What will Alma mean for the Libraries?

BY PAUL BRACKE

PILLAR: Infrastructure

Alma bannerIn a year, the Purdue Libraries will be moving from Voyager to Alma. As I described in the June 29 issue of INSIDE, Purdue has been working with Ex Libris and several other development partners to design and test Alma. Alma will support library operations such as: selection, acquisition, metadata management and fulfillment (circulation, reserves, etc.) for the full range of materials in the Libraries.

So, what will this mean for the Libraries?

First, there is still more testing to be done over the course of the next year. There will be two more testing phases, with progressively more features. Second, we will be working with Ex Libris to plan and conduct our migration to the new system. Although there will be great benefits to the system, migration will also require significant effort.

In the short term, we are expecting that Alma will provide us with better and more integrated ways of managing our print and electronic resources and of providing circulation and other access services. Because of its workflow-oriented design, Alma will provide the Purdue Libraries with an opportunity to improve many of its processes. In particular, we are anticipating that Alma will provide many opportunities to improve the ways in which we manage access to electronic resources.

Alma is also being designed to complement Primo, the discovery layer product currently being implemented by the Libraries. We will be able to make cataloging records, electronic resources and more that will ultimately be managed within Alma searchable through Primo.

In the longer term, there are other areas in which Alma will ultimately have an impact, such as the management of digitized and other unique collections.

This year will be a busy one as we move toward the implementation of Alma, but we will keep everyone posted of new developments and plans as we have them. Stay tuned!

 

POTR 141: The new collaborative instructional space in the Engineering Library

BY AMANDA GILL

PILLAR: Reconfigured, Relevant, Strategic Space

Potter room 141If you’ve had occasion to visit the Engineering Library, you have probably just bee-lined to your ultimate destination: likely the office of a librarian or the conference room (formerly the Goss Room) in the basement. Did you know that we have a place called The Reading Room? It is located past the stairs and to the right in the back of the main floor. It currently houses our Library of Congress collection, and until very recently was the home for our unbound journals and an extensive study carrel farm. However, thanks to the leadership and vision of Michael Fosmire, this summer the Reading Room has been the focus of some major changes.

The changes began with Sandy Galloway arranging the transfer of nearly 900 journal titles — more than 10,000 volumes — to storage (heartfelt thanks go out to Rachel Moore and Laurie Sadler for facilitating this massive undertaking). This allowed us to combine the unbound and bound journals, shift the remaining collection and remove six bookshelves from our journal area. That empty space was soon filled with the study carrels from the Reading Room, leaving us with a surprisingly large space to convert into a classroom and group collaborative space. Thanks to the assiduous and creative work by Brad Heiss and the crew in Auxiliary Services, we were able to repurpose tables from a decommissioned computer lab, chairs that became surplus from the MEL LearnLab (thanks Tomalee!) and many other resources that made this adventure an extremely frugal yet effective enterprise.

The new classroom will be reminiscent of an extra-large LearnLab, able to accommodate 60 students. It features three projectors spread around the classroom, including a Smart Board, many white boards and tables arranged in a way to encourage active learning and small group work. With the projector arrangement, no one is in the back of the classroom, helping to keep everyone engaged. So far, we have four classes committed to working in the classroom for the fall semester, two of which are design courses that require extensive small group work, one a Great Issues course, co-taught by our very own Jane Yatcilla, and a blended learning course, where students listen to lectures before class and spend their time in class working problems and presenting solutions to their peers. All of our collaborating instructors indicated that there is a real lack of facilities for the ‘mid-sized’ class trying to incorporate active learning techniques, and they are looking forward to having the library resources handy, especially for the design classes, to encourage students to better incorporate authoritative information in their projects.

We expect that our experiences with this classroom will help inform the design of the Boiler STEAM Commons, as we see how to integrate information and instruction in the proposed new building. Our Division also appreciates the support of Dean Mullins and Beth McNeil in providing the resources we haven’t been able to beg, borrow or repurpose from other sources. Dale White for supplying most of the furniture at no cost to the library and Candy Scott for making things happen so fast. And, especially, the Auxiliary Services students, Ashley Sommers, Colby Storms and Kody Hall, who had to lug carrels and tables around the library.

 

New Faculty & Staff

PILLAR: Infrastructure

Eugenia KimEugenia Kim
Visiting Assistant Professor
Data Services Specialist

My relationship with the Purdue Libraries started before I even stepped foot on the campus. As a remote long-distance intern under Scott Brandt and Jake Carlson, I had the opportunity to work for the Data Curation Profiles project. I am happy to say that my internship experience was quite enjoyable and that it is a pleasure to be working for Purdue as a visiting faculty member.

I originally came from the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, where there were cows, fields, farms, and forests near my neighborhood. From there I went to Massachusetts to attend Simon’s Rock College of Bard (now known as Bard College at Simon’s Rock), then to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York for my BS in Electronic Media, Arts and Communications, and finally Los Angeles County to study Dance and Integrated media at CalArts. Not long after, I wound up in Boston where I worked in IT for Tufts University and received a post-baccalaureate minor in Computer Science. During this time I was (and still am) a freelance webmaster and served as a teaching assistant at the Harvard Extension School. I recently received my MS in Information Science from University at Albany, New York in December 2010.

In the past I have been an occasional photographer, graphics designer, music composer and animator. I studied dance since I was little and have performed with the Oregon Festival Ballet, Portland Community Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet and the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio. My choreography has been shown in Cambridge and Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Albany and New York City, and Valencia, California. A long time ago, I received my black belt in tae kwon do, so I am hoping to get back into that activity too. I enjoy traveling to China regularly and welcome dining buddies to a very authentic Chinese restaurant near Wabash Landing.

My office is located in the Stewart Center, Room 279E. I can be reached at 49-45078 or eugeniakim@purdue.edu.

 

Shannon MillerShannon Miller
Library Assistant
Resource Sharing

I joined Purdue Libraries this past May as a member of the Resource Sharing (Interlibrary Loan) staff. I am a 2010 graduate of Purdue, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in History. As a student, I worked in the Engineering Library where I had the chance to become acquainted with the librarians and staff. They provided much knowledge and encouragement to me and my many questions concerning academic librarianship. Next fall I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Studies; I welcome any advice or if need be, forewarnings.

I am extremely passionate about music and the arts. I am a native of Richmond, Indiana where the richness of our musical past oftentimes goes unnoticed. I was involved in the Starr-Gennett Foundation whose main goal was to educate the community and foster appreciation for the Blues and Jazz music legacies that once graced the Richmond area. When I am not on the second floor of the HSSE library, I find myself at the All Fired Up pottery studio where I am also employed. There, I find a place for my creative juices to flow, as well as another way to “foot the bill” when I decide to indulge in concerts and musical festivals. I enjoy the art of book making which was taught to me by an Ann Arbor, Michigan book conservator, who happens to be my aunt and mentor. I often participate in service activities, and am very fond of being outdoors when I find a spare moment.

I am excited to be back on Purdue’s campus and have felt so very welcomed by the Libraries staff. Thank you for making my return a pleasant one! I hope that I can be a positive presence here in Purdue’s Libraries.

I can be reached at 49-42801 or mille218@purdue.edu .

 

Alaina MoralesALAINA MORALES
Visiting Assistant Professor
Virtual User Experience Specialist

As of July 1, I started as the Virtual User Experience Specialist with Purdue Libraries. I am very excited to become a member of the Purdue Libraries team and look forward to collaborating with and learning from all the faculty and staff.

I received my BA in English with a minor in Women’s Studies from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. I recently graduated with my Masters in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At UIUC I worked primarily in the Undergraduate Library providing reference, outreach and instructional services. Through my work experience and coursework I developed a passion for providing user-centered services, whether in-person or virtually.

I grew up splitting time between Tucson, Arizona and a small rural farming community in Southern Illinois. So, I am fairly comfortable in the Indiana humidity, although I cannot say it is my favorite. Outside of the Libraries, I enjoy visiting with family and friends, reading, traveling, cooking, eating and being active, which includes walking, running, swimming or biking. If it’s TV season, I enjoy watching Bones or Parks and Recreation.

My office is located in Hicks Undergraduate Library, room G934. I can be reached at 49-45820 or moralea@purdue.edu. If we haven’t met yet, please stop in and say hello.

 

Successful Staff transitions

PILLAR: Infrastructure

Jim DerringerJIM DERRINGER
Mathematical Sciences and Aviation Technology
Library Assistant

Some time ago I was asked if I would work in Aviation Technology (AVTE) in the mornings and stay at Mathematical Sciences (MATH) in the afternoons. My immediate response was, “If it will help the Libraries then sure, why not? I like airplanes.”

Day 1: I’m supposed to do what?

AVTE is busier than most people think it is, actually it’s a lot busier than most people think. I think AVTE is more of a learning lab than anything else. An instructor will give a multi-part assignment and then here come the students, especially the Maintenance students. The manuals for the Boeing 737s and Boeing 747s come flying off the shelves as students hunt and dig for answers, while figuring out how the manuals are put together and in what order — a learning experience in itself. The faculty prefers we (the library staff) do not help them as this is part of the learning experience that they will carry with them long after their graduation. Sometimes the instructor will give them an obscure question such as “What type of engine does a 1964 Cessna 172-E model have?” and I’m sitting there knowing it’s a Continental 0-300-D, but I can’t say anything. It’s a challenge for me not to tell them!

The Flight students are a hoot and they learn quickly. When they find out I have a Single engine, Multi-engine, Instrument and Commercial pilot rating and a high performance endorsement they come to me with all kinds of questions! Where can I find this? How does this work? What does the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) say about such and such? Of course being friends with and having flown with several of the professors who teach has helped me to adjust to the change. It’s been very enjoyable sharing my knowledge of aviation with eager students as well as a learning process for me.

Then in the afternoons it’s back to MATH. What can I say about MATH? Exciting is not the first word that comes to my mind but there are some who really are excited about it. MATH seems to be more of a detective type job in that what we usually do is to try and track down (always an obscure) article. Again, challenging and a learning process as well.

The difference between MATH and AVTE for me is that I get to share my enthusiasm for flying and aviation. The goal of the Libraries is to provide guidance and learning opportunities for our patrons and when you help someone find something they are looking for it not only makes them feel good, but it makes you feel good…and I think that applies to all of us at whatever level we may be in the Libraries hierarchy.

However, I won’t share my feelings about the parking...

 

MEL renovations making progress

PILLAR: Infrastructure

Updates from the progress meeting on August 3.

  • 95% of all demolition is complete.
  • Steel beams are being fabricated to be placed in the old third floor stairway. Three steel beams will be placed in the old opening and then concrete will be poured over them to close this opening up. The steel beams will be brought in by the circular stairwell and then hoisted up to the second floor. Then the beams will be raised and secured into place in the old stairwell.
  • 90% of the new steel stud walls are up.
  • Drywall is just being installed.
  • New plumbing is just getting started.
  • New electrical is just getting started.
  • Coordination for removing the old window heaters is just beginning.

MEL renovations phase 3

 

LCSSAC updates and reminders

PILLAR: Infrastructure

Libraries Quick Tips
The Libraries Quick Tips sheet has been update for the fall semester. The tip sheet was first conceived as a quick-reference guide about frequently asked questions received from patrons while staff were working at service desks throughout our system: “Where are the group study rooms? Where are the public computers located? How do I find a reserve item? How are the journals shelved?” Information was compiled from each library to create a brief one-page handout. The campus map with the Libraries’ locations was added on the reverse side making it helpful when directing patrons to specific locations. It is LCSSAC’s hope that each library will find the information helpful when working with patrons at service points throughout our system.

A PDF copy of the “Quick Tip” is available for you to print out at your convenience under LCSSAC on the Libraries intranet site.

Discussion from the Clerical and Service Staff Breakfast with the Deans – March 25
To view the topics of discussion and the responses online visit the Libraries LCSSAC intranet site. Topics include performance review, staff development, technology, work environment, staffing needs, supervisor responsibilities, and more. If you have questions about a particular topic please submit a LINK Letter or contact your district representative.

LINK Letter
Just a reminder that the LINK Letter is available on the intranet. A LINK Letter is a confidential way to express a suggestion, question or concern about the Libraries work environment. It can be sent anonymously to lcssac@purdue.edu.

All ideas, questions or concerns are welcomed. All emails are treated with the utmost respect and privacy. Suggestions for library activities, questions about Libraries/University policies, concerns about changes in the job or library environment, anything that matters to you, matters to us!

 

contents
  • What will Alma mean for the Libraries?
  • POTR 141: The new collaborative instructional space in the Engineering Library
  • New Faculty and Staff
  • Successful staff transitions — Jim Derringer
  • MEL renovations making progress
  • LCSSAC updates and reminders
  • Off the Shelf
  • Service Anniversaries
  • Announcements
  • Staff Publications and Presentations
  • Libraries in the News
  • Libraries Staff A - Z
  • What's Cooking?

 

Off the shelf

New Listings

Continuing Vacancies

  • Business Information Specialist (Faculty) — continuing
  • Library Digital User Experience Specialist (Faculty) — on site interviews complete
  • Libraries Assistant IV, LIFE/ENGR (University Posting #1100892) (Clerical) — final interviews

New Hire

  • Patricia (Pat) Irvin, secretary, University Copyright Office. August 1.

Announcement

New Student Hiring Procedures
Effective Wednesday, August 17 a link on the Libraries Home page will be available for students to apply for Libraries positions. An "Apply for Student Jobs" feature box will allow students to complete the application process from any computer with internet connections.

Three lap top computers will also be available in Human Resources for the application process.

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

 

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Dianna Grove, Resources Services, is celebrating 30 years at Purdue.

Jim Derringer, Math and Aviation Technology, is celebrating 25 years at Purdue.

Pat Kantner, Resources Services, is celebrating 25 years at Purdue.

Stephan Miller, Instruction and Digital Programs Services, is celebrating 15 years at Purdue.

Mary Dugan, Management and Economics, is celebrating 15 years at Purdue.

Robert Freeman, Humanities, Social Science and Education, is celebrating 15 years at Purdue.

Patricia Glasson, Resource Services, is celebrating 5 years at Purdue.

Chris Miller, Geographical Information Systems, is celebrating 5 years at Purdue.

Catherine Fraser Riehle, Humanities, Social Science and Education, is celebrating 5 years at Purdue.

Maribeth Slebodnik, Life Sciences, is celebrating 5 years at Purdue.

 

Announcements

Soaring to New Heights: Purdue Women in Aviation
Archives and Special Collections Exhibit
June 11-August 31
HSSE 4th floor
STEW

Libraries Distinguished Lecture Series
Featuring Ruth Reichl
"Eating Our Words"
October 18
7 p.m.
Fowler Hall
STEW

Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature Exhibit
October 25-December 3
Hicks Undergraduate Library
HIKS

 

Libraries in the news

WBAA, July 13
Interview with Charles Watkinson and Suzanne Topping discussing the book, 'Just Call Me Orville'

Purdue Exponent, July 29
Cordova receives pay raise; Rae Lynn Boes quoted, pg. 1

Benzinga, August 3
Amelia Earhart Discovery by Military Psychic Appears More Likely

Associated Press, August 7
New book tackles life of popcorn king Redenbacher; published by Purdue University Press
Also appeared:

Purdue Parents and Families Newsletter, August 2011
Campus Life - Students gain research publishing experience; JPUR published by Purdue University Press

 

STAFF PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Tomalee Doan and Hal Kirkwood “Strategically leveraging learning space to create partnership opportunities.” College & Undergraduate Libraries, 18: 133-135, 2011.

 

Libraries Staff a - Z

Stephan MillerSTEPHAN MILLER
Library IT
Computer Services Administrator

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job and why?
A. The IT team….they are all professionals and at the same time a fun group to be around.

Q. How long have you worked in the Libraries and at Purdue?
A. 15 years with Purdue with 1.5 years in the Libraries.

Q. What is one unforgettable experience that has happened to you or your coworkers while working in the library?
A. Having been here only 1.5 years, I haven’t run into an unforgettable experience yet that I can speak about.

Q. What’s your favorite book, Web site, movie or database?
A. History Channel is my favorite cable channel.

Q. Coffee, tea, water or soft drink?
A. Water.

Q. What do you like to do for fun?
A. Travel, even if just a weekend getaway.

Q. Feel free to include any information about yourself that you would like to share with the staff?
A. I have been at Purdue for 15 years, most of that time as an IT professional. Before coming to the Libraries, I was in charge of IT for the Vice President for Research office. My daughter Jamie graduated from Purdue in 2003. My father lives here in Lafayette and my younger brother lives in San Diego.

 

What's Cooking?

Baked Zucchini Fries
Visit the Libraries Intranet site for directions for this recipe.

 

CONNECT WITH LIBRARIES

 

 

Copy Deadline

Copy for the August 24 issue is due by August 22.Send to tmabrown@purdue.edu.