January 2012 Archives

VCU will conduct a full test of the emergency communications system on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m.

The full test of the system will include 10 sirens on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses along with text messages, digital signs, website information and social media that are part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, employees, parents and neighbors. The test also will include emergency notification "Alertus" devices in classrooms and in residence halls. And VCU will take down its regular website, www.vcu.edu, and bring up an emergency site for the duration of the test.

The sirens will sound a fast, up-and-down wail for three minutes, and after a two-minute pause, sound a steady wail for one minute to signal "all clear" to end the test.

The Alertus devices in VCU Libraries buildings and in classrooms set off an alarm, strobe light warning and large text digital display with emergency messages.

More from VCU leadership:

"In a real emergency, sirens will be used when it is imperative to get the attention of everyone outside of VCU buildings because an immediate, life-threatening emergency has occurred or is imminent. People outside but on campus should go to the nearest university building and seek additional information about what is happening.

The Alertus devices and other emergency communications, such as text messaging, digital signage, emails and Web communications will notify people in campus buildings. In general, when an alert is sounded, everyone should remain where they are and seek additional information about what is happening and instructions on how to respond. People off-campus should not come to campus but should seek additional information.

Text messaging is the only channel available that can provide personal communication to you wherever you have cell phone service. Text messages will be used for notifications about emergencies, but will also be used to announce closings and delays for inclement weather. There is no cost for enrolling. If you haven't done so already, I urge you to sign up for text messaging now at www.vcu.edu/alert/notify.

Emergency information also is available on the VCU Alert website at www.vcu.edu/alert (also accessible off the VCU homepage at www.vcu.edu), on digital screens in major academic buildings and all residence halls on both campuses, through emails to everyone with a VCU e-mail account, and social media - Twitter and Facebook.

Our efforts to notify you in the case of an emergency are effective only if you sign up for text messaging and refer to the VCU Alert website, Alertus devices, digital signs and other emergency communications channels. In an emergency, we also ask you to share pertinent information with those around you who might not have received an alert.

Following the test, we welcome your comments or feedback by emailing vcualert@vcu.edu.

Full tests of the VCU Emergency Communications system are conducted near the beginning of each semester. Monthly checks of the siren system, consisting of a one-minute steady wail that also recharge the siren batteries, are conducted at noon on the first Wednesday of each month.

We appreciate your participation and assistance in doing all we can do to keep VCU's campuses safe and secure."

Sincerely,

David Hanson
Vice President for Finance and Administration

James Branch Cabell Library patrons again are setting records.

Statistics for fall 2011 show steady and busy usage. Some 900,845 people are counted as library-goers from the start of the semester through the end of exams.

Typically, on Mondays through Thursday peak days, 10,000 to 13,000 people were in the library at some point. Some of them, 8,050 over the span of 24-hour service, used the library from 2 to 7:30 a.m. That late-night use is up 25 percent compared to 2010. 

Waiting for the elevator to take you to your floor is now a little more interesting at James Branch Cabell Library. An installation of new wall graphics surrounding the elevator doors combines basic signage information ("fourth floor quiet study") with inspiring quotations.

Some of the quotes have Richmond origins and VCU ties. James Branch Cabell, the early 20th century author for whom the four-story library building on the Monroe Park Campus is named, has a point to make about direction in life. Humanitarian and tennis great Arthur Ashe offers a lesson in living well. Nobel Laureate John B. Fenn, who taught analytical chemistry at VCU, speaks of the purpose of education. Richard Carylon, the celebrated art professor who taught at VCU for some 40 years, talks about unreal acts. Francis M. Foster, the inspirational teacher, dentist, historian and civic activist, shares his thoughts about quality and quantity.

Typical of building-related projects, the elevator art installation took some time. Discussions originated with Brian Ohlinger, Associate Vice President overseeing facilities management. The aged elevators in the four-story building often stranded riders. After they were refurbished in 2009, the scuffed elevator doors, with multiple layers of paint, looked shabby with the fresh interiors, so Ohlinger authorized KSA Interiors to design a new elevator facade. Bob O'Connor, the facilities project manager, supervised the work and Caren Girard, VCU Facilities' interior design project manager, served as liaison to KSA.

"Our students on the Undergraduate Library Advisory Committee provided the best critique of the design," recalls Associate University Library Jeanne M. Hammer, who managed the project for VCU Libraries. "They gave some really good feedback and suggested refinements to the design. The idea to incorporate quotes from profound thinkers worldwide came from the students."

A months-long effort followed, with students, faculty members and community members nominating almost 300 quotations for the walls, suggesting great thinkers and important voices to feature. The faculty library advisory committee also helped by rank ordering the quotes in order to narrow down to a manageable number for design purpose.

Reference Librarian for the Humanities and Reference Collection Coordinator John Glover provided definitive research on the origins and accuracy of quotes; a few of those suggested were misquotes and had to be discarded. Library senior administration made the final choices, notably to include VCU voices in the presentation.
 


FIRST FLOOR
"While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction." - James Branch Cabell
Cabell, J. B. (1927). "The Works of James Branch Cabell." (Vol. 1). New York: Robert M. McBride & Company. P. 132.

"VCU Libraries opens doors to learning and discovery." - VCU Libraries Mission, Vision, and Values
 
SECOND FLOOR 
"The purpose of education is to develop young people's minds, not fill them up with a lot of facts. Teach them how to think." - John Fenn
Fenn, J. B., & El-Shall, M. S. (2009). A conversation with John B. Fenn. Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry, 2. doi: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-060908-155216. P. 11.

"The power to question is the basis of all human progress." - Indira Gandhi
Gandhi, I. (1975). "Indira Gandhi, Speeches and Writings." New York: Harber & Row. P. 147

"Imaginary acts are not unreal." - Richard Carlyon
Carlyon, R. (2009). Richard Carlyon: a retrospective. Richmond, Virginia: Anderson Gallery. P. 36.  (Taken from a video, "A Saying of Sorts.")

THIRD FLOOR
"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." - Arthur Ashe
Ashe, A., & Rampersad, A. (1994). "Days of Grace : A Memoir." New York: Ballantine Books. P. 196.

"The Master said, 'Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.'" -Confucian Analects
Legge, J. (1900). The four books: Confucian analects, the great learning, the doctrine of the mean, and the works of Mencius. China: The Commercial Press.

"Not all those who wander are lost."- J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien, J.R.R. (2002). "The Fellowship of the Ring." Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. P. 171.

FOURTH FLOOR
"Quantity is what you can count, but quality is what you can count on." -Dr. Francis M. Foster
Foster, Francis. Interview 3. Oral History Project: Twentieth Century Richmond, Virginia. VCU Libraries Digital Collections. 27 February 2006

"A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels" - Albert Einstein
Nathan and Norden, "Einstein on Peace." P. 383

"You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Roosevelt, E. (1960). "You Learn by Living." New York: Harper. P. 30.

VCU Libraries, the Friends of the Library and the Francis M. Foster Francis M. Foster African-American History Endowment Fund present the 10th Annual Black History Month Lecture Feb. 22.

• The event is free and open but registration is required 
• Parking is available for a fee in the West Main Street and West Cary Street parking decks.
• If special accommodations are needed, call (804) 828-0593.
• A reception will follow the lecture.
• Event Web site
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Legendary advertising executive Tom Burrell created some memorable moments in advertising and media history in campaigns for McDonald's and Coca-Cola. By showing the world that "black people are not dark-skinned white people," Burrell's firm tapped into the purchasing power of the African-American community in new and positive ways and he became part of the ongoing conversation on race in America.

Burrell will deliver the 10th Annual Black History Month Lecture, Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave. The VCU Libraries event is free and open to all but seating is limited and registration is required.

The Chicago-based former CEO's 2010 book, "Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority," sparked a lively, global conversation on race and brought attention to the media's role in the perpetuation of racism and race-based self-esteem issues. "Brainwashed" was named one of Ebony magazine's "65 Greatest Books" and was a Jet magazine editorial pick.

His Resolution Project, established in 2007, works to challenge and reverse ongoing mass media stereotypes and negative race-based conditioning. The Resolution Project is dedicated to creating and promoting positive "new media" campaigns, curricula, books, products and strategies that foster intra-racial dialogue and equip individuals, organizations and institutions with the tools necessary to counter centuries of negative societal and media messaging and conditioning.

The winner of many awards, including Advertising Person of the Year and the Albert Lasker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Advertising, Burrell is a member of the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Fame. He also received the Revolutionary Award from ImageNation for his work with his non-profit and his efforts to combat negative images of African Americans in the media. About the firm he founded.

 

Richmond klezmer ensemble Klezm'Or'Ami'm will explore the relationship between klezmer and jazz in a program of hit tunes by Gershwin and klezmer classics on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library.

This event is one of several tied to the exhibit "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965" at VCU's James Branch Cabell Library Jan. 19 through Feb. 24. 

The digital collection "Oral Pathology Review Images" is now available to users. This collection formerly resided on a Web site and it's been moved to a content management system CONTENTdm that is especially designed to manage archives and special collections.The images are clearer and brighter than previously and can be resized.

About this collection:

Dr. Dennis Page of the Department of Oral Pathology of the VCU School of Dentistry developed this collection of images to help students learn about the most common abnormalities of the oral cavity. The collection includes images of soft tissue abnormalities and radiographic abnormalities of the oral cavity. The images may be searched by type of abnormality, description or Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).

One of the gold standards in statistical programs, SPSS, is now available on all of the library public computers and loaner laptops.

SPSS, as well as SAS, JMP, and Mathematica, is running as a virtual application from a central server at the VCU Computer Center. These virtual applications are possible through a partnership between VCU Technology Services and VCU Libraries.

SPSS is is one of the world's most widely used statistical programs. Used heavily across many academic disciplines, SPSS (the software originally known as "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences") was developed by a young graduate student who later went onto the teach at Stanford University and at the University of Chicago. IBM acquired the software in 2009 and claims that SPSS delivers "comprehensive predictive analytics capabilities including data collection for market research and feedback management, text and data mining, advanced statistical analysis and predictive solutions, enabling customers to gain insights into complex questions, predict potential future outcomes and take action."

In academic settings, it is among the most widely used programs for statistical analysis in the social sciences. It is used by market researchers, health researchers, survey companies, government, education researchers and marketing organizations. 

Technology Services offers free consulting on both campuses to faculty, staff and students. Assistance, coaching and services provided include help with:                                                                     

• Choice of statistical software;
• Data collection and data management strategies;
• Power analysis/sample size determination;
• Choice of appropriate statistical method;
• Understanding statistical analysis;
• Interpreting results;
• Statistical software installation/upgrade support

                                                  
It's a best practice to contact the consultant early in the research project.

Need help with any technology?

Mobile access to VCU Libraries collections is easier and faster this semester thanks to a simplified search button.

By entering search terms into one box, users find books, journal and newspaper articles, audio and video resources, reviews, items from digital collections, conference proceedings, dissertations, images and more.

VCU Libraries Mobile, compatible with smart phones and other Internet-enabled handheld devices, also offers an easy way to quickly reserve group study rooms, find out what hours the libraries are open, find available computers, search more than 40 mobile-enabled article databases and use mobile research tools.  

A library professional who holds undergraduate and master's degrees in fine arts, Yuki Hibben, is the new assistant head of special collections and archives at James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The focus for this new position will be on building James Branch Cabell's top-tier collections in the fine arts.

Hibben will shape and expand VCU Libraries' collections in comic arts, book art, manuscripts, archival collections and related areas. She will focus on unique and rare library-appropriate materials that support Virginia Commonwealth University's top-ranked School of the Arts. Hibben also will coordinate research assistance and collection development efforts for published materials. She will help develop and implement policy statements and procedural guidelines for collection management, preservation and use of unique materials housed in the library.

Bringing an exceptional foundation of experience and education to her new role, she has a background that is well-suited to the focus and goals of VCU Libraries. Her service at James Branch Cabell Library includes a year as the interim head of special collections and archives, five years as the collection librarian for the arts and five years as an archival assistant. Hibben also worked as an archival assistant for Special Collections at the College of William and Mary, and as an adjunct art instructor at VCU, Drexel and Temple universities.

She holds a master's of science in library science from the Catholic University of America, a master's degree in fine arts in sculpture from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, and a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the College of William and Mary

VCU music historian Patrick Smith will speak Feb. 9 at noon in Room 250 of James Branch Cabell Library as part of the ongoing exhibition, "Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965," on view through Feb. 24 in Cabell Library. 

His talk will explore the personal side of George Gershwin's career in music. From his early days as a pianist at home, to his "big break" working in a piano roll factory, to his successful collaborations with his brother, Ira, among other notables, this presentation will summarize the lifelong achievements of George Gershwin along and cast a humanistic tint on this pillar of American popular music.

Patrick Smith, Ph.D., is assistant professor of horn and music history in the VCU Department of Music. He is an accomplished performer who has played with numerous musical ensembles, including the American Chamber Winds and the Emerson String Quartet, and is also president elect of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors and the Virginia representative of the International Horn Society. His biography of Julius Watkins, the great American jazz French horn musician, is forthcoming.

 

 

Students and faculty can invest a few minutes on a tour of Cabell Library to save time later in the semester.

Cabell Library tours meet inside the first-floor main entrance and last approximately 30 minutes. Participants will learn more about the facility, collections and resources, as well as how library services and staff can assist visitors in completing their assignments. No registration required.

• Thursday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 19, 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.
• Friday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 12:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Jan. 25, 12 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Jan. 25, 4 p.m.
  

For more information about these tours and other VCU Libraries events and workshops, visit the events page.

EBSCO--one of VCU Libraries' main database providers--will be moving all databases now available through WilsonWeb to a new platform. This change, planned earlier for December, will take place in January.

Direct access to the individual databases via VCU Libraries' Databases A-Z list will change Jan. 13. Users who took advantage of the My WilsonWeb personalization feature will need to rerun searches in the EBSCO version of the databases. Those searches may be be saved using the My EBSCO feature.

The databases effected are: Applied Science & Tech Index; Art Full Text; Art Retrospective; Biological & Agricultural Index Plus; Book Review Digest Plus; Essay & General Literature; General Science Full Text;  Humanities Index; Library Literature & Information Science; Play Index; Short Story Index; and Social Sciences Index.

For assistance in connecting to the WilsonWeb databases in January: Ask a Librarian.