Summer 2006

Volume 48
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In this Issue

New Library Staff

Daniel Hartwig
Librarian
Manuscripts & Archives
7 /24/2006

Gregory Viggiano
Acquisitions Assistant
Acquisitions
7 /10/2006

Departures

Diana Timlin
Library Development Office
5/12/2006

Meghan Musolff
Arts Library
6/2/2006

Dolores Berenda
Preservation
6/9/2006

Staff In Focus

Promotion of Librarians in the Yale University Library, 2006

It gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that the following twenty-one members of Library staff have been promoted:

From Librarian I to II

• Thomas Bolze, Catalog Department
• Gretchen Gano, Social Science Libraries and Information Services
• Rebekah Irwin, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
• Stephen Naron, Manuscripts and Archives
• Michael Scott, Catalog Department
• Christopher Smith, Catalog Department
• Tao Yang, East Asia Library

The attainments of our colleagues at this level have reached and surpassed the Library’s criteria for promotion to Librarian II in most impressive ways. They demonstrate high levels of professional competence in their positions. All of them participate in Library-wide groups and committees, several undertaking teaching and mentoring roles. They contribute to programs and committees beyond the Library: in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and its sections, in NELINET committees, and in sections of the ALA including its International Relations Round Table, in national and international bodies such as the US National Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) and the Building Digital Resources Panel of the Institute of Museum and Library Studies (IMLS), in the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the Council on East Asian Libraries. These are only examples, showing the wide range of external bodies that benefit from the work of Yale’s librarians from the very start of their careers.

From Librarian II to III

• Mary Caldera, Manuscripts and Archives
• Mark Engsberg, Law Library
• Todd Gilman, Research Services and Collections
• Rowena Griem, Catalog Department
• Stephen Jones, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
• Abe Parrish, Map Collection
• Richard Sarcia, Catalog Department
• Eileen Smith, Catalog Department,
• Keiko Suzuki, East Asia Library
• Susan Walker, Lewis Walpole Library
• Penny Welbourne, Catalog Department

To move from Librarian II to Librarian III requires significant achievements in addition to those demonstrated at the level of Librarian II. All of these candidates have performed with distinction, each in her or his own special way. All have demonstrated growth in their own professional capabilities, continuing to learn through training programs and attendance at special courses, while contributing much to colleagues’ learning. Some of them now chair their sections of national or international committees, and some have received invitations to acts as reviewers for national grants, or edit international journals, or to serve on the boards of regional or nation-wide academic societies. They plan and organize conference programs, adjudicate professional prizes, teach courses outside Yale as well as in the University Library system, and provide highly specialist services that underpin the work of numerous academic departments at Yale.

One librarian was cited as “virtually unparalleled in the academic library community” for his advanced technical skills and the way he applies them in the service of faculty projects. Another produced work on an editorial board, as the editor remarks, “far beyond what I have come to expect from Board members…and I can't say how much I appreciate her very significant contributions to the success of the journal”. Others are praised for their thoughtful, thorough and intelligent approach, contributing substantively to collaborative projects. Whether working on authoritative versions of pre-1800 European book trade names, or contributing significantly to the Chinese-Japanese-Korean compatibility database of the Library of Congress, these are people who are already making their mark in American librarianship. The examples are too numerous to list here, but each and every person on this list has produced significant contributions that are a matter for pride.

From Librarian III to IV

• Jane Gillis, Catalog Department
• Emily Horning, Research Services and Collections
• E.C. Schroeder, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

These senior members of Library staff are demonstrating real leadership in the profession. They draft national standards in their special fields, they work as editors and reviewers for professional journals and other publications, they present well-received papers at national and international conferences, and achieve high elective office in key organizations. Their work shows constant evidence of initiatives to improve standards and procedures, and their management skills are consistently praised, whether in managing important working relationships with colleagues and faculty, and/or directing the work of staff. They demonstrate good judgment, and act as role models for more junior staff. They are always ready to accept responsibility for important Library work beyond their own field, and they have won the respect and admiration of colleagues both at Yale and far more broadly. Their professional contributions demonstrably enhance the reputation and standing of the Yale University Library, both with our own patrons and in the Library profession nation-wide.

At every level, the people named here have contributed greatly to the Yale University Library not only by performing their own daily jobs at a high level, but by engaging with committees and programs for the benefit of their co-workers. Whether through SCOPA or LiSA, STOD, the Communications Committee, previous promotion review committees, or any number of other Library-wide programs, they have all demonstrated commitment to the organization, and they have all helped to improve it. I am deeply grateful to work with colleagues like these, and I would like to thank them most warmly for all they do for the Yale University Library.

I also wish to thank the members of this year’s Promotion Review Committee, who worked so hard and so meticulously to assess each candidate’s dossier. This is truly hard, difficult work, and they have done a fine job. My warmest thanks to them all: Suzanne Lorimer (chair), Joanne Rudof, Ellen Hammond, Dajin Sun, Jennifer Weintraub, Matthew Wilcox, Dana Peterman, and Kari Swanson.

Alice Prochaska
July 2006

Graduating Staff
Congratulations to Library staff who have recently graduated!

Herbert Berkeley, Access Services
Gateway Community College - Associate in Science

Tara Heard, Access Services
Gateway Community College - Associate in Science

Sorrell Tankus, Access Services -
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (Class of 2006)

Lisa C. Thomas, Manuscripts & Archives
Syracuse University - Master of Library Science (August 2006)

Amanda Patrick, Library Development
Central Connecticut State College - Master Degree in International Relations

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Library In Focus

Phase2 CCL Renovation
Time to bid farewell to CCL and the original Machine city.

The Library hosted an informal lunch to thank the many people who have contributed a tremendous ammount of work during the past couple years to enable the renovation of the Cross Campus Library and Sterling Memorial Library's "Machine City" areas.

Event Highlights

Medical Library Celebrates 65th Birthday -- April 25 2006
~Lynn Sette

Medical Library staff

Food and fun

Historical Treasures displayed in the Wow Room

Sterling Memorial Library and Its Champions—Creators, Benefactors and Staff
~Diane Ducharme

Judith Schiff, Chief Research Archivist of the Department of Manuscripts and Archives, spoke on “Sterling Memorial Library and Its Champions—Creators, Benefactors and Staff” on April 11, the 75th anniversary of the dedication ceremony for SML. Her talk enlightened the audience on many aspects of the planning and building of Sterling, touching on topics as little-known as the reason for the extra thickness of the outer walls on one side and as amusing as the legend that James Gamble Rogers hurriedly reduced the height of the book tower after being casually asked how he had calculated for the weight of the books. Schiff also described the massive move of the Yale collections into Sterling Library, a timely and sympathetic topic. At the conclusion, several intrepid staff members led the audience in choral singing of songs written by Yale Librarians about the new library and the book move, including a bookworm’s lament for “old Chittenden” sung to the tune of “Dixie.”

2006 Committee Fair

The Library Communications Committee & Library Staff Association held the second annual Library Committee Fair on Thursday, June 15 2006 from 2:30-4:30pm in the SML Lecture Hall.

The fair gave staff the opportunity to learn more about various Library committees and what they have been doing; express interest in joining those that are seeking members, learn how to be on a committee, ask questions, give feedback and more….

Representatives were present from:
Communications Committee
Library Staff Association (LiSA)
Accessibilities Resources Network (ARN)
Standing Committee on Professional Awareness (SCOPA)
Staff Training and Organizational Development (STOD)
Lyte Bytes
Library Links
Joint Departmental Committee (JDC)
Cross Training Committee
Integrated Access Committee (IAC)
Diversity Council

HR in Focus

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Announcements

The Electronic Classroom
The Electronic Classroom is now officially open in its new, temporary, home on the 6th floor of Sterling, Room 609.

When exiting the elevator, take a right and go through the door at the end of the hall. Room 609 is the room to the left. Directional signage will be posted soon.

The room has the same PCs and software as the CCL Electronic Classroom. Scheduling the room is done via the same mechanisms as before.

IMPORTANT: The Electronic Classroom key is now held at the front desk of Library Administration Services, across from the Wall Street guard station. Please ask the staff member there for the key and sign-out sheet.

Please contact Pedro Soto with any questions.

Upcoming Events

Library Exhibits

http://resources.library.yale.edu/online/smlexhibits.asp

Saturday, July 22nd, 12 - 4 PM

College Woods Picnic Pavilion, East Rock Park, New Haven

There will be hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and drinks for everyone!
If your talents include cooking or baking, please bring a dish or a dessert to share with your coworkers.

Bring your swimsuit!
University Librarian Alice Prochaska will be sharing her nearby home pool with library staff during part of the afternoon. A lifeguard will be on duty.

The College Woods area of East Rock Park is located on Cold Spring Street, between Livingston and Orange, in the East Rock neighborhood.
Parking is available on Orange, Cold Spring, and Livingston Streets.

*****Please RSVP at http://www.library.yale.edu/lisa/rsvp.html *****

Yale Holiday Calendar

HR Updates

What’s in it for me?
For a library, or library department:

• Show other staff part of what your library/department does, and why it’s important.
• Increase communication and understanding between staff in your library/department and other libraries/departments.
• Gain a pool of potential applicants for jobs in your library/department.
• What do you have to lose? It’s only two half-days, and you won’t be alone- other libraries/departments will be doing it too.

For an individual staff member:

• Learn what staff in other libraries/departments do behind their doors and computer monitors.
• Learn why they do it the way they do (What are their priorities?).
• See if there’s work elsewhere in the library that interests you.
• Gain a better understanding of how what you do relates to what other people do.
• What do you have to lose? It’s only two half-days, and you won’t be alone- other people will be doing it too.

Want just the FAQs? http://www.library.yale.edu/training/stod/cross-trainingFAQs3.doc

Congratulations to all who completed a Learning Plan and accomplished their learning goals for the year!

• Total staff participation in the Learning Plan jumped from 79% to 83% this quarter.

• Take a look at the Learning Plan site or schedule a time to meet with Shaundolyn Slaughter to discuss possible ways in which you can translate a learning possibility into a learning plan activity.
• Some staff have asked for ways to improve keyboarding skills. If you are interested in developing this skill, you may consider the Mavis beacon Teaches Typing software application, a course at Gateway Community College, or New Haven Adult Education. Please contact Shaundolyn Slaughter at 432-1810 for more information.
• Did you know that Southern Connecticut State University offers classes in library science? The University’s Tuition Assistance program may be applicable in some situations.
• Remember to take a look at the Library’s Training and Learning Events Calendar which gets updated as new activities are scheduled. You can access the calendar at: http://www.library.yale.edu/training/stod/courseschedule.html

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"Did you know..."

Renovation News: What’s That Box With A Door Doing In The Nave?
~ Robert Daigle

The ILL, Document Delivery, Borrow Direct, and CCL Reserves services and staffs are now comfortably ensconced in their temporary office space in the Linonia & Brothers Reading Room, and other CCL staffs are now located in Room 2 in SML. The Library’s electronic classroom is up and running in SML 609 (formerly a room in the Philosophy Reading Room). Photocopiers, media viewing stations, and equipment from the ITS computing cluster, the Technology Troubleshooting Office, the Teaching and Learning Experimental Space, and the Self-Service Media stations have all been relocated, or are in temporary storage, until the fall semester. The CCL Collection is now located in the first three floors of SML, after an amazing effort to reduce the collection in size, to make space in the SML stack tower, and then to move the collection onto floors 1, 1M, and 1MB.

While the first moves of staff, equipment, and furniture have been completed, the dust hasn’t quite settled for the summer. Construction activity is now in full swing both indoors and outdoors.

The work indoors will be located in several areas and will be mostly out of public view. However, some of you may have noticed a large, conspicuous box about 22 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 8 feet high, made of sheet rock and steel supports, with a glass door, and constructed in the SML nave directly above the staircase. The structure is a container that will seal dust and reduce noise during the demolition of the staircase this summer. Other construction walls soon will be installed around the cloakroom area (between where the ATM machine is temporarily placed and the Arts of the Book Reading Room) for some work this summer to prepare for the construction of a new circular staircase and elevator. The construction of these new connections between the nave and the basement is to be completed by the end of the renovation project in 2007.

The completion of new restrooms and the permanent offices of the ILL/Document Delivery staff in the SML basement are expected by the start of the fall semester in 2006. Other interior construction activity this summer includes the demolition of the original Cross Campus Library and Machine City. Some dramatic photos of the demolition have been posted to the Photo Gallery page on the Renovation web site [http://www.library.yale.edu/renovaxn/phase2a/photos.html]

One important project that the library is performing this summer is the relocation of the Name-Title Catalog Card, led by Mary LaFogg of Manuscripts & Archives. This project involves boxing, processing and relocating the Name-Title catalog cards from the cabinets in the Nave onto compact shelving in the SML basement room 69. Once these cards have been removed from the nave, the space will be converted into a temporary home for the ITS computing cluster, the Technology Troubleshooting Office, the Teaching and Learning Experimental Space, and the Media Self-Service stations. The built-in card cabinetry will remain in the nave, but the freestanding cabinets will be made available for sale at that time. By fall, public access to room 69 will be from the staircase closest to the AOB Room.

Outdoors, the trailers for the contractors have arrived on Cross Campus, and construction barriers have been erected around most of the Cross Campus quadrangle. A large crane will be present to remove debris from the site and bring materials to it. The trailers and fencing will remain for the duration of the Cross Campus exterior construction (until mid-2007). Paved temporary pathways have been installed alongside the construction site from Porter Gate to Wall Street [between Harkness Hall and Berkeley College] that will divert foot and bike traffic away from the paths of the trucks. Also this summer, construction crews will remove the soil from the roof of the Cross Campus Library and will dismantle portions of the Berkeley College walls, to enable work on the CCL roof. To follow the progress of the renovation, please visit the Renovation website at http://www.library.yale.edu/renovaxn/phase2a/index.html.

First New Changes to Regulations in 22 Years

IRS Issues Proposed Dependent Care Credit Regulations

The IRS recently issued proposed Code Section 21 Dependent Care Credit Regulations, essentially renumbering the prior regulations and incorporating all the dependent care credit changes that have occurred since the regulations were last issued 22 years ago.

Some of the items have been confirmed or clarified as to whether they are considered employment related expenses, and therefore covered expenses under Dependent Care Accounts (DCA). These include:
* Expenses related to pre-school or similar programs below the kindergarten level may be covered employment-related expenses, even though educational activities may be a significant part of these programs.
* Expenses related to kindergarten and above are not employment-related expenses.
* Expenses for Day Camp/Summer Camp are employment-related expenses even if the camp specializes in a particular activity. (Note: overnight camp is still not considered employment-related expense.)
* Cost of transportation (e.g. transportation to a day camp or to an after-school program not on school premises) furnished by a dependent care provider may be an employment-related expense.
* Indirect expenses such as application and agency fees may be employment-related expenses if the taxpayer is required to pay these expenses to obtain care.
* Short, temporary absences from work may be disregarded for taxpayers who must pay for dependent care expenses on a weekly or longer basis. Whether an absence is short and temporary depends on the facts and circumstances of the situation.
* In general, taxpayers who work part-time must allocate expenses between days worked and days not worked. However, taxpayers who work part-time but are required to pay for dependent care expenses on a weekly or longer basis are not required to allocate expenses between days worked and days not worked.
* Payments to a taxpayer’s spouse or to a parent of the taxpayer’s child who is not the taxpayer’s spouse are not qualified expenses.
* Age reduction from 15 to 13.
* Payments to child under age 19 do not qualify.
* Payments to a relative may qualify if relative is NOT a tax dependent.

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