Wessels Library Newsletter
March/April: Volume 5, Issue 5 , 2024
The Podcast Corner for Wessels: An Interview With Dr. Charlie Horn
Volume 1, Issue 5
An Interview with Dr. Charlie Horn
Host: Dr. Russ Conrath
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Dr. Charlie Horn, Newberry College's esteemed botanist, is a dedicated scholar whose passion for plant science knows no bounds. With a keen eye for detail and a profound appreciation for the natural world, Dr. Horn has spent years unraveling the mysteries of botanical diversity and ecology. His groundbreaking research has shed light on the intricate relationships between plants and their environment, paving the way for new discoveries and insights in the field of botany. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Dr. Horn is known for his unwavering commitment to student mentorship, inspiring countless aspiring botanists to cultivate their curiosity and explore the wonders of plant life.
Use Artificial Intellengence Wisely: Be Creative & Be Ethical
As students engage with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT on college campuses, maintaining ethical standards is paramount. It's imperative to approach AI with integrity, ensuring that its use aligns with academic honesty and respect for intellectual property. When citing ChatGPT as a source, students should acknowledge its contribution to their work, just as they would any other reference material. For instance, if incorporating specific responses or insights generated by ChatGPT into an essay or research paper, students should attribute these contributions appropriately, citing ChatGPT as the source of the information. Additionally, students can use ChatGPT as an idea starter, leveraging its capabilities to generate initial thoughts and brainstorming sessions. However, it's essential to supplement these ideas with independent research and critical analysis, ensuring that the final work reflects the student's own understanding and synthesis of the topic. By approaching the use of AI tools with transparency, accountability, and academic integrity, students can harness the power of technology responsibly while upholding the principles of ethical scholarship.
Dr. Conrath Recieves National Board Teaching Certification
On December 9th, 2023, Dr. Russ Conrath, the Outreach Librarian at Wessels Library, received his renewed National Board Teaching Certification in library science by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBTS) organization. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students, and schools. It was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. The NBPTS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and nongovernmental agency governed by a 29-member board of directors, the majority of whom are classroom teachers.
This certification showcases a librarian's commitment to excellence in teaching and information dissemination. The technical skills and expertise acquired during this process enable librarians to enhance the quality of educational support services offered to students. With a certified librarian at the helm of technical services, there's an assurance of a well-organized and efficient library system. Faculty members benefit from the librarian's heightened instructional abilities, gaining access to valuable resources and guidance for integrating information literacy into their courses. Ultimately, a National Board Teaching Certification for college librarians contributes to an enriched academic environment, fostering a culture of continuous learning and scholarly engagement among both students and faculty. According to an AASL article published through Knowledge Quest, only 2% of librarians hold National Board Teaching Certification (Elkins et al., 2010, p.15).
Elkins, A. J., Chonko, D., Dirscherl, B., Hall, D., & Mitchell, K. (2010). Professional Excellence: Becoming a National Board Certified School Librarian. Knowledge Quest, 38(5), 12–17
Library Newsletter Metrics: We're On The Move!
We're Being Read Around the World!
Where We're Being Accessed
Graphics On How Often We Are being Viewed For Information
Derick Hall Building Focus by Brooke Berry
One of many places that Newberry students call home is Derrick Hall. On the quad since 1924, the building was named for former college president Sidney Derrick. Its position on the quad gives it a bird’s-eye view of campus, including beautiful views of the azalea gardens and fountain. In addition to housing students, it also houses Student Affairs. It has earned a spot in Newberry College’s Historic District, which also features Smeltzer Hall, Keller Hall, and Holland Hall.
The storied history behind this building includes its namesake, Dr. Sidney Derrick, known as “the grand old man of campus.” Derrick served as president of the college from 1918 to 1930, but his impact does not stop there. He started by making a name for himself academically. During his time at Newberry College, Derrick received many academic honors, including the Senior Essay Medal, and graduated as a second honor student. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws by Lenoir College. Derrick worked hard to rise through the ranks of education. From his start working at the Ivy League schools Columbia University and Cornell University to teaching and leading in many different areas of education, he eventually found himself at Newberry College, serving as the Principal of the Preparatory. After this, he became President of the college. He even served the college as a professor of history after his time as president. While serving as president, he showed his talent in administrative affairs. As a professor, he was admired by his students as he “inspired [them] to greater things.” When honoring his life, many former colleagues took part in the service, with professors and another college president serving as pallbearers. His entire service at the college totaled 51 years, and the college is still grateful for this service today.
Outside of his service to the college, Derrick is remembered as a champion in many other areas in the community of Newberry and the wider world. He served on the Newberry County Board of Education, the WWI’s draft board, the Lutheran Church in America, and as a delegate to the United Lutheran Church Association’s Convention, to name a few. He was a man of faith who served the church well and often substituted as a minister for community churches. He was also involved in the political sphere, serving as a delegate to the Democratic State Convention, including the one which named Woodrow Wilson as the Democratic nominee for President.
His legacy is strong, and his name as remembered as one of “honor.” In 1946, a men’s dormitory became known as Derrick Hall. He was presented with a plaque to commemorate the occasion. One article ends with a call for “more men of his calibre, his courage, his capacity for deep-thinking, his love for his fellow men, and his deep religious feeling.”
Sources:
3 markers highlight NC history | Newberry Observer
1977 168 NCHD Derrick Hall by Glenn Dasher.JPG (dropbox.com)
Derrick Hall - Dropbox - 'Campus Scene, Newberry College' (Carnegie Hall and Derrick Hall), Postcard Before April 1939
JPG
S.J. Derrick Editorial, COLUMBIA RECORD, 6.18.1948, p4A
S.J. Derrick Funeral, COLUMBIA RECORD, 6.14.1948 p2A
S.J. Derrick in Hallman, SYNOD OF SC, 1924
S.J. Derrick Obit, NEWBERRY OBSERVER, 6.11.1948, Part 1, p1
Newberry College | Derrick Hall
Newberry College - SC Picture Project
Wessels' Book Club: Join the Magic of Reading and The Journey!
Read for Speed. The Fastest Way to a Good Book is To Discover Free Online eBooks!
Spring Book Club Options Brought to You by Wessels Library: Join the Magic of Reading and enjoy the Journey!
This semester, our featured title is It’s Not Supposed to be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form. Interested in reading more, but have limited time? We have several opportunities for participation:
- In-person meetings are being held on Thursdays between 11 and 12.
- Discussion Board
- Podcast
Create your Book Review
Not a fan of this title or nonfiction in general? No problem! As an additional way to participate in the Spring, you have the option of reading WHATEVER YOU WANT and sharing your thoughts by creating a 2-5 minute podcast(with background music if you’d like). You may also discuss a title you’ve read recently.
Feel free to reach out to Steffi Hiltgen or Russ Conrath for more information.
Also, if you're interested in participating but have limited time, check out our podcast book club!
Database Focus: NewsBank
Overview
"Every day, important issues and events impact small towns, big cities, and entire nations. This is reflected in the unique experiences and diverse perspectives of people worldwide. Today’s students need to be more aware of what is happening both locally and globally, and they must understand the various sides of any issue to draw their conclusions. Additionally, many assignments require students to use primary sources to relate classroom learning to the real world. By providing primary source content from around the world, Access World News enables students and teachers to meet these and other challenges in today's learning environment.
Web-based access to primary source information
Access World News is a comprehensive resource that includes more than 8,000 news publications from nearly 200 countries worldwide. These sources include major national and international newspapers, as well as local and regional titles. Access World News is updated daily to keep students informed of current issues and events, and it includes deep archives that provide background information on important topics, enabling students to trace an issue or event over some time." To access Newsbank, visit the Wessels Library webpage and click on Wessels Library Databases A to Z.
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Sources:
https://www.newsbank.com/libraries/military/solutions/access-world-news
2024
Access provided by:https://infoweb-newsbank-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/easy-search?p=AWNB
NewsBank
Free Online Books & Resources in the Public Domain: Check It Out!
Please check out these free books and resources that are in the public domain. You may want to take advantage of these easy to access materials to read and participate in the podcast version of the library book club. There are a lot of great websites and apps that can lead you to some fantastic classics and new cutting-edge stories for free online. Here are just a few examples:
23 Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once In Their Lives
Digital Public Library of America
Library GenesisLibrivox (Public Domain Audio Books)
Use Wessels' FlipGrid Link to Create Your Own Book Review
As an additional way to participate for the fall, we are also offering your own option; you can create a book podcast about the fall book you've recently read. To create your free podcast, simply access Wessels' FlipGrid podcast link: https://flip.com/d4c388e8. Try to record a two-to-five-minute talk about the book and add some neat music for the background.
For more information, please contact Dr. Russ Conrath at Russ.Conrath@Newberry.edu
Citation Tools & Information
Plagiarism is using someone's words, thoughts, or ideas without giving credit to the author. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and easily be avoided. Here are some helpful resources to help you better understand plagiarism. When in doubt about how to cite a source, ask for help.
- A Student's Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism
This short video will help you get a better understanding of plagiarism and citations.
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Purdue's Online Writing Lab is an excellent resource for writing papers, using sources, and citing sources.
Easybib.com: EasyBib is an intuitive information literacy platform that provides citation, note-taking, and research tools that are easy to use; it's accurate, fast, and comprehensive,
In addition, Wessels has citation books on reserve at the circulation desk and through our circulation manager, Carl Lominick.
Wessels Scoop.it Feedback & Reaction Statistics
Scoop.it Suggests From Wessels: Useful Tools, Information, & Resources
Scoop.it Suggests From Wessels: Useful Tools, Information, & Resources
Dr. Conrath's Scoop.it List: Check It out!
This "Scoop" shares a list of trending library-related topics and information.
Wessels' Trivia Question
TRIVIA QUESTION AND PRIZE
Here's the Wessels Library trivia question: In collection with textbooks, what are OERs? What does OER stand for?
If you can answer this question you'll win a $10 gift card.
March Poem
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
This poem is in the public domain.
https://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id=329
This poem is in the public domain.
Wessels Library Statistics
Thirty classes with over 463 students received library instruction so far this semester.
Total Physical Items 39,641
Total Physical books 35, 693:
DVD 319
Music Scores 852
eBooks available 273, 740
Total Loans August 1-September 30: 159, of those 106 Reserves
Wessels Library employs 16 student workers.
Wessels' Contact Information
WESSELS LIBRARY STAFF
Wessels Library Staff:
- Reid Austin, Library Director
- Steffi Hiltgen, Public Services Librarian
- Dr. Russ Conrath, Outreach Librarian
- Carl Lominick, Circulation Manager
- Janice Hudson, Technical Services Specialist
- Brooke Berry, Library Intern
Email: Dr.Russ.Conrath@newberry.edu
Website: https://newberry.libguides.com/wesselslibrary
Location: 2100 College Street, Newberry, SC, USA
Phone: 803-321-5229