EDITORIAL AND HOLLOW LAUGHTER
We librarians try not to show in public--especially at the reference desk--just how amusing and/or horrifying we sometimes find the public. The poor souls who innocently ask about the 'carpool tunnel syndrome' or the Biblical work by J. Cox ('Jacob') or even if the 7th floor is upstairs are all met with stoic and stern, albeit friendly, visages. An exception to this rule, however, are the patrons who plaintively ask, "I miss the card catalog! Don't you miss the card catalog?" Most librarians burst into merry laughter before yelling, "NO, WE DON'T MISS IT! We could hardly wait to get the damn thing out of here!" After all, what is there to miss? Oh, yes, the torn and cut cuticles bleeding all over the cards, along with the deep paper cuts! The times the rod was pulled and the tray was dropped, along with all the cards! Don't forget when all of the author cards for Hemingway went missing because a student didn't want to have to write down the call
numbers! And yes, the BIG AND EARNEST DEBATE over replacing the subjects that used to be typed in red ink with all black caps because red ink ribbon was no longer being manufactured--one would think that was a no brainer discussion, but nooooo!
Whew. I must think calm and relaxing thoughts. My blood pressure rose there until I almost looked like an old subject heading. And speaking (calmly) of the card catalog, there were the FILING RULES --supposedly from the Library of Congress but always with local exceptions that made filing difficult. Not to mention the typist who consistently used Ls instead of ones because they were too lazy to reach up with the left hand (and weren't those dates fun to correct once the entries were transferred to computer
files! No, they weren't!) The classes we had to teach over and over again on the difference between an author and subject heading. The interpretation of titles--did it mean "1492" as in "fourteen ninety two" or as in "one thousand four hundred and ninety two" which are filed much differently. I won't even hint about card production--surely you didn't think they arrived ready-made!
It was a wonderful day for librarianship when we closed out the card catalog and used the cards for scrap. The online catalog has made all the difference in ease of use for our patrons. There is still a lot of work
involved in maintaining the online catalog, of course, but bleeding cuticles are no longer a problem. The computer world has always been amazed at how the library world has jumped on the computer bandwagon. They wouldn't be so surprised if they only knew how much better our hands look now!
Please enjoy this issue. Thank you for all the amazing comments and compliments we've received from you, sob, the reading public! If you have any compliments or positive comments about this newsletter, please feel free to contact me at: sacdocs@accd.edu. We'll see you in the Fall!
Christina H. Petimezas
Head of Technical Services
IN THIS ISSUE:
|
|
|
ADDY AWARD FOR GRAPHIC ARTS INTERN
Graphic Arts intern Weslee Baerga recently won a silver "Addy" award for print media. Baerga's entry titled "Firewire," promotes a fictional rock group. The Addy awards are an annual contest sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. Students compete at the regional level.
A native of Killeen, Baerga will graduate in May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in print graphics. His major projects for the Graphic Arts section include the cover for the 2003 summer catalog and a comprehensive brochure for the Counseling Department.
His supervisor Dana Morris reports, " Wes has a good attitude, he's self-motivated, talented, and he has a bright future. Any employer would be fortunate to hire him." When asked what his dream job would be in graphic arts, Wes answers, "My dream job would be any job in the graphic arts field."
Stephen C. Dingman
ASK A LIBRARIAN: E-REFERENCE - CHECK OUT A LIBRARIAN!
( We thought you would never ask. ) That's right.at the "Ask a Librarian" link found on the Library's home page, you can ask a librarian any question you please---that is, about library-related research. You no longer have to visit or call the Reference Desk. Simply submit your question and a response will come within 24 hours (except for holidays and breaks between semesters). The service is designed to meet the needs of students doing their research from home or when the library is closed. The E-reference
team consists of six eager librarians who will assist you with your research whether it's a factual question or how to get started. They are happy to report that their "daily mail" continues to grow. You can use
this vital resource from the comfort of your home or office at Reference Questions. We welcome all questions!
Joan Alcott
CQ RESEARCHER: THE DATABASE FOR CURRENT AND CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Founded in 1923 as Editorial Research Reports, the CQ Researcher is a great source for balanced analytical reports on current and controversial issues. The database contains issues dating from 1991. Each of the 44 reports issued each year explores a single hot topic of public concern. Topics may focus on anything from homework to patriotism to nuclear proliferation or the global AIDS crisis. Recent issues have addressed "The Mothers' Movement," "Movie Ratings," "Abortion Debates," "The Future of NATO," "Medical Malpractice," "The Smallpox Threat," "Oil Diplomacy," and "The Obesity Epidemic."
Each issue contains an overview of the subject, historical background, a snapshot of the topic at the time of publication and an outlook of what might occur in the future. Experts provide opposing views. Also included are the opinions of those who influence public policy: lobbying and nonprofit organizations, think tanks, government and academia. Chronologies and bibliographies are also included. These reports are designed to encourage informed discussion, critical thinking and further research and are an invaluable source for debates and projects.
One may access this database through the Internet by going to the Library website at http://www.accd.edu/sac/lrc. Once there, click on "Databases". One may find the database listed under "Reference Sources" in the subject listing or under the "Alphabetical Listing" in the C's.
Once one has entered the database, many options appear. One may opt to look at the most current issue, browse by issue date or topic or search by keyword. One may also search specific sections of each issue. Search results can be sorted by relevance score, alphabetically by title or by publication date. Also contained in the database are links to upcoming topics and information on how to cite this electronic resource.
This database may be reached from home or office, as well as in the Learning Resources Center Reference Room ( MLC 205 ). Search results may be emailed to an email inbox or may be printed if paper copy is required. As with all library resources, librarians are available the help in the use of this database. If older reports are needed, the library retains paper issues back to 1970.
Candace Peterson
CHECKING OUT MORE THAN BOOKS - HOW ABOUT A NOTEBOOK
COMPUTER?
Do you need a computer and a quiet place to compose and type a paper? Well, the library has the computers and the place for you to do this - Moody Learning Center (MLC) 325. A Texas Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund (TIF) grant allowed the library to purchase 24 notebook computers for checkout to students. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, the notebooks may be checked out for 2 hours for use only in MLC 325. Software available on the computers includes Microsoft Word for word processing, Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets, Microsoft Access for databases, Microsoft
PowerPoint for presentations, and Internet Explorer for Internet access. Students must present an official SAC identification card, a second form of photo identification, and complete a checkout form before checking out a notebook. More details concerning the checkout of notebook computers may
be obtained at Circulation Policy - Notebook Computers.
Ralph E. Domas
LIBRARIANS LEAP TO NEW HEIGHTS
Library instruction has reached a rarefied atmosphere recently. For the first time in the Library's history, faculty requests for library instruction have led to two consecutive semesters of more than 300 classes.
English professor Barbara Cruz says more and more of her colleagues believe learning effective research skills is an essential part of the curriculum. "My students not only learn the research skills they need for
their assignments but they also actually complete some research during class time," she explains. "It helps that the librarians prepare tailor-made lessons for the assignments we give. Afterwards, I can see the
boost in students' confidence about doing research."
Apparently the program's reputation has reached beyond the confines of San Pedro Avenue and Main Street. This past fall, librarians from Laredo Community College met with the Library Instruction Committee to glean new ideas on how to conduct and market a library instruction program on their campus. Instruction on this campus is a priority, with 10 out of 15 full-time librarians teaching individualized sessions. A committee of six librarians coordinate instruction efforts.
On this campus, library classes are assignment-specific and stress hands-on research. Faculty may schedule classes online at www.accd.edu/sac/library/instruct/gisreqfm.htm or by
calling the reference desk at 733-2477. Librarians also teach library instruction at the Northeast campus.
Stephen C. Dingman
LIFE THROUGH A LENS: PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The San Antonio College Library hosted a photography exhibition reception to honor photographers Darleen Gerace Daly, Jamie Karutz, and Dr. Kamala Platt on February 28th on the 4th Floor of the Moody Learning Center. This is the first photography exhibition of a three-person show scheduled to run from January 13, 2003 through April 30, 2003.
The library first launched art exhibits by showcasing the talent of students from the Visual Arts Department of San Antonio College on November 11, 2002. The Library plans to schedule one to two exhibits in the fall and spring semesters to showcase the work of local artists, faculty, staff, and students who are interested in displaying their work in the library. There will be no exhibits during the summer sessions.
Through photography and art exhibitions, we hope to promote and increase awareness of local talent. Our goal is to help local artists display their work, to provide exposure to emerging artists, and to stimulate
cultural activity within our community.
Faculty and staff interested in showcasing their creative talents please contact Rani Singh at 733-2114 or email rsingh@accd.edu for scheduling information. Artwork for display from individuals, groups, or organizations is welcome as well. Art exhibit guidelines and policies are available online at Art Display.
Rani Singh
MAYMESTER 2003 LIBRARY SERVICES
The San Antonio College Library will provide full services during the 2003 Maymester from May 12th - 30th. The library will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This will include the Reference Area, Circulation / Reserve Area, Periodicals Service Area, Audio Visual Center, the Student Multimedia Lab, and the Educational Multimedia Center. Although SAC faculty and staff will have full checkout privileges, only students registered for the Maymester classes may check out materials. Library instruction sessions will be offered on request to faculty members. On Friday, May 16th, SAC Employee Development Day, only the Reference Area ( MLC 205 ) will be open. The library will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26th.
Ralph Domas, supervisor of the Circulation/Reserve section says, "Rey is a conscientious worker. He shows a lot of initiative. We're very glad to have him."
A native of San Antonio, Sandoval is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Rey is currently working on a degree in the College's electronic graphics program. He is the first person in his family of six
children to attend college. "I'm trying to encourage my younger sister Anna to attend college," Rey says. In his free time he enjoys listening to alternative rock music and writing poetry.
Stephen C. Dingman
TOM BAHLINGER: ACCIDENTAL LIBRARIAN!
Eventually, Tom grew tired of the retail business and began working at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as a library clerk. He soon realized that he could earn a masters of library science and make big bucks as a librarian -he thought. So, while working full time at the UTHSCSA, Tom commuted to Austin and earned his MLIS in 1998. In 1999 he was hired at SAC, and plans on staying here a long time.
Tom also enjoys being a new father. He and his wife, Donna, recently started a family. They have two beautiful girls, Christine, who will be 3 in April, 2003, and Sara, who is 1 ½ years old. "Being a parent," Tom
states, "is the most demanding job a person can have, but it's also the most fulfilling and rewarding."
An avid outdoorsman, Tom will tell anyone who will listen how he completed a 260 mile canoe race from San Marcos to Seadrift, Texas. "A friend and I competed in the Texas Water Safari just to see if we could do it. We finished the race, which was our goal, but I never want to do it again." Last October, Tom helped raise money to combat multiple sclerosis by riding his bike 150 miles from San Antonio to Corpus Christi. His rear still hurts. Are there any more adventures in Tom's future? "Nah. I think being a dad and working at SAC is adventurous enough for me." At least until his wounds heal.
The Library's liaison with Nursing and Allied Health, Tom maintains some excellent websites: Medicine Resources, Mortuary Science
Resources, and
Nursing Resources .
Tom Bahlinger as told to Christina Petimezas
Christina H. Petimezas
In the less than ten years since its inception, the World Wide Web has come to mirror and imitate our society in its ever increasing variety. Yet, despite its often "off-beat" topics and materials, the web has transformed itself into a key informational resource for millions of users. The following listing of web sites once again showcases that unique blend of utility and oddity.
John R. Deosdade
Reference Librarian
Reference Librarian
Periodicals Librarian
Circulation / Reserve / ILL / Student Personnel Librarian
Reference Librarian
Reference Librarian / Art Display Coordinator
Reynaldo Sandoval is our new part-time Learning Resource Specialist II. He works evenings in the Circulation/Reserve section of the Library. Rey's primary responsibilities include interlibrary loan, the Reserve Desk, and supervising and training student assistants. He previously worked in this Library for two years as an outstanding student assistant.
Reference Librarian
Tom Bahlinger is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he grew up with his six siblings. He graduated from LSU in 1989 with a history major and a minor in English. As a result of attaining a liberal arts degree, Tom was very poor for several years while he worked in and managed bookstores. In fact, it was a bookstore that brought Tom to San Antonio in 1991. Tom recalls, "I was working at Claitor's Bookstore in Baton Rouge, when a friend of mine in San Antonio asked if I wanted to move to Texas to help
him run his bookstore. A few weeks later I visited San Antonio for the first time and decided, what the heck, I'll move to S.A. I've been here ever since."
Head of Technical Services
Did you ever have problems with the proper MLA format for a bibliography? Dennis G. Jerz of Seton Hill University has the answer! He created BibBuilder1.3, a "fill-in-the-blank" web site that produces MLA formatted citations for books, journals, and WWW sources.
The British spend hours playing the game, "Patience." We, Americans, re-shuffle the deck and refer to it as "Solitaire." Card Games provides you with the official rules for this and hundreds of other popular card games.
Have you ever wondered how those paper mache pinatas are made? Or do you need tips on how to dig a flower bed ? Or maybe your child needs pointers on how to control a soccer ball when kicking it. eHow.com will give you these answers and hundreds of other "do-it-yourself" tips.
Covering the years 1895 to 1999, this PBS web site highlights "80 years of public oratory" with background information, text, and some audio clips of orators including Booker T. Washington, Mark Twain, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and others.
As a response to the current international SARS health alert, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention compiled an all-in-one web resource with a disease fact sheet, frequently asked questions, travel advisories, guidelines / recommendations, and a listing of other SARS-related internet sources.
Reference Librarian
Why is there a "33" on Rolling Rock beer labels?
The official explanation is that 33 signifies two things: the year Prohibition was repealed (1933), and the number of words in the legend printed above the number on cans and returnable bottles. For the "unofficial" explanation, get curious, click your mouse, and go to The Straight Dope
And this one, by special request from a fervent fan:
Dear Soup Trivia goddess -- what's the meaning of the word "dicey?"
I whipped out my handy copy of the American Heritage Dictionary (4th ed. free online @ < www.bartleby.com/61/> ) which states that "dicey" is an adjective meaning "involving or fraught with danger or risk." It's etymology is from the word "dice" -- you know, gambling and so forth. So traveling to the "dicey" part of town may well be a gamble with life, limb, and even worse, money. And in case you were wondering, my example of usage is much more interesting than the AHD's, trust me.
Celita DeArmond 
SOUP TRIVIA
@ < www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_044 >.
Reference & Distance Learning Librarian
| Catalog Databases Library & Media Services Home Page Library Soup Archive New Books |
URL: http://www.accd.edu/sac/library/instruct/lrcnews/soup0503.htm
Web page designed by: John R, Deosdade
Last modified: Tuesday, October 25, 2005
© 2002, 2003, 2004 San Antonio College Library & Media Services
1001 Howard Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 785-6201
Library Soup photography by
Leonard Ziegler
