Patron Feedback on Flip Charts

The flip charts for patron feedback will be up until Friday. So far, we've gotten very good constructive criticism and positive input. Of course, there are a few odd comments (like the need for small, quiet animials in B/H), but for the most part this has been a valuable exercise. Selene and I will compile the results and share them next week. Click on her name to see the short video we did for Facebook and YouTube.

Check This Out

In Circulation Newsletter in an easy-to-read format!

Click here.

Congrats Long-Standing Staffers

On Friday, September 23, the University held its 45th Staff Recognition Dinner in the Grand Maple Ballroom. A number of Libraries and Learning Resources folks were among those honored for their many years of hard work.

15-Year Honoree: Angus Robertson

25-Year Honorees: Catherine Cooper, Alan Howard, Wesley Wright

Congrats to each of them!

And, just in case you were wondering, there is one 50-Year Honoree: Clayton Warren II of the Physical Plant! If you see him, say thanks on behalf of us all.

We also enjoyed some delightful Mirabelle's pastries on Friday afternoon, in the Staff Lounge, to appreciate the Libraries' staff and their daily/weekly/monthly/yearly contributions. Pamala Smith and Marie McGarry each won a $20 gift certificate to Mirabelle's in the raffle.

Home Sweet Bailey/Howe

By now you know Bercaw is back.

After testing in the hot waters in New Orleans, it turned out that I longed for the cool Green Mountain State, and my dear colleagues and friends here.

I thought it appropriate that my first re-entry blog, during Staff Appreciation week, should say how much I appreciate the staff of the UVM Libraries and Learning Resources. (Faculty, you know I adore you too, of course, and this pertains to you as well.)

What I like about our workplace the most is that we are free to be you and me.

I love being surrounded by thinkers, doers, dancers, writers, musicians, mermaids, singers, activists, problem-solvers, dog-lovers, cat-lovers, golfers, runners, bikers, travelers, hikers, brewers, farmers, collectors, artists, horse wranglers, privacy-protectors, genealogists, programmers, bakers, ultimate Frisbee players, ferry commuters. There's a place for all of us here. We are a rare collection of history and interests, just like the tomes in our home away from home.

This is a place where debate is valued and people are cherished. We might disagree from time to time, but the bottom line is that we respect each other as much as our work. In fact, this a place where take interest in each others' joys outside of work.

I look forward to seeing my co-staff at this afternoon's gathering in B/H Staff Lounge at 3 p.m. It's so very good to be among you again.

Always,
Nancy

P.S. Here's my New Orleans story in a nutshell: http://www.7dvt.com/2011house-swapping

Kwaheri, Annyeong, Adios

Well, this doesn't happen to me very often: I'm at a loss for words.

I wrote "goodbye" in all the languages I know in the title line. Now, here I sit wondering how to express what I am feeling. Perhaps I should use the wrong words, then.

This picture is me saying "Merry Christmas" in Tagalog. I chose it to illustrate my departure because I don't really want to say goodbye in any language. Instead, I want to wish you all merriness every day of the year. May you find joy in your work and friendships here, just as I have.

Devotion doesn't change with location. You've been a part of me for the past four years, which means a part of you is coming to New Orleans with me. We'll have fun, I promise.

Fortes fortuna adiuvat,

Nancy

RSVP: Tour of the Melosira Research Vessel

The Libraries' Faculty and Staff Development Committee invites you to a tour of UVM's*Melosira Research Vessel* of the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources.

Erin DeVries, Outreach Professional and the Coordinator of the
Watershed Alliance Program, will provide us with a tour of the docked boat. She plans to review the equipment, run through an abbreviated lab, and talk about current research happening on the lake. The tour will last about one hour and, of course, we will have to allow time to get there and back.

*DATE*: Thursday, June 9th

* TIME*: 10:30-11:30 (on the boat)

* LOCATION*: Melosira Research Vessel docked adjacent to the Leahy
Center at the Burlington Waterfront

***Please RSVP to Elinor Avery as we have a maximum of 20 attendees.***

Let's hope the sun shines that day!

Thank You, Linda Brew

Linda Brew’s dedication, hard work and good company have been a staple at the Bailey/Howe Library since her arrival here in 1983. The lives she’s touched through her first-rate work in the classroom and service at the reference desk are too numerous to count and yet each and every person she has worked with—students, faculty and colleagues alike—are all the better for having encountered her. Linda helped answer questions, satisfy curiosity, build new knowledge and ultimately, help students follow their academic dreams to fruition.

Upon her retirement, Linda reflects on her experience:

As library liaison to the College of Education and Social Services and the Psychology Department, I have enjoyed working with faculty to develop outstanding information resource collections in education, human development, counseling, social work and related areas.

It has been rewarding to be a bridge between the teaching faculty and my talented colleagues who acquire, organize, and maintain the variety of materials offered through the University Libraries.

The core of my work has always been helping people find information, primarily through teaching classes and providing individual assistance in person or via email, telephone or chat. My research interests have focused on teaching with various forms of technology, so I have been able to apply my findings to my own practice, as well as sharing them with other educators through publications and presentations. I value the synergy created by teaching, scholarship, and service, as these activities give the academic life its special character.