Business Technologies @ SPC Libraries

May 2–8 is Choose Privacy Week

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:40:00 +0000

"May 2–8 is Choose Privacy Week, a new ALA initiative from the Office for Intellectual Freedom that invites library users into a national conversation about privacy rights in a digital age. "

Watch this video regarding privacy in a digital age.

Choose Privacy Week Video from 20K Films on Vimeo.

Free "Jazz in the Stacks" concert featuring the WWHM Quartet!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:17:00 +0000

To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month the WWHM Quartet, featuring Kevin Wilder (keyboard); Johnny White (Trumpet); Pat Horgan (Bass); and Chad Mairn (Drums), will be performing at the West St. Petersburg Community Library @ St. Petersburg College on Wednesday, April 28th at 7:00 PM. The WWHM Quartet (pronouced 'whim') will perform improvisational free jazz, fusion, and will reinterpret some classic R&B tunes. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served!

For more information regarding Jazz Appreciation Month visit: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam or call 727.341.7177

Free Concert Tonight in the Library! 'Jazz in the Stacks' with the Helios Jazz Orchestra

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:35:00 +0000

Come join us at the library and celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month!

The Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by David Manson, presents an evening of big band jazz at the West St. Petersburg Community Library @ St. Petersburg College tonight (Tuesday, April 20th) at 7:30 PM. The 20-piece professional jazz big band will perform Swing, Pop, Latin, Bebop and will feature jazz vocalists Rita Wilson ...and Joseph Ephraim. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the EMIT series.

St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg (727) 341.7177

A video of last year's performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GJyahilL8&feature=related

Important changes to the OCLC NetLibrary Service and to the FirstSearch Service.

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:29:00 +0000

OCLC and EBSCO Publishing have announced that EBSCO has acquired the NetLibrary Division. The purchase includes the NetLibrary eBook and eAudiobook platform as well as operations and infrastructure in Boulder, Colorado. As eBooks become mainstream components of a library's eContent collections, there is increasing value to libraries to be able to integrate eBook acquisitions and delivery with other electronic databases and eJournals. EBSCO will maintain and enhance the NetLibrary platform and will also work to integrate NetLibrary eBooks into the EBSCOhost platform. There will be no interruption in service to libraries.

We are also announcing an important change to our FirstSearch content services. OCLC is transitioning out of our role as reseller of vendor-owned content. Therefore we will transfer or discontinue sale of the vendor-owned databases on FirstSearch when subscriptions have ended. We will instead increase our focus for both FirstSearch and WorldCat.org on providing libraries with access to a rich set of library-owned content and increasing visibility and access to the full scope of a library's collection. We will work with libraries, publishers and other information providers to expand WorldCat.org as a comprehensive platform for eContent. As a part of this migration, EBSCO has acquired the rights to license a select number of vendor-owned databases that we currently offer on FirstSearch. Our long-term relationship with H.W. Wilson is also changing as we will work together to transition from reselling Wilson databases on FirstSearch to indexing Wilson databases in WorldCat Local over the coming months. There will be no interruption in service to libraries.

Please see our letter to members and news releases for more information.

Elimination of State Aid to Libraries. Don't let it happen!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:30:00 +0000

To the Florida Library Community,

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the House and Senate Transportation and Economic Development Committees both adopted preliminary positions eliminating State Aid to Public Libraries.

Most legislators want to fund state aid, and it is up to us to generate enough contacts and pressure to give them the justification to restore it. Both Committees are expected to report out their bills in the next week or so - the Senate has set Friday, March 19^th as the date they will report out their bill. This means that the best time for us to act is right now.

For more information, visit http://capwiz.com/ala/fl/issues/alert/?alertid=14792616&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

Announcing SPC’s mobile library Web site!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:47:00 +0000

With your phone take a quick photo of this code
to go directly to our mobile site. For the software, visit http://www.neoreader.com.

The mobile library site is designed for those on the go and includes library hours & locations, contact information, directions using Google Maps for Mobile, and it also has the ability to find books, articles, and other resources. For more information visit:http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline/mobile/MobileSiteFlyer.pdf .

The mobile site can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/spcmobile.

RefWorks -- online research management, writing and collaboration tool!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:47:00 +0000

SPC Libraries now have access to RefWorks -- an "online research management, writing and collaboration tool" that generates citations and bibliographies! Ask a librarian today for help setting up your free account and for a quick start guide.

For more information visit http://refworks.com/.

Watch and interact with Harvard's most popular class, "Justice", for free!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Source: http://www.justiceharvard.org/

Justice is one of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history. Now it’s your turn to take the same journey in moral reflection that has captivated more than 14,000 students, as Harvard opens its classroom to the world.

In this twelve part series, Sandel challenges us with difficult moral dilemmas and asks our opinion about the right thing to do. He then asks us to examine our answers in the light of new scenarios. The results are often surprising, revealing that important moral questions are never black and white.

This course also addresses the hot topics of our day—affirmative action, same-sex marriage, patriotism and rights—and Sandel shows us that we can revisit familiar controversies with a fresh perspective.

Read more about the course at NYTimes and at Justiceharvard.org.

October is now NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009

NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every day, we are inundated with vast amounts of information. A 24-hour news cycle and thousands of global television and radio networks, coupled with an immense array of online resources, have challenged our long-held perceptions of information management. Rather than merely possessing data, we must also learn the skills necessary to acquire, collate, and evaluate information for any situation. This new type of literacy also requires competency with communication
technologies, including computers and mobile devices that can help in our day-to-day decisionmaking. National Information Literacy Awareness Month highlights the need for all Americans to be adept in the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Information Age.

Though we may know how to find the information we need, we must also know how to evaluate it. Over the past decade, we have seen a crisis of authenticity emerge. We now live in a world where anyone can publish an opinion or perspective, whether true or not, and have that opinion amplified within the information marketplace. At the same time, Americans have unprecedented access to the diverse and independent sources of information, as well as institutions such as libraries and universities, that can help separate truth from fiction and signal from noise.

Our Nation's educators and institutions of learning must be aware of -- and adjust to -- these new realities. In addition to the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic, it is equally important that our students are given the tools required to take advantage of the information available to them. The ability to seek, find, and decipher information can be applied to countless life decisions, whether financial, medical, educational, or technical.

This month, we dedicate ourselves to increasing information literacy awareness so that all citizens understand its vital importance. An informed and educated citizenry is essential to the functioning of our modern democratic society, and I encourage educational and community institutions across the country to help Americans find and evaluate the information they seek, in all its forms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the important role information plays in our daily lives, and appreciate the need for a greater understanding of its impact.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Jazz in the stacks at the West St. Petersburg Community Library (April 21st at 7:30 p.m)

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:36:00 +0000

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, St. Petersburg College will host Jazz in the Stacks, a free concert featuring the Helios Jazz Orchestra, on April 21, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at its West St. Petersburg Community Library, 750 66th Street North, St. Petersburg. This concert is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Library, the EMIT series, and the City of St. Petersburg.

The Helios Jazz Orchestra, a 22-piece jazz big band that performs swing, bebop and Latin jazz, is led by Director David Manson and made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Visit Helios Jazz Orchestra or the St. Petersburg Library Blog for more information.

Ask-a-Librarian Director's Chair Contest Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:48:00 +0000

The other Director's Chair winners can be viewed at: http://www.tblc.org/aal/directorschair/winners2009.shtml

Dear Mr. President: A Special Digital Book

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:08:00 +0000

The National Education Association and Kidthing.com released "Dear Mr. President", an electronic book where children share their "thoughts, ideas, and advice" for America's 44th President. For more information visit: www.kidthing.com/DMP

NBC Nightly News report regarding the importance of libraries in these difficult economic times.

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:42:00 +0000

Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks Video

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:41:00 +0000

The Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks

On Oct. 21, the West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College hosted its second “Jazz in the Stacks” concert with the talented Helios Jazz Orchestra.

The 21-piece jazz ensemble, directed by David Manson, performed swing, bebop & Latin jazz arrangements. Its band members, with vocalists Rita Wilson and Joanna Rose, include some of the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Watch them on SPC TV on:

Sunday 9 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.

Saturday 12 p.m.

Friday 8:30 p.m.

Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:10:00 +0000

The West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College and the Friends of the Library proudly presents the Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

The Helios Jazz Orchestra is a resident ensemble at St. Petersburg College. The 21-piece jazz big band is directed by Dr. David Manson and performs swing, bebop & Latin jazz. Its members include the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area. Read more at: www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/helios/heliosroster.htm.

The library is located at 67th Street and Eighth Avenue N. on
the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus. For more information call (727) 341- 7199.

Date: Tuesday October 21, 2008
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Library
Cost: Free!

Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Using word verification to help digitize books

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:43:00 +0000

Everyone has had to type a word or sequence of symbols to verify that they are a human before signing up for an online account like Facebook, Flickr, Gmail etc. I will have to type these words/symbols before posting this to various blogs. These verifications are also known as CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Turing Test To Tell Computers and Humans Apart).

A Carnegie Mellon University scientist, Luis von Ahn, calculated that people waste close to 500,000 hours every day typing these characters. Luis von Ahn consequently developed reCAPTCHA which connects all of this immense brain power to help digitize old books and he and his colleagues reported in Science that “over the last year Web users have transcribed enough text to fill up more than 17,600 books, with better than 99 percent accuracy.”

To read/listen to the story visit http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93605988.

To learn more about reCAPTCHA visit http://www.captcha.net/.

TED Talks: Watch Johnny Lee create tech marvels out of a $40 Wii remote

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Watch Johnny Lee demo his amazing Wii Remote hacks, which transform the $40 game piece into a digital whiteboard, a touchscreen and a head-mounted 3-D viewer. A multi-ovation demo from TED2008. The demo video can be viewed at: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/245

This is truly amazing!

For more information on TED: Ideas worth spreading visit: http://www.ted.com/.

'Cosmic Quandaries' at the Palladium Theatre this Wednesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Join Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson - world renowned astrophysicist, bestselling author, and host of the groundbreaking PBS series NOVA scienceNOW for a journey across the universe as he reveals its cosmic wonders, curiosities and uncertainties in front of a live audience at The Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg.

WEDU welcomes Dr. deGrasse Tyson, Nova scienceNOW senior executive producer, Paula S. Apsell, and local experts as they as field questions from the audience and explore the mystery of black holes and other galactic conundrums.Tickets are $15 per person and, unlike the universe, are limited for this exclusive WEDU event. Reserve your tickets now at 727.822.3590 or http://www.mypalladium.org/. A flyer for the event can be found here.

Dr. Tyson’s most recent book, Death by Black Hole and other Cosmic Quandaries will be available for purchase at the event.

Are you an educated voter?

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:15:00 +0000

St. Petersburg College Piano Concert Series Performance with Read Gainsford

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:50:00 +0000

“The perfect combination of head, heart and hands” typifies critics’ responses to Read Gainsford’s first concert tour in the United States. He has earned critical and public acclaim in four continents, and has received high praise for music ranging from Mozart to Messiaen, from performances on period instruments to the pianistic complexities of Rachmaninoff. Born in New Zealand, Read moved to the United States in 1992 to enter the doctoral program at Indiana University, where he worked with Karen Shaw and Leonard Hokanson.

Since living in the USA he has been guest artist for the American Music Teachers Association, as well as giving recitals, concerto performances and master-classes. He has appeared at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival and the Music Festival of the Hamptons, and is a member of the contemporary music group Ensemble X and the Garth Newel Chamber Players, as well as working with such musicians as Jacques Zoon, William Vermuelen, Roberto Diaz, Eddie vanOosthuyse and Luis Rossi.

His program, entitled The French Connection will feature works by Mozart, Debussy, Faure, Messiaen, Poulenc and Bolcom.

FREE!
Friday, January 18, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
(727) 341-4301

Dine-A-Round and Enjoy the ARTS during the Second Saturday Gallery Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Hop aboard the shuttle and enjoy downtown St. Petersburg’s Arts and Restaurants. This service is free and open to the general public. For more information visit http://www.loopertrolley.com.

Great Events on the SP/Gibbs Campus this Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:17:00 +0000

The SP/G Campus has several exciting events happening this weekend December 7 and 8. All the below events are showcasing SPC talent and are very family friendly. Please make an effort to attend one if not all of these quality opportunities with your family and friends.

Planetarium

Join us for FREE planetarium shows Friday evenings at 7pm and 8:15pm. No reservations are necessary. Weather permitting; the rooftop observatory will be open for telescope viewing after the shows. The current show is holiday season appropriate emphasizing the skies 2000 years ago and what may have created the Eastern Star.

The SPC Planetarium is located on the 2nd floor of the Natural Science building (Room 205) on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus (69th Street North at 5th Avenue). Admission and parking are free of charge. Children under the age of 5 cannot be admitted to the planetarium.

Men’s Basketball Game

Please join us at 4 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 8) when our men’s basketball team plays Chipola College, the No. 1 two-year college team in the country. Chipola’s record is 13-0. Admission is free. All home basketball games are in the SPC Gymnasium on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

SPC Chorus Concert “Candlelight Christmas Concert”

The SPC CONCERT CHORUS, 140 voices, under the direction of Vernon Taranto, Jr., will perform traditional songs of the season. This year the theme will be “Christmas Around the World” featuring Christmas songs from Brazil, France, Ireland, England, Italy and more!

Date: Saturday, December 8
Time: 3:30 & 7:30pm
Location: Music Center, 6605 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
Admission: Free
Phone: 727-341-4301

Music Festival planned for Nov. 10, 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:11:00 +0000

The SPC ROCKS! Music Festival is Nov. 10 from noon to 6 p.m. at the gymnasium on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

Five bands will participate: Too Little Too Late; This Transmission; Magic Shoppe; Feminine Assault; and A.N.D.Y.

Admission is $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the SPC Foundation, Inc. for SPC music scholarships. Tickets are available in Room 118 of the Humanities Building on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

Business Technologies @ SPC Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:41:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to the Business Technologies @ SPC Libraries Liaison Blog. My name is Chad Mairn and I have been an Information Services Librarian at St. Petersburg College since August 2004. In addition to being known as the "computer guy", I am a liaison between the library and the Gibbs campus Business Technologies, Humanities, Fine and Applied Arts, and Music Departments. I am also an adjunct instructor who teaches CTS 1101, LIS 1002, LIS 1002 Honors, LIS 2004, and OST 1793. For more information on these courses please visit my instructor web page.

While an undergraduate studying Humanities at the University of South Florida (USF), I was awarded a Library of Congress Fellowship archiving Leonard Bernstein's personal papers. During my Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate work, also at USF, I became a technology liaison between the Bill Gates Learning Foundation and Florida public libraries. I believe that it is important to understand how technology impacts culture and vice-versa and having a Humanities and a LIS background helps me to "see" things from multiple perspectives.

My hobbies are reading, composing/performing music, watching films, gardening, and spending time with my family.Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, recommendations, and/or concerns. My contact information can be found here.