News/Alerts Archive
12/21 - Elizabeth Martin WEEKLY PAID: WORKING OVER THE BREAK

For those of you who work during the break, submit your timesheets by Tuesday, January 2nd at 12 pm. Since the HR office will be closed until that morning of the 2nd, you can put timesheets in my mailbox on the second floor (where the water cooler is), or put them in an envelope and slip them under the door of Rm 239. Checks will be available on Friday, Janurary 5th.

Happy Holidays!
12/22 - Adela Smith George Needham's Presentation Available Online

FYI - George Needham's December 14 presentation on College Students' Perceptions of Libraries and Information Sources is now available at http://www.palinet.org/documents/College Students Perceptions, Philadelphia, 12182006.pdf
12/19 - John Keane Free Coffee in Mark's Café
All,

Mark's Café will close Wednesday, December 20, at 3 pm and re-open on January 8. Mark's will be supplying free coffee on Thursday, December 21, in the staff lounge of VPDLC. Unfortunately, ARAMARK staff will not be on campus on Friday 12/22.
12/18 - Elizabeth Martin HR Director Presentations

This week there will be presentations by two candidates for the Director of Library Human Resources.
  • Amanda Lawhorn will present tomorrow at 10 AM in the Meyerson Conference Room.
  • Theresa Maher will present at 10 AM on Friday, December 22nd in the Class of '55 conference room.
12/14 - Jasmine Lim Posting Notice-Systems Technician/Operations Assistant I (iTadd Dept)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

Two (2) new Systems Technician/Operations Assistant I positions have been created in the ITaDD Department at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library. Should you be interested in applying for these positions, please send a letter of interest, along with resume to me *by December 21, 2006.* Please see attachment for job description.

Please note that as per Article VII, section 17, these positions are outside of the seniority lines of promotion. Present B/U members will be given the first opportunity to apply for these openings, and will be given fair consideration along with other applicants. The hours for these positions are expected to be Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
•  Details
12/13 - Elizabeth Martin Weekly Paid Staff and Students

This is the last call for weekly timesheets for 2006...

Week ending Dec. 22nd:
Timesheets due by Thursday, Dec. 14th, at noon
Checks available on Thursday, Dec. 21st

If you didn't submit a timesheet for week ending December 15th, please submit it by Thursday at 12pm and you will get paid on the 21st, as well.

For those of you who work during the break, submit your timesheets by Tuesday, January 2nd at 12 pm. Since the HR office will be closed until that morning of the 2nd, I realize it might be difficult to actually bring them to me in person. You can put timesheets in my mailbox on the second floor (where the water cooler is), or put them in an envelope and slip them under the door of Rm 239.

Thanks,
12/12 - Amey Hutchins Assembly minutes now on blog

The minutes from the Librarians' Assembly meeting on November 29 are now posted on the Assembly blog at www.library.upenn.edu/blos/la/B_Assembly_Meetings/Minutes/minutes_11292006.html.
12/12 - Grover McKenzie Todd Seidelmann, new iTadd employee

I am very pleased to introduce Todd Seidelmann as our newest team member in iTadd. He is filling the open Unix Systems Administrator position in the IT group. Todd joins us from a NJ telecommunications company where he worked as a Unix Systems Administrator. He has worked with the Linux based technologies that we are increasingly using in our own environment. Todd earned his degree in Computer Science from The College of New Jersey.

Todd's work location is in the iTadd suite, Van Pelt 335. Please join me in welcoming him to the Penn Library.
12/12 - Katie Brady E-Resources Trial : American Broadsides and Ephemera, Series

The following new resource was recently added to the trials page: https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/loggedin/current_trials.html (requires PennKey login).

Broadsides printed between 1820 and 1900 and ephemera printed between 1760 and 1900.

"Based on the American Antiquarian Society's landmark collection - the most extensive in existence - American Broadsides and Ephemera offers fully searchable facsimile images of approximately 15,000 broadsides printed between 1820 and 1900 and 15,000 pieces of ephemera printed between 1760 and 1900. The remarkably diverse subjects of these broadsides range from contemporary accounts of the Civil War, unusual occurrences and natural disasters to official government proclamations, tax bills and town meeting reports. Featuring many rare items, the pieces of ephemera include clipper ship sailing cards, early trade cards, bill heads, theater and music programs, stock certificates, menus and invitations documenting civic, political and private celebrations. American Broadsides and Ephemera, Series I consists of more than 29,000 broadsides and pieces of ephemera."

IP authenticated, and are available until January 11, 2007

Trial Bibliographer: Nick Okrent
12/11 - Jasmine Lim Suspension of Normal Operations During Severe Weather

This is a reminder for all staff to review the University's Suspension of Normal Operations policy (formerly Emergency Closing Policy), Number 707, at www.hr.upenn.edu/policy/policies/707.asp along with the Library policy contained herein.

When the University announces a "full closing" (as defined in the policy statement) and makes that announcement before regular opening hours, all libraries will be closed. However, every effort will be made to open the Undergraduate Study Center. Thus, staff assigned to this area are asked to report for work, if at all possible.

Staff in other areas may be requested to report to work to handle unique or special situations.

When a full closing is announced during the regular work day, those staff members who are designated as "skeleton" staff will be asked to remain until further notice. All other staff will likely be dismissed.

Bargaining unit members who are deemed to be "skeleton" staff, and who work during a "full closing," will be granted time off at a later date at the rate of time and one-half for hours worked after the announcement of closing - in addition to regular compensation for their normal scheduled hours. All other staff who work during a full closing will receive straight time compensatory time off for time worked, plus normal pay for the day.

When a University closing is announced prior to opening, but after an individual's regular starting time, the staff member will receive compensatory time off as described above.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 8-7568.
12/11 - Barbara Kountouzi Mark your calendars - "Texts and the Users" program is back!

Patty Lynn and I, on behalf of the Working Group on Teaching and Instructional Services, would like to announce another "Texts and Their Users" graduate student panel discussion.

On Thursday, January 18, 11am-noon (*please note that there will be NO PSC meeting that day*) in the Class of '55 Conference Room, we will be hosting four Education School graduate students for a panel discussion about their research and information gathering practices.

Please join us for an interesting hour and for a small reception afterward.
12/4 - Elizabeth Martin Attention: Weekly Paid Staff & Students

Please note that next week we will need timesheets for the next TWO weeks:

Week ending Dec. 15th:
Timesheets due by Monday, Dec. 11th, at 12 pm
Checks available on Wednesday, Dec. 20th

Week ending Dec. 22nd:
Timesheets due by Thursday, Dec. 14th, at 12 pm
Checks available on Thursday, Dec. 21st

If you work during the break, submit timesheets for those hours in January, after the break.
12/7 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Dec. 11 - Dec. 17
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Dec. 11, 2006
President's office:: 7am-1:15pm: Meyerson
Blackboard Mid-Year mtg:: 10-11:30am: WIC Seminar Room
ISC:: 1:30-3pm: Meyerson

Fri., Dec. 15, 2006
Staff Holiday Party:: 2:30-5:30pm: 6th floor
12/7 - Aleta Arthurs Reminder: Holiday Party- December 15, 2006, 2:30-5:30pm
Good Morning,

This is just a friendly reminder that our Annual Holiday Party is next Friday, December 15, 2006. You should have received the invitation already; however, if you have not RSVP'd yet, please do so by responding to this email with your total number of guests. We are looking forward to a memorable and fun filled event!!!

Thanks
12/7 - Judith Currano Librarians' Assembly Mentoring Subcommittee
Greetings!

At the last Librarians' Assembly, the group expressed interest in starting a mentoring program for librarians who are new to Penn. I would like to invite any interested people to volunteer to form a new subcommittee, which will launch and steer this effort. We are looking for a group of four or five people. You can volunteer by e-mailing me or phoning me at (215) 898-2177. We will begin discussing the subcommittee at our next executive board meeting on Monday, although we will certainly take volunteers after that date (given that it is currently Thursday, and many of you have probably left for the day).

Thanks! I am really excited about this new initiative, and I hope many of you are as well.
12/7 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Library Service Assistant I (Current Periodicals and Microforms Dept.)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library in the Current Periodicals and Microforms deparment for Library Service Assistant I. Please see attachment for job description. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest along with a resume by December 14, 2006.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 1PM to 9PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
•  Details
12/7 - Elizabeth Martin requests for students and interns for spring 2007
Hi,

If you have a need for new student workers for next semester, please fill out the form linked below and return it to me. Print it and hand it in, email it, fax it . . . whichever way is easiest for you. Also, if you have any need for a library school intern for next semester, please let me know about that as well.

Thanks,
•  Student Request Form
12/6 - Marjorie Hassen Additional Study Space in Van Pelt

In our continuing effort to address the overwhelming need for study space during the end of the semester crunch, Van Pelt is opening several rooms for student use beginning today, through December 20th:
  • Class of '55 - now equipped with several large tables and chairs
  • Room 503 - a new "quiet study" room, equipped with temporary tables and chairs as we await delivery of new furniture
  • Goldstein Electronic Classroom - available for computing with 16 PCs
Linked here is a flyer with details. Feel free to post and circulate to students who may be looking for a place to work.
12/6 - John Keane Smoking Regulations
All,

Please note new University policy below:
In accordance with the City of Philadelphia's Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law, the University has updated the policy on smoking in University facilities and buildings. Per the new policy, please note that no one may smoke or carry a lighted cigar, cigarette, or pipe in any University building or facility, including but not limited to all classrooms, laboratories, work areas, common or lounge areas, conference or meeting rooms, hallways, dining facilities, and restrooms. In addition, smoking is prohibited within twenty (20) feet of any entrance to a University facility or building. This policy applies to all University facilities and buildings inside and outside of the City of Philadelphia. The updated policy is available on the Human Resources website at www.hr.upenn.edu/policy/policies/704.asp.
In the VPDLC, we are working on procuring appropriate signs announcing the policy and we will be moving ashtrays to comply with the "20-ft rule." Other libraries are located in buildings not under Library control; however, we are noticing that most of the campus has already started complying with the new policy. Thanks for your cooperation.
11/29 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice - Bibliographic Specialist (Original Cataloging)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library in the Original Cataloging Deparment for Bibliographic Specialist (1-year appointment). Should you be interested in applying for this position, please send me a letter of interest, along with cover letter and resume to me by December 12, 2006. Please see attachment for job description.

Please note that as per Article VII, section 17, this position is outside of the seniority lines of promotion. Present B/U members will be given the first opportunity to apply for this vacancy, and will be given fair consideration along with other applicants for the vacancy. The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
•  Duties, Responsibilities, Qualifications
12/4 - Elizabeth Martin Attention: ALL Weekly Paid Staff &Students
Hi,

Below is the schedule for submitting timesheets through the end of the year for students and all weekly paid staff:

Week ending Dec. 8th:
Timesheets due by Thursday, Dec. 7th, at noon
Checks available on Friday, Dec. 15th

Week ending Dec. 15th:
Timesheets due by Monday, Dec. 11th, at noon
Checks available on Wednesday, Dec. 20th

Week ending Dec. 22nd:
Timesheets due by Thursday, Dec. 14th, at noon
Checks available on Thursday, Dec. 21st

I will send out a reminder for each week at the beginning of that week.

Thanks,
12/5 - Marjorie Hassen News of the Weigle Information Commons

I am pleased to announce that Anu Vedantham has accepted the position of Director of the David B. Weigle Information Commons. She will begin work on January 15th.

Anu comes to us from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where she serves as the Director of Instructional Technology. She is also currently a student in Penn's Graduate School of Education, pursuing her Ed.D. in the Higher Education Management program. Anu will be assuming a leadership role in the Information Commons, maintaining responsibility for the operation of both the Commons and the Vitale Digital Media Lab, planning technology systems to keep pace with student needs, and developing outreach programs to support teaching and learning.

In conjunction with Anu's appointment, I also want to announce a change in duties for David Toccafondi. For the past several months, David has contributed his time and expertise on a part-time basis to the operation of the Digital Media Lab, coordinating staff and services, as we continued the search for a Director. I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, David has accepted the permanent position of Coordinator of Services for the Vitale Digital Media Lab, reporting to the Director of the Information Commons. In this role, David will manage the lab, develop service initiatives, and provide training in the use of software and hardware. His previous desktop support duties, in his position as Information Systems Specialist, will now be handled directly by staff in iTadd.

Since its opening late last spring, the Information Commons has proved to be a vibrant and exciting environment. These two appointments, however, now enable us to move forward actively with promoting the Commons' mission, services, and programs. Please join me in welcoming Anu to Penn and congratulating David on his new position as they begin their efforts to develop the Information Commons to its fullest potential.
12/01 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Dec. 4 - Dec. 10
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Dec. 4, 2006
Staff Development & ADA compliance:: 10am-noon: Meyerson
President's office:: 4-9pm: Meyerson

Tues., Dec. 5, 2006
Tech Services:: 9:30-11am: Meyerson

Wed., Dec. 6, 2006
Staff Development & ADA compliance:: 1:30-4pm: Meyerson

Thurs., Dec. 7, 2006
Department Heads:: 10:30am-noon: Meyerson
11/29 - Jasmine Lim Special Winter Vacation
All Staff:

As you may know, this year the University has designated four days (December 26, 27, 28 & 29) as the "official" Special Winter Vacation days.

As usual, particular libraries may be open on some of these days, so some staff are scheduled to work. For this reason, each year the Library designates a period of time in December and January during which staff who are scheduled to work on an official Special Winter Vacation day can take alternative time off. This year, the designated period is from December 18, 2006, through January 05, 2007.

Please consult with your supervisor as to your individual work schedule and your unit's work schedule during this holiday period.

This information is also linked from this page in the right column under  Policies . (Click on "Winter Vacation.")

Have a wonderful holiday season!
11/29 - Jon Shaw Appointment of Jennifer Fisher as Library Storage Clerk
Dear Library Staff Members,

I am pleased to announce the one-year, temporary appointment of Jennifer Fisher as a processing clerk in our High Density Storage Facility. Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University and comes from various organizations, including the National Constitution Center, Border's Books and most recently from the Please Touch Museum. Jennifer will play a pivotal role in alleviating our processing backlog, which has seen increasing growth.

You may reach Jennifer by calling 3-5663 or sending her an e-mail at jennilyn@pobox.upenn.edu. Welcome Jennifer!
11/29 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Library Service Assistant I (Interlibrary Loan Dept.)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library in the Interlibrary Loan deparment for Library Service Assistant I. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest along with a resume by December 06, 2006.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
11/28 - Marcella Barnhart Open study in Glossberg and Vitale Rooms - December 9 through December

In order to better accommodate students needing a place to study for finals, we will not be taking group reservations for the Glossberg and Vitale rooms for reading period and final exams (Saturday, December 9 through Wednesday, December 20). The rooms will be available for open study.

Please feel free to contact me with questions.
11/28 - Marcella Barnhart Reminder - Keeping Current Workshop, Thursday, 11/30
Hello all,

Just a reminder that this month's workshop, Keeping Current with Legal Research in Context, will be held on Thursday morning, November 30, from 11:00 AM to noon in Meyerson. Please read the Eldred vs. Ashcroft materials (links below) before the session and come prepared for a lively discussion!
•  Eldred vs. Ashcroft - Edited Case (pdf)
•  Eldred vs. Ashcroft - Chronicle Article. (pdf)
11/22 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Nov. 27 - Dec. 3
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Nov. 27, 2006
Staff Development & ADA compliance:: 10am-noon: Meyerson
ISC:: 1:30-3pm: Meyerson
President's office:: 4-9pm: Meyerson

Tues., Nov. 28, 2006
Research Resources:: 9-11pm: Meyerson

Wed., Nov. 29, 2006
Budget Office:: 2-4pm: Meyerson

Thurs., Nov. 30, 2006
Keeping Current Workshop:: 11am-noon: Meyerson
RBML Candidate Presentation:: 2:45-3:45: Class of '55


Fri., Dec. 1, 2006
Exec Vice Pres office:: 8:30-10:30am: Meyerson
BA mtg:: 11am-3pm: Meyerson

11/21 - Emily Batista Big Voyager parent company announcement
Dear all:

Click on the link (or copy/paste) to read a big announcement about the sale of Endeavor Information Systems, our Voyager vender, to a new owner, who also acquired Ex Libris, another library system firm.
•  http://www.endinfosys.com/index.html
11/21 - Jean Lanza Curcio Travel Reimbursement Policies

In case you plan to travel or have already traveled on University business, this is a reminder of the University policies concerning reimbursement of travel expenses.

In general, the best approach is to keep every receipt concerning your travel, which includes boarding passes, airline passenger receipts, e-ticket receipts, itemized restaurant receipts (not just the credit card receipt), conference badges, itemized hotel receipts - to name the most important ones. This list is certainly not all inclusive; please read the University travel policies prior to traveling and/or submitting receipts as outlined in the Financial Policy Manual, Travel/Entertainment Policies.

Please be advised that the Library's regulations regarding the limit on reimbursement for meals (as indicated on the Travel/Conference Attendance Request Form) takes precedence over the University's policies. We also urge travelers to consult the University's American Express Travel Program (898-9439) prior to making airline reservations; it is possible that these agents may find less expensive rates than other outlets.

Thank you for your kind cooperation. Please do not hesitate to contact either Bob Puri or me if you have any questions.
11/21 - Marcella Barnhart Keeping Current with Legal Research in Context - pre-session reading
Hello all,

In preparation for next week's Keeping Current Session, we've posted two readings on the Eldred versus Ashcroft case on the Teaching & Instructional Services Staffweb page under "Keeping Current Workshop Materials." If you don't have the opportunity to read the full case, the Chronicle article will give you a good summary of the key issues. Please bring a copy of the readings with you to the session.

As a reminder, the session will be held on Thursday, November 30, in Meyerson, from 11 to noon.

Have a nice Thanksgiving,
•  Eldred vs. Ashcroft - Edited Case (pdf)
•  Eldred vs. Ashcroft - Chronicle Article. (pdf)
11/20 - Jasmine Lim Information Update
Hi all,

I am in the process of updating all employees information in the HR database. Please help me keep your record up to date by completing the form linked below and return it to me by Dec. 22, 2006. I would like to have all records updated by January. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you are unable to download the form, a blank form can be picked up at Library Human Resources office, Rm. 239 VPDL. Thanks,
•  Staff Information Form
11/20 - John Keane Reimbursement Improvements
All,

FYI: preview of Almanac article on reimbursement improvements (click here)
11/20 - John Keane Gifts
All,

IRS and University regulations have put certain restrictions on purchases of gifts and prizes that are charged to University accounts. I won't outline the complex policies here, however, before purchasing a gift or prize you must first get written permission from the Senior Business Officer of the School or Center (me). I will review each request and advise if the purchase can be made and, if so, what procedures have to be followed. This would even apply to retirement gifts and prizes to students for contests, etc. This pre-purchase approval is for your protection. Welcome to the new world of accounting thanks to Mssrs. Sarbanes and Oxley.

Thanks,
11/20 - Elizabeth Martin Reminder: Weekly Paid Staff &Students

Please submit timesheets for week ending Friday, November 24th by TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 21st at 12 pm. You will be paid, as usual, Friday, November 30th. Thanks!
11/20 - Adela Smith Reminder: RBML & SCETI Director Presentation

Valerie Hotchkiss, candidate for Director of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library and SCETI, will present in the Class of '55 Conference Room (2nd floor VPDLC) tomorrow, Tuesday, November 21, at 2:45. Refreshments will be served.
11/17 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Nov. 20 - 24
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Nov. 20, 2006
President's office:: 4-9pm: Meyerson
WIC mtg:: 5-7pm: WIC Seminar Rm

Tues., Nov. 21, 2006
Columbia visitors:: 9am: WIC Seminar Rm
RBML Candidate Presentation:: 2:45-3:45pm: Class of '55
11/16 - Beth Picknally Camden IPC announcement
Colleagues:

I would like to announce some organizational changes in the IPC:

Gail Defendorf, currently Head of Monographic Acquisitions, has requested a new assignment. She will take on a one year temporary position as Special Projects Librarian. In this role, she will work on several IPC projects, including the implementation of the electronic resources management (ERM) system.

Jan Lentz has agreed to manage Monographic Acquisitions on a half time basis, beginning December 1, for 3-6 months. She will split her time with her current position in Lippincott.

Mike Wisniewski, our Bookkeeper, will report to the Library's Financial and Administrative Services under John Keane, working under the direction of Bob Puri.

During the next few months, the Library will bring in consultants to look at technical services workflow and organization, with a special focus on acquisitions system-wide, to increase efficiency and optimize resources.

Please contact me if you have any questions about these changes.
11/13 - Valerie Peña travel reimbursements

At the request of Judith Currano speaking for the Librarians Assembly, I am writing to try to clarify our policy regarding travel. We budget $700 per professional staff member to use for conferences. Directors can, at their discretion, approve someone to go to more than one meeting or spend more than $700 by allocating funds unused by other staff who did not elect to travel in a given year. This coverage in many cases constitutes partial reimbursement, and reimbursable expenses include airline/train tickets, hotel, local transportation, registration and meals. Receipts are required for all expenditures. The cost of meals should not exceed $50/day.

When staff members are traveling on Library business, i.e, "mandatory travel," we reimburse 100% of expenditures for travel, hotel, local transportation, registration and meals. Here, too, the cost of meals should not exceed $50/day. And receipts are required for all expenditures.

Each Director has discretion in allocating funds within budgetary guidelines. Requests should be submitted on the Library's Travel/Conference Attendance Request Form.
11/13 - Aleta Arthurs Holiday Party Entertainment
Good Morning,

This is a call for anyone who is interested in providing entertainment for our upcoming Holiday Party on December 15. I understand from the committee that we had wonderful acts in the past and that we have some pretty talented people on staff.

Please respond to this email and let me know if you are interested in performing or know of any form of entertainment or entertainers we may be interested in. I look forward to hearing from you!
11/10 - Carton Rogers Message
All,

I am very sorry to have to report that Sandra Kerbel will be going out on short-term disability leave beginning on November 20, 2006. I expect this will last until the end of February or the beginning of March, at which time a longer-term decision will be made. During the leave period, Bob Krall and Marjorie Hassen will be Co-Acting Directors of Public Services with each assuming key responsibilities. Administrative Council will talk about the specific assignments at next week's meeting.

Thanks
11/9 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Nov. 13 - 19
Good Afternoon,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tues., Nov. 14, 2006
Effective letters:: 8:30-11:30am: Meyerson
Exec. Vice Pres. Office Reception: 2-6:30pm: 6th floor

Thurs., Nov. 16, 2006
Public Services:: 10am-noon: Meyerson
BCAC mtg:: noon-1pm: Lea Library, 6th floor

Fri., Nov. 17, 2006
Pope Conf. Reception:: 5-7pm: 6th floor

11/10 - Elizabeth Martin Weekly Paid Staff &Students

Sorry to send out another email. Here is the Thanksgiving pay schedule for the next TWO weeks:

For week ending Friday November 17th, timesheets are due by Wednesday November 15th by 12 pm. Checks will be available to pick-up Wednesday November 22nd.

For week ending Friday November 24th, timesheets are due Tuesday November 21st at 12 pm. Checks will be available to pick-up Friday November 30th.

After that, the normal schedule will resume. Thanks!
11/7 - Valerie Peña update

Good morning, everyone! You have to admit that, as United Way coordinator for the Libraries, I haven't been beating you over the head with exhortations to give, give, give!

I know from past history that our Library staff is big-hearted and supports this University drive to help the less fortunate. You can even choose exactly where your money goes. And it's easier than ever to give since it can be done electronically now.

So, now that we are nearing the end of the campaign and there's just a little further to go to reach the ambitious goal, I encourage you to give whatever you can. Thanks to all who already have made their donations!
11/6 - Marcella Barnhart Keeping Current with Legal Research in Context: Save the date - 11/30
Hi folks,

Do you know your common law from your statutory law? Please join Ed Greenlee, Al Dong, Tim Von Dulm and Matt McGovern for an analysis of a real case (Eldred vs. Ashcroft, a challenge to the Copyright Term Extension Act) to get a better understanding of American legal institutions, sources of law and the interrelationship between and among various institutions and laws.

This session will be held on Thursday, November 30 in Meyerson from 11-noon. We hope that you can attend.
11/6 - Elizabeth Martin ATTENTION Weekly Paid Staff
Hi,

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the usual pay schedule the week before has been changed. Please submit all timesheets for weekly paid staff AND students for week ending 11/19 by Wednesday November 15th at 12 pm. Checks will be available for pick-up the following Wednesday, November 22nd.
11/3 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Nov. 6 - 12
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tues., Nov. 7, 2006
Illiad Mtg::
9am-1pm: Class of '55
noon-2pm: Demo in Meyerson
Election Coverage:: 7:30-11pm: Class of '55

Wed., Nov. 8, 2006
Info Desk Lunch:: noon-2pm: Class of '55
WIC Dinner mtg:: 5-7pm: WIC Seminar Room

Thurs., Nov. 9, 2006
Development mtg:: noon-2pm: Glossberg
11/1 - Emily Batista Seeking Library Chorus singers
Dear All,

It's November 1, and that means it is time to start thinking about the annual performance of the Library Chorus at the holiday party. If you are new to the staff and enjoy singing, please consider joining us. It's hard to believe, but this will be our 10th annual appearance! All former members are especially encouraged to participate this year, to celebrate a major milestone of what began as a rather informal group of carolers at the 1997 party.

The holiday party is on Friday, December 15, so if you like to sing and are available, please contact me and tell me what voice part you prefer. (Singers from last year, you only need to tell me your voice part if you want to make a change.)

We hold practices in Van Pelt Library from noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning next week, November 8. I will be out of the office from this afternoon until next Monday, and will send a notification out on Monday with the location information to everyone who responds.

For more information, you can email me if you are willing to wait until Monday for more details, or you can contact Catherine Rutan in the Ormandy Music and Media Center, who has kindly agreed to conduct again this year.

Sing, sing, sing!
10/25 - Adela Smith Presentations by the Candidates for Director, Rare Book and Manuscript

Below is the schedule for the presentations by the candidates for Director, RBM Library and SCETI. A reception will follow each presentation.
  • Thursday, November 2, 2:45-3:45
    Leslie Morris
  • Tuesday, November 21, 2:45-3:45
    Valerie Hotchkiss
  • Thursday, November 30, 2:45-3:45
    Gregory Pass
All presentations will be made in the Class of '55 Conference Room
10/27 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Oct. 30 - Nov. 5
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Oct 30, 2006
Alumni Relations:: noon-2pm: Meyerson
Presidents Office:: 4-9pm: Meyerson

Thurs., Nov. 2, 2006
Department Heads:: 10:30am-noon: Meyerson
Treasures Exhibit Opening:: 5:30-7pm: 1st fl, Kamin Gallery

Sun., Nov. 5, 2006
Jews in France::
1-5:45pm: Class of '55
5:45-6:45pm: Reception, 6th fl
10/25 - Elizabeth Martin Student workers
Hi,

I've met some of you already, but for those I have not met, I'd like to introduce myself as the new Student Coordinator in Human Resources. I hope that you will all feel free to stop by room 239 and say hello!

I know at this point in the semester, most of you have filled all your student worker positions, but if anyone still needs students, please let me know. I have had a few recent inquiries from students who are still seeking jobs. I've already heard from a couple of you, but, as I'm new, I want to make sure no requests have slipped through the cracks. Also, if you have any other questions or thoughts about the student employment program, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!
10/5 - Barbara Kountouzi Save the date: Keeping Current Workshop: how to choose a PDA
Hi folks,

The next Keeping Current Workshop will be on Thursday October 26 from 11-noon. The presentation is part II of 'Keeping Current with Mobile Technology: texting, podcasting, PDAs, wireless, and more. R U up 2 d8 on the latest?'

Per popular demand, this session will focus on consumer advice. KWC will have guest speakers Dan Dougherty and Steve Strawser from ISC, who will give us the low-down on purchasing a PDA.

If you attended part I you should definitely check out part II for more of the same great stuff, and if you missed part I you should especially come - you don't need to have attended part I to get the most out of part II.
10/23 - Sandra Kerbel Thanks for staffing the Employee Resource Fair
Dear Colleagues,

I hope many of you attended today's Employee Resource Fair at Wynn Commons. The Library had an information booth and we need to thank:

Barbara Kountouzi, Jim McGill, Ancil George, Sharon Black, Barbara Cavanaugh, Tom Wilson, Leann Currie, and Aleta Arthurs

for graciously staffing the Library's information booth. All reported that staff seemed very excited to learn that they could access the Library's electronic resources and had circulation privileges.
10/20 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Oct. 23 - 28
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Mon., Oct 23, 2006
Panel Discussion with Susan Warner:: noon-1:30pm: 4th fl, Weigle Seminar Room
ISC IT Roundtable:: 1:30-3pm: Meyerson

Tues., Oct 24, 2006
UPS Prof Services:: noon-2pm: Glossberg
Library Overseers
Meeting:: noon-6pm: Meyerson
Reception:: noon-6pm: 6th fl, Rosenwald
Wed., Oct. 25, 2006
Library Overseers Mtg:: 8:30-11:30am: Meyerson

Thurs., Oct. 26, 2006
Keeping Current Workshop:: 11:00am-noon: Meyerson
Panel Discussion with Susan Warner:: noon-1:30pm: 4th fl, Weigle Seminar Room
BA Mtg:: noon-4:30pm: Meyerson
SAS Memorial Service:: 5-7pm: 6th fl, Rosenwald

Sat., Oct. 28, 2006
Go Point Book signing and lecture:: 10-11am: 6th fl, Rosenwald
Medieval Studies Reception:: 7-10pm: 6th fl, Rosenwald
10/19 - Valerie Peña Student Recruitment Coordinator
Good morning, everyone.

We are happy to announce that, on Monday 10/23, Elizabeth Martin will begin work in the Library as our new Student Recruitment Coordinator, replacing Carol Hartranft. Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College, and she is currently a student in the MSLS program at Clarion University. Elizabeth comes to Penn from the Library Company of Philadelphia where she has been involved in a retrospective conversion project of 30,000 titles from the general collection that have been reclassified as rare. She also assists in the reading room. At Bryn Mawr, Elizabeth worked as the Head Supervisor of the Dining Hall. She was responsible for recruiting, hiring, training and supervising student workers and other student supervisors.

We look forward to having Elizabeth join us next week. Please stop in the HR office to introduce yourself and welcome her.

At this point, we also need to give recognition to several people who kept us afloat during the time we were actively recruiting a replacement for Carol:
Barbara Whitaker, a temp from Unique Advantage, arrived every day with a smile on her face and a calm demeanor during the crazy early weeks of the Fall semester when students were arriving outside our offices in large, noisy groups, looking for jobs and returning to jobs. Barbara saved us from chaos as she matched student schedules to openings throughout the libraries and worked through the elaborate paperwork trails to set things straight. And thanks to the efforts of Mary Anne Mongelluzzo from Lippincott Library, and Royce Kaplan and Maria Puciata from the Biomedical staff, we were able to actually pay the students and other part-time staff. I don't know how we would have managed without the help of these generous souls. Many thanks!
10/18 - Arthur Kiron Two new Judaica web exhibits

The University of Pennsylvania Library in conjunction with the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, has launched two new web exhibits. The first, "The Jewish Book: Material Texts and Comparative Contexts" introduces to the general public the fruits of the 2005-06 CAJS Fellowship year's research. The second exhibit, "Printer, Publisher, Peddler: The Business of the Jewish Book," brings to the web an exhibition that originally was mounted in the Penn Library's Kamin Gallery from October 2005 through February of 2006.

To view the exhibits, go to:
•  The Jewish Book: Material Texts and Comparative Contexts
•  Printer, Publisher, Peddler: The Business of the Jewish Book
10/17 - Carton Rogers Appointment Announcement
All,

I wanted to let you know that Martha Brogan has been offered and has accepted the Director of Collection Development and Management position. Her tentative start date is December 1st.

I think this is really exciting news for all of us. Martha brings with her a wealth of experience both in academic libraries and as a consultant to organizations such as the Digital Library Federation and the Mellon Foundation.

I also want to note the extraordinary job Stephen Lehmann has done as the Coordinator of Collection Development as well as the terrific work of his colleagues in the Collection Development Council: Lauris Olson, David Nelson, Linda Rosenstein, Mary Steiner and Annette Day. Collectively they have kept our collection development and management activities on course for which I am very grateful.

More to come in the days ahead...
10/16 - John Keane Lost and Found
All,

Just a reminder -

Wallets, PennCards and valuable equipment (e.g. cell phones, cameras) are turned into the Library Business Office

Clothing, books, eyeglasses, etc. are turned into the Rosengarten Reserve Desk

If someone approaches you about a lost item, please do not suggest to try both locations. This is confusing patrons. No clothing items are kept in the Business Office and no valuables are kept in Rosengarten.

Thanks
10/13 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Oct. 16 - 21
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tues., Oct 17, 2006
Asst. Deans & House Deans:: 9-11am: Meyerson
University Communications Mtg:: 11:30am-2pm: Meyerson

Wed., Oct. 18, 2006
Chat/Im Mtg:: noon-1pm: Meyerson

Fri., Oct. 20, 2006
Palmer Memorial Service:: 5-7pm: 6th floor

Sat., Oct. 21, 2006
Geoscience Info Society Conf:: 10am-4:30pm: Class of '55
10/10 - David Mowl building construction scaffolding & poly barrier at Current Periodicals
Folks,

Tomorrow morning, 10/11, the 2nd Floor East Balcony contractor will be building his scaffolding and plastic poly barrier at the north end of Current Periodicals on the 1st Floor for their overhead work on the Balcony project. A construction barrier will envelope the work and will remain in place for approximately the next 7 weeks.

This barrier will prohibit all patron and staff traffic from crossing underneath the East Balcony. Please use the north window wall side of Reference to access the northeastern section of the 1st Floor. The hallway through the Microtext Collection will remain open. Construction warning signs will be placed along the length of the plastic barrier.

Thanks for your cooperation.
10/10 - Arthur Kiron CAJS library closed on Monday, October 16, 2005
Everyone:

The Center for Advanced Judaic Studies Library will be closed on Monday, October 16, 2006, due to a retreat being held in the building. CAJS Library services will resume as normal on Tuesday, October 17, 2006. 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,
10/9 - John Keane Traffic Advisory from Joseph Fischer, Penn Police Department

WESTBOUND I-76 TO CLOSE TWO NIGHTS NEXT WEEK IN PHILADELPHIA FOR BRIDGE AND PAVEMENT REPAIRS

The westbound lanes of Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in Philadelphia will be closed two nights next week for overhead bridge and pavement repairs, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced today.
  • From 9 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 10) to 5 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 11), westbound I-76 will be closed at the South Street interchange for overhead bridge work on the South Street structure by the Philadelphia Streets Department. Westbound I-76 drivers will be taken off the expressway at South Street and they will reenter the westbound expressway from the South Street on ramp.
  • From 9:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 12) to 4 a.m. Friday (Oct. 13), westbound I-76 will be closed at the 30th Street interchange for concrete pavement repairs. Westbound traffic will be taken off the expressway at 30th Street and drivers will follow Schuylkill Avenue to reach the ramp to return to westbound I-76.
Motorists are advised to allow additional time to travel during these operations, which are contingent on the weather.
10/6 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Oct. 9 - 13
Good Afternoon,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tues., Oct 10, 2006
ACLC Lunch meeting:: noon-2pm: Meyerson
Science Undergraduate Council meeting::
3-3:45pm: Class of '55
3:45-5pm: 1/2 group in Weigle Seminar Room
Alumni Assoc Dinner meeting:: 5-8pm: Meyerson

Wed., Oct. 11, 2006
School & Center Program:: 11:45am-2:15pm: Meyerson
10/5 - Nick Okrent Save the date: Keeping Current Workshop
Hi folks,

The next Keeping Current Workshop will be on Thursday, October 26, from 11 to noon. The presentation is part II of "Keeping Current with Mobile Technology: texting, podcasting, PDAs, wireless, and more. R U up 2 d8 on the lastest?"

If you attended part I, you should definitely check out part II for more of the same great stuff, and if you missed part I you should especially come - you don't need to have attended part I to get the most out of part II.
10/4 - Marjorie Hassen new version of VCat

On behalf of the VCat team (Delphine Khanna, David Nelson, Katia Strieck, Leslie Vallhonrat, Cathy von Elm, and Marjorie Hassen) I am glad to announce the debut of a new version of VCat, the Library's video catalog. New features include:
  • the ability to browse films by genre, actor, director, production company, county, and language.
  • an Advanced Search option, which makes it possible to customize a search. Limit by spoken language, language of subtitles, country of production, genre, collection name, release date, and format.
  • from the Advanced Search page, access to a list of videos acquired by the Library over the past month, or previous 3 or 6 months.
  • the ability to place a hold on a video that is checked out and to expedite a video that is in process.
To access the catalog, just type VCat in the search box on the library web page. VCat is also linked from the Site Guide, under the Catalogs heading. See the News & Events posting on the web for details on the catalog’s new features. As always, I am glad to hear comments.
10/4 - Aleta Arthurs Holiday Party
Good Morning Everyone,

This is to inform you that this year's Holiday Party has been scheduled for Friday, December 15th! Please place the date on your calendars.

In addition, I am in the process of forming a committee to work on this event. If you are interested, please contact me at 8-1463 or feel free to respond to this email. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks,
10/2 - Nancy Rose Library Mailing Lists
All,

This is a follow up message to the problems we experienced several weeks ago with the Allstaff mailing list, as well as some other lists with the @library domain.

Problems experienced in the end of August and beginning of September have been addressed. To the best of our knowledge, the mailing lists should be working now. We are looking into some long-term solutions for staff email lists, and will keep you posted as those develop.

Please continue to report problems to the Helpdesk via libtech@pobox or 8-4824.

Thanks for your patience,
10/2 - John Keane Health Benefits Informational Presentation
All, FYI, see attachment

Information on the Wednesday, October 4, 2006 Health Benefits Informational Presentation is linked below. Representatives from Blue Cross, Aetna, Caremark, and Penn Behavioral Health will be attending and available to answer questions on Penn’s medical and prescription plans.
•  Learn More about Health Benefits, Oct. 2006
9/29 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Oct. 2 - 8
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tues., Oct 3, 2006
Phila Center for the Book: 6-8pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library

Wed., Oct. 4, 2006
RLG/OCLC Planning Session:: 8am-5pm: Meyerson

Thurs., Oct. 5, 2006
Special Collections Round Table with Susan Warner:: noon-1:30pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library
Comparative Diplomatics Conference:: 2-5pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library

Fri., Oct. 6, 2006
Comparative Diplomatics Conference:: 9:30am-5pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library
Music Library Association::
1:15pm-4pm: Meyerson
4pm: Tour
5-6:30pm: Cocktail Reception: 6th Floor, Rosenwald
Sat., Oct. 7, 2006
Music Library Association:: 8:30-11:30am: Meyerson
Comparative Diplomatics Conference:: 10am-5pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library

Sun., Oct 8, 2006
Comparative Diplomatics Conference:: 10am-1pm: 6th Floor, Lea Library
9/25 - Nick Okrent Keeping Current Workshop: Mobile Technology
Hi folks,

The next Keeping Current Workshop - Keeping Current with Mobile Technology: texting, podcasting, PDAs, wireless, and more. R U up 2 d8 on the latest? - is in Meyerson on Thursday, September 28 from 11-noon.

It will be presented by Anne Seymour and some of her Biomed colleagues.

We hope you can attend what should be an eye opening presentation!
9/27 - John Pollack Exhibit opening: Tonight!

...with apologies for the late notice! All staff are invited, this evening, to the opening of a new exhibition in the Rosenwald Gallery, on the 6th floor of Van Pelt:
"Gulliver's Reading"
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
5:30 PM
Rosenwald Gallery
6th floor, VP-DLC
"Gulliver's Reading" celebrates the gift to the University of Pennsylvania Library of Swift's Library and Reading Collection, a gathering of more than three hundred titles of books known to have been read or owned by Jonathan Swift.

Wherever possible and when the specific edition could be documented, the collector obtained the same edition that Swift used. Some books in copies from Swift's own library are exhibited, as well as a manuscript in which Swift lists several pamphlets he had bound together, along with their authors, some previously unidentified.

The collection was given to Penn anonymously in honor of the late Heinz J. Vienken, whose four-volume Library and Reading of Jonathan Swift: A Bio-bibliographical Handbook, provided a basis for the donor to develop this collection, and the late Susan Homans Elias, an author and the wife of a Swift scholar.

James Woolley, author of numerous articles on Swift, editor of Swift's Intelligencer, co-editor of Swift and His Contexts, and the Frank Lee and Edna M. Smith Professor of English at Lafayette College, will speak about the significance of the collection.

Refreshments will be served.
9/22 - Aleta Arthurs Events, week of Sept. 25
Good Morning,

This is a summary of the events that will take place next week. If I have missed anything, please let me know. The events listed are all on the Events Calendar (linked here and from the sidebar of this page, under Calendars.)

Tuesday, Sept 26, 2006
10-11:30am- IPC Town Meeting: Class of '55

Wednesday, Sept 27, 2006
3:30-7pm- Slavic Language Meeting: Class of '55
5:30pm- Swift Exhibit Reception: 6th Floor

Week of Oct. 2:
Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006
6-8pm- Phila Center for the Book: 6th Floor
9/19 - Bob Krall Sheila Ketchum joins Library staff
Colleagues,

Please join me in welcoming Sheila Ketchum to the Penn Library staff as Coordinator of our new faculty document delivery service. Many of you will remember Sheila from her earlier service at Penn as the Head of Van Pelt Stacks and Storage, and before that as the Storage Processing Librarian. Sheila returns after serving three years as Assistant Branch Manager at the Mobile (Alabama) Public Library, where over 800,000(!) books were circulated last year. Prior to her first stint at Penn, Sheila worked in various positions at the New York Public Library.

Sheila is located in the Interlibrary Loan Office. Phones are not yet installed but she can be reached at sketchum@pobox.upenn.edu. Please drop by and welcome Sheila back to Penn.

Maryanna Kraft and Susan Gavin-Leone make up Sheila's doc del staff, and they are located in Room 322 in Van Pelt. The faculty document delivery service is currently available to standing faculty in SEAS and Nursing, and we will begin rolling it out to other academic departments and Schools in October.

Welcome Sheila and staff!
9/14 - David Mowl Construction beginning 2nd Floor East balcony
Dear Folks:

The 2nd Floor East balcony (former ILL office area) additional office construction project has begun. The Contractor, Addax Construction, is now building the temporary barricade around the work site. On Monday, we will remove 2 ranges of Current Periodical shelving directly beneath the south edge of the East balcony, which will facilitate the overhead work on the window wall above. This area on the 1st Floor will be tented-off by construction plastic for the duration of the project. The construction work, with its noise and disruptions, will continue for approximately 8 weeks.

When completed in late Fall, this project will add 4 additional offies which will be used by the Library Development offices. This in turn will allow the Business Office to move to the former Development Offices, Room 240, and allow the Human Resources operation to expand into the whole of the Room 239 suite.

On other projects -

The Lippincott Class of 1955 consultation room and Fine Arts Library Davis Seminar Room will be substantially complete by late September.

We will be subdividing existing Room 502 on the 5th Floor into 2 spaces: 1) our new Quiet Study Room in the southern half (a new room 503), and remaining 502 as our only remaining swing space in the building. This construction work will take place in the mid-Fall semester, with new furniture arriving afterward.

Last, we will widen the hallway in front of the former Woody Room (or Joe Zucca's old office). This work will happen on the same schedule as the Room 502/503 work.

Thanks much for your continuing good spirits as we finish the renovation of Van Pelt.
9/13 - Dick Griscom Appointment of Eileen Doyle as ScholarlyCommons@Penn Operations Manager

Please join me in welcoming Eileen Doyle as ScholarlyCommons@Penn's Operations Manager. This one-year temporary position will provide support for maintaining and building Penn's institutional repository. During the first few years of its existence, the repository has depended on the work of a number of bibliographers and staff members to check permissions and upload material. This new position is the first full-time position devoted to ScholarlyCommons@Penn, and we hope that Eileen's work will allow our repository to continue to grow at a rapid pace while reducing the workload on bibliographers and other staff.

Eileen is a recent graduate of Drexel's Library and Information Science program and, as a part of her degree program, she worked as an intern in the Electronic Acquisitions Department under Jeanne Shuttleworth. She has also served as an administrative assistant to the Neuroscience Department in the School of Medicine.

Eileen's office is at the west end of IPC, room 132.2. You may reach her by calling 8-0316 or sending her email at eidoyle@pobox.upenn.edu.
9/13 - Sandra Kerbel Interest in Staffing Penn Library Table at Employee Resource Fair
Dear Colleagues:

The Library has been invited to participate in the Employee Resource Fair on Monday October 23, 2006, from 12:00pm to 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 Leann Currie or me know.

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

Thanks,
9/13 - Aleta Arthurs Calendar of Events for the Remainder of September
Hi Everyone,

I am sending the document linked below as a summary of the events that I have compiled for the remainder of the month of September. Please take a look and let me know if I have missed anything. This is just my way of getting a handle on what is happening - where, when and how.

In the future, and until we have a scheduling program in place, I expect to send something out every Friday which will list the coming week's activities for all areas and events. I look forward to any feedback I can receive from you.

Thanks
•  September Events Calendar
(This calendar is also linked from the sidebar at left, under "Calendar Links.")
9/11 - Nancy Gulsoy Martha Brogan, Collection Development & Management Candidate
Good Morning,

Martha Brogan, candidate for the position of Director of Collection Development & Management, will interview on Thursday and Friday, September 14 and 15. She will give a presentation in the Class of Ǝ55 at 3 PM on Thursday, September 14th. A reception will follow.
9/11 - Nancy Gulsoy Feedback requested

Please send me your feedback about the two candidates for Director of Collection Development & Management, Suzy Palmer and Martha Brogan, by the end of the day, Friday, September 15th. You may address the candidates separately or compare them, but I must have your comments before the Search Committee meets on Monday, September 18th.

Thank you.
9/11 - Marcella Barnhart Information Desk Opening

As of today (September 11, 2006), the reservation books for the study and seminar rooms in Lippincott are now maintained at the Reserves, Periodicals and Microtext (RPM) Desk, rather than at the Reference Desk. Going forward, you may stop by the RPM desk or call 8-5926 to make a reservation for either the small study rooms (rooms 250, 252, 254, 255) or the seminar rooms (Glossberg, Vitale).

As a reminder, you may reserve rooms up to two weeks in advance. If you have a special situation that requires a reservation in advance of that time, you may continue to contact Ellen Slack.

Please feel free to contact me with questions.
9/11 - Jasmine Lim Amended Posting (Vacancy) Notice - Library Stack Attendant (Access Services Dept)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy in the Access Services Department for Library Stack Attendant. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by September 18, 2006.
9/11 - Doug Smullens Upcoming changes to Penn Email
Hi,

Following up my message from earlier in the summer, there are several changes to the POBOX and MAIL.MED email systems that either have or will go into effect shortly. ITadd staff will be visiting staff workstations starting today to make the required changes. Please contact me with any questions.
  1. Email quotas for all users have been increased to 100 megabytes.
  2. Starting soon POBOX and MAIL.MED email accounts will require use of secure password authentication. When a user logs into an email account on POBOX or MAIL.MED, he or she provides a username and a password to the server. A user's email client can send the password information in one of two ways: encrypted or in clear text. Clear text simply means that the password is unencrypted and is being sent over the network just as it was typed. Passwords sent this way could be intercepted by an outside party thus compromising the account.
Several Users have asked how the changes to Penn's email system will affect access from locations out of the office. An example would include home use.

We've prepared a webpage that provides information that we hope will assist you. The page can be found here: staffweb.library.upenn.edu/computing/securepassword.html

Please let me know if you have additional questions.
9/8 - Adela Smith Filming in the Libraries

As you know, we have hired a filmmaker to make a DVD about the Library, to be used primarily as a promotional piece during the University's Capital Campaign. I write to alert you to filming days and locations.

On Monday, September 11, the crew and I will in Smith (6th floor), Goldstein Electronic Classroom (1st floor), and the Lea Library (6th floor) in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center.

On Tuesday, September 12, we will be in the Meyerson Room and the space vacated by ILL, both on the 2nd floor in VPDLC.

On Tuesday, September 19, we will be in the Fine Arts Library and one location TBD in VPDLC.

Notices will be posted in these locations, notifying staff and patrons of our presence. In most cases, we will be in enclosed seminar and conference rooms, so as to minimize disruption to your work and our users' research and study. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me.
9/7 - Ellen DeMarinis Information Desk Opening
Greetings,

There is an opening at the Information Desk on Thursdays 12-1. Please consider volunteering. If you are new to the library, it is a great way to learn more about it. If you're not new but haven't volunteered before, please consider it. We will train you. Please contact me if you have any interest at all or if you have any questions about what is involved.

Thanks,
9/7 - Beth Picknally Camden Original Cataloging
Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce some organizational changes in the Original Cataloging Department.

Bill Bovino has been appointed as Head of Original Cataloging, after acting in this role for more than a year.

Additionally, several cataloging librarians are taking on new supervisory roles. Regan Kladstrup will supervise two staff members in the cataloging of rare books. Katia Strieck will supervise one staff member and a Drexel intern in the cataloging of DVDs, videos and other media. Our newest cataloging librarian, Shana McDanold, will supervise one staff member in the cataloging of serials and electronic resources.

I appreciate everyone's willingness and flexibility in taking on these new roles.
9/7 - Marjorie Hassen Searching in Franklin

If you missed the sessions that were held in August and are still mystified by the new search options in Franklin - or have other questions about searching the catalog - please come to an open session for staff on "What's new in Franklin?"

Monday, September 11th
10am
Class of '55
9/6 - Carton Rogers Library Social
All,

I just want to add my thanks, as well. It was a terrific event and the feedback from the students and the NSO staff have been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to all of your hard work and enthusiastic participation, this has become a major go-to event during Freshmen orientation. At one point, the students where heard chanting "the Penn Library rocks." And so we do!!
9/6 - Marjorie Hassen Library Social
Dear Volunteers,

My thanks for another successful Library Social. Total attendance on Friday was 1,989, exceeding last year's record by over 200! It was clear that our guests had a wonderful time, and I hope you did as well. Special thanks go to Leann Currie, who oversaw preparations and worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

This event has become a centerpiece of the New Student Orientation program and we are already on next year's calendar. I appreciate both your help and your enthusiasm and hope you will consider joining the fun again.
9/5 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice - Dental Library Clerk

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy at Dental Library for Library Clerk. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by September 11, 2006.

Please see the link below for a job description.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 7:45AM to 3:45PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
•  Dental Library Clerk
9/1 - Tom Wilson Library Social
All,

Tonight is the library social. Students will be all over the building tonight. Please make sure your doors are lock and valuables stored in a secure location before you leave tonight.
9/1 - Cathy Von Elm Pictures of John Merkel
Hello everyone,

As you may know, there are plans to have a memorial for John Merkel later on this month. If you have any photos with John in them, would you mind lending them to me and Dave Toccafondi? We'd like to scan them, and display them at the service. We'll be sure to return them to you quickly.

Thanks in advance.
8/30 - Carton Rogers Notice for John W. Merkel

Linked below is John Merkel's obit which appears in today's Inquirer and Daily News.

Note that there will be a viewing for John this Saturday starting at 10AM, followed by a service at 11AM, at McCafferty Funeral Home located at 6709-11 Frankford Ave. (at Unruh St.).
•  John W. Merkel, obituary
8/28 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice: Lending Clerk (Interlibrary Loan)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy in the Interlibrary Loan Department for a Lending Clerk. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by September 01, 2006.

Please see the link below for a job description.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
•  Lending Clerk (ILL)
8/28 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice: Evening Circulation Clerk (Access Services)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy in the Access Services Department for an Evening Circulation Clerk. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by September 01, 2006.

Please see the link below for a job description.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 1PM to 9PM, subject to modification based on initial training schedules, etc.
•  Evening Circulation Clerk (Access Services)
8/24 - Nick Okrent Keeping Current with Mobile Technology: Save the Date!

At the next Keeping Current Workshop Anne Seymour and others will present:

Keeping Current with Mobile Technology - texting, podcasting, PDAs, wireless, and more. R U up 2 d8 on the latest?

Thursday, September 28, 11-noon in the Meyerson room.

We hope that you can attend.
8/24 - John Keane Traffic Advisory from Joseph Fischer, Penn Police Department

The MOVE-IN process for University of Pennsylvania students begins this Sunday, August 27th, 2006. Please take note of the various street closures during this period:

Spruce St.: 34th to 40th Sts.
Closed Sun., Aug. 27, 8:00am-5:00pm

Spruce St: 34th to 38th Sts.
Closed Wed., Aug. 30, 8:00am-5:00pm
Closed Thurs., Aug. 31, 8:00am-5:00pm

Spruce Street: 38th to 40th Sts.
Closed Sat., Sept. 2, 8:00am-5:00pm

  • Emergency vehicles and ambulances will be permitted access on Spruce Street during the closures.
  • SEPTA has been notified and will re-route their bus lines during the closure periods.
  • Access will be permitted on Spruce Street (AT 38TH STREET) for entrance to the Ryan Vet Hospital during the closure periods.
  • Street parking will be limited in the areas that surround University of Pennsylvania Housing. Many parking meters will be posted as designated drop-off points for move-in.
  • University of Pennsylvania Police will be on site for traffic control.
8/21 - Tom Wilson Parking
All,

Over the next several weeks there will be a dumpster on the hill in the back of the building. Parking will be limited. Please contact the building superintendent or me in advance should there be a need to park. Also, should you find something you like in any of our dumpsters you are welcome to it but do not bring it back into the building. Take if off the premises immediately.
8/17 - Tom Wilson Shelter in Place Drill
All,

Thank You for your participation in today's drill. Your feed back was greatly appreciated.
8/16 - Heather Glaser ARTstor trial
Hi everyone,

We have started a two week trial of ARTstor today. If you would like to test this product, please go to www.artstor.org. Click the launch button at bottom right to enter.
Feel free to send me any feedback.
Thanks,
8/15 - Tom Wilson Shelter in Place Drill
All,

The Van Pelt-Dietrich library will be having our first Shelter in Place drill this Thursday, August 17, at 9:30am.
Today the climate has changed to some extent and it's necessary that the Community become acquainted with a new concept that may be necessary to protect oneself from airborne contaminants. When there is an atmospheric release that could keep you from going outside you must remain indoors.
- UPPD
Thursday at 9:30am we will sound our buzzer (The same buzzer used at closing) to start the drill. If you are located in an area that does not have a buzzer, a floor captain will inform you that the drill is starting. At this point proceed to a shelter in place safe area. The floor captions will meet you there and release you after a small orientation.
Safety Areas:
  • Ground floor:
    USC (Ebert Lounge-Southeast Corner USC)
  • 1st Floor Van Pelt side:
    Class of 1963 look up center & Moelis Study Lounge
  • 1st Floor Dietrich side (IPC and Info Commons):
    Center of IPC
  • 2nd Floor (VP & D):
    Class of 1955 (room 241)
  • 3rd Floor (VP & D):
    Class of 1952 Lounge (Next to Van Pelt elevators)
  • 4th Floor (VP & D):
    Class of 2003 Parents Lounge (next to Van Pelt elevators)
  • 5th Floor (VP & D):
    Class Of 1937 Lounge (next to Van Pelt elevators)
  • 6th Floor (VP & D):
    Lee Library
Thank You for your Cooperation
8/15 - Emily Batista (on behalf of the 2006 Summer Intern group) Special event Friday August 18
Dear Library Staff,

As many of you know, the library hosted its second annual group of high school students in a special internship program this summer. This Friday marks the end of their eight-week experience learning about study and work opportunities in an academic setting. Seven students worked in IPC Acquisitions, Biddle, Dental, Biomedical, Music, Van Pelt RIS and Van Pelt Access Services. It was a very rewarding opportunity for both the students and the various staff members who helped to enrich their experience here.

Please join the mentors, interns and their friends and family at the closing ceremony in Logan Hall at 10 a.m. in the Terrace Room. Linked below is the formal invitation.
•  Staff Invitation to ceremony.doc
8/15 - Nick Okrent Keeping Current Workshop Reminder (Copyright!)
Hi folks,

Copyright will be the topic of our next Keeping Current Workshop on Tuesday August 22 from 11 to noon in the Meyerson room. Stephen Lehmann, Eli Baum and Laurie Allen will provide a presentation based on what they learned in a course on copyright given by Peter Decherney this summer.

We hope that you can attend!
8/10 - John Keane Thos. Moser
All,

Just a note of thanks for your cooperation this week as the Thos. Moser crew cleaned hundreds of workstations and tables throughout the building in just four days. Their crew was very efficient and tried to keep odors to a minimum. I think you will notice a huge improvement in the public areas.
Thanks again,
8/4 - Jasmine Lim update personal information
All,

Recently, we encountered some urgent situations and needed to contact staff's family right away, but unfortunately the contact information provided is not up to date. To ensure fast response in emergency situations in the future, please make sure to update your current address and telephone number, including emergency contact at the U@PENN portal.

Click on "My Profile" to log in using your pennkey and password.
•  U@PENN
8/4 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Serials/Government Documents Check-in Clerk

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy at Biddle Law Library in the Technical Services Department for Serials/Government Documents Check-in Clerk. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by August 11, 2006.

The hours for the position are expected to be Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, subject to modification based on business needs, initial training schedules, etc.
8/2 - John Keane Car rental
All,

If, for any reason you find you need to rent a car for Library business, you must follow the University's Car Rental Policies

Failure to follow the policies could mean that you will not be reimbursed for the expenses incurred. Ignorance of the policy is not an excuse.

Two of the important policies:
  1. You must take the University's driver's education class before renting a vehicle for University business.
  2. You must decline any insurance offered by the rental company.
Before renting a vehicle for business, it is always a good idea to check with the Library Business Office first to make sure you are in compliance with policies and are using the recommended agencies.

Thanks,
7/31 - Adam Corson-Finnerty Kristin Winch

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin K. Winch as the new Assistant Director of Development for Libraries at Penn. Kristin's first day will be August 1—tomorrow! Her phone will be 215-573-3610, and her office will be room 240 in VPDLC. Not sure about the email address yet.

Kristin has considerable development and public relations experience. She was the Director of Development for the Awbury Arboretum in Philadelphia, Exec VP and Director of Sponsorship for ExhibitsRex (traveling dinosaur exhibits in China!), has worked on exhibits with the National Constitution Center, the Oklahoma Historical Society, and was the Co-Director of Beyond Borders, Haiti. This well-traveled woman is a graduate of Eastern University, and has interests in dance, theater, music, and holistic health. That should give people a few "hooks" for conversation.

Kristin's duties will include Annual Giving, Office Management, and Stewardship (thanking donors). Chris Foley and I are pleased to see our staff increased by 50% with her addition. Please help her feel welcome at Penn.
7/31 - Adam Corson-Finnerty Article on the Library

I am pleased to announce that Susan Warner will be writing a background piece on the Penn Library this summer. She may be in touch with some of you to ask questions or to set up a formal interview. I hope that you will provide her with assistance.

Susan is currently a freelance writer, living in New Jersey. In this capacity she has written for the New York Times, The Scientist, and Knowledge@Wharton. She was a reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1986 to 2001, and has prior experience with the Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She teaches journalism part-time at the University of Delaware.

She is the co-author of Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running, Andrews McMeel, 2006. And a contributing author to Lasting Leadership: What You Can Learn from the Top 25 Business People of Our Times, Wharton School Publishing/Pearson Education, 2004. She has won many journalism awards, including a Stanford Knight Fellowship to study at Stanford (1997-98).

Her task will be quite "simple": to describe the range of services offered and challenges faced by the modern academic library, using Penn as her example. We expect to use her article to help us interpret the Library to our alumni, to donors, and to the broader world.

In connection with her research, I would like to ask that you pass along to me the names and contact info for "heavy users" of library resources within the Penn Community, including faculty, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. She would like to interview a few such people about "How I use the library."
7/31 - John Keane Fireslate Desks
All,

Representatives from Thos Moser furniture will be at Penn next week, Aug 7-11, refinishing fireslate tops on tables, counters and carrels. If you have any Moser furniture in your areas please alert staff of this impending, and much needed, maintenance project. The re-finishing takes about 24 hours to dry from initial application - it is linseed oil. Large surfaces will probably be done in stages, so you may continue operating. Please try to cooperate with the Moser people, but contact me if you run into any difficulties.
Thanks,
7/28 - Nick Okrent Keeping Current Workshop
Hi folks,

The next Keeping Current Workshop will take place on TUESDAY August 22nd from 11-noon. Due to scheduling issues we will be meeting on Tuesday instead of Thursday.

Stephen Lehmann, Laurie Allen and Eli Baum, who took a class on the subject this summer, will discuss copyright law as it relates to culture and the Library.

I hope you can make it!
7/28 - Michael Halperin Karen Anello's Appointment
Dear All,

I'm pleased to announce that Karen Anello has accepted the position of Business Research Librarian at Lippincott effective July 17th

Karen has been an Intern at Lippincott since February 2005, where she provided business information services, including reference, instruction and research consultation, to the Wharton community and to the larger Penn community.

Karen's new duties include liaison responsibility with the Wharton Departments of Operations and Information Management, Legal Studies & Business Ethics, as well as Marketing. She will also be focusing on outreach activities to undergraduate students.

Before coming to Penn, Karen was an Archives Assistant at Independence National Historical Park. Karen holds a BA in History from Rowan University (/summa cum laude/) and an MSLIS from Drexel (where she was awarded a Dean's Fellowship).

Our congratulations to Karen on her new position. Karen may be reached at anellokj@wharton.upenn.edu 215-898-5922.
7/26 - John Mark Ockerbloom Jie Li, new iTadd programmer

I'm very pleased to introduce Jie Li as our newest developer in iTadd. She is filling a new programmer-analyst position in our department that should help us better serve the Library's information technology needs and develop new digital library tools and services. She comes to us from a New Jersey e-commerce firm, where she worked with many of the technologies that we are increasingly using in our own environment. She's spent time at Penn previously, and also has degrees from Rutgers and Shanghai University. I was out on vacation when she started earlier this month, but already she's making impressive progress on developing new code and database schemas.

Jie is in the main iTadd suite in Van Pelt 335. You'll be seeing more of her and her work before long. Please join me in welcoming her to the Penn Library.
7/25 - David Mowl Facilities Information Update

We are working on a number of immediate small to mid-sized projects and two feasibility studies for complete Library renovations.

Purdy O'Gwynn Architects, a Center City architect, has just completed a study for renovating the Engineering Library in the Towne Building. This study will allow fund-raising to begin on this ambitious project. We are also in the early stages of the Biomedical Library feasibility study, which presumes the extension of 36th Street through the Robert Wood Johnson Pavilion. This study is being conducted by Ballinger Architects, Philadelphia.

Several construction projects will be completed by mid-Fall 2006:

The first is the Davis Seminar Room in Fisher Fine Arts Library. The seminar room will be constructed immediately off the Main Reading Room in the current staff lounge space. A replacement lounge facility will be created adjacent to Bill Keller's office. The teaching room will feature a overhead computer projection system, wall controls, additional acoustical treatment, and a custom table from Wall/Goldfinger, Northfield, Vermont.

The new Atwood Library of Veterinary Medicine will be completed in early October 2006. We will move into the new Library as one of the first occupants of new Hill Pavilion facility. After many years of hard work, Barbara Cavanaugh will receive her new Library!

An additional group study room will be built in the Lippincott Library, the Class of 1955 Consultation Room. This room will convert the abandoned copier room on the north side of Library. Both of the above projects are awarded for construction and will be completed in September 2006.

The former home of Van Pelt ILL, the 2nd Floor East Balcony, will be renovated into the new home for the Library Development offices. After the completion of these offices, the Business Office will move into the present Development offices near the Class of 1955 Conference Room. In turn, Human Resources can then expand into the former Business office space. Last, we will be subdividing Joe Zucca’s former office into two new private offices. This set of projects is due for completion mid-Fall semester.

In the Biomedical Library, we will be transforming the entrance and exit with the new Single Service Point desk. The circulation, reserve, IT help, and reference functions will all share the new service point. Updated Checkpoint book security devices and a new Guard station will complete the work. The desk work will be completed by late Fall 2006.

The Undergraduate Study Center and Rosengarten Reserve will be re-carpeted before year-end 2006. We are studying manufacturer's product availability and local installation labor schedules at this time.

Please contact me with any questions. Thanks,
7/25 - John Keane Library Events Coordinator
All,

The next KCW is this Thursday, July 27, from 11-noon, in the Meyerson room. Laurie Allen will be presenting on data and statistics. Here is a description:

Recently, Carton Rogers approved a new position for the Library to be responsible for coordinating Library events and scheduling Library facilities. This position will report to me and will work with staff throughout the Library system on a variety of events and meetings.

I am happy to announce that Aleta Arthurs has accepted our offer to be the first Library Events Coordinator. Aleta holds the CPM (Certified Meeting Planner) credential and has over 11 years' experience in the field. She has worked in event planning for the Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sugarloaf Conference Center and, most recently, at HUP. During her career, she has planned events locally and internationally. Aleta will be starting on August 28th and will be temporarily located in Office 209 in VPDLC.

This fall, two offices will be created in the space formerly occupied by Joe Zucca and his student workers in the administrative area of the 2nd floor, VPDLC. Aleta will occupy one of these new offices once they are completed.
7/24 - Nick Okrent Keeping Current Workshop - Data & Stats
Hi folks,

The next KCW is this Thursday, July 27, from 11-noon, in the Meyerson room. Laurie Allen will be presenting on data and statistics. Here is a description:

Laurie will discuss tips for finding data and statistical information, highlighting the basic resources for many types of questions and focusing on the reference interview. What questions help identify data needs? Where are the good starting places? What are the signs that a question is going to be particularly difficult? What resources are patrons generally looking for?

I'm excited and plan on taking lots of notes. Bring your questions!

Hope to see you there.
7/21 - John Keane Mark's Café
All,

Mark's Café will close at 3 pm on Friday, August 4th, and will reopen Tuesday, September 5th. During this closed period we hope to make some physical improvements to the space and get ready for the fall semester.
7/21 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Document Delivery LSA (Access Services)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

Document Delivery LSA position has been created in the Access Services Department. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please send me a letter of interest, along with a resume by July 31, 2006. Please see link below for job description.
•  Document Delivery Services LSA
7/21 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Library Stack Attendant (Access Services Dept)

ATTENTION: ALL BARGAINING UNIT STAFF MEMBERS:

There is a vacancy in Access Services Department for Library Stack Attendant. Should you be interested in applying for this position, please notify me of your interest by July 31, 2006.
7/21 - Jasmine Lim Posting (Vacancy) Notice- Document Delivery Clerk (Access Services Dept.)

ATTENTIO