Wednesday, November 21, 2007

ALL - Upcoming Donation?

We have been offered a sizeable (what size? we don't know) collection of music cds and some movies (what format? we don't know)

As with all donations, we will be taking them with the understanding that if they will benefit the collection we will add them and if they do not we will give them to another organization or put them in the sale bins. What does this mean for us? We get to catalog and process them! Yeah!

Just thought you guys would like to know what may be coming down the line ... Sounds really good? Huh?
Dana

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

REF -- New Reference Titles

Thanks to Don's excellent selection we put out several new reference titles recently. Here is some information about 2 of the titles shelved this morning.

Human Rights and the World's Major Religions -
REF BL65.H78 H8595 2005 v 1-5
Awards:
CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles, 2006

Reviews:
Raising important issues about religion and human rights, this clearly written set is not only worthwhile for advanced students but also accessible to mature high school students. Highly recommended for both public and academic libararies. —Library Journal December 2005

This ambitious and valuable reference work examines the history of human rights from the perspective of the world's five major religious traditions. A recognized, distinguished expert in a specific religion prepared each volume; all of the authors' credentials demonstrate a focus on human rights or ethical studies....This set will be indispensable to those researching human rights in religion, as it pulls together important elements of the topic previously unavailable in a single reference work. Essential. Academic libraries serving lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. —Choice January 2006

[T]his series provides a remarkable contribution to the field of human rights. It involves primary readings and meticulous bibliographies that open doors to further study. Readable, interesting and wide-ranging, this set will be a crucial resource in human rights discourse for years to come. —Science & Theology News June 2006

In a world where religion so often divides, it is hard to find agreement on so volatile an issue as human rights, but the authors of this five-volume series have done a remarkable job. —MultiCultural Review Spring 2006

These volumes are useful for the casual reader since each volume is carefully outlined and indexed to allow for quick location of specific topics. Especially interesting and potentially useful are the biographical sketches of Christian leaders in human rights. —PERSPECTIVES on Science and Christian Faith March 2006

Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History - REF TT957.S46 2006

Reviews:
To many, hair is a reflection of personal style. It is also a signifier of class, gender, ethnicity, and even power. In this resourceful A-to-Z, Sherrow explores the impact of hair styles and their implications in various cultures throughout history. The essay-length entries, accompanied by black-and-white photos as well as a full-color photo insert, cover everything from celebrity hair (e.g., "the Rachel") and the hair care business (e.g., "Vidal Sassoon") to disorders (e.g., "dandruff") and organizations (e.g., "Locks of Love"). —Library Journal April 15, 2006

This work by Sherrow wins the "browsability" award, for both its topic and its eye-catching cover. As the only current reference book on hair, it will certainly find a place on many library shelves. Global in scope, its coverage includes biographical information (Max Factor, Elizabeth I), ethnicities and countries (African Americans, China), hairstyles (the bob, dreadlocks), and other hair-related entries (dandruff, hairpins)....[i]t provides a good first stop and a lengthy bibliography on the topic of hair. Recommended. Academic and beauty-related collections serving lower-level undergraduates, two-year technical program students, practitioners, and general readers. —Choice September 2006

Hairstyles reflect cultural, religious, and political beliefs; social status; occupation; health; and other key aspects of life. In her introduction to the universal preoccupation with hair grooming, Sherrow overviews scientific facts about hair, its social meaning, and the hair products industry. Cross-referenced entries from "adornment, ornamental" to "Zotos, International" include historical-cultural context, trends, trendsetters, b&w and some color illustrations, and further reading. This unique reference includes an extensive bibliography. —Art Book News Annual January 2007

Anyone interested in hair fashion and treatment, either as it immediately affects them or from the perspective of a historical period or a different ethnic group will learn from this book. —Reference Reviews March 2007

[T]he Encyclopedia of Hair is a useful starting point for research on this multidisciplinary topic....[t]he Encyclopedia of Hair covers a bald spot in reference collections in academic, public, and vocational school libraries. —Reference & User Services Quarterly Winter 2006

Thursday, November 08, 2007

ALL -- So You Think You've Been Busy?

YOU HAVE! I have been looking at the statistics for circulation and reference comparing October 06 to October 07.


Laptop circulation is up 125% from last year. The total circ for laptops in October 07 was 1070! But it's not just the laptops. Circulating books are up 37%, Video circ is up 312% for a total of 99 video circs. Reserves are up 84% to 308 circs. Headphones and equipment are up from 14 in '06 to 201 in '07.


And it's not just circulation, reference is up from last year. Reference desk reference (short and long) are up 50% from last year. Class orientations are up from 6 classes / 69 students in '06 to 20 classes / 378 students in '07.


So the reason you have been feeling tired is because we've been working hard serving the students and faculty of Gavilan College. Well done ... from your humble co-worker!! Dana

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

ALL - Student Computers and "Extra" Software

From time to time we have loaded specialized software on the Library Student Computers. This is a list of software currently which computers.

Spanish Practice Program: 000-005 (six computers along the wall)
Final Draft: 006 (computer on the left facing reference)
QuickBooks: 009-110 (two computers on the right facing reference)

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

New wallet-sized library cards

I just wanted to write down what I heard from Dana regarding our new wallet-sized library cards:

Patrons can replace their keychain-sized card with a wallet one if they bring in the old card and do a direct swap. Delete the old card number and either throw it away or put back in the box to use again (depending on condition).

If a patron has lost their card and wants the new one to be wallet-sized, they still need to pay the standard $1 replacement fee.

Please let me know if I got anything wrong!