SLIS Blogs

On February 29, 2008, at noon, SLIS faculty member Katy Börner will present a seminar entitled "Studying and Communicating the Structure and Evolution of Science" at the National Science Foundation-sponsored National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) at Duke University. The talk will focus on work for the Places and Spaces: Mapping Science project that Börner has conducted as director of the IU Information Visualization Lab and the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science Center.

Abstract
Cartographic maps of physical places have guided mankind's explorations for centuries. They enabled the discovery of new worlds while also marking territories inhabited by unknown monsters.

Domain maps of abstract semantic spaces (see http://scimaps.org) aim to serve today's explorers understanding and navigating the world of science. These maps are generated through scientific analysis of large-scale scholarly datasets in an effort to connect and make sense of the bits and pieces of knowledge they contain. They can be used to objectively identify major research areas, experts, institutions, collections, grants, papers, journals, and ideas in a domain of interest. Local maps provide overviews of a specific area: its homogeneity, import-export factors, and relative speed. They allow one to track the emergence, evolution, and disappearance of topics and help to identify the most promising areas of research. Global maps show the overall structure and evolution of our collective scholarly knowledge.

This talk will present an overview of the techniques and cyber-technologies used to study science by scientific means together with sample science maps and their interpretations.

---

Related slides from Börner's January 2008 Science Information Talks in Germany and the Netherlands are now available:

• Science from Above - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Network Analysis, Modeling, and Visualization - Den Haag, Germany
• Mapping the Evolution of Science - Ban Honnef, Germany
• Evolution and Physics - Concepts, Models and Applications - Ban Honnef, Germany

February 25, 2008 02:00 PM

So one afternoon maybe a year and a half ago I was walking to Whole Foods to get some lunch and I saw Ralph Nader crossing 16th and P heading west as I was heading east. As I looked at him and recognized who he was he gave me this self-satisfied, "Yes! I'm Ralph Nader!" look. I realize now that I should have given in to my lesser inclination, which was to punch him.

February 25, 2008 08:01 AM

February 24, 2008 10:45 PM

Lawrence King, a 15-year-old kid, was shot and killed at school last week for being queer.

I never know what to say about these things. I doubt that anyone who reads my blog would disagree that this is a terrible, horrible, awful thing. I also doubt that anyone who reads my blog knows the magic words that we could say to make this kind of hate disappear from the world.

I do think it's important to talk about it, because if you don't see this kind of hate staring you in the face every day, it's possible to look the other way and forget that it still exists. Things are better than they were even two decades ago, it's true. But when Time Magazine can publish an article claiming that homophobia isn't that much of a problem in schools anymore, even while something like this happens, things are a long long way from good. Pretending everything is OK doesn't do anyone any good.

Kate Evans says it much better than I can. And Christopher Hennessy posted a devastating poem about it. You should go read their posts, if you haven't already.

[Edited 2/24 to add: Here is a good New York Times story about him.]

Here is a memorial website posted by Larry's family. And here is a memorial website posted by GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network). GLSEN's site has a list of memorials and vigils being conducted around the country, and a place where you can submit information about one you're organizing. If there's one near you, consider attending.

And my thanks to everyone who's posted about this horrible thing and brought my attention to it.

February 24, 2008 11:01 AM

Thanks to Jilly at Poetry Hut Blog for this link: Detained poet denied visits and parcels

In some countries, poets fly to NYC to drink, talk shop, and buy stuff. In some countries, they get thrown in jail if they insult the government.

Which is not to say that it couldn't happen here ... at the moment we do have a government that is particularly un-fond of being insulted, and certainly US citizens have been detained for saying things the government didn't like. But it's really bad in Burma.

Some days I feel helpless about the world and I wish I could just wave a magic wand and fix everything. That's not particularly useful, is it?

February 23, 2008 09:25 PM

It's that time of year again. Who's hosting the "we're not going to AWP" blog party this year?

Yeah, I wish I could be there, believe me. But it doesn't seem like the best use of a month's salary, you know? If you're going, have a blast, and report back!

It's Chicago next year, right? At least I can drive there instead of having to fly. And maybe if I start saving up now, I can afford a hotel. I'm gonna do my best to make it.

* * * * *

Tsonga!

Ana!

Yes, I'm still watching way too much Australian Open tennis. One of the Tennis Channel's commentators said of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's stunning performance, "Are you kidding me?! ... This guy has a turbo jet in his Adidas shorts!" Uh... might be a little crowded in there, huh?

* * * * *

So I have a poet friend who, like me, has a natural inclination towards more of a lyric form. But, she's interested in learning more about writing narrative poetry. I've given her a couple of recommendations, but if y'all will lay some more on me, I'll pass them along to her. Poets, books, or individual poems -- whatever you'd give to someone who wanted to understand the art of narrative poetry in general.

* * * * *

It's ten degrees again tonight, with a predicted low of 5. I'm done with the cold and dark, okay? Done with it. I'm ready for springtime now.

* * * * *

Here's a great idea for writing a poem (and here as well), based on the news story about the poet Saw Wai. Try your hand, if you can.

February 23, 2008 09:23 PM

... to write a "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe" poem. Here are the details, from AJPL's blog:

You are invited to submit an acrostic poem for a chapbook-sized edited collection entitled Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe. These poems must follow the format employed in Saw Wai's now infamous poem, "February 14." (See here for more information.) Acrostics, telestitches, and the like will be considered, so long as they integrate the phrase "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe" into their format in a manner true to Saw Wai's poem.

Four poems have already been selected for inclusion, and the chapbook will contain roughly 12 to 20 pages of poetry. Should the quality of the work remain high, the chapbook will be published as a supplement to an online, literary journal. Further details, including sample poems, are available upon request. All queries and submissions should be sent to liszkiewicz AT gmail DOT com.

Deadline for consideration is noon, Sunday, 3 February 2008.

I've made an attempt at it, and while it's not the most brilliant poem on the face of this earth, it wasn't as impossible to come up with something as I was afraid it would be. (I'm not very good at exercises, as a rule.) Here's what I've got, though I'm hoping to revise it some in the next few days -- I'll take this down before too long.


[~Gone. But you can drop me an email if you want to see it!~]

February 23, 2008 09:21 PM

Five word review of Joshua Bell's recital this afternoon: The word virtuoso seems insufficient. (There were some moments when I thought he might go flying up off the stage. Seriously.)

* * * * *

Check out the Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe chapbook, with thanks to Anti-! Poems by Kelli Russell Agodon, Ivone Alexandre, John Davis, Anne Haines, R. Joyce Heon, Luisa A. Igloria, A. J. Patrick Liszkiewicz, Woody Loverude, Nathan McClain, Carolyn Moore, Pamela Johnson Parker, Heidi Sulzdorf, and Saw Wai (translated by Dr. David Law).

* * * * *

Also check out Best of the Net 2007, with thanks to Sundress Publications (and thanks again to Valparaiso Poetry Review for the nomination).

* * * * *

More crazy weather and a cold, cold night. Enough already!

February 23, 2008 09:21 PM

Judging from the number of "lawrence king" searches I've received (and I assume other sites are getting even more), information about his murder is getting out there -- despite the fact that it isn't getting as much press as, say, the latest happenings on American Idol. Or the Indiana basketball scandal (though that's probably only usurping the front pages here in Indiana). Here's my earlier post about him. It's important for people to hear about this.

In other news, thanks to Jilly at Poetry Hut Blog for this link: Detained Burmese poet Saw Wai has been permitted a visit from his wife. (And here, again, is the "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe" chapbook published by Anti-).

Less important: We had a cute little ice storm here on Thursday afternoon/evening. The temperature reached 30 today, with lots of brilliant sunshine, and some of the ice started melting -- but it was still so pretty, the way all the trees were glazed and glittery. (Although still treacherous underfoot in places.) As I left the Runcible Spoon this afternoon, after a delicious brunch, I saw a couple of college kids lifting big sheets of ice off their front lawn and flinging them at each other. This caused me to draft a poem, which (for now) is titled "How Ice Becomes the Past Tense of Longing." Later, after I bought more crap than I'd intended to at Target (that's a synonym for "set foot in Target"), I heard a news story on NPR about how some scientists now believe the origins of life on Earth were not in warm water but in ice. Fascinating. That may end up in the poem, too.

February 23, 2008 09:16 PM

February 23, 2008 08:12 PM

State: Alaska
Applications accepted until March 21, 2008.
Do you have professional experience with libraries and technology?

Can you manage multiple digital projects?

Do you have experience with distance education?

Are you a good communicator?

If you can say yes to the above, consider this great job at the Alaska
State Library!

This "digital librarian" will manage the technology resources to
maximize positive support for the missions of the Alaska State Library.

This "Digital Librarian" will:

* Oversee and coordinate selected digital and electronic resource
projects for the Alaska State Library;
* Determine strategies for successful implementation of a broad
range of digital and technology activities that blend with traditional
library services;
* Design, create and facilitate the use of online instructional
materials, web tutorials and other distance learning objects;
* Consult with libraries and librarians throughout Alaska on
technology-related services and initiatives,
* Consult with Archives and Museum staff on digital projects, and
* Supervise a number of technology-related positions, e.g., the
library's web master, network specialist.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree from an accredited college in library or information
science, media services, or a closely related field;
AND
Two years of advanced level professional librarian experience with
independent responsibility for multiple funtional areas of library
work, such as classification and cataloging, reference services,
circulation, collection acquisition, development and preservation, or
library webpage services. This experience is met by service as a
Librarian II with the State of Alaska or the equivalent with another
employer.

To apply for this position, please visit http://workplace.alaska.gov and
look for the Librarian III posted in Juneau.

=================================

Daniel Cornwall
Head of Information Services
Alaska State Library
PO Box 110571
Juneau, AK 99811-0571
(907) 465-1315 ph
(907) 465-2665 fax
E-Mail: dan.cornwall@alaska.gov

Learn what the Alaska State Library can do for you by visiting
http://library.state.ak.us.

Learn about the Alaska State Publications Program, a system that works
to make state information available to Alaskans now and in the 22nd
Century. See our web page at .

Any opinions expressed in this e-mail are mine alone and not those of my
employer unless explicitly stated. Submitted on 2008-02-22

February 22, 2008 02:01 PM

State: Ohio
To provide reference, instruction, and research assistance to patrons in all public service areas of Maag Library, with a special emphasis on assistance in the disciplines relating to the health sciences.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Assists all library patrons in library use and in identifying and accessing information relevant to their needs.

Works with the faculty and staff in the departments of Health Professions, Human Performance and Exercise Science, Nursing, and Physical Therapy to develop local and remote collections supporting those programs.

Develops and conducts Information Literacy programs for faculty, students and staff in all disciplines with a particular emphasis on supporting faculty, students and staff in the health sciences. Collaborates with Maag Library’s Manager of Information Literacy & Assessment Programs and with departmental faculty to integrate information literacy into the curriculum.

Works with faculty and staff within these departments to advance teaching, learning and research in health sciences programs through the innovative application of information.

Establishes learning outcomes and develops related instructional tools and services that will assist users in learning both the specifics of selected resources as well as information-seeking strategies needed for success as life-long learners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.

Undergraduate degree or work experience in a discipline within a field of the health sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging library and information literacy technologies and the ability to apply these technologies to a diverse range of library applications.

Demonstrated experience with Web 2.0 instructional tools and resources.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.

TO APPLY:

Submit the following (by EMAIL only):

1. Cover leter
2. Current resume
3. Unofficial copy of transcript(s) documenting academic qualifications
4. Names and contact information for three professional references

EMAIL to:
Jan Schnall, Associate Director
jwschnall@ysu.edu

Applications received by March 28, 2008 will receive initial consideration.

Complete position information available on Maag Library's website:

http://www.maag.ysu.edu/department/Administration/jobs.html Submitted on 2008-02-21

February 22, 2008 01:30 PM

Fatback is a funk/soul night that's been going for a couple months now; I'll be making my first appearance at it tomorrow night with a short stack of lucky 7's to share. Come out and get down, huh? FATBACK Dahlak Restaurant 1771 U St NW Washington, DC 20009 Music starts at 10:00 No cover, no dress code.

February 22, 2008 02:30 AM

State: Washington (State)
http://www.pop.us/who/careers/job.aspx?id=15
This position balances user-centered design principles with overall business goals and objectives as they are realized in expected user behaviors and the structures of online interactive media. This involves defining users and producing user scenarios, as well as information structures, navigational models, content wireframes, content layout, working prototypes and written specifications. This position helps create the foundation for usable interactive systems.

Responsibilities

• Creates content wireframes and schematics that illustrate the flow, layout, navigation controls, and information relationships of the content and content elements

• Presents site map and schematics

• Communicates to the client the business goals and how they are being met

• Communicates the leadership that is required for client trust

• Creates information structures through content hierarchies, site maps and navigational models that are aligned with the defined, and or expected user experience and business requirements

• Strategizes with client and team regarding task analysis and task completion user flows

• Articulates user experience issues and concerns and overall design principles to team members and clients

• Translates complex concepts into interactive experiences through the design and/or implementation of Web site architectures

• Collaborates with designers on visual comps and contributes input from an information design and Information Architecture point of view

• Focuses on HCI and user centered design principles, uses these elements as foundation for design solutions and informational approach

• Consults on any changes to information flow during approval during build

• Approves content design upon final content delivery and HTML build

• Overall responsibility to be sure projects are usable, organized and clear
Skills

• 2+ years of professional interactive design experience and/or Interaction or User Experience design

• 3 years of professional Internet or multimedia design, including user interface design and graphic design

• Bachelors or masters degree in Design, Interaction Design, or HCI education may each be counted as two years toward required combination of training and experience

• Excellent working knowledge of Photoshop, Visio, Illustrator/Freehand, HTML, cascading style sheets and browser capability standards; Additionally, user experience and user flow scenarios design required

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required

How To Apply

If you share our passion for creating compelling work, please submit your resume to

careers@experiencepop.com Information Architect Submitted on 2008-02-21

February 21, 2008 10:00 PM

February 21, 2008 09:39 PM

State: North Carolina
J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University is expanding its services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing campus. It seeks an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and dynamic colleague to lead all aspects of collection management and development. The position will report to the Assistant Director for Collections and Technical Services.

Responsibilities:
• Provides leadership for the development and management of collections
• Manages and strengthens the library’s collaborative collection development program with academic departments and schools
• Directs collection assessment to inform data-driven materials budgeting and planning
• Coordinates the library’s subject liaisons’ program
• Performs collection development for assigned departments and/or programs
• Advances campus efforts relating to scholarly communication and the development of an institutional repository
• Represents the library in statewide and regional buying consortia, as assigned

Finalists will be asked to make a brief presentation during the on-campus interview.

Required Qualifications:
• ALA-accredited master’s degree or international equivalent in library or information science
• Two or more years experience in an academic library performing collection development responsibilities
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical and project management skills
• Ability to work independently, balance priorities, set and meet deadlines
• Commitment to quality service
• Ability to achieve tenure through effective job performance, contributions to the profession through research and scholarly publications, and involvement in regional or national library organizations

Preferred Qualifications:
• Additional graduate degree
• Familiarity with library acquisitions processes and procedures
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Library budgeting experience
• Knowledge of current trends in scholarly communication
• Experience negotiating with vendors and monitoring licensing agreements
• Demonstrated ability to gather and interpret usage statistics, especially from Scholarly Stats and/or Serials Solutions

Academic Library Services: Academic Library Services (ALS) supports the campus community’s mission of teaching, research, and service. ALS is a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), has an operating budget of $8 million and a materials budget of $5.5 million, and employs a staff of 109, including 35 faculty positions. It is a selective federal depository library. Visit the Library’s web site at http://www.lib.ecu.edu for additional information.

ALS recognizes that diversity and respect for human differences within the academy is a key source of intellectual vitality and innovative spirit, and encourages genuine respect for individual backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences, perspectives and opinions. ALS invites candidates from diverse backgrounds who will contribute affirmatively and creatively to the university's multicultural environment. We seek candidates who reflect the rich mix of backgrounds, life experiences, cultures, perspectives and world views found within our university and community.

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU enrolls nearly 26,000 students. It is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina and offers 106 bachelor’s degree programs, 71 master’s degree programs, 4 specialist degree programs, a first-professional degree in Medicine (MD) program and 16 doctoral programs in our professional colleges and schools.

The campus is located approximately 80 miles east Raleigh, and 80 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Additional information about ECU is available at http://www.ecu.edu.

ECU is a leader in the state in distance learning initiatives and holds Doctoral/Research Universities status as defined by The Carnegie Foundation.

Rank, Salary and Benefits: This is a twelve-month tenure track faculty position with a comprehensive fringe benefits package. Professional achievement, service, and research/creative activity are required for tenure and promotion. Salary will be commensurate with candidate’s experience and professional achievement (minimum salary of $48,000).

Application Process: Screening of applications will begin on April 1, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable. All applicants must apply online through ECU’s employment website at http://www.jobs.ecu.edu. Additional materials (letter of application; resume; copies of transcripts; and names and addresses, postal and email, of three current references) can be attached to the application electronically or the materials may be sent by mail to:

Search Committee
Collections Coordinator
Ms. Leigh Butler, Library Personnel Administrator
2400 Joyner Library
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-4353

Official transcripts for required degrees must be received prior to any offer of employment.
Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
A criminal background report will be completed on the chosen candidate.

East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at (252) 737-1016 (Voice/TTY).

Joyner Library is dedicated to sustaining a diverse workforce and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Submitted on 2008-02-21

February 21, 2008 09:00 PM

State: North Carolina
J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University is expanding its services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing campus. This new position offers an opportunity for an innovative service-oriented librarian to manage the cataloging of the Library’s electronic and continuing resources. The position will report to the Assistant Director for Collections and Technical Services.

Responsibilities:
• Catalogs serials, electronic resources, and other continuing resources in all formats
• Develops and manages cataloging workflows to assure timely processing and continuous access to serials and e-resources
• Works collaboratively with Acquisitions and Collection Management to resolve complex access issues
• Provides leadership for supervision of the Electronic & Continuing Resources Cataloging Team
• Participates in setting goals, mentoring staff and encouraging teamwork in Technical Services and in the Library
• Works collaboratively with other cataloging teams to set policies and accomplish tasks
• Monitors cataloging and metadata standards development and LC changes in cataloging practices/policies with regard to electronic and continuing resources ; analyzes impacts of these changes and determines and implements appropriate changes in local practice
• Coordinates the evaluation and integration of MARC record collection sets and large subscription packages into the catalog
• Works collaboratively to address the cataloging of electronic resources for both Joyner and Laupus Libraries
• Consults with public services staff to improve patron access to electronic resources and serials
• Participates on various library committees relevant to the use of electronic resources
• Contributes to the content and coordinates maintenance of Technical Services web pages
Finalists will be asked to make a brief presentation during the on-campus interview.

Required Qualifications:
• ALA-accredited master’s degree or international equivalent in library or information science
• Mastery of traditional cataloging standards/practices (AACR2rev, LCRI, LCSH, MARC formats, etc.) for original and complex copy cataloging
• Experience with electronic resources cataloging and metadata schema
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical and project management skills
• Aptitude for complex and detailed work
• Ability to work independently, balance priorities, set and meet deadlines
• Commitment to quality service
• Ability to achieve tenure through effective job performance, contributions to the profession through research and scholarly publications, and involvement in regional or national library organizations

Preferred Qualifications:
• Additional graduate degree
• Substantial experience with e-resources in a medium-to-large academic or public library
• Experience with Serials Solutions products
• Experience with loading and batch processing of records
• Familiarity with the serials module of an integrated library system, especially SirsiDynix
• Familiarity with the cataloging module of an integrated library system, especially SirsiDynix
• Experience with cataloging traditional print serials
• Familiarity with link resolvers, discovery tools, ERMs, and other current library technologies
• Knowledge of current trends in scholarly communication
• Flexibility and initiative in enhancing service in a changing environment

Academic Library Services: Academic Library Services (ALS) supports the campus community’s mission of teaching, research, and service. ALS is a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), has an operating budget of $8 million and a materials budget of $5.5 million, and employs a staff of 109, including 35 faculty positions. It is a selective federal depository library. Visit the Library’s web site at http://www.lib.ecu.edu for additional information.

ALS recognizes that diversity and respect for human differences within the academy is a key source of intellectual vitality and innovative spirit, and encourages genuine respect for individual backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences, perspectives and opinions. ALS invites candidates from diverse backgrounds who will contribute affirmatively and creatively to the university's multicultural environment. We seek candidates who reflect the rich mix of backgrounds, life experiences, cultures, perspectives and world views found within our university and community.

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU enrolls nearly 26,000 students. It is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina and offers 106 bachelor’s degree programs, 71 master’s degree programs, 4 specialist degree programs, a first-professional degree in Medicine (MD) program and 16 doctoral programs in our professional colleges and schools.

The campus is located approximately 80 miles east Raleigh, and 80 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Additional information about ECU is available at http://www.ecu.edu.

ECU is a leader in the state in distance learning initiatives and holds Doctoral/Research Universities status as defined by The Carnegie Foundation.

Rank, Salary and Benefits: This is a twelve-month tenure track faculty position with a comprehensive fringe benefits package. Professional achievement, service, and research/creative activity are required for tenure and promotion. Salary will be commensurate with candidate’s experience and professional achievement (minimum salary of $45,000).

Application Process: Screening of applications will begin on March 31, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable. All applicants must apply online through ECU’s employment website at http://www.jobs.ecu.edu. Additional materials (letter of application; resume; copies of transcripts; and names and addresses, postal and email, of three current references) can be attached to the application electronically or the materials may be sent by mail to:

Search Committee
Electronic & Continuing Resources Cataloging Coordinator
Ms. Leigh Butler, Library Personnel Administrator
2400 Joyner Library
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-4353

Official transcripts for required degrees must be received prior to any offer of employment. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. A criminal background report will be completed on the chosen candidate. East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at (252) 737-1016 (Voice/TTY).

Joyner Library is dedicated to sustaining a diverse workforce and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Submitted on 2008-02-21

February 21, 2008 09:00 PM

February 21, 2008 07:32 PM

SLIS faculty member Rachel Applegate has been contracted to be an external 'evaluator' for the American Library Association Library Support Staff Certification Project (ALA-LSSCP).

This project is primarily an effort of the Allied Professionals Association (APA) division of ALA, along with the Western Council of State Libraries (WSCL), and received funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for 2007-2010.

Applegate gave information about the project:

"I have been contracted to be the external 'evaluator' for this project. During the design phase, this will take the form of formative evaluation, relying on interviewing and examination of products and inputs/outputs. During the last year of the project, I will create a final summative evaluation report for the project as a whole, again using multiple methods and with a broader scope, as many different constituencies will interact with the Project in its pilot phase. A separate 'assessment consultant' is being contracted to provide advice specifically on 'competency validation.'

This is a project designed primarily for academic and public library support staff. During the proposal development for this evaluator position I was happy to provide references in the form of assistance I have given to the University Library at IUPUI and to Carmel Clay Public Library, and also the wealth of experience that my students have shared with me. The Project Directors are Nancy Bolt of Golden, Colorado and Karen Strege of Seattle, Washington."

Below are excerpts from the official Frequently Asked Questions for the project:

What is the Library Support Staff Certification Program?
The Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSCP) was inspired by many years of discussion and by needs assessments with library support staff. In 2007, the American Library Association and the Western Council of State Libraries received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program to fund the development of such a national certification program. The project directors, ALA-APA and an Advisory Committee will use this grant to develop and test competencies, policies and procedures.

Why is this program needed?
According to the 2004 statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 230,843 workers are employed in U.S. academic and public libraries. Of these, 160,150 (69%) work as library support staff (LSS). We define library support staff as library employees holding jobs not requiring a Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS). This project addresses the following needs of these LSS employees: a national certification program to help the profession standardize expectations for LSS; mastery of critical job competencies; guidance for LSS training curriculums; and articulation of job requirements.

In 2005, the ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) and members of the Library Support Staff Interest Round Table (LSSIRT) received responses from 3,318 LSS to a survey about professional development and certification. In responding to this survey, 86% of respondents thought that a certification program would be beneficial. IN ADDITION, 76% said that nationally recognized professional standards were important and 66% support a national certification program to help them provide better service and grow in their chosen profession.

February 21, 2008 03:30 PM

Thomas Nisonger has published an article in Library Resources & Technical Services 52 (January 2008): 4-17, entitled "Use of the Checklist Method for Content Evaluation of Full Text Databases: An Investigation of Two Databases Based on Citations from Two Journals." An abstract of the article appears below. Nisonger is the Master of Library Science Program Director, and has regularly taught courses on Collection Development (S502) and Evaluation of Resources and Services (S505).

Abstract
"Following a detailed (but not comprehensive) review of the use of citation data as checklists for library collection evaluation, the use of this technique for evaluating database content is explained. This paper reports an investigation of the full text and indexing and abstracting coverage of Library Literature & Information Science Full Text and EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, based on checking citations to journal articles in the 2004 volumes of Library Resources & Technical Services and Collection Building. Analysis of these citations shows they were predominately to English-language library and information science journals published in the United States, with the majority dating from 2000 to 2004. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text contained 21.1 percent of the citations in full text format, while the corresponding figure for Academic Search Premier was 16.1 percent. The database coverage also is analyzed by publication date, country of origin, and Library of Congress classification number of cited items. Some limitations to the study are acknowledged, while issues for future research are outlined."

The checklist method has traditionally been used as a library collection evaluation method in which a library checks a list of books against its holdings. The first known use of the checklist method was Charles Coffin Jewett's evaluation of the Smithsonian Institute Library, published in 1849 and it has been used countless times since then for collection evaluation in libraries. This method represents one of a set of well-established collection evaluation methods, which were developed during the twentieth century for a stable print library environment. This article illustrates that the checklist method can be modified to evaluate the content of electronic databases. It also demonstrates that there are some limitations to the coverage of full text databases.

February 21, 2008 02:00 PM

I spent President's day... well, doing a lot of not much, really. I hung out at Tryst for a couple hours reading Swann's Way, then walked from Adams Morgan down to the area around Chinatown. Did a little shopping, headed back home, watched some Deadwood, did the late night jazz thing at U-topia. It was a really nice day. The President, himself, was busy in Africa being... well... self-absorbed and easily offended. Speaking of the Presidency, Obama won Wisconsin in part by eating in to Clinton's base. Early voting started in Texas today, where students at historically-black Prairie View A&M walked seven miles to vote to protest the county's decision to offer only one early voting location. Good for them. This is classic: the knuckle-draggers at The Corner are suggesting, in a round about way, that Obama is a communist half-Jew. Meanwhile, the ever-behind-the-curve Little Green Footballs alleges a cover up of Obama's Muslim roots. So, just so we're clear... Obama is obviously an atheistic, communist, half Jewish, half anti-semitic Jihadi something something. Seriously, you wonder how these people manage to dress themselves each day. Lawrence Lessig is running for Congress! Here's Matt Stoller's take. Here's a Reihan Salam guest blogging for Andrew Sullivan. Other are pointing out this Wired item on the free culture fight and a more personal New York profile. In other new media news, CNN producer fired for perblogging, then fires back at the network honchos via the same outlet. "We the Media," indeed. This reminds me of Meredith Vieria's apology after Jane Fonda said the word "cunt" on Today during a discussion of The Vagina Monologues: "It was a slip and obviously she apologizes and so do we," Vieira said. "We would do nothing to offend the audience, so please accept that apology." That an organization ostensibly dedicated to delivering "news" is dedicated in the first to not offending the viewer is at odds with their task. I want. Don't forget that I'm returning to Dahlak on Friday night for the next installment of Fatback, a funk, soul, and Motown night that's been drawing some nice crowds and getting great word of mouth. I'll be debuting some dusty 7"s from deep in my crates. Come on out!

February 21, 2008 07:30 AM

State: Texas
Texas A&M University Libraries is looking for a creative, energetic, and service-oriented librarian to help meet the ever-growing student and faculty information needs in the areas of education and the social sciences. This is an academic appointment carrying full faculty status and responsibilities including research, publication and service to meet both the Libraries’ and the University’s requirements for tenure and promotion. This is an entry level position.

Position Description: The Education and Social Sciences Librarian will provide reference services, collection development, and liaison services to faculty and students in assigned departments and programs in the colleges of Education and Human Development and/or Liberal Arts, as well as reference services and general outreach to various student populations on and off-campus. This individual will effectively build and manage information resources in the K-12 Curriculum Collection and other assigned subject areas. This individual will participate in developing and delivering instructional and outreach programs of the library in general and in support of teaching in assigned departments and programs.

Required Qualifications:
•American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Masters degree (or equivalent)
•Degree in education, social sciences, or humanities
•Excellent oral and written communication skills
•A commitment to strong customer service within and outside the libraries
•Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills complemented by the ability to take initiative
•Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work accurately and quickly
•Demonstrated ability to use basic desktop applications such as spreadsheet and database programs
•Capability to work independently
•Demonstrated experience working with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds
•Knowledge of emerging information technologies such as Web 2.0, Facebook, etc.

Desired Qualifications:
•Major in education or social sciences
•Teaching certification
•Classroom teaching experience in a K-12 setting
•Knowledge of children’s literature

ENVIRONMENT: Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University, the seventh largest university in the nation, has an enrollment of over 45,000 students. Texas A&M University Libraries is a member of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and is the University's principal research and information center, providing 3.9 million volumes, 5.6 million microforms, 52,000 print and electronic serial titles, more than 400,000 electronic books, and over 600 databases. The University Libraries ranks 18th among ARL libraries in materials expenditures, with an acquisition budget of $15.5m. There is a total budgeted staff of 268, including 85 librarians with faculty status. Librarians work in a sophisticated online environment utilizing Voyager, SFX, Metalib, Verde and a full range of automated information retrieval services.

Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience; salary is not less than $44,000. Excellent benefits include choice of health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax.

Application: Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2008. The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Your letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references* may be sent (1) via email to jkthorn@tamu.edu (preferred method of receipt) or (2) faxed to Joyce K. Thornton, 979-862-5161, or (3) mailed to Joyce K. Thornton, Head of Personnel, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000. An Equal Opportunity Employer, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic community. In that regard, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who are representative of the state’s diversity.

For more information about the library, see http://library.tamu.edu/portal/index.jsp , about the university, http://www.tamu.edu, and about the communities, http://www.visitaggieland.com.
* The Search Committee will not contact references without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission. Submitted on 2008-02-20

February 20, 2008 09:30 PM

State: Texas
The Texas A&M University Libraries seeks an energetic, enthusiastic, innovative and service-oriented colleague to join a user-focused team at one of the most dynamic universities in the nation. We seek a self-confident team player to provide innovative reference and instructional services and to help develop the business collection. This individual will join the West Campus Library team that is focused on meeting the ever changing information needs of the students, faculty, and staff of the Mays Business School and on serving the general university community through its patent and trademark services. This individual must have a genuine interest in helping students and faculty excel in their individual pursuits.

This is an academic appointment carrying full faculty status and responsibilities including research, publication and service to meet both the Libraries’ and the University’s requirements for tenure and promotion

Responsibilities: Working under the direction of the Director of the West Campus Library, the Business Librarian provides a full-range of user-centered support services:

•Provides general business reference assistance and specialized research consultations, both in-person and through a variety of technologies.
•Develops instructional materials in a variety of formats (e.g. print & electronic).
•Develops and presents instructional programs, including classroom instruction, informational seminars, and new student orientations.
•Collaborates in the development and management of the business collection, including the reference collection, the general collection in specific subject areas, and serial and database resources.
•Serves as liaison to one or more academic departments within the Mays Business School, and the wider campus community, through outreach and promotional activities targeted at undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
•Participates in committee work within Texas A&M University Libraries and completes special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
•American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Masters Degree (or equivalent).
•Demonstrated excellence in oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
•Demonstrated strong customer service orientation, both within and outside the libraries.
•Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population.
•Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of tasks and shifting priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
•Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team of energetic and highly innovative individuals, while also possessing the ability to work independently, take initiative and be self motivated.

Desired Qualifications:
•Undergraduate or graduate degree in business or economics, and/or business career experience.
•Subject specialty in finance.
•Experience in public services in an academic or special library.
•Demonstrated interest in use of technologies to enhance user services
•Experience with development and provision of instructional programs and materials.
•Knowledge of and experience with print and electronic business resources.
•Experience with collection development
•Demonstrated record of ongoing professional development and contribution.
•Familiarity with patent and trademark resources

Environment: The West Campus Library, with five faculty and eight staff, operates in a modern 38,000 square foot facility, serving students and faculty of the Mays Business School. The Mays School consistently ranks among the top programs in the United States at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The MBA Program is currently ranked 14th among public schools by U.S. News & World Report. The library seats 1,000 students and houses the R.C. Barclay Reference and Retailing Resources Center on its 1st floor. The Barclay Center contains 40 computers, a reference collection of approximately 1,300 volumes, an extensive array of electronic resources, and is home to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Depository. The building also features 15 computer equipped group study rooms.

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University, the seventh largest university in the nation, has an enrollment of over 45,000 students. Texas A&M University Libraries is a member of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and is the University's principal research and information center, providing 3.9 million volumes, 5.6 million microforms, 52,000 print and electronic serial titles, more than 400,000 electronic books, and over 600 databases. The University Libraries ranks 18th among ARL libraries in materials expenditures, with an acquisition budget of $15.5m. There is a total budgeted staff of 268, including 85 librarians with faculty status. Librarians work in a sophisticated online environment utilizing Voyager, SFX, Metalib, Verde and a full range of automated information retrieval services.

Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience; salary is not less than $44,000. Excellent benefits include choice of health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax.

Application: Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2008, and will continue until the position is filled. The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Your letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references* may be sent (1) via email to jkthorn@tamu.edu or (2) faxed to Joyce K. Thornton, 979-862-5161, or (3) mailed to Joyce K. Thornton, Head of Personnel, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000. An Equal Opportunity Employer, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic community. In that regard, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who are representative of the state’s diversity.

For more information about the library, see http://library.tamu.edu/portal/index.jsp , about the university, http://www.tamu.edu, and about the communities, http://www.visitaggieland.com.
* The Search Committee will not contact references without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission. Submitted on 2008-02-20

February 20, 2008 09:30 PM

MIS Program Director and Associate Dean Howard Rosenbaum recently announced the good news that SLIS graduate Doug Fischels got a job at Microsoft. He commented:

"Doug is a real SLIS success story. He took full advantage of what the MIS had to offer. He was a good student and I am proud that he was able to take what he learned to forge an exciting career for himself."

Doug was one of early graduates of the Master of Information Science degree program. The MIS degree was established at SLIS in 1995, and has over 300 graduates.

---

We wrote to Doug to ask about his new position, and he responded:

1. New Job Title/Place/Town
Microsoft Service Manager - Redmond, Washington

2. What you'll be doing
Microsoft focal point for several enterprise customers subscribed to hosted Sharepoint

3. What you did after SLIS
I went to work for a well-respected vendor in the Telecommunications industry. I started in various technical roles, then transitioned to technical project management, and eventually I became a program manager.

4. Favorite courses/experiences while at SLIS
I enjoyed many classes; but the ones I benefited from most required me to work on real projects as part of a team. For me, the course that embodied this model best was Ecommerce [with Howard Rosenbaum].

5. Advice for SLIS students on careers/job search...
Take every opportunity to build up relationships with fellow students and colleagues. With a strong foundation, these networks will be there to draw from when you need them.

February 20, 2008 09:30 PM

Phil Bantin, director of the Indiana University Archives, (and director of the SLIS Archives and Records Management Specialization), has recently published a new book, Understanding Data and Information Systems for Recordkeeping. He provided a statement about the audience and issues of the book:

"In any analysis of the status of electronic records management within the enterprise, archivists and records managers must be asking two basic questions: what do we want to achieve or what will be, and what is the nature of the existing information or what is. To answer the first question, we will rely on our recordkeeping functional requirements and metadata specifications. To answer the latter question, we will need data on how existing information systems are designed, and how they manage data, information and records. Unfortunately, I believe most archivists and records managers still do not adequately understand the design features and existing functionality of the prominent data and information systems used by most institutions. Until we remedy this situation I believe we cannot make a major impact on the recordkeeping practices within the enterprise. This book is dedicated to providing archivists and records managers with some basic information on how prominent information systems employed within in the enterprise are designed and how they manage data and information."

Description from Neal-Schuman Publishers
"Essential Tools for Information Professionals"

Making sense of the myriad of options for managing records

Content management systems, data warehouses, relational databases — the ways an institution can organize and store its information are changing rapidly. Here is a comprehensive guide to the new technologies that can help us better organize vital documents and information for preservation, search, and retrieval. Bantin looks at the major types of resources — relational databases; data warehouses; and content, document, and knowledge management systems — and the ways each captures, stores, and manages records. Each system is evaluated in light of its ability to manage digital content over the long-term. Bantin also offers suggestions for adapting turnkey systems to better serve organizational needs, tips for implementing systems assessment, and guidance for ensuring systems comply with legal requirements. This is an essential resource for any organization interested in utilizing technology to better maintain their organizational records and data.

Related Items

• Archives and Records Management Specialization
• Indiana University Archives
• New Location for the IU Archives (story)
• Phil Bantin, Liberian Presidential and National Archives Project (story)

February 20, 2008 07:00 PM

State: Texas
http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/hreeo/job/jobDescription.asp?PID=264

Job Title: Web Services Librarian
Posted 2/15/2008
Closing Date 3/10/2008
Division/ Department Library
Location Commerce, TX
Salary Commensurate with qualificaitons and experience
Security Sensitive Position Yes

Major Job Duties

The Web Services Librarian will develop web-based approaches to providing access to services and resources. The Web Services Librarian will facilitate planning and decision making, resolve problems, implement projects, improve customer service and ensure the smooth delivery of services.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Collaborate with library faculty and staff to articulate a vision and develop strategic plans for the library web sites and Web-based services.
• Design usable and accessible web sites to enable students and faculty to effectively use library services and resources for their learning and research needs.
• As Webmaster of library web sites, coordinate content development, evaluate online content and services, develop guidelines and standards, and manage the daily maintenance and support of the web sites.
• Lead and facilitate continual updating and upgrading of web site content.
• Contribute to virtual service offerings such as the Web OPAC, digital collections, federated searching, open URL resolver, etc.
• Provide expertise and support for library staff developing Web-based instruction.
• Develop and implement a regular program to test usability and effectiveness of the Library’s Web presence.
• Anticipate Web trends, investigate their application to the academic library and develop new Web-based services.
• Support the virtual reference team by implementing technology such as IM, podcasting, blogs, wikis, and streaming audio/video.
• Serve on library and university committees as appointed.
• Maintain professional expertise appropriate to meet service and planning requirements in assigned areas.• Contribute to the effective team management of all relevant problems, issues and opportunities.

Required Education and Experience

Requires a Master of Library Science or Master of Information Science degree and relevant experience

Knowledge & Skills Required:

• Demonstrated knowledge of effective Web interface design, information architecture, usability and accessibility;
• Demonstrated ability to build effective web sites using state-of-the-art Web authoring tools;
• Demonstrated desire to seek out and learn new technology;
• Knowledge of best practices, standards, issues and trends relevant to Web and information technology in academic libraries;
• Strong commitment to responsive and innovative service;
• Ability to balance varied responsibilities;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, faculty, and students;
• Skill in formatting information for ease of access, including ADA compliance.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Computer science degree or degree in relevant field;
• Two or more years experience with web page development and management in an academic library setting;
• Experience with ERMS, Web 2.0 applications, open URL/Serials Solutions software, citation management software, electronic publishing.

Comments to Applicants

Priority consideration will be given to submissions received by March 10, 2008. Application review begins immediately. Exceptional benefits are available. The retirement plan includes a choice of TRS or an optional retirement plan. Benefits also include health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and optional coverage such as dental and vision plans. There are 13 paid holidays plus accured vacation and sick-leave. Commerce is 65 miles from downtown Dallas with easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment in the Metroplex. Commerce also has the advantage of being a small town with a low cost of living. It also offers various educational, social, and entertainment opportunities.

Required Documents

• Cover letter (include position title and PIN number)
• Vita/resume • Three professional references (include name, address and daytime phone number)
• Transcripts
• University employment application (http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/hreeo/forms.html)
• Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit an electronic portfolio.

Send Application To

Marsha Keenan Systems Librarian
Gee Library Texas A&M University-Commerce
PO Box 3022 Commerce, TX 75429

Telephone: 903-886-5727
Fax: 903-886-5434
Marsha_Keenan@tamu-commerce.edu Submitted on 2008-02-20

February 20, 2008 06:30 PM

The newest issue of Ecology and Society includes an article by SLIS faculty member Hamid Ekbia and University of Redlands faculty member Thomas E.J. Leuteritz entitled "Not All Roads Lead to Resilience: a Complex Systems Approach to the Comparative Analysis of Tortoises in Arid Ecosystems."

"My friend Thomas Leuteritz is a biologist and an international expert on tortoises," says Ekbia, who worked with Leuteritz while serving as an assistant professor in the University of Redlands Computer Science Department before coming to SLIS.

The publishing of this article in Ecology and Society, "an electronic, peer-reviewed, multi-disciplinary journal devoted to the rapid dissemination of current research" (Ecology and Society, "Editorial Policies"), follows Ekbia's recent presentation at a University of Redlands workshop covering Spatial Decision Support Systems in support of the Desert Tortoise Project.

Article Citation
Leuteritz, T. E. J., and H. R. Ekbia. 2008. Not all roads lead to resilience: a complex systems approach to the comparative analysis of tortoises in arid ecosystems. Ecology and Society 13(1): 1. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol13/iss1/art1/

Abstract
The concept of resilience has been widely used in the study of social-ecological systems, with its key components identified as resistance, latitude, and precariousness. We use this concept to examine the differences among three semi-arid regions in terms of these three components. We do this by examining the status of tortoises that occur in the dry spiny forest Madagascar, the Karoo of South Africa, and the Mojave Desert of the United States as an indicator of the health and resilience of their respective ecosystems. Our findings demonstrate the tight coupling between societal development and ecosystem dynamics, the role of diversity in enhancing resilience, and the significance of local communal knowledge in sustaining it. Our findings also suggest that at each of the three sites, social parameters are the dominant drivers of change in the overall social-ecological system. We borrow the notions of control parameter and collective variable from dynamical systems theory to hypothesize that in present-day societies, social parameters might in fact be the control parameters of the greater social-ecological system, and that resilience is the collective variable that captures and demonstrates the overall behavior of the system.

February 20, 2008 04:00 PM

State: Vermont
Champlain College seeks an enthusiastic, collegial, and service-oriented Librarian to serve as an integral member of a team providing high-quality academic library services in an innovative setting. The position will play a lead role in expanding the Library's outreach through thoughtful and effective use of emerging technologies.

Design, create, and maintain Internet-based library services for online, distance and residential students, including web-based tools, real-time interactive tools, and similar functions; coordinate the planning, development, implementation and support of online library technologies, systems and services; keep current in the latest developments in library technology, Web-based support, and other emerging technologies; share new technologies within the Library and beyond; share in reference, collection development, instruction, and other public services.

The successful candidate will show creativity, initiative, and flexibility, and will work collaboratively within the library, on campus, and in the profession. We seek a team player who will contribute to a technologically dynamic organization and help shape the future of a growing college library (see http://www.champlain.edu/library/).

Master's degree in library science or related field from an ALA-accredited program; demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with students, faculty and staff; plan projects, manage a variety of responsibilities, and apply new technologies to library operations; familiarity and experience with emerging technologies for synchronous and asynchronous library service delivery; and demonstrated expertise in web design and website maintenance. Applications are welcomed from experienced professionals as well as recent graduates.

Application deadline: March 15, 2008. Please submit letter of application and resume/cv online at: www.champlain.edu/hr.

Champlain College values, supports and encourages diversity of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives of students, faculty and staff. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Submitted on 2008-02-20

February 20, 2008 03:00 PM

SLIS graduate Robert Mixner gave insights about his new job at Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Indiana through an email interview. Alumni are encouraged to write SLIS about their jobs. It helps prospective and current students think about opportunities in the profession.

Post your News using the SLIS News Form - or -

Quickly post a Recent Job Success.

Interview with Robert Mixner

1. What is your official job title?
Reference Librarian

2. What are your main duties?
I work the reference desk, usually for about half the work day, where I research questions for patrons both in person and over the phone, help patrons find books, and assist them with various issues related to 24 computers (with internet access) available to the public. In addition, I manage three Dewey ranges/collections: 800s (literature, literary criticism, plays, poetry), 700-780 (art, architecture, cartoon collections, crafts, and hobbies), and the graphic novel and manga collection.

3. What do you like most about your job?
I like feeling as if I've had a positive impact on someone. This doesn't always — or usually — mean that I've given life-changing or life-saving information, but that I've answered the question to the person's satisfaction. In the same way, I like to feel as if the books I select will reach an audience, and when they do, I enjoy discovering that.

4. Were there any experiences you had at SLIS, in or outside the classroom, that especially prepared you for your work?
For a reference librarian probably the most important information was a study I heard about in class about patron satisfaction with the reference experience: a polite attitude from the reference librarian had more to do with patron satisfaction than the answer to the reference question, or if the patron even received an answer. I've discovered this to be usually true. I can't always find the answer to a question, but patience and politeness go a long way to ameliorating that.

5. Do you have any advice for current students, either in terms of getting the most out of their education at SLIS or general career advice?
For working in a public library, having a broad (if not necessarily deep) field of knowledge is helpful, so taking a varied course load helps, as does reading the news frequently. As far as finding a job, be sure everyone you know is aware when you start looking for a job; you're more likely to turn up something that way.

February 20, 2008 01:30 PM

I posted a little while ago about the fantastic summer workshops offered by the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Mass. Another program I've attended more than once, and have enjoyed a great deal, is the Iowa Summer Writing Festival in the infamous Iowa City. Unlike the MFA program at the U. of Iowa, the workshops at the Summer Writing Festival are not competitive to get in -- they're open to anyone. They don't have the rockstar big-name faculty that Provincetown does, but the teachers I've worked with there -- Meredith Stricker, Michael Carey, Kathleen Peirce -- have all been very good. They offer a number of workshops suitable for beginning to intermediate writers (as well as some more advanced possibilities), and in addition to the usual week-long workshop they have a bunch of weekend ones, which are fun. Plus, you can visit Prairie Lights, one of my favorite bookstores!

Full disclosure: I haven't been to the Summer Writing Festival, or to Iowa City at all, in quite a few years. I think the last time I went was around 1992 or 1993. But I'm guessing that it is still a worthwhile program.

February 20, 2008 12:10 AM

State: Kansas
The Humanities Librarian for English Language and Literature works in a team environment to build print and digital collections; to provide specialized reference, instruction, consultation and outreach services to a diverse campus community; and to create new services and programs within an environment of rapidly changing information technologies, scholarly communication models, and interdisciplinary emphasis.

The Librarian reports to the Head of Collection Development within the University Libraries and is the liaison to English. S/he may also work with other academic departments within the humanities and serves as an important contributor to the development and promotion of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library’s rare book and manuscript collections.

Responsibilities

Develop collections and strengthen user services to support research and teaching programs in English and the humanities through strong working relationships with faculty and students in the assigned academic unit(s)

Select research materials and manage the budget for English and assigned disciplines, with emphasis on materials that will directly support faculty and undergraduate/graduate student research. The English collection includes core scholarly works, current literature, and creative writing: novels, poems, and drama. Work cooperatively with other subject specialists in the development of interdisciplinary collections supporting teaching and research.

Identify and recommend humanities resources within KU’s permanent collections for digitization, working closely with other subject specialists, digital librarians, and technology staff to establish new local digital collections. Participate in campus initiatives that strengthen support for digital humanities.

Foster faculty collaborations in a wide range of Libraries initiatives, including KU ScholarWorks, scholarly publishing opportunities, support of faculty research, and the integration of coursework with library services and information literacy approaches.

Provide support for faculty and students in the use of humanities materials through instruction, in-depth reference, web-based communication and the development and maintenance of web-based guides or resources.

Teach library instruction sessions for English courses, generally 200-level or above, and participate in campus-wide information literacy instruction programs serving students in first-year-experience programs, general education programs and advanced courses in liaison disciplines.

Partner with colleagues in the collections and instruction areas to develop and present a program of instructional initiatives directed at extending staff and user knowledge in areas of specialization.

Share responsibilities for providing information and general reference services in person, by telephone and electronically (email & instant messaging).

Required Qualifications

Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association

Excellence in written communication as demonstrated by quality of application materials

Minimum of 3 years work experience in an academic or research library with responsibilities for collection development and/or reference and instruction.

Knowledge of print and electronic information resources in English language, literature, and contemporary literature, including bibliographic and small press publications and full-text resources as detailed in application materials.

Demonstrated experience with current and emerging trends and technologies in academic libraries as evidenced in application materials

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in English.

Demonstrated excellence in oral communication skills.

Familiarity with contemporary humanities curricula and research methodologies.

Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse faculty, students, and staff.

Familiarity with collection development methodologies in research libraries, trends in digital library development, and principles of scholarly communication in the context of rapidly developing technologies.

Strong commitment to instruction and public service.

Recent experience in teaching, library instruction or technology training and knowledge of instructional theory, philosophy, and practice.

Experience managing a collections budget.

Proficiency in a western European language.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Terms of Appointment:

Librarians at the University of Kansas are members of the University faculty. Librarians are evaluated annually first and foremost on the performance of professional responsibilities. In addition, librarians are expected to participate in, and are evaluated on, research, and service to the Libraries, the University, and the profession.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon appointment.
Environment
Opened in 1866, the University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The largest of the Kansas regents’ institutions, KU annually awards more than 3,500 bachelor's degrees and 1,000 graduate degrees, including 200 doctoral degrees. The University of Kansas holds membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Research awards at the University of Kansas soared 13 percent to a record $218 million in the past fiscal year, a nearly 50 percent increase in just the past five years.
The University of Kansas Libraries is a founding member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, BioOne, and the Greater Western Library Alliance. KU Libraries own over four million volumes in seven library facilities in Lawrence and one in Kansas City. The Libraries support more than 27,000 students and 2,100 faculty members. Fifty-two librarians and 112 staff members contribute to an energetic work environment where innovation and collaboration across campus are encouraged and valued. A major division within Information Services, the University of Kansas Libraries partners with Information Technology to deliver innovative content and technology services to support research and learning. Additional information about Information Services is available at http://www.informationservices.ku.edu
Additional information about the University, the Libraries, and its collections can be found at http://www.ku.edu and http://www.lib.ku.edu.
Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation, KU's main campus occupies 1,000 acres on and around Mount Oread in Lawrence, a community of 90,000 among the forested hills of eastern Kansas. The campus offers a rich cultural life, including several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Spencer Museum of Art, long considered one of the top teaching museums in the nation. The Lied Center, a $14.3 million, state-of-the-art performing arts center, hosts a variety of concerts, plays, dance performances and Broadway shows. The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, an $11-million, 28,000-square-foot facility, houses dynamic exhibits and the world's largest congressional archive.

Lawrence is conveniently situated between two large cities. Thirty minutes to the east, Metropolitan Kansas City, with a population of nearly 2 million, offers attractive cultural resources including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Jazz Museum, the Lyric Opera, the Kansas City Ballet and the Linda Hall Library, one of the largest engineering, science and technology libraries in the world. Twenty minutes to the west is Topeka, the capitol city with 122,000 residents. It is home of the Kansas State Historical Society, the State Capitol Complex and the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library.
More information about Lawrence is available at: www.visitlawrence.com.
Application Procedures
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will be April 1, 2008. Complete application includes: letter of interest which addresses each of the required and preferred qualifications, curriculum vitae, and the names with contact information of three references. Send to: Humanities Librarian Search Committee, University of Kansas Libraries, 502 Watson, 1425 Jayhawk Boulevard, University of Kansas, Lawrence KS 66045-7535, fax 785-864-5311, rcwilson@ku.edu. E-mail submission is encouraged.
To view full description, go to https://jobs.ku.edu. Search for position 00201798.
Excellent benefits include a choice of health plans and the option for TIAA-CREF retirement benefits. Additional information about employment benefits at Kansas University may be found at http://hreo.ku.edu/prospective_faculty_staff.
The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University encourages applications from underrepresented group members. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status. Submitted on 2008-02-19

February 19, 2008 09:00 PM

State: New York
St. Lawrence University seeks applicants for a full-time position in the Department of Web Services responsible for developing and maintaining web design and content for the University’s website. The admissions and financial aid websites will be primary responsibilities for this position. Work will also include aspects of the site that relate to the recruitment of new students, and other duties assigned.

This position will work primarily to support the University’s online efforts to attract prospective students. This will include day-to-day maintenance of the admissions and financial aid website, as well as developing new initiatives for that site, both independently and through close consultation with admissions and financial aid staff. In addition, this person will be looking at ways to utilize other areas of the site to make sure that they are up-to-date and accurately reflect the mission of the University. Those efforts would include working with other web managers on campus to develop and design web pages.

The web designer/content manager reports to the director of web services within the office of University Communications, with reporting responsibilities to the admissions and financial aid division as well. This person will be expected to create a strong relationship with all members of the admissions and financial aid office, including attending staff meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications: This position requires a balance of technical proficiencies with strategic marketing and communications skills. The successful candidate will have a thorough grasp of the opportunities inherent in the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Bachelor's degree with strong computer experience in HTML and CSS authoring, image editing, and page layout software required. Software requirements would include knowledge of html editors such as Dreamweaver, and image editing programs such as Photoshop, Fireworks and Flash. In addition, candidates with knowledge of PHP, JavaScript and other web development/authoring tools, as well as experience developing motion graphics projects, will be given preference. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communications, editorial, graphics and collaboration skills. Experience working in a higher education environment, familiarity with a Liberal Arts college and/or familiarity with St. Lawrence University advantageous.

Application: Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume and statement of philosophy about web structure and potential, and URL samples of prior work. Send materials to: Mark Mende, Chair, Web Designer/Content Manager Search Committee, University Communications, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617. Email: mmende@stlawu.edu. Active screening of applications begins immediately. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is selected.

St. Lawrence University, chartered in 1856, is the oldest continuously coeducational institution of higher learning in New York State . See SLU’s homepage for additional information http://www.stlawu.edu/. St. Lawrence University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

http://www.stlawu.edu/resources/positions/administrative/2007-2008/ university%20communications%20-%20web%20designer%20content %20manager.html
Posted: February 13, 2008

Human Resources/Office of Equity Programs
St. Lawrence University
(315) 229-5509
Maintained by Karen Butler Submitted on 2008-02-19

February 19, 2008 08:00 PM

State: Ohio
The University of Cincinnati invites applications and nominations for
the position of Reference/Collections Librarian in the Archives & Rare
Books Library at the rank of Assistant Librarian. We seek a
service-oriented individual committed to providing outstanding reference
services, processing archival collections for research, and developing
programs and services for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and
scholars, as well as the University of Cincinnati administration and
staff. The Reference/Collections Librarian is a member of the University
Libraries faculty, and will participate in library-wide reference
services and initiatives. This faculty position reports to and receives
direction from the Head of the Archives & Rare Books Library.
*Environment: *The Archives & Rare Books Library (ARB) serves all
colleges and administrative units of the University of Cincinnati, as
well as makes available its collections for reference and research by
the general public. The collecting divisions of the Library are the
University Archives, the University’s Rare Books Collection, the Urban
Studies Archive, and the German-Americana Collection. Additionally, the
Archives & Rare Books Library is responsible for the implementation and
management of the University’s Records Management Program and ARB
participates in the local government records program of the Ohio
Historical Society. The ARB Web site is:
http://www.libraries.uc.edu/libraries/arb/archives.
The Archives & Rare Books Library is one of the 10 University Libraries.
A member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the libraries
provide access to research collections of more than 3.2 million volumes,
42,000+ periodical subscriptions, and hundreds of thousands of e-books
and full-text articles online. The 100 library faculty and staff and 275
UC student workers serve the research needs of the entire UC community.
For additional information about University Libraries, please visit:
www.libraries.uc.edu
The University of Cincinnati is a Carnegie Research 1 institution with
an international reputation. It is a large, public, urban university
with a diverse student population of approximately 35,000. A charter
member of the Association of Research Libraries, the University of
Cincinnati is also a leader in the nationally recognized OhioLINK
Library Consortium. For additional information about the University of
Cincinnati please visit: http://www.uc.edu/about/
The Cincinnati area, a 15-county region, offers world-class assets in
arts and culture, amusements, hospitality, sports, education and
recreation. Cincinnati features all the amenities of a large, bustling
metropolis. The city offers a variety of cultural amenities, including art museums,
symphonies, opera and theater, a zoo, fine restaurants, and professional
sports events. Visit: www.cincinnatiusa.com
*Duties and Responsibilities: *Provides reference services for the
holdings and databases of the Archives & Rare Books Library; assists in
preparing online and hard copy materials that provide information about
the holdings; participates in ARB lecture and classroom presentation
programs and consults regularly with faculty regarding the use of ARB
holdings and services; assists with collection development and
participates in developing policies and priorities; assists in
maintaining the University Archives and other collecting areas,
including collecting, organizing, inventorying, and preserving
collections as well as routine collection and stacks maintenance;
assists in developing Web page content; participates in ARB efforts in
University Libraries strategic planning; may supervise ARB student
workers and support staff as needed; and actively participates in
library committees, meetings, and workshops as appropriate.
*Qualifications:* MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program, preferably
with specialization in rare books, archives or archival studies;
experience in providing reference assistance, preferably in an academic
library; reading knowledge of a foreign language, preferably German;
working knowledge of current information technologies in libraries,
including electronic resources and basic Web design; training and/or
experience with archival materials and basic knowledge of archival
methods; demonstrated ability to work independently and to contribute
positively to a collegial work environment; demonstrated ability to
communicate effectively in writing and orally; strong commitment to
innovative and responsive public service; ability and interest in
fulfilling the University’s requirements for tenure and promotion,
including a commitment to professional growth and development, training
and/or experience with rare books preferred, and the ability to lift and
carry standard archival boxes and materials.
*Salary and Benefits: *This is a 12-month tenure track faculty position.
Minimum salary is $42,298. Rank and salary are dependent on experience
and qualifications. Benefits include health care, retirement plan, 22
days vacation, sick leave, and tuition remission for self and immediate
family.
*Apply: *Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2008, and
continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted
online at www.jobsatuc.com (search for
position number 27UC4029)
Or go to www.jobsatuc.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62528
.
Please attach a cover letter, resume and the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of three references.
The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action
employer. Submitted on 2008-02-18

February 19, 2008 01:30 PM

SLIS faculty member Rachel Applegate and David Lewis (Dean of the University Library, IUPUI) co-authored a chapter in the newly released book Our New Public, a Changing Clientele: Bewildering Issues or New Challenges for Managing Libraries?

Their chapter is titled "Renewing the Tech-Forward Library: Information Commons Development at the University Library of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis." In an email interview, Applegate provided some details on the chapter:

"This chapter describes a multi-step process in designing new academic / information commons space in the main University Library on the IUPUI campus. Preliminary data from exit surveys, informal interviews, and observation indicated a need to increase group work space.

During Fall of 2005, a pilot commons area was created, with a variety of seating and studying configurations. Systematic data was gathered by means of pop-up surveys of library users, randomized web-cam observations, and limited interviews, to guide design of the full implementation (approximately 4 times the size of pilot area).

The new area is spacious for individual learners, while flexible enough to accommodate groups later in the semester, with privacy-enhancing partitions and moveable whiteboards. While students generally would like the use of separate group study rooms, the new information commons area effective meets a variety of needs.

(The chapter was written and accepted in the summer of 2006; the book's final draft was in process in fall of 2007, and the book appeared in January of 2008).

The "academic / information commons" is deliberate. Naming issues get about 3 paragraphs in the chapter itself!"

Applegate, Rachel, and David Lewis. "Renewing the Tech-Forward Library: Information Commons Development at the University Library of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis." Our New Public, a Changing Clientele: Bewildering Issues or New Challenges for Managing Libraries? Eds. James R. Kennedy, Lisa Vardaman and Gerard McCabe. Libraries Unlimited Library Management Collection. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2008. 225-40.

February 19, 2008 01:30 PM

State: California
California State University Northridge seeks energetic, service-oriented and creative applicants for the position of Science Librarian, to provide user education and consultation with a subject focus on Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Geology. Under the direction of the Chair of Technical Services, the incumbent serves as a member of the Sciences team and works collaboratively with colleagues in related science areas and with the Collection Development Coordinator and other bibliographers in building services and collections to meet the needs of a large, active and diverse clientele. In addition to assuming core responsibilities of collection development and bibliographic instruction in the above-mentioned disciplines, the incumbent will provide general reference services and collection management, and will serve as liaison to the departments listed above. Incumbent will serve at the reference desk, with some evening and weekend hour assignments.

For the full position description, and details about how to apply please see: http://www.csun.edu/facultyaffairs/openings/position/0868.pdf

Application Deadline: Screening to begin on and priority given to applications received by May 1, 2008 ; position is open until filled.

Effective Date of Appointment: August 1, 2008

Danielle Skaggs
Coordinator of Online Instructional Design
Oviatt Library, California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8327 818-677-6808 danielle.skaggs@csun.edu Submitted on 2008-02-18

February 18, 2008 05:31 PM

State: Illinois
Greenville College (IL), a 1500-student Christian liberal arts college, is seeking outstanding early-career candidates for an assistant librarian in periodicals. This is a 12-month non-tenure-track faculty position. The successful candidate will have an ALA accredited MLS, familiarity with a variety of online database search interfaces, excellent computer skills, and excellent written/verbal communication skills. Experience in academic library periodicals management is desired, as is familiarity with ExLibris’ Voyager integrated library system serials module, EBSCONET, and ExLibris’ SFX link resolver system. Candidates must be committed to serving as role models for students within a community of Christian scholarship and have a vibrant Christian faith. Details about the application process are available at http://www.greenville.edu/about_gc/job_openings . Review of candidates begins March 15. Submitted on 2008-02-15

February 18, 2008 01:00 PM

So, I finally got onto Facebook. It's pretty much eaten up my weekend, though I don't think it will be that high-maintenance on an ongoing basis (let's hope not anyway). If you're on there and I haven't spammed you sent you a friend request yet, look me up! I've already tracked down a couple of people I'd more or less lost touch with.

Anyway it wouldn't be so terribly time-consuming, except I added the "Catbook" application and now both of my cats have their own friends, which they are somehow too lazy to maintain themselves so I find myself acting as their amanuensis. Plus I have to go through and pet all my cats' friends, and the Catbook application is all buggy so it gives me error messages and I wind up petting one cat four times instead of petting four cats once each.

Yes, it is a strange new world.

Also, I got a new cellphone, and it has a camera and everything (my old one didn't), and it's bright pink! It took me like an hour to get all of my contacts typed into it. I think people in their teens and twenties must have different muscles in their thumbs than I have in mine, because it was really awkward doing all that. Hi, I'm old.

Also this weekend, I scheduled a recording session (doesn't that just make me sound like a little rockstar, ha!) at the local NPR station, where I'll be featured on two upcoming episodes of the weekly five-minute poetry show. Yes, I'll let you all know when it's scheduled to air. They stream online and you can also grab it as a podcast, so if you're interested in hearing it, you should be able to do so. Technology rocks, sometimes.

My low-tech pleasure this weekend was diving into the first issue of Barn Owl Review. I won't go so far as to say that every single poem blew me away, but there are more I loved than didn't love, which is not something I say very often about literary journals. Plenty of good stuff. If you haven't bought a copy yet, what are you waiting for?

February 18, 2008 11:48 AM

Don't forget that Sean and I are DJing at Dahlak tonight! Turn up the stereo, up some mo'. Electro, retro, ghetto, house, and techno. Shake and pop, shake shake and pop... Dahlak Restaurant 1771 U St NW Washington, DC 20009 Music starts at 9:30 No cover, no dress code. Also, the following Friday (Feb. 22), I'll be returning to Dahlak for the next installment of Fatback, a funk, soul, and Motown night. I'll be pulling some dusty 7"s from deep in my crates for that. NYTimes: Democrats Look to Avoid Convention Rift... Former Vice President Al Gore and a number of other senior Democrats plan to remain neutral for now in the presidential