PASCAL update: October 30

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I think you are all aware of the impact state funding cuts have made on statewide access to databases. We learned on October 30 that PASCAL's budget is slated to be cut another 3% following the recent legislative session. Although 3% of $200,000 is only $6,000, there is the fear that PASCAL Delivers might be discontinued in 2009 if funding is not restored to at least its 2007 level of $2M.

Your continued feedback is critical as PASCAL members and staff seek to restore funding for PASCAL. I know several of you have contributed to this effort already, and your missives are greatly appreciated.

Especially as the legislature looks to trim spending, it is worth pointing out that library service to higher education costs South Carolina much less when PASCAL buys database access for all state institutions of higher learning, than when even a small percentage of those state institutions purchase access on their own. Likewise, if all the institutions can share a catalog, we can spend less money on duplicate copies of books and DVDs at each school. This is the power of purchasing in groups. Perhaps more importantly, when only a few large or wealthy institutions are able to purchase access, the students and faculty at the remaining institutions suffer.

Earplugs available @ Reference Desk

Please help yourself to the earplugs in the basket at the Reference Desk!

Graduate Assistant Wanted

The 20 hour-per week position will give you an opportunity to see how a library operates. In particular, we are looking for someone to open and close the library on weekends (mostly Sundays this semester, and Saturdays and Sundays next semester). In addition, the library GA will assist with professional collection management projects such as helping to evaluate and process gift books; deselection projects; and reviewing academic press catalogs.

If you have ever been to the library on a Saturday, you can infer that you'll probably have time to do some homework. Skills needed include customer service ability, good communication skills, and ability to work independently.

Position is open until filled. Call 953-5837 or email kirstin.steele@citadel.edu

International Security & Counter Terrorism Ref Center (trial)

If you study international security or terrorism, please take a look at this Ebsco product. An advantage is that the interface (searching, printing, emailing) is similar to other databases available at the library.

We're interested to know how (or if) this compares to Jane's, Keesing's, or even web-based sources like Global Security.

ebrary electronic books

Please take a look at some of the books listed below (or others!) and let us know what you think... about the interface, title selection, and using electronic books for research or pleasure reading.

Leadership When the Heat's On

Becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder

Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome

Long Gray Lines

"The Bloody Shirt" or Reconstruction with Stephen Budiansky

If you have always wondered what happened in South Carolina when all the battles were over and all the heroes went home, come to tonight's Library Friends program with Stephen Budiansky.  You will hear about the real South from 1865-1877.  Time is 6:30 in Bond Hall 165.  Book signing follows.