July Library Office Notes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HR NEWS

FACILITIES

EVENTS AND TRAINING



ANNOUNCEMENTS: Good News!
The University Library was successful in receiving two funding awards from the Campus Facilities Matching Funds Program and one with the College of Veterinary Medicine.

  • Main and Undergraduate Library Entry Renovation – $570,000
    -Replace the north, south and east entry single glazed steel and aluminum doors and sidelights with thermal insulated glazed aluminum doors, side lights and new code compliant exterior door hardware
  • Main Library Corridor and Stairway Renovation – $1,000,000
    -Replace the single pane non-weather stripped east and west glass/metal storefront entry elevations on both west and east plaza entries and emergency exits and reduce number of door opening from eight to four in each plaza entry and emergency exit
    -Replace the flooring surface in the west entry vestibule from brick to carpet squares designed for building entries
    -Remove existing anti-skid strips from terrazzo treads, restore the treads and install embedded anti-skid strips in the west stairway
    -Refinish the wood handrails in the west stairway
    -Replace the wall lighting sconces in the west stairway
  • Collaborative Learning Spaces to Accommodate Growth and Innovation in the current space assigned to the Veterinary Medicine Library.
    -Reconfigure the existing footprint of the library for collaborative learning while providing service spaces for library needs.

Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Data Assistance Option in Desk Tracker
The Library’s eResearch Implementation Committee has developed a way for research data interactions to be recorded systematically, library-wide. This is critical, because campus administrators have already requested metrics on the Library’s early interactions and this will certainly continue as the campus-wide Research Data Service (RDS) develops.

To record research data interactions, the Desk Tracker Activity Form has a new Question Type option – Data Assistance. This new option was implemented in early July, and it is intended to record help with datasets (not statistical facts), including dataset manipulation, management, access, and acquisition. The Activity Form Description field can be used to record more detailed information about the research data interaction.

“Data Assistance” help text is available in Desk Tracker, in case people need a quick refresher. And next month, Sarah Shreeves and Sarah Williams will be piloting a new Hub training session about research data questions. The session will be on Wednesday, August 6 at 1:00pm in 314 Main Library. It will cover the Library’s role with research data questions, the characteristics of research data questions, example research data questions, and how to refer research data questions.

These “Data Assistance” interactions will not be excluded from the Library’s overall reference reporting, but with this new option, the Library can more easily and effectively query these interactions so that (1) they can be reported to campus administrators who have particular interest in this developing campus-wide service, and (2) they can be analyzed to improve library services.
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Prizes, Awards, and Contests – Oh my!!
There have been a number of contests and competitions lately that involve giving out prizes or awards to non-employees. In many cases this is an easy non-invasive process, and quickly discussed in a matter of moments. In others, it can involve possible agreements, LegalCounsel, and the Office of Technology Management.

If you are contemplating a contest or competition that will involve either a prize or award, please contact Kathie Veach (veach@illinois.edu) in the Library Business Office for assistance. She can help assist with the process, they do need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Book Sale
Due to remodeling and current space restraints the Library book sale will not be held this year. Please contact Melanie Rusk (mrusk@illinois.edu) if you were holding any materials specifically to be included in the book sale this year and she can route them as appropriate through other channels.
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: FY15 Travel Allowance
The travel allowance for FY 2015 will be $2,000 for tenured faculty and Academic Professionals with an additional $250 for untenured faculty.  Information about University travel in general can be found on the Business Office at http://www.library.illinois.edu/administration/busoff/travel.html 
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: WWI Campus Initiative and Website
The University Library and the Rare Book & Manuscript Library are supporting a cross-campus initiative this fall: “The Great War: Experiences, Representations, Effects”

The project’s website, which will serve as a clearing house for the many events and activities planned around the centenary of the beginning of the war, has been launched at http://www.thegreatwar.illinois.edu.

You can also “Like” the Facebook page which will help you keep track of new related events at https://www.facebook.com/thegreatwaratIllinois.
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Combined One Physical Reserve Request Forms
To simplify the process of submitting reserve requests, we have merged the Media Reserve Request and Book Reserve Request forms into one Physical Reserve Request form–both the webforms and the MS Word forms. The only difference is that instructors will submit one form rather than two to request that both books and media be placed on reserve at the Undergrad Library.
Back to Top

ANNOUNCEMENTS: June 30 Innovation Fund Awardees
Each year the Dean sends out requests for Innovation Fund Proposals (deadline June 30 and December 31). The objective of this funding is to provide opportunities for Library Faculty and Academic Professionals to be innovative and make original contributions to the ways in which the Library works. Aligning with the Library’s strategic plan and/or long-term vision, the proposal must do one or more of these premises:

  • Pilot or advance new ideas, services, or technologies
  • Investigate new or alternative ideas, technologies, or processes for conducting or organizing Library activities
  • Encourage users in using and enhancing library-managed content
  • Initiate or advance strategic partnerships with other campus units, other libraries or library consortia; or other organizations
  • Demonstrate scalability

Congratulations to the following faculty for their successful proposals for Innovation Funding!

  • Building a Repository for Print Holdings – William Weathers
  • International Student Search Query Support with the Freebase API – Susan Avery, Jim Hahn

Back to Top

HR NEWS: Larry Miller Announces Retirement
After 55 years of service to the campus and University Library, Larry Miller will retire from his position as Slavic Studies Bibliographer in August of 2014. During Larry’s tenure, he has witnessed the astounding growth and success of the Slavic collection, which is now the 3rd largest in North America behind only the Library of Congress and Harvard University. Although Larry will be retiring, he plans to visit the Library often to continue his research and scholarship.
Back to Top

HR NEWS: Faculty and AP Searches
Below is a summary of current academic searches as of June 24, 2014 (click on graphic below to enlarge). A more comprehensive listing is sent via LibNews each month.
search_status_july
Back to Top

HR NEWS: Civil Service Staff Openings
Below is a summary of current civil service staff openings as of June 26, 2014 (click on graphic below to enlarge).
openings_july
Back to Top

HR NEWS: Performance Review for Civil Service Employees
The deadline for Civil Service employee Performance Reviews has been extended. Evaluations are due for all Library Civil Service Employees on July 15, 2014.
Back to Top

HR NEWS: New Appointments

  • Susan Avery, CPS Division Coordinator, August 16, 2014, three year term. (Was serving as Interim while JoAnn Jacoby was on sabbatical.)
  • Joanne Kaczmarek, Division Coordinator for Special Collections, August 16, 2014, three year term.

Back to Top

HR NEWS: New Employees 
Academic Professional (since May 31, 2014)

  • James V. Whitacre, Geographic Information Systems Specialist, Scholarly Commons, June 1, 2014
  • Megean Osuchowski, Help Desk Coordinator, Library IT, June 9, 2014
  • (Jemma) Ja Eun Ku, Internet Applications Systems Specialist, Library IT, June 30, 2014

Civil Service (since May 31, 2014)

  • Wendy Wolter, Administrative Aide, Library Administration, Room 246, June 1, 2014
  • Angela Gruendl, Library Specialist, Mathematics Library, June 16, 2014
  • Sarah Heald, Content Management Services, .49FTE, Oak Street Reading Room, June 16, 2014

Back to Top

HR NEWS: Retirements
The Library would like to recognize a new retirement as of May 31, 2014.

  • Sharon McFarland, Grainger Engineering Library, June 29, 2014

Back to Top

FACILITIES: Projects in Planning

  • Main Library – Room 1 Renovation for Technical Services – CAM will provide new space and furniture for the staff currently located in room 220 Main Library. The room is being vacated of collection material and wall repair and painting have begun. Library Project.
  • Main Library – Parking Lot E3 Drainage Study Consultant has finalized the plan for resolving the water overflow from the E3 parking lot into the west basement entry and loading dock. Campus Parking is reviewing construction delivery methods and schedule. The work will be done summer 2014 or summer 2015. Facilities & Services, Campus Parking and Library project.
  • Main Library – Gregory Drive Sidewalk/abandon electric vault cover replacement. Consultant is designing the replacement lid/sidewalk for a section of sidewalk along the south side of the Main Library that has major deterioration. Facilities & Services’ project.
  • Main Library – 1st floor center restroom renovation. The project will renovate both spaces providing one accessible women’s and one accessible men’s restroom on the first floor adjacent to the Marshall Gallery. Project out to bid. Construction to start Fall 2014. Facilities & Services’ project.
  • Main Library – Room 220 operational planning for Scholarly Commons and Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) services. Schedule for renovation is being developed.
  • Grainger Engineering Library & Information Center – Design Center – New collaboration project between the College of Engineering and Grainger Engineering Library Current proposal would re envision the west end of the basement level – room 000 and the center section.
  • Horticulture Field Laboratory – University Archives NEH Grant Remodeling – The project will replace the existing environmental system for the three existing vaults, construct a new vault for instrument storage in room 108 and install fire suppression in all 4 vaults. In the process of completing the design development phase, reviewing the budget and schedule.
  • Undergraduate Library – planning for additional panel enclosures and reading/collaboration tables for the Media Commons.

Back to Top

FACILITIES: Projects in Construction

  • Main Library – Air Conditioning Plant – Main Stacks Cooling Tower Replacement. Two existing cooling towers located above the 4th Main Stack addition will be replaced in the next 9 months. Site mobilization will take place in late September 2014 and cooling tower replacement starting in October 2014. The southeast section of Parking Lot E3 will be closed in September for construction staging. Facilities & Services project
  • Main Library – Phase 2B Masonry Restoration and Window Replacement – North Lightcourt. Mortar grinding is 100% complete. Window replacement has started in mid-June 2014.
  • Main Library – Room 146 renovation in preparation for the University Archives relocation. Painting and flooring replacement and window shade installation complete. Electrical and data work to follow the completion of the shelving and furniture layout.
  • Undergraduate Library – Upper Level Flooring replacement project. The upper level of the UGL is out of service until the end of July 2014. Please be aware 291 UGL scheduling will need to be reserved in other Library instructional labs. The circulation desk will be set up temporarily in the lower level for the duration of the project. Contractor currently working on the last phase of the project to complete three weeks ahead of schedule.
  • Campus Streets – Surface Replacement Projects – Summer 2014 Please visit the following links for project descriptions and scheduling.
    -Sixth Street from Gregory to Armory will be done in phases to allow the E3 parking lot adjacent to the Main Library to remain open during the project. http://www.fs.illinois.edu/projects/major-campus-street-projects
    Fourth Street from Kirby to Armory http://www.fs.illinois.edu/projects/major-campus-street-projects/fourth-street
    Gregory Drive from First to Fourth http://www.fs.illinois.edu/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2014-05-16_gregorystreetphasei.pdf?sfvrsn=0
    Stadium Drive from Neil to Oak http://www.fs.illinois.edu/projects/major-campus-street-projects/stadium-drive

Back to Top

FACILITIES: Projects in Completion

  • Main Library – Preservation 425, 425A, 425B, 425C, 427, 429, 437 and 439. Preservation staff have completed their move into their office spaces with final remodeling of labs to follow. F&S will be providing construction services in rooms 425A, 425B and 439 (labs and work rooms).
  • Main Library – Room 106 Renovation The room should be finished by mid summer. It will be a hybrid conference/seminar/limited instruction space. The space is intended to provide flexible arrangements with 8 mobile tables, 35 chairs with casters, 3 – 80” flat panel displays mounted on N. W. & E. walls. Library IT is working with CITES on finalizing the necessary comments for the A/V in the room.
  • Undergraduate Library – painting additional columns on the upper level to match the blue columns in the north portion of the Media Commons.
  • Grainger Engineering Library – wood flooring restoration. F&S will start in room 240 (large center space), then room 252 and finish in room 200.\
  • Grainger Engineering Library – 4th floor window treatment replacement.

Back to Top

EVENTS AND TRAINING: Knot Forgotten: The Tennyson Library of Crochet at Illinois
crochet
Join RBML as we celebrate the acquisition of the Tennyson Library of Crochet. There will be an exhibit on the first floor of the library and in the Marshall Gallery during the month of July, in addition to a variety of great events.

The collection has been donated to the Rare Book & Manuscript Library by Gilbert Witte, long-time employee of the University Library. Named the Tennyson Library of Crochet for Witte’s great-grandmother Flora Emily Tennyson, the collection documents the history and practice of the craft through journals, patterns, samples, and manuals. The Tennyson Library of Crochet consists of over 7,000 items in all, ranging in date from 1843 to the present.

Knot Forgotten Events:

  • “Crochet and Kvetch” on Wednesday, July 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the Library’s 4th floor staff lounge.
  • Lunchtime exhibit tours on Tuesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • The Lorado Taft statues at the east side entrance of the library will be dressed to impress in crocheted attire during the month of July!
  • Knot Forgotten Extravaganza!
    Friday, July 18:
    -Crochet class for children (age 8 and above, 8 children total) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Marshall Gallery. Register at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/4929352.
    -Crochet class for adults from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Marshall Gallery. Register at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/9971983.
    -Reception, including ugly sweater contest, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Marshall Gallery.

Back to Top

EVENTS AND TRAINING: Chair Yoga Breaks with Christine Janak
Feeling sleepy, stressed, sad, or sickly? Any or all of the above? Take some time for yourself to breathe deep, relax, and rejuvenate. During these 30-minute chair yoga breaks, we will focus on pranayama (yogic breathing) techniques that directly affect the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the healing “relaxation response.” Yoga literally means “union,” so we will use this breath in connection with gentle movements and stretches to unify body and mind and to cultivate a state of calm, focused awareness. No yoga experience necessary, just bring you, an open mind, and perhaps a friend!

Christine Janak is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor.

Room 106 Main Library
Tuesdays 11:30 – 12:00
Thursdays 2:00 – 2:30

Register on the Staff Calendar: http://www.library.illinois.edu/calendar/staff/
Back to Top


If you would like to submit content for the August 1 issue of Library Office Notes, please submit it to John Wilkin, Sue Searing, Beth Sandore, or Tom Teper by Wednesday, July 23, 2014.