LSA News

No. 65, May, 2005

If you have anything you want in the next newsletter, send it to lsaweb@lists.uoregon.edu .

Winged Migration: Birds of the Sagebrush Sea

story and photos by Jennifer Rowan

Buena Vista Overlook on the Refuge

Two years ago, my husband and I took a driving tour through Eastern Oregon and visited the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in the extreme southeast corner of the state. It was the last week of June, and we were alarmed to find that we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes in the campground before we had even finished setting up our tent. It was an excruciatingly long evening of hiding out in the car then making a mad dash for tent cover before too much blood was drawn. Nighthawks and swallows swooped and circled in a feeding frenzy from their mud-daub nests high on the canyon walls. That night, a pair of owls softly called to each other from their perches in the juniper tree over our heads, and coyotes yipped and howled in the near distance. The next night, we escaped the immediate reach of the Malheur mosquitoes by moving into a cabin at the Malheur Field Station at the north end of the refuge.

Malheur Field Station at Coyote Butte

Field station lodgings are rustic and dormlike, and we were the only visitors in the place. California quail postured on fence posts and barked with self-importance. The lawns and gravel parking lot were trafficked by loping jack rabbits, and a pair of robins made frequent returns to a nest built under the eves by the door. To the southeast, one's gaze is arrested by the abrupt rise of Steens Mountain, hovering on the horizon like a phantom. We were enchanted.

Steens Mountain is the product of subterranean pressures that forced its eastern edge upward along a fault line and created a 30-mile-long fault-block mountain. On the east, it projects one vertical mile above the Alvord desert and creates its own micro-climate. The west slope of the mountain attracts and amasses cloud-cover to receive about 25 inches of rain annually. On the more arid east side, annual rainfall averages less than six inches. Snowmelt on the west side combined with the Blitzen river and its tributaries supply water to the grasslands and grazing lands of the Great Basin. In the spring, the fields below Burns are a floodplain, attracting migrating waterfowl, warblers, raptors, marsh and shore birds and, of course, birdwatchers.

(story continued)

Book Arts Take Center Stage

photos by Jennifer Rowan

For those who love books and art, the month of May promises delights galore. "Pushing the Margins: an Exhibition of Northwest Book Arts" is a new exhibit scheduled to open Friday, May 6, 2005 at the White Lotus Gallery in downtown Eugene. The exhibit challenges conventional notions about books and book objects in bringing together a diverse collection of editioned and one-of-a-kind fine press and artists' books by eighteen premier book artists from the Eugene area and around the Pacific Northwest. The result is a dynamic collection of elegant, eloquent and nuanced approaches to this highly original and compelling art form. The exhibit is curated by Jennifer Rowan of the Architecture and Allied Arts Library's Visual Resources Collection, and by Elizabeth Uhlig, Archivist at Lane Community College.

There is a mad fiesta down by the river by Sandy Tilcock (AAA Secure N7433.4T537T44 1988)

"Pushing the Margins" is the first exhibit of its kind in the region and is also the kick-off for a series of book arts-related events scheduled in the Eugene area in May:

On May 21, members of the Emerald Book and Paper Arts Guild will present "Book Works, Book Arts: an Exploration of the Book", a program sponsored and hosted by the Eugene Public Library. Local artisans will present various book art specialties including traditional case binding, conservation and repair assessment, altered books, books from recycled and found materials, paper-making, calligraphy and multicultural book forms. UO Library staff will be well-represented at the event: Marilyn Mohr and Brenna Campbell from the Beach Conservation Lab; Aimee Yogi from Inter-Library Loan, and Jennifer Rowan from A&AA will present various book structures and papermaking methods. The event is free to the public and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bascom-Tykeson Room of the Eugene Public Library.

Then on Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m. Cara List from A&AA will give a talk on "Artists' Books in the Architecture and Allied Arts Library". The event will be held in the Knight Library Browsing Room. Cara will have examples of artists' books from our collections on hand and plans both a lecture and hands-on question-and-answer period. Cara's talk is sponsored by the Library Staff Association's Program Committee.

Ocean Dunes by Jill Timm (AAA Secure N7433.4.T55O23 2003)

Winding up the month of May, the Knight Library of the University of Oregon will sponsor a lecture by Sandra Kroupa, Curator of Book Arts at the University of Washington Library's Special Collections on May 26 at 7 p.m. in the Knight Library Browsing Room. Ms. Kroupa is a recipient of the University of Washington's Distinguished Staff Award; she has spent over thirty years assembling their celebrated collection of more than 11,000 artist books and is regarded as an engaging and eloquent lecturer on the theme of contemporary book arts in the Northwest arts context.

Library patrons and staff can look forward to seeing book arts-related displays to be set up in the A&AA Library and in Knight in the exhibit cases outside the browsing room. The displays will feature artists' books from the Library collection at A&AA as well as books by Margaret Prentice, who teaches printmaking, papermaking and book arts in the UO Department of Art.

Readers asked to vote for Gonzo logo

The Library Staff Association Program Committee received five proposals for a logo for the library's Gonzo Revue, a representation of which will be displayed at this year's Gonzo, as well as those in future years. Please vote for the design that you would like to have adopted as the official Gonzo Revue logo. Only permanent staff members may vote, and may vote only once.

To vote go here.

A "Risa Beauty Day"

by Kaiping Zhang, with photos by Kaiping Zhang & Jeanette Lochbaum

"I am thinking of something like a 'Risa Beauty Day', to take her out for a haircut and makeover," Laura Willey said one day in the staff lounge. It was echoed by several staff members who were having lunch at the same time. Laura asked Risa, and Risa was very excited about it. Saturday, April 30, was the day chosen. Fundraising started, and many people in the library contributed money for this event.

	Risa before her makeover

Early on Saturday morning, Risa and her partner, Pattiebuff, met Laura in the Food Court of Gateway Mall. At nine o'clock when Regis, the beauty salon, opened, they went in. Pattie, Laura, and Lia, the hair stylist, were busy looking at the selections of hairstyles and colors to find one that best matched Risa's hair. At this time Leslie Bennett and Kaiping Zhang came to say hi to Risa, Pattiebuff, and Laura. While waiting Laura got into the mood of coloring her own hair and so the manager, Kim, colored her hair.

Risa and her partner Pattiebuff after the makeover

Leslie went back to the University to begin decorating the Knight staff lounge and preparing for the potluck lunch. The lounge was decorated with sparkling lights. Tables were covered with purple tablecloths and decorated with party favors, tea lights and tulips. People started to pour into the staff lounge, bringing various kinds of food and drinks: Mochiko chicken, wasabi coleslaw, brownies, green salads, wheat bread, sesame crackers, caramel popcorn, Mediterranean (Greek) pasta salads, wild rice and chicken salads, pasta salad, chocolate cookies, Gongbao chicken, veggie and beef pot stickers and fried rice, cranberry juice and wine.

(story continued)

LSA Spring Sale Features Plants

photos by Laura Damiani

The annual Library Staff Association Spring Sale was held on Tuesday, May 3 in the Knight Library Browsing Room. Featured were a large assortment of plants and bulbs from the gardens of Liesl Vorderstrasse, Victoria Mitchell, Marilyn Mohr, Jeanette Lochbaum, and Megan Dazey. Shoppers were seduced by the lovely seed packets of garden favourites like Bachelor Buttons which Liesl had created, complete with color illustrations and growing instructions.

Flower pens by Azle Malinao-Alvarez

Debi Baker's gorgeous knit stoles and amazing "boa" scarves drew many an admiring look. Pam DeLaittre, Stephanie Midkiff, and Sara Brownmiller brought in some delicious baked goods, while Azle Malinao-Alvarez's reusable flower pens added a very springlike touch of colour to the scene. Her magnets were very popular with shoppers!

	Plants galore!

The rummage table was also a big hit, with a variety of offerings including cookware, pottery, a plant stand, jewelry, and videos.

Some people commented on the fact there was no dessert raffle at the Sale. As with so many LSA events, organizers find themselves relying on the same people over and over. If you can donate a home-made dessert to be raffled at the Holiday Sale or next year's Spring Sale, please email Pam DeLaittre, or call her at 6-1826.

The Spring Sale made a total of $231.50, of which LSA made $72.19 between commissions and donations. Eight consigners will receive checks.

Conscience and Dissent in Times of War

By Jon Jablonski

Is starting a story with an apology a cliché, or is it just bad writing? I've been asked to write a story about bringing a particular group of visitors to campus, but the event is not going to happen this year. I have decided to share my experiences with these people anyway for two reasons. First: I have come to admire them as incredibly courageous people whose stories should be spread widely. Second: the story really isn't limited to a single event we are planning or to the particular group of people we are bringing to campus.

Who are these people? I think that they are the most important people in the anti-war movement. Some argue (wrongly, in my opinion) that they are the only people that really deserve to speak out against war. They tell the stories that rarely make it onto the news. These are veterans who say things like "I remember that when a pickup truck got too close to my convoy, the armoured vehicle up front shot the passenger to get the message to the driver. Just as these marines should face charges, then those that put us in these situations should have to answer for their actions."

There have always been veterans and soldiers who speak out against war. Smedley Butler, a widely decorated Marine Corps general, retired to the lecture circuit during the Depression. Publishing his stump speech as the 1935 book, War is a Racket (available via Summit), he insisted that war is waged by the many to profit the few. General Butler's own plan for peace? Begin drafting executives of defense contractors and paying them the wages of conscripts for the duration. Even after his outspoken criticism of the military machine, a World War II destroyer and a current Marine Corps base in Okinawa were named for "Ol' Gimlet Eye" after his death.

(story continued)

Library Staff Association Recruiting for Committee Positions

If you have ideas about things LSA could do in the future, could be doing better now, or is not doing well at all now and never did, this is your chance to contribute to a new and improved LSA by joining one of the seven LSA committees! Committee membership is a great way to meet people from outside your own area of the library, use your skills and talents for the good of the UO Libraries community, or develop new skills and interests.

The LSA mission statement says "LSA promotes communication and a spirit of cooperation and fellowship among all library employees, and offers opportunities for educational and skill development through programs and service on Staff Association committees." In a 2001 memo, University Librarian Deb Carver wrote "I encourage supervisors to promote LSA opportunities, and I urge each individual to consider participating in your Library Staff Association."

But which committee is for you?

If you are the sociable type, you might like Welcome Committee, which welcomes new employees and invites them to join the Library Staff Association as dues-paying members. Ways and Means maintains LSA's budget, conducts an annual dues drive, and organizes fundraisers such as the spring and fall sales. Social Committee plans and organizes the holiday potluck in December and the spring social in May. Program Committee plans programs, including the Gonzo Review, and recruits speakers and performers. House Committee maintains and improves the Knight Library staff lounge, and tries to aid the branches when they have a need for items like microwaves or couches. Publicity is looking for a new person to create flyers and publicity announcements for LSA programs and events. Web/Newsletter welcomes inquiries from interested folks. You can learn more about the committees and their current makeup by visiting the LSA committees page. Please contact the chair of the committee you're interested in to get more information or if you're ready to sign up to make this the best year ever!

Library Staff Association Survey Results: Statistics and Comments

compiled with commentary by Pam DeLaittre

LSA would like to thank the 50 people that completed the LSA survey. The results of the survey are drawn from their replies.

LSA-sponsored events:

SALES:

Spring Sale: 62% of respondents attended it, 48% purchased something at it, and 18% consigned items in it.
Holiday Sale: 68% attended it, 48% purchased something at it, and 18% consigned items.

Of 31 responses to how many sales should LSA hold per annum, more than 70% felt twice a year was best. Several people requested more baked goods.

Comments:
"Is there a way for 'attendees' to provide feedback to 'vendors' regarding what would be desired for purchase?", and "I would like to see more stuff for sale."

Answer: Specific suggestions for things you would like to see sold should be forwarded to Pam DeLaittre (6-1826).

(story continued)

From the Fact File

by TERRY McQUILKIN

Hidden attractions

So you think you've already seen America? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial? Been there. Disneyland? Rapids Water Park? Took the kids. Yellowstone? Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Crater Lake? Yep. Time to take the family to Europe. But wait! There's a trove of lesser-known attractions here in America, from monster melons and Brobdingnagian baseball bats to museums dedicated to just about anything you can think of. Take a tour of the U.S. with us, by reading the ten clues below and giving us the answers.

1. A recently opened museum brought praise from some scholars and disdain from others for its use of high-tech effects designed to make the events surrounding a nineteenth-century president's life better understood by today's visitors. Radio and television would not be invented for many years, but the museum's designers wanted to bring to life the election that brought this man into office, so included in the museum is an exhibit that includes multiple video monitors featuring a TV news program (complete with campaign ads) analyzing the historic election campaign that preceded this person's ascendancy to the presidency.

2. About 15 miles south of Yakima, Washington is a filling station whose design is quite unusual. It was built in 1922 in response to a political scandal, the name of which should provide a hint to the information we're seeking here: Tell us what the building is shaped like.

3. The world's largest baseball bat, which is actually made of steel, is 120 feet tall and weighs some 34 tons. Tell us the name of the city where you'll find this behemoth and the brand name imprinted on it.
4. A visit to this western city quickly reveals the region's mining history: There is a fine mining museum in town, and just outside of town there is a 1,780-foot-deep pit filled with water so acidic that birds landing on the water will die quickly. You'll also find the Dumas — a facility built in 1890 and devoted to a business enterprise nearly as lucrative as the town's mining industry. Amazingly, this enterprise, though illegal, continued until 1982. We're looking for the name of the city and of the "other" commercial activity that made the facility famous.
5. Among the attractions listed on the official web site of this southern city of two and a half thousand people are a Confederate museum, an extreme motocross track, and an indoor rodeo. But surely what will make you want to come to town is the local museum's Britney Spears exhibit, as this town is the birthplace of the pop singer.
6. Albert is purported to be the world's largest bull. He's made of concrete and stands 30 feet tall and weighs some 45 tons. If you press a button he'll even talk to you. We're looking for the name of the Iowa town that Albert calls home.
7. Austin, Minnesota is home to a museum dedicated to a food that played an important role in feeding Allied troops during the second world war, and that found its way into the lunchboxes (and frequently the dinner tables) of countless baby boomers as they were growing up. In the lobby of this 16,500-square-foot museum is a wall made up of 3,390 cans of this product.
8. This small Pennsylvania city is home to the Weller Heath Center, in which youngsters in organized school groups can try out the Impaired Driving Simulator or walk through a 672-square-foot brain. But if you're just visiting, the city offers two attractions you don't want to pass up: The Crayola Factory, where you can get reacquainted with burnt sienna and raw umber, and the nearby Museum of Pez Dispensers, where you can buy Pez phones, Pez mugs, and lots of other Pez collectables.
9. In November, 1874, a patent was granted to Joseph Glidden for a simple but ingenious product that eventually helped reshape the American West, and is still in widespread use today. You can learn more about the history of this product by visiting museums in DeKalb, Illinois, LaCrosse, Kansas, and McLean, Texas. For what invention was Mr. Glidden's patent?
10. Luling, Texas may not be Paris or San Francisco or New York, but it has an attraction of its own: a 154-foot high water tower, which weighs 2101 tons when full, in the shape of a piece of fruit. It claims to be the "world's largest" such fruit. What fruit is it?

After you have completed this puzzle, submit your answers to Fact File. Answers must be received by May 25. The winner will be determined by the number of correct answers; in the event of a tie, a single winner will be selected by lot. The winner will receive a gift certificate worth $5.00 toward purchases at the U.O. Bookstore, courtesy of the Library Staff Association. All staff and faculty of the University of Oregon Libraries are invited to participate, although the winner of the most recent Fact File contest is ineligible to win this contest's prize.

South Falls, Silver Falls State Park
photo by Laura Damiani

Letters to the Editors

The April editions of the LSA News drew a flurry of correspondence.....

I love the Libationary Staff Association newsletter!

I found it very inspiring, and I'm looking forward to doing my mandatory reading & writing book reports while wearing my spiffy new uniform and singing the official library song. Which reminds me, I'm hungry. I insist on Portland becoming an Orbis Cascade drop site immediately, because I don't want my pizza to be a week old when it gets delivered.

Carry on.
Dvora Robinson
Portland Architecture Library

(more letters)

Events of Interest

LSA EVENTS

The May Tea will be held this year on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 in the Browsing Room. Be sure and save the date for this sometimes moving and always festive event! Honorees this year include David Grange, Andrew Howell, and Linda Zimmerman. From 2 to 3 p.m. we'll have a chance to eat cake and ice cream (there will also be healthy alternatives), celebrate, and socialize. Stephanie Midkiff will be providing transportation for former Library employees who need a lift to the Tea. She can be contacted at 541-346-1661 or smidkiff@law.uoregon.edu. If you have questions or would like to help with the May Tea, please contact Raina Smith (6-1837).

NON-LSA EVENTS

Everyone is invited to participate in HIV Alliance's RiverWalk & Run 2005 on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Alton Baker Park. The run begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. (register for the walk by 10:15 a.m.). Runners and walkers will enjoy a continental breakfast and be treated to the sounds of local entertainers, including Terry McQuilkin's marimba band, Shamwari.

Special Olympics Oregon will be holding a summer sports regional tournament in Eugene on Saturday, June 4, 2005. There will be a need for scorekeepers, officials, award presenters, etc. The competitions will be in softball, golf, and, new to Oregon Special Olympics this year, BOCCE!!! If you are interested, or know of anyone who might be, email Paul Harvey, or phone him at 346-1828.

News

Library staff can go about their work with lighter hearts knowing that the case of their missing co-workers, the LSA Web/Newsletter committee, has been solved. While vacationing in Barbados last week, a shocked Deb Carver spotted the missing committee members, who appeared to be in danger from nothing more than sunburn on their pasty Oregon skin. The group was whooping it up on the beach and having a grand old time. After spotting Carver snapping a photo of them as evidence, the group attempted to make a run for it, but was no match for the mountain-climbing Carver, who quickly outran them. After further interrogation, the group admitted to faking their own kidnapping in order to take a much-deserved vacation. The committee was told to return to Eugene at once or face dire consequences.

Once back in Eugene, Carver decided not to turn the group over to the authorities, citing the fact that this is their first offense and they have been great assets to the library. However, they will not escape punishment for their escapades. Each will be required to do 50 hours of library service scraping gum and other unidentifiable substances off the bottom of library desks. “Let this be a lesson to all,” said Carver. “Unauthorized vacations to tropical islands will not be tolerated.”

In response to her quick thinking and impressive tactics when capturing the group and bringing them to justice, Carver has been named Honorary Assistant Deputy to the UO Department of Public Safety.

People in the Library

Welcome:

On April 11th, J.D. Hauger joined the University of Oregon as Streaming Media Developer for Media Services. For the last two years, J.D. served as the Digital Media Developer for Information Resources at Pacific Lutheran University where he developed a broad range of multimedia for University Communications, the Office of Development and pedagogical deployment. Previously, J.D. worked at the International Contemporary Center for Glass Art as multimedia producer for the Museum at large, as well as the media producer for the Summer Hot Shot Artist's Series. J.D. lived in Eugene in 2001 after leaving his position as the assistant to the Space Flight Parts Engineer at the Pennsylvania State University's SWIFT / EXPLORER Satellite Program to form a company that webcast concerts from major venues along the I-5 Corridor, including the McDonald Theater, the Crystal Ballroom, and multiple smaller venues throughout the state.

Susan Hoyt has been appointed Temporary Science Reference Librarian effective March 28 to June 30, 2005, while a search is being conducted for a permanent replacement. From August 2000 to March 2001, Susan was an Adjunct Reference Librarian for the Architecture and Allied Arts Library. From September 2000 to October 2002, she was Adjunct Reference Librarian for the Science Library. Last year, Susan volunteered for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, helping to prepare for the reopening and to unpack and store the museum's collections. Susan confesses to being an obsessive knitter these days. Her most interesting projects to date have been a pug-sized doggie sweater and baby booties for her new godchild. Congratulations and welcome back, Susan!

On April 25th, Melissa Anderson began work as Stacks Manager (Library Technician 2) in Special Collections and University Archives. Melissa graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Ethnic Studies last spring. After graduation, Melissa worked as an archeologist for the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Contracted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Melissa worked with others to conduct excavations at bridge sites across Oregon. Melissa said she gained an appreciation for the management of information resources while working with large collections of artifacts, photographs, and reports in the field and in the office. In her position with Special Collections, Melissa is responsible for the storage and movement of 25,000 linear feet of collections. She will determine shelf arrangements, maintain databases, assist curators with accesssions and provide public service. Congratulations and welcome, Melissa!

On March 7, Peter Verrey assumed the position of Information Technology Consultant for Library Systems. Peter graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in computer science. Most recently, he worked as a student technician in the Information Technology Center (ITC). He is now responsible for maintaining the computers throughout the libraries, ITC, and media services. Peter enjoys studying and watching animation and he highly recommends the work of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. Congratulations and welcome, Peter!

Announcements:

Kirstin Hierholzer has been promoted from Interactive Media Project Manager to Assistant Director, Center for Educational Technologies (CET). In her new position, Kirstin will help guide the center’s efforts to promote learning through innovative use of technology. “We want to begin offering a wider breadth of educational technology services and perhaps focus more on smaller, reusable learning objects which can be shared across courses and disciplines,” she said. In the near future, the center will hire a full-time technical lead which will improve its ability to manage more complex projects and develop innovative technological approaches to teaching and learning. Kirstin’s personal interests include hiking, camping and backpacking. This summer, she plans to try out sea kayaking and fly fishing. Congratulations, Kirstin!

Nancy Nathanson has been promoted to the reclassified position of Resource Sharing Program Manager with Orbis Cascade Alliance. Nancy began working for the libraries as a serials clerk nearly 30 ago, when it was her job to check in journals on a Kardex, a manifestation of library science technology whose time has long since passed. As Resource Sharing Program Manager for Orbis Cascade, Nancy will oversee the Summit union catalog, which has more than 17 million bibliographic records and 25 million items contributed by 31 separate local systems. In addition, she will manage the alliance’s circulation system, which processed over 265,000 requests for materials last year, and oversee the alliance’s courier service, which provides daily pickup and delivery service to 62 sites in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Nancy appreciates the entrepreneurial aspects of her job and she enjoys the opportunities it provides her to work with librarians from member libraries. Outside of work, Nancy is always ready for more travel, hors d'oeuvres, and hellebores! Congratulations, Nancy!

Been to an interesting conference?

Send us a brief report for publication in the next newsletter. Thanks!

Last updated: 041118
lsaweb@lists.uoregon.edu