WVU Libraries

The WVU Library Faculty Assembly has selected Linda Blake, Science Librarian and Electronic Journal Coordinator for the WVU Libraries, as the Outstanding Librarian for 2010.

The award, presented biannually, recognizes a faculty librarian who has made exceptional contributions toward the delivery, development, or expansion of library services or special programs for the constituencies of WVU.

“Linda exemplifies the very best in traditional librarianship while remaining alert to new technologies and trends,” said Penny Pugh, Head of the WVU Downtown Library Reference Department. “Linda possesses a breadth of vision, coupled with a keen analytical mind, and she is extraordinarily productive.”
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The WVU Libraries now offer over 40,000 albums from the Naxos Music label online. From Gregorian chant to 21st century classical, from jazz to folk, this music is available from the WVU Libraries’ web site.

Visit the Naxos Music Library to begin listening. Find your favorites and create a playlist, or expand your listening horizons with the new releases. Off-campus access is available to current faculty, staff, and students.

For questions or help with Naxos Music Library, contact Beth Royall at the Evansdale Library – beth.royall@mail.wvu.edu.

By Cassie Shaner
The Dominion Post

WVU students looking to kick back, grab a snack and use a Mac can do it all on the newly renovated first floor of the Evansdale Library.

The university celebrated the completion of the $500,000 renovation project Thursday with an open house. Jo Ann Calzonetti, director of the Evansdale Library from 1994-2001, was among the speakers featured at the event, according to the WV press release.

Calzonetti, who is now in charge of the University of Akron’s Science and Technology Library, discussed the changes at the facility. Among other things, WVU added new carpeting, movable furniture, study rooms and a service desk that combines circulation, reference and technical services.

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By Liz Dickinson
WVU Today

It’s a library, but you don’t have to whisper. In fact, talking and laughter mean students are actively using the newly renovated first floor of the West Virginia University Evansdale Library.

And that is music to Mary Strife’s ear.

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An initiative between the WVU Libraries and the Provost’s Office will again help up to five faculty members enhance their courses while earning a $3,000 stipend.

The WVU Libraries’ Information Literacy Course Enhancement Program (ILCEP) is focused on integrating information literacy into the classroom. The University’s 2010 Plan, www.wvu.edu/~2010plan, states that information literacy will be a curriculum component across all disciplines by 2010.

Broadly speaking, information literacy means the set of abilities needed for digital learning by students and instructors to make effective use of the dazzling array of information options in the 21st century university.
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Typically, students visit the Libraries to work on a paper or project that they will then take to class, but a fashion design and merchandising (FDM) senior is setting a new trend. Amanda Gill is the first among her classmates to create an exhibit for the newly renovated Evansdale Library.

“I took a visual merchandising class and did projects within that class, but this is taking what I’ve learned and making it a real world experience,” Gill said. “I wanted to make everything look perfect and professional.”

Fashion design and merchandising senior Amanda Gill poses beside her exhibit in the Evansdale Library.

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The Outstanding Librarian Award nominations deadline is fast approaching. This award is presented once every three years to recognize exceptional contributions toward the delivery, development, or expansion of library services or special programs for the constituencies of WVU. Attributes sought in the finalist may include leadership, initiative, creativity, dedication, and exemplary attitude. The award is open to both current and retired WVU Libraries faculty.

Nominations will be accepted from WVU administration, faculty, and staff and must be submitted on the official nomination form by February 15.

In today’s digital age, students are presented with numerous sources of information that may or may not be factual. They are often not aware of the various research techniques and resources available to them and do not know how to gauge whether or not the information that they find online or in databases is from a reliable source.

Saya Bobick, Melissa Chesanko, Jayné Chapple, Arnita Sitasari, and Laura Trent, graduate teaching assistants in the Center for Women’s Studies, decided to research this problem in an attempt to better serve their students. The graduate students conducted two hands-on workshops for each of their Introduction to Women’s Studies classes in collaboration with Carroll Wilkinson, West Virginia University librarian.

Chesanko commented that the information literacy sessions for her classes gave her an opportunity to learn along with her students.

“Each time Carroll comes to our class I pick up something new,” she said. “It also serves as a great reminder about searching effectively and checking the validity of the sources I use in my own research.”
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