Thursday, April 30, 2009

Mabee Library available 24/7 next week

Students preparing for end of the semester projects and exams can study in the library anytime, day or night.

Mabee Library will remain open 24 hours a day, May 3-8, to give students a safe, convenient place to complete papers and study for exams. During finals week, the library will offer extended hours, but will not be accessible round the clock.

“We moved our 24 hours to the week before finals at the suggestion of WSGA,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “They felt the library needed to be open later for students completing assignments and papers and that happens the week before finals.”

During these two weeks, the librarian on duty takes an hourly head count of students in the library. Druse said usage is increasing as more students become aware of the extended hours.

The library will be staffed by volunteers at the reference desk. They include both professional librarians and library assistants who have been trained to answer research questions and help with technology.

“We never have trouble recruiting volunteers from the staff; they are always willing and eager to help out,” said Druse. “We also hire off-duty campus police officers to check IDs at the front door during the late night hours.”

Access to photocopy machines, computers and printers, as well as technology support and research assistance, will be available during the extended hours.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Transformational Experience culminates in one day event

The conversation begins as freshmen step on campus. Because of the Washburn Transformational Experience, it doesn’t end when they graduate.

Every semester since the TE began, students are given the opportunity to share their experience at Day of Transformation. Preparing for their public display or presentation helps them gain a rich appreciation of what their experience means to them in a formal way.

Rick Ellis, director of Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement, is overseeing the 13 oral and 31 poster presentations happening April 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mabee Library.

The director of the scholarly aspect of WTE, Donna LaLonde, said that viewers of Day of Transformation learn that the Transformational Experience is one of the greatest things this campus offers.

“Day of Transformation is a benefit to the college campus because of the great conversations of people doing great things,” said LaLonde.

Students and community members are encouraged to alter their path on Thursday and spend a few minutes walking through the library. There will be many opportunities for people to participate throughout the day and spend a talk with student presenters.

“If they come as skeptics, they leave as believers,” said LaLonde.

And the conversation continues.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Apeiron presentations marked by professionalism

Books aren’t the only way to gain information in the library. Poster boards will soon fill Mabee Library showcasing students’ research as part of Apeiron, April 17.

If Washburn students want to challenge their intellect outside of the classroom, Apeiron provides the platform for them to present scholarly research and activities. According to their Web site, it is “dedicated to the proposition that students are capable of work that knows no limits and transcends all boundaries.”

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., participating students from all disciplines at Washburn, will have the opportunity to share what they learned with the public. The poster exhibits in the library accompanied by the students’ short presentation to viewers begins at 4 p.m. This is also a time when presenters can answer questions about their topic.

Professionalism is the key to a good presentation. Students will present their research, scholarship and creative activities in a setting similar to a professional meeting.

"Washburn needed a way for students who are doing advance research, some even at the level or graduate school, to let them share it with others,” said Kim Morse, associate professor and chair of the Apeiron committee board. “Apeiron is that venue.”

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Caddystacks numbers weak, enthusiasm strong

Laughter and noise were the norm on April 1 and 4 as the 2nd annual Caddystacks event teed off.

The turnout was lower than last year, but the event was only open for two days compared to four last year. Moving the student day to the middle of the week when more students are on campus may also have affected turnout.

Caddystacks began as a fundraiser to get students and the community physically into the library by playing an 18-hole miniature golf course on all three floors. The design was found in a 1950s Popular Mechanics magazine. Lori Rognlie, assistant librarian II, and Jennifer Mills, president of the student chapter of Friends of Mabee Library, coordinated the event.

“Last year was a lot more stressful since it was the first time,” said Rognlie. “We have learned from our past experiences. Now it seems to run itself.”

The library would like to make as much as last year--$2,500--but with inclement weather and only two days to raise the money, Rognlie isn’t sure what the event will make. Sponsorship of individual holes was also down from last year due to the weak economy.

“Luckily we don’t have as many expenses because the course is already paid for,” said Rognlie.

The only expenses were the tournament prizes including a Nintendo Wii, advertising and invitations to key community leaders.

Whatever the profit, the library plans to use the money to keep improving the environment of the library so students continue to use it.