Provost Dutta stated that “improving diversity and inclusion at Purdue is one of my highest priorities. It’s a cause that will enhance the academic and research experience for everyone on campus and is worthy of our very best efforts.” One of the ways that the University is addressing this is through the new Provost’s Advisory Committee on Diversity. As the Libraries representative on the Committee, I’d like to discuss why diversity and inclusion are so important, tell you about some of the diversity resources available at Purdue and let you know about the work of the Committee.

Diversity and inclusion continue to be goals for college campuses and work environments. There are thousands of articles in the last 10 years on diversity and inclusion in higher education and the workplace that you can find in databases such as ERIC (education) and Business Source Premier. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently offered a collection of its articles about race on campus. The Chronicle and Inside Higher Ed regularly report incidents of lack of tolerance on individual campuses.

Diversity benefits everyone. Different backgrounds and experiences result in better problem-solving and teamwork that is essential in our work and learning environments. But diversity is not enough — we want an inclusive University in which all are welcome and feel comfortable participating as students, faculty and staff.

Among the diversity resources available at Purdue are the “Diversity and Inclusion” website with information, resources and a place to report hate or bias incidents at http://www.purdue.edu/diversity-inclusion/. The “Diversity Initiatives” site lists Purdue programs and centers. The Core Curriculum for undergraduates includes expected learning outcomes in Human Cultures and Intercultural Knowledge. The Diversity Transformation Award is providing funding for projects that will enhance campus diversity.

The Provost’s Advisory Committee on Diversity has met twice, discussing diversity issues in general at Purdue and how to proceed with its work. The Committee examined the diversity plan, “Mosaic," that was developed a number of years ago but was not implemented. I am a member of the Retention Subcommittee; the others are Recruitment and Climate. Each Subcommittee will work on these issues in relation to faculty, students and staff. We expect to have a report with recommendations ready in late spring. We welcome suggestions for ways that we can improve diversity and inclusion at Purdue. Please feel free to send me yours or schedule a time to discuss them.

Although the calendar says it is the holiday season, the weather outside doesn’t necessarily agree, El Niño certainly seems to be having a positive effect, could we possibly hope that it will continue well into 2016? Well, enough about the weather. A heartfelt thank you to all staff and faculty who have volunteered to work additional hours during prep week and finals to extend our open hours. I know the students greatly appreciate the longer hours along with the treats and relaxation activities provided.

In addition, the intent of this message is to acknowledge another wonderful year for the Purdue University Libraries due to your collaborative and committed efforts and also to wish you, your family and friends a wonderful holiday season, especially with the WINTER BREAK none of us have to think about any of our colleagues being at work!

Happy Holidays!

After 20 years of dedicated service to Purdue University Libraries, Brenda Martin retired on December 7.

Brenda began her career in the Math Library reporting to Richard Funkhouser, where she received and shelved print journals, including binding duties, for five months. She then transferred to a position in the former Serials Unit reporting to Marti Worden, where she received, claimed and renewed print standing orders. Brenda worked with the standing orders for several years before transferring to the Serial Check-In position where she received and claimed print serial periodicals, reporting to Betty Baxter. When Betty Baxter retired, Brenda began reporting to Diana Grove.

Brenda has seen many changes in the Libraries. She began working with NOTIS, then Voyager and most recently Alma and Primo. Throughout her career, Brenda’s serial expertise has assisted the Acquisitions Unit with workflow and procedural improvements. Brenda happily shares her knowledge, encourages others and promotes positive interaction with peers, vendors and patrons.

Brenda plans to enjoy retirement by spending time with her grandchildren and doing the “little things” she has not had time to do and expects babysitting requests to increase.

“Brenda has been a pleasure to work with. Her smiling face, gracious spirit and quick wit will be missed by those that had the pleasure to work with her,” said Diana Grove.

Purdue University Libraries will offer study break activities for students in Hicks Undergraduate Library during Finals Week to help Purdue students alleviate stress.

Light refreshments will available at all events. Hicks will also have art relaxation, bubble wrap and Lego stations located around the library. New this year is the World’s Largest Crossword Puzzle, with over 28,000 clues.

If there are any questions regarding these events, please contact Danielle Schiewer or Ann O’Donnell.

Aimee McComb
Secretary
Libraries Administration

Thank you to everyone for such a warm welcome to the Purdue University Libraries. I started working in the Libraries Administration Office as a Secretary V in mid-November. I provide support to our Associate Deans, assist with projects and help to manage events.

I relocated to West Lafayette from the suburbs of Chicago about four years ago when my husband accepted a position at his alma mater, Purdue University, in ITaP.

I have a BS in Social Work from Manchester University and worked in this field for many years. I am a self-proclaimed foodie and cooking has always been a passion of mine, so I decided to follow my dreams and returned to school to obtain my AA in Culinary Arts from Robert Morris University. I have worked in various restaurants as a prep chef, sous chef, chef, expediter and kitchen manager. Even though I am no longer professionally working in the culinary field, my family and friends treasure my skills as I love to entertain and share new creations with them. Our famous saying is, “We can always order pizza if this doesn’t turn out.”

Please stop by to share a food story, recommend a favorite restaurant or just to say hello. My office is located in Stewart Center, Room 277. I can be reached at 49-42900 or mccomba@purdue.edu.

Elizabeth Moore
Library Assistant
Hicks Undergraduate Library

Hello! My name is Elizabeth, but please call me Beth. I just started working at Purdue in November as a Library Assistant in the Hicks Undergraduate Library. I am responsible for training and coaching staff and students to help support excellent customer service in the library. I also assist with guidance in use of the library’s resources and services and manage hiring, scheduling and supervision of student assistants.

Before moving to the Lafayette area about nine years ago, I lived in the Metro Detroit area and earned my undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Business Administration. I've worked for General Motors in their Sales and Marketing department and as an Account Executive for a marketing firm before staying home to raise a family for several years. I have two children, ages 14 and 12.

Since moving to Lafayette, I’ve worked in a variety of positions that lead me into working with some of the area schools and developing a love for the library. I began volunteering in the library at my son’s elementary school, which lead me to a position working in an area elementary school and ultimately helping to manage a middle school library. I am very excited to be part of Purdue University and working in a department that offers so much opportunity to learn.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family to new places. This past summer, my son and I traveled to Costa Rica with his school’s travel club. I love to travel “up north” to Michigan whenever I get a chance. I also enjoy photography, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

I am located in the Hicks Undergraduate Library in HIKS G965 and can be reached at 49-46732 or by email at moore658@purdue.edu. I look forward to working with everyone!

Kim Ringler
Account Clerk
Business Office

Greetings! I’m Kim Ringler, the new Accounting Clerk V in the Libraries Business Office. My primary duties include Bi-weekly payroll, hiring and separation paperwork, student wage budget reporting and credit card reconciliations.

I was born and raised an Iowa girl, in Burlington. I went to college in North Dakota (brr) and have lived in multiple states between then and now including NC, WI, SD, MO and now, IN. I’ve enjoyed living here in West Lafayette with my three girls and husband for the past two years. My husband was born at Home Hospital, but grew up close to the MI border, so he’s ecstatic that we are in Boilermaker country (still love my Hawkeyes, but the culture here is exciting and fun!).

My hobbies include basketball, volleyball (although it’s rare that I get to do these now days) and I love to work outside in my yard. Not the best with garden’s, but I do love to dream up landscaping project’s for my husband and I. Another thing I enjoy is interior decorating. I’ve worked with a designer since I’ve lived here and the creative things I see her come up with and the project’s she lets me be a part of is so much fun! I never thought I would be able to do that stuff “when I became a grown up” but the job plopped in my lap when I moved here and I jumped on it.

My office is located in STEW 267, and you can reach me at kringler@purdue.edu or 49-66737. I look forward to working with you all!

Ashley Hutchcraft’s name was randomly drawn from all those who were SMILED upon in November. She received a $25 Von’s Book Shop gift certificate.

All faculty, administration and staff are invited to send a note of appreciation for a kindness or thoughtfulness given, assistance provided to or by a Libraries, Press or Copyright Office colleague.

To learn more about how to participate in our SMILE Program, please visit and bookmark this page on the Libraries intranet: http://intranet.lib.purdue.edu/display/HR/SMILE+Program/

Renovations continue in STEW 170 for the relocation of offices for the Data and Metadata and Distributed Data Curation Center (D2C2) and the reconfiguration of the work space for Auxiliary Services.

In the hallowed walls of Auxiliary Services...

We muddle we mince and we prevail
Whether boxes, repairs or even the mail.

We're a small group and down a few
Stand firm, no fear, we do what we do.

Just when we thought we were all alone
The Boilermaker ghost made us feel right at home.

By Candy Scott

Wishing you a Happy Holiday season and a joyful New Year.

Photo by Patrick Whalen