Dave Brubeck at Ripon College 1959

Dave Brubeck 1920-2012

On February 4^th, 1959, David Brubeck and his fellow quartet members, Paul Desmond, Joe Morello and Gene Wright played the first jazz concert at Ripon College to a capacity plus crowd of over 675.  The quartet started the night with W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” and in the first set played several selections reflecting on their travels to Eurasia and Germany.  The group had spent part of 1958 traveling on behalf of the State Department on a good will trip to Afghanistan and other Eurasian countries. The second set focused on improvisations with noted a noted saxophone solo from Paul Desmond and drum solo from Joe Morello.

                                                      Brubeck signing autographs

                                                   Brubeck, Unknown, and Morello at dinner

Happy Halloween!!

Need a good, scary movie for the occasion?  Stop by Lane Library and get something really frightening!  We have modern classics, thrillers, suspense, supernatural, and super campy.  All are available in the video section of the main floor in Lane Library.

Let the Right One In - Scandinavian vampire, note: she doesn't glitter and she is spooky

The Orphanage - Spanish suspense/horror film

Ringu - Often named as one of the only *truly* scary movies

Or maybe you don't want something too scary, but still fantasy/dark, watch Pan's Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro

The Devil's Backbone - horror/drama (also by Guillermo del Toro)



Gozu - a Japanese horror movie described as "sick" "twisted" "psychosexual" and "surreal" on RottenTomatoes



Lastly, for a cult-classic campy horror movie, watch Dead Alive - one of Peter Jackson's (who directed The Lord of the Rings films) first movies.  Gorey, funny, ridiculous, fantastic.  Not actually scary unless you fear New Zealanders.


These are just a sampling of what we have, stop by and browse the videos to see more.  Of course, there are always lots of good, spooky books in the library too!

Lane Library celebrates the freedom to read! (by guest poster, Emelia Erickson)

Ripon College recently joined the fight for the freedom to read in the 2012 Virtual Read-Out hosted by the American Library Association during Banned Books Week, September 30^th to October 6^th.

15 members of the Ripon College Community, students and staff participated in making a video for the Virtual Read-Out. Each read a section of a banned or challenged book found on the shelves of Lane Library. The video was submitted as part of a nationwide event to spread awareness about Banned Books Week and speak out against censorship.

The issue that I wanted to capture with this event was that the books that are being banned or challenged are books that we love. While, to a certain extent, banning a book increases its popularity or infamousness, the act is a slap in the face to the fact that we should be able to decide what books we can read for ourselves. In the library the day of the event, there was an entire cart of banned books, and the best part was that I saw people struggling to choose just one book.

Leading up to the event, I talked to many people who were almost as excited as I was that Ripon was hosting such an event. Several professors voiced their support, and told me how glad they were that this had come to Ripon. Many classes here read texts that have been banned at some point, somewhere in the world.

Here in the U.S., most books are banned in K-12 schools because parents raise concerns about their content. But there are still some countries that have governmental bans on books. Some of the students I talked to about Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” being banned thought that maybe Germany is right to ban it. But who decides what criteria should be banned? And for whom should it be banned? As you’ll see in the video, Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham” was banned in China.

Censorship is nothing more than trying to force your views on others, by restricting the information they have access to. I’m grateful that Ripon College has shown such strong support for the freedom to read, and that as a school, we support access to all knowledge.

For more information, visit www.ala.org and view Advocacy, Legislation, and Issues. 

-Emelia Erickson

Lane Library display assistant and BBW video director

@nfl #packers #scabs #paytherefs

The big news this morning is the absolutely terrible call made last night in favor of the Seahawks.  This is the image that best sums up the situation:

Photo courtesy of Rachel Nichols twitter feed, @Rachel_Nichols

At the heart of the matter is the fact that these referees are not as well trained as the refs who should have been on the field last night.  Those refs are currently on strike due to contract disagreements. People who take jobs from striking workers are called "scabs" - and this word is supposed to bring out all the negative connotation you can imagine.  Those two in the picture are scabs, doing their job badly.

Scabs have a long and colorful history in our country. One of the most infamous incidents is called the Haymarket Riot.  After a prolonged and bitter strike where the scabs were given the working conditions that the union had demanded, some union members had attacked scabs and the police ended up killing two men and wounding many others.  On May 4th, 1886, what was supposed to be a peaceful gathering ended up killing seven police officers, four men, and countless wounded.  May Day is now used as a commemoration of this.

Image taken from PBS's History of US:   http://www.pbs.org/wnet/historyofus/web09/features/see_it_now/1880.0093.html

Read a first person account of the Haymarket Riot from an eyewitness
Read a first person account of the Haymarket Riot from a police officer, titled "Anarchists were flying everywhere"

For more information on the history of unions, striking, and scabs, Lane Library has tons of books, here are just a few:

                    

Here are more books on the history of the labor movement available at Lane Library

Thanks to PBS for information on the Haymarket Riot

#yougetwhatyoupayfor

Traveling the globe via postcards

Our main job here at Lane Library is to help our students get the most out of college, usually that means helping out with research.  One thing that is so particular and important to the college experience is the opportunity to travel abroad.  It is truly a priceless experience in every respect and we want to encourage everyone to take this rare opportunity!  

It is in the spirit of encouraging our students to travel that we joined up with Postcrossing.com. For every card we send out telling people all about Ripon, Wisconsin, we receive one in return from a randomly chosen location across the globe.  So far we have received 7 from across Europe and Asia.  All of the postcards we get are hanging in the copier room at the library next to a map with numbered pins in the area the card is from.  Here are digital images of the postcards we've received so far:  

The first one we got was from a teacher, Inna, in the Ukraine 

From Vatsala in Pune, India celebrating her country's badminton bronze medal winner in this year's Olymipcs

A beautiful seascape from Tatyana, in Tomsk, Russia

From Matylda in Bialystok, Poland, one of Poland's largest cities with 3 major universities

From Verna in Hong Kong, who wrote all about the amazing food in her city (as if we need ANOTHER reason to go!)

From Xu in China, who wrote "Welcome to China" on the back in Chinese (thank you to Ray, our circ worker for helping with the translation)

From Winni in Funkstadt-Nauen, Germany, home of Deutsche Welle and Radio Berlin

We love getting postcards from around the world and look forward to building quite a collection.  Next time you are printing something out, take a moment to flip through the cards and check out the map.  If you are interested in learning more about Postcrossing, visit Postcrossing.com.  Happy Postcrossing, Lane Library!

Last day of summer

There has been so much activity here at the library with the renovations that we aren't sure where the summer went.  If you have not been following us on Facebook, we had the red-orange carpet removed from 3A, got lots of new chairs and tables, removed carpet from walls (yes, you read that right), got new paint, and new computer set ups.  I would say we're "leaner and meaner," but "more inviting" and "cozier" is a much more accurate way to phrase it. (see pics below)


Just a few of our improvements include:

• No more waiting to print a document!  Students will now be able to use a "Quick Print" station.  Basically, this is two computers whose only function is to open files and send to the printer.  

• The South Reading Room has popular magazines and newspapers, and lots of comfy furniture to study, read, work, and socialize.

• The North Reading Room has all new wooden chairs and tables for group work or if you need a lot of surface area for your stuff.  

• The Information Commons now has secluded cozy spots, comfortable people-watching seating by windows, lots of group work space, three movable white boards, and plenty of computers.

North Reading Room (before) - note the plastic chairs and veneer tables

North Reading Room (after) with hard wood tables and chairs

South Reading Room (before)

South Reading Room (after) with comfortable furniture and newspapers

Looking into the North Reading Room from the Circ Desk before renovation

After renovation - so much brighter and more open!  Did you notice the new wall paint and decoration, too?

We are so happy with the new interior.  I know the library will be used much more this year due to how elegant and comfortable it has been made - the library is exponentially more inviting.  I can't wait to hear the returning students' reactions (and am keeping a running list of quotes).  We'd like to thank those who have generously given to make this possible - from the librarians, student workers, and patrons, thank you!

De-stress from finals at the Library

Get your mind off of finals and get crafty at the library!  Using repurposed library materials, you can make all kinds of objects.  See our Pinterest page for some ideas.

Get started on Mother's Day by hand-making a card:

Any mom would be happy to get one of these cards

Color in a historical picture from the college archives:

Yes, yes that is the Women's Rifle Team

Or make something of your own design:

King of Lane Library, benevolent, but stern.

All supplies are located in the South Reading Room, along with directions.  There is a shelf you can store works in progress and another to donate your work to the library.  If you have any other ideas for crafting or finals week de-stressers, please post to our comments.  

-Kate

Guest post from Rachel Wedeward, Bernice Wells Carlson Intern 2011-12

I applied for the Bernice Wells Carlson in hopes of seeing what working in a library would be like. Even from my interview with Carl, I knew I would enjoy working here at Lane Library. I have been interested in working in a library as far back as junior or senior year of high school. However, opportunities for library positions in my hometown of Madison were always taken right away. 

My luck changed in April 2011, when I was awarded the Bernice Wells Carlson award at the annual Awards Convocation. The Bernice Wells Carlson award is a yearlong paid internship shadowing librarians in their respective departments.  For example, when I worked in the archives department, I researched what Ripon College was like during the Cold War and made a display in West Hall. Also, when I worked in government documents, I created an interactive pathfinder, a list of resources for students to go to, that would help students find government documents. 

Along the way, I saw what I liked and didn’t like about working in a library; however, I can definitely say I have NEVER had a bad day working here. I think a lot of it has to do with the many bosses I’ve had. I see their passion and excitement for their jobs and for helping students, and it only makes me want to be a librarian, just that much more. What I thought was going to be a silly campus job, with some sort of possibility of seeing if librarianship was right for me, turned into something that I plan on pursuing as a lifelong career. I always wanted a career where I was helping others, benefitting them in some way, and librarianship offers that. 

As a result of this internship, I was awarded the Wisconsin Association of Academic Libraries (WAAL) scholarship to attend their annual conference. Despite being the only undergraduate there, it was a wonderful opportunity to network and meet other librarians across Wisconsin. 

It saddens me to be ending my time as the Bernice Wells Carlson intern, but I’ve learned so much, and hope others even slightly interested in librarianship will take this golden opportunity.   

Equal Pay in Wisconsin

In honor of Equal Pay Day, here's a guide to research tools for locating information on the status of equal pay in Wisconsin.

Finding Legislative Information

Two weeks ago, Governor Walker signed a bill to repeal Wisconsin’s 2009 Equal Pay Enforcement Act, which provided a means for awarding compensatory and punitive damages (in addition to back pay) to employment discrimination victims. The full text of both the repeal and the 2009 Act are available in Wisconsin Legislative Documents, along with related information such as fiscal estimates and voting records.

Finding Income Data

The graph below uses data from the 2010 American Community Survey, which is available in American FactFinder, an online tool for browsing data collected by the Census Bureau. Click on the graph for a bigger version.

From the Displays- Dating Advice from the 1950s

Suzanne Gould Emerson's book, "Off to College", published in 1949, outlines some tips for success for the girl heading to college. One section in particular caught my eye - "Those Men You'll Date" - in which Emerson describes a few stereotypical categories of college men of the day, most of which remain fairly accurate today, at least from this college female's point of view.  Here are some highlights from the chapter (p. 66-73):

After a year or two of college, men are more suave and polished than they were in high school.  There are, of course, some who will never grow up. ... The college men described are much like caricatures - the prominent features of each type are emphasized.  You will meet these types, you will meet combinations of them, and you will meet some types for which no one can prepare you.

Mr. Rah! Rah! College!

He throws himself into everything that is collegiate.  He dresses the part, wears the loudest argyle socks ever made, follows every male fad, and goes to extremes.  He yells the loudest at football games.  You can get pretty tired of keeping up with him.

Mr. Aw... I'd Rather Stay Home

He is the bashful type.  He only dates under pressure.  His manners are often faultless and he is extremely considerate.  He is the kind of man who will amaze you because there is so much to him.  He is smart ,kind, and really a good "guy".  If you want to see him again, be as nice as you can to him and put him at ease. 

Mr. Muscles

He is so proud of his athletic prowess!  He is attractive and apt to be fun, but you had better be interested in football, tennis, basketball, and so on.  You probably won't be with the big hero more than a few hours a week.  With practice and all, he just doesn't have the time.  Be feminine, but be prepared to walk faster, run faster, play a speedy game of golf, and sit on the sidelines alone.

Mr Student

He is a hard nut to crack.  Mr. Student never seems to forget school.  You will learn much from his association, but you will rarely hear that you look nice, or will you be able to enjoy a light-hearted conversation with him.  Never make fun of a man because he works seriously and pays little attention to you. You may have to wait a long time between dates, but you will find it refreshing when you are with him.

Mr. I Had a Nice Time, But...

He is the man who is perfectly charming, fun to be with, seems easy to please; in fact, you both have a wonderful time on your first date.  He says he will call you but he doesn't.  There is nothing wrong except that he fails to ask you for another date.  There are many college men like this.  Maybe they are afraid of falling for a girl, maybe they are bashful, or maybe they just do not like a second date with the same girl.

Mr. Hard to Get

He is a close cousin of Mr. "I Had a Nice Time But...".  He may call you a second, third, or even fourth time, but no matter how well you two get along, he seems to lack interest in you.  He is hard to explain, and all you can do is knock him over by making yourself especially attractive to him.  Use all the tricks you know.

Mr. In-Between

Here is the one who attracts everybody's interest.  He is the kind that is fun, yet serious minded.  He likes campus affairs, knows what's going on, but doesn't get carried away by the collegiate life.  He has nice manners, but not too sickly sweet.  He is smart and a student, but does not give you a guilty conscience if you aren't an excellent student.  He is fun no matter what you do and is liked by your friends, by men, and by older people.  He is really tops and if you find him, hold on.  You will have to be pretty wonderful yourself to do it, but you can if you try. 

   

 One last note - Find more dating tips from the 1950's and a lovely instructional video featuring "Nick" and "Jeff" (pictured above) at:
 http://artofmanliness.com/2008/10/29/throwback-thursday-dating-tips-from-1950/

 

Book sale, guest author, Friends meeting, 2012!

Next week (April 10th through 15th) there will be a lot of commotion over at the library and we hope you'll be part!  Our book sale begins on Tuesday the 10th and will go through the weekend.  On Friday the 13th we have our Friends of Lane Library meeting (6:30) with guest author, David Rhodes (7:00).

Mr. Rhodes published three novels in the early seventies to great acclaim.  After a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed he stopped publishing, to the dismay of reviewers and readers alike, for three decades.  In 2008, his most recent work, Driftless was published and earned him very high reviews from all areas of the literary world. Alan Cheuse of the Chicago Tribune said, ""Driftless" is the best work of fiction to come out of the Midwest in many years, and it re-creates the human condition as a condition of Wisconsin life."  Driftless, along with his other three novels, are all at Lane Library. Click here to see if they are currently available.

This event is open to the entire community!  

Lane Library Internship

Bernice Wells Carlson Award

This internship opportunity is in honor of Mrs. Bernice Wells Carlson, class of 1932, a strong supporter of Lane Library from 1992 until her death in 2009. She wrote, Working in a college library is a learning as well as earning experience and no student should be denied the opportunity to learn by doing.

Structure of the Award

The recipient of the award will have the opportunity to shadow librarians in their departments and learn about the various facets of library work. He or she will also be invited to attend professional conferences with librarians (students can apply for funding through the Student Activities Office or through the Wisconsin Library Association) and visit libraries at other institutions.

Who is Eligible

Ripon College students, particularly those who are interested in pursuing careers in librarianship, elementary education, or writing.

Amount Awarded

Eight hours work-study per week in the library over the course of an academic year.

Timetable

Applications will be accepted after fall break, and are due April 1. The winner will be announced at the Friends of Lane Library Meeting, 6:30-7PM on April 13th.

To Apply

In five hundred words or fewer, explain why you are interested in a career in libraries. Include any previous library experience you have and, if applicable, what aspect of librarianship you are most interested in. Return to: Andrew Prellwitz via email:prellwitza@ripon.edu. If you have any questions, call (920) 748-8752.
For More information about Ms. Carlson, see Bernice Wells Carlson Papers at USM.

Top six tips for using the new library catalog

Your Account

Logging in to your library account allows you to renew books, place holds, create lists, view your search history, and more. Your account has already been created, so all you need to do is log in with the first part of your Ripon email name (everything before the @ sign) and your email password.

Lists

The list function provides a way to save lists of items for future reference, or to share lists with others. Once you've created a list, you can print, email, or link to it.

Cart

The cart is a similar function to lists.  With the cart, you can collect lists of books and other items to print or email.  The difference between Lists and the Cart is that items in the cart won't be saved in the catalog for future use after you have closed the catalog.

Tags

Tags in the library catalog work just like Twitter hashtags or tags on a blog post. Anyone who is logged in can tag an item, and clicking on a tag brings up a list of everything with that tag.

Virtual Shelf Browser

Academic libraries arrange their bookshelves based on the topic of the book, so browsing the shelf can be a good way to find related items. The library catalog mimics this experience: from the record for an item, click on the “Browse Shelf” link next to the call number to browse a virtual bookshelf.

RSS

If you use an RSS reader, you can subscribe to an RSS feed for any search you run in the catalog. For instance, the “New Books” list on the main page of the catalog pulls from an RSS feed based on a search for all books. You could do something similar to track new films, or new books on a particular subject. 

Have questions or suggestions about the new catalog? Leave a comment below, or email library AT ripon.edu.

SOPA and PIPA: the bills behind Wikipedia's blackout

If you were planning to use Wikipedia to get a head start on this semester’s papers, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. The crowd-sourced encyclopedia is staging a 24-hour blackout to protest SOPA and PIPA (the House’s Stop Online Piracy Act and the Senate’s Protect Intellectual Property Act). Wikipedia, Google, and other tech giants opposing the bill claim that it would hinder innovation and infringe on freedom of speech. According to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, whose California district includes much of Silicon Valley, SOPA “would mean the end of the internet as we know it.”

Meanwhile, major media companies, including the Motion Picture Association of America and several record labels, support the bills' efforts to curb the theft of U.S. intellectual property. Rupert Murdoch characterized opponents of SOPA and PIPA as “Silicon valley paymasters who threaten all software creators with piracy, plain thievery.”

One way to see past the hyperbole is to read the text of the bills themselves. Using THOMAS, a database from the Library of Congress, you can find the full text of a bill, along with summaries, revisions, amendments, CBO cost estimates, and a list of sponsors; you can also track the bill’s progress through the legislative process. Search for the bills by number or name (not abbreviation), or follow these links:

• Stop Online Piracy Act
• Protect Intellectual Property Act

THOMAS contains summaries of bills from 1973 through the current Congress, and the full text of bills from 1989 through the current Congress. For earlier years, print copies of many bills are available through Lane Library’s government documents collection.

RC Archives: Student worker position available

Assembling the Ripon College Crimson [ca. 1940] (Ann Ewing Collection)

 Interested in working in the Ripon College Archives during the Spring 2012 semester?
Fill out an application [ http://www.ripon.edu/library/about/studentemployment.html ] and return it to Andrew Prellwitz by January 20th.  (For current Ripon College students only.)