News/Alerts Archive 2005
12/19 - John Keane Mark's Café Hours
All,

Mark's Café will close Wednesday, December 21, at 3 pm. They are scheduled to reopen Monday, January 9 (from 9am to 5pm), however, there is renovation work scheduled for the area so it is possible that the reopening may be delayed a couple of days. Also, Mark's will be closed the weekend of January 14 and 15. Mark's will resume regular hours Monday, January 16. As I have more information about the renovation work, I will confirm the schedule.
12/16 - Seth Jerchower Referrals of non-Penn Patrons to the CAJS Library
Dear Colleagues:

Since 9/11, CAJS has been instructed to increase its level of security awareness. The CAJS library then began admitting non-Penn patrons by appointment only. We have had some instances of non-Penn patrons being sent down from campus to the CAJS library, and then told upon arrival at reception that they cannot enter without a prior appointment. These cases are resolved once we find out about the referral, but at the expense of inconveniencing the patron.

The procedure for referring such patrons from campus libraries to CAJS was discussed at yesterday's Public Service Council meeting, and approved today by Sandra Kerbel. The attending/referring librarian should send an e-mail to CAJS@pobox.upenn.edu (mail from this alias goes to all CAJS Library staff members). This notifies us and allows us to inform the reception desk in advance of the patron's arrival.

Thanks for your help.
[For future reference, a copy of this procedure is linked from the right column of the main Staffweb interface, under "Procedures." - ed.]
12/15 - Julianna Lipschutz Update: Jidong's condition and address
Dear Colleagues,

Thanks a lot for your concern. I am sorry that I am unable to reply to all of you individually.

Jidong's surgery went well yesterday. According to Jidong, his surgeon transplanted tissue from the ring finger, the one next to the little finger, to the little finger, and tissue from his lower stomach to the ring finger. Right now, his little finger is put together with the ring finger right next to it; that will allow the skin of the ring finger to grow into the little finger. The surgeon then will perform another surgery to separate the connected two fingers after three weeks. The modern medical technologies and complexities of Jidong's surgery are beyond what I can describe, so I will leave the details for Jidong to tell you when he comes back, hopefully soon.

Here is his address:
Jidong Yang
1200 Marlton Pike E, Apt. #911
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-2122
Please note that I will be out of the office from Monday, December 18th, until Tuesday, January 3rd. The Chinese Dept. will be closed, until Jidong comes back or I come back. I hope it will not inconvenience you too much.

I wish you all a happy holiday.
12/14 - Bob Eash Posting Notice- Van Pelt Stack Attendant
Attention: Eligible Bargaining Unit Staff Members:

This is to advise you that a Stack Attendant position in the Van Pelt Stacks is now open and available. If you are interested, please contact me or Cleta Bailey by e-mail. This is a daytime position.

This posting will remain up until Wednesday, December 21 at 5PM.
12/13 - Julianna Lipschutz Jidong Yang's Injury
Dear Colleagues,

As many of you may have known, my supervisor, Jidong Yang, Chinese Librarian, was hurt in an accident yesterday (12/12) while he pushed a cart loaded with tons of books to the Post-Cat. The condition of the injury to his little finger of the right hand is serious; it will need surgery. The surgery, which demands a general anesthesia, will take place tomorrow afternoon. Jidong wants me to thank you for your concern.

I will keep you informed about his condition.
12/13 - Bob Eash Emergency Contacts and Addresses
All Staff,

Since it's the begining of a new year, this is a good time for you to inform us of any changes in your personal contact information, such as: your home address and phone number, and your emergency contact person(s) name and phone for our records.

Accurate and up-to-date information of this type is vitally important to YOU.

Should you wish to change or review any of what we have on file, please contact Cleta Bailey or me.
Thank you,
12/12 - Sandra Kerbel Additional study space in Van Pelt Dietrich Library
Dear Colleagues,

On a temporary basis, we have made additional study space available in Van Pelt Dietrich Library in order to accommodate students, given that the Dietrich area on the 1st floor is under construction as the Weigle Information Commons. The additional temporary (Dec. 12-22, 2005) study spaces are:

•  502 (5th floor, east end)
•  Class of 1955 (2nd floor)

These areas have been set up with tables and chairs. Signage will be posted shortly. Please do direct students to these areas.

Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
12/6 - Sandra Kerbel Temporary New Signage in VPDLC
Dear Colleagues,

On Wednesday, you may observe temporary new signage for the public restrooms on 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors,east side, of Van Pelt Dietrich Library. These temporary signs as part of a student project for Professor Rodewald's Photography II class in the School of Design. The assignment is to develop an installation project that engages a space and one student has developed new iconography to use in signage for restrooms. The student will be putting up the signs on Wednesday and they will be taken down by next Thursday. If you receive questions or complaints about the temporary signs please let John Keane or me know.
Best,
12/6 - Tom Wilson First floor Dietrich renovation
All,

The first day of work was finished and the odors were contained to the work area. All areas adjacent to the construction site were monitored at 5am and were odor free. The work area was odor free by 6:30, and the air handlers were turned on.
12/5 - Bob Eash Science Links Scholarships for Library School
All Staff,

It has come to our attention that the University of Tennessee School of Info. Sciences, in partnership with several other groups, is presently taking applications for a two-year graduate degree (MLS, MLIS) scholarship available to students from a "racial or ethnic group typically under-represented in librarianship."

Other necessary qualifications include an undergrad major or minor in a pure OR applied science combined with a BS, BA or AB degree and an interest in working in a research intensive science environment.

The Science Links project, funded by the federal Institute for Libraries and Museum Services, will provide ten scholarships for minority students to attend the University of Tennessee's School of Information Sciences, and learn best practices through mentored internships at the University of Tennessee Libraries, the Oak Ridge National Laboratories, the federal Office for Scientific and Technical Information, and Information Associates International.

Interested persons can visit the Science Links website for more information regarding the applications and admissions policies or contact Tanya Arnold at tnarnold@utk.edu I also have a few informational pamphlets available in the HR Office.

If you know anyone who might be interested in this opportunity, please feel free to forward this message.
Thank you,
12/2 - Jean Newland Request
Dear Staff,

As the fall term is coming to a close and reading days and exams are quickly approaching, I am writing to ask that Library staff leave the Glossberg and Vitale Seminar Rooms free for student use. We anticipate extremely heavy use and appreciate your cooperation in making this study space available to students. Of course, we will honor any reservations that have already been made.

Thanks very much.
12/1 - John Keane First floor Dietrich renovation
All,

I received this email from Laura Peller at EHRS regarding upcoming Information Commons work involving a solvent. The work is being done overnight and appropriate precautions(see Laura's email below) are being taken to protect staff. We don't expect any problems; however, on next Tuesday morning, Tom Wilson, Rick Bobst and EHRS will be present before 7am to inspect the area for any lingering odors. In the very unlikely event that a problem is found on Tuesday morning, staff will be advised before they enter their work area and directed to an alternative location.
Library Staff:
December 5-10, concrete cleaning will be conducted in the area undergoing renovation on the west side of the 1st floor Dietrich. The cleaning will take place in the evening beginning at midnight.

Penn's Design and Construction team looked at a number of cleaning products for this project. Prosoco'’s Sure Klean Fast Acting Stripper was the only product that was able to remove the yellowed sealant that was placed on the concrete in an earlier renovation. Click here to download a material safety data sheet for the Fast Acting Stripper (pdf).

Prosoco's stripper, like many other commonly used paint strippers, contains a number of hazardous ingredients including methylene chloride, xylene and methanol. To reduce the exposure to the library staff and the general public, the following work practices will be in place during the concrete cleaning:
  • Concrete cleaning using the Prosocovs Fast Acting Stripper will only be permitted during the following hours: 12 AM to 6 AM.
  • Air handlers in the work area will be turned off during the work period each day. Return air registers in the construction site will be sealed with plastic. Negative air machines will provide containment and exhaust the vapors directly outside the west end of the building.
  • The contractor will work on small sections of concrete each night to reduce the amount of product applied to keep the resultant odors to a minimum.
EHRS believes that the above precautions will prevent exposure to the library staff and to the general public. There may be a lingering odor in the morning. Please contact me if you require additional information.

Laura
11/29 - Bob Eash Special Winter Vacation Period
All,

As you know, some Library staff members are scheduled to work during all, or part, of the time designated as the official "Special Winter Vacation period," which is December 27, 28, 29, & 30 this year. (In addition, December 26 and Jan. 2 are official University Holidays.)

Since some staff must work during part of the official SWV period, we designate an extended period of time for these staff members to take substitute time off. This year, the extended SWV period will run from Dec. 19 through Jan. 6.

As always, please consult with your supervisor to determine your work schedule and make plans to take your Special Winter Vacation time off.
Happy Holidays!
11/28 - Michael Ryan Tuesday PM Lecture
Folks,

Those of you with interests in illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages will appreciate learning of a lecture on the 6th floor on Tuesday @ 5:00 PM. Dr. Patricia Stirnemann, a distinguished art historian and paleographer from Paris, will present an illustrated, if not illuminated talk on one of the most famous medieval books of hours: the Très Riches Heures of Jean, Duc de Berry. Please do join us.
11/22 - Bob Eash Staff Use of Cell Phones for Personal Calls
All Library Staff:

A copy of a new policy dealing with the use of cell phones for personal calls is posted to this site. (Click here or see the link at right, under policies). This policy will become effective immediately.

As cell phones are now widely used as the primary method of communication for many individuals, you are reminded to exercise discretion when using them so as not to be distracting to others.

Should you have any questions or comments about the policy, please contact either me or your cognizant director.
Thank you,
11/22 - Carol Hartranft Library Holiday Party
Dear Library Staff

We are putting together the program for this year's Holiday Party which will be held on Friday, December 16, 2:30 -5:30 p.m. If you have a special talent and are interested in performing at the Party, please let me know.
11/18 - Bob Eash POSTING NOTICE- ACQUISITIONS CLERK
Attention: All eligible Bargaining Unit Staff members:

A CLERK vacancy in the Acquisitions Department of the Information Processing Center is presently available.

Job duties include: Receiving incoming library materials in a variety of formats and in a variety of languages against purchase orders, packing lists or pro forma invoices noting condition; preparing invoices for payment. Check in monographic serials on appropriate records. Open, source, and sort packages of library materials. Shelve books ready for cataloging. Will assists with mailrooom duties.

This position will be posted until 5PM, Tuesday, November 29th. Interested applicants should send an e-mail to me or to Cleta Bailey.
Thank you,
11/18 - Pat Heller Dental Library closing at 3:00 PM today
Just FYI: Today, November 18th, the Dental Library will be closed from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM for some facilities maintenance work. Regular hours will resume on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM.
11/17 - Emily Batista New ILL request forms starting Nov 21
Dear Library Staff,

A version of the following announcement will be posted on the library web under "New and Noteworthy" on Monday.

New ILL Request Forms Debut November 21

The next time you click on an Interlibrary Loan request form, you'll notice a difference. The new forms will save patrons and library staff time by reducing the need for redundant typing, including personal information and bibliographic data.

What's different?
  • To access and submit ILL request forms, patrons must authenticate using their PENNKEY or Biomedical Gold Card number.
  • Because they are authenticated, patrons will not need to enter any personal identification or contact information on the form; it will automatically populate the form.
  • Requests submitted via PennText are even faster; all the patron has to do is click "submit" and the bibliographic information will also automatically populate the form.

Patrons will be able to confirm or change the email address they wish to use and the Interlibrary Loan office to which the form should be directed directly on the form before submitting requests.

In conjunction with our document delivery partnership in RAPID, an academic library electronic article delivery service, which began in May, the new forms will help us streamline processing of patron requests and deliver materials to them more quickly.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Emily Batista or Bob Krall.
11/17 - Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP; Neville Strumpf, PhD Penn's Way Info and Reminder
To the Penn Community:

Today you have the chance to make the greatest impact on your community by participating in the Penn's Way campaign before it ends on Friday November 18th (TODAY)! We are so close to reaching our goal of $500,000, but we need your help.

We are truly proud to be a part of Penn's Way's mission of hope and we urge you to join us in this effort by making a tax deductible gift now. If you haven't done so already, please take a moment to consider giving to a worthwhile charity of your choice. So far over 2,183 of your colleagues have participated and raised over $390,000. With your help, we can raise $500,000 or more to help feed and shelter those in need; give a child the gift of education; fight devastating diseases, or any number of initiatives to make our community a better place in which to live and work.

For an easy, effective and secure way to give, try E-Giving. Simply log on to www.upenn.edu/pennsway and follow the instructions. Full details, including a searchable database of deserving organizations are available. Your generosity will provide much-needed hope to so many in our community.

Thank you for considering this important investment in the lives of others. Your support will make a difference. Remember, no pledge is too small!
11/14 - Mike Winkler: ***Downtime Notice*** Tue, 11/15 5:30am-8:30am
All,

To complete the electrical maintainence for VPDLC, facilities will be 'blinking' the power in the building on Tuesday, 11/15 at 7 a.m. Servers will be taken down by iTadd staff starting at 5:30 a.m. to protect the servers during this electrical event. Let me emphasize that all systems will be unavailable during this time.

Systems affected include Voyager, clients and the web interface, the Library website, the proxy server, the electronic resources database, SCETI, BlackBoard, staff servers, and all other services.

Note to Library staff in departmental Libraries: services will be out even though your building is not effected by the power outage.

Services will be restored as quickly as possible after this event, but they do come back online in sequence, so some services may be missing even though you can access others. We hope to have all services restored before Van Pelt opens at 8:30 a.m.

VPDLC staff should power off your desktop computer on Monday at the end of your workday.

Let me know if you have questions or need more information.
11/11 - Mike Winkler: Electrical Work: Downtime Notice
All,

Just a follow on to John Keane's notice about electrical work this Saturday. Let me emphasize that all systems will be unavailable during this time. iTadd staff will begin to take servers offline at 5 a.m. on Saturday so that all servers are protected during the electrical work. This means that Voyager, clients and the web interface, the Library website, the proxy server, the electronic resources database, SCETI, BlackBoard, staff servers, and all other services will be unavailable during this time.

Note to Library staff in departmental Libraries:  Services will be out even though your building is not effected by the power outage.

Services will be restored as quickly as possible after this event, but they do come back online in sequence, so some services may be missing even though you can access others. We hope to have all services restored before Van Pelt opens at 10 a.m.

As John said, VPDLC staff should power off your desktop computer on Friday at the end of your workday.

Let me know if you have questions or need more information.
11/11 - John Keane: Electrical Work
All,

University Facilities will be doing important maintenance work on electrical equipment this Saturday, 11/12 in the Van Pelt-Dietrich LibraryCenter from 5am to 10am. There will be NO electricity in the Dietrich wing, including the server room for much of that time. This means ALL Library systems will be down during this time period, e.g. Voyager, Blackboard, et. al. IF all goes well, things should be back to normal by 10am at the latest when VPDLC is scheduled to open. Of course, if work is completed earlier, systems will be put back on line as soon as possible. There is also work scheduled for the Van Pelt side at the same time, however, we don't expect an interruption of service to that side of the building. Just to be on the safe side, we ask that all staff in VPDLC turn off their computers when they leave on Friday. Intrepid iTadd staff members will be here starting at 5am Saturday to make sure the servers are taken down and brought back up with a minimum of disruption. Please let me know if you have questions.
11/10 - Barbara Kountouzi: Penn Med Student Research Day
Hi all,

As some of you know, several folks in Suite 100 (main and annex), Skip Brass and Gail Morrison have been working together to arrange the first annual

PENN MED
Medical Student Research Day

March 31, 2006
12:30-3:00
BRB LOBBY

We're hoping for a huge turnout of students and faculty, and we'd appreciate it if you would make a note on your calendars and avoid scheduling events or meetings that would conflict with this one. If you have any questions, please let me know.

(Also, we're going to be displaying award-winning posters in Biomed.)
Thanks much!
11/10 - David Toccafondi: MeetingMaker Training
As those of you who read the Staff Blog already know, I will be offering MeetingMaker training sessions next week in the Goldstein Electronic Classroom, on the 1st floor of Van Pelt. They'll last about an hour, but I'm scheduling 90 minute sessions just in case. You can sign up for one of these times:

Tuesday, 11/15, 10:30a-12n
Wednesday, 11/16, 10:30a-12n
Thursday, 11/17, 2:00p-3:30p

There is room for 16 people in each session, first come, first served. Any librarian interested in learning to use MeetingMaker should email me at davidtoc@pobox.upenn.edu to sign up. If you have other staff who need to learn to use MM, please have them email me and I'll sign them up.

Thanks.
11/10 - John Keane: International Travel
All,

The University has subscribed to a service to assist Penn employees traveling overseas on University business when they have an emergency, e.g., illness, loss of documents, terrorist disruption, etc. It is NOT a medical insurance plan, but this service will help you get a prescription, find an English speaking physician, etc.

We don't have much international business travel in the Library, but if anyone is planning such a trip, please contact the Business Office for more information. The Travel Office will be publicizing this in the near future.
11/9 - Cleta Bailey Checks and Advices

Since Friday is Veteran's Day and banks are closed, checks and advices will be distributed to your locations by Thursday morning.

Weekly employees may pick up checks Thursday morning.
Thank you!
11/8 - Rick Bobst Power Outage!
The library experienced a partial power outage covering the south side of Van Pelt Library from the ground to 6th floor. An electrical cable leading from the street shorted out and caused the breaker to fail that serves that side of the building. The power was out in other buildings as well as VPDLC! The Electrical Operators have re-set the breaker and power should be back to normal. The air handlers will be back on shortly since they need to be re-started manually!
11/8 - Sandra Kerbel Penn Library to participate in University's Customer Service Institute
Dear Colleagues:

The Penn Library is one of the charter participants in the University Human Resources' new program this fall called: The Customer Service Institute@Penn. This program is a comprehensive customer service initiative designed to raise the bar on customer satisfaction in organizational units throughout Penn where service quality is of the utmost importance.

The program is designed so that small teams will receive training, conduct research, and be involved in other developmental activities leading to specific recommendations for service improvements. The team will work throughout this academic year with University HR staff and outside consultants to focus on customer service issues, culminating in a presentation to the Vice Provost in April, 2006.

The Library team will focus on developing ways to foster and maintain the highest quality customer service by Student Assistants at service desks throughout the Penn Library. Please join me in congratulating the team members for being selected to participate in CSI@Penn, and thanking them for committing the time and effort required to make this a success.

Library CSI@Penn Team
•  Judith Currano, Chemistry Librarian (Team Leader)
•  Emily Batista, Access Services Projects Librarian
•  Rob Cagna, Head, Access and Document Delivery Services, Biomedical Library
•  Carl Jankiewicz, Circulation Desk Administrator, Van Pelt Library
•  Virginia Tinkler-Moor, Library Service Assistant, Van Pelt Current Periodicals and Microforms
•  Cathy Von Elm, Head of Circulation, Current Periodicals and Microforms, Van Pelt Library
11/8 - Sandra Kerbel Announcement about Gift for Seminar Room in Fisher Fine Arts Library
Dear Colleagues:

I thought you might be interested to know that the Penn Library received a gift to create a Seminar Room in the Fisher Fine Arts Library. The press release about the gift is online.
Best,
11/4 - Sandra Kerbel Fisher Fine Arts Library
Dear Colleagues:

Just a brief note to let you know that Bill Keller, Fisher Fine Arts Libray, will be on leave from Nov. 14-December 25. During this time Heather Glaser will be Acting Head of the Fisher Fine Arts Library.
11/3 - Sandra Kerbel Announcement
Dear Colleagues:

Stephanie Brown, Administrative Assistant in Public Services, will be leaving the Penn Library. She has accepted a new position at the Penn Press.

Please join me in congratulating Stephanie on her new position. A reception for Stephanie will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m. in Meyerson.
10/31 - Bob Eash Bargaining Unit Job Audit Form (online)
Attention: Supervisors, Bargaining Unit members ' Job Audit Task Force Members -

Click here to download a copy of the questionnaire we will be using in the project. Please remember to be concise! (The amount of space alloted on the form should usually suffice.)
Thanks,
11/2 - Emily Batista: Library holiday chorus

On December 16, you can enjoy wonderful seasonal music, either as a singer or as a listener, at the annual library-wide party. Whether you've participated in the Library Holiday Chorus in the past, if you like to sing, please join us. We meet during the noon hour once a week to practice, starting next week, I hope, so if you are interested, or even just curious, please let me know as soon as possible. If you know what voice part you prefer (soprano, alto, tenor, or bariton/bass), please include that in your email.

And if you know of someone who is a singer but may be too shy to step forward, please encourage her or him to join us, too, or let me know so I can make contact myself.

Any questions or concerns? Please don't hesitate to call or email me. Thanks very much!.
11/2 - John Keane: Traffic Update 2:

Starting on Monday 11/7/2005, 34th Street at Market Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6pm until midnight. The project is expected to be completed around 11/17. There will not be street closures on Saturdays or Sundays. Exiting of garage #37 after 6pm can be accomplished via the Chestnut Street exit. "Local" traffic will be permitted in the 3300 block of Ludlow Street during the closure periods.
11/2 - John Keane: Traffic Update 1:
37th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets will be ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

In preparation for the reconstruction of the façade at the Inn at Penn, 37th Street, between Chestnut and Walnut is now one-way southbound. The next part of the project will be the erection of scaffolding around the hotel starting from the Walnut street entrance eastward to and including the bookstore entrance at 36th and Walnut. The walkway will be covered from the overhead scaffolding during this project.

There will be no street parking on the north side of the 3600 block Walnut as the scaffolding will project to the curbline.

PPA has been notified; meters have been removed on 37th Street and "NO PARKING ANY TIME" signs have been erected.
11/1 - Bob Eash Library Weather Policy
ATTENTION: ALL LIBRARY STAFF MEMBERS:

A copy of our annual memo and procedure chart relating to library staffing and absence in the event of severe winter weather is online and is linked under policies (this page, right column).

Should you have any questions regarding specific departmental procedures or anything related to coming to work in the event of severe weather, please consult with your supervisor prior to the severe weather season.
Thank you,
11/1 - Sandra Kerbel Just FYI
Dear Colleagues:

Just a brief note to let you know that we have been contacted by a reporter from the DP about the Weigle Information Commons. So you may see a story this week on the Commons.

In addition we are working on a new look for the website for the Commons (thanks to Leslie Vallhonrat)-- see: thecommons.library.upenn.edu

Also - David Mowl will be offering to library staff a tour of the Commons construction site this week (Thursday at 4:00 p.m.)

Let me know if you have questions.
Best,
11/1 - Bob Eash Annual Library Holiday Party - December 16th
Attention All Library Staff:

This is to inform you that this year's Holiday Party has been scheduled for Friday, December 16th. Please place the date on your calenders.

Also, we are in the process of forming a committee to work on the event. If you are interested, please contact Cleta Bailey or me.
Thank you,
10/31 - Bob Eash Posting Notice - Biomedical Library Stack Attendant
ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

POSTING NOTICE- Library Stack Attendant , Biomedical Library
Hours- 8am to 4pm, Mon.-Fri.

This position is now vacant and available. Interested members should send an e-mail or written note to: Bob Eash or to Cleta Bailey by Monday, November 7th at 5pm.
10/31 - John Keane: Information Commons
All,

Have you been wondering what's going on behind the construction barriers? David Mowl will lead a short tour of the construction area for the Information Commons project on Thursday November 3 at 4 pm to give you a first hand look at the progress being made. (We have to wait until after 4 when the contractor is finished for the day). If you miss this opportunity, there will be other tours later in the project to get a peek. Please meet David at the entrance to the IPC on the first floor, VPDLC at 4 pm.
10/27 - John Keane: Electrical Work
All,

University Facilities and PECO have been performing maintenance work on substations this week in the campus area. We had been told that the work would not affect VPDLC, however, in fact, we did have electrical problems twice this week already. Tomorrow morning between 6am and 8 am, additional electrical work is scheduled for this area of campus. So, while we are not supposed to have problems, I wanted you to be aware that problems might arise, e.g. elevators out of service, computers and lights "blinking." If problems develop, please report them to Tom Wilson or Yvonne Harris for corrective action.
Thanks,
10/24 - Mike Winkler: iTadd Move

On Monday Oct 24, iTadd staff moved to our new offices. Our offices are located on the 3rd floor in the northwest corner. These offices consolidate iTadd staff from the systems office, Rosengarten lab, and the 2nd floor mezzinine into a single location. The iTadd helpdesk is still available at 898-4824, and all of our telephone numbers remain the same. We have vacated the offices on the 2nd floor. If you need assistance, please contact us by phone (898-4824), email (libtech@pobox.upenn.edu), or stop by (3rd floor northwest).

We will have an official housewarming in the next few weeks.
10/21 - Arthur Kiron: CAJS library closed on Monday, October 24, 2005
Everyone:

The Center for Advanced Judaic Studies Library will be closed on Monday, October 24, 2004, due to a retreat being held in the building. CAJS Library services will resume as normal on Tuesday, October 25, 2004. CAJS "Penn Delivers" (Call Slip) requests already submitted this week for pick-up on Monday will be picked-up as normal at the CAJS reception desk on the ground floor on Monday. If anyone has any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 3-7431, room 205, in the Van Pelt library on Monday.
Thanks,
10/21 - Mike Halperin: PennAlerts available
PennAlerts is a new personal alerting service of the Penn Library. It is available to all Penn students, faculty and staff.

PennAlerts will notify you of new tables of contents of journals that are of interest to you. You can view the contents pages online, add more journals, and browse or search for journals with alerts. You can also have alerts emailed to you when new issues come out.

Alerts are available for most of the electronic journals in the Penn Library's E-Journals listings, as well as for some other selected journals. The alerts link (via PennText) to the text of article.

Alerts are currently updated and sent out once a week, usually on Monday morning.

If you have any questions about the service or would like to see alerts for journals for which alerts are not yet available, write to us at pennalerts@pobox.upenn.edu
10/20 - Michael Ryan: "If Ben Had Had His Way":
Essay Contest in Honor of the 300th Anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's Birth

Franklin was one of the founding trustees of the Academy in Philadelphia, which became the University of Pennsylvania. In the school's founding charter and in subsequent essays, Franklin described the institution he envisaged. For the tricentennial essay contest, Penn students are asked to consider these questions: Where do you think Penn stands on these matters today? Where do you think Ben Franklin would have liked Penn to stand?

Penn undergraduates in any school are invited to submit an essay of approximately ten double-spaced pages, suitable for delivery as a 20-minute lecture. The winner will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to present the lecture in a faculty symposium on Benjamin Franklin. Two runners-up will receive $500 each.
•  Full details appear on the Penn Humanities Forum site.
The contest is cosponsored by the Penn Humanities Forum and the Marvin and Sybil Weiner Fund of Van Pelt Library
10/20 - John Keane: Mark's Café Schedule
All,

Mark's Café will close at 3 pm on Wednesday, November 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen at 4pm on Sunday, November 27.
10/19 - Sandra Kerbel Posting for Information Commons Director
Dear Colleagues:

As you know construction is progressing on the David B. Weigle Information Commons on the 1st floor of Van Pelt Dietrich Library Center. In preparation for a March-April opening of the Commons, we are posting the position of Information Commons Director. This position reports to the Director of Public Services in the Library but is jointly funded by the Library, School of Arts and Sciences, and the Provost's Office.
•  The position ad can be downloaded from this link. Please encourage interested individuals to apply.
10/19 - Sandra Kerbel Interested in experimenting with PennTags (social bookmarking tool)?
Dear Colleagues:

In my previous message I mentioned that we have developed a tool/system, PennTags, that can be used for organizing and sharing resources/websites/information. I am writing to invite you to attend a meeting if you are interested in thinking about how tagging can be used in the Library and/or experimenting with PennTags.

If you are interested, please contact Marjorie Hassen, hassen@pobox.upenn.edu.

Here is some more information (courtesy of Laurie Allen) about tagging--

"PennTags" allows users to attach tags to content (currently webpages, videos in Vcat, and records in Franklin, and, eventually, images from the Image Collection and citations from Penntext) and store the tagged links in their user space on thePennTags website. Like del.icio.us, citeulike, flickr, and other such bookmarking tools, it allows users to see other people's tags, to see all items with a given tag, or all tags by a given user, thereby encouraging users to explore connections between different areas of interest, as well as to store content in an intuitive and flexible system."
•  Laurie has "tagged" some current examples of how tagging software is being used: http://tags.library.upenn.edu/tag/tagging+examples
•  And some additional reading: http://tags.library.upenn.edu/tag/tagging+articles
10/19 - Sandra Kerbel Just FYI: Info about some pilot projects
Dear Colleagues:

Just FYI--

I thought I would give you an overview of several pilot projects that could possibly extend the Library's reach into the curriculum by supporting efforts to enhance undergraduate research and by partnering with faculty to create pedagogical uses of library information systems and library-provided content.

Two of the projects involve working with faculty in Cinema Studies - a direct outgrowth, I believe, of our successful VCAT project. The first pilot project involves students contributing annotated bibliographies on films. These annotated bibliographies will eventually be linked to the VCAT record for a film. Thus, students will be contributing to building a database of materials about film, and their work will enhance our VCAT records. We are developing software, called PennTags, to help students create and share these bibliographies. This tagging software is a way to link to a site/resource/record and then to create and share data about the site/resource/record. More about this system in an upcoming e-mail.

The second project with a Cinema Studies faculty member involves students helping to create annotated source lists about Philadelphia film history. The students are assigned a time period to research and can study how a film was received by the press in Philadelphia; how a film influenced public debate in Philadelphia, etc. The instructor would like to archive and make accessible this student research not only for other students but for film historians. We will be working with the instructor to see how best to present this body of research.

These projects are pilots with student deadlines for the end of the semester so we don't yet have a product to show you. We are using this opportunity to explore issues about enhancing our records with user metadata; about developing tools that support not only these projects but future projects; and about showcasing student research.

In terms of student research, this is an emphasis in the College of Arts and Sciences (http://www.college.upenn.edu/curriculum/research.html) and we are in discussions with the College about using ScholarlyCommons@Penn to host the College's Undergraduate Research Journal (CUREJ).

This message is an attempt to share information about these pilot projects because the outcomes may have implications for the Library and its Strategic Plan. Please let me know if you have questions.
Best,
10/18 - Sandra Kerbel Library's Website Privacy Policy
Dear Colleagues:

As part of the University's initiative on privacy, Schools and Centers at Penn have appointed Privacy Liaisons and have been developing policies.

In conjunction with my colleagues on Administrative Council, we have developed the Library's Website Privacy Policy. The policy can be found at:
•  www.library.upenn.edu/policies/privacy.html
Please review the policy and let me know if you have questions. Information on the University's efforts can be found at: http://www.upenn.edu/privacy/
10/18 - Beth Picknally Camden : Head of Postcataloging
Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce that Illene Rubin has agreed to accept a regular appointment as Head of Postcataloging. Illene has been Acting Head since January 2005, and was previously Head of the Data Maintenance section in Access Services (since 1986). Illene would be happy to answer any questions that you have regarding shelf preparation, binding and rebinding. She can be reached at: rubinir@pobox.upenn.edu or 8-7670.
10/18 - Beth Picknally Camden : Fix OPAC
I am please to announce a new service from the IPC. We have created a new e-mail account to be used for reporting problems in Franklin records. Rather than trying to figure out whom to e-mail, you may send a message to:

fixopac@pobox.upenn.edu

IPC staff will monitor the account, provide triage, and route the message to the most appropriate person to resolve the problem. This account may be used to report problems such as: typographical errors, inaccurate holdings, unlinked items, missing or broken URLs ... or anything that needs the attention of someone in the IPC.

Thank you for your assistance in helping to improve the quality of the Franklin database.
10/18 - Tom Wilson: Evacuation Drill
All,

Thank You for a successfully evacuation drill!
10/17 - Sandra Kerbel Penn Library participation in University's Employee Resource Fair
Dear Staff:

Just a brief note to let you know that the Penn Library's participation in the University's Employee Resource Fair was a success. We met staff from all areas of the University and many were surprised to learn that they could read current bestsellers, borrow books and videos, and access electronic resources. We received a number of questions about borrowing, book recommendations, research consultation services, employment, and even library school.

Thanks to Barbara Kountouzi, Ancil George, Marcella Barnhart, David Azzolina and Stephanie Brown for enthusiastically staffing the Penn Library table.
Best,
10/17 - Tom Wilson: Evacuation Drill
All,

There will be an evacuation drill on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 9:30am. The procedure is the same as a fire drill. Please remember to lock your office door behind you and safely exit the building. Floor captains please wear your vests.

After leaving building, please walk to the safe area of refuge and report to your supervisor.
Franklin Statue = FS
Love Sculpture = LS
•  Vice Provost office   FS
•  Access Services   FS
•  Acquisition   LS
•  Administrative Services   FS
•  Cataloging-Original   LS
•  Cataloging-Shared    LS
•  Circulation   FS
•  Collection Management and Development   FS
•  Current Periodicals   FS
•  Development office   FS
•  East Asia Department   LS
•  Electronic Acquisitions    LS
•  ITadd   FS
•  Interlibrary Loan    FS
•  Lippincott Library    LS
•  Middle East Department   LS
•  Music Library    LS
•  Post Cataloging   LS
•  Public Services   FS
•  Rare Book   FS
•  Research and Instructional Services   FS
•  Research, Training andQuality Management   LS
•  Rosengarten Reserve    FS
•  Serials   LS
•  South Asia Department   LS
•  Stacks   FS
Please remember to leave the building first and then proceed to the safe area.

Thank You for your cooperation
10/14 - Bob Eash Penn's Way
Attention: All Staff:

By this time, you should have received a Penn's Way booklet which lists a variety of charitable organizations doing excellent work. As you may have read in the Almanac, or in a memo you received directly from the 2006 Penn's Way Chairs, this year the University is requesting that staff make pledges or one-time contributions on-line rather than submitting a paper pledge card.

I wanted to be sure that you had the Penn's Way website information in the event you wish to make a donation to this very worthy effort on the part of our Penn community. Incidentally, last year, over $500,000 was raised AND most of it went to local organizations.

We are all aware of the massive relief efforts underway for disaster relief due to Hurricane Katrina. I am sure that many of us have given. However, let us not tend to forget our local needs, because to do so has a direct affect on the quality of life of many of our neighbors in the local community. This year, perhaps more than many other years, our assistance is much needed!

I understand that the on-line option is quick and easy. In addition, if you donated last year, it allows you to view this information in the event you wish to select the same charity(s) again.

Thank you,
•  The Penn's Way website: http://www.upenn.edu/pennsway/faq.html
10/14 - Bob Eash: Flu Shot Information
FLU SHOTS FOR PENN FACULTY & STAFF: WINTER 2005/2006

The flu season is almost upon us. To help you prepare, Human Resources and Occupational Medicine have arranged for on-campus flu shots for full and part-time Penn faculty and staff. The shots will be provided at a discounted cost. We hope you will take advantage of this health promotion opportunity.

When can I get a flu shot?
  • Wednesday, November 9th      10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Monday, November 14th      10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 15th       10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where can I get a flu shot?
The shots will be administered at three on-campus locations: the School of Engineering and Applied Science, The Wharton School, and the School of Nursing. Location specifics are provided when you pre-register.

Please note that pre-registration is required.
Pre-registration allows us to be prepared for demand. It keeps lines down and reduces wait times to a few minutes. For all these reasons, we ask you to go online to pre-register for a specific time slot. Click here for directions on how to pre-register.

What do I need to bring to the flu shot site?
You will need to bring the following with you in order to receive a flu shot:
  • $20.00 cash*
  • Your PennCard
  • Your Confirmation Sheet from the online registration process
* You may be eligible to receive reimbursement from your health care provider for the cost of this shot. Health insurance and pre-tax account reimbursement information will be available at each flu shot site.

What should I wear to the flu shot site?
Please remember to wear clothes that provide easy access to your upper arm.

Alternative Another Flu Shot Option
You also may be able to obtain a flu shot at one of more than 20,000 locations nationwide through Maxim Health Systems. For more information, go to Maxim’s website at www.findaflushot.com, or call their automated locator system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 1-866-466-2976. Note that if you are covered by Penn's Aetna HMO plan, bring your Aetna ID card and pay just $15 for your flu shot. Otherwise, the charge is $25.
10/14 - Chris Foley Emma Ann Foley
It is with great joy that Dottie, John and I announce the arrival of Emma Ann Foley today at 2:55 p.m.

Emma joined us healthy and active. She is eight pounds, fourteen ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Dottie is recovering well from the delivery and will remain at Bryn Mawr Hospital for a few days while John and I make final preparations for his little sister.

I have attempted to attach two photos of our new addition; I hope you will enjoy them (Emma Ann and Emma, Mom, and Dad).

We look forward to introducing Emma to all of you in the future. Until then, we thank all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Take good care,
10/11 - Bob Eash New HR Staff Member- Cleta Bailey
ALL STAFF:

Please join us in welcoming Cleta Bailey to our staff here in the Library and in the HR Office. Cleta began today, and will likely be meeting many of you over the next few weeks. Cleta is a long-term Penn staff member with On-Campus Recruiting Services (since 1989), where she assisted in the day-to-day administrative operations of the department. Most recently, her work involved payroll processing, maintaining PTO records, hiring and supervising work study students and temps, working with various aspects of the department budget, and interfacing with visiting organizations performing on-campus recruitment activity.

Cleta comes to the Library with a strong interest in the human resources profession, and (in fact) is presently working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management.

Please stop in to welcome Cleta to the Library!
10/10 - Bob Eash Posting Notice - Vet Library Clerk
ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF:

The following CLERK position is presently open and available to all eligiblle B/U members. The posting will remain active until Monday, afternoon, October 17th. Interested individuals should respond to me by e-mail or by written notice.

VETERINARY SCHOOL LIBRARY CLERK (MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9AM TO 5PM)

This position's responsibilities include both public and technical services.
•  Details
10/10 - Bob Eash Learning & Edu. Program
All Staff:

Below you will find a description for a new program being offering on November 4, 2005. You can register for the program by going to www.hr.upenn.edu/learning. Call 8-3400 if you have any questions.

"Speak for Success "
November 4, 2005
Do people listen to you? Or do they react to how you sound rather than what you say? The ability to speak well implies the ability to think clearly. In this course you will learn techniques for effective communication: how to listen, how to share information, how to persuade others to think as you do. Learn to avoid phrases that interfere with communication. Learn to use your voice effectively, and not sound defensive. Speak so that your pronunciation doesn't hold you back. Acquire the skills that lead to advancement. This is an interactive workshop where you can practice as you learn.

The instructor, Leila B. Alson, receives excellent reviews when she delivers a version of this class for the College of General Studies (CGS) here at Penn. Join us for this unique opportunity to benefit from Leila's expertise and improve your personal presentation style.
10/07 - Tom Wilson: Weekend Parkling
All,

Parking in the back lot on the weekend is not open to everyone. With 2 dumpsters on the hill, parking is tight. If you are not scheduled to work, please do not park in the rear of the library. There are 6 spaces available.* If you are scheduled to work this weekend, inform your supervisor of what vehicle you will be driving to work. All vehicles will be checked each weekend until the end of the semester.

*1 - Reprographic Service
  1 - Circulation
  1 - Lippincott
  1 - Building Superintendent
  1 - Research and Instructional Services
  1 - Rosengarten Reserve

Thank You for you cooperation!
10/07 - Jennifer Sweda: Foreign Language List review

Hi everyone:

I have now recreated the 'Foreign Languages Spoken by Library Staff' list. It's in spreadsheet form, and can be downloaded here:

staffweb.library.upenn.edu/hr/ProfLangList.xls

For those of you who emailed me language abilities, please do take a look and check my work. For those of you who haven't gotten back to me but who would like to be included, please email me your name, email address, and language abilities (noting whether you are fluent or have a bibliographic knowledge only, for each language on your list).

N.B. I was careful to say this list was a re-creation, not a revision, of the earlier version. If you did not respond to me, you will not appear on the list (meaning, nothing was carried over from the original).
10/04 - Bob Eash Job Posting Notice - Van Pelt Stack Attendant
ATTENTION: Bargaining Unit Staff

This is to notify you that a Van Pelt Library Stack Attendant vacancy is presently available to all eligible B/U staff members. This is presently a Monday-Friday daytime position.

Interested members of the bargaining unit should contact me (by e-mail or written notification of interest) by TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 at 5PM.

Thank you!
10/04 - John Keane: Scams
All,

Be particularly cautious about internet schemes this week. There have been a bunch recently which purport to be from a financial institution and ask for your personal information in the interest of security. Do not respond to these!
10/03 - Michael Ryan: Thursday lecture

All staff are cordially invited to hear Prof. John Dixon Hunt, Chair of Landscape Architecture, lecture on the subject of the current exhibit in the Rosenwald Gallery, the Scottish book artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay. Prof. Hunt curated the show, and Andrea Gottschalk designed and installed it. Finlay is a real original, a feisty contrarian whose art defies conventional cultural and political labels.

The lecture is this Thursday, October 6th at 6:15 PM in the Gallery. Please do join us.
9/30 - John Keane: Reminder - retirement contributions
All,

Now would be a good time to check your retirement contributions year-to-date. Everyone has been assigned a maximum annual limit based on age and service. To make sure you are on target for the year, you can call 1-877-736-6738. The representative should be able to tell you your maximum amount of contribution and whether you need to make any changes between now and December to stay within the maximum.
9/30 - Bob Eash October Learning and Education Workshops

October is Work & Family Month

As a part of Work & Family Month, we are happy to share with you a summary of the workshops being offered in October. These lunchtime workshops are offered by experts from Penn Behavioral Health, our EAP and Work & Family Services Provider. Pre-registration is needed. For details, go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/workshop.asp.

"Successful Care Arrangements for Your School Age Child"
Thursday, October 6th
If you have a school age child in your life, this is the workshop for you. This workshop is designed to expand your understanding of the current trends, availability of services, and to strategize methods regarding the logistics of caring for your school age child/ren. Participants will discuss: Before and After School care, Emergency Back-up care, what to do when they are sick, and Latch-key/Home-alone issues. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.

"Managing Relationships in the Midst of Hectic Lives"
Thursday, October 20th
Join us for this workshop that is designed to help you develop and/or enhance the skills for maintaining healthy relationships given the multiple stressors facing today’s couples.

Participants will learn advanced methods in: Identifying which stressors impact your relationship, creating balance and carving out "Relationship Time," enhancing careers and relationships simultaneously, and child raising and healthy relationships. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.
•  Note: For personalized assistance with dependent care issues and personal wellbeing, contact Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work & Family Services provider, Penn Behavioral Health, at 1-888-321-4433 or go online to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/eap.asp, or go to the EAP website www.pennbehavioralhealth.org. For questions on QOWL programs, contact Human Resources at orna@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.


Cancer Risk Reduction Series Continues in October

Pre-registration is needed. For details, go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/workshops.asp.

"Reducing the Risk of Cancer: Quick Tips"
Thurs. Oct. 27th

Join us as we discuss quick tips for reducing the risks of cancer. Learn how many cancers could potentially be prevented by proper nutrition, adequate physical activity, avoiding obesity and smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption and harmful sun exposure. Come to this discussion to learn how you can integrate changes into your daily life that will have a big impact on reducing your personal risk of cancer. Led by Beth Eaby, MSN, CRNP, Abramson Cancer Center, and Nurse Practitioner. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.
9/28 - Mike Winkler: Desktop Operations Reorganization

As part of the ongoing reorganization in the Information Technologies & Digital Development (iTadd) department, I'm pleased to announce some changes in how we manage Desktop Operations. As of October 1st, the desktop computing environment - public workstations, staff workstations and desktop computing servers - will be consolidated into a unified operation in iTadd.

Doug Smullens has accepted the role of Manager for Desktop Operations.
For 2.5 years, Doug has been our Public Computing Manager, implementing and supporting public computing in all Library labs, lookup areas, and for all other public computing services. In his new role, Doug will be responsible for all aspects of the desktop computing environment. He will be planning and implementing Active Directory services across our entire desktop environment, improved security and virus protection, as well as managing the servers that support desktop computing in the Libraries. Doug will continue to report to Grover McKenzie.

To assist Doug, I'm also pleased to announce that Nate Dougherty, currently the LSP for the Health Science Libraries, will be joining iTadd as Desktop Systems Administrator on Oct 1st. Nate has provided invaluable support and service to the staff in the Health Sciences Libraries as LSP, as well as playing an instrumental role in supporting the technical infrastucture for our growing ILL operations. I'm sure that he will be missed. In his new role, Nate will be bringing his knowledge and enthusiasm to assisting with the management, configuration and support of desktop computing services. We welcome Nate to the iTadd team.

Ray Holcombe, Early Cooper, and Dottie Archey are Systems Technicians in iTadd. Under this reorganization, Ray & Early will provide desktop support and assistance as Desktop Operations Technicians and will report to Doug Smullens. Dottie will provide Helpdesk support as the Helpdesk Operations Technician and will report to Nancy Rose.

We are excited about this reorganization and the improvements it will generate for our desktop support operation.
9/29 - Emily Batista October e-Learning opportunities from ACRL

ACRL is offering three e-Learning opportunities in October:

  1. Information Literacy Across the Curriculum (three-week Webcast series, Oct. 13-27, cosponsored by ACRL and TLT Group)
  2. Designing Web Sites for Academic Libraries (Webcast, October 13, 3-4:30 Eastern)
  3. Blogging in Academic Research Libraries (Webcast, October 18, 12-1:00 Eastern)
Registration for all events is now open. Space is limited, so register today.

1. "Information Literacy Across the Curriculum: Using the Information Literacy Standards as a Blueprint for Strategic Curriculum Planning," October 13-27 , 2005 (cosponsored by ACRL and TLT Group)
Live Webcasts: Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT

Seminar Leaders: Deborah Robinson and Barbara Breeden, librarians, and Eloise Malone, professor, political science, United States Naval Academy; Jill Gremmels and Randall Schroeder, librarians, and others (TBA), Wartburg College; and Ilene Rockman, manager, information competence initiative, Office of the Chancellor and Lorie Roth, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs, the California State University.

Workshop Description: After successfully implementing a localized information literacy program, many librarians and faculty face the more daunting task of integrating IL skills across an entire curriculum. Undertaking this task is time consuming and demands the patience and support of a number of campus constituents. But when complete, it offers more vision and greater curricular integration than most realize. The process is actually easier than it appears because the Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education provide a highly flexible blueprint for strategic planning.

This workshop offers a guided introduction and first-hand accounts about how to integrate information literacy competencies systematically throughout a general education or major curriculum.

Each week synchronous Webcast featuring a different set of practitioners will present and discuss the methods needed to grow a holistic information literacy program.

For more information and a link to online registration through TLT, visit: www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/curriculum.htm

ACRL members, those affiliated with a TLT subscriber institution, and ALA members can register at a discount.

A $15 discount per registrant will be applied to participants registering from the same institution (first registrant pays full fee).

Questions about registration should be sent to Joanna Beiter at TLT Group, beiter@tltgroup.org.

2. "Designing Web Sites for Academic Libraries," Thursday, October 13, 2005, 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern

Learn about Web standards and essential usability and accesibility concepts for Web design. Why are standards important? What is usability? What is accessibility? This Webcast will cover the following areas:
  • Design for usability and accessibility: Web standards, style and readability: font size, colors, graphics choices?
  • Design for the audience: What is the goal of your Web site? Are you trying to impress, promote, or attract?
  • Language choices for library Web sites
  • Design contents: Reader's advisor? Reference information? Program information? Schedules and locations information? etc.
  • Using DreamWeaver to create usable, accessible, and interesting Web pages
The Webcast will be led by Diane Kovacs, president of Kovacs Consulting - Internet & Web Training. She has more than ten years of experience as a Web teacher and consultant and holds an M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Kent State University.

For more information, including technical specifications and a link to registration, visit: www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/webdesign.htm

3. "Blogging in Academic Research Libraries: The 'Why' and the 'How,' " Tuesday, October 18, 2005, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Eastern

Librarians have embraced blogging as early adopters, and creativity is the order of the day. Blogging is designed to be easy to learn, and anyone who can use a Web browser can become a blogger in short order. But the question remains: What lasting services should academic librarians be crafting on a Weblog platform? How does Blogging connect with the real-world issues of research libraries?

Find answers to these questions and learn more about the strategic value of blogging by participating in "Blogging in the Academic Research Library," led by the University of California-Berkeley's Terence Huwe. Huwe is a frequent presenter at Internet Librarian USA, Internet Librarian International (London) and Computers in Libraries (Washington, DC). In July 2005, he keynoted AusWeb 05, the World Web Web Consortium's longest running conference, held in Australia.

For more information, including technical specifications and a link to registration, visit: www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/blogwebcast.htm
9/27 - Bob Eash October is Nat'l Work & Family Month

The United States Senate declared October National Work and Family Month believing that "supporting a balance between work and personal life is in the best interest of national worker productivity" and that "reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority." The Senate asked the President to "issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe 'National Work and Family Month' with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

In keeping with the spirit of this legislation, Human Resources wants to remind faculty and staff of the many programs and services Penn offers to support your efforts to manage the competing demands of work and personal life. Please scroll down to learn about these programs and workshops scheduled for October in honor of Work and Family Month.

WORK & FAMILY SERVICES
Penn offers faculty and staff and their immediate family members free and confidential assistance with work and family challenges through Penn Behavioral Health (PBH), our Employee Assistance Program. Examples of reasons to contact PBH:
•  Help with finding child care
•  Options for special educational arrangements
•  Ideas for keeping communication lines open with teens
•  Assistance with identifying dependent adult and elder care resources
You can contact PBH 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or online as listed below. No matter how you reach Penn’s Work & Family Services, you will find practical solutions, realistic answers, and customized resource information for all dependent care and family issues.
•  Phone Access: 1-888-321-4433
•  Online Access: Work & Family Services Online at http://www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/worklife/dependent.asp
When you link to the above website, you will need your PennKey and password. When you select "Work & Family Services Online," you will be asked for a user name and password: User Name: upenn; Password: eap.
FLEXIBLE WORK OPTIONS
Since 1998, the University of Pennsylvania has offered guidelines online for implementing Flexible Work Options (http://www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/worklife/flexoptions/default.asp). These guidelines cover the following arrangements:
•  Flextime
•  Flexplace
•  Compressed Work Schedules
•  Part-time Assignments
•  Job Sharing
When appropriate for the job and work environment, these arrangements are valued by staff for the way they support efforts to manage work and family responsibilities, professional development activities, and community service commitments. They support management goals for attracting and retaining the best talent and encouraging cross-training and increased productivity. They also offer approaches for reducing commuting costs, even more important in today’s climate of rising fuel costs.

Since their introduction, flexible work options have been used successfully by staff in many of our schools and centers. The online Tool Kits for Staff and Supervisors offer step-by-step guidance on how to consider these arrangements (http://www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/worklife/flexoptions/training.asp - click on Staff Member Tool Kit or Manager Tool Kit in the top right column of the webpage).

As part of our Work and Family Month activities, Human Resources is offering workshops on 1) how to develop flexible work option proposals and 2) how to manage flexible arrangements. For details about when and where to find these workshops, go to the Human Resources Course Catalog, and browse by category for "Flexible Work Options" sessions. For personal assistance, contact Askhr@hr.upenn.edu or call 215-898-6093.

WORK & FAMILY WORKSHOPS
Lunchtime workshops dealing with your emotional wellbeing and work & family issues are offered by experts from Penn Behavioral Health, our Employee AP and Work & Family benefit provider. In honor of Work and Family Month, the following workshops will be offered this October:

"Successful Care Arrangements for Your School Age Child"
Thursday, October 6th

"Managing Relationships in the Midst of Hectic Lives"
Thursday, October 20th

For details, go to the Human Resources Course Catalog, and select Quality of Worklife from the "Browse by Category" drop down menu. Pre-registration is required.
•  HELP: Contact Human Resources at 215-898-5116 or orna@hr.upenn.edu with questions about the above programs and/or how to register to participate.
9/27 - Emily Batista Blended Librarian Webcast: Emerging Positions in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of the Learning Technologies Center librarian @ Kutztown University Libraries

You are invited to join Steven Bell and John Shank, co-founders of the Blended Librarian Online Learning Community and their guests Margaret Devlin and William Jefferson for the next community event, "Emerging Positions in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of the Learning Technologies Center librarian @ Kutztown University Libraries" on Thursday, September 29, 2005, at 3:00 pm EDT. This session will discus newly emerging librarian positions designed to assist library and teaching faculty with new and emerging technologies. We will showcase the Learning Technologies Center librarian position at Kutztown University. This position assists faculty members in using technology to accomplish their instructional goals, and to train staff on software packages that will benefit their daily work experience and facilitate their tasks.

Although the event is free, advance registration is required to reserve a virtual seat: home.learningtimes.net/library?go=966789

For those not already members of LTLOC and the Blended Librarian Group, use this link to join the community (this is free) and then use the link above to register for the event.
•  For more information about the Blended Librarian please visit blendedlibrarian.org
For more information about the Blended Librarian please visit blendedlibrarian.org
9/21 - John Kiser Addition to Courseware Support Team
I'm pleased - elated, actually - to announce the addition of Amanda Chudnow to the Library's Courseware Support team. She will play a vital role in the Library's Blackboard service, which over the past several years has grown into a critical part of Penn's learning and teaching environment.

Amanda comes to the Library by way of Penn Book Center, where she worked for a two-year period. During that time, entirely of her own initiative, she modernized a number of PBC's internal systems and procedures, and introduced them to technologies and processes that have increased efficiency. She also comes with experience in a number of public service oriented roles, including help desk computing support. Additionally, Amanda is beginning her Library Science degree at Drexel this fall.

Please join me in welcoming Amanda to the Library and to Penn!
9/20 - Bob Eash Reza Vahab Brother's Visit With Staff- Thursday AM
All Staff,

This is to make you aware that Reza's brother, John Soubotian, is in Philadelphia this week. He is most interested in meeting informally with Reza's friends and colleagues while he is here handling family affairs.

We discussed this today, and he has agreed to return to the Library on Thursday morning at 10AM to meet with those of you who want to see him. I have reserved the Class of 1955 Conference Room from 10AM to 11AM. Anytime during this hour, it would be appropriate for staff to stop in to visit with John and pay their respects. Obviously, this is a difficult week for John as well as his mother and sister back in Australia. He is recording some of his trip to show to them. Incidentally, having met him, I believe you would find him most gracious and easy to talk to about Reza.

Thank you.
9/20 - Judith Currano Scientific Texts and Their Users - Sept. 28
Greetings from the Chemistry Library!

Have you ever wondered what scientists do when they go to the library? DO scientists go to the library, or is it true that ALL the useful scientific information is available online? What are those funny pictures that chemists draw, and how do they help them find articles?

The Science and Engineering Librarians are delighted to invite you to attend a panel discussion on Scientific Texts and Their Users, which continues the fine tradition of Texts and Their Users panels instituted by Deb Bucher. This panel will consist of graduate students from chemistry, physics, and engineering, who will give a brief description of their projects and the ways in which the library supports their research and answer any questions you may have.

The program will be held on Wednesday, September 28, from 3-4PM, in the Meyerson Conference Room of Van Pelt. Light refreshments will be provided. I hope to see many of you there. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks, and have a good day.
9/19 - Bob Eash Last Days to Register for HR’s September Workshop on Managing Stress

To enhance your professional and/or personal well-being join us for this workshop presented by an expert from Penn Behavioral Health (PBH), Penn's Employee Assistance and Work & Family Service provider.* Feel free to bring a 'brown bagv lunch to this session.

Please register in advance. For workshop and online registration details go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/workshop.asp.

"Relaxing Ways for a Stressful World"
Thurs., Sept. 22, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

The fall can be a stressful time. Learn to identify when you are relaxed, how to manage it, and how to use it to improve your quality of life. Participants will discover the response to relaxation, the physical and mental signs of relaxation, and specific relaxation exercises and techniques. This workshop is sponsored by Human Resources and led by an expert from Penn's Employee Assistance Program and Work & Family Benefits Provider, Penn Behavioral Health. Please feel free to bring a 'brown bag' lunch. Note: The last half hour is optional and will involve additional Q&A or related role-playing.

*Note: For personalized assistance with dependent care issues and personal well-being, contact Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work & Family Benefit provider, Penn Behavioral Health, at 1-888-321-4433 or go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/eap.asp. For questions on QOWL programs, contact Human Resources at orna@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.
9/19 - Bob Eash Posting Notice- Post Cataloging Clerk
ATTENTION: BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS

The following position vacancy is presently open and available to all eligible B/U staff: CLERK- POST CATALOGING
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, or modified as approved
Duties include the preparation of materials for binding by commercial binders, record-keeping fore materials at binders, checking in bound materials, and searching for samples and shelf list records for binding information. Additional duties are associated with marking and labeling or reshelving, retrieving and delivering trucks of books to various locations and other general clerical duties in line with clerical work. This position will be posted through Friday, September 23. Interested bargaining unit members should contact me via e-mail (reash@pobox.upenn.edu) or written note.
9/16 - John Keane: Mark's Café
All,

Just another reminder that staff discount cards for Mark's Café are available in my office. Please present the cards to Mark's staff whenever you patronize the cafe and do not count on their remembering that you are a staff member. It puts them in an awkward position.
Thanks.
9/13 - Sandra Kerbel New Research Basics site on www.library.upenn.edu
Dear Colleagues:

Continuing the Library's efforts to impact the undergraduate research experience, we are launching a new website called Research Basics,
•  http://www.library.upenn.edu/research/researchbasics.html
Research Basics is now linked from a red ball on the main library web page, replacing the present link to Research Guides. The site was developed by staff within the Research & Instructional Services Department (Laurie Allen, Deb Bucher, Jen Jarson, Nick Okrent, and Bob Walther), with assistance from colleagues in public services and collection development, and was designed by Leslie Vallhonrat.

The site aims to provide basic information that will help undergraduates, or anyone unfamiliar with the library and its resources, begin the research process. On the staff side, it takes advantage of a new tagging tool, which makes it possible, among other things, to include Voyager records within a web page (more on this will be forthcoming).

Please advertise the site to your patrons and also let us know if you have comments or questions. These can be directed to Laurie Allen.

Best.
9/13 - Bob Eash Reza's Condolence Information
All Staff,

I spoke with Reza'a sister Nicole Savoy today, and was told that it was OK to give her mailing address to you. (I believe there to be some library folks who would wish to send condolences to the family.) Here is the information:

Nicole Savoy (sister)
Soraya Savoy-Soubotian(mother)
John Savoy-Soubotian(brother)

The mailing address for all is: P.O. Box 441, Double Bay 2028 N.S.W., Australia
9/13 - Grover McKenzie Status of Pobox/Mail.med performance

The following announcement has been taken from a general announcement broadcast by ISC N&T Engineering. It is being provided here as an F.Y.I. It may explain something you've noticed recently regarding university email services.

Wevre seeing the usual beginning of the semester load spike on pobox, which has been exacerbated by recent large mailings. Users have been experiencing slowness, particularly when using webmail or host-based mail applications like pine and mutt.

You can help - whenever possible, avoid sending large attachments, or even small attachments if they're going to a large number of recipients. We recommend posting documents on your pobox web site, and include the document's URL in the body of your message. It conserves both system resources, and the quota of your correspondents.
9/13 - Jeanne Shuttleworth Jessica Brangiel

After two years in this department, Jessica Brangiel, Electronic Acquisitions Librarian, has resigned her position to become the librarian at the Montgomery School. Her last day in the office will be Wednesday September 28th, 2005.

Jessica has been a tremendous help the functioning of this department. She has been the main resource for purchasing new e-resources for the library, adding new materials to EReD, has been essential for renewing the larger journals packages as well as individuals journals and databases. She has also made herself invaluable by resolving both technical and subscription queries and problems and by doing a great deal of work troubleshooting specific journal and database problems. Not only will I miss her fine work, but I will miss her as well. Jessica has decided she doesn’t want any type of celebration, and unless she changes her mind, you will need to say goodbye when you can catch her. When you do, please help me to congratulate Jessica for a job well done. She will be hard to replace.
9/13 - Bob Eash Penn Family Day & September Workshops

13th ANNUAL PENN FAMILY DAY - Saturday, October 8, 2005
GET IN ON THE FUN!

Announcing the 13th annual Penn Family Day. Faculty and staff are invited to bring their family members and friends to Penn to cheer on the Penn football team, watch a women's volleyball game, explore the University Museum, or go skating at the Penn Ice Rink. No matter what activities you plan to enjoy, be sure to come to the Penn Family Tailgate Party first. Tickets are required for the Penn Family Tailgate Party (1pm – 3pm) and the Penn vs. Bucknell Football Game (3:30 pm).

NOTE: This is a rain or shine event.

For full event details, and a Ticket Order Form, go to: www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/staffrecognition/familyday.asp.

Tickets:
Please prepare to show your faculty/staff PennCard at all events.
•  Tickets are required for the Penn Family Tailgate Party and the Penn Football Game.
NEW: Faculty and staff can now receive up to 4 tickets for free, and additional tickets are just $5 each.
•  Tickets are not needed for the Museum, the Ice Rink, or the women’s volleyball game – and admission is free for you and your guests.
Deadlines:
Order tickets via intramural mail or in person at the Athletic Ticket Office, by the following deadlines:
•  Wednesday, September 28 – Intramural mail received.
•  Monday, October 3 – In person orders placed at the Athletic Ticket Office.
•  (Requests after October 3rd regretfully cannot be honored.)
Questions? Contact Human Resources at QOWL@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-5116

September Workshops

To enhance your professional and/or personal well-being join us for this workshop presented by an expert from Penn Behavioral Health (PBH), Penn's Employee Assistance and Work & Family Service provider.* Feel free to bring a 'brown bagv lunch to this session.

Please register in advance. For workshop and online registration details go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/workshop.asp.

"Relaxing Ways for a Stressful World"
Thurs., Sept. 22, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

The fall can be a stressful time. Learn to identify when you are relaxed, how to manage it, and how to use it to improve your quality of life. Participants will discover the response to relaxation, the physical and mental signs of relaxation, and specific relaxation exercises and techniques. This workshop is sponsored by Human Resources and led by an expert from Penn's Employee Assistance Program and Work & Family Benefits Provider, Penn Behavioral Health. Please feel free to bring a 'brown bag' lunch. Note: The last half hour is optional and will involve additional Q&A or related role-playing.

*Note: For personalized assistance with dependent care issues and personal well-being, contact Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work & Family Benefit provider, Penn Behavioral Health, at 1-888-321-4433 or go to www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/wellness/eap.asp. For questions on QOWL programs, contact Human Resources at orna@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.
9/12 - Sandra Kerbel Replacing Research Guides on www.library.upenn.edu
Dear Web Developers:

Just a note to let you know that, as was discussed at last month's Public Services Council meeting, we will be replacing the link to "Research Guides" with a link to the new Research Basics site -
•  http://www.library.upenn.edu/research/researchbasics.html
This is being done to support the University's efforts to involve undergraduate students more actively in the research process. The site is designed to guide students through the research process and give them overview of resources in the disciplines.

The site was developed by staff within the Research & Instructional Services Department (Laurie Allen, Deb Bucher, Jen Jarson, Nick Okrent, and Bob Walther), with assistance from colleagues in public services and collection development, and was designed by Leslie Vallhonrat.

Please take a look at the site and send feedback to the list or directly to Laurie Allen.

Thanks.
9/12 - Bob Eash Reza Vahab/Employee Assistance Program Session, Tomorrow at 1:30
ATTENTION ALL STAFF:

Tomorrow (Tuesday, September 13th) at 1:30PM., Gregory Mattison of Penn's Employee Assistance Program will be on site in the Class of 1955 Conference Room (VPDLC) to provide EAP assistance for Library staff. This meeting is open to all Library staff members as we continue to deal with the loss of a colleague and friend.

I am also again providing the link to EAP homepage for additional, personal services you may wish to consider. The 24/7 phone number directly to an EAP counselor is: 888-321-4433.
•  EAP homepage
9/08 - Bob Eash New Health & Wellness Series: Reducing the Risks of Cancer

NEW: "Reducing Your Risk for Cancer: You Can Make a Difference" Series for Fall 2005!

Human Resources is pleased to announce a health promotion series this fall focusing on “Reducing Your Risk for Cancer: You Can Make a Difference”. These monthly presentations outline the best medical advice for keeping yourself and your family healthy and fit. We teamed up with specialists from Penn’s Health System to offer informative presentations and the opportunity to have your questions answered by experts. Please pre-register today (see below) to start on the path for a healthier you. The series runs as follows:

"Diet and Nutrition for Cancer Prevention"
Thursday, September 29th
Led by Ellen Sweeney-Cordes, MS, RD – Abramson Cancer Center Patient and Family Services Division, Nutritionist

"Reducing the Risks of Cancer: Quick Tips"
Thursday, October 27th
Led by Carrie Stricker, MSN, CRNP – Abramson Cancer Center Hematology Oncology Division, Oncology Nurse Practitioner

"Cancer Screenings: Knowing When to Take Action"
Thursday, November 10th
Led by Linda Jacobs, PHD – UPHS Hematology Oncology Division, Coordinator, Living Well After Cancer Program

"Steps to Quit Smoking"
Thursday, December 1st
Led by Freda Patterson – Research Project Manager and Smoking Cessation Counselor, Psychiatry, Tobacco Use Research Center

For details and to pre-register go to www.hr.upenn.edu/training_coursecatalog/search_results.asp?mode=category&criteria=QW and view these workshops and other Quality of Worklife workshops.

Questions? Contact Human Resources at 215-898-5118 or orna@hr.upenn.edu.
9/09 - John Keane: Mark's Café
All,

If anyone needs a new or replacement Library Staff Discount Card for Mark's Café, please pick it up in my office.
Thanks.
9/09 - Rachelle Nelson Reza Vahab
Library Co-workers,

We are all saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of our co-worker and friend, Reza Vahab. Although Reza spent the last 8+ years in Shared Cataloging, he was known throughout the entire library system. He will be missed by all of us.

At his workstation in Shared Cataloging, we have set up a small memorial in honor of Reza. If you have any pictures or thoughts to share, please feel free to stop by and post them. Help us keep his spirit alive by sharing your favorite Reza stories. On behalf of Shared Cataloging, the IPC, and Reza's family, thank you for all the words of condolences that have been expressed.
9/07 - Bob Eash Death of a Colleague
All Library Staff:

It is with deepest regret that I inform you that we have just learned of the death of IPC staff member, and colleague, Reza Vahab. Reza was an 18 year Library staff member, and a Senior Clerk in Shared Cataloging since 1997.

No further information is known at this time. When additional information becomes available regarding funeral arrangements and/or other pertinent information, we will make it available to you as soon as possible.
9/07 - Sandra Kerbel Interested in assisting with Penn Library booth at Employee Resource Fair?
Dear Colleagues:

The Library has been invited to participate in the Employee Resource Fair on Monday October 17, 2005, from 12:00pm - 2:00pm in Wynn Commons, outside Houston Hall. The purpose of the fair is to reacquaint employees with the vast and varied campus resources and services available to them. The fair will be open to the entire Penn Community, but targeted to staff.

If you are interested in helping to staff the Penn Library table at the Employee Resource Fair, please let Stephanie Brown or me know.

It is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge of the Library with your Penn colleagues.

Again the date is Monday, October 17, 2005.

Thanks.
9/07 - Stephen Lehmann One-year appointment in Collection Development

The Collection Development Department is pleased to announce the one-year, temporary appointment of Linda Levin as Collection Development Librarian, beginning September 6. Her responsibilities include the ongoing development and management of the Classics and Medieval Studies seminar collections, filling in for Deb Bucher as Religious Studies bibliographer, working with Mary Steiner on the ScholarlyCommons@Penn and with Cinema Studies faculty in helping to identify and fill the gaps in our Cinema Studies collection. Linda has worked in a number of positions in the library over the years and is known to many of you - we all welcome her in her new capacity.
9/07 - David Toccafondi MeetingMaker

The library is moving forward with plans to upgrade MeetingMaker to the latest version. That process will require people to manually migrate their schedules to the new server. If you are currently using MeetingMaker to keep your schedule, could you please email me to let me know so that I can be sure we move everyone's schedule over.

After I get a good idea of how many regular users we currently have, I'll announce a plan to proceed with the upgrade and offer training for those who are interested.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.
9/06 - H. Carton Rogers Library Social

Congratulations and thanks to all those of you who planned and staffed Friday night's Library Social. I gather from reading the staff blog that the final count of attendees was 1,725. Just from seeing how crowded we were I imagined we'd be close to last year's count of 1,600 but this really does exceed expectations. Our Social has become a go-to event on the Freshmen Orientation schedule and this is due, primarily, to all of your hard work and your warm and welcoming presence. You should all be very proud of your success!
9/02 - Sandra Kerbel Re-naming of Local Search Tool on the Library website
Dear Colleagues:

I just wanted to alert you that the Local Search Tool Team (http://www.library.upenn.edu/blos/LoST) has recommended that we use the name "FindIt!" as the label for the search box on the Library website. Formerly the label was "Search E-resource Locator/Library Site."

Now, in addition to accessing the search tool by entering a search, you can click on the search box label ("FindIt!") and go directly to the FindIt! interface - rather than to the E-Resource Locator native interface.

We will be hearing more later from the Team about the use of this tool by our users. Questions can be sent to the Local Search Tool Team either through the Comment Form at http://www.library.upenn.edu/forms/findit.html or directly.
8/30 - Sandra Kerbel New Student Orientation Activities in VPDLC
Dear Library Staff:

Once again, The Penn Library will be a center of activity this fall as we participate in Penn's New Student Orientation Week 2005. In addition to various scheduled tours, orientations, and workshops, the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center will host the following events:

August 31st through September 29
Van Pelt Tours and Online Training sessions
Goldstein Electronic Classroom.
•  Full schedule
8/29 - Sandra Kerbel: Jury Duty Scam
Dear Colleagues,

Below is a message from University's Privacy Officer, Lauren Steinfeld, and Vice President of Public Safety, Maureen Rush, about a scam to acquire personal information.

Just FYI -
-------------------------------
Jury Duty Scam Leads to Identity Theft
Here's a new twis