Auxiliary Services Summer Projects

Most folks think of the summer months as a time to wind down and take things at a slower pace, but for the staff in Auxiliary Services it is an opportune time to get some serious projects underway and complete some that have been in the works. “Many projects that involve moving things take place during the summer break because it gives us a little more freedom to move around and it is less of an interruption to providing services to our patrons,” says Brad Heiss, facilities coordinator.

Some of the projects the staff are working on or are involved in this summer include:

  • Moving 50+ people within the Libraries. Some moves have been completed, some are in process, and some are waiting for areas to be vacated and made available. Some staff are moving within their current building and some are moving into new building spaces.
  • Moving Purdue University Press’ entire operation into Stewart Center from South Campus Courts.
  • Dismantling or moving shelving and equipment in libraries that are reorganizing their collections.
  • Rearranging VETM's workroom area..
  • Converting study rooms on HSSE library’s third floor into offices.
  • Installing furniture for completion of Phase I in MEL’s renovation project.
  • Installing more shelving in Lynn Repository.
  • Contributing to the door project at the north end of Stewart Center.
  • Overseeing the replacement of brick on the outside of Hicks Undergraduate Library building.
  • Continuing involvement in the long-term study of the leaks in HIKS.
  • Reorganizing space in the attic of STEW.

Office Moves
If you will be moving office spaces there a few things you can do to make your move a little smoother:

  • Box up your items. If you need boxes for packing, contact AUXS.
  • DO NOT take your phone with you. This has to be completed by the phone company and it is a detailed process.
  • Plan ahead. The more lead time you give us, the better.

“It is important for staff to remember that our main focus is to move furniture, computers, and boxed items from office spaces,” says Dale White. “We want your move to be as stress-free as possible. We work from a list so please be patient and if you have questions contact us at 6-1552.”

The Auxiliary Services staff includes Brad Heiss, Connie Farris, Candy Scott, Dan Rotello, Dale White, and four student staff members.

 

Update on New Roles for Staff

BY BETH McNEIL

As reported previously in INSIDE, our work is changing for several reasons, including new directions relating to the campus and Libraries’ strategic plans. The Planning and Operations Council is working hard this month to pull together unit and council plans, and as the overall Libraries plan develops we’ll have a clear picture of Libraries priorities and staff resources available for them. This should help to inform us as we continue to develop areas for new roles for Libraries staff. In the meantime, we have ongoing activities that could use assistance during the next few months:

JSTOR and Elsevier titles verification
This storage-related project is perfect for staff members who must be physically in a library or unit, but may have time between assisting users and other duties. Work involves title verification on Voyager. Ability to search the public catalog is the only requirement. If you can help, please talk with your supervisor, and then contact Laurie Sadler for more information.

In-transit books, claims returned, missing and purged items
Ongoing projects of searching for in-transit books, claims returned, and missing and purged items continue to be important collection management projects for Purdue Libraries, and can be accomplished without leaving your library or unit. For more information or if you need assistance with any of these reports, please contact Laurie Sadler.

Temporary help with Auxiliary Services
You’ve likely seen the messages about all the moves happening this summer. Auxiliary Services staff and students are being kept very busy with many moving projects. Daily activities they could use help with are mail delivery (~2 hours per day) and book wrapping (wrapping ILL books for shipping via UPS, includes checking addresses and printing labels) and possibly other duties. If you can help with these temporary activities, please talk with your supervisor, and then contact Brad Heiss.

Next up ... Oral History Transcribing
We are sorting out details related to oral history transcription, and hope to be ready in early August for staff to assist with transcribing. We have over 100+ interviews needing transcription. This work involves wearing headphones to listen to oral history interviews, typing, and using a foot pedal to stop and start. Skills needed include: attention to detail, accuracy, typing/keyboard skills, proofreading ability, editing skills, strong punctuation and grammar, and experience with Microsoft Word. An interest in Purdue history is a plus!

Please watch future updates in INSIDE for more information.

 

HSSE Library Hosts Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer PsychedogicHSSE Library is dog sitting for "Psychedogic" by Linda Vanderkolk, as part of the Lafayette/West Lafayette community project, "The Dog Days of Summer." The dog is located across from the HSSE circulation desk.

The community art project is designed to delight animal and art enthusiasts of all ages and is co-presented by the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. These dog sculptures provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate the School of Veterinary Medicine’s 50th anniversary and the Art Museum’s 100th anniversary.

"The Dog Days of Summer" will run thru fall of 2009. Many of the dogs will be auctioned off at the Gala Auction on October 4, 2009 with all proceeds benefiting the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine 50th Anniversary Scholarship Fund, and the Good Samaritan Fund.

For more information visit: http://www.lafayettedogdays.com/index.htm.

 

Purdue Libraries Send Delegation to CIC Collections Conference in Bloomington, Indiana

For two days in May, nine Purdue University librarians attended the annual consortial conference hosted by the CIC Center for Library Initiatives. The title of this year's conference, “Off the Shelf: Defining Collection Services” embraced the major theme of the changing nature of collections work in CIC libraries and the opportunities afforded by collaboration with the consortia.

“We strived to create a program around the future of the liaison role and new models for collection-building,” stated Beth McNeil, who served on the planning committee. “Participant evaluations suggest that the conference turned out to be both engaging and controversial.”

Librarians, consultants, and representatives from information organizations presented on a variety of collections-related topics, including: HathiTrust, Google Book Search, library publishing collaborations, new roles for selectors, and return on investment in library collections among others.

On the opening day, a list of “provocative statements” were circulated, modeled on the Taiga Forum provocative statements that are meant to stimulate discussion and planning, and question traditional organizational models in libraries. These statements, such as “Books are an underperforming asset class” and “The tradition of subdividing the collections budgets into separate 'funds' … should be abandoned,” stimulated dialogue between attendees and presenters both during the sessions and in the informal conversations abundant throughout the two-day meeting.

Purdue participants came back excited about future opportunities at Purdue and within the CIC consortium, particularly relating to patron initiated selection and new roles for liaison librarians.

Speaker Rick Lugg, of R2 Consulting, encouraged collaborative rather than competitive collection development. This idea had great appeal for participant Sue Ward, who said, “I hope we can pursue more collaboration within the CIC, but if that’s too big to tackle right away maybe we can work on new and better partnerships within the state.” Informal conversations with colleagues from other libraries led to interesting discussions, including during the van ride back to West Lafayette, where Jean-Pierre Herubel commented, “Given the tenor expressed by speakers at the CIC Conference, it can be appreciated that Purdue University Libraries has long embraced the responsibilities inherent in moving along the discernable edges of what is truly emerging as critical to the survival of research libraries.”

For more details on the presentations, review the conference Web site where many of the slides and video recordings of the presentations are available for download.

Attending from Purdue were Marianne Stowell Bracke, Mary Dugan, Charlotte Erdmann, Kelly Evans, John Fritch, Jean-Pierre Herubel, Beth McNeil, Mark Newton, and Sue Ward. Next steps at Purdue will include follow-up discussions based on presentations at the conference.


2009 LCSSAC Elections

The Libraries Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (LCSSAC) was formed in 1993 to serve as communication link between the Libraries’ administration and the clerical service staff. To learn more about LCSSAC’s goals please visit our intranet Web site. From this site you can contact any member of LCSSAC, check on Library events, check the By-Laws, read minutes from monthly meetings, and use our LINK Letter to make suggestions and ask questions.

Each library unit is assigned to a district with a representative being elected to a three year term by all clerical service staff. A sixth district is represented by an at-large representative elected to a three year term by all clerical service staff.

Please extend congratulations to new members, Laura Patnaude, District 5, and Mary Sego, District 6, as they begin their three year terms. LCSSAC One Book Higher Poster 2009

Continuing members include:

  • District 1 – Marsha Hill (2007-2010)
  • District 2 – Teresa Brown (2007-2010)
  • District 3 – Jill Begley (2008-2011)
  • District 4 – Becky Hunt (2008-2011)

Thank you to retiring members, Marilyn Rogers, Chair, and Marjorie Boeckman, Web and Communication Assistant, for their dedication to making LCSSAC a success.

 

Two Newly Discovered Images of the Library in University Hall
(1878-1913)

BY DAVID HOVDE

The earliest known image of a library on campus is most likely the one found in the 1891 Debris.

Library 1891

This image is of the main library in University Hall before major renovations occurred in 1895.

In 1895, the center of the second floor was removed and a broad stairway was built from the first floor. Alcoves and galleries were added allowing for more shelving and the arrangement of the books by subject. The eastern alcoves were dedicated to engineering; and the western alcoves to liberal arts and biology.

Library 1895

The above image is an excellent view of the Library after the 1895 modifications. Note the open second floor and the grand stair case. Based on the calendar in the center of the image and the banners on the left hand side, the picture was taken on October 21, 1899.

Two never before published images of this early library recently came to light while I was looking for information about Purdue library history in the William M. Hepburn collection housed in the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives & Special Collections Research Center. Hepburn was the first professional librarian at Purdue. He became the head librarian in 1904. 

Like the earlier image you can see that the library had many functions in those days. All the interior images of this library show banners highlighting Purdue’s athletic achievements hanging from the walls and pillars. The main reading room was used for faculty meetings and I have heard stories that the one librarian, Elizabeth Day Swan, actually held dances in the library on Friday nights. Curio cabinets can be seen in several photographs indicating the library may have served as a museum as well.

The two newly discovered images are, according to Hepburn, of an art exhibit held in 1896. In the first image notice the china on the tables in the lower right and left. It appears either food is being served or the numerous neatly arranged plates and bowls are students’ art work. The portrait of John Purdue in the upper right is now in the Archives and Special Collections. The grandfather clock under the stairs is very similar to the one now in Archives & Special Collection which was made by a student in a wood working class in 1899.

Library 1896

The second image below shows the other side of the stair case. More student made furniture, ceramics, and maybe even fabric are on display. One interesting feature in this photograph is a woman’s footprints on the worn darkly stained floor.

Library 1896B

These two images show us more detail about the interior of the library from the period and also how it was used. For more images of the library in University Hall visit the Archives & Special Collections E-Archives web page: http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/ .

 

Planning and Operations Update and Next Steps

As reported previously, June means strategic planning discussions for POC, with a goal of July 1 for unit and council plans to go into effect. Then, the next step will be development of individual plans for library staff and faculty. Council and Unit draft plans are being posted on the POC intranet page for POC members to review and prepare for the next POC meeting, on June 25. At that meeting POC members will discuss overarching Libraries-wide goals, look for connections and synergies between goals of the units and/or councils, and decide how to focus our resources to move forward in our five goal areas: Campuswide Information Literacy, New Relationships to/with Disciplinary Faculty, Robust Research & Scholarship Program, Robust Local Collections (Digital and Print), and Reconfigured, Relevant, Strategic Space. 

Future POC agendas and meeting notes will be distributed via liball and also posted on the POC Intranet site.

 

New Policy on Accepting Gift Materials

Deans Council recently approved a revision of the Libraries gift acceptance policy, which had been recommended by the Information Resources Council earlier this year. This revision brings Libraries practice more in line with current IRS regulations relating to acceptance of gifts of materials.   

The University has stated that gifts-in-kind held by the University less than 3 years should not be disposed by sale or exchange.  This regulation reinforces our need to move to policy and practice of not accepting materials unless we plan to add them to the Libraries collections. Tracking each gift book decision, holding/storing items we don’t plan to add for the 3 year time period, is not feasible. We do not have staff resources or space to do this. It is important that we make smart gift acceptance decisions, based on whether the proposed gift materials support the current teaching and research areas of the University.

The revised Gift Acceptance Policy will be posted on the Libraries Web site very soon. In the meantime, to see a copy of the revised policy, visit the IRC site on the intranet. A workshop on gifts, for librarians and staff working at public service desks, is planned for later this summer. 

Please note: This policy revision applies only to gifts of books and journals, and not to monetary gifts or endowments or to gifts made to Archives and Special collections.

contents
  • Update on New Roles for Staff
  • HSSE's Dog Days of Summer
  • CIC Collections Conference
  • 2009 LCSSAC Elections
  • The Library, 1878-1913
  • POC Update
  • New Policy on Accepting Gift Materials
  • Off the Shelf
  • Libraries in the News
  • Bartow Culp Retirement Reception
  • Announcements
  • Libraries Staff A - Z
  • Student Staff
  • What's Cooking?

 

Off the shelf

Continuing Vacancies

  • Purdue University Press, Director (University posting #0900232)
  • Library Clerk III, ILL (University posting #0900470)

New Hire

  • Jennifer Scruggs, Account Clerk IV, Business Office

Resignation

  • Kerry Neeley, HSSE Collection Access

To view all Purdue job postings visit the Purdue employment page. If you have additional questions, contact Tom Haworth, 494-2903.

 

Libraries in the news

Purdue Exponent, June 3, 2009
Chris Miller appears on video; demonstration of an interactive model of Omaha Beach

Purdue Today, June 4, 2009
Common Reading selection 'Stealing Buddha’s Dinner' available in campus libraries

Information Literacy Weblog, June 8, 2009
Sharon Weiner, Endowed Chair in Information Literacy

ALA-American Library Association, June 8, 2009
ALA announces 12 libraries to host “Harry Potter’s World” exhibit 
(UGRL will host exhibit March 10 - April 9, 2010)

7thSpace Interactive, June 9, 2009
Michael Witt, presenter at conference; IMLS Grants Highlighted at Open Repositories Conference

Purdue Today, June 11, 2009
Online form, calendar available for Common Reading curricular/co-curricular activities

Purdue Exponent, June 15, 2009
Libraries provide multiple options for students, pg. 7;
Hicks Undergraduate Library mentioned in The Purdue 25, pg. 8
DLC mentioned in ‘Delve deeper’ to find computer labs, pg. 25

Purdue Exponent, June 17, 2009
Shared reading experience not limited to paper, pg. 5

 

Retirement Reception

BARTOW CULP
Retirement Reception
Wednesday, June 24, 2008
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
WTHR 310

 

Announcements

Interim & Summer Hours
Summer hours for all libraries are now posted on the Libraries Home page.

Purdue Farmer's Market
June 4 - August 31
Thursdays
3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sheetz and Wood Streets,
just west of Dauch Alumni Center

Lafayette Farmer's Market
May 1 - October 31
Tuesdays & Saturdays
7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
5th Street between Main & Columbia

Sagamore West Farmer's Market
May 6 - October 28
Wednesdays
3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cumberland Park
Salisbury Street
West Lafayette

 

Libraries Staff a - Z

Scott BrandtSCOTT BRANDT
(My nome de plume is D. Scott Brandt)
Associate Dean for Research

Q.  What do you enjoy most about your job and why?
A.  It probably sounds kind of hokey, but helping the Libraries move forward with its vision to be a significant partner at Purdue.

Q.  How long have you worked in the Libraries and at Purdue?
A.  Well, I started in 1984, and then worked 4 years at MIT (Emily Mobley called it an "internship") then came back in 1993.

Q.  What is one unforgettable experience that has happened to you or your coworkers while working in the library?
A.  You know what? I get goose bumps each year at the recognition lunch when we hear the testimonials by co-workers for their Libraries colleagues -- each one is unforgettable.

Q.  What’s your favorite book, Web site, movie, or database?
The book “Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse and the movie “The Fisher King.”

Q.  Have you been in all the Purdue Libraries?
A.  All of them (including several that no longer exist or have moved), and in the "back rooms" of them as well.

Q.  Coffee, tea, water, or soft drink?
A.  Double on the rocks at Starbucks.

Q.  What do you like to do for fun?
A.  Travel, snorkel, and drive in other countries (Costa Rica most recently).

Q.  Please include any Library teams, groups, associations, etc. that you serve on or are associated with.
A.  So many ... but the one I think will be the most interesting is the new Planning and Operations Council.

Q.  Feel free to include any information about yourself that you would like to share with the staff? A.  My fellowship in the Provost office this spring has really opened my eyes to how important it is to take a larger and integrated view of being a part of Purdue.

 

Student Profile

Shanna RayburnSHANNA RAYBURN
Sophomore
Veterinary Technology Program

Q. What Library do you work in?
A. Veterinary Medical Library. 

Q. Where is your hometown?
A. Monon, Indiana.

Q. What do you like about the Purdue Libraries?
A. I like that the Libraries offer a quiet place to study and that the staff is so helpful.

Q. What’s your favorite book?
A. I think that is an impossible question to answer since my favorite book tends to change a lot. Right now it is “The Killer Angels,” by Michael Shaara.

Q. If you could add a class to Purdue’s curriculum, what would it be?
A. A Western horseback riding class. This would be a good supplement and stress relief for a heavy class load. 

Q. What’s the best birthday present you’ve received?
A. I would have to say the best thing I ever got for my birthday would be a white gold watch from my parents. 

Q. Do you use Facebook or MySpace?
A. I don’t use either one.

Q. Who would like to meet and have dinner with?
A. I would like to meet George Bush, Sr. My brother is stationed on the George H. W. Bush Aircraft carrier and I’d like to meet the man it’s named after.

Q. What do you do for fun?
A. Read, play with my pets, or hang out with my friends. 

Q. Future plans?
A. My future plans are to finish school.  Then I hope to return home and work in one of the area's vet clinics, but that could all change if something else opened up.

If you would like to feature one of your student assistants, please contact Teresa Brown.

WHAT'S COOKING?

Taco Dip

Visit the Libraries Intranet site for
directions on how to make this appetizer posted by Teresa Brown.

 

Copy Deadline

Copy for the July 1issue is due by
June 29, 2009.
Send to Teresa Brown