Dean's Newsletter for December
Dean's Newsletter
December 20, 2007
Vol. 3, No. 5
It's time to pause and refresh. I hope you all have a wonderful break. Please be safe whether you are traveling near or far.
Graduation
I was thrilled to see UT Libraries' staff walk the stage at the December commencement. LouAnn Blocker received her masters degree in library and information science and Seth Jordan received his masters degree in instructional technology. Bridger Dyson-Smith received his masters degree in library science. If I missed others who graduated please let me know so I can recognize them in a future newsletter.
Party Time
Many thanks to Hannah Powell, Hannah Barker, Elizabeth Young, and other LEA folks for putting on a great holiday party.
Faculty Development Leave Recipients
I am pleased to announce that three of our faculty have been awarded Faculty Development Leaves by the Office of the Provost. Linda Phillips will take her leave during the spring semester 2008 focusing on the project "Digital Publishing in University Libraries." Ken Wise will take his leave during fall semester 2008 working on two projects, "Assess the Contribution of the Library to the Mission of the Academic Research University" (with Gayle Baker) and "A History of the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains." Sandy Leach will take her leave during the spring semester 2009 working on "Research and Design of 'The Teaching Library' and 'Learn How!' Instruction for Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Faculty and Students."
Faculty Honors
Hannah Barker wants you to know that the Faculty Honors Bookplate selections are now posted on the CDM website at www.lib.utk.edu/colldev/bookplate.html. Many thanks to Hannah for preserving this information! The faculty really appreciate this event and the opportunity to be honored with a special book.
Kudos and Congratulations
I received a wonderful letter from Professor Normore, SIS, who writes, "I just wanted to let you know how much my class and I enjoyed having Jody Deridder talk to us about the issues that are important in selecting software support systems for digital libraries in IS 565. Jody was able to bring to the class her depth of experience not only with the tools but with the kinds of detail that are not obvious to those whose experience with digital libraries is only beginning. Her presentation was thoroughly professional and the exercise she brought to class both instructive and engaging. We very much appreciated her guest lecture!
Adele Alatorre, a UT student, sent me a great letter on her experience in the Commons with Teresa Walker. She ends the letter by saying, "I am an older student and can tell you from first-hand experience...working with all the latest computer equipment is wonderful--until problems arise--at which time I require assistance. I appreciate Ms. Walker's great "can-do" attitude, highly professional and thoughtful manner. I commend you and your staff for employing such an exceptional person. She embodies UT's commitment to excellence.
Jody also has a research article to be published soon. "The immediate prospects for the application of ontologies in digital libraries." Knowledge Organization, v. 34 (4).
Jennifer Beals and former UT faculty member, Ron Gilmour published, "Assessing Collections Using Brief Test and WorldCat Collection Analysis," Collection Building 26, n.4 (2007):104-107.
Trisha Brady has a one page feature in Paperthin Arts & Entertainment, Dec. 2007. She is interviewed about her art and the Studio is also mentioned.
Hello and Farewell
Hello
Debra Valine, Graduate Assistant for TSDA
Farewell
Blue Dean transferred to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Development Office
Alison Bentley and Andy Carter, Volunteer Voices, completed their appointments.