Comments.doc

Additional update on Aug. 21
www.uvm.edu/~pblackme/added_aug_21.doc

B/H Liaison Program News

The Information & Instruction Services department is pleased to announce the debut of the Bailey/Howe Library Liaison Program. In development for much of the past year (and in fulfillment of a recent R2 recommendation), this program consists of the public services librarians in Bailey/Howe receiving formal liaison assignments to the various academic colleges, schools, departments, and programs on campus. This program was informed by and complements the liaison program that has been in existence in Dana Medical Library for the past few years. By supporting and encouraging regular and effective communication between the Libraries and the University’s colleges, departments, and programs, the Bailey/Howe Library Liaison Program provides a framework for the creation of effective working relationships between library faculty and the faculty and students in other academic units on campus, leading to improved and increased usage of library services and collections. The program also serves as a gauge of the needs of university students, faculty, and staff and informs planning and strategic directions for the Libraries. While work on the program continues, I invite you to take a look at the initial web site for the project at http://library.uvm.edu/services/liaison/index.html. Official campus announcements and publicity about the program are in development and will be forthcoming. --Keith

Movers, Shakers & Markers

Many, many thanks to all the libraries' faculty and staff who participated in the project to mark and move nearly 30,000 tomes to a new home: including, but not limited to Zhanna Gordon, Chris Krupp, Wendy Gunther, Albert Joy, Kathy Bohan, Katie Cooper, Susan Mower, Juliet Young, Jane Hendley, Brenda Hutchins, Toni Fortini, Larry Dubois, Mary Swasey, Michael Breiner, Birdie MacLennan, Scott Miller, Scott Schaffer, Catherine Tran, Sharon Thayer, Barb Lamonda, Jake Barickman, Daisy Benson, Winona Salesky, Ryan Edmonds, Angus Robertson, Devin Morrill, Monique from Circulation and Pat Mardeusz!

Dean's Council Minutes, August 14

A Meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Marianne Burke, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Peter Blackmer, Jeff Marshall and Nancy Bercaw.

ABSENT: Selene Colburn

I. General

Mara opened the meeting by recognizing the fact that the Honors College Faculty Seminar was being held during the first part of the week in Bailey/Howe with 15-20 faculty from across disciplines participating. Trina Magi coordinated the event and libraries’ faculty (including Keith Gresham, Scott Schaffer, Laurie Kutner, Donna O’Malley and Jeff Marshall) participated. Mara also acknowledged Jeff’s and Marianne’s participation in the recent Harvard Leadership Institute. Both reported that they greatly enjoyed and appreciated the experience.

II. Libraries Planning Retreat Review

Mara reiterated that the call for additional comments is open until the end of the week, at which time all collected notes will be posted on the Dean’s List Blog for review. Work groups will be formed shortly thereafter. The general response to the retreat was favorable, despite the heat. The irony of leaving the (newly working) air system in B/H in favor of a fresh location (where an air system wasn’t present) was also noted.

III. Academic Year 07/08 Reappointment and Promotion

Peter Blackmer reminded Council Members to survey faculty about promotions this fall. Those interested in putting together a promotional dossier must make their intentions known by late September. Sabbatical applications also need to be put forth as well. Reappointments have more time, but a schedule of candidates will be out soon. Birdie MacLennan is the representative to University Professional Standards Committee.

IV. Communication Issues

The continued need for more transparent communication to and from the Dean’s Council, and the libraries in general, was discussed. There will be an ongoing effort to create and maintain multiple ways of communicating. Input from libraries employees are encouraged and welcome. Send to Nancy.Bercaw@uvm.edu.

V. Williston Project

Birdie reported that the Williston move is coming along very well and the marking project, spearheaded by Peter Spitzform, should be complete by the end of the week. Movers are coming on Monday to remove approximately 30,000 volumes. Volunteers are still welcome and needed for the rest of this week. Scott Miller will oversee the deposit of the books into the space. Some chaos is to be expected during the moving process. Birdie will coordinate a field trip to see the Williston facility for interested parties after the move is completed.

VI. UVM Accreditation

Mara will serve as co-chair of the University’s Accreditation Process with Jill Tarule. Nancy will function as project manager and the project will be managed from both the Libraries’ Office of the Dean as well as the Provost’s Office. The University will be evaluated against 11 Standards. One Standard (7) is devoted specifically to Library & Other Resources. Seven committees have been formed to review the 11 Standards. Some libraries faculty members have been invited by the President and Provost to sit on some of those committees, although there will be ample opportunity for all libraries faculty and staff to participate.

VII. B/H Liaison Program

Keith presented an overview of the newly created and soon-to-be implemented Bailey/Howe Library Liaison Program, which Info & Instruction has been working on for the past year. It remains a work in progress and will continue to be refined and reported on. Keith explained that the program was built in a way to work along side the existing program at Dana, with both programs now able to inform one another. Marianne commented on the potential for “cross-liaisoning.”

Catalog Update

The Libraries catalog will be down from 8/13 - 8/14 for a software upgrade. While the catalog is down, searching it is still available. A backup version is available by selecting Library Catalog on the homepage. In addition, by going to http://voyager.uvm.edu/ you can search the catalog by using a different interface called Open WorldCat. This interface is similar to Google in that items held by UVM Libraries appear at the top. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or contact the information desks at Bailey/Howe or Dana. In addition, you can also use the Ask A Librarian service at Bailey/Howe or Dana to ask a question.

Taking the (Excellent) Cake

Congrats to Sandy, Angie, Fran and Marcie for taking the cake at this year's award ceremony.

Libraries Planning Retreat Updates

On Friday, Aug. 3, from Noon to 4 p.m., the Libraries Planning Retreat (Post R2 Follow-up) will take place in Waterman's Memorial Lounge instead of the Staff Lounge. Also new, a sandwich buffet lunch and cold beverages, as well as hot coffee and tea, will be served.

The Invites Are Out

Invitations to the Annual Faculty/Staff Award Luncheon went into mail boxes today. The event is Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Given Gallery. Directions to come. Bring your appetite.

Patron Workstations Upgraded

The software for the 46 Groovix/Linux open access workstations in Bailey/Howe was upgraded yesterday (Thursday, July 19). The improvements include faster loading software and new Linux software versions for Firefox, Open Office, Acrobat Reader and Flash. Wherever applicable, the GAIM chat client was replaced with the Web-based Meebo instant messaging software. For questions, please contact Paul Philbin by phone (802) 656-1369 or email paul.philbin@uvm.edu.

Libraries Planning Retreat: Aug. 3 Waterman Memorial Lounge

During a special meeting of the Dean’s Council, Monday, July 16, eleven functional categories for further exploration were established for the Libraries Planning Retreat on Friday, Aug. 3 from 1-4 p.m. based on the May 17th R2 follow-up meeting.

The Retreat will take place in Waterman’s Memorial Lounge (instead of the Staff Lounge) and refreshments will be served. All libraries employees are encouraged to attend. Please check with department heads about scheduling and coverage issues.

Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback at three different tables during the course of the session. Each table will address one category and will have a facilitator present. A more detailed memo outlining retreat activities and expected outcomes will be circulated next week.

The eleven categories/tables are as follows:

1. Acquisitions, Serials, Periodicals
2. E-Resource Management
3. Public Services Delivery
4. Bailey/Dana intersections and distinctions
5. Collection Development
6. CDI and Metadata
7. Emerging New Collections and Services (i.e., Informatics)
8. Cataloging Priorities and Workflows
9. Liaison Relationships
10. Weeding, Shifting, Stack Maintenance
11. Hidden Collection/Special Collections

Construction Updates From Scott Miller

Media and Gov. Docs duct work has begun on the ground floor.
New England Air will be cleaning the first floor in zones. Zone 1 will start on the 19th, but possibly the 18th. They will begin down the main corridor by the bath rooms. Zone 2 is the reference desk and the stacks. Zone 3 is the Reference offices. Zone 4 will displace the main office, systems, catalogers and serials. Even though NEAS is splitting this floor in zones everyone should be ready to move out as early as the 18th and not move back until NEAS is done. Have all fragile items put in drawers or under desks. All plants should be moved out of harms way. All desks will be covered in plastic. Each zone should be given two to three days for duct cleaning. With hole patching and cleanup to follow. End date to be determined.
When they start cleaning, the Bailey side will be closed to the public until the cleanup and patching are done. Staff will have some access to their desks. Make sure your computers are off when they get covered in plastic.
On a separate note: The road behind the Library will be closed for paving on the 18th and 19th. With line striping on the 20th. And it will be closed on the 26th for a Presidential Ribbon cutting at the Steam Plant.

Libraries Tour '07: Dana (Part I: Communications ) and B/H: Info & Instruction

The people who work at UVM Libraries get a lot done, as I continue to learn on my libraries tour. An hour with Laura Haines in Dana, in fact, taught me that I need to spend several more hours there to get a better working knowledge of their specific work. For now, I will say that I found their facts and figures fascinating. Dana folks had 934 "Liaison Interactions" through their liaison program. And what's especially extraordinary is that the information they are providing their patrons has the potential to be life saving.
Back in Bailey/Howe, I talked with Daisy Benson for an hour about how students learn to find information they can't find for themselves. I found out, as they inevitably do, that Google doesn't have access to everything -- what you need is someone in Info & Instruction Services to show you the multiple database paths to data. Daisy showed me how to find an article in an electronic periodical (one I didn't know existed) and a rare book (which actually was at Dana) -- both of which will make an enormous difference in a short story (about two rare medical disorders) that I have been working on for two years. So I can see how it would be genuine time saver for patrons of all kinds. Next week, I hope to see Angie and Tina at Dana as well as Lori in Bailey/Howe.

No Dean's Office Today

Monday and Tuesday, July 9 and 10, The Dean's Office is being abated for asbestos. Nancy will still answer the phones and is located in Mara's Office if you need anything.

Library Tour '07: Acquisitions, CDI, Maps & Government Documents

"The last thing you learn about yourself is your effect."
--William Boyd, "Brazzaville Beach"

I'm in shock. I'd say awe too, but they've gotten a bad rap when used together. When I set out to explore the libraries in an attempt to learn more about the place I work, I had no idea of the grandeur of what you all do. It's not that I don't have a big enough imagination, but some things you just have to see to believe. Since you all already know what you do, I will simply share the effect you had on me:

• On Monday, I visited Acquisitions where Albert explained that they "order books and pay for them." It's also where they fix them, as I learned. But despite Albert's relatively simple explanation, what they do seems more like managing a hedge fund in my opinion. Elaborate.
• On Tuesday, I went up the CDI to see Winona's World. Actually, she and everyone involved with the CDI are saving the world. Literally. The CDI is in the process of digitizing documents in the public domain so that we have a permanent electronic record of the life and times of all sorts of folks.
• On Friday, I ventured with Sharon into Maps and Government Documents, which is located in the basement but essentially offers a window to the world of politics and place. I could barely get my mind around the contents of the collection. I told Scott that it's a good thing I didn't have to make any speeches because I was speechless. (Stay tuned, my tour continues next week with a trip to Dana.)

Important Dates

Please put the following three events on your calendars:

• Libraries Open Forum, Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 to 11:30 -- Laurie Kutner will share ideas and images from her sabbatical in Costa Rica. Dean's Conference Room.
• Staff/Faculty Award Ceremony and Luncheon -- Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. in HSRF Gallery (Given Bldg.)
• R2 Retreat, Friday, Aug. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m., B/H Staff Lounge.

Celebrate the Winners on Aug. 1

The date for the awards ceremony and luncheon has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 1. The location will be announced shortly. Please make plans to come honor Marcie Crocker, Angie Chapple-Sokol, Frances Delwiche and Sandra Aldrich.

A Message from Mara

I am thrilled to announce the recipients of the second annual UVM Libraries' faculty and staff excellence awards for 2007: The Delmar Janes Staff Excellence Awards go to Sandra Aldrich and Marcie Crocker. The Award for excellence in faculty research and scholarship goes to Frances Delwiche. The Award for excellence in faculty educational mission goes to Angie Chapple-Sokol. Congratulations to each recipient for this well-earned recognition. The Libraries' staff and faculty are particularly dedicated, enthusiastic and conscientious in their work, highlighted this year by the remarkable accomplishments of Sandy, Marcie, Fran, and Angie. I want to thank the award committees for their careful review and consideration of the nominations--I know it was a difficult yet inspiring task--and to the Staff and Faculty Development Committee for planning the celebration and award ceremony to be held later this summer. Pics and bios of everyone to come.

Good Call Angus

After consulting with the Dean, Continuing Education and the Registrar, reports Angus Robertson, B/H is correcting its hours of operation for the upcoming holiday period. There are classes in session next Monday and Tuesday (July 2nd and 3rd) requiring the following updated hours:

Changes:

We WILL be open 10am - 5pm on Sunday July 1st (previously reported as being closed that day).

• We WILL have normal summer hours of 8am - 10pm on Monday, July 2. (Previously reported as closing at 5pm).

Staying the same:

• We still plan to close early on Tuesday, July 3rd (we are open 8am - 5pm).
• Obviously we will be closed on the 4th of July which is a UVM Holiday.
• Normal hours resume Thursday, July 5th.

It's Scott Miller's World, We Just Live In It

Scott will be out for the next two weeks and it's hard to imagine how we'll manage without him. Echoing the emails of yesterday, the Dean's Office share in the appreciation of Scott's tireless efforts and enthusiasm. We have a thank you card for him that all are welcome to drop by and sign.

Pop Culture

Anyone feeling the heat is welcome to enjoy a popsicle fest in the staff room today at 1 p.m. Thank you Daisy for making this possible.

R2 Retreat in Planning Stages

An R2 Retreat for the entire faculty and staff of UVM Libraries will be scheduled soon for either late July or early August. Stay tuned.

Libraries Tour '07

Dear Everyone,
After joining the staff of the libraries three months ago, I am still learning what each of you do. In an effort to educate myself, I'd like to spend some time in each department. I will write about my experiences here and, hopefully, emerge from the experience with a better understanding of the people and positions in UVM Libraries. If you'd be willing to host my hour in your department, please send me an email.
Thank you,
Nancy

Strategy for Cleaning the Air Duct System in Bailey/Howe

The process of cleaning the air duct system in Bailey/Howe begins tomorrow and should be completed by the first week in August. New England Air Systems will initiate the plan on June 12 and 13 by cutting access points to the duct system on each floor. On June 13 or 14, the first of five phases will commence.
Phase 1, expected to be the most disruptive, will take between five and eight days. During this phase, Physical Plant will take Bailey (not Howe) off the air handling system and New England Air will clean the air return part of the system. The Info & Instruction Classroom (B/H 123), which is used for UVM Orientation, will be fitted with temporary air conditioning and dehumidification. On June 22, the air handling system at B/H will be brought online again.
In Phases, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the air handling system will be shut down one floor at a time. People working on that floor can re-locate to Howe or another floor of Bailey. Each department head will have a plan for managing disruptions. Phase 5 will begin on June 25 and is estimated to take five days. During this phase, the air handling system on the 3rd floor of Bailey will be shut down. Public access to the 3rd floor stacks will be limited to a staff retrieval system. The air system will go online again on June 29. Phase 4, July 9 through 16, will affect the second floor (Periodicals and ILL) for six days. Phase 3, July 17 through 26, will affect the first floor (Dean’s Office, Systems, Cataloging, SMCV and I&I). Phase 2, July 27 through August 3, will affect the ground floor (Documents, Maps, Collection Development and Acquisitions).

Bailey Beach Steps Under Construction Next Week

The three front steps in front of B/H are being demolished and rebuilt early next week, June 11-13. The construction will be noisy but access to the building will not be affected.

Dean's Council Minutes, June 7

DEAN’S COUNCIL MINUTES

A Meeting of the Dean’s Council was held on Thursday, June 7, 2007, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mara Saule, Marianne Burke, Paul Philbin, Birdie MacLennan, Keith Gresham, Selene Colburn, Peter Blackmer, Jeff Marshall and Nancy Bercaw.

ABSENT: None.

I. Duct/Air Situation in B/H

Peter Blackmer reported on a meeting, held Thursday morning, with Roland Dion, buildings coordinator with Physical Plant, to discuss New England Air System’s proposal to clean the duct system in Bailey/Howe. (Scott Miller, Terry Robbins, Barbara St. Gelais of Risk Management, Keith Gresham and Paul Philbin also attended the meeting.) The proposal consists of five phases. The first phase – cleaning the ducts for the return air – is the most important and potentially the most disruptive because it requires the entire air system to be shut down for several days. (Phases 2-5 will close only one floor at a time.) The time frame is under review in an effort to condense phase one to the shortest period with the fewest interruptions. Concerns were raised about the wellbeing of employees, patrons and collections, as well as issues surrounding contingency plans and disaster preparedness.

Dean Saule will speak to the Provost on Friday about the situation. A follow up meeting with Roland Dion and library representatives will take place on Monday, June 11. At the Libraries’ Open Forum on Wednesday, June 13 at 10 a.m., libraries employees will have the opportunity to review the proposal and get the latest information about the duct cleaning process.

II. Business Meals/Amenities and Independent Contractor Policies

Peter discussed the guidelines for using general-fund dollars for business purposes in regard to business meals and amenities. The University no longer pays for lunches on one-day business/professional events. Regarding on-campus professional development events, Blackmer said that the business purpose must be evident and clearly articulated, and his colleagues in other departments are facing the same scrutiny and accountability. The Council agreed that the guidelines need to be communicated clearly. Blackmer will address the issue at the next Libraries Open Forum. The policy statements can be found at http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/procure/businessmeals.pdf
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/general_html/campus_speaker.pdf.

III. R2 Follow Up

Eight to 10 working topics were established at the post-R2 Report Open Forum in May. After July 4, the Dean’s Council will meet to discuss the working groups and to carve out strategies for the larger framework. Dean Saule encouraged department heads to keep the ball rolling on the recommendations that can be easily implemented.

IV. December Intersession Schedule

The President’s Office is considering closing the university between Christmas and New Year’s again this year. Dean Saule asked department heads to start thinking ahead about the libraries’ status during this period.

V. Libraries Tagline

Selene Colburn reported on the Communication Team’s survey results on several proposed taglines. She related concerns about the value and purpose of a tagline. Dean Saule commented that a tagline “enlivens UVM Libraries” and should be about communicating our spirit more than what we do.

VI. Voyager

Paul Philbin reported that the Voyager will be down August 13 and 14 while the system is being upgraded.

VI. WebFeat Express Task Force

Keith Gresham reported that the WebFeat Express Task Force is considering launch. Implementation is moving ahead.

VII. Creation of B/H Library Liaison Program

A Library Liaison Program, under consideration by the Information & Instruction Department, is moving ahead to implementation.


VIII. Offsite Storage Project

Birdie MacLennan said Peter Spitzform has identified more than 30,000 books for the Williston Annex (formerly known as Deep Space) to be moved in July. In the event they are requested, the existing daily loop system also can be used for retrieval.

IX. Electronic theses and dissertations

Birdie reported that CMS has developed a system for including UVM thesis and dissertations as part of the libraries’ electronic collection.

X. Insurance Valuations

Risk Management has requested a value for collections. Albert Joy will complete the valuation evaluation.

XI. Updates

Jeff Marshall said a talk and exhibit by Susan Johanknecht, a protégé of Claire van Vliet, is being planned. Also, David Richardson, a descendent of H.H. Richardson, is giving part of his personal collection (in Woodstock) to UVM. Connie Gallagher will spearhead that effort.

Peter Blackmer said that FY 08 has been built and submitted. Salary letters for the entire university will go out the third week in June. He reminded department heads that every employee is required to submit hours.

Keith Gresham noted that Karin Bell will be leaving B/H in early July. Margaret Hull is leaving as well.

Selene Colburn said she is now operating from a “mobile office” and can be found in the CDI space. She can be reached by cell phone or email.

Orientation Stations

The month of June is upon us and so is UVM Orientation. This year, as in others, B/H is participating in this University-wide effort by providing workstations and advising space. The dates and times for Orientation in the Bailey/Howe Library are Sunday, June 10; Friday, June 15; Monday June 18; Saturday, June 23; Tuesday, June 26; and, Friday, June 29, from 8 am-2 pm. Most of the traffic occurs between 8-11am. Orientation staff will cordon off the Cyber Café, McCrorey Gallery, and 27 computers near or around the Reference Desk on those days and times to support the Orientation effort.
In addition, the Instruction Center computers are also committed for this purpose. UVM Orientation staff and faculty from schools and colleges are on site to answer questions and advise students. The entire process is scripted and students are moving in and out very swiftly. Access and Technology Services staff will be on hand to provide any assistance. Please direct any questions by email or phone to Paul.Philbin@uvm.edu (6-1369) or Peter.Blackmer@uvm.edu (6-3293).

Coffee Cart in front of B/H

If you've been missing the CyberCafe, there's some good news: Throughout the summer, a coffee/snack cart will be parked in front of B/H from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. and then again from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. It's a brief window of opportunity, but certainly better than no window.

Calling All UVM Libraries' Bloggers

The Dean's List has a new sidebar feature: links to blogs created by libraries people. Check out what's happening in Winona and Toni worlds by clicking on their links. If you'd like add your work-related blog to the List, please email it to Nancy.Bercaw@uvm.edu.

B/H Outside Maintenance

The Northeast corner of B/H will be fenced off for Maintenance over the next few days, according Sal Chiarelli, director of Physical Plant.

Dean's Office Under Construction

The Dean's Office will be under construction off and on for the next five or six weeks. Mara's door is being moved today and as a result Nancy has half a desk. There's more to come. In the end, the space will be more user and visitor friendly.