Ball State University Libraries Joins MySpace

A topic of discussion among librarians is whether academic libraries should belong to online social communities, such as MySpace. This is an important question because MySpace is the most successful social networking site, receiving more daily visitors than Google.

MySpace is a free site that consists of the online profiles of young adults, rock bands, and other assorted entities. This virtual space allows its users to blog, join groups, send instant messages, promote events, share photos, and much more.

The majority of our 4,300 daily visitors are undergraduate students who are accustomed to using new technologies, like MySpace. They use MySpace and facilities such as those provided by the University Libraries, to meet friends, discover new information, and figure out “what’s cool.”

These students belong to the Millennial Generation. Technology has always been a part of their world. They expect to encounter it, and in most cases, use it for their benefit.

Creating a MySpace profile for the University Libraries provides the Libraries a unique opportunity to acknowledge that we understand our student’s information needs and are compatible with their technological and cultural expectations.

A profile on MySpace for the Ball State University Libraries is available at www.myspace.com/brackenlibrary.

This profile is designed to use the power of MySpace to raise awareness about the Libraries’ awesome services and resources. Students who visit the Libraries’ MySpace page will discover links to CardCat, Ask a Librarian, online academic databases, and much more. It may also function as a virtual suggestion box since students can post comments and send messages to the profile. Our off-campus remote users will still need to be authenticated through the EZproxy server.

Finally, and of greatest importance, the Libraries’ MySpace profile will let students know that the University Libraries is a cutting-edge institution that comfortably reaches beyond the traditional definitions of “library” to meet them in their space.

Ball State University Libraries' Turnstile Counts at All-time High

The turnstile count at the end of April 2006 was very strong – 1,151,432 visits. This means that we have already surpassed our 12-month count for last fiscal year by 13,917 visits, and the months of May and June remain in the fiscal year to add to this count.

Almost two years ago, we completed the first year of Project Destination Libraries, an initiative envisioned as a three-year undertaking to reinvigorate, reenergize, and build community in the University Libraries as a place for students to research and learn.

We increased attendance by 117,721 visits or 14.6%. This lead us to set what seemed to be an unachievable goal: attaining ONE MILLION visits by the end of the next fiscal year 2004-05.

This goal required us to attract an additional 74,673 visits. Without any new personnel and no additional budget allocation or space, we were challenged to do more with what we had.

Our solution was to employ the Rachesky Effect of finding value around us that had been ignored or underutilized, to find ways of capturing it to bring added value to our customers, and to offer services that would make our customers become repeat customers. We repurposed space and equipment, realigned personnel and programs through organizational development, and rethought the Libraries’ programs, services, and collections. We finished our second fiscal year of the project by greatly surpassing our ONE MILLION goal by 137,515 visits or 22.9%.

Project Destination Libraries – a focus for developing community by making the Libraries a destination for research, learning, and friends – is approaching its third anniversary with the end of the current fiscal year. Our librarians and paraprofessional personnel are engaged in developing strategies for the Libraries to provide an even larger role in the academic life of the University, to offer programs, services, and collections for the Libraries to be the most important place on campus for learning outside of the classroom. View www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,43179--,00.html for a listing of our major accomplishments for 2005-2006.

As Dean of University Libraries, I am grateful to all of our personnel for the significant work each has done in helping the University Libraries to be a destination for research, learning, and friends.

For information, contact Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries, at AHafner@bsu.edu or call (765) 285-5277.

Scott R. McFadden Presents Basic Serials Cataloging Workshops

Scott McFadden, Head of Serials Cataloging, taught a two-day workshop on Basic Serials Cataloging at the University of Minnesota, Minn., in November of 2006.

He presented a similar workshop in October at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Both workshops are part of the Serials Cataloging Cooperative Training Program, a project of the Library of Congress.

Scott is available to present the workshop and can be contacted through the SCCTP or directly at SMcfadden@bsu.edu

James A. Bradley is Main Speaker for OCLC Live Web Event

James A. Bradley, Head, Metadata and Digital Initiatives, at Ball State University Libraries was the main speaker for an OCLC Live Web event called Successful Launch Secrets: How the Ball State University Libraries Created Digital Collections for Use in the Classroom, on Campus, and Beyond.

Drawing on examples from Ball State University's Digital Media Repository (DMR), Jim discussed the structure and characteristics of a sustainable digital program and how to package digital collections into reusable learning objects and new educational responses.

To view the latest collections, visit the DMR at http://libx.bsu.edu

Kelley C. McGrath Writes Article on Media Finders: Tools for Finding Music, VHS, DVDs, and Other Digital Sound Recordings

Kelley C. McGrath, Cataloging and Metadata Services Librarian (Audiovisual)at Ball State University Libraries published Media Finders: Improving the Browsability of Media Collectins via the OPAC in Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 11(3): 19-34; 2006.

Matthew C. Shaw Presents Paper at Midwest Modern Language Association

Matthew C. Shaw, Electronic Resources Librarian, presented a paper in November 2006 entitled Passionate Priests: Religious Life and Moral Redfinition in the Novels of Iris Murdoch at the annual meeting of the Midewest Modern Language Association in Chicago.

Shaw delivered the paper as part of a five-person panel. The session topic was The Half-Life of Religious Thinking and addressed representative moments of religious and moral disjuncture in contemporary literature.

John B. Straw Contributes to Publication on John Steinbeck

John B. Straw, Director for the Archives and Special Collections Research Center at Ball State University Libraries, is included in the new publication Tracking John Steinbeck: A Bibliographer's Perspective, compiled and edited by Robert B. Harmom (Dibco Press, San Jose, California). The publication includes a description of A Catalog of John Steinbeck Material in the Ball State University Libraries which was edited by Straw.

For more information on the Steinbeck Collection, visit www.bsu.edu/library/collections/archives/steinbeck

New Books, Bestsellers Available for Borrowing at Ball State's Bracken Library

The University Libraries lease a collection of 600 ever changing titles to provide students, faculty, staff, and resident affiliates the opportunity to read fiction and non-fiction that is popular across the country.

Circulation data for last fiscal year 2005-2006 show that there were 4,988 circulations, of which 73.1% were for fiction titles and 26.9% for non-fiction. Circulation by user categories:
· Faculty, Staff, 28.5%
· Graduates, 9.8%
· Others (fellows, Muncie area high school students, Muncie residents), .7.3%
· Undergraduates, 54.4%
o Seniors, 18.0%
o Juniors, 15.0%
o Sophomores, 12.2%
o Freshmen, 8.5%
o Others, 0.7%

Readers interested in data for the fiscal year before last (2004-2005) are invited to read the October 2005 Library Insider, page 7, www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress/libinsider.

The bestsellers collection is acquired through a leasing program. By leasing titles, the University Libraries are able to provide access to high-demand titles that change frequently. At any given time, the collection includes about 75% of the bestseller titles on national lists. The most popular items are fiction books, biographies, and political personalities.

For more information, contact Suzanne S. Rice, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Public Services, SRice@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1305.

Ball State Libraries' Workshop and Assistance Connects Researchers to Data for Project

Two Ball State researchers are using services from the Libraries’ Geospatial Center and Map Collection (GCMC) to collaborate geographic datasets for their research project to learn more about the living and working experiences of former patients at Central State Hospital.

David Perkins, Ph.D., Department of Psychological Science, and Josh Raines, a graduate assistant in the Social Science Research Center, will use the versatile and powerful tools available by geographic information systems (GIS) to obtain special data which will help them research community conditions faced by former hospital inpatients.

More than 100 former patients are living at various locations in Marion County since the closure of the Indianapolis hospital. The researchers hypothesize that those individuals should live in neighborhoods distributed at random among the residential districts of a city rather than being clustered or dispersed.

“The benefit of using GIS in this project is the way it adds systematic spatial and geographic details to the description and understanding of former inpatients' experiences of living in the community,” said Josh. “We were pleased that everything we needed seemed to be available at Ball State, including technical assistance from the University Libraries.”

Dr. Perkins learned about the SAVI website and its capabilities during a workshop called, “GIS Data: Finding Reliable GIS Data on the Web,” which was held by Angie Gibson, GIS Specialist in the University Library’s Geospatial Center and Map Collection. After the researchers attended the GIS workshop, they contacted Angie at various times for assistance during the research project.

The two researchers geocoded a list of former patients’ addresses, along with United States census indicators and information from the Social Assets and Vulnerabilities Indicators, www.savi.org. Angie helped them during the geocoding process and showed them how to join the geocoded address points to the census tract layer to establish census tract numbers for all the address points.

Geocoding is a GIS operation for converting street addresses into spatial data that can be displayed as features on a map, usually by referencing address information from a street segment data layer.

Other spatial variables, such as crime rates, accessibility of parks, libraries and other community resources, can be added to the database. This geographic information will be combined with other data on the persons in recovery, including psychiatric services they were receiving, whether they were working, and ratings of recovery made by their primary therapists. It will also examine how the particular census tracts compare with Marion County as a whole in terms of social disorganization, transience, and the percentage of persons having disabilities.

Their work is also supported by the Center for Mental Health in Anderson and uses data provided by the Indiana Consortium for Mental Health Services Research based in Bloomington.

For more information, contact Angie S. Gibson, Ball State University Libraries’ GIS Specialist, Geospatial Center and Map Collection, ASGibson2@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1097.

Color Aerial Photgraphy Data Available for Indiana through University Libraries' Geospatial Center and Map Collection

If you need Indiana aerial photography for a research project or are interested in looking at a specific place in Indiana from a bird’s eye view, stop by the Geospatial Center and Map Collection (GCMC) in Bracken Library. You will have access, via the Indiana Spatial Data Portal (http://gis.iu.edu) to downloadable high resolution color images of the entire state of Indiana. Currently the website offers state-wide color orthophotography that was created in 2003. Soon, the site will be adding color orthophotography taken by county in 2005.

With funding by the National Agricultural Inventory Program (NAIP), the 2003 images are one meter resolution photos that are projected into a coordinate system so that they can be easily viewed by GIS software and fitted under a user’s existing data. These images also come in a TIFF format so they can be viewed in AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or any software that can view images in TIFF format.

The 2005 aerial photography is available courtesy of the Indiana State-Wide Orthophotography Project. The new aerials offer slightly better resolution than the 2003 photos and are projected into a coordinate system and available in TIFF format.

These images are free to download from the Indiana Spatial Data Portal website. But a word of caution is that these files can be extremely large! If your computer does not have a lot of RAM memory, it may freeze up sporadically when viewing the photos. The high-end computers in the GCMC have more than enough available memory to handle these photos, and we welcome you to come in and use the computers to view and download the images you need.

For more information about the State-Wide Orthophotography Project, visit the Indiana Geographic Information Council website, www.in.gov/ingisi, and click on orthophotography.

For more information, contact Angie S. Gibson, Ball State University Libraries’ GIS Specialist, Geospatial Center and Map Collection, ASGibson2@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1097.

Teachers use Digital Media Repository to Help Students Learn about U.S. Civil War

The University Libraries welcomes opportunities to collaborate with faculty on using technology to enhance the classroom experience and to provide tools for knowledge building.

Recently, three teachers from Burris Laboratory School used the digital resources available in the Digital Media Repository as part of their classes on the U. S. Civil War. Burris Social Studies teacher Sandra Cantu and Assistant Professor of English Ronald Bullock brought 38 eighth-grade students to the University Libraries to learn about the resources available in Digital Repository of U.S. Civil War Resources for East Central Indiana and to see actual Civil War documents in the collections of the Archives and Special Collections Research Center.

In addition, Social Studies teacher Karen Avery used the University Libraries’ digital collection of Civil War-era letters and documents in her class. “I found the quality of information on the website unbelievable and easy to search and to project in the classroom,” said Ms. Avery. “The students were able to view primary source accounts of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination with the touch of a computer key, making U.S. History come to life in the classroom. As an educator I can’t wait to explore other key people and events displayed on the site, and share this great source with the students.”

During the students’ visit, James A. Bradley, Head of Metadata and Digital Initiatives, showed them a sampling of images, videos, documents, and other materials in the Digital Media Repository. “Using the Civil War letters and images of Burris School, I showed them how to use the DMR as a research tool,” he said. “We learned how to access it, how to use it, and how to search it.”

Archives & Special Collections supervisor, Jane Gastineau, shared actual letters written by soldiers from east central Indiana who served in the U.S. Army. The students were very interested in patriotic decorations and messages imprinted on envelopes and stationary. Some worked hard at trying to read the handwriting. “The students were able to compare the actual documents with the digital versions,” said Jane. “They saw letters discussing Lincoln’s assassination and describing battles and marches.”

Development of the Digital Repository of U.S. Civil War Resources for East Central Indiana is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the Indiana State Library. Ball State University Libraries received an LSTA grant to develop these digital resources. The project allows for collaboration between and provides access to Civil War materials in the BSU Libraries, Muncie Public Library, Delaware County Historical Society, Henry County Historical Society, and the U.S. Vice Presidential Museum at the Dan Quayle Center.

Project coordinator John Straw said that the purpose of the digital collection is to provide access to digital versions of unique U.S. Civil War materials from East Central Indiana for teaching, learning, and research by elementary, high school, college/university students and faculty, and the public. Users are able to remotely access, examine, and study letters, diaries, photographs, and other Civil War documentation that have been previously available only onsite.

Examples of the materials located at http://libx.bsu.edu/LSTA/LSTACivWar.html include:
· G.W.H. Kemper Collection (1859-1919) of letters between Kemper and his wife, Hattie
· Cassady-Nelson Family Collection (1759-1961) including a diary and an inspirational pamphlet written especially for soldiers entitled “A Rainy Day in Camp,” and Civil War letters of D.W. Nelson
· A summons to investigate the treatment of Northern prisoners held in Southern prison camps
· The diary and letters of Absalom Shroyer from the Delaware County Historical Society
· Several family files from the Henry County Historical Society with letters written by soldiers who were serving in the war

For more information on the collections or how you can use the Archives and Special Collections for research and learning, contact John B. Straw, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Expanding Ball State Libraries' Online Catalog to Handle Modern Bibliographic Information

Personnel in Library Information Technology Services at Ball State University Libraries recently implemented an important update to the Libraries’ SirsiDynix Unicorn integrated information system. This update allows the system to support the expanded nine-digit OCLC control number, an important change since the fixed length eight-digit number is not large enough to accommodate growth as OCLC anticipates adding their 100 millionth WorldCat record.

The update also provides support in Unicorn for 13-digit International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) used by publishers on books to uniquely identify and distinguish both publishers and books. The 13-digit ISBN is necessary because publishers expect to soon exhaust all available 10-digit ISBN identifiers.

James W. Hammons, librarian and Lead System Administrator for the Unicorn system implementation, describes the upgrades as “… two imminent and momentous changes in the bibliographic data world.”

The implementation of this upgrade illustrates a continuing commitment to provide the best access possible to information resources for Ball State University students and faculty. The University Libraries are dedicated to maintaining the systems necessary to provide access to the rich collections and materials that support teaching, learning, and research.

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

Ball State Libraries Offer Access to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Digital Library Suite

The University Libraries recently established access to the Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL), a resource free to federal, state, local government, and educational institutions. This addition is representative of the University Libraries’ continual efforts to identify and make available to students and faculty some of the Web’s best free resources for teaching, learning, and research.

Begun in 2002, the HSDL was created through the partnership of the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security and the now U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The online library seeks to preserve the current debate surrounding the development of policy and programs to protect national security and American interests abroad.

As such, the digital library serves as a virtual archive of official documents related to national security and includes the various iterations of documents, allowing users to trace the development of a policy, program, etc.

The HSDL is not available to the general public; however, the University Libraries applied for special institutional access because of the integration of homeland security and emergency management topics into various disciplines.

The 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States has reverberating cultural and educational impact, and the applications of the HSDL collection for teaching and learning are broad and interdisciplinary creating multidimensional and meaningful opportunities for curricular and classroom connection with contemporary issues in security, emergency preparedness and management, and disaster response.

The University Libraries’ continuing commitment is to deliver excellent, relevant online resources to the students and faculty. The HSDL assumes a unique place in University Libraries’ digital collections and provides incomparable government-sponsored, primary source information equipping students and faculty with authoritative and up-to-date content. To visit the Homeland Security Digital Library, click on this URL: www.bsu.edu/libraries/electronicresources/databases.asp.

For more information, contact Matthew C. Shaw, Ball State University Libraries’ Electronic Resources Librarian, MCShaw2@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1302.

Indiana Memory, formerly Indiana Digital Library, Holds First Meeting

Dr. Fritz Dolak, Manager of the Copyright Center, Ball State University, attended the first meeting of the Indiana State Library’s Copyright and Rights Management (CRM) Committee on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. This committee is one of several that will advise the Indiana Memory digital initiative, formerly named the Indiana Digital Library.

Indiana Memory will consist of a wide variety of materials that can be implemented for use by all Indiana citizens. Ownership rights will be involved with most, if not all, of the digital content in Indiana Memory. The CRM Committee will make recommendations in how to address and resolve these issues.

The CRL Committee’s members include:
· Wendy Knapp, Chair, Library Development Office, Indiana State Library
· Dr. Kenneth Crews, J.D., Ph.D., Samuel R. Rosen II, Professor in the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and in the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science, Associate Dean of the Faculties for Copyright Management, and Director of the Copyright Management Center IUPUI
· Robin Crumrin, IUPUI Digital Library Team
· Donna L. Ferullo, J.D., Director of the University Copyright Office at Purdue University and Associate Professor of Library Science
· Connie Rendfeld, Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society
· Fritz Dolak, Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean of University Libraries, Ball State University

At this first meeting, the direction and goals of the Committee were discussed and jointly crafted as being the following:
· To minimize liability risks to all
· Inform contributors about copyright
· Inform users about copyright

Other issues that need to be addressed by the CRM Committee:

· Contributing institution agreements including copyright
a. Necessity for implementing DMCA takedown
· Ownership agreement between contributors and Indiana State Library
· End user agreement including commercial uses
· CONTENTdm and OCLC affiliation

When completed, Indiana Memory will be an online archive of unique, Indiana materials that will benefit Indiana's K-20 instruction. The vision for Indiana Memory as a benefit to the citizenry of Indiana is that it will enhance learning, facilitate research, and create innovative instructional objectives and new learning outcomes. In addition, Indiana Memory will provide and augment access for these new digital objects to Indiana’s archival and public libraries, museums, and local governments.

For more information, contact Dr. Fritz Dolak, University Libraries’ Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean, University Copyright Center, FDolak@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5330.

Ball State University Libraries' Copyright Conference Draws Large, National Gathering

On Wednesday, April 12, 2006, librarians, technologists, lawyers, administrators, and media specialists from Indiana and eight surrounding states visited the Ball State campus for a one-day conference entitled, “Copyright Challenges and Opportunities.”

Hosted by the University Libraries and chaired by Dr. Fritz Dolak, Manager of the University Copyright Center, more than 125 individuals gained insights on a variety of intellectual property topics such as orphan works, digital licensing, the Top 10 digital legal issues facing educational institutions, Fair Use, and more.

Dr. O’Neal Smitherman, Ball State University’s Vice President for Information Technology and Executive Assistant to the President, welcomed attendees and set the conference’s tone and agenda. In his comments, he highlighted our need to understand the importance of owner’s intellectual property rights as well as those of the users of intellectual property in the Digital Age.

Diane Norton, Wabash College’s Music Librarian, commented that the conference was “…truly one of the most well-organized, interesting, and informative conferences I have ever attended. Your speakers were stellar and explored a lot of material.” Diane will use the new information she gained from the conference to develop standard intellectual property guidelines for faculty at Wabash College.

The nationally-known speakers were Jule Sigall, J.D., Associate Register for Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C., Dr. Kenneth Crews, J.D., from Indiana University, Dwayne Buttler, J.D., from the University of Louisville, Kevin Smith , J.D., from Duke University, and Michelle Cooper, J.D., from the Indianapolis law firm of Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.

At the close of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions from a panel of four intellectual property lawyers in an open microphone, open forum session. Barry Umansky, J.D., a professor in the Department of Telecommunications at BSU and representing Ball State University’s Digital Policy Institute, moderated the panel.

For more information, contact Dr. Fritz Dolak, University Libraries’ Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean, University Copyright Center, FDolak@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5330.

Podcasting in Education at Ball State University

Podcasts can be used as an effective educational tool for teaching and learning. Ball State University Libraries assist faculty and staff with their needs through its offerings of mini-courses on creating podcasts.

The term podcasting is a combination of two words, iPod and broadcasting. Contrary to popular belief, students need not own an iPod to listen to pod casts. This is because podcasts are audio MP3 files, and anyone who has an MP3 player on their PC, Mac, or any mobile MP3 device can listen to podcasts.

Podcasting was developed out of the idea and success of radio shows and has grown in popularity with the availability of MP3 players along with the increased use of the Internet. The term podcast, like radio, can mean both the content and the method of delivery. Unlike radio, however, podcasts use the subscription model using a podcatcher. A podcatcher is software that allows you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts using an RSS feed. Similar to subscribing to a magazine and having it delivered regularly to read at a convenient time, one subscribes to desired podcasts through aggregators or feed readers such as iTunes. New content is delivered or “fed” automatically to the user’s computer so that the person can then listen at his/her convenience.

Podcasts, blogs, and other content delivery methods, such as Blackboard, can be used to supplement classroom instruction and provide students with easy access to course materials. Whether it is to prepare for a class ahead of time or to review materials after class, podcasts can be helpful tools for student success.

The University Libraries’ Technology Training Support Services unit offers courses to introduce faculty to podcasting and other instructional technologies.

To learn more about podcasting sessions or to register for one of the conveniently scheduled classes online, contact For more information, contact Yasemin Tunç, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Technology Training Support Services, YTunc@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5902.

Renovations to University Libraries' Educational Resources Center's e-classrooms Prove Popular

The two e-classrooms in Bracken Library’s Educational Resources Center have always been popular sites for academic class sessions requiring access to library resources. As a result, physical and technical renovations took place over the summer to modernize and refurbish each of the rooms.

Changes include painting and re-carpeting, replacement of old-style desk-chairs with reconfigurable seating, adding of recessed lighting, and the hanging of an electric projection screen. Other upgrades include a high-speed teacher PC workstation, data projector, document projection camera, DVD player, wireless microphone, VIS access, and video conferencing capability. The e-classrooms, like all of the University Libraries, offer wireless connectivity for students using laptops as part of the learning process.

The renovations have proven a great success. One faculty member called the remodeled rooms “amazing.”

Faculty from a variety of areas such as English, Sociology, Psychology, Teachers College, and Honors College make use of the classrooms for individual class sessions.

For more information or to book one of the e-classrooms, contact Jacob L. Harris, Ball State University Libraries’ Educational Resources Equipment/Video Supervisor, JLHarris2@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8760.

Ball State Libraries Offers News/Information using RSS Technology

You have probably seen the small orange ovals or rectangles that are labeled RSS or XML. They seem to be popping up on Web sites everywhere. These graphics indicate that the site offers a new way to access its news.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds allow people to receive news content from several sources in one location. Instead of going to a site for news daily, for example, news on a topic is published to a news reader, called an aggregator, as it becomes available.

The Ball State University Libraries expect to begin using RSS technology in early May 2006. Using this technology, according to Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries, the University Libraries will expand the type and variety of news and information that we provide our students and faculty about our programs, services, and collections.

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

Improved Desktop Technology for Students at Ball State's University Libraries

Shortly before the beginning of Fall Semester 2006, the University Libraries began to replace 120 of the 345 public PCs with new units. The workstations that were replaced are located on the first floor of Bracken Library and in the Architecture and Science Health Science Libraries. These new units are faster, offering more virtual memory and a faster clock speed.
The PCs that were replaced are being deployed to the second, third, and fourth floors to replace PCs that are less powerful. The result is that the University Libraries can now offer more software options and faster computers for students and other customers who are using these technology assets.

The following programs are now available in these locations: AutoCAD2007, Studio 8, and the Adobe Creative Suite CS2 package.

Because of recent infrastructure upgrades, all of the University Libraries’ public PCs are now connected to the Ethernet, rather than wireless. Through hardwire connections, customers will find improved network connectivity providing for moving large files and rich media between the client computer and network resources. This is especially important for access to streaming and other assets on the Internet that are easier to access because of the recent increases to 245 megabits of Internet bandwidth available to on-campus computers.

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

University Libraries' Internet Toolbar Available for Free

Students and faculty who use the Libraries’ newly developed Internet toolbar report that it provides easier access to the University Libraries’ online resources and services.

Developed by Andy West, Microcomputer/Systems/Network Analyst in the University Libraries’ Library Information Technology unit, the Internet toolbar is freely available for installation on either Microsoft’s Internet Explorer or the Foxfire 1.5+ Internet browsers.

No matter what web site students or faculty are visiting, with the Internet Toolbar installed, the University Libraries’ powerful resources are just a click away for a desktop research library.

To see a picture of the tool bar, or to access the toolbar for instructions and free download, visit
www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,42835--,00.html

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

University Libraries Relearn Old Lesson: Back up Data to Prevent Loss

In the March 2006 issue of The Library Insider, it was reported that one of our Gateway 935C file servers failed. It had been in service for over three years here at Ball State University Libraries.

The server was one of several general purpose file servers. It hosted miscellaneous data, application files, and Access databases. This failure became a calamity because there was no backup copy of the data.

We were fortunate that none of the “lost” files affected public services. The next step was to send server components to a company that specializes in data recovery from failed devices.

We shipped 3 hard drives and the RAID [Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks] controller to CBL Data Recovery Technologies in El Cajon, California, www.cbltech.com. After analyzing the components, they reported that much of the data could be recovered. In mid-March, we received 6 DVD discs containing recovered data files. We estimate that 95% of the data was recovered.

Our Windows server specialist, P. Budi Wibowo, analyzed the recovered data and began the process of restoring the files and securing appropriate access permissions. This time the data is available on a HP ProLiant DL360 server that has quality backup processes in place. The cost was $3,550.

Notwithstanding lost productivity and the anxiety caused by our server crash and subsequent concern for weeks about lost data, our story has had a good outcome because we recovered almost all of our otherwise lost data. From this experience, we also re-learned an important lesson, which is to back up our operational and strategic data.

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

Styles of 'Millennials' Help Shape Future for Programs, Services, Collections Provided by Ball State Libraries

With the introduction of the personal computer in the early 1980’s, current college students are the first generation to have grown-up literally surrounded by technology. The Internet, iPods, PDAs, and cellular phones aren’t luxuries but everyday communication tools to today’s “Generation X” students.

These developments were underscored at the recent 21st Annual Computers in Libraries Conference, a three-day immersion on the latest in searching, search engines, web design, digital content management, e-learning, e-collections, and digital trends in general.

Throughout the conference, formal presentations and informal discussions could be found on the characteristics of today’s students, the ‘Millenials’ born between 1982 and 2000. Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, offered a summary* at the conference showing that today’s undergraduates:
· Are involved in world of media and gadgetry as learning, communication/collaboration tools
· Have mobile technology for convenience and communication
· Are very involved in using the Internet
· Are multi-taskers
· Are often unaware of or indifferent to the consequences of using technology
· Will face radical technology changes in the next decade
· Shape their approaches to learning and research based this new technology

These are points to bear in mind as we seek ways to expand the Ball State University Libraries’ collections and services to keep pace with new learning styles, technological developments and their uses.

The conference confirmed the Libraries’ efforts are on the right track: many innovations mentioned in presentations are already in place in Bracken Library and the branch libraries, but look for more changes as we continually strive to offer collections and services to best meet the teaching, learning, and research needs of Ball State University’s students and faculty.

For more information, contact Suzanne S. Rice, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Public Services, SRice@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1305.

*Rainie, Lee. (24 March 2006) The Internet: Enhancing Digital Work & Play. Presented at the Computers in Libraries 2006 conference.

Libraries' Music Listening Center Posts new Web Page for Aria International Summer Academy Participants

Music students from all over the country will come to the Ball State University campus June 19 to July 15, 2006 for an intensive month of study and performance for advanced instrumentalists between the ages of 15 and 32.

The Aria Academy features 31 instructors/performers from major orchestras and faculty from Ball State and other universities. The event is organized by Mihai Tetel, Associate Professor of Cello at BSU.

Aria participants know that Bracken Library’s Music Listening Center is the place to visit to check out books, recordings, scores, and periodicals. View www.bsu.edu/library/collections/musiccoll/aria – a webpage that has been designed especially for Aria students and faculty.

“We plan to promote the new page to students and faculty both before their arrival for Aria and during their visit,” said University Libraries’ Music Librarian Keith Cochran. “We are hoping it will generate a lot of interest in our music collection and make Aria 2006 an even better experience for these dedicated musicians.”

Aria students like to visit the Music Listening Center to browse the collection. The web page facilitates finding resources by listing call number ranges for scores for specific instruments and ensembles. Keith added that searching for music in an online environment poses special challenges and that the web site will provide help in searching the online catalogue, CardCat, for both scores and recordings in the University Libraries’ collection of more than 17,000 compact discs.

For more information, contact Dr. Keith H. Cochran, Ball State University Libraries’ Music Librarian, KCochran@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5065.

University Libraries Temporarily Suspend Access to ILLiad Interlibrary Loan Module

On April 20, 2006, access to the public interface to the University Libraries’ ILLiad Interlibrary Loan Request System was suspended when the Ball State Computer Security Response Team determined that the ILLiad authentication process we were using was not secure.

Prior to the suspension of the ILLiad service, the University Libraries served as a vendor-hosted ILLiad site, configured to use the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for authentication. This means that BSU users’ names and passwords – the same credentials used on campus to access some special types of personal records – were transmitted to the ILLiad web server that was located off-campus.

BSU’s Computer Security Response Team determined that this procedure may not be consistent with Federal and Indiana privacy laws nor with Ball State’s guidelines for personal data. The problem identified was not with the ILLiad/LDAP configuration as such; rather, there were non-University steps involved in the authentication process. A local implementation of ILLiad on a system located on the Ball State campus, or a remote-hosted solution using an ILLiad specific username and password process, would have eliminated the security issue identified recently.

There is no known breach of access or misuse of sensitive data, and Atlas Systems has repeatedly stated that they do not log or otherwise store passwords under any circumstances. Even so, the process that was in place provided the potential for interception of sensitive user data by an unauthorized third party. As a precaution, Ball State’s users of ILLiad have been advised to change their passwords if they have any concerns.

Security experts from University Computing Services and Library Information Technology Services continue to work with Atlas Systems to implement a secure authentication process. We anticipate that the ILLiad public interface will be operational soon.

Until user authentication with ILLiad is resolved, the University Libraries continues to provide Interlibrary Loan Services using techniques and procedures that were in place before ILLiad.

For more information, contact Christy A. Groves, University Libraries’ Head of Access Services, CGroves@bsu.edu, (765) 285-3330.

Ball State Libraries' Newly Named Forum Room

The popular meeting room on Bracken Library’s second floor now has a name. Formerly called “Bracken 225,” the room is now called the Bracken Library Forum Room.

The Forum Room is ideal for larger group meetings because it offers a comfortable meeting space for up to 100 people. It is reserved by Ball State administrators for candidate presentations, such as those hosted recently for Provost candidates. Often, these types of events are streamed for remote viewing.

The faculty reserves the room for lectures, conferences, and public presentations; staff reserve it for assembly meetings, workshops, and similar activities.

The Forum Room offers amenities such as

· An overhead Epson projector for digital video and PowerPoint or other presentations
· A large pull-down screen
· Internet access in Bracken Library’s 100% wireless environment
· Worldwide videoconferencing capability
· A podium, microphone and sound system
· Two large monitors for participants to easily view video or television programming provided through the University’s video information system
· Chairs for seating 100 persons, or computer tables and chairs for 24 persons

Refreshments are permitted in the room if arranged through Banquet and Catering Services.

For information on reserving the room or equipment options, contact Denise W. Kinney, Ball State University Libraries’ Secretary to Library Assistant Deans, DKinney@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1307.

Top 12 Reasons to VIsit the Ball State University Libraries

1. Friendly librarians to assist with research papers, projects, and questions
2. Over 1.5 million items available for research, teaching, and learning
3. Excellent Interlibrary Loan service – if we do not have it, we will try to get it for you fast!
4. Almost 200 academic databases; 9,774 full-text e-journals; and other media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, models, realia) that support the academic teaching needs of students, faculty, and staff
5. Dynamic branch collections in the Architecture Library and the Cooper Science-Health Science Library
6. Thousands of CDs in musical genres ranging from folk to reggae to classical; thousands of movies, including more than 670 international films.
7. Interesting collections found in Archives, Geospatial Center and Map Collection, and Educational Resources Center
8. Digital collection with historical images, videos or snippets of movies to provoke discussion, to illustrate a point, and engage in analysis
9. Many avenues to get research questions answered, such as in person, by phone or email, or live chat
10. An expert on copyright and intellectual property to answer questions
11. Classes and workshops on how to use the University Libraries more efficiently
12. Free technology training for students, faculty, staff, and community persons

For more information, contact Susan G. Akers, Ball State University Libraries’ Marketing Communications Manager, SAkers@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5031.

Ball State University Libraries Awarded LSTA Grant for Equipment to Enhance Student Learning

Dean of University Libraries, Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, reported that the Indiana State Library awarded a $2,000 grant to the University Libraries to increase the effectiveness of Bracken’s group study and meeting rooms. One example of the enhancement is a mobile whiteboard for students and/or faculty who are working on group projects and presentations, for small-scale tutoring including special needs students, for graduate students in seminars, for BSU-affiliated meetings, and for selected high school students.

Bracken group study rooms are multi-functional facilities, available by reservation to students and faculty and on a drop-in basis to all library users whenever Bracken is open. These rooms are heavily used, being reserved an average of 38 times a day. They are also used spontaneously by students at other times.

For more information, contact Arthur W. Hafner Ph.D., M.B.A., Ball State University’s Dean of University Libraries, AHafner@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5277.

Michael B. Wood, Former Dean of Ball State University Libraries, Retires

Michael Wood, Associate Professor in the Department of Library Service, retired May 5, 2006. He began his career at the Ball State University Libraries in 1979 as a Periodicals Reference Librarian. From that position, he quickly advanced to Dean of University Libraries. Under his stewardship, the libraries moved to the world of automation beginning with the introduction of online bibliographic search services and the replacement of the traditional card catalog in favor of an online version, and progressed from there.

Dr. Wood expanded Ball State University’s participation in state library organizations and initiatives. As a library advocate he served in many capacities, meeting with the state legislature, writing reports for the Indiana Conference for Higher Education, serving on state task forces, and at the Governor’s request, acting as delegate to the Indiana Conference on Libraries and Information Science.

Throughout, Dr. Wood was committed to the principles of higher education and maintained high standards. He instituted scholarships to support library staff pursuing graduate degrees in librarianship and was recognized for leadership in providing services to disabled library users. He was very successful in extramural fund-raising to support library programs and collections.

After serving 20 years as Dean, Dr. Wood returned to a more scholarly side of librarianship and used his many skills as Librarian in the Archives and Special Collections. We thank Dr. Wood for his many contributions as librarian, administrator, and scholar, and wish him the best in the future.

For more information, contact Suzanne S. Rice, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Public Services, SRice@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1305.

Diverse Friends' Programs Spotlight Declaration of Independence Signers and History of Muncie's Organized Labor

The Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library at Ball State University sponsored two free programs in November and December, 2006. Both were held in Bracken Library’s Forum Room and were open to the public.

Founding Fathers and Signers of the Declaration of Independence was presented by Tom Schnuck on Monday, November 13, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Schnuck showed examples from his outstanding collection of documents from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and he shared insightful stories about the Founding Fathers.

Organized Labor in Muncie: An Oral History was presented by Professor James J. Connolly, former state representative Hurley Goodall, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Emeritus Warren Vander Hill on December 5 at 7:30 p.m.

This program focused on an oral history project sponsored by the Center for Middletown Studies to record the history of labor unions in Muncie.

The taped interviews were digitized to be made available as part of the Middletown Digital Archives in the Digital Media Repository. The oral history collection is part of a Muncie Labor Archives that were officially dedicated as part of the evening’s program.

For more information or to join the Friends, contact John B. Straw, Executive Secretary for the Friends and the Alexander M. Bracken Library and Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Frank Bracken Speaks at Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library Annual Dinner

Sixty-six Friends and supporters of the Ball State University Libraries attended the annual dinner and meeting of the Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library on March 30, 2006 at the Alumni Center.

Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries and President, Board of Governors, accompanied by Dr. Jo Ann Gora, President of Ball State, welcomed the attendees.

Dr. Hafner presented President Gora with a Friends lapel pin to represent her membership in the Friends organization.

Following the dinner and business meeting, Dr. Gora introduced Frank A. Bracken, Vice President of the Ball State Board of Trustees, who delivered the Kirkham Lecture on “Civil War Battlefield Preservation.”

Near the end of his presentation, Mr. Bracken presented to Roy Budd, husband of Dr. Gora, a replica of a red shirt that would have been worn by Budd’s ancestor General A. P. Hill, the last Confederate general killed in the war.

During the reception prior to the dinner, attendees had enjoyed seeing several Civil War artifacts that Mr. Bracken brought that belonged to his relatives who fought in the war.

Four student assistants who work at the University Libraries received Student Recognition Awards and each student received a check for $100. The recipients were Lindsay Bacurin, Amanda Pollard, Jeffrey Rukes, and Kallay Swihart.

University Libraries’ employees Kevin Brooks and Michael Twigg were recognized for receiving Staff Scholarships from the Friends.

Wayne Meyer, Head of Specialized Services, was presented with a Friends lapel pin in honor of his forthcoming retirement after 27 years of service to the University Libraries. The forthcoming retirement of Dr. Michael Wood was also recognized.

Jack Carmichael and Dr. Frank Felsenstein received certificates of appreciation at the conclusion of their three-year terms. Joe Duncan and Dr. Nicole Etcheson were given Friends lapel pins as they began their terms on the Board of Governors.

During the dinner, the Friends enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation with slides of the dedication of Bracken Library on March 26, 1976. Several people in attendance at the dinner, including Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bracken, took a walk down memory lane while viewing photographs of themselves and friends during the slide presentation.

For more information or to join the Friends, contact John B. Straw, Executive Secretary for the Friends and the Alexander M. Bracken Library and Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Dance Students Perform at Bracken Library, Ball State University

On Wednesday, April 19, 2006, Bracken Library’s ceramic tiles were temporarily transformed into a dance floor during a 30-minute sampling of four numbers from Festival of Dance.

Artistic Director Lou Ann Young said that the four numbers performed by the dancers were a sneak preview of Festival of Dance, a performance that is scheduled to run from April 26 through April 29 at the University Theatre.

Festival of Dance wraps up this year’s Theatre and Dance season. It will feature the best tap, modern, ballet, and jazz pieces choreographed by Ball State’s talented dance faculty, students, and guest artists.

These performances are part of the University Libraries’ efforts to promote the liberal arts, particularly the humanities, according to Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries.

For more information, contact Dr. Fritz Dolak, who arranges the musical performances in the University Libraries. Fritz is the University Libraries’ Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean, University Copyright Center, FDolak@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5330.

Bracken Library Visitors see Sneak Preview of "Thoroughly Modern Millie"

Twenty talented students from Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance captivated Bracken Library visitors in a sneak preview performance of the award-winning production, Thoroughly Modern Millie, on Thursday, November 9, 2006.

Students, faculty, and staff were delighted as they stopped to watch the half-hour performance led by Terra Mackintosh in the title role. Professor Bill Jenkins, Department Chair and director of the production, said the play is a prototypical Broadway musical and reports that the cast of characters are ‘terrifically fun.’

Through the Bracken Matinee Musicales, the University Libraries support liberal arts by offering a variety of short performances throughout the year in Bracken’s Lobby. These help to spirit fine arts appreciation. Many performances are recorded. View www.bsu.edu/library/virtualpress.

For more information, contact Dr. Fritz Dolak, who arranges the musical performances in the University Libraries. Fritz is the University Libraries’ Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean, University Copyright Center, FDolak@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5330.

Students' Digital & Traditional Art on Display at Ball State's Bracken Library

The first floor display cases at Bracken Library, Ball State University Libraries, house a unique art exhibit where students have integrated digital media and traditional materials to explore symmetry.

Students in Prof. Barbara Giorgio’s Foundations 101 class began the project by using Adobe Photoshop to create snowflake, butterfly, and Rorschach designs. Then they replicated their computer-generated designs by using materials such as beads, feathers, buttons, seeds, copper, cloth, and even stained glass.

“The students were enthused to display their artwork at Bracken,” Prof. Giorgio said. “There is a sense of pride in creating art and knowing others are able to view it.”

The display includes both the digital print-out and the final project of 14 students. The exhibit is scheduled to run through March, 2007.

Ball State Libraries' Student Assistants Receive Customer Training

Many areas of the Ball State University Libraries rely heavily on student employees in order to deliver services and implement programs. They are often the “first face” of the library presented to our users. Students answer phones, staff service counters, provide information for other units, and assist both internal and external users of the Libraries in myriad ways.

During March 2006, the Services Excellence Working Group conducted seven sessions of a workshop entitled, “Customer Service 101” for student assistants. At the sessions, students received basic principles of customer service.

Out of approximately 150 student assistants employed by the Libraries, 92 attended from 13 separate units. Much student assistant training deals with content rather than interpersonal skills. That is, student assistant training focuses on specific job duties, library policies, and library procedures rather than communication skills and the dynamics of interaction. This workshop was meant to help fill that gap.

Although the workshop focused primarily on “over-the-counter” interactions, we emphasized the importance and applicability of the concepts discussed to “behind-the-counter” interactions with library co-workers and supervisors as well.

Some student participants noted on their evaluation forms that they had already received customer service training for jobs in retail, restaurants, and so forth. But the overall reaction was very positive.

This first round of workshops was a pilot project for training that we plan to continue later once per semester and target newly-hired student employees.

For more information, contact Kevin E. Brooks, Ball State University Libraries’ Manager for the Science-Health Science Library, KBrooks2@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5079.

Bandwidth Added to Ball State University's Internet Connection

On October 20, 2006, the Ball State University increased its Internet bandwidth to 245 megabits from 135 megabits. This infrastructure upgrade benefits students in University housing and improves the University’s ability to provide content.

Read more about the infrastructure, computers, and information systems used by the University Libraries for access to global information on the University Libraries’ homepage under “About Us,” titled “Computers/Library Information Systems,” view
www.bsu.edu/libraries/lits/libtech_features/computersnetworks.pdf.

For more information, contact Bradley D. Faust, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services, BFaust@bsu.edu, (765) 285-8032.

Building Community on Campus: Reference Services for the "After 5" Crowd

It’s Tuesday night and the lobby of Ball State University’s Bracken Library is buzzing with the energy of a hip night club. Students are meeting at the naked lady statue (artist Albin Polasek’s Forest Idyll) to discuss their days and plan their evenings, checking their e-mail on laptops through the Libraries’ wireless network, relaxing in cushy chairs with the latest issue of The Ball State Daily News, and reserving rooms for group study sessions.

Everyone knows that the University Libraries is the place to go for the excellent services and sources necessary for successful scholarship in the modern age, but, for many Ball State students, Bracken Library is also the place to go to see and be seen.

Students, faculty, and community visitors of the Ball State University Libraries enjoy interactive and customizable experiences that surpass the traditional functions of the academic library.

The University Libraries offer programs and services such as the following:
· Librarians to assist with research papers
· A wide variety of DVDs and CDs for personal enrichment and entertainment
· A bestsellers book collection for recreational reading
· Student art work on display throughout the Libraries
· Meeting rooms for study sessions and student organizations
· Access to the wireless network throughout
· Soft chairs for a relaxing study session or break
· Live musical and theatrical performances

Students find their libraries’ experience enhanced by the newly announced “Student Virtual Library” Web page, which is designed to serve better the research needs of undergraduates. Lots of students comment about using great resources through the Libraries’ recently developed “Digital Media Repository,” a collection of digital resources for teaching and learning.

Librarians utilize blogs to open communication channels, share information, and solicit feedback from students and faculty.

We librarians are always looking for additional ways to make the University Libraries the most enjoyable and convenient place to study and socialize on campus, making them the best places for learning after the classroom.

Please share your comments or suggestions about ways to improve University Libraries for learning and study by clicking on “Suggestions” on the left side of the Web page www.bsu.edu/library/services/maincirc/maincircsuggest

For more information, contact Diane Calvin, University Libraries’ Head of Information Services, DCalvin@bsu.edu, (765) 285-3327.

Ball State Librarians Develop Video Clips to Provide Students with Tips on Research Techniques

A creative and interesting set of videos was created by Ball State University Libraries’ Information Services Librarians in order to help students learn to use library resources more efficiently.

“The videos are a unique way to assist students. They are short and informative, but also meant to be fun,” said Lisa Barnett, Instructional Services Librarian.

The short streaming video clips are located on the University Libraries’ web site and cover topics such as locating materials, determine whether an article is scholarly or popular and deciding which web sites are trustworthy sources of information.

Theatre majors Natalie Sallee, Sean Riggs, Nicole Hansel, Jamie Boalbey, Lauren Sheffield, Josh Carver, and Kevin Anderson acted in the videos. Prof. Robert Habich, Department of English, also made a special appearance. Thanks to the production staff at Teleplex for their assistance. View the videos at www.bsu.edu/library/collections/instsvs/tutorials

For more information, contact Diane Calvin, University Libraries’ Head of Information Services, DCalvin@bsu.edu, (765) 285-3327.

Communicating the Libraries' Mission through the Tagline: A destination for research, learning, and friends

Three years ago, Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of Ball State University Libraries, revealed the Ball State University Libraries’ strategic communications plan to position the Libraries in the minds of its constituents as the place for research, learning, and classroom support.

Not long afterwards, the Libraries’ mission statement was simplified to A destination for research, learning, and friends, a clear declaration supporting the University’s mission of nationally recognized teaching, scholarship, and public service.

The statement proved so strong and memorable in the minds of students and faculty that it became the University Libraries’ tagline, identifying the Libraries’ brand message and making clear our value proposition.

According to Adler Consulting Company, an Internet marketing solutions firm, organizations best influence their brand by clearly communicating what they do.

Our librarians and paraprofessional personnel continue to build the University Libraries’ brand by conducting surveys, SWOT analyses of units within the Libraries, soliciting suggestions from customers, carefully analyzing LibQual+ survey results, seeking input from the Student Government Association, talking informally with students and faculty, and using various unobtrusive research methods.

Some of the strategies that the University Libraries have implemented or strengthened to support the brand include:

· Librarians and paraprofessional personnel to help students with research projects and assignments
· Comfortable, friendly atmosphere for students, faculty, staff
· Access to great print and digital collections
· Excellent technology and access to all of the common software used on campus
· Spaces for collaborative and individual learning, research, and study

By managing the University Libraries’ brand, we are able to increase the Libraries’ role in the academic life of the campus, making the University Libraries second only to the classroom for discovery and learning.

For more information, contact Susan G. Akers, Ball State University Libraries’ Marketing Communications Manager, SAkers@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5031.

Reference Services for the "After 5" Crowd at Ball State Libraries

A topic of discussion among librarians is whether academic libraries should belong to online social communities, such as MySpace. This is an important question because MySpace is the most successful social networking site, receiving more daily visitors than Google.

As a Night Information Services, Librarian at Bracken Library, I frequently rove through the Reference Learning Center area to help students, and I notice the MySpace pages displayed on many of the computer screens.

MySpace is a free site that consists of the online profiles of young adults, rock bands, and other assorted entities. This virtual space allows its users to blog, join groups, send instant messages, promote events, share photos, and much more.

The majority of our 4,300 daily visitors are undergraduate students who are accustomed to using new technologies, like MySpace. They use MySpace and facilities such as those provided by the University Libraries, to meet friends, discover new information, and figure out “what’s cool.”

These students belong to the Millennial Generation. Technology has always been a part of their world. They expect to encounter it, and in most cases, use it for their benefit.

Creating a MySpace profile for the University Libraries provides the Libraries a unique opportunity to acknowledge that we understand our students’ information needs and are compatible with their technological and cultural expectations.

With administrative approval, I recently established a profile on MySpace for the Ball State University Libraries. Click on www.myspace.com/brackenlibrary to view the University Libraries’ MySpace.

This profile is designed to use the power of MySpace to raise awareness about the Libraries’ awesome services and resources. Students who visit the Libraries’ MySpace page will discover links to CardCat, Ask a Librarian, online academic databases, and much more. It may also function as a virtual suggestion box since students can post comments and send messages to the profile. Our off-campus remote users will still need to be authenticated through the EZproxy server.

Finally, and of greatest importance, the Libraries’ MySpace profiles will let students know that the University Libraries is a cutting-edge institution that comfortably reaches beyond the traditional definitions of “library” to meet them in their space.

As for me, I am pleased to work in an academic library that recognizes the importance of having a presence in new media.

This story was written by Kelli Keclik, Information Services Librarian.

For more information, contact Diane Calvin, University Libraries’ Head of Information Services, DCalvin@bsu.edu, (765) 285-3327.

Ball State Libraries Customizes Students' Experiences

Librarians and paraprofessional personnel at the Ball State University Libraries recognize that today’s library customers are accustomed to service and convenience. They want it. They expect it. They demand it.

An example of how the University Libraries seek to customize each student’s educational experience for learning and research is in our offering expanded service hours. Longer hours allow students flexibility in designing his/her individual study program-based on personal needs, such as working on campus or off.

Peter John, a senior who is majoring in Piano Performance, takes advantage of the Music Listening Center’s expanded hours by utilizing the listening carrels. In addition to using the sound resources to study, Peter also searches the Educational Resources Center’s catalogs for visual resources. By coupling his listening research with viewing a Stravinsky ballet, for example, Peter enhances both his understanding and appreciation for informational materials.

Sherrell Robinson is a Telecommunications senior. She does not own her own computer, so being able to check out a laptop from the Educational Resources Center allows Sherrell the flexibility to study wherever she feels most comfortable in Bracken Library. Most nights, she reserves one of our many group study rooms with a friend. According to Sherrell, studying collaboratively allows the two of them to “focus and get our work done.”

Having his own laptop did not help Bryan Williamson recently to complete a project on time; however, Bracken’s resources did! Bryan is an interior design major in the College of Applied Sciences and Technology. While working, he lost the project on his computer and had to begin completely over. Having REVIT software available on Bracken’s public PC stations allowed him to work since the department lab was closed. He printed the final project on the large plotter in the Geospatial Center and Map Collection unit.

The University Libraries delivers a wide-range of quality services conveniently to our students and faculty, helping them to meet their learning and research needs, allowing the University Libraries to be a strategic part of their success plan for achievement.

This story was written by Kathleen E. Pickens, Ball State University Libraries’ Library Night Supervisor.

For more information, contact Suzanne S. Rice, Ball State University Libraries’ Assistant Dean for Public Services, SRice@bsu.edu, (765) 285-1305.

Charter Service Provides Safe Escort

After campus shuttle busses have stopped running, people can rely on Charlie’s Charter for a safe escort to any location on BSU-owned property, such as from Bracken Library late at night to the stadium parking lot or to a residence hall.

During the regular semester, Charlie’s Charter operates Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. This important, university-wide service is co-sponsored by the Department of Public Safety and the Student Government Association. The charter service is available on a first-come, first-serve basis so at busy times there may be a short wait.

Charlie’s Charter provides community members more than just a free ride. By providing transportation from one BSU-owned property to another, they are able to take an active part in campus life regardless of weather or distance and are able to participate in learning and research opportunities on campus during the evening.

Mark Lytle, one of Charlie’s Charter drivers, reports that they complete an average of 25 to 28 calls each night. Of course, these numbers increase during inclement weather. Mark estimates that about one-half of his calls come from students taking advantage of Bracken Library’s late night hours which are until 3 a.m.

Deepti Gopalagari, who is working toward an M.A. in Computer Science, frequently calls for a ride following her 3 a.m. shift in Bracken’s Educational Resources Center. Without this service, she would have to walk unescorted the 1.7 miles home to her home in Sheidler Apartments, or give up her hours. For Deepti, the service by Charlie’s Charter allows her to work on campus while pursuing an advanced degree. For other students, Charlie’s Charter gets them back safely to the front door of their dormitory or to their car in one of the many parking lots around campus.

For more information, contact Susan G. Akers, Ball State University Libraries’ Marketing Communications Manager, SAkers@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5031.

Oral History Projects at Ball State Libraries Middletown Collections allows Minority Voices to be Heard Again

Oral histories provide an added dimension to the historical record that cannot always be found in written documents. In addition, these “personal narratives” often provide historical evidence in the complete absence of any written record.

The Ball State University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections Research Center holds several oral history collections as part of the Middletown Studies Collection and the Stoeckel Archives of Local History. While all these audio interviews (and a few video interviews) illuminate the lives of Indiana citizens, several provide research material on populations that were neglected in the seminal studies conducted and published by sociologists Robert and Helen Lynd in the 1920s using Muncie as “Middletown,” a representative American community.

Five oral history collections provide insight into the lives of the African-American and Jewish communities in Muncie/Middletown:

· The Black Muncie History Project conducted in the 1970s by Hurley Goodall and Ball State professor J. Paul Mitchell includes 38 interviews with African-Americans in Muncie from 1971 to 1978
· The Black Middletown Project done by researchers from the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University as part of the Middletown III project contains 54 interviews
· The Other Side of Middletown collaborative ethnography project on Muncie’s African-American community conducted by Ball State Professor Eric Lassiter and his students as part of a class through the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry resulted in 78 interviews
· The Middletown Jewish Oral History Project I done in 1978-79 by Ball State professors C. Warren Vander Hill and Dwight Hoover, under the sponsorship of Mr. Martin Schwartz, has 21 interviews with Jewish residents who had lived in Muncie in the 1920s and 1930s
· The Middletown Jewish Oral History Project II, a follow up to the 1978-79 project also sponsored by Mr. Martin Schwartz, includes 24 interviews conducted by C. Warren Vander Hill with members of the Muncie Temple Beth El congregation

In addition to African-Americans and Jewish residents, another group of Muncie citizens under-represented in the original Middletown studies was members of Catholic congregations. Collaboration between the Ball State University Libraries, the Center for Middletown Studies, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, and St. Mary Catholic Church will produce a collection of interviews to add to Archives and Special Collections.

Trained volunteers from each of the churches will conduct the interviews. Three Emeriti faculty (James MacDougall; Nancy Turner; John Weakland) from Ball State who attend the respective churches will coordinate the volunteers and the interview process. Dr. Michael Doyle, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Public History Internship Program will conduct a workshop on “Oral History Methods” to train the volunteers.

For more information, contact John B. Straw, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Ball State's Archives & Special Collections & Digital Media Repository Provide Students, Faculty with Resources for Research, Scholarship

The digital projector hanging from the ceiling in the Ball State University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections Research Center is a solid example of how this is not your parent’s perception of an archives.

This is not just a repository of historical documents and artifacts. This is a classroom, a laboratory—a teaching archives -- that utilizes the latest technologies to enable, support, and further the educational experiences of Ball State students.

The physical documents preserved in the Archives are now supplemented and enhanced by digital resources to bring a new dimension to this teaching archive. As classes in diverse disciplines such as Architecture, Art, Education, English, History, and Graphic Design visit the Archives for instructional sessions the students are informed about the digital archives resources that are available to them 24/7 through the Digital Media Repository.

As students access the digital resources, it often leads them back for a visit to the Archives to see the actual documents or to find additional resources that are not available in digital form. They are frequently surprised and pleased to find such a wealth of sources that they didn’t know existed.

Technology is definitely helping the Archives to provide better service to the students of Ball State who may not have thought of using archival resources before.

The materials preserved in our Archives may change as far as format, but the basic purpose of preserving and making them available does not. The purpose is for them to be used for learning, teaching, and research. So this is not the old image of an archives with dusty materials sitting on cobwebbed shelves (which was never a reality for any archives) waiting for someone someday to discover them. This is a modern, technology-enriched, teaching archives where students can learn about the past, prepare for the future, and find sources they need to succeed today.

We invite faculty and students to come share the educational experiences that can be found in the teaching archives and through the Digital Media Repository. We will fire up the digital projector, bring out the treasures, and help you on your journey.

For more information, contact John B. Straw, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Reaching Students through Archives and Manuscript Resources

A continuing goal for personnel in the Archives and Special Collections Research Center is to increase awareness and use of its unique resources among Ball State’s students. We strive to reach as many students as possible through the following ways:

• Articles and publications
• Development of digital resources
• e-Mail
• Group presentations
• Individual consultations
• Instructional sessions
• Online and in-house exhibits
• Web pages

For the academic year 2005-2006 that has just ended, monthly use statistics for the Archives showed an overall increase of nearly 12% in combined reference, research, and directional questions compared to the same period in 2004-2005. Student use of the Archives was 72% of our total use. Of the total number of student users, undergraduates accounted for 78% and graduate students made up the remaining 22%.

The number of instruction sessions for classes in the Archives Center increased by almost 23% compared to last year. A large number of the students attending the instruction sessions returned to the Archives to conduct research and use materials for papers, speeches, and other class projects.

A few examples of classes using the Archives and Special Collections Research Center this year include:
• Architectural classes: Design 201; Introduction to Social and Cultural Issues in Design 253; Preservation and Documentation of Historic Buildings 426; Architecture History 495; Directed Research 573; and Research Methods 652
• Educational Foundations: History of Education 641
• English classes: Fundamentals of English Composition101; English Composition 104; Experimental Topics 299; Creative Nonfiction Writing 306; Poetry Writing 408; Research in English Studies 601; Seminar in Literature 650
• History classes: Laboratory Course in American History 320; Public History 420; Seminar in Historical Research 613
• Graphic Design 180
• Honors Colloquium 390, with 16 meetings in Archives

Technology is playing a vital role in helping the Archives and Special Collections Research Center to reach out to increase access and use. Development of digital resources from the Archives in the Digital Media Repository, http://libx.bsu.edu, is an exciting and innovative avenue for providing access to photographs, audio and video files, rare documents, and other primary sources for students to use anywhere, anytime.

Archives personnel are always looking for opportunities to reach students and increase their use of archives and manuscript resources for their academic success. We welcome ideas from students, faculty, and everyone. The unique resources accessible in the Archives and online can provide new dimensions for student learning, research, and academic productivity.

For more information, contact John B. Straw, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

U.S. Civil War Material Available at Ball State Libraries' Digital Media Repository

Letters, diaries, photographs, and other items from the U. S. Civil War are now available 24/7 for learning, teaching, and research through the Ball State’s Digital Media Repository, a project of the University Libraries. You can visit the Repository of U.S. Civil War Materials from East Central Indiana at http://libx.bsu.edu.

Funded by a Library Technology Services Act (LSTA) grant, the Ball State University Libraries partnered with several cultural, historical, and educational institutions. These include Henry County Historical Society, Muncie Public Library, and the Dan Quayle Center and U. S. Vice Presidential Museum. Activities included digitizing and providing Web access to U.S. Civil War items from their collections along with materials from the University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collection Research Center.

Researchers can view digital images of the original documents and read a transcription. More U.S. Civil War materials will be added to the collections in the near future.

For more information, contact John B. Straw, Ball State University Libraries’ Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center, JStraw@bsu.edu, (765) 285-5078.

Videoconference Shares Library Resources Throughout Indiana

On November 17, five representatives from the Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI) Distance Education/Off-Campus Library Services Task Force participated in a videoconference on distance learning with Indiana College Network Learning Center Coordinators.

The Indiana College Network (ICN) is a cooperative service of Indiana’s colleges and universities offering assistance to Indiana residents interested in pursuing a degree via distance learning. The network includes the presence of 59 learning centers throughout the state. As stated at the ICN website, “… learning center coordinators have experience helping distance students conquer their challenges. If they don’t know the answer to your questions, they have the resources to find it for you.”

Top resources for coordinators and students are the technologically savvy staff and thousands of online resources in university and college libraries. Videoconference participants were able to learn about the variety of library services available to distance learners through guided tours of useful web pages. Data sheets outlining major resources and contact information were also provided for future reference.

The exchange of information was two-way, with librarians welcoming and receiving suggestions from coordinators on ways to improve services for distance learners.

“Everyone recognizes library resources are important. The quick response made to suggestions was also appreciated. It shows that the libraries care about their long-distance students,” said Carol Brunty, Manager of Student Services for ICN.

Presenting at the conference were Suzanne Rice, Assistant Dean for Public Services at Ball State University Libraries; Anne Haynes, Distributed Education Library Services Coordinator at Indiana University; Jule Kind, Director of Off Campus Library Services at Indiana Wesleyan University; Susan Mannan, Library Director at Ivy Tech Community College, and Philip Orr, Distance Learning Librarian at University of Southern Indiana.

For additional information, contact Suzanne Rice, Assistant Dean for Public Services, at SRice@bsu.edu or 765/285-1307.

Directions in Photography Exhibit at Ball State Libraries

Combining photography with computers, students were free to choose their subject and style to complete an assignment in Art 433/434, a senior-level class. Thirty digital images of people and places comprise this unique exhibit entitled, Directions in Photography. It will be on display in Bracken Library’s First Floor (west side) through spring of 2007.

“Some students chose to use the computer to make subtle, minor or undistinguishable changes, whereas others manipulated images to a much greater extent,” said Prof. Mark D. Sawrie. “The class is designed to support, critique, and advise students depending on their individual direction.”

Sawrie said there are advantages and disadvantages, like that of other mediums, in using a computer as a tool since technology can be used to draw attention to itself by using special effects or surrealism, for example, or technology can be used to employ a certain task with which one has an affinity, such as printing in color or printing in black and white.

The University Libraries features ongoing exhibits and displays by students and faculty. For information, contact Susan Akers at SAkers@bsu.edu or call (765) 285-5031.

Archives Ensures Voices of Labor Won't be Lost

Students and scholars can now take advantage of new resources available in Ball State’s University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections Research Center for the study of organized labor. The Muncie Labor Archives has been established to document the history of workers and unions in America’s “Middletown.”

A central part of the Muncie Labor Archives is a collection of oral histories conducted by Warren Vander Hill, Ball State provost and vice president of academic affairs emeritus, under the sponsorship of the Center for Middletown Studies and funded by a grant from the Muncie Community Foundation.

The idea for recording interviews with organized labor leaders from Muncie and establishing a labor archives was proposed by former state legislator Hurley Goodall, who helped identify and contact interviewees.

The collection includes 15 interviews conducted by Vander Hill between December 2005 and February 2006. Photographs were also taken of each interviewee. The recordings, transcripts, and photographs will be digitized and made available in the Digital Media Repository, http://libx.bsu.edu, on the University Libraries’ Web site.

When Vander Hill interviewed community labor leaders, he found that they had documents, photographs, and other materials that they were willing to donate to the labor archives. For example, Charlie Anderson presented the Archives with his papers related to his union activities with the Ball Brothers Corporation, The Republic of Cyprus’ union leaders, and United Auto Workers Locals 93 and 662, in addition to his taped interview.

Others collections that comprise the beginning of this new labor archives include:
· Daniel R. Crowder Collection of interviews with Local 287, UAW-CIO members
· An agreement between the City of Muncie, Muncie Fire Department, and Local 1348, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO
· UAW Local 287 History, 1937-78
· Everett H. Ferrill Collection
· UAW Local 287 Records
· Chevrolet, UAW Local 499 Records and Photographs
· Warner Gear Collection
· Borg-Warner Corporation Records
· McCormick Brothers Collection
· Working in Middletown Oral History Project Collection

As it continues to grow through new donations, the Muncie Labor Archives will become an even richer resource for students, faculty, and other researchers and scholars in history, sociology, political science, and other disciplines. As the oral history interviews and other documentation are digitized and made available in the Digital Media Repository, scholars from around the world will be able to “hear the voices of labor” from that much-studied “representative American community,” Muncie as Middletown.

The Muncie Labor Archives is one more important component of the “Teaching Archives” that characterizes the Archives and Special Collections Research Center.

Postscript

In conjunction with the opening of the Muncie Labor Archives, an exhibit on Once There was a Union Town: A History of Organized Labor in Muncie is on display outside the Archives and Special Collections Research Center, Bracken Library room 210, through January 31, 2007.

University of Louisville Libraries Host Conference Featuring Ball State University Libraries' Group; CONTENTdm Experiences Discussed

On Friday, November 17, 2006, the University of Louisville Libraries hosted a group from Ball State University Libraries for a one-day conference to share Ball State’s ideas and experiences with building its digital collections using CONTENTdm, an XLM-based digital management system that stores and provides access to all forms of digital media.

Conference planning began in May, 2006 by Dwayne K. Buttler, J.D. Professor and Evelyn J. Schneider Endowed Chair for Scholarly Communication at the University of Louisville’s Ekstrom Library. Planning was completed by Conference Chair, Rachel Howard, Digital Initiatives Librarian at the University of Louisville. Dr. Fritz Dolak coordinated activities at Ball State’s University Libraries. The conference was held in the new wing of the Ekstrom Library in the attractive, newly opened Elaine L. Chao Auditorium.

Ball State participants included James A. Bradley, Head of Metadata and Digital Initiatives; Fritz Dolak, Copyright and Intellectual Property Manager and Special Assistant to the Dean; Sarah E. Duncan, Assistant Archivist for University Records and Digital Projects; Bradley D. Faust, Assistant Dean for Library Information Technology Services; Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries; John B. Straw, Director for Archives and Special Collections Research Center; P. Budi Wibowo, Head of Digital Library and Web Services. The University Libraries initiated its use of CONTENTdm in April, 2005, view http://libx.bsu.edu/index.php.

Dean Arthur Hafner said that his hope for the interaction with the University of Louisville Libraries was to share some of Ball State’s expertise and experience, serve as a resource while the University of Louisville develops its digital initiatives, form a nucleus for a users group for interstate cooperation, and form a stronger relationship/partnership with the University of Louisville University Libraries.

University of Louisville’s Dean of University Libraries, Hannelore B. Rader, graciously welcomed over 40 attendees from across Kentucky and the university, included persons from Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives (KDLA), the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Louisville Free Public Library. Attendees from the University of Louisville included the Art Department, Department of Fine Arts, Health Sciences Library, and Law School. University Libraries’ units included attendees from the Administration, Special Collections, Technical Services, and University Archives and Records Center.

Rachel Howard spoke about digital initiatives at the University of Louisville. Professor Butler spoke at different times during the conference about legal issues surrounding copyright and intellectual property.
The Ball State group addressed a range of topics and issues:
· Implementation and experiences using a digital content management system like CONTENTdm
· Challenges and opportunities in building a digital library collection from content acquisition to access management
· Strategies for developing and building successful partnerships among multi-type organizations
· Customizing CONTENTdm for address client needs and the institutions technology infrastructure
· Understanding and responding to intellectual property and copyright issues

Arthur W. Hafner presented "University Libraries’ Digital Initiative: Administration and Outreach" about the value of digital collections for providing opportunities to meet the University’s instructional and research objectives as part of library’s transformation from exclusively print to a print and digital environment; considerations for selecting CONTENTdm, initial/later funding and unanticipated costs, and early/later staffing considerations for Ball State’s digital initiative, organizational structure, partnering with academic units and local, regional cultural heritage institutions.

James A. Bradley spoke on "Virtual Breadcrumbs: Metadata and the Digital Artifact" including strategies for metadata planning for CONTENTdm implementation. Methodologies to maximize access to digital objects for a variety of end user types.

Fritz Dolak's talk entitled, "So You Want to Digitize? – Here’s What You Need to Do" covered factors such as costs/fees, licensing, and Fair Use when digitizing materials owned by the library, by partner organizations, or that are in the public domain. Professor Dwayne Butler expressed his views and cited legal cases on some of these topics, too.

John B. Straw spoke on "Digital Partners: Collaborating to Build Digital Resources" which covered establishing/maintaining mutually-beneficial partnerships with academic departments, students and faculty, community members and groups, and other cultural, historical, and educational institutions. Positive aspects of collaboration, such as wider range of materials, shared resources, technical support, compliance with standards, private and public funding; collaboration pitfalls such as ownership and copyright, handling and security for materials, control, and cost. Value and role of written agreements and communication.

Bradley D. Faust covered "CONTENTdm Enhancements – Plans for the Digital Media Repository (DMR) Implementation at Ball State – Future Directions" including a discussion of CONTENTdm enhancements, such as adding the Zoomify viewer, a custom student interface to present searchers with result sets limited to objects available for their user view, improved authentication methods control to access objects with usage limits as required by copyright, an embedded Windows Media Player to improve usage of audio and video objects, among other innovations.

P. Budi Wibowo spoke on "Applying Group Permissions to Collections and/or Items by Customizing CONTENTdm" about authentication and authorization issues for item level and collection level access control. Reviewed process to create the Copyright checkbox screen, a form presented to every user before access to the Architecture Images collection is granted. Discussed Ball State’s PowerPoint Plug-in, a locally developed application for using high resolution images for classroom instruction. Reviewed how to “hide” collections from public view that are in development or used for testing purposes.