New Films in our collection

Butler Students, Staff, and Faculty:

These new titles are available through our private consortium with the South East Kansas Academic Librarians Council. They're housed at Allen County Community College, so please give us a couple of days to retrieve them for you:


ART DECO. 2001. DVD. 29 min.
This program presents the lively history of the Art Deco style. With no funder, philosophy, or manifesto, its popularity has endured - and from the Coca Cola bottle to the London Underground's typeface, its legacy is still visible today.
SEK 709.040 Ar75 2001

AUDITIONING FOR THE ACTOR. 1989. VHS. 45 min.
Provides a comprehensive, businesslike approach to building a successful, repeatable audition process. Host William Anton discusses developing a positive and consistent auditioning process, recognizing uncontrollable components, and taking charge of all elements that can be controlled. Reviews material selection, pre-audition skills and strategies, and the audition event. Critiques 2 auditions.
SEK 792.028 Au25 1989

BEHIND THE MASK OF SANITY: PSYCOPATHY. 2003. VHS. 50 min.
Specialists in the field of psychopathy, forensic psychiatry, and behavior neuroscience analyze the difference between psychopathic killers and psychotic killers. They consider if neurological and physiological abnormalities in the brain account for psychopathetic behavior.
SEK 364.019 M379 2003

E-COMMERCE IN BUSINESS. 2004. DVD. 30 min.
This behind-the-scenes look at IT in action showcases three exciting e-commerce initiatives. By analyzing the growth, revenue, and future of MP3's Web site, visiting Ford's online "showroom", and showcasing the customer benefits of Coronet--Fashion at Work's online planning system, this program presents compelling case studies of the Internet's use to capture and exploit new markets.
SEK 658.0522 Ec73 2004

EMERGING VIRUSES. 2004. DVD. 50 min.
Scientists have identified over 200 viruses, and an estimated 1,000 more may lurk undiscovered throughout the world. This program examines current scientific research on emerging viruses. Live-action microscopy shows the impact of the HIV virus on the human immune system. Sophisticated animation depicting viral life cycles reinforces the concept that the best defense against dangerous viruses may well be a more complete understanding of how they work.
SEK 576.64 Em32 2004

HEARING (HUMAN SENSES SERIES). 2005. DVD. 30 min.
Deconstructs the emotional effects evoked by music and other sounds; experiments show that our sense of hearing is constantly alert even while asleep; explains why deep voices are attractive to the opposite sex. Shows that humans have certain automatic responses to rhythmic sounds because many of our basic body processes work to a beat.
SEK 573.89 H351 2005

THE HISTORY OF COMPUTERS. 2004. DVD. 26 min.
This program traces the course of technological innovations leading up to today's computers, from Charles Babbage and his analytical engine of the 1860's to the latest laptops.
SEK 004.09 H629 2004

HITCH: ALFRED THE GREAT THE GENIUS OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK. 2004. DVD. 51 min.
Presents an examination of the life and works of Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, whose career spanned over 60 years. It features extensive film clips, interviews, commentary, and previously unavailable materials, including outtakes, filmed auditions, and Hitchcock's own home movies.
SEK 791.43023 H631 2004

LEARN CHEMISTRY I. 2004. DVD. 78 min.
Covers the basics of chemistry such as: states of matter, physical properties of matter, chemical properties of matter, atoms, compounds, the periodic table and much more.
SEK 540 L479 2004

THE MAGIC OF CELLS. 2004. DVD. 20 min.
Discover the magic of cells. Using live action video and sensational computer animation, this video introduces the viewer to the amazing world of the cell.
SEK 571.6 M272 2004

MEN: THE KILLER SEX. 2002. DVD. 50 min.
This program discusses the biochemistry of why men kill, as well as protocols such as chemical and physical castration. The cases of Jason Harper and Dion Sanders are explored.
SEK 364.019 M52 2002.

MICROSOFT vs. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. 2003. DVD. 18 min.
In this program Bill Gates, Paul [i.e. Steve] Ballmer and other Microsoft executives square off against their opponents including Netscape CEO Jim Barksdale and Asst. Attorney General Joel Klein to discuss the allegations that Microsoft has made predatory use of its monopoly power to stifle its competition. Microsoft's integration of it's Web browser, Internet Explorer, into Window's core code, makes the choice of competitive programs difficult. There is also a growing concern that by manufacturing Internet Explorer with pre-selected Microsoft-centric hyperlinks, Microsoft will become the de facto keeper of the gateway to cyberspace.
SEK 338.47 M583 2003

THREADS OF LIFE: THE POWER OF GENES. 2002. DVD. 59 min.
Drawing from an array of examples, this program uses graphics and metaphors to bring home the power of a set of chemical instructions called genes.
SEK 616.042 T413 2002

TRIAL AND ERROR: THE RISE AND FALL OF GENE THERAPY. 2005. DVD. 50 min.
It was the simplest idea but one with enormous potential. If a gene is defective in the human body, just replace it with one that works properly. Gene therapy would mean that genetic disorders would become a thing of the past. Cancer would be cured, as would cystic fibrosis and hundreds of other genetic illnesses. Scientists were justifiably excited about the idea but, this enthusiasm that would end up costing one young man his life
SEK 616.042 T73 2005

VISION (HUMAN SENSES SERIES). 2005. DVD. 30 min.
Argues that the human visual system is skillful at some things, but that we miss a lot of what is going on around us. Discussion focuses on the brain's processing of images, as well as the coordination of our sense of vision with our bodies.
SEK 573.88 V825 2005

If you have other films to suggest to the consortium, we meet monthly through the school year to select titles, and would be happy to consider yours. Please let me know.

Micaela

Congratulations - Library Open House Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the door prizes at the library open house at the L.W. Nixon Library of Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, last week!

Books:

Chris Allen
Briony Barnes
Emily Morgan
Jaime Grits
Melissa Killough
Bill Rinkenbaugh
Jay Lindal
Tanya Hoag
dona Larimer
Emily Martin
Lou Clennan
Marilyn Mahan
Teresa Baumgartner

Butler Pom Poms
R.E. Williams

InaYasha T-shirt
Daniel Pewewardy

Butler Sweatshirt
Don Rommelfanger

Ceramic Jug
Brianna Holloway

IPOD Shuffle (for those who took the tour)
Jerry Clothier

Please pick up your gifts or contact the library for delivery this week (316) 322-3234.

We thank all of you who attended the event, with a
special thanks for those who helped us out in any way.

Micaela Ayers, Director of Library Services

Invitation to a party...

You’re invited! We're hosting an Open House at the L.W. Nixon Library to celebrate our renovated and redesigned college library at Butler Community College.

Come and go from 8 am - 9 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, September 13th and 14th, 2005

Refreshments at all times

***

Prizes, food, music, art, books and authors! Life doesn't get any
better than this - unless it's all together in one place. That will
happen in the L.W. Nixon Library during our Open House, celebrating the new school year and recognizing the work done by the staff to upgrade the facility this past year. Since January, we have re-carpeted, painted, and reorganized the library, and re-shelved thousands of books and materials. You are invited!

We've planned two days of events Tuesday, September 13,
and Wednesday, September 14, 2005, so you can come when you can, leave when you must. Events each day include hourly tours; musical performances by faculty and friends; and 7 pm showings of movie selections from the two library DVD collections of musicals, and of early world cinema (funded from a 2005 ILDP grant) . On display will be new books and photographs of the library's changing style during its history in 1928, 1941 and 1986. Enjoy refreshments, a noontime demonstration of the library databases, and a drawing for prizes for those who take a library tour.

Dr. Jackie Vietti, President of Butler, and Micaela Ayers, Directory of
Library Services, will preside over the dedication of the renovated and redesigned facility at 4 pm Tuesday, September 13. Former director, Brian Beattie, and Dean of Academic support services, Kaye Meyers, will both speak.

At 10 am Tuesday, we will dedicate new art for the folk arts collection. At 4 pm Wednesday, September 14, an Authors' Forum will occur.

New Art Donated

The collection is growing! The Folk Arts collection of the L.W. Nixon
Library, Butler Community College, is pleased to announce the donation of 5 paintings by Kansas folk-artist Warren "Homer" Chambers. Join the campus and library in a musical reception and celebration of the gift at 10 am, September 14, 2005.

The collection is a memorial to Marianne Koke, former Butler
instructor, who with her husband Don, owned and performed in the Iron Horse Concert Hall in The Music Emporium. Marianne died in 1996. Don Koke and musical colleague Teresa Bachman will perform folk art music at the reception.

Author's Forum

What does it feel like to get your name in print? How do you find a
publisher? What's the future of books, magazines, and libraries? Join poet John Jenkinson, scientist Bill Langley, and author Peter De
Vries for an Authors' Forum and book signing 4 pm, September 14, to explore publishing and printing.

All three of the authors at the forum are Butler faculty. Dr. John Jenkinson, a Butler English teacher, is a prize winning poet whose major volume of poetry is being published this fall. Dr. Bill Langley is a biology teacher at Butler with publications in the scientific world. Longtime lover of mythology and fantasy fiction, Peter DeVries writes daily and teaches English courses for high school and Butler college students at Andover. He recently published "Wistrix Donn" and is currently at work on a fantasy novel with the working title "Blood of Gods."

EVENTS

4 pm Tuesday, Dedication and Reception

10 am Wednesday, Don Koke & Teresa Backman, perform Live folk music celebrating books, art and life

4pm Wednesday, Authors’ Forum

7pm Tuesday and Wednesday: Film selections

Directions:

http://www.butlercc.edu/index_parts/campusmap.pdf

Library is on the Butler Community College Campus, 901 S. Haverhill Road in El Dorado. Park at the main parking lot on the east side of campus, and walk in past the flag pole. The library is on the second floor Elevator is available at the rear of the building.

For more information, contact me. See you soon!

Micaela
316-322-3234

Mac envy

I don't know what I did to deserve this.

The new Mac mini ad came to me via email today.

"Live the digital life in stylish simplicity. Just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches tall, Mac mini provides what you need to have more fun with your music, photos and movies — right out of the box. Mac mini now boasts 512MB memory as well as models with built-in wireless and SuperDrive. The most affordable Mac ever still starts at $499."

They say. I drool.

Oh, well, technology is ever changing, ever the same. Always something better coming along.

Have a good school year, everyone. If you buy one of these, let me know how you like it.

Still singing,

Micaela

Feel-good Librarian

From a recent post to the Feel-good Librarian comes this story...

What Books Do


Here is the text of an e reference query we received recently:

“I am not a fan of poetry - never have been, never will be. However, my 37 year old daughter has a MLS degree and is well read; she is on her deathbed with cancer. She can no longer read, but I would like to read her poetry or short stories for a few minutes each day. Can you recommend a book I might use? Thanks.”

Oh. Oh, dear.

I don’t know about you, but I felt inadequate to answer this question alone. Choosing words for someone else to go out of the world on seems a serious assignment to me, especially if you don’t know them. I asked my coworkers for their recommendations, then I called the man, since he had included his phone number.

“Sir? This is the public library calling. You emailed us for recommendations about what to read to your daughter.”

“Oh, yes,” he said. “I’m glad for your help. It’s….difficult to think at a time like this, and our tastes are so different.”

“I am so sorry, sir. Our staff who have been coming up with suggestions all have you and your daughter in our thoughts.”

“Thank you. I….appreciate that.” He cleared his throat.

I asked if his daughter liked nature (thinking Robert Frost, Walt Whitman), plots about people, maybe with a twist? (O.Henry), or animals (James Herriot).

“My daughter really loves animals,” he said. “I think she would enjoy stories with animals, as long as they are short.”

Aha. “James Herriot’s stories are about a country veterinarian in England. They are short and humorous, and really show the animals’ personalities, as well as their owners.”

He sounded relieved. “Oh, thank you, so much. That sounds like something she would really enjoy. It will be a pleasure to read them to her.”

I told him I’d gather the titles for him and put them at the checkout desk so he could pick them up when it was convenient for him.

“I’m sure I’ll be down tomorrow during my lunch hour. I read to her in the evenings, after work.”

The thought was wrenching for me, just as an observer. To work all day, knowing you would be going to your daughter’s bedside as she faded from life….

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

Deep breath. “Bless you, sir.”

He hesitated. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Why books, why read? Because books are a refuge when life hurts. They make us laugh, they make us cry, they give us a break from the pain and they give us hope.

Even on our deathbeds.

Perhaps, especially there.

August 3, 2005


Whew. and amen.

Micaela

Faculty and the New York Times

This just in from an e-mail from The League for Innovation:

The League for Innovation has recently partnered with The New York Times to offer League Alliance Members an opportunity to enhance curriculum and improve teaching and learning in the classroom.

The New York Times Is a Valuable Curriculum Enhancement
The New York Times has been valued by faculty for more than 70 years. Faculty recognize The New York Times as a valuable addition that supports course curriculum. Described as a “living textbook, The Times serves the critical role of helping connect classroom concept to everyday life. Once students understand the everyday relevance of their studies, it adds a new dimension to the overall learning experience. In addition, a daily habit of reading The Times supports critical thinking and good citizenship. There are even some faculty who have found The New York Times to be comprehensive enough to serve as the sole textbook for their course!

In addition to the daily newspaper, The New York Times college website, www.nytimes.com/college, provides additional resources to enhance curriculum. Faculty can find teaching strategies and methodologies, as well as discipline-specific curriculum resources to help them successfully incorporate The Times into the curriculum. The Times is used by faculty across the curriculum, including English, Political Science, Business, History, Communications, First Year Seminar and Honors Courses, just to name a few.

The New York Times Provides Unique Resources for Faculty and Students
There are thousands of faculty representing various academic disciplines that have enhanced their course by incorporating The New York Times into their curriculum. At The Times college website, www.nytimes.com/college, faculty can take advantage of the many available resources designed to help them make effective use of the Times. For example, faculty can sign up to receive daily email alerts from the unique New York Times taxonomy search option, allowing them to select from 180 different academic subjects. When an article relevant to a selected topic appears in the newspaper, an email alert will be sent linking to that article.

In addition, links to other articles related to the selected topic may be provided. In many instances these links might normally require a fee to access from The Times archives but will be available at no charge for faculty. This unique program allows faculty to be prepared to reference relevant news stories in class.

The Times invites faculty to explore the teaching strategies, methodologies, projects and perspectives from colleagues nationwide that are posted on the site. Also available is The Times “Newsroom Navigator,” where students and faculty can research and access information on the internet, like The Times journalists do. All of this is available for free to support the use of The New York Times across the curriculum.

For more information and any costs, contact me and I'll forward the offer. --Micaela

Google and copywritten books

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/08/making-books-easier-to-find.html