Summer Wrap Up

Well, the end of summer is here. Last week we wrapped up the Summer Reading Program (below are just a few of our prize winners).

Here are some fun facts about our Summer Reading Program:

• This summer was the first time we've done a Summer Reading Program
• Our theme, Groundbreaking Reads, just happened to also match the construction going on around the rest of campus
• 36 people signed up to participate, ranging from students to staff to faculty and faculty/staff family members
• 37 prizes were given out throughout the summer (ranging from candy bars, dried fruit, small gift cards, used books and DVDs, to the large prizes: 20 minute massages, Half Price Books gift card, and a GV Bookstore gift card)
• We held 4 lemonade lunches, a kickoff party, and a wrap up party
• A total of 221 book slips were submitted for the prize drawings
• I received over 50 book purchase recommendations from the book slips that were submitted (on the prize slips there was a check box asking "Was this book one you would recommend the Grand View University Library purchase for others to read?")

The University is finishing up one of the most visible construction projects on campus, the Grand Central Plaza (which includes a more accessible ramp up to the library!). If you look closely, you can also see the addition to the student center (the new level on the roof across the street).

We're gearing up for classes to start next week. This fall is going to be another busy one, but I'm hoping, despite the new challenges and responsibilities this year (new committees, lots of teaching across campus, professional organization involvement), that there will be fewer 12-hour days and a bit more balance.  This fall will definitely not be a "lather, rinse, and repeat" fall, but at least we've done the Core Sem I thing before and have a better idea of what to expect and we're definitely making some improvements to our planning, instruction, and assessment.  

Happy hectic fall, all!

Week 11: Going Abroad (Resources), New Print System, and Added Responsibilities

The week began with a new project. Trina from the Career Services Office was working on a program to assist those thinking of going abroad to work or study. She contacted me about compiling some resources patrons might consult that would help them be successful, whether it is in the application, interview, or moving/living process. Throughout the week I pulled together a list of print resources we have in our collection (as she already had access to the joint Library/Career Services sponsored Career Insider, powered by Vault). Anne Marie was also a bit swamped and was working on an IL session with the LIFE program. She sent an email out asking for suggestions on how to approach helping students with an assignment. I saw she needed a list made of resources, primarily print magazines, with examples of ads the students could use for a project (where they evaluated how the visual aspects conveyed the message of the ad). After wandering the periodicals section of the library I was able to get the list to Anne Marie in time to help her prepare for her IL session.

This week was also the week we began the new print release system. Over spring break, the Office of Technology installed a new program to help both the university and students save paper. Now, after selecting print on their individual computer workstation, students must go to the print release station, select their username, enter their password, select the print jobs they have sent and would like to release, select the printer (they have the option to switch printers if there is a back-up of print jobs at the original station they chose), and click "print." It sounds more complicated than it actually is. The library is trying to "go green" in many areas, particularly paper waste. The library has already seen a significant decrease in print jobs forgotten, and it also helps students keep their print quota points (instead of losing them if they forget to pick up a print job before they leave). Much of my reference desk time, particularly early in the week, was spent orienting students to this new system. As with any new program, there were some bugs to work out (at first documents arranged in a landscape format would not print).

In addition to the new printer system, and the collaborative work with the Career Services Office, we conducted the post-test assessments for students in WV2. Students were given directions as to how to access the TRAILS tests, and submitted them in the first part of their usual class period. Later in the semester we will examine the results.

In preparation for some shifted responsibilities within the library staff, I was offered a part-time, temporary position working as a Reference Assistant, to allow some extra time for others to train for their shifted roles. This week we took care of the paperwork and I began working a few hours as a paid employee at Myers Library. I was excited to have been approached about this opportunity and look forward to gaining added experience. Also, Jenny Parker (the other MLS intern) and I began preparing for an upcoming book discussion of Parker Palmer's The Courage to Teach with the UD librarians. The discussion will be held April 29. I'm looking forward to reading more of the book and working with Jenny to facilitate meaningful discussion!