Commons Knowledge

The WCL Circulation Desk is now checking out the portable Audio-Visual equipment, but the PA system, portable screens and flip charts are all too large to be passed out “over the counter”, so we’ve made arrangements for the delivery of these items to be coordinated through Conference Services. They will book your request and make arrangements with Facilities Management to deliver the equipment to the correct location. You can reach Conference Services during regular business hours by calling 649-5909 or e-mailing: conf@unbsj.ca.

Don’t forget . . . We also have VHS & DVD Players, laptops, wireless microphones, a portable data projector, a digital camera and tripod, video cameras and more! All of these items are available from the Circulation Desk on a first-come, first-served basis to faculty, staff and students. For details please call 648-5710 or visit the WCL Circulation Desk.

Business has been so brisk at the Writing Centre that they've just extended their hours to include evening and weekend hours. And, since Connie and Grant are pretty much maxed out, Three new faces have joined the Writing Centre staff. The Ward Chipman Library is very pleased to welcome, Jan Waldschutz, Robin Sutherland and Lindsay Bell.

Robin and Lindsay will be offering evening and weekend writing appointments, on Mon, Wed and Thurs evenings as well as Sat and Sun afternoons. Please check with the Circulation Desk staff for available times and to book your appointment.

Now you may have already noticed Jan Waldschutz, at the desk right outside the Writing Centre door. She's offering a new "walk-up" writing service from 11 am to 4 pm, on Tue, Wed and Thurs this term. You can approach Jan with those questions that you may not need a full 50 minute appointment for. . . you know, the really fun stuff, including grammar, syntex, and punctuation. If you need a quick writing consultation, don't forget to drop in on Jan. (We certainly wouldn't want her to get lonely over there!)

But we're still waiting.

At official launch of the Learning Commons on Sept 21st we debuted our video clip of the creation of the Learning Commons and now we're ready for mass public release. If you missed the premiere, take a few moments to check it out here. . . Learning Commons Video.

Our special thanks to cinematographer, Ken Lerette and film editor, Nick Cameron for their efforts to pull this all together in time for the launch. Personally I think they deserve an Audience Award for Documentary. And, special thanks to The Wooden Wives for the soundtrack.

We know it's a tough time of year. . . midterms, papers, not to mention the fight to save UNBSJ! Well, don't worry there's nothing you can't do with enough coffee on board! (Just joking about that - try to get some sleep during this busy time). But there is a $10 Tim's Gift Certificate right at the Circulation Desk for one lucky student!

This week we're repeating the Interactive Coffee Contest, where all you have to do is be the first person this week to introduce yourself to our newest Circulation Desk staff member, Marty Mallaley (hint: short dark hair, awesome nails and completely unflappable demeanor). Simple as that, coffee in your pocket.

Now, the last time we ran this contest, nobody approached Marty (we drank the coffee ourselves) and she's developed a real complex over the whole thing. (Are they scared of me? Don't they like me?) So treat yourself to coffee on us and reassure Marty. . . Just come up and introduce yourself.

. . . since we had not just one, but two, Coffee Contest winners this week. After a slow start to the week, (and more Marty distress) both Mike Roy and Ann Brantnall introduced themselves to Marty (simultaneously) in order to win Tim Horton Gift Certificates. Congratulations, Ann and Mike and thanks for playing . . . Marty now feels all warm and fuzzy.

And for those of you wondering (I know you’re out there) we splurged and gave out 2 gift certificates for our winners, instead of making them share one!

Keep checking the empty bookshelves that we’ve recently placed in the foyer of the library (just above Tim Hortons). Appearing soon on these very shelves, you’ll find a veritable smorgasbord of books, including science fiction for all of the Sci-Fi fans (fandomers?) out there. Feel free to browse the “Book Bin” and select your favourites.

Update Thursday, Oct 25. . . The shelves are have been filled!

Now here’s the best part, the cost of each item - from the classics of literature to absolute rubbage is only $1.00. We’re convinced that you’re all trust-worthy (Don’t make me regret those words), so payment is on the honour system – please bring your selections to the Circulation Desk to pay. The sale will continue until all the books are gone and we will be restocking frequently so keep checking back.

I expect (hope) that all of you have used the “call number” of a book to track it down in the library. Were you successful in your Quest? (Lame pun intended) If not, here are some pointers:

It’s very important to look at the first line in the call number that indicates the book’s general location. (Everyone gets caught up in finding the correct call number on the shelves and forgets to worry about “which” shelves.) The most common locations are WCL-STACKS (general book stacks), WCL-REF (reference area), WCL-PER (Bound periodicals). Now, some sneaky ones to watch out for. . . HIL-STACKS (Fredericton), WCL-EDROOM (Education Collection) and WCL-STOR (Basement). Once you’re in the right “location”, you’ve won at least half the battle. Just follow the call number starting with the letter(s) that are arranged alphabetically (see the range finders on each aisle) then numerically. Sometimes books do get misshelved or go missing – So if you can’t find it, make sure you ask at the circulation desk.

Speaking of call numbers, they’re kind of interesting, so I think we’ll look at them in a little more detail next week.

What local group supplied the music used in the Learning Commons video clip? (Hint: see credits at the end of the clip)

Send your name and answer to wcl@unbsj.ca for the chance to win a Tim Horton's gift certificate. Good Luck!

Well, we’ve waited for weeks for this year’s Sundance Festival to come knocking at our door. (Or at least return my e-mails) But come on, who really wants to go to the mountains of Utah (and rub elbows with the beautiful people) anyway?

Instead we’ve decided on a different venue for our Learning Commons video clip, with a much wider audience. . . That’s right, your Learning Commons now stars in its very own clip on YouTube. So if you missed it at the launch and in the previous blog piece, take a moment (Or 42 seconds) to see it now.