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Volume 6, Number 1, Fall 1996
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<title> vol6no1</title>
<H1><img ALIGN=TOP src="GIF/fondren_logo.gif">News From
Fondren</H1><H3>A
Library Newsletter to the Rice University Community</H3><p>
<h4>volume 6, number 1 Fall
1996</H4><p> <hr><hr>
<h3>In This Issue</h3><ul>
<li><a href="#henry">Charles Henry</a>
<li><a href="#priorities">Priorities for Fondren Library</a>
<li><a href="#teachers">Professional Development Library Offers Help for
Teachers</a>
<li><a href="#cataloging">Behind the Scenes: Cataloging</a>
<li><a href="#dyk">Did You Know...</a>
<li><a href="#planning">How Academic Planning Affects Fondren Library</a>
<li><a href="#liaisons">Library and Department Liaisons</a>
<li><a href="#hours">Fondren Library Regular Hours</a></ul>
<p>
<hr><hr>
<h3><a name="henry">Charles Henry Appointed Vice Provost and University
Librarian</a></h3>
Rice University's new vice provost and university librarian is Charles
Henry. Dr. Henry comes to Rice from Vassar College, where he had been
the director of libraries since 1991. He earned his bachelor of arts
degree from Northwest Missouri State University and his master's and
doctoral degrees in comparative literature from Columbia University.
From 1985-1991 Henry served as assistant director of the Division of
Humanities and History at Columbia University Libraries.
<p>
<img src="GIF/henry.gif">
<p>
Dr. Henry is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including the
Lillian Becker Scholarship at Middlebury College, President and
University fellowships at Columbia, and a Fulbright fellowship to study
in Vienna, Austria. In 1994 he was invited by the Russian Ministry of
Culture to tour research libraries and present lectures on the role of
libraries in a democracy.
<p>
Dr. Henry presently serves on the steering committee of the Group for
Research in Electronically Digitized Libraries. He is an international
research fellow at London Guildhall University's Centre for Information
Management and Advanced Technology in Scholarship. In addition to these
activities, Henry is a director of the <a
href="http://www.aaln.org/">American Arts and Letters
Network</a>, a member of the executive council of the <a
href="http://ach.stg.brown.edu/">Association
for Computers and Humanities</a>, and an executive committee member of the
<a href="http://www.acls.org/pro-ninc.htm">National Initiative for a
Networked Cultural Heritage</a>. He is an
elected member of the <a href="http://www.nyas.org/">New York Academy of
Sciences</a> and has publications
on library technology development, computers in the humanities, and the
biological bases of semantics in language.
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="priorities">Priorities for Fondren Library</a></h3>
Dr. Charles Henry, Vice Provost and University Librarian</br>
chhenry@rice.edu
<p>
It is a singular privilege to become a member of the Rice community. The
university's reputation as a world-class institution, its manageable
size, and an enviable track record for moving quickly on new initiatives
and important projects all had enormous appeal when taking on the
responsibility of Fondren Library. The collegial atmosphere evidenced at
each new encounter with faculty, students, and administrators and the
strong support for the library as central to the academic mission at
Rice also made the decision to come here a compelling one.
<p>
There is much to do for the Fondren Library. A brief listing of
immediate priorities includes: building strong connections to the
academic departments--which entails not only communicating the services
of Fondren Library to its constituencies but also developing a
sophisticated profile of faculty and student needs, to which we can
respond in the most effective manner; developing the collection to
better meet the teaching and research needs of the campus; developing
electronic resources, including enhancements to LIBRIS, that assure the
most efficient access to local and external digital resources; and
preparing for the short-term acquisition of new space in Fondren
Library, as well as beginning to assess the longer-term needs for space,
collections, and staffing as the library enters the next century.
<p>
These goals are predicated on the realization that Fondren Library has
many strengths and has had a tradition of excellence that will continue
to be fostered. At the same time, it is obvious to someone entering the
building that no real growth space exists. Sightlines are poor, making
it difficult for even seasoned users to navigate, and services are
salted around the building in an often ad hoc fashion.
<p>
In sum, during the next few years librarians will be working closely
with faculty, students, and administrators to enhance collections,
services, and reading space within the existing fabric of Fondren
Library, while at the same time working together to define the kind of
library that will serve Rice for many generations to come. With the
community behind it, Fondren Library can open one of its most
provocative chapters.
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="teachers">Professional Development Library Offers Help
for Teachers</a></h3>
Sandi Edwards, Head, Satellite Collections<br>
edwards@rice.edu
<p>
The Professional Development Library (PDL) at The Rice School/La Escuela
Rice was created to support the professional development and continuing
education of teachers, as well as curriculum development. Initial plans
for the library were developed under the guidance of former Vice Provost
and University Librarian Beth Shapiro, who was strongly supportive of
the project.
<h4>Description of Collection</h4>
The PDL is a satellite collection of the Fondren Library. All of its
holdings are included in LIBRIS, Fondren Library's on-line catalog, with
location designations of HISD-SCH and HISD-REF. Only items with the
location HISD-SCH circulate.
<p>
<img src="GIF/jones&edwards.gif"><br>
<b>LAN specialist Leo Waddle-Jones and librarian Sandi Edwards examine
the PDL collection.</b>
<p>
The focus of the collection is on elementary and middle
school education. Types of materials range from those with a practical,
activity-centered orientation to those with a more theoretical view of
contemporary issues in education. The collection includes a variety of
formats and currently numbers over 1,000 books, 100 videotapes,
videodisks and CD-ROMS, and 50 journal subscriptions. The majority of
the titles are not duplicated in Fondren Library.
<h4>Availability of Materials</h4>
The PDL is located in the Professional Development area on the second
floor of the school, above and overlooking the school library. It is
open during the same hours as the building, in order to provide maximum
accessibility to the collection. Because it is not staffed on a regular
basis, on-site circulation of the collection is accomplished by means of
a traditional card system. However, circulation information is routinely
entered into Fondren Library's online system, so that the collection
status is up-to-date for other library users.
<p>
Although housed in an off-campus location, the PDL collection is
available to Rice faculty, students, and staff. To request an item from
the PDL, either fill out a form available at the Fondren Library
Reference Desk, or use the <a
href="http://www.rice.edu/Fondren/Using/Forms/riceschool.html">electronic
request form</a> available on
Fondren Library's Web page. Next-day delivery is usually possible.
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="cataloging">Behind the Scenes: Cataloging</a></h3>
Melinda Reagor Flannery, Head of Cataloging<br>
reagor @rice.edu
<p>
Have you ever wondered how an item added to the library gets a computer
record in LIBRIS? These records are the work of the Cataloging Section,
one of the three main areas in the Technical Services Department. The
seventeen members of the Cataloging Section work behind the scenes to
create catalog records that help connect library users with the
materials they need.
<p>
<img src="GIF/estep.gif"><br>
<b>Robert Estep locates an item for rush cataloging</b>
<p>
<h4>Creating Records for Ordered Materials</h4>
The library is committed to letting users know as soon as possible that
an item has been ordered, whether it is a book, a journal, a videotape,
a musical recording, a score, or a computer file. Six staff members
spend part of their time creating the LIBRIS records for new materials,
both those ordered individually and those ordered through approval
programs with book vendors.
<h4>The Cataloging Process</h4>
Once an item has been received, it can be cataloged. A complex system
of national and local policies and procedures governs the creation of
catalog records, ensuring that materials are described uniformly and
that users can find them consistently using appropriate search keys.
The content of each item is analyzed so that various access terms can be
assigned: names of people and organizations associated with the item;
titles, including series; subject headings; and call numbers.
<p>
National and local files are consulted to make sure that headings chosen
for access terms are in accepted form and that they match any headings
already in LIBRIS. Sometimes this process can require detective work to
ensure that a person, event, or subject has been correctly identified.
The cataloger's efforts help library users find both specific items for
which they may be looking and also materials that share common
characteristics, e.g., materials on a certain topic or all publications
by or about NASA.
<p>
Libraries all over the country share records created for materials, and
very often a Rice cataloger can adapt a catalog record created at
another library (available through a national database). Although
working with preexisting catalog records, or "copy", goes more quickly
than if no cataloging information is available, information must still
be checked carefully for inclusion in LIBRIS. If Rice is the first
library to receive an item, the catalog record must be created from scratch.
<p>
<img src="GIF/knoxbergin.gif"><br>
<b>Kathy Knox and Edward Bergin discuss a cataloging problem.</b>
<p>
Sixteen staff members catalog materials for the library. Some focus on
working with a certain type of material, such as serials or videotapes,
or with a certain type of copy. Staff members also have different kinds
of subject and language expertise, a necessity when dealing with the
varied materials a university library requires.
<h4>Priorities and Volume of Materials Handled</h4>
For the most part, an item is ordered within one to two weeks after a
request has been received. Items are cataloged in the order they are
received from the publisher or dealer. However, if a Rice library user
needs a received item while it is still being processed, staff members
will locate the item and a cataloger will rush to catalog it, usually
within twenty-four hours. A user can also be notified when an item of
interest has been cataloged. Under normal circumstances, most materials
are cataloged within two months of receipt, although items with less
reliable copy or no copy take longer. In fiscal year 1995, the
Cataloging Section added 35,381 titles to the library.
<p>
<img src="GIF/flannery.gif"><br>
<b>Melinda Reagor Flannery</b>
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="dyk">Did You Know...</a></h3>
<table><tr><td width=120><img align=top
src="GIF/fondren_bullet.gif"></td><td>Thanks
go to the Class of 1996 for selecting Fondren Library as the
recipient of the Senior Class Gift. The library received $1,996, which
will be used to enhance its collections.</td></tr></table>
<p>
<table><tr><td width=40><img align=top
src="GIF/fondren_bullet.gif"></td><td><ul>The
<i>Annual Bibliography of English Language and Literature (ABELL) </i>
has been added to <b>RiceInfo</b>. <i>ABELL</i> indexes scholarly articles,
doctoral dissertations, books, and reviews concerning English language,
literature, bibliography, and folklore published anywhere in the world.
Coverage begins in 1991.</td></tr></table></ul>
<p>
<table><tr><td width=130><img align=top
src="GIF/fondren_bullet.gif"></td><td>The
<a href="http://riceinfo.rice.edu/oed/"><i>Oxford English Dictionary
(OED)</i></a>, 2nd edition, is now available for searching through
<b>RiceInfo</b>. The online <i>OED</i> provides English-language
definitions and etymology.</td></tr></table>
<p>
<table><tr><td width=40><img align=top
src="GIF/fondren_bullet.gif"></td><td><ul><a
href="http://www.rice.edu/Fondren/Virtual/Indexes/sci_eng.html">
<i>Compendex</i></a>, the online equivalent of the <i>Engineering
Index</i>, is available both on <b>RiceInfo</b> and on CD-ROM. It
covers all areas of engineering, including mechanical, civil,
environmental, and chemical. Coverage via <b>RiceInfo</b> is from 1980
on; CD-ROM coverage is from 1986 on.</td></tr></table></ul>
<p>
<table><tr><td width=40><img align=top
src="GIF/fondren_bullet.gif"></td><td><ul>Fondren
Library has acquired the research materials compiled for the PBS series
<i>With God on Our Side: the Rise of the Religious Right in America</i>.
The collection includes books, literature produced by the religious
groups, and an extensive collection of taped interviews and broadcast
materials. We thank Dr. William Martin and Lumiere Productions, New
York, for their assistance.</td></tr></table></ul> <p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="planning">How Academic Planning Affects Fondren Library</a></h3>
Kerry Keck, Coordinator, Collection Development & Electronic Information
Resources<br>
keckker@rice.edu
<p>
As Rice University continues to grow and become a more diverse
community, Fondren Library also grows and diversifies. This development
proceeds most effectively when good communication is maintained between
those planning new academic and research programs and staff members of
Fondren Library.
<h4>Advance Library Planning Essential</h4>
Fondren Library has never had an excess of funds to develop collections
for which no immediate academic or research need existed. Although the
library has received an enviable level of fiscal support during the last
six years, with an increase of 91.2% in the materials budget, during
this same period the cost of academic books has increased by 14.5% and
academic journals by 191.9%!<font size=-2>1</font> It is apparent that we
must still acquire materials judiciously.
<p>
If new subject areas are to be added to the collection, careful planning
is necessary to ensure that such additions are not made at the expense
of previously existing programs. Two-way communication between program
planners and library staff should be considered an essential step in
academic plans for additional faculty, degrees, and new departments.
<h4>How the Library Can Help in Planning</h4>
Library participation in the process of hiring new faculty and planning
new programs takes the form of an examination of the interests and
publications of faculty candidates and the preparation of a tailored
collection evaluation. Such an evaluation includes the potential of
existing collections for successful support of new scholars, as well as
the projected cost of "bringing the collection up to speed."
<p>
More exhaustive, detailed profiles are prepared for departments or
colleges contemplating new degrees (undergraduate, master's, or
doctoral) or for the founding of new departments. The library staff
then immediately begins detailed planning for development of pertinent
collections and initiates the early stages of this development. Funding
must be identified; logistical issues--such as sources for exotic
subjects and materials formats or language and subject skills for
library staff--must be addressed; and the time-consuming process of
locating older and out-of-print materials must be pursued.
<p>
Working together, academic planners and library staff can ensure the
availability of the strong collections needed to support all areas of
study and research at Rice.
<p>
______________________<br>
1. <i>Bowker Annual</i>, North American Academic Book Prices, 1988-1993;
journal prices derived from <i>Serials Prices ... with Projections,</i>,
Ebsco Subscription Services.
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="liaisons">Fondren Library and Department Liaisons</a></h3>
<p>
<pre><i>Academic Department Library Specialist Liaison</i>
Anthropology Jane Segal (segal@rice.edu) James Faubion
Architecture Jet Prendeville (jetp@rice.edu) Spencer Parsons
Art History Jet Prendeville (jetp@rice.edu) Joe Manca
Biochemistry Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Wayne Campbell
Chemical Engineering Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Tony Mikos
Chemistry Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Marco Ciufolini
Civil Engineering Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Larry McIntire
Classics Milton Figg (mfigg@rice.edu) Harvey Yunis
Computational & Applied Math. John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) David Applegate
Computer Science John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) Peter Druschel
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Joan Strassmann
Economics Peggy Shaw (pshaw@rice.edu) Kei-Mu Yi
Education Sandi Edwards (edwards@rice.edu) Elnora Harcombe
Electrical Engineering John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) Thomas Rabson
English Jane Segal (segal@rice.edu) Susan Lurie
Environmental Engineering John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) Mark Wiesner
French Sandi Edwards (edwards@rice.edu) Madeleine Alcover
Geology John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) Dieter Heymann
German Sophy Silversteen (silvers@rice.edu) Michael Winkler
Health & Human Performance Robert Sabin (sabin@rice.edu) Albert Spencer
History Milton Figg (mfigg@rice.edu) Michael Maas
Linguistics Sandi Edwards (edwards@rice.edu) Phil Davis
Mathematics Sara Lowman (lowman@rice.edu) David Chase
Mechanical Engineering John Hunter (hunter@rice.edu) Yves Angel
Music Paul Orkiszewski (orkis@rice.edu) Bill Bailey
Philosophy Milton Figg (mfigg@rice.edu) Don Morrison
Physics Sara Lowman (lowman@rice.edu) Peter Nordlander
Political Science Kerry Keck (keckker@rice.edu) Keith Hamm
Psychology Jane Segal (segal@rice.edu) David Schneider
Religion Milton Figg (mfigg@rice.edu) Anne Klein
Slavic Studies Pamela Pavliscak (pamelamp@rice.edu) Ewa Thompson
Sociology Jane Segal (segal@rice.edu) Chandler Davidson
Spanish Sandi Edwards (edwards@rice.edu) Lane Kauffmann
Space Physics Sara Lowman (lowman@rice.edu) Patrick Hartigan
Statistics Sara Lowman (lowman@rice.edu) Dennis Cox
<i>Library Contacts for Special Materials</i>
Government Publications Amy Spare (spare@rice.edu)
Manuscripts Nancy Boothe (boothe@rice.edu)
</pre>
<p>
<hr>
<h3><a name="hours">Fondren Library Regular Hours</a></h3>
<p>
September 3, 1996 - December 12, 1996,
and January 12, 1997 - April 24, 1997
<pre>
Monday - Thursday 7:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.
Friday 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Sunday 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.
</pre>
<p>
Library hours are modified during the following periods:
<p>
FRESHMAN WEEK
<p>
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
<p>
FALL MIDTERM RECESS
<p>
THANKSGIVING RECESS
<br>Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29
<p>
FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE
<br>Friday, December 13 - Saturday, December 21
<p>
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAYS
<br>Sunday, December 22 - Saturday, January 11
<p>
SPRING RECESS
<br>Thursday, March 27 - Sunday, March 30
<p>
FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE
<br>Friday, April 25 - Wednesday, May 7
<p>
COMMENCEMENT
<br>Saturday, May 10
<p>
Please call 527-4800 for information. Library hours are subject to change.
</pre><p>
<hr><hr>
<h2>News From Fondren</h2>
<h3>Vol.6 no.1, Fall 1996
Fondren Library, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX, 77251-1892,
713-527-4022</h3>
<p>
Published three times a year, in the Spring, Fall and Winter.
<p>
Editor: Elizabeth Baber (baber@ricevm1.rice.edu).<br>
Proofreading: Jean Caswell, Joe Hatfield<br>
Publications Coordinator: Barbara Kile<br>
Desktop Publishing: Ruth Lancaster<br>
Photographer: Shirley Wetzel
<p>
<i>News From Fondren</i> is a copyrighted publication of the Fondren
Library, Rice University. All or part of
<i>News From Fondren</i> may be redistributed, with appropriate credit.
<p>
Statements of fact and opinion appearing in <i>News From Fondren</i> are
the responsibility of the authors and do not imply the endorsement of Rice
<hr>
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