Last Chance: Celebration of Service Survey

Thanks to those of you who have already filled out our survey. If you would still like to fill out the survey, please do so by March 5.

The Celebration of Service Working Group is making plans for this year’s event. We would love some input from you. Please fill out the following (super short) survey. You may send additional comments/suggestions to us through the survey or e-mail any of us directly.

Click here to take survey

Thanks,
Shannon Cary, Mark Ellis, Ruthe Morse, Ann Riley, Colleen Smith and Michael Spears

2010 Statewide Severe Weather Exercise

The 2010 statewide severe weather exercise will be held at approximately 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 9. Jim Cogswell has requested that all Ellis library staff participate in this year’s severe weather exercise. If you are in a patron service area, have minimal staff stay in area during the drill to serve the patrons.

Severe Weather Exercise Drill:
1. The outdoor warning sirens sound as one part of the local warning network. The sirens are used only as an attention getting device.
2. Ellis Security will be making a staff only announcement at 1:30p.m., Tuesday, March 9th informing the staff only that the serve weather exercise is beginning.
3. For security reason please lock your office doors.
4. Ellis security staff will be making rounds in the safe areas, please feel free to ask any questions.
5. When the drill is over security will make a 2nd announcement inform staff to return to their work areas.

For severe weather, emergency plan:
All Ellis staff should move to the ground floor hallway behind the grand staircase; staff lounge, lower stairwells, LTS hallway, twin elevator area and/or colonnade area of the first floor and DoIt computer area. Due to the danger of shattered glass, it is important to keep people away from windows and the “hole” (the opening above the Bookmark Café).

For a map of the safe locations in Ellis click on the link below:

SevereWeatherMap

MULSA Book Sale

The library offers used books for sale in the Digi-Print copy center located in the north side of the building, just inside the front entrance. Books are priced $1-4. The only exception are Savitars (the MU yearbook), which are priced individually. New books are put out each week on Wednesday mornings. Come in and browse – you never know what you might find!

The book sale funds the MU Libraries Staff Association, which maintains the Staff Lounge, provides donations, flowers, cards, etc., when happiness or disaster strikes a member of the MU Libraries staff; and sponsors parties, such as the New Staff Tea, Summer Picnic, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, retirement celebrations, and the annual Celebration of Service. MULSA also donates to Second Chance, Rainbow House and the Central Missouri Food Bank, and sponsors several families at Christmas. Your book purchase helps fund MULSA!

Global Scholars 2010

Colleagues:

After being suspended last year due to budgetary concerns, the Provost’s Global Scholars Program is once again taking nominations for summer, 2010. The program is following a different format this year, so if you are interested in applying please read the announcement below carefully. Questions can be directed to me or to Jim Scott in the International Center, scottj@missouri.edu. The program this year will be in Brussels, Belgium from 10-19 June, 2010 and will be led by Fritz Cropp from the School of Journalism and Director of the MU Transatlantic Center. The goal this year is to expand faculty involvement in international relationships and foster new partnerships and collaboration between MU and Brussels. One change this year is that applicants should submit a plan of work and should identify possible collaborators in Brussels. The trip is paid for by the provost in partnership with academic units sending representative, so yes, it is free for applicants.

Below is the application process for MU Libraries and the original announcement. Interested parties should have their application to Jim no later than 29 January 2010. Please contact me if you have any questions, and good luck!

Amanda K. Sprochi
(573) 882-0461
sprochia@health.missouri.edu

Global Scholars Program: Archivists/Librarian application information
In order to apply, please submit the following items:
1. A copy of your current resume.
2. A statement from your supervisor assuring support of your application.
3. A written statement (no longer than one page) addressing the following:
a) Your present role with students, faculty, and staff;
b) Your commitment to assist students, faculty, and staff expand their knowledge of international
information resources and promote international affairs to the wider university community;
c) Your willingness to participate in Global Scholars activities, such as a follow-up workshop;
d) Your willingness to participate in the international faculty mentoring corps in the next academic year;
e) Your interest and ability to assist faculty Global Scholars as they revise their courses with
international content; and
f) Your interest in international library materials and services.
4. A brief (1-2 pages) one year plan of work to pursue program objectives by June 19, 2010. Plans should identify potential collaborator(s) from one or more Belgian university. They should describe expected outcomes and proposed action steps to complete this work. Scholars should submit their plans to their Dean/Director and to the Director of the International Center, Global Scholars Program Manager.

Call for Deans’ Nominations – Global Scholars Program (GSP)
Summer 2010

Nomination Deadline: February 15, 2010

The MU Council on International Initiatives (CII) is pleased to announce the eleventh year of the Global Scholars Program (GSP). This nationally recognized program is designed to support MU faculty members who seek to internationalize their teaching and research. Since its inception, over 100 faculty members across Colleges and Schools have participated. As a result, dozens of courses have been modified – enhancing the learning experience of thousands of MU students each year. In 2002, the Global Scholars Program received the Andrew Heiskell Award for Best Practices and Innovation in International Education from the Institute of International Education.

In January 2009, Global Scholars was suspended, due to campus-wide travel restrictions. This year, the program will be restarted – focused on clear, measurable program objectives.

The program is now designed to: 1) expand faculty involvement in MU’s strategic international relationships; and 2) foster tangible new international collaborations for participants, including research grants or papers and/or teaching innovations.

Brussels: Opportunities for Research and Teaching in Europe’s Capitol
June 10-19, 2010

To these ends, CII has organized an excellent itinerary to the city and environs of Brussels. The program will be led by MU Associate Professor Fritz Cropp (Director of International Programs at the School of Journalism, and Director of the MU Transatlantic Center).

This seminar will introduce selected MU faculty members to key institutions in Europe’s Capitol, inform them on higher education systems in Belgium and Europe, and provide opportunities to interact with potential research or teaching collaborators at four outstanding universities in the region.

This location was selected for the following reasons:

• Brussels is the Capitol of the European Union. The European Union is the most ambitious regional governance project in modern times. It now includes 27 countries, with approximately 500 million residents. It is the world’s largest economic market. Brussels is Europe’s main government center, including the European Parliament and Commission, NATO Headquarters, UN agencies, a global diplomatic corps, and major facilities for most Fortune 100 Corporations.
• Transatlantic Economy. Despite our nation’s current fascination with China and India, the European Union remains, by far, our most important economic connection. $1 billion flows per day in EU-US trade and investment. Approximately 40% of the value of annual world trade occurs between US and EU.
• Missouri ties. Each year, more than 70% of Foreign Direct Investment in Missouri — $12.5 billion in 2008 – comes from the European Union. That investment supports about 61,000 jobs in Missouri. In the same year, Missouri exported $2.2 billion of goods and services to EU members – approximately 17% of our total export sales. These critical economic flows are regulated by political decisions taken in Brussels. With these economic ties at stake, MU faculty and students and Missouri leaders should know more about its institutions and culture.

• Strong MU student interest. Many MU students want to know more about Europe. Since 2001, participation in MU Study Abroad has nearly tripled. Last year, more than 900 MU students – 70 percent of our study abroad participants – studied in Europe. In 2008, the School of Journalism opened a new study abroad and internship program. Since then, over 100 Journalism students have enrolled, and rate the program highly.

• Institutional Relationships. University of Missouri is building strong collaborations with several Belgian institutions of higher education, including the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, the Université Libre de Bruxelles, and the University of Liege. Very few American universities have strong ties to such peer institutions. At the same time, new incentives and funding are available to collaborate in research and teaching[1].

• Common Partners. MU colleges have established deep, historic collaborations with institutions throughout the world, including China and Africa. Belgian universities have research competencies, institutional relationships and external funding streams that complement Missouri’s international programs. The Global Scholars seminar in Brussels is designed to foster new collaborations that strengthen and extend our strategic relationships beyond Europe.

Program Funding

Deans are encouraged to select faculty participants that are able and willing to contribute to Global Scholars Program objectives.

The Provost requests that funding not be awarded to persons who have received GSP funding in previous years.

Performance Criteria for Global Scholars Faculty:

1. Global scholars agree to participate in all scheduled program activities, including two brief pre-departure orientation sessions.
2. Scholars submit a brief (1-2 pages) one year plan of work to pursue program objectives by June 19, 2010. Plans should identify potential collaborator(s) from one or more Belgian university. They should describe expected outcomes and proposed action steps to complete this work. Scholars should submit their plans to their Dean/Director and to the Director of the International Center, Global Scholars Program Manager.
3. Scholars provide a brief report on action steps taken and revisions in expected outcomes from original plans of work. Progress reports are due by November 1, 2010.

For more information, please review the Global Scholars Program web page. We hope you can take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

Jones Receives Health Librarianship Award

Betsy Kelly and Barbara Jones were awarded the Bernice M. Hetzner Award for Excellence in Academic Health Librarianship. To quote their nomination: “For the past couple of years, Betsy and Barbara have been actively involved in helping librarians advocate for their libraries. As more and more libraries have closed because of administrators not understanding the roles of the libraries and librarians in their institutions, Betsy and Barbara have been implementing programs to help librarians prove their worth at their institutions. Together they have a combined 75 years of experience as professional librarians, extensive teaching experience and have guided more 150 librarians through the assessment, planning and evaluation process over the past 5 years.

–From MCMLA Express

Safety Procedures for the Use of Christmas Trees and Decorations in University Buildings

A photo of a bear decoration for a Christmas tree.
Image via Wikipedia

1. Be sure the tree and/or boughs are not dried out when you get them. Grasp a branch about 6” from the end and firmly slide it between your fingers to the tip. If the tree is fresh, no needles will come off. No red cedar trees or red cedar boughs are to be used under any circumstances due to their fast drying nature.

2. After purchasing a tree, keep it in water and outside the facility until the time you set it up (no earlier than November 30th).

3. All natural trees and evergreen boughs set up in University facilities are to be sprayed with a fire retardant material (this does not apply to “U.L. Listed” artificial trees labeled as “Fire Resistant”).

4. When you are ready to set up the tree, saw approximately two inches off the bottom of the trunk to assist in absorption of water.

5. Be sure the tree is placed in a sturdy, broad-based stand which will hold water and be sure to keep water in the stand at all times. Check water level daily.

6. The tree must not be placed near a stairway, radiator, exit, hallway, or any other location where the tree, if standing or fallen, would block an escape route, signage or increase fire risk.

7. Electrical wiring should be inspected for frayed cords, loose connections, broken sockets, exposed wires and general safety prior to putting lighting on the tree. They must also be U.L. approved. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for number of lights on any one circuit. Do not use real candles or other open flames on Christmas trees or as decorations in general.

8. Never leave Christmas tree lights on unless someone is in the area where the tree is located or the tree is visible to someone at all times.

9. Electrical tree lights are not to be used on metallic trees due to the ever present danger of electrocution.

10. Avoid use of electrical extension cords if possible and never use them for periods exceeding 30 days.

11. If you own or plan on purchasing an artificial holiday tree check to make sure it is marked “U.L. Listed” and labeled “Fire Resistant”.

12. There will be no designated drop-off/pickup location on campus property. The City of Columbia provides two mulch sites and suggests that Christmas trees be dropped off at one of them. These sites are at Capen Park (south of Stadium, off Rock Quarry Road, behind the Surplus Property Building) and Parkside mulch site (north of Memorial Park Cemetery, off Creasy Springs Road). All ornaments, icicles, tinsel, stands, bags, etc., must be removed from the trees. The trees are ground and used as wildlife cover, mulch, fish habitat, and soil conservation.

13. Do not put trees in dumpsters or outside on the curb, in the yard, or other locations.

Contact Environmental Health and Safety (2-7018) for more information.

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Healthy for Life Update

During this time of year, we would like to provide practical, affordable, and healthy wellness solutions for you to take advantage of. If you would like to read about other programs, success stories, and events, please check out the Healthy for Life website or subscribe to the wellness newsletter by e-mailing us at wellness@umsystem.edu.

A big ‘Thank You’
Healthy for Life would like to send a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who was an exhibitor, volunteer, or donated raffle prizes for our Wellness Fairs. We could not have done it without you! We appreciate your time and commitment to our program. For a complete list of all raffle prize winners, please visit our Healthy for Life website. Congratulations to all winners!

Walking Maps and Trails
The weather is changing and it may be time to move your fitness indoors. For indoor walking trails please visit our Healthy for Life website and click on ‘Links’, then ‘Trails.’ For outdoor walking trails, please visit Mizzou Botanical Garden website. Get to know your campus inside and out!

Strength Conditioning
Strength Conditioning is offered this Fall at Memorial Union from 12:15-12:45 p.m. There are only a few classes left! Click here for a schedule. Classes are $1 each and there is no need to register. All experience levels are welcome. The instructor encourages attendees to bring a towel or mat.

Noon-time Stress Reduction Meditation
Research over the past two decades suggests that engaging in a regular mindfulness meditation practice can reduce stress and enhance overall psychological and physical wellbeing. Find out for yourself by taking advantage of the noon-time (12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.) sitting meditation sessions across campus each week. Join Healthy for Life for one of the following times and locations:

• Mondays; Heinkel Building, Room 226
• Tuesdays; Quarterdeck Room 121
• Wednesdays; University Hospital Medical School, Room HSL146 (Dec 9th session will be in N215)
• Wednesdays; Parker Hall, First Floor Conference Room
• Wednesdays; AP Green Chapel

All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. No registration or previous experience with meditation is necessary. If you can’t make the noon-time group, consider taking a stress relief break by listening to one of the audio recordings over your computer in your office. For more information, please visit the Healthy for Life website.

Therapeutic Massage—Faculty & Staff receive discounted rate
The holidays are right around the corner, so show your friends, family, coworkers or employees how much you appreciate them! Treat them to a stress-reducing massage by Licensed Massage Therapist Jeff Rioux. Jeff provides 30-, 60- and 90-minute massages in his office at University Hospital (GL-20A) or he can come to your work area and provide chair massage in 2hr blocks. Faculty and staff receive a discounted rate of $30 for 30 min., $45 for 60 min., and $65 for 90 min. Massage hours are Mon./Tue. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed. 1 p.m.-7 p.m. and Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Schedule an appointment today by calling 884-1312. If you’d like a gift certificate, stop by Medtique Gift Shop in University Hospital or the Healthy for Life office at 205 Heinkel Building on campus.

Holiday Gift Idea
Seasonal and simple: A guide for enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables has more than 100 pages of recipes using simple preparations and seasonings, so you can taste the goodness of a fruit or vegetable at the peak of its flavor. The guide explains how to select, store, and prepare Missouri produce. This manual was developed for the University of Missouri Extension Healthy Lifestyle Initiative and can be purchased for $15. For more information or to order the book, please visit the Extension website or call 573-882-7216.

Women’s Health Calendar
Please take a moment pre-order your free copy of the 2010 Women’s Health Calendar provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. It is a great calendar that provides you with health tips, timelines and reminders for tests and procedures based on age, and many other great things. Best of all, it is free! To order, click here or order by phone at 1-800-994-9662.

Please RSVP for Next Week’s Mark Twain Events Including Free John Davis Concert

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Mark Twain, one of Missouri’s favorite sons. In honor of this anniversary, the University of Missouri has several events planned for the academic year, including a concert at the Missouri Theatre sponsored by the MU Libraries. On Nov. 12, 2009, at 7 p.m. John Davis will perform 19th century piano music, including music by Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins and John William “Blind” Boone. RSVP for this FREE event by contacting Shannon Cary at carysn@missouri.edu or 573-882-4703.

Because Mark Twain loved good stories and good food, the University Club will host a special buffet before the concert featuring his favorite foods. The University Club will open its buffet at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at a price of $18.95 per person. Please call 573-882-2586 to make reservations.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, the Friends of the Libraries will host “The Unknown Twain: An Evening of Readings” at the Conley House on the MU campus. Readers will include the Poet Laureate of Missouri; Walter Bargen, former MU Chancellor Dr. Richard Wallace; and broadcaster and historian Bob Priddy. Please contact Sheila Voss at vosss@missouri.edu or 573-882-4701 for more information.