Library News

By Luisa Cywinski

During the October semester break at Villanova University, the Tech Trifecta, a series of three technology-centered conferences, was held in Falvey Memorial Library and welcomed librarians and technologists from all over the world, including Nepal, Portugal, Germany and Norway.

Code{4}Lib presenters, l. to r. Chris Hallberg, Kathryn Lynch, Demian Katz, Karen Coombs, Mohan Raj Pradhan, John Mark Ockerbloom, Michelle Suranofsky, Daria Norris.

The Trifecta consisted of the VuFind Summit, Code4Lib Mid-Atlantic and VuStuff III. All three events focused heavily on technology although VuStuff offered an integrated view of technology and scholarly communication, including the work of Villanova professors and librarians.

The VuFind Summit brought together current and potential VuFind developers, some of whom presented on projects that rely on VuFind to enhance online accessibility of library resources. Demain Katz, technology development specialist, also previewed VuFind 2.0 and facilitated a detailed discussion of the new release.

Code4Lib, according to their wiki, is an online community of “hackers, designers, architects, curators, catalogers, artists and instigators from around the world, who largely work for and with libraries, archives and museums on technology ‘stuff.’” Participants gathered at our University for the inaugural Mid-Atlantic conference, which included in-depth presentations from nearby universities, like Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania, and from faraway places, like HealthNet Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal.

(l. to r.) Michael Mafodda, Dr. Judith Giesberg, Joe Lucia, Rebecca Capobianco, Ruby Johnson

Of interest to both scholars and technologists, the VuStuff conference focuses on the intersections between technology and scholarly communications. As a departure from previous VuStuff conferences, a Villanova history professor, Judith Giesberg, PhD, delivered a presentation on the use of Web resources, specifically the “Emilie Davis Diaries in the Classroom.” Her graduate students, Rebecca Capobianco and Ruby Johnson, co-presented with her. Michael Mafodda, Communication Department, assisted with multimedia production of the project.

Rebecca Goldman, LaSalle University, won the Vuie Award for Best Presentation for her talk on the preservation of digital materials.

As noted by Joe Lucia, University librarian, the week reflected the enormous “investment of time and energy” on the part of the Tech Trifecta planning team. Their aim was to provide a central location for “valuable conversations,” said Lucia.

Members of Falvey’s Technology team and Digital Library team, David Uspal, Demian Katz, Michael Foight, David Lacy, Laura Bang and Stephen Spatz all collaborated with colleagues from other institutions to make the Tech Trifecta a huge success.

Additional support of the event was provided by Falvey’s Scholarly Outreach Team staff, Gina Duffy, Marie Roman, and Communication & Publication Team staff, Laura Hutelmyer, Luisa Cywinski and Alice Bampton. Advance web and print publicity, as well as printed materials for each conference, were created by Joanne Quinn, Falvey graphic designer.

(l. to r.) Karen Coombs, Demian Katz and Mohan Raj Pradhan

Using one of the new spaces in the Library, the Speakers’ Corner, Falvey was able to accommodate up to 100 guests, with comfortable seating, suitable furniture for laptop, tablet, and mobile devices and plentiful power strips. Some attendees made use of social media to chronicle their experience. (Search Twitter for the hashtags #VuFind2012, #c4lma, and #VuStuff2012.) Many of the presentations were recorded and can be found on the individual conference websites.

Photographss by Alice Bampton & Laura Hutelmyer

By Alice Bampton

Three junior librarians, Laura Bang, Robin Bowles and Kristyna Carroll, were promoted from Librarian I to Librarian II, University Librarian Joe Lucia recently announced. “They have each made a substantial contribution to the success of the Library, and all of them have been engaged professionally at a national level in advancing new ideas or promoting new initiatives that will help shape the future of academic libraries,” Lucia said.

Laura Bang, curatorial assistant in Special and Digital Collections, came to Falvey in 2010. Bang hires, trains and supervises students and staff in the Digital Library. She also develops and mounts the Special Collections exhibits, both online and physical, and catalogs Special Collections acquisitions. She has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Maryland. Bang’s undergraduate degree is in comparative literature from Bryn Mawr College.

Robin Bowles, Nursing and Life Sciences librarian, was appointed in 2009. She serves on the Biology/Nursing/Environmental Studies and Science/Technology subject teams. She earned her master’s degree in library and information science from Drexel University. Bowles holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in science and mathematics from West Chester University.

Kristyna Carroll, a research support librarian, graduated from Villanova with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and honors. She returned to Villanova in 2010 after graduating from Drexel University with a master’s degree in library and information science. Carroll serves on the Geography/Political Science/Naval/Cultural Studies and Communication/Education/Psychology/Sociology subject teams.

Librarians, like faculty, are appointed through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

A librarian seeking promotion submits a dossier to the Library Promotion Committee comprised of librarians who hold the rank of Librarian II or higher. The Committee, chaired this year by Taras Ortynsky, descriptive services librarian, Resource Management Center, makes its recommendation to the University Librarian who sends his decision to the VPAA who takes the final action.

Lucia said, “Promotions are made on the basis of excellence in service to the University academic community, professional engagement at the local and national level, and contributions to the profession of academic librarianship as evidenced by a record of significant publication or presentation at major library conferences.”

Also contributing: Judy Olsen

To highlight undergraduate research and the Library’s role in facilitating such research, Falvey Memorial Library honors students whose achievements have distinguished them as Falvey Scholars. The tenth annual Falvey Scholars Award ceremony took place on Friday, April 27, 2012, on Falvey’s newly renovated second floor.

The Falvey Scholars Award was established in 2002 by Joseph P. Lucia, University librarian and library director. Lucia collaborated with the honors program and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to establish the award. This annual program, according to Lucia, serves “to recognize and reward exceptional undergraduate research.”

Casey Burkhardt (Computer Science), delivered the first presentation: “The Trajectory to the ‘Technological Singularity.’” Singularity, Casey explained, is “a point at which technology surpasses the abilities of the human brain.” He also discussed the ethical component and social responsibility related to such technological pursuits. Casey’s faculty mentor, William Fleischman, PhD, could not attend. Joe Lucia read Dr. Fleischman’s introduction in his stead.

Theresa Donohoe (English), the next presenter, discussed “Nature, Culture, and Gender in Gardens of Middle English Poetry.” Focusing on “The Pearl,” an anonymous fourteenth century poem, Theresa studied a manuscript from the British Library in researching the treatment of nature and of women in the poem. She cited other fourteenth century texts—”The Book of the Duchess,” “The Knight’s Tale,” and “The Merchant’s Tale” by Chaucer—in her presentation, reciting some passages in middle English. Theresa’s faculty mentor was Alice Dailey, PhD.

Mark Reimlinger, Emily Battinelli, and Frank Anuszewski (in absentia) (Electrical Engineering), discussed their project: “Microstructured Optical Fibers for Environmental Sensing.” Mark’s work on this project, which he had begun in March of 2010, involves measuring the absorption of light so precisely as to detect, for example, chemical agents. Emily stated that this technique could also be used to detect types of antibodies, indicating the presence of certain diseases. Rosalind Wynne, PhD, served as the team’s faculty mentor.

Matthew Hemmerle (Economics) showed how a country’s dependence on oil affects its economy and its political system: “Manufacturing Institutional Quality: The Impact of Dutch Disease on Governance in Oil Dependent Countries.” In researching dozens of oil-dependent countries, Matthew studied how such countries’ oil sectors may negatively impact their manufacturing sectors. Matthew integrated his experiences studying in Jordan and visiting Cambodia on a service trip into his research. His faculty mentor was Mary Kelly, PhD.

Hillary Dutton (Nursing), the event’s final presenter, delivered “Electronic Aggression in Adolescents: The Current State of the Science.” Cyber-bullying, Hillary explained, exceeds the boundaries of traditional bullying, following its target into his/her home and even the bedroom. And if the bullying doesn’t originate from a school computer, she continued, the school can’t intervene. Her faculty mentor, Elizabeth Dowdell, PhD, described Hillary as “a really strong and independent soul.”

The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 A&S, president of Villanova University, spoke next. In the context of faculty’s responsibility to build knowledge, Father Peter asserted that the University’s “students are also contributing to that knowledge.” He also recognized the service of the faculty mentors who supported the Falvey Scholars.

During the luncheon that immediately followed, attendees remarked on the timeliness of the Scholars’ topics, their professionalism—both in presenting their research and in responding to the audience’s questions, and the thoughtful questions posed by student attendees.

Special thanks to Gina Duffy, library events and program coordinator, and her team for posting online announcements; for setting up the chairs, tables, computers (for the presenters) and the display screen; and for organizing the refreshments. Special thanks also go to the library’s graphic designer, Joanne Quinn, who created the display window on the first floor, celebrating the Falvey Scholars and the tenth anniversary of this event.

Contributed by Gerald Dierkes; photography by Alice Bampton

by Alice Bampton

Just in time for Earth Day (April 22), Jutta Seibert, coordinator for Academic Integration; Merrill Stein, Social Sciences liaison team coordinator; and Joanne Quinn, graphic designer, collaborated to create the “Environmental Programs at Villanova” window display.

This exhibit is just part of the larger campus-wide recognition of the day as shown by an eye-catching poster with an image of an oil-soaked bird titled “Villanova University 42nd Earth Day Celebration, April 18-20, 2012.”

While the specific events are over, the exhibit itself provides information and food for thought far beyond the dates of the events.

A large poster to the left provides information about “Environmental Programs at Villanova: Majors & the Concentration.” On the right, another poster lists “Environmental Courses” and “Environmental Fields.” A campus map in the lower left corner shows the locations of green projects.

Two digital picture frames publicize University-wide faculty research on the environment as well as environmental e-resources (journals, dissertations, theses, Community Bibliography, JSTOR) available through Falvey Memorial Library.

Faculty from many departments beyond Geography and the Environment—Theology, Philosophy, History, Engineering, Chemistry, Nursing and Business—have addressed environmental issues. Jutta Seibert noted that faculty from all colleges and most departments are represented.

Numerous books on various environmental topics fill the window. Two of these are particularly interesting: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, now in its 50^th anniversary, and a colorful children’s book by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax.

Silent Spring, published in 1962, was widely read and instrumental in launching Earth Day and the environmental movement.

The Lorax, a fable set in a polluted world caused by the Once-ler’s cutting down the truffula trees, tells the story in language appropriate for children. The window display includes various references to Dr. Seuss’ book: the truffula tree to the far right (balanced by a real tree on the left), the Lorax holding a container labeled “Scholarship at Villanova,” and a stone ominously inscribed “UNLESS [someone cares for the environment],” the message the Lorax left before he disappeared.

Come visit the exhibit. Take time to view the slide shows, examine the range of courses, books and e-resources available and be inspired to do your part for the environment.

Photo by Alice Bampton

By Alexandra Edwards

Robert Jantzen, PhD, is the recipient of Villanova’s 2011 Outstanding Faculty Research Award. Dr. Jantzen will speak as part of the Scholarship@Villanova lecture series on Thursday, Apr. 19, at 1:00 p.m. in Speakers’ Corner.  His lecture, titled “General Relativity, Cosmology and Pasta? A Life of USA-Italy Academic Commuting,” will touch on his more than three decades of research, which garnered him this prestigious award.

We asked Dr. Jantzen, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, to give us some details about his transatlantic research, his upcoming talk, and why he’s brought his love of food into his academic research.

How did you end up researching and working in Italy?

I was an undergraduate at Princeton University during its “golden age of general relativity” and met an Italian physicist Remo Ruffini collaborating with John Wheeler (Feynman’s advisor) on black holes to do some independent work translating a long paper by Luigi Bianchi from 1898 on homogeneous spaces for use in mathematical cosmology. Some years later I then did a postdoc with Ruffini in Rome (1979-1980) and never stopped returning.

How would you explain relativity to a freshman?

Special relativity is relatively simple: the laws of physics show have the same form for any pair of observers which are each moving at constant velocity (inertial observers, as in inertial guidance systems for jets). For example, if a laser gun on a jet fighter is shot in the forward direction, the speed at which its beam arrives at the target should be the same as measured on the ground or as measured by the jet fighter instruments. General relativity is more complicated in that there are no preferred inertial observers moving at constant velocity due to the curvature of spacetime. I don’t have a short answer for this. The presence of matter and energy curves spacetime, and spacetime in turn tells matter how to move, in the rephrased words of John Wheeler. But in any region small enough compared to spacetime curvature, the laws of special relativity should apply.

Can you say a bit more about the pasta metaphor?  How did you come up with it?

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Many graduate students completing theses and dissertations at Villanova are required to post them to Dissertations and Theses Full Text (ProQuest). Posting your thesis gives scholars all over the world access to your work. Because your thesis becomes fully searchable, students and researchers are able to benefit from the work you put into your project.

But before you sit down to submit your thesis to ProQuest, there are a few things you’ll need to get ready. We’ve prepared this topic guide to help you.

Congratulations to Daniel Love, the March Falvey Student of the Month! Daniel is a senior civil/environmental engineering major with a minor in Spanish who has worked in the Library for four years in circulation and interlibrary loan.

His supervisor, Phylis Wright, manager of Access Desk Services, said, “Daniel is one of our shining stars. His commitment and knowledge base is so valued that he has often trained our new assistants, introducing new students to the wonderful world of interlibrary loan processing. He will be sorely missed when he graduates this May.”

Phylis noted that Daniel is known on campus for his mission work. For example, during spring break, Daniel went on a service trip to Honduras with other engineering students. The students worked at the orphanage Amigos de Jesús, replacing filters on the water system to provide clean water, a project that will save money because people will no longer have to buy as much purified water. The Villanova students played soccer and basketball with the Honduran boys and danced the night away at the fiesta on the last night of the trip.

As a Spanish minor, Daniel was one of the few people in his civil engineering group who spoke and understood Spanish.

Daniel also likes to check into Falvey Library on Foursquare. He is always competing for mayorship of Falvey with Alexandra (Alex) Edwards, a Falvey graduate assistant. Since they are both in Falvey so frequently, they both have held the “prestigious” title of mayor recently.

Daniel comes to Villanova from Massapequa, N.Y.

Graphic artist Joanne Quinn created the drawing of Daniel which is also posted on the pillar behind the circulation desk.

The University Staff Council at Falvey selects a Student of the Month based upon nominations from student supervisors.

Article and photograph by Alice Bampton

By Alfred Fry, Science Librarian

Beilstein, an organic chemistry database, has been replaced by Reaxys.  Reaxys also contains content from Patent Chemistry and Gmelin, an inorganic and organometallic chemistry database. Reaxys can be found on the Databases A-Z page and on the Chemistry Subject Guide.

Search for substances or reactions in Reaxys.  If you have a compound or group of compounds that you regularly use, you can create your own templates and save them as icons in the structure editor toolbar.

Filter your results in many ways.  When searching for substances, you can filter by sub-structure, molecular weight, number of fragments, various physical and spectroscopic data, bioactivity and other limits.  When searching for reactions, you can limit by sub-structure, yield, reagent/catalyst, solvent, reaction type, number of steps and other filters. (more…)

The Mango Languages learning program recently subscribed to by Falvey is ideal for students studying abroad or those traveling overseas:  it is portable and freely available to Villanova University community members with an internet connection. Each of the 12 languages offered by Mango (Hindi, Italian, Latin American Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Arabic, Hebrew, Irish, Russian, Portuguese and Japanese) includes chapters covering greetings, travel, shopping, dining, seeking emergency assistance and asking questions to expand your vocabulary.

For more information, see Linda Hauck’s business reference blog or Barbara Quintiliano’s nursing blog.

Connect to Mango Languages through the Databases A-Z list or the area studies and language Subject Guides.

A house in Johnstown after the 1889 flood

This year’s Scholarship@Villanova endowed chair lecture features Ronald A. Chadderton, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, the Edward A. Daylor Chair in Environmental Engineering. Dr. Chadderton will speak at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in the Falvey Memorial Library first floor lounge.

Dr. Chadderton, a professor and chair in the department of civil and environmental engineering, will investigate and reconstruct historic floods in the Johnstown, Pa. area, caused by dam failure. He points to the historic nature of the floods, especially the “Great Flood” of May 31, 1889, as a major point of interest.

“As a faculty member at Penn State,” he explains, “I was involved with a study of one of the Johnstown floods. It was a mathematical modeling project. Also, as a ‘history buff,’ I had read various articles about the 1889 flood.” The disaster resulted in the single largest number of civilian deaths at the time and the first major disaster relief effort handled by the American Red Cross.

Johnstown is often referred to notoriously as “The Flood City.” Subsequent laws, taxes, music, art and literature related to its flooding have been created. Several historians have written about the Great Flood; in addition, fiction authors such as Catherine Marshall and Caitlín R. Kiernan have used the historical event as inspiration. Additionally, Bruce Springsteen mentions the Great Flood in his song “Highway Patrolman.”

“The lecture,” Dr. Chadderton notes, “will include some history, some general engineering ideas and some results of my mathematical study of an historic flood event. Hopefully, it will have some content of interest to listeners with differing backgrounds.”

The event is free and open to the public. (Click this link to watch a video of the event.)

Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons