Video Roll

Just a visual reminder of our 2011 Award-Winning Colleagues.

Welcome Amber!

We are delighted to welcome the newest member of our Libraries' community: Amber Billey.

Amber received her MLIS from Pratt Institute in 2009 with certificates in Archives and Museum Librarianship. At Pratt, she focused on metadata standards, cataloging, and digital libraries for cultural heritage institutions.

Most recently, Amber served as the metadata specialist and content strategist for Whirl-i-gig, the software firm behind the design of CollectiveAccess an open-source collection management system for museums, archives and historical societies.

Amber moved to Burlington from Brooklyn with her spouse. We are so pleased to have her join us as an assistant professor, catalog/metadata librarian. Please say hello when you can. (She's in Tina's old office for now.)

New Staff Orientation Packet

Hello friends,

The Dean's Office is making a staff orientation packet for new members of our Libraries' family. Inside, we'll try to feature the things that incoming employees need to know. But we need your help!

• Committee chairs: please send me the name of your committee, its members and a short description of the work you do.

• Answer this question (especially newer folks): what would have been helpful for you to know in your first days here?
  

Thanks everyone. I'd really like this to be a truly useful guide, so any and all suggestions are not only welcome but encouraged.

Best,
Nancy

Food & Friends: The Greatest Gifts

Friday Fun: Santa Tracker

Further proof that we're rocking and rolling inside and out

Now That's a Room with Class!

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the department of Information and Instructional Services had an open house to show off their new digs and give thanks to those who helped them improve the classroom and their offices. If you haven't seen the beautiful renovations yet, go by and check them out. This is the way of the future!

Congrats to Dan DeSanto

I&IS is delighted to announce that Dan DeSanto has accepted the position of Information Literacy and Subject Liaison Librarian effective Jan. 3, 2012.

Thank you to the search committee (Scott Schaffer, Chair, Trina Magi, Aaron Nichols, Donna O'Malley and Sharon Thayer) for doing an excellent job.

Seen here is Peter Spitzform congratulating Dan.

Party Time

It's that time of year again. The Library Winter Party will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2011 in the Bailey/Howe Staff Lounge from Noon to 2 pm. Come mingle with your current and former co-workers and enjoy some great food.

Go to http://library.uvm.edu/libstaff/committees/social/foodform.html to sign up to bring food and coolers, help set-up, clean-up or decorate. If you can't get to the form for some reason, you can email me at marcie.crocker@uvm.edu. You can also let me know if you are undecided. Cash donations are always welcome.

Go to http://library.uvm.edu/libstaff/committees/social/menu.html to check on the menu so far.

Check out the donated recipes from past parties and picnics at http://library.uvm.edu/libstaff/committees/social/Recipes/index.html to help give you ideas if your undecided.

Hope to see you there.

Marcie Crocker
Library Social Committee

Love this.

The Annual Meeting 2011

By Chris Krupp

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

The directors’ reports were collected and made available online, in advance of the meeting. At the meeting itself, (following refreshments), Mara spoke. Then she and the directors answered questions from the audience.

Comings and Goings

Mara welcomed this year’s new library personnel: Sarah Gordon, Alice Stokes, Tom McMurdo, Sally Blanchard, Aaron Nichols, Arron Thomas, and Fred Pond. Amber Billey will be joining us in December. Nancy Bercaw was welcomed back. This year we said farewell to Peter Blackmer, Wichada Sukantarat, Lida Douglas, Shiela Phillippe, Robin Katz, Sybil Schaefer, and Bonnie Paquette. Kathy Bohan will be retiring at the end of this month.

University Trends

Mara said that the theme for this year is Transformation. Our core values remain, but we are rethinking our relationship with our clients and our collections. At the University level, the Strategic Initiatives Project (SIP) is underway – this is a mandate to find $12 million in new revenues, and to reallocate $24 million. Five committees have been formed: Research, Student Success & Satisfaction, Diversity & Internationalization, Net Revenue Enhancement, and Cost Reduction & Productivity Enhancement. -- Question: Do the new Chinese students on campus impact our library operations? A: Mara and Alison are looking into this. There are certainly implications with cultural differences and language skills. – Question: How can staff get involved with SIP? A: The Staff Council has heard a presentation on this, and the students are also engaged at their own level. -- Question about timeline for implementation of SIP policies? A: Some of the more concrete proposals will be quickly put in place, but the ones that are hard to define will take longer.

Mara said she is chairing a committee to explore academic-related technologies on campus. The committee is examining priorities for investments across campus. These expenses are funded by the technology fee that is charged to each student. Mara reminded us that we can suggest library-related uses for these technology funds.

Planning is underway for the FY13 budget. The Libraries are asked to identify a 1% contingency reduction (about $75,000). We might or might not need to actually carry out this reduction but we need to be prepared – we’ll know more in May. It’s not clear where in the budget this money would come from. We need to identify challenges we are currently facing, and how we will address them with our current resources.

Libraries: Trends and Initiatives

..We are taking a leadership role on campus with our Digital Initiatives projects – digitalized newspapers, the CDI, and the Institutional Repository. Question: Can we get a definition of “institutional repository”? Mara said that this would be a collection of digital or digitized material, including University-related reports, publications, theses and dissertations. These would be made searchable on Google.
..We are seeing a continuing strong emphasis on curriculum and pedagogical issues, including student writing and information literacy.
..We are rethinking our public catalog - how we access the information, through Primo, SFX, and web redesign.
.. We are studying the preliminary information for the proposed Learning Commons, and studying its feasibility. The architects will show us some conceptual slides on Nov. 16. It is not yet clear which programs would be included, or how Bailey-Howe would be reconfigured as a result. It’s possible that a 50,000 sq. ft. building might be built on as an addition facing Davis, but there’s no firm design yet.
.. We successfully emptied the former Cook Library, a complex and massive undertaking.
.. Fundraising for the new Billings Library is well underway, and there’s an increasing feeling of optimism that this will actually happen.
.. The infrastructure (heating and air) of Bailey-Howe needs upgrading, but the expense and inconvenience are major factors.
.. Multimedia and “new media” are emerging as student priorities.
.. The Vermont Integrated Curriculum is a four-year medical curriculum, divided into three stages: classwork, clinical work, and advanced integration (which is teaching, research, and preparation for Medical Boards)

Questions and Discussions

Question: What about the Governor’s press conference yesterday? A: Mara said this probably had two purposes. First was to ask people to put aside concerns and animosities about the former President Fogel’s retirement package and other large administrative salaries – instead, the people of Vermont should be focusing on the value of UVM to the state of Vermont. And second, what’s the relationship between UVM and the State, and what *should* it be? This has significant implications. It’s possible that after all is said and done, nothing will change. Mara also said that the governor emphasized “science, technology, engineering, and math” (or maybe medical), possibly because these fields can bring economic activity to Vermont, but she has been assured that the governor also understands and values the Liberal Arts.

Question: What are the future steps for the Learning Commons? A: Selene responded that there are two more meetings with these consultants, during which they will present a conceptual proposal showing which groups and services will inhabit the Commons. The presentation for us in the Libraries will be next week; then they’ll make their presentation and submit their final written report to the President and senior leadership of the University in early December. Assuming this proposal moves forward, work then begins on fundraising, a timeline is prepared, and much discussion is had with the larger University community. Mara said there is no shortage of University student programs that would like to be included in the Learning Commons.

Question: What about the recent “busy library” article in the Free Press? A: The students interviewed in the article said they came to the library to focus on their studies. Apparently the Davis Center didn’t “kill” the library as was feared by some at the start. The Davis Center has high usage numbers too, but they are collected in a different way, and students are clearly using the DC for different purposes than what they use the Libraries for. Paul said we’re starting to gather statistics for how the library computers are being used, numbers of authenticated users, some density studies. What are the specific reasons that students choose to study in the Libraries, and how will this shape the Commons? Marilyn noted that students vote with their feet – they will go where they find support and services. Selene mentioned that the consultants held focus groups with students, and that report should be very interesting. Also, the SGA will be focusing this year’s survey on the undergraduate students’ library experiences – this should provide some explicit data for us to consider.

Treasurer’s Report

Darcelene reported that our balance is $274.38. (This covers dues collected, minus expenses for our two annual parties, and any outlays for bereavements or get-wells.) Also, she has collected more than $270 from the Libraries for the Thanksgiving Project, and is collecting until Nov. 17.

Burlington Free Press Article about the UVM Libraries

Check it out. Lots of our fine folks are featured.

Annual Libraries Report, Thursday, Nov. 10

Annual Report 2011

Please read the report prior to the meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning in the B/H Staff Lounge. Bring your questions with you to the meeting. Refreshments will be served.

--NSB

Ask. Discover. Create.

Our tagline applies to our colleagues, as well.

Dean's Council Minutes: October 18, 2011

I. Welcome Sarah Gordon

Mara introduced Sarah Gordon as the new Assistant Dean of the Libraries.

II. Personal Copies of Theses

The Council considered the value of continuing to bind patrons’ personal copies of their theses or dissertations. There are other options out there, as in Kinko’s and the Print and Mail center. Tina will speak with the Grad College about expectations. The Libraries will continue to bind for departments and archives.

III. JSTOR

The Dean’s Council decided that it was important to create a strategic plan and timeline to increase JSTOR acumen among campus colleagues.

IV. Upcoming Events and Updates

Reminders about the Staff/Faculty Awards Luncheon at Noon on Thursday, Nov. 3 in the Davis Center’s Silver Maple Ballroom (4^th floor); and, the Annual Report Meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the B/H Staff Lounge.

Media is now streaming its first video, “Unnatural Causes,” hosted on Voyager.

V. Future Agenda Items

New Libstaff

New micro-opaque readers/machines

Friday Fun: Should We Have Another Development Half-Day?

Click here to take this poll.

Burning Down the House (or blob, as it were)

Last week, Scott led a session on how to use the fire extinguishers. A good number of colleagues turned out for the course. Here they are in action. Nice aim Arron and Emily.

Is it just me or does everyone in the background look like they're in a band?

Wendy's Fiendish Friends

Our colleagues have many talents, and today we were privy to the delicate and delightful, ghoulish and smallish figurines by the one and only Wendy Gunther. (Is it just me or does Wendy look like a rock star in this picture? Am I seeing a new trend in libraries' faculty and staff?)

Who else has a hidden talent to bring out in the open? Email me if you know who should be featured next!

Friday Fun: Did You Know?

(Info compiled from web sources yesterday when I had a spare brain cell and wanted to provide entertainment to you.)

Barbara Gordon (of DC Comics fame) was the daughter of Gotham City's Police Commissioner James Gordon and the city's Head Librarian.

One evening, dressed in a home-made "Batgirl" costume on the way to a policemans' masquerade ball, she encountered the Killer Moth trying to kidnap wealthy industrialist Bruce Wayne (alias Batman). Luckily, being a brown belt in judo, she was able to drive him off. From then on she became Batgirl by night and librarian by day.

After being shot by the Joker, Batgirl became ORACLE, the premier information broker for the superheroes of the world. The best and smartest asked her for help to handle the tasks too big for their superpowers. (Is that why Oracle is called Oracle?)

Librarians, the greatest superheros of them all. KA-POW.

The 300th Post: Welcome Sarah

This is the 300th post on the Dean's List, and what a delight to be able to use it to welcome Sarah Gordon to the Libraries. Sarah comes to us from the Davis Center where she was the business manager. Of note, Sarah is a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil and has seen the company perform 12 times--all different shows. Her favorite was the most recent one about Michael Jackson called "The Immortal World Tour."

Patron Responses to Flip Chart Questions

Colleagues,

We promised to share the comments
posted on the flip charts around B/H a week ago. So here they are!

Click on the image for a larger view.

Best always,
Nancy

Friday Fun: Introducing the Little Free Library

Read the story from the Utne Reader!

Fiendish Figurines

Come check out Wendy Gunther's handmade collection of spooky and sweet Halloween figurines. She'll put them on display in the Dean's Conference Room on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. She forms these tiny works of art based on a vintage collection of ghouls.

Pop in for a real treat. I promise.

Two Great Events in Novemeber

On Thursday, November 3, the Libraries' will fete their own during the Annual Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon. This year's event will take place in the Silver Maple Ballroom in the Davis Center, from Noon to 2 p.m. The committee is planning a few surprises, along with the long-standing tradition of excellent cake. Mark you calendars to celebrate the work of award-winners Daniel DeSanto (seen here as Batman), Laura Haines and Roger Wiberg.

Also, in keeping with tradition, the Annual Libraries Meeting will be held in the Staff Lounge in Bailey/Howe on Thursday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pastries and coffee/tea will be served. Reports will be handed out ahead of time, and the meeting will be used for comments and questions. We look forward to seeing you all at this informative yet social event.

Dean's Council Minutes: Sept. 20, 2011

I. Strategic Initiatives Meeting

Mara asked directors to attend a Q&A between Department Chairs and the President and Provost regarding Strategic Initiatives. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. in the Grand Maple Ballroom of the Davis Center. See http://www.uvm.edu/provost/strategicinitiatives/ for more information.

II. Learning Commons

The architect consultants are narrowing down space ideas, options and footage in the proposed Learning Commons. They will return at the end of October to review preliminary sketches with the steering committee.

III. JSTOR

At issue, is how to approach faculty about transitioning from print to electronic collections. Selene to create talking points to help frame the conversation in a positive, strategic manner: archives do have color images; digital image of quality has greater possibilities; safe digital collection. The issue can contribute to philosophical debates: Digital storage would have preserved book content from the burning of the Library of Alexandria. Yet, ultimately, can we trust digital preservation?

IV. Panic Button at Service Desks

Alison shared her experience when a student came to tell her that another student was having a seizure. It led her to wonder what would happen if the person in front of you is posing the threat. It may not be possible to call 911. She will revisit the idea of panic buttons with Scott Miller and Angus Robertson.

V. I&IS Search Update

Four people scheduled for interviews: Sept. 30, Oct. 5, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17.

VI. Gen Ed

The new committee, on which Alison serves, has been convened. The focus this year is on piloting a writing initiative.

VII. SFX & PRIMO

Mara will convene the SFX & PRIMO implementation teams.

VIII. Elsevier

Our next contract with Elsevier will contain a cancelation allocation, which allows for cancelations up to 3 percent over the three year contract.

IX. Dana Changes Policy

Dana Library staff will scan and send, as email attachment, articles in print journals housed in the Dana Library to UVM and Fletcher Allen faculty students and employees at no charge. There has been a $5 per article charge for the service for many years. Patrons request this service using the document delivery form on the Dana Library website. Some charges for Document Delivery will still apply such as requests for numerous full-text articles as PDF's available to UVM/FAHC as e-resources. Charges also still apply for unaffiliated and community patrons.