Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Submissions wanted for “Why I Love Purdue Libraries” video contest

October 17th, 2016

Purdue Libraries announces the 2016-17 Library Scholars Grant Program

October 14th, 2016

The Purdue University Libraries will continue the Library Scholars Grant Program this year with a focus on supporting access to unique collections of information around the country and the world. Awards of up to $5,000 will be made for this purpose to untenured tenure-track members of the Purdue faculty, and to associate professors tenured effective July 1, 2014, or later. Grant-supported activities must be completed by December 31, 2017. The Library Scholars Grant Program is made possible through the generosity of the 50^th anniversary gift of the Class of 1935, and continuing gifts from this class and others, to an endowment fund in the Purdue Research Foundation.

The Library Scholars Grant Program is designed to provide grants to untenured tenure-track Purdue faculty members, and recently tenured or hired associate professors, to help them gain access to library materials necessary for research required for their continued growth as faculty members. Just as people come to Purdue to use our unique collections, the research of Purdue faculty may require visiting unique collections beyond Purdue. The Library Scholars Grant Program offers an opportunity for support for such activities to untenured tenure-track members of the Purdue faculty, and to Purdue associate professors tenured effective July 1, 2014, or later, in all disciplines, from the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne, IUPUI, and Northwest campuses, and the Statewide Technology Program. (Purdue faculty at the Fort Wayne and IUPUI campuses are those within “Purdue mission” programs; i.e., those for whom the promotions process falls under Purdue.)

Each Library Scholars Grant recipient will be asked to present a seminar about the information-related activities supported by the grant. The seminars will permit the Libraries to learn from recipients’ experiences in order to better serve both Purdue scholars and those from outside Purdue who visit our collections.

The 2016-2017 Library Scholars Grant Program awards will be in amounts of up to $5,000. The funds may be used for expenses associated with travel to archives or collections beyond Purdue, including the cost of transportation, lodging, meals, and fees charged by the library or other collection owner for access, photocopying, scanning, etc. Reimbursement will be made, for approved expenditures, up to the amount of the award.

Criteria used to judge the proposals will include how well the case is made that the proposed information-related activities will support the candidate’s research and that conducting these activities requires travel to unique collections beyond Purdue, the appropriateness of the budget, and the feasibility of the project within time constraints. Applicants are required to have a conversation with a librarian who must write a letter of support for a proposal. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel chaired by a tenured member of the Libraries faculty and composed of tenured faculty and one or more previous winners, with recommendations made to the Dean of Libraries. Award recipients will be contacted in January 2017.

The guidelines for proposals are outlined below.

All proposals must be submitted by email to Aimee McComb, mccomba@purdue.edu, with the Subject: Library Scholars Grant, no later than 5:00pm EST, Friday, November 11, 2016.

Guidelines for Proposals

Overview

The Library Scholars Grant Program, administered by the Purdue University Libraries, focuses on supporting access for untenured tenure-track members of the Purdue faculty, and associate professors tenured effective July 1, 2014, or later, to unique collections of information found around the country and the world. Awards of up to $5,000 will be made to for this purpose, with grant-supported activities to be completed by December 31, 2017.

The Library Scholars Grant Program is designed to provide grants to untenured tenure-track Purdue faculty members, and recently tenured or hired associate professors, to help them gain access to library materials necessary for research required for their continued growth as faculty members. Just as people come to Purdue to use our unique collections, the research of Purdue faculty may require visiting unique collections. The Library Scholars Grant Program offers an opportunity for untenured tenure-track faculty and recently tenured associate professors to receive support for expenses associated with travel to archives or collections beyond Purdue, including the cost of transportation, lodging, meals, and fees charged by the library or other collection owner for access, photocopying, scanning, etc.

Eligibility

Untenured tenure-track Purdue faculty members, and recently tenured or hired associate professors effective July 1, 2014, or later, in all disciplines, from the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne, IUPUI, and Northwest campuses, and the Statewide Technology Program are eligible for Library Scholars Grant Program awards. (Purdue faculty at the Fort Wayne and IUPUI campuses are those within “Purdue mission” programs; i.e., those for whom the promotions process falls under Purdue.) Grant recipients are not eligible for an award in consecutive years.

Proposal contents and format

1) Cover page with the following information:

1. a) Name
2. b) Rank, title
3. c) Date of appointment to the Purdue faculty; if Associate, date of promotion (if hired as Associate, please amend date of appointment with this information to clarify)
4. d) Department
5. e) College
6. f) Campus address
7. g) E-mail
8. h) Phone number
9. i) Name and address of Head of Department
10. j) Name and address of Dean of College/School
11. k) Name of Purdue Libraries faculty member or other Purdue Librarian from whom the applicant is submitting a letter of support (see #4)
12. l) Total amount of funding the applicant seeks from the Library Scholars Grant Program
13. m) Additional funding (grants, departmental funds, etc.), if any, available to the applicant to support the information-related activities for which a Library Scholars Grant is being sought

2) One-page narrative stating the following:

1. a) Area of research;
2. b) Related information needs that require using collection(s) beyond Purdue;
3. c) Information-related activities to be undertaken

(Note: The award may be used for expenses associated with travel to archives or collections beyond Purdue, including the cost of transportation, lodging, meals, and fees charged by the library or other collection owner for access, photocopying, scanning, etc.);

1. d) Projected timeline; and
2. e) Expected outcome(s) of the information-related activities, i.e., how they would support the applicant’s research.

3) Budget, itemizing proposed activities and their estimated costs, and showing total.

The following websites should be used to estimate lodging, meals and incidentals.

— For U.S. General Services Administration – Domestic destinations:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105307

— For U.S. Dept. of State — Foreign destinations:

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=81

4) Letter of support from a Purdue Libraries faculty member, or other Purdue librarian, with whom applicant has consulted regarding the information needs and information–related activities reflected in the proposal. In the letter, the librarian should briefly state the reasons the applicant cannot meet the information needs by using Purdue collections and electronic information resources and, therefore, needs to travel to unique collections beyond Purdue.

5) Brief resume (3 pages maximum).

6) List of publications

Reporting requirements

A brief report or presentation on the information-related activities accomplished as a result of the award, and their significance to the research of the recipient, must be sent to the Dean of Libraries by February 15, 2018.  Additionally, each individual awarded a Library Scholars Grant will be asked to present a seminar about the activities supported by the grant. The seminars will permit the Libraries to learn from recipients’ experiences in order to better serve both Purdue scholars and those from outside Purdue who visit our collections.

Funding

Awards will be in given in amounts of up to $5,000, with reimbursement, for approved expenditures, up to the amount of the award.  The Libraries Business Office will coordinate reimbursement with the grant recipient’s business manager.  Expenses may be reimbursed as they occur over the course of the project, with grant-supported activities to be completed by December 31, 2017. All requests for reimbursement, accompanied by appropriate documentation, must be received in the grant recipient’s departmental business office no later than February 15, 2018.

Criteria for judging proposals

Criteria used to judge the proposals will include how well the case is made that the proposed information-related activities will support the applicant’s research and that conducting these activities requires travel to unique collections beyond Purdue, the appropriateness of the budget, and the feasibility of the project within time constraints. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel chaired by a tenured member of the Libraries faculty and composed of tenured faculty and one or more previous winners, with recommendations made to the Dean of Libraries. Award recipients will be contacted in January 2017.

Proposal deadline

All proposals must be submitted by email to Aimee McComb, mccomba@purdue.edu, with the Subject: Library Scholars Grant, no later than 5:00pm EST, Friday, November 11, 2016.

Questions should be submitted to Aimee McComb, Office of the Dean, Purdue University Libraries – ADMN, email: mccomba@purdue.edu; telephone: 765-494-2900; fax: 765-494-0156

Q&A with Dan Shepardson, Author of “A Place Called Turkey Run”

September 15th, 2016

Dan Shepardson is a Geoenvironmental and Science Education professor at Purdue University. He has over 80 journal publications and his photography has been featured in national magazines, regional publications, local newsletters and is on permanent display at the Lilly Nature Center. His work is also part of the Photos for Health series on display in area hospitals. In his newest work, A Place Called Turkey Run, Dan combines his passion for photography, nature and the environment.

A Place Called Turkey Run: A Celebration of Indiana’s Second State Park in Photographs and Words  is an Official Endorsed Legacy Project by Indiana’s Bicentennial Commission.  The books captures the park’s striking scenery in hundreds of full-color photos. It takes readers on a vivid journey through the beloved state park during its hundredth anniversary. Learn Shepardson’s motivation and inspiration for the book in our Q&A below.

What inspired your love of nature and photography?

My love of nature and photography may be traced back to my parents. As a kid we would spend time hiking, camping, and fishing and so my parents introduced me and my sister to the natural world. They also bought me a 120 Instamatic camera that I used to take photographs of nature. But it was probably our first family trip to Yellowstone National Park that instilled in me a lifelong interest in nature and nature photography.

What made you want to photograph Turkey Run?

Turkey Run is an amazing state park. Its bluffs and canyons are unique for this part of the country and so it offers the nature photographer and hiker opportunities to see and photograph nature that do not exist in the area.

Why did you decide to create this book? Why did you decide to create it now?

Over the years Turkey Run has provided me with many enjoyable experiences hiking and photographing nature. In 2014 I realized that 2016 was the 100th anniversary of Turkey Run as a state park. I wanted to give something back to the park for all of the experiences it had provided, and I wanted to celebrate its natural history. So I decided to create a photograph and natural history book to honor and celebrate the beauty that is Turkey Run.

How did you decide what to photograph?

Over the years I tried to photograph the more interesting and unique features that make up the geology and ecology (natural history) of Turkey Run. So in a sense, Turkey Run’s scenery determined what I would photograph. Other times I would take trips, hikes, to photograph specific situations or events, such as the Virginia Bluebells in spring and freshly fallen snow in winter.

The book is divided into 6 sections; how did you choose this breakdown?

After randomly looking at several of my thousands of photographs of the park and thinking about my park experiences I quickly identified the six chapters that I felt captured my experiences and the natural history (geology and ecology) of Turkey Run: Sandstone, Bluffs and Canyons, Flowing Water, Snow and Ice, Tall Trees, Flowers, Ferns and Fungi. 

Do you have a favorite photo?

I have several. It is difficult to select just one.  I like the Chapter 6 cover photo of the trilliums and the photo of the mayapple on page 170.  The fogged lens photo of flowing water on page 62. The photo on page 4 contrasts the living and nonliving and the crossbed deposition to today’s sand deposition in the creek below. Just to identify a few.

Is there anything that shocked or surprised you while working on this project?

No, not really. But it is always wonderful to see the spring bloom of wildflowers, the colors of fall, and the snow and ice of winter. I am always astounded by this amazing display of nature. It is always thrilling to see bald eagles soar over Sugar Creek or turkey vultures roosting in tree tops.

What did you learn from this experience?

I guess, what I learned is that Turkey Run is an even more amazing place then I initially realized. The more I experienced and photographed the park over the years the more I came to know and appreciate the natural heritage and beauty that is preserved and protected in the park. Unfortunately, I also learned that people litter. I was stunned by the number of plastic water bottles that are thrown along the side of the trail. It shows no respect for the natural world. It also impairs the experience of other hikers.

Photographing Turkey Run

Enjoy more of Shepardson’s photos as A Place Called Turkey Run becomes available this month. See the beauty of the park up close and personal. Discover Dan’s tips and techniques in the companion book Photographing Turkey Run: A Guide to Nature Photography.  It is designed to provide a basic understanding of how to take pictures of nature and improve one’s photographs.

Purdue Libraries announces 2016 Parrish Library Case Competition

September 12th, 2016

WHAT IS THE PARRISH CASE COMPETITION?

In order to bring more attention to business information literacy inside and outside of Krannert, the Parrish Library is hosting its third annual case competition for undergraduates. This case competition will be marketing and strategy focused and includes students from Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University and new this year, Butler University.

First place $500 Second place $300 Third place $100

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Registration will be open after September 14.

WHO CAN DO THE PARRISH CASE COMPETITION?

This case competition is open to all undergraduate students regardless of major. The teams should be 4-5 students. At Purdue, at least one student should have taken MGMT 175, GS 175 or MGMT 190. For Butler, Notre Dame and IU, please check your local requirements. Two of the students need to be freshmen or sophomore level (doesn’t have to be the same as MGMT 175 participant). This case competition is intended to be a “lower division” case competition.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE PARRISH LIBRARY CASE COMPETITION?

Callouts: Monday October 3, 6pm Kran 250

Wednesday October 12, 6pm Kran 250

Tuesday October 18, 6pm Kran 250 Teams Formation Deadline and Case Presentation: Wednesday, October 19^th. First Round Executive Summaries Due: October 26th (Submitted online)

Final Round Announced: Tuesday Nov. 1 Final Presentations: Saturday, November 5, 1pm-5pm, Open to Public (Burton Morgan 121)

Parrish Library Database of the Week – IBISWorld Procurement Reports

September 12th, 2016

Welcome to Database of the Week, a feature from the Parrish Library. Each of these weekly snapshots will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of our specialized subscription databases. This week’s database is IBISWorld, specifically Procurement Reports, brought to you by IBISWorld Inc.

Link: http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/businessdatabases is the alphabetical list of the databases specially selected for those in a business program of study. Access the databases off-campus with your Purdue login and password.

Focus: IBISWorld is an industry research database, meaning that it has information about collections of companies who compete for the same consumer. Information is provided on over 700 US Industries in the US economy in reports at the granular level covering industry-specific titles from the popular to the not so popular.

Search: First time users are encouraged to scroll through all reports or use the search bar to search the reports. 

Click here to see the basics of searching IBISWorld Procurement Reports or try our Guide on the Side with this link. 

Why you should know this database: IBISWorld Procurement Reports is a recent addition to our library collection. This is a collection of over 900 reports on indirect purchasing lines and products. These reports cover many different markets ranging from “fire doors” and “data mining services” to “explosives” and “language schooling.”

Why students should know this database: IBISWorld Procurement Reports show information on pricing environments, including key trends and forecasts, product characteristics, supply chain vendors, and purchasing process. The information included in these reports are useful to procurement offices, entrepreneurs, and anyone working with products or a client. 

Cost: IBISWorld costs $18,709 paid annually by Purdue Libraries, IBISWorld Procurement Reports costs an additional $4,950 annually.

Database of the Week comes to you from the Roland G. Parrish Library of Management & Economics. If you would like more information about this database, or if you would like a demonstration of it for a class, contact parrlib@purdue.edu. Also let us know if you know of a colleague who would benefit from this weekly feature.

Since usage statistics are an important barometer when databases are up for renewal, tell us your favorite database, and we will gladly promote it. Send an email to parrlib@purdue.edu.

Parrish Library Database of the Week: IBISWorld (Industry Reports)

September 2nd, 2016

Welcome to Database of the Week, a feature from the Parrish Library. Each of these weekly snapshots will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of our specialized subscription databases. This week’s database is IBISWorld, specifically Industry Reports, brought to you by IBISWorld Inc.  

Link: http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/businessdatabases is the alphabetical list of the databases specially selected for those in a business program of study. Access the databases off-campus with your Purdue login and password. Focus: IBISWorld is an industry research database, meaning that it has information about collections of companies who compete for the same consumer. Information is provided on over 700 US Industries in the US economy in reports at the granular level covering industry-specific titles from the popular to the not so popular.

Search: Search IBISWorld Industry Reports by keyword, company, code, or browse report listings. 

Click here to see the basics of searching IBISWorld Industry Reports or try our Guide on the Side with this link.

Why you should know this database: IBISWorld Industry Reports include information such as industry definitions, supply chain, major players, performance, outlook, products and markets, major companies, and key statistics. Each Industry Report is 35-50 pages in length with abridged, 6-page Executive Summaries.

Why students should know this database: IBISWorld Industry Reports also include Additional Resources, Industry Jargon, and Glossary sections which can be useful for students new to researching industries. IBISWorld has also created extensive video tutorials for users looking for in-depth knowledge on how to use some of the elements provided in these reports.

Cost: IBISWorld costs $18,709 paid annually by Purdue Libraries. 

Database of the Week comes to you from the Roland G. Parrish Library of Management & Economics. If you would like more information about this database, or if you would like a demonstration of it for a class, contact parrlib@purdue.edu. Also let us know if you know of a colleague who would benefit from this weekly feature.

Since usage statistics are an important barometer when databases are up for renewal, tell us your favorite database, and we will gladly promote it. Send an email to parrlib@purdue.edu.

Patent Basics: What Every Inventor Should Know – Thursday, Sept. 15

September 2nd, 2016

Parrish Library Database of the Week – Mergent

August 29th, 2016

Welcome to Database of the Week, a feature from the Parrish Library. Each of these weekly snapshots will give you a very brief introduction to the basic features of one of our specialized subscription databases. This week’s database is Mergent Online brought to you by Mergent.

Link: http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/businessdatabases is the alphabetical list of the databases specially selected for those in a business program of study. Access the databases off-campus with your Purdue login and password.

Focus: Mergent Online provides access to financial statements, company news, industry analysis, historical information on M&A activity, country information, product and brand names, historical ratings, US executive biographies and compensation details, historical daily stock pricing back to 1925.

Search: Mergent Online allows users to search for companies by ticker, name, SIC, or NAICS code. This database also provides Advanced Search options and the ability to search for some private companies.

Click here to see the basics of searching Mergent or try our Guide on the Side with this link.

Why you should know this database: Mergent Online provides access to company business histories by year and business segments by time, scale, or type of currency. This database also provides annual reports, industry reports, equity reports, Mergent reports, and portraits. 

Why students should know this database: Mergent Online is easy to use and navigate and features a “News” tab where students can easily find recent news headlines on companies, including historic news.

Cost: The Mergent Online access fee costs $2,500 paid for annually by Libraries.

Database of the Week comes to you from the Roland G. Parrish Library of Management & Economics. If you would like more information about this database, or if you would like a demonstration of it for a class, contact parrlib@purdue.edu.  Also let us know if you know of a colleague who would benefit from this weekly feature.

Since usage statistics are an important barometer when databases are up for renewal, tell us your favorite database, and we will gladly promote it. Send an email to parrlib@purdue.edu 

New Data Storage LibGuide Now Available

August 22nd, 2016

A new LibGuide provided by Purdue University Libraries Research Data and developed in collaboration with ITaP displays the variety of data storage options available to researchers at Purdue University. After conversations with new faculty and graduate students where specific information on the data storage options present at Purdue and the considerations that go into selecting an appropriate data storage solution for a given data set were requested, the LibGuide was designed to meet those needs for all researchers.

The primary page lists six of the most common selection criteria for all available storage solutions at Purdue, including price, available storage, primary use, backups, access after leaving Purdue’s campus, and access from and to high performance computing systems. Each storage solution then has a profile page that includes in-depth information on 23 selection criteria, to give researchers a comprehensive picture for each data storage solution.

A link to the LibGuide can be found here: http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/DataStorage

Q&A with Authors of “Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family”

August 15th, 2016

Discover a hidden facet of Indiana’s long agricultural history in Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family: A Photo History of Indiana’s Early County Extension Agents. Follow the story of early extension agents on their journey through rural farmland in never before seen photos. These agents worked hand in hand with local farmers to improve agricultural practices and the way of life across the state with research from Purdue University and other institutions.

Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family is an officially endorsed legacy project for Indiana’s Bicentennial illustrating the importance of agricultural development through technology, research and extension.

Two Purdue faculty members, Fredrick Whitford (F.W.) and David Hovde (D.H.) and archivist Neal Harmeyer (N.H.) worked together to compose this book. Each author spent countless hours in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center discovering photos and weaving together the stories of Indiana’s Extension agents, farmers and agriculture history. Find out each of their motivations and insights on the book in our Q&A with the authors: Fred, David and Neal.

What lead to the creation of this book?

F.W.— While working on another book I noticed the wonderful photographs that the extension agents were taking as part of their annual reports. With the bicentennial coming up, it looked like a great time to showcase what some of the original Extension agents did as part of their efforts in getting the Extension service started in the state.

N.H. — This book came into being after it became apparent these images told the story of early 20^th century Indiana agriculture. After discussing the sheer number of images, variety of subjects and activities captured, it became apparent a book would introduce readers to an important part of Hoosier history.

How was it to research within the Purdue Archives and Special Collections to determine dates, locations, and significance of each photo?

F.W.— We were lucky from the start, that these photos were saved in the archives. The photos are one of a kind treasures. The fact that they were in folders labeled by year helped immensely. What was really encouraging was that many had names associated with them. I have used these photos in the counties where these people lived and buildings once existed. People have seen relatives like great grandfathers that they had never seen before from the photos preserved in the archives.

How does Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family tie into the culture and heritage of Indiana?

N.H.— As Indiana celebrates its bicentennial in 2016, one naturally looks back to its centennial. A hundred years ago, which coincides with many of the images in the book, agriculture was a way of life for many Hoosiers. As the state looked ahead to its second century, changes in technology and the agricultural marketplace were beginning to take root. Generations of families farmed the same land, always striving to maintain their family heritage. My own family is one of those, and to catch even a glimpse into the world of my ancestors was special. I think readers of Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family will also uncover those familial connections and grow to understand the work ethic, ingenuity, and strength of our Hoosier forbearers.

D.H.— This books explores an often overlooked aspect of Indiana history. Indiana remains a state with a large agricultural economy.  It tells the story of how the Purdue Extension agents helped farmers view what they were doing as a business. Also, it demonstrates how these agents, through their educational practices, improved the health of both the people and animals, the local economy, and welfare of the community as a whole.

How does Extension farming exist today and how does this project show its evolution?

F.W.— The first Extension educators were at the forefront of modern farming. They were seeing the first introductions of lime, tractors, hybrid corn, and much more.

What did you learn from working on this project?

D.H. — The subject of the book is a part of Purdue University’s and Indiana’s history I knew little about.  It was a fascinating exploration into the rural Midwestern life of the early twentieth century. It features some aspects of the technology and culture that had changed little from the pioneer period.

What was your favorite part of working on this project?

N.H.— My favorite part was learning more about how different parts of Indiana worked together through Purdue Extension to improve not only their farms and way of life, but the way of life for people across the United States and the world. The ability for a farmer to take part in cutting-edge research in a controlled and targeted way meant that farmers were no longer at the whim of the elements. Instead, farmers were able to work with allies to strengthen their ability to make a living. That was, and still is, exciting and tremendously enjoyable to read and learn more about during the process of creating this book.

D.H. — I enjoyed looking deep into the photographs, examining the details of the material culture, the clothing, the technology, the activities and the expression on peoples’ faces.  Many times we had discussions over which one of a half dozen images would best show the topic we were discussing. Many times it was a hard decision.

About the Authors

Fredrick Whitford
Frederick Whitford works for the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service in the College of Agriculture. He received a BS in wildlife management from Louisiana Tech University, and an MS and PhD in entomology from Iowa State University. He has authored more than 250 research, extension, and regulatory publications, and has delivered at least 5,000 presentations to a wide array of audiences. He has written several other books about the history of Indiana agriculture, all published by Purdue University Press.

Neal Harmeyer
Neal Harmeyer is an archivist at Purdue University Archives and Special Collections. Harmeyer grew up on a multigenerational family farm in northeastern Fayette County, Indiana, where he helped raise animals. He earned a BA degree in history from Purdue and an MLS degree from Indiana University.

David M. Hovde
David M. Hovde, the research and instruction librarian in the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center, is an associate professor of library science and has been at Purdue University since 1989. He has authored or coauthored numerous monographs, books, book chapters, and articles in archaeology, history, semiotics, and pedagogy.