Library at National Institute of Corrections

National Institute of Corrections Library [pdf]
http://www.nicic.org/Features/Library/

The National Institute of Corrections, an agency within the U.S. Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons, has an online presence that undoubtedly makes it easier for them to achieve their goal to "provide training, technical assistance, information services, and policy/program development assistance to federal, state, and local corrections agencies." The online library not only provides relevant reading materials and up to date information, it also offers "Self-Study Options", such as "Online Curricula" and "Video Learning". These can be found on the far left hand side of the library homepage, near the top. The "Ask a Research Expert" feature under the heading "Assisted Research", on the left hand menu offers research help to corrections professionals via an online help desk. Since 75% of the physical library's collection is not online, there are librarians available for this type of assisted research. The "Popular Topics" link, on the left hand menu, offers key resources and documents on almost a dozen commonly researched topics. [KMG]

>From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Heart's Blood is Juliet Marillier's newest fairy tale retelling, and she's turned out a masterful Beauty and the Beast, keeping the bones of the story while bypassing the cliches of one of the most frequently retold tales there is. Honestly, this may be my new favorite Marillier book (although Daughter of the Forest, as my first book of hers, will always hold a special place in my heart). With her usual graceful prose, she's created an original and strange telling of the familiar story. I don't want to give too much away, but I REALLY loved the concept behind this one. So as far as plot goes, all I want to say is: Juliet Marillier's Beauty and the Beast. (Of coures you can discover more from the amazon.com reviews, but that's up to you. :) As far as the writing goes, well, I'm completely in love with Marillier's style, and this one was more quick paced than some of hers -- while I love her writing I do occasionally find parts of the story to drag a little, not so in this one. She brought in a lot of unexpected elements, was really creative with the story in a way I haven't seen in other versions. I think a lot of retellings like to really focus on character development while keeping an old story absolutely in it's original frame. This version is just... more creative -- which is not to say she shortchanged her character development at all. Agh! Just go read it! You won't regret it!

--richlayers

SOAR introduction

Hello,

I am a manager of Wichita State repository SOAR, the database of WSU authors’ works and collections. To promote a new service, my colleagues and I speak to individual faculty and groups (e.g. college executive councils; department meetings, staff luncheons, special events, etc.); distribute flyers and brochures; arrange training to those who interested; post information on SOAR to newsletters.

Recently, I have started a weekly video column “Industry News” to promote SOAR to library staff. The column features innovative ideas, projects, and other news in information technology, libraries, publishing, and higher education. I find short free videos on the Internet and embed them to the SOAR home page.

The videos should be short and informative; even better if humorous. I posted videos about the Book Espresso Machine; Twitter, Wiki, Kindle 2, Digital Preservation, and Google Wave. This week video column is featuring a short introduction to Cloud Computing: http://soar.wichita.edu (upper right corner of the screen).

It is fun for me to select and post videos. It is useful for SOAR marketing, too. I believe that new services should be marketed to library staff, not only to patrons. Than more staff know about a service, than better patrons are served. Would you
agree?

Sincerely, Susan

American History in Video - Amazing!

This is a terrific new database the library has just purchased and I hope that you can help me get the word out to history faculty.

The trial is available now; one year subscription begins Jan.4, 2010. There are over 5,000 titles in the collection, many that you are familiar with from the History Channel, PBS, & A&E. There are also historic newsreels and archival footage. Perhaps the best feature is that every title comes with embedded links so that you can link directly from your electronic syllabus or assignment page to the video. You also have the capability of showing short clips and annotating them with your own text. The database is searchable by keyword, subject, time period, etc., AND each video is further indexed.

How to get to it? Log on through Pipeline and click on the Library tab. You'll find the link on the left under Database Trials. In January, look for the link in the middle of the page under Databases A-Z.

In other words - a wonderful resource. Micaela (your Library Director) asked me to pass along a request to all instructors that we would really appreciate your feedback on this new purchase. We want to hear if you find it useful in order to determine the following year's purchase. Thanks so much, and call or email any questions you might have.

--Martha Gregg

Bake Away this Year...

The Modern Baker: Time-Saving Techniques for Breads, Tarts, Pies, Cakes and Cookies, from best-selling author and chef Nick Malgieri, is the NetLibrary December eBook of the Month. Discover how with the right teacher, simplified techniques and step-by-step photo tutorials to guide the way, everyone can make freshly baked loaves, crisp flatbreads, savory tarts and rich desserts—in record time.

Written by baking Hall of Famer Nick Malgieri, this collection of 150 straightforward recipes with gourmet appeal strives to bring success to even the busiest of bakers, with the bulk of the preparation taking under one hour.

The Modern Baker is as necessary and essential as a good oven. The author distills years of teaching and experience into these detailed recipes for baking everything from bread to biscotti to puff pastry to old-fashioned layer cakes. Recipes are thorough and include descriptions of how batters and doughs are supposed to appear at each stage of preparation. Malgieri leads cooks through the simple art of creating an international assortment of delicious sweet and savory baked goods, interweaving techniques and helpful sidebars.

Malgieri, former Executive Pastry Chef at Windows on the World, is a 1996 inductee into Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America. The bestselling author of eight cookbooks, Malgieri currently directs the baking program at the Institute of Culinary Education. Malgieri's recipes have been published in the New York Times, Cuisine, Family Circle, McCall's, Ladies' Home Journal and other magazines and newspapers throughout the United States. He is the author of articles for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and his writing has appeared in the New York Daily News, Gourmet, Chocolatier, Food & Wine and Cook's Illustrated. Malgieri has appeared on all the U.S. national morning shows, local television and "Chef du Jour," "Cook's Choice," "Bakers Dozen" and "Cooking Live" on the Food Network and with Julia Child on "Baking with Julia," as well as with Martha Stewart.

"Nation" Wins Printz Award

Somehow I missed this: one of my favorite authors, one of his best books:

http://blog.booklistonline.com/2009/09/17/terry-pratchetts-2009-printz-speech/

Micaela

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

The latest addition to the Peter and the Starcatches trilogy, making it officially more than a trilogy, is Peter and the Sword of Mercy. This continuation of the adventures of Peter Pan is the first in the series that actively contradicts J.M. Barrie's story, while still sticking close enough to give it the sense that, "Oh, Mr. Barrie overheard part of THIS story, and that's where he got the idea for HIS story." Which can be very effective, and I think my recommendation runs this way: If you like anything at all to do with Peter Pan, and you love all the variations, then I definitely recommend this whole set. If you like additional material as long as it doesn't contradict the original story, then I'd suggest reading the original trilogy here, and skipping the latest one. If you're deeply devoted to Barrie's rendition of Peter, then I would probably not recommend this series. In tone, it's a lot lighter than Peter Pan. While there is a strange sense of menace in Peter's forgetfulness and unpredictability, Barry and Pearson have made Peter into a more... human character, I think is how I want to put it. Barrie's Peter is always playing, even when it puts others in danger. Barry and Pearson's Peter has a stronger sense of responsibility and devotion to his friends. So if those aspects of the original story bothered you, this is definitely an interesting adaptation that you would probably enjoy. My problem with this latest book was that there were too many characters. I think if I had read the other three more recently, that wouldn't have been a problem, but the authors leaned on their previous characterizations to make them familiar to me. The last fifth of the book, or so, is divided into at least six viewpoints of the action, and that's about when I started to struggle to get through it, although it wraps up nicely at the end. So, ehh, I hesitate to call that a bad thing, because if you've recently read the first three books, I don't think this would be such a problem. Overall, I would say that if you liked the first three in this series, give this one a shot, too.

--richlayers

November events for Student study

During November we commemorate many world events, such as the Gunpowder Plot; Sherman's burning of Atlanta; Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass); the Armistice of World War I (when 10,000 soldiers were killed on that last day of fighting); the Gettysburg Address; the assassination of JFK; and the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species."

Video clips, and primary sources, are provided for these topics and more November events.
http://www.awesomestories.com/newsletters/november-highlights

Group access to the site is free for all schools, libraries and educators. Request group access with this form. http://www.awesomestories.com/signup It is also free for students and members of the general public. Select an individual password using the same URL.

The site's privacy policy is strictly enforced.

Carole Bos
Dean's Advisory Board
Grand Valley State University
bosc@gvsu.edu

American History in Video

Hello all,

The database trial "American History in Video" has been added to the library tab in Pipeline.

It should be accessible from anywhere, if not let me know.

Thanks, Ronda rholt@butlercc.edu

Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit

Mercedes Lackey's newest book is called Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit, and is, as you can probably guess from the title, an Arthurian Legend retelling. Lackey tells the story in her typical easy-to-read, accessible manner, bringing characters and events to life with aplomb. Although Lackey will probably never be recognized for brilliant prose or as divine literature, I love her work and this newest book did not disappoint. She starts with the historical evidence that there were possibly not one, but THREE queens of Arthur named Gwenhwyfar, and although the story focuses on the third wife, Lackey works in the exploits of the other two, accounting for a lot of the contradictions and busy-ness that Gwenhwyfar would have had to have lived through if it had all been one woman. Lackey does an admirable job of using the wealth of Arthurian legend that is already available, and still spinning her own particular story about Gwen and her life. Rich in detail, but with an unhampered pace, I recommend this for anyone who has enjoyed Mercedes Lackey's other works, or who love new takes on the Arthurian Legend.

Kansas Reads....

Kansas Reads…Dreams from My Father

Read Your Way to Kansas 150 in 2011 by joining Kansans across the state in reading and discussing the same book.

The State Library of Kansas and the Kansas Center for the Book are again proud to present an exciting statewide reading program that brings communities together through reading. Coming next spring is 2010 Kansas Reads…Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama. Written before Obama even entered politics, a #1 New York Times bestseller and, until his election, promoted by Random House as a suggested title for Community Reads programs nationwide, Dreams From My Father was chosen because it addresses issues faced by Kansans across the state. These include memoir writing, the search for an individual’s identity, relationships with fathers, and issues of blended families. The project focuses on the book more than on the author.

The publisher says this about the book: “In this lyrical, unsentimental, and compelling memoir,” the author searches for a workable meaning to his life as an American. “The sudden death of his father inspires an emotional odyssey–first to a small town in Kansas, from which he retraces the migration of his mother’s family to Hawaii, and then to Kenya, where he meets the African side of his family, confronts the bitter truth of his father’s life, and at last reconciles his divided inheritance.”

Discussion groups, scholar talks, and classroom programming happen all around the state from January 29 through March 15, 2010. Join us as Kansas Reads…Dreams from My Father in 2010!

Online Health Research

What’s New in MedlinePlus
November 2nd, 2009
By Rebecca Brown, University of Kansas Medical Center

MedlinePlus (www.medlineplus.gov), the authoritative online consumer health resource from the National Library of Medicine, has many great new features to help you locate appropriate materials that meet the unique needs of your community. The site, which debuted in 1998 with 22 health topics, now boasts over 800 topics and many new enhancements.

Invisible China: A Journey Through Ethnic Borderlands

Invisible China: A Journey Through Ethnic Borderlands
by Colin Legerton and Jacob Rawson
Chicago Review Press, 2009
Product ID: 281250



Hailed as a “spectacular achievement” by Publishers Weekly

In this eloquent and eye-opening adventure narrative, authors Colin Legerton and Jacob Rawson, two Americans fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Uyghur, throw away the guidebook and bring a hitherto unexplored side of China to light.

They journey over 14,000 miles by bus and train to the farthest reaches of China to meet the minority peoples who dwell there, talking to farmers in their fields, monks in their monasteries, fishermen on their skiffs, and herders on the steppe. As they uncover surprising facts about China’s hidden minorities and their complex position in Chinese society, they discover the social ramifications of inconsistent government policies--and some deep human truths as well.

Invisible China will be provided with free, unlimited access to Butler from November 1-30, 2009.

Worst Opening Sentence... 2009 edition

David McKenzie of Federal Way, Wash., won the grand prize in the 2009 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest by penning what the judges considered the worst opening sentence for an imaginary novel. His dubious gem: "Folks say that if you listen real close at the height of the full moon, when the wind is blowin' off Nantucket Sound from the nor' east and the dogs are howlin' for no earthly reason, you can hear the awful screams of the crew of the 'Ellie May,' a sturdy whaler Captained by John McTavish; for it was on just such a night when the rum was flowin' and, Davey Jones be damned, big John brought his men on deck for the first of several screaming contests."

(From 10-28-09 Shelf Awareness report.)

There's plenty of others on the contest site. It takes work to create these!

Troll's Eye View

The newest collection of Fairy Tale rewrites from Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales, comes to you highly recommended by me!

This book was great not only because of the viewpoint--some were arguably more villainous than others--but because each author had a page or a few paragraphs to say why they picked the story they wrote about, what drew them to the characters and fairy tales in general. It was like an interview sampling of a bunch of my favorite authors talking about my favorite type of story.

Sheet Music on the web

IN Harmony: Sheet Music from Indiana
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/inharmony/welcome.do

People in Indiana know a fair bit about four-part harmony. For that matter, they know about all types of harmony, and this digital collection pays homage to their musical traditions. The IN Harmony Sheet Music collection was created as part of a partnership between the Indiana State Library, the University Lilly Library, the Indiana Historical Society, and the Indiana State Museum. The sheet music here includes music from 1800 to 1989, and visitors can browse these materials by name, title, year, instrumentation, genre, or subject. Browsing by subject is quite enjoyable, and some of the more curious topics include "Aging", "American Bison", "Sausages", and "Vice-Presidents". In addition, visitors can use the graphical interface on the homepage to pick out potential musical gems by their cover art. [KMG]

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/

Homework Kansas

HomeworkKansas is an after school tutoring service that connects Kansas students one-on-one with live tutors.

It is targeted at students in Kindergarten through 12th grades, college introductory students, adult GED students, and other adult learners.

Click here to connect to Homework Kansas

Students can connect to tutors from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. HomeworkKansas is also available in Spanish everyday from 1:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Help is available in the following subjects:

Math: elementary, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry and calculus
Science: elementary, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics
Social studies: American History, World History, Political Science and more
English: spelling, grammar, book reports, essay writing and more
If you are unable to access HomeworkKansas through the link above, you might need a Kansas Library Card which is available at local public and school libraries. For more information about HomeworkKansas please contact the State Library of Kansas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m Monday - Friday. You can send emails to egivens@kslib.info or call (785) 296-8152.

New to the service are college entrance practice tests like ACT and SAT, graduate school exams like GRE and LSAT, Advance Placement, ASVAB and TOEFL, and GED prep tests. HomeworkKansas will also offer assistance with job searches, sample resumes and cover letters, financial literacy and assistance with proofreading papers.

5186A

...just cries out to be a library place.

Write well, because it matters...

So much of what I write about or link to here involves reading. This one is about writing, and writing well, and why.

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/09/why-good-writing-matters-and-how-you.html

October e-Book of the month

Burn This Book:
PEN Writers Speak Out on the Power of the Word
Edited by Toni Morrison
HarperCollins Publishers, 2009
Product ID: 277345

In recognition of Banned Books Week, OCLC NetLibrary and HarperCollins Publishers are pleased to announce that Burn This Book will be available as the October eBook of the Month.

Published in conjunction with the PEN American Center, Burn This Book explores the meaning of censorship, and the power of literature to inform the way we see the world, and ourselves. Contributors including Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, Orhan Pamuk, David Grossman, Nadine Gordimer and other literary heavyweights, discuss the importance of writing from various views, both political and social. They illustrate the need for freedom of speech and human rights, and they emphasize the target writers become in a tyranny.

Dracula the Un-Dead

Bloody book trailer of the day: Dracula the Un-Dead by Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt (Dutto). Stoker is the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker; the book is based on plot threads and characters from Stoker's notes compiled while he researched and wrote Dracula.

from Shelf Awareness. The book is on order here at the L.W. Nixon Library.

LexisNexis providing free Lexis One

From the listserv:

"I just found out about a new source that Lexis-Nexis has just recently placed online.
Lexis One, Lexis-Nexis has a stripped-down free site, available for the public, this case law is available all States (including Kansas), Federal jurisdictions for the last ten years, as well as all United States Supreme Court cases. The address is: : http://law.lexisnexis.com/webcenters/lexisone/



"I did a basic search and it came up with some really good case law for Kansas as recent as 2009. While it is scaled down, it could still benefit our patrons.



Hope this helps you all!



Melany Wilks

Pioneer Memorial Library

Colby KS 67701"

Thanks, Melany!

Free - Smithsonian Education Online Conference on Climate Change

LearningTimes is very pleased to invite you to another unique online
conference sponsored by the Smithsonian.

The "Smithsonian Education Online Conference on Climate Change" is
three-day, free, education online conference taking place September 29
through October 1, 2009. Register now at:

http://www.SmithsonianEducation.org/Climate

"Climate Change" sessions will be of special interest to educators,
entire classrooms of engaged students, and to the general public.
Throughout the conference, participants will explore Smithsonian
research and collections related to the evidence, impact, and response
to climate change. Alongside Smithsonian scientists and curators, you
will look at the issues surrounding climate change from the
perspectives of science, history, and art.

The conference will show the depth of research that the Smithsonian can
bring to a current problem. Smithsonian scientists and other experts
will lead participants in explorations of Smithsonian research on this
important issue via live interactive presentations, moderated forums
and demonstrations.

All of the conference sessions will be recorded for later viewing via
the Web at: http://www.SmithsonianEducation.org/climate

Among the many presenters are:

* Bert Drake, senior scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental
Research Center, who leads two major studies of the impact of
atmospheric carbon dioxide on ecosystems
* Scott Wing, paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History,
who specializes in prehistoric plant life and its reactions to climate
change
* Charles Duncan, collections specialist at the Archives of American
Art, who will explore the intersections of art, communications, and
ecology.
*Tricia Edwards, educator at the Lemelson Center at the National Museum
of American History, who will focus on the work of young inventors
concerned with sustainability issues.

Registration is open to everyone at:

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/climate

which also features a blog about climate change and an archive of the
first online conference, "Abraham Lincoln," which attracted more than
3,000 participants on six continents.

Please write to si@learningtimes.net with any questions.

Warm regards,

John Walber

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

From the State Library of Kansas:

This week's Kansas Government Information (KGI) blog celebrates the
peoples who call themselves Hispanic Americans. Resources are provided
on Hispanics in the U.S. and Kansas as well as a link to a display to
celebrate the month constructed by Kansas library volunteers in the
virtual world, Second Life.

You can check out the blog at: http://ksdocs.blogspot.com/

Bill Sowers



Bill Sowers
Kansas Publications & Cataloging
State Library of Kansas
300 SW 10th, Room 343-N
Topeka, KS 66612
ksdocs@kslib.info
785-296-3296

Thanks, Bill!

Sunflower State Book Festival

October 10, 2009

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Osborne High School Gymnasium

200 block of West Washington St.

Admission Free & Door Prizes

Lunch served on site

The inaugural Don Coldsmith Award will be given to Dr. Jim Hoy

for his lifetime writing achievements promoting Kansas.

The Osborne Public Library will be hosting an open house for Dr. Hoy

October 9, 2009

4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information contact

Von Rothenberger vonr5@ruraltel.net

Or visit the website

www.sunflowerbookfest.com

Proud Sponsors are:

Kansas Humanities Council

Kansas Center for the Book

Central Kansas Library System

Northern Kansas Association

Osborne Public Library

Downs Carnegie Library

Farmers Bank of Osborne

State Bank of Downs