Between the Lines

the Eli M. Oboler Library Newsletter

Volume 16, Number 1 www.isu.edu/library/libcol/newsletter.htm Fall 2008 Hardinge Books Donated to Special Collections

It was Christmas in July for the De Smet was a Roman staff of the Special Collections Catholic priest who was ac- Department when twelve boxes tive in missionary work pri- of books arrived from a special marily with the Nez Perce donor. Mr. H. De Forest “Cork” and Flathead Indians. He Hardinge of Mercer Island, was based in northern Washington donated his collec- Idaho and traveled exten- tion of rare books and ephemera sively throughout the relating to the History of the Northwest. American West to the Oboler Library Special Collections De- Also included in the collec- partment. The collection fo- tion are two editions of cuses primarily on the Pacific Washington Irving’s As- Northwest andHeading Colorado and toria, which chronicles the will provide much-needed early history of John Jacob As- source material for researchers. tor’s venture into the fur trade on the Pacific coast. Among the many treasures are and a 1906 edition of an 1847 edition of Father De George Wharton James’ In Smet’s book Oregon Missions and Out of the Old Mis- and Travels over the Rocky sions, previously owned by Mountains in 1845-46. Father renowned California author Mary Austin whose signa- ture is on the inside cover. The The collection is available for

Place you r m essag e h ere. Fo r m axim um i mpact , use two or t hre e se ntenc es. collection of over 130 titles is use in the Special Collections joined by four boxes of ephem- Department in the Library’s era ranging from early pam- basement. The department is phlets, current maps, museum open Monday through Friday catalogs, 1920s automobile 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. route cards from the Automobile Karen Kearns Club of Western Washington Associate Professor, Head of Special Collections and scenic postcards of bustling Contents of this issue downtown Seattle. Re-categorizing the Library budget Mr. Hardinge’s family has re- Research on Kittie Wilkins cently relocated from Washing- Semenza sabbatical road trip ton to Pocatello. His grandson, The Big Read Alex Webster, is currently at- Library activities tending ISU and working in the New Library employees library’s Circulation Depart- ment. Ongoing Library book sale Idaho Library Association Conference “Pardon me, madam, but will you be using that book for research or for instruction purposes?” OR Recategorizing the Library budget

Library staff have worked electronic resources to support Work continues on this effort, through the summer to study ISU’s programs and faculty re- as bibliographers will also be ways to reorganize the library search. The present allocation working with various programs materials budget according to plan for the library materials to compare ISU’s collections to whether the materials support budget is based on historical those of its peers (as identified instruction, core research, or precedent. It reflects a status by the programs themselves). specialized research. The re- quo philosophy, though the peri- The intent is to identify a base vised structure will reflect more odic need to cut journals be- level of funding for each pro- closely the University’s priori- cause of inflation above the con- gram. There is no easily identi- ties and will afford a rational sumer-price-index has some- fied library standard for orga- basis for the way in which the times made it necessary to alter nizing a budget in this way, so Library allocates its collection that philosophy. Library faculty will be asking funds. Moreover, it will be more members of the university com- useful for the Library when fu- In pursuit of a new allocation munity for their assistance in ture cuts may be necessary; the plan, and in collaboration with this process. Faculty should core will have been identified the University Library Commit- expect to be contacted through- and will be preserved. tee, Library staff have begun out the remainder of the aca- gathering data from the Li- demic year as Library staff pro- For fiscal year 2009, the li- brary’s primary book vendor, ceed with their data-gathering brary’s materials budget of and have been collecting advice efforts. $2.5 million supports the pur- from faculty. Sandra Shropshire chase of books, journals, and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Message from Kay Flowers, University Librarian —

travel, and other budgets, the that was added to the base by By now, everyone main budget affected by these the university for fiscal year is aware of the decisions is the acquisitions 2009). As we start to identify struggling world budget used to purchase jour- the necessary cuts, we will have economy and its nals, books and databases. We to take any percentage off of effects on our state will have to trim this budget, this lower number, then see economy. The university has and most of the trimming will how much we can buy with already been asked to hold back be in the serials budget. How- what is left. 1 percent with another 1.5 per- ever, we have another problem. During this fall renewal cycle cent in reserve, and these for journals, we have already amounts will be addressed more For the last two years, the an- seen some titles coming in with permanently in the budget proc- nual inflation increase, required double-digit increases, and one ess beginning soon. The library, by the library to pay the rising increase of 500 percent. At this as a major recipient of state costs of journals, has been in point, we have the money for money, is affected greatly by the form of one-time money. the 2009 calendar year sub- these processes. Therefore, as we look for cuts, scriptions, and we will be estab- we must keep in mind we are Though the library will be deal- lishing the cuts necessary to starting from the base we had ing with trimming its supplies, live within our budget for 2010. in fiscal year 2007 (plus $30,000

Fall 2008—Page 2 Colorado Humanities Supports Oboler Librarian’s Research, Featured in Idaho Magazine

Oboler Library Catalog Librar- County, Idaho, and owner of you and your horses don’t un- ian and Associate Professor 10,000 horses, all range-bred derstand each other, you should Philip Homan spent 10 days in and branded with her famous part company at once—there July and August as a guest of Diamond brand. She was the isn’t the slightest particle of the historic only woman at the turn of the danger. Nothing serious can Brown Pal- twentieth century whose sole happen. Your horses are as ace Hotel, occupation was horse dealing. ready for an emergency as you Denver, Homan is writing the first biog- are, and will help you meet it.” Colorado, raphy of the “Queen of Dia- researching monds.” Homan’s research on Kittie Wil- the busi- kins was featured in the October ness of Kit- Kittie Wilkins visited Sioux 2008 issue of Idaho Magazine. tie C. Wil- City, Iowa, Omaha, Nebraska, Homan has promised two arti- kins, Horse Kansas City, Missouri, St. cles about Wilkins in exchange Queen of Louis, Missouri, New Orleans, for the back issues of the maga- Idaho. Homan received a 2008 Louisiana, and Chicago, Illinois zine for Oboler Library. The Li- Research Grant from Colorado each year, but the first stop on brary’s collection is in Periodi- Humanities to visit the Denver her annual horse-selling trips cals on the third floor, with the Public Library’s Western His- was Denver. Well-known at the latest issue shelved at Current tory and Genealogy Depart- Union Stock Yards and in the Display on the first floor. ment, as well as the archive of Denver hotels in the 1890s and Homan’s next article on the the Brown Palace. early 1900s, Wilkins gave a Idaho Horse Queen will be pub- number of interviews to Denver lished in the December 2008 Colorado Humanities is affili- newspapers, which were re-run issue. ated with the National Endow- in papers across the country. ment for the Humanities and is Philip Homan the only statewide organization After checking into Room 234 in Associate Professor, Catalog Librarian in Colorado dedicated exclu- the Brown Palace on Septem- sively to supporting the hu- ber 14, 1902, to arrange manities. They strive to im- for a shipment of Clydes- prove the quality of humanities dales to a buyer in Den- education for all Colorado citi- ver, Miss Wilkins gave an zens, to encourage the applica- interview to the Denver tion of the values of the hu- Post, entitled “The Only manities to the decision making One of Her Kind,” re-run that will influence the future of in the New York Times, Colorado. They serve more than and made one of her rare 200,000 people and 30 counties statements about her ha- in Colorado per year through its tred of automobiles. “I programs, grants and special don’t like them,” she said. events. “They are ugly, and they are unsafe…Look at the Kittie Wilkins, the subject of accidents that are always Homan’s research, was the boss happening….Now, behind of the Wilkins Horse Company horses that you know and in the Bruneau Valley, Owyhee who know you—and if

Fall 2008—Page 3 A sabbatical road trip with Jenny Lynne Semenza, Head of Reference Services, Eli M. Oboler Library The idea for the road trip grew go-see-what-they’re-doing justi- out of an Oboler Library tradi- fication was not going to win tion by which a reference team approval. So I wrote an inter- from Library view instrument which focused would visit a on distance services, reference, different aca- and information literacy in- demic library struction, with the intention of in the nearby conducting the interview at states every each of the universities I se- year. Each visit lected to visit. The resulting in- resulted in new formation could then be used to ideas on how to improve library compare the efforts of the insti- services and resources. These tutions and perhaps inform de- improvements have included cision-making at all of the insti- Reference Desk, University of Alaska in An- ideas for handouts, staffing, tutions. Additionally, I would be chorage. The desk is in the shape of a question workshops, technology, commit- collecting a great deal of statis- mark. tee assignments and even tical data to further round-out things as simple as how to bet- the comparisons. The library visits were fascinat- ter answer legal questions from ing. I met wonderful, engaged, the general public. Not once did I selected the universities based energetic and innovative librari- the team set out with a clear on three criteria. First, they had ans and found many ideas that we’re-going to-find-out-X-plan. to be located in one of the fol- could be implemented at Idaho Instead, it was a visit to the lowing states: Arizona, New State University’s Oboler Li- terra incognita of the other li- Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, brary. In addition to public ser- braries to learn what they Montana, Utah, Nevada or vices librarians, I was able to might be doing that is unique Idaho. The geographic area was meet with librarians in techni- and wonderful, but so common- later expanded to include Al- cal services, administration, place to them that they don’t berta and Alaska. These states and collection development. necessarily recognize it as inno- all have large rural areas, diffi- vative or exciting. cult terrain/climate and the in- What has emerged from the in- stitutions serve many types of formation I gathered are some However, a sabbatical proposal distant communities. clear trends for reference, dis- must, by its very nature, be tance services and library in- more focused. An I-just-want-to- The other two criteria were that struction. The mountain of data the institutions must I collected will eventually result have either a Car- in publications of various sorts negie classification as well. equal to or greater than doctoral/ I have already presented some research univer- of the best ideas at the Idaho sity, or the classifi- Library Association Conference cation of large four- and have posted many more on year, primarily my library blog: nonresidential uni- http://librarybanter.blogspot.com versity. A list of the institutions I vis- Best of all, my little red car and ited is located on I got to see a lot of gorgeous the next page. scenery. A spacious information commons, Jenny Semenza University of Nevada, Las Vegas Head of Reference Services

Fall 2008—Page 4

List of institutions ALBERTA: University of Calgary in Alberta University of Alberta in Edmonton ALASKA: University of Alaska in Fairbanks University of Alaska in Anchorage ARIZONA: Arizona State University in Tempe Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff University of Arizona in Tucson COLORADO: University of Northern Colorado in Fort Collins University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado, Denver (also the library for Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University) Colorado School of Mines in Golden A do-it-yourself check-out desk, University of Arizona in Tucson IDAHO: Boise State University in Boise Idaho State University in Pocatello University of Idaho in Moscow

MONTANA: University of Montana in Missoula Montana State University in Bozeman Five most often used databases: NEVADA: University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno January—June 2008 NEW MEXICO: New Mexico State University in Las Cruces (does not include Health Sciences) University of New Mexico in Albuquerque UTAH: Utah State University in Logan Total Utah Valley University in Orem General Databases University of Utah in Salt Lake City Searches

University of Academic Search Complete 83,498 Alaska in Fairbanks: Web of Science 13,681 access desk for an audio archive ERIC 11,447 of interviews with Alaskan Education Research politicians, 10,739 settlers and Complete Native MLA International 10,295 Americans. Bibliography Marilynne Robinson featured at The Big Read The Big Read came to Pocatello and the Oboler Library in October. The Na- tional Endowment for the Arts program provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities. For Pocatello, the book selected was Housekeeping. The kick-off event, featuring Marilynne Robinson, author of Housekeeping (and also Gilead and Home), was held Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Jensen Grand Concert Hall of the Stephens Performing Arts Center. Oboler Library hosted a book signing with the author that day at the library.

Free copies of Robinson’s book were given upon request at Don Aslett’s Cleaning Center and Oboler Library.

Fall 2008—Page 5 Librarians put on a show

With so many distractions and theme “Granting your informa- best place to be seen by others, changes in society, it seems that tion wishes,” were printed with the best place to eat. During the libraries need to market them- pointers for finding library ma- street party, the Library genie terials and were distributed put on quite a performance, in- at these events. To fit this cluding a monologue about the Library which an Idaho State Journal reporter captured on his digital camera. This video ap- peared on the Idaho State Jour- nal’s Web site that same night. As the night progressed and it became darker, more people came to the table to request a flashing star. They proved to be a hit, and everyone went away HOMECOMING knowing the pen and star came PARADE from a Library that wants to help them succeed in their aca- “Library Information Genie Grants Wish” Spencer Jardine, Coordinator of Library Instruction, demic endeavors here at ISU. dressed in a genie costume to spread the word that wishes for information can be granted at the Li- brary, and, hopefully, at the Homecoming game! Grandchildren of one of the library employees throw candy to the lively crowd. selves more proactively to re- theme, one of the librarians mind students that there is dressed up as a genie to attract more to information gathering attention. than Google. Student tuition and state funds pay for library Students on campus also had services and resources. For stu- the opportunity to go on a free dents to get the best return from Library tour and receive a pen their investment librarians with the Library URL on it. must act as catalysts to their Several students took advan- tage of this opportunity to dis- learning. Ruiling Guo, Health Sciences Librarian, dressed cover a few library secrets: the up as a magician, complete with cape and black Librarians participated in sev- best places to study, the loca- top hat, for the Idaho Health Sciences eral Week of Welcome activities tion of the study rooms, the Library display at the White Tent Event. She ranging from the Get Connected passed out poker cards with stickers that included at the White Tent event to the IHSL’s contact information. Unfortunately, she had no white bunnies. street party. Flyers, with the Halloween (and mid-term) messages to students from librarians— “Don’t let your grades be buried with good intentions.” “Here lie my grades, may they rest in peace.” “Midterms are scarier in college than high school.”

Fall 2008—Page 6

Regina Koury James Teliha Shannon Shrum Associate University Electronic Resources/ Library Assistant I

Librarian for Public Reference Librarian Circulation Department

Services In September, Regina Koury Over the July fourth weekend, In mid-June, filled the position of electronic Shannon Shrum relocated to Jim Teliha resources/reference librarian. joined the Pocatello to work at Oboler Li- Oboler Li- Previously, she held positions at brary as a library assistant in brary faculty the University of Southern Cali- the Circulation Department and as associate fornia in Los Angeles, California to marry her high school sweet- heart. university li- as an elec- tronic re- brarian for Shannon was born in Pocatello, sources assis- public ser- but raised “everywhere as a tant and as a vices. Prior to military brat.” She returned to library su- coming to Pocatello and enrolled in the pervisor for ISU, Jim served as the head of same high school that both of Interlibrary access services for the Univer- her parents at- Loan Borrow- sity of Rhode Island and the ac- tended: Poca- ing and Public Services. cess services librarian of the tello High Oregon Institute of Technology. Regina received her MLIS from School. She He received his MLIS degree the University of Pittsburgh took some ISU from the University of Okla- and her BA in teaching foreign classes and homa, and also has an MA in languages from the Tomsk worked as a le- U.S. History and a BA in His- State Pedagogical University in gal secretary tory and Political Science from Tomsk, Russia (Siberia). until she began the University of Colorado. working as a She was born in Tomsk, Russia, Jim grew up in Wheat Ridge, circulation as- but describes herself as a Colorado, and though he misses sistant for Marshall Public Li- “military brat,” living all over the Red Sox, he is happy to be brary, where she found her call- the world, including the back in the West, where people ing. After a move to Boise in Ukraine, Hungary, and coun- actually pronounce the letter 2001, Shannon began working tries in the Far East. Coming to “r.” Away from the office, Jim for the Garden City Library, the United States almost 12 and his wife love travelling, and and three years later became years ago was, and still is, a the circulation manager. have been on every continent. great experience. In her free time she enjoys reading, trying An academic setting is a new new foods, camping and fishing. challenge for her, and she’s happy to be here. In her free time she enjoys family, camp- ing, four-wheeling, boating, Oboler Library’s ongoing book sale! fishing, and playing with her pug, Buffy. This sale started in October and will go through the remainder of the academic year. Items offered for sale are available in the New Books area of the first floor and will be replenished as needed. Books cost $1 for hardbacks and 50 cents for paperbacks—just pay for them at the Circulation Desk. So come by, have a look, and stop by regularly to see the new items that have been added. This will be a great way to stock up on reading for school breaks and to add to your home book collec- tion.

Fall 2008—Page 7

IDAHO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

October 2008 — Idaho Falls

Beth Downing, Government Docu- ments, Jim Teliha, Public Services, Regina Koury, Electronic Resources, and Cheryl Sebold, Collection & Development enjoy a visit over lunch.

Chair of this year’s ILA Annual Con- Marcia Francis, Director of ISU’s ference, Cathy Gray, ISU-Idaho Falls Health Sciences Library, highlights librarian, chats with colleague during a free quality health information re- break in the program. sources for the public.

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID Between the Lines POCATELLO, IDAHO PERMIT NO. 42. Eli M. Oboler Library Idaho State University 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8089 Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8089 FAX: (208) 282-5847 Voice: (208) 282-2997 Published by: The Eli M. Oboler Library Editors: Karen Kearns Sue Roth Send comments to: [email protected]

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