Gordon Library » News http://wp.wpi.edu/library WPI Library news, events & resources Tue, 15 May 2012 15:42:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Library Patio Update http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/15/library-patio-update-2/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/15/library-patio-update-2/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 15:42:31 +0000 Jason Homer http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2649 It is turning out to be a beautiful day today and work has resumed on the Gordon Library patio. We apologize for any inconvenience the work has caused. The library will remain open regular summer hours during the construction. Thank you for your understanding.

Summer Hours:

Monday – Thursday Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/15/library-patio-update-2/feed/ 0 Alyssa Chats #GordonLibrary http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/11/qa/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/11/qa/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 17:54:10 +0000 Jason Homer http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2259
We asked some students at WPI to tell us about their experiences at the library. These answers will be unveiled in a series we call “Chat #GordonLibrary.” Feel free to add your own answers to the question in the comment section below!

 

Question: Where is your favorite place to study?

Alyssa says:

“I would say that my favorite place to study in the library would be the third floor cubicles. I tend to bring my own laptop with me, so I do not need to use the computers in the library, and I value privacy if I am studying, or writing a paper. I like being able to sit and focus on what I am doing without distraction and it is nice to have so few people walking around while I am working. The only downside is that they tend to be a popular spot in the library, so it can be difficult to find an empty one. For smaller group projects, I like the tables in the ground floor. It is usually quiet on the ground floor, and I find the openness a little more comfortable than a tech suite, though the tech suites are nice because you can project whatever you are doing on a big screen.”

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/11/qa/feed/ 0 Congratulations Class of 2012! The Library Then & Now http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/08/congratulations-class-of-2012-the-library-then-now/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/08/congratulations-class-of-2012-the-library-then-now/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 22:05:30 +0000 Tracey Leger-Hornby http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2608 When you were first years …

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein

  • Building visitors: 279,203
  • Tech Suites: 7
  • Library Spaces: cubicles, tables, study rooms

When you were seniors …

  • Building visitors: 442,850
  • Tech Suites: 11
  • Library Spaces: Information Commons, Technology Helpdesk, Academic Technology Center staff, Café, & a new Patio (coming soon thanks to you!)
Many changes have occurred since you arrived at WPI.  Thanks for your input and enthusiasm about the library and helping to continue to make it such a special place on campus.The library staff wish you the best and a successful future.

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The Gordon Library created a Pinterest account (pinterest.com/gordonlibrary) earlier this year for you to keep up on new books, interesting archive images, and so much more. Make sure to follow our Research Tips, Library Fun, and WPI History boards. We see Pinterest as a great way to interact with the entire WPI community and hope that you repin some of our images, and share some interesting pins with us as well.

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/07/pinteres/feed/ 0 Looking for Films, Audiobooks, and Bestsellers in Gordon Library? http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/04/looking-for-films-audiobooks-and-bestsellers-in-gordon-library/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/04/looking-for-films-audiobooks-and-bestsellers-in-gordon-library/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 17:22:40 +0000 Lora Brueck http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2576 Film collection in its new homeLooking for Films, Audiobooks, and Bestsellers? Head up to the Third Floor

In preparation for summer renovations of the North side of the library’s main entrance level, the film collection has moved upstairs. Take a left once you get upstairs to find them. The library has a growing collection of DVDs, to learn more check out the guide Find Films at WPI. (http://libguides.wpi.edu/films).

 

Audiobooks have also moved to the 3rd floor, in the same area. From Secrets of a shoe addict: a novel to the Big sur by Jack Kerouac, find a variety of popular, non-fiction, and education titles on cassette or CD. Search the library’s audiobook collection by entering “audiobooks” in Summon/All search, by limiting to library location: Audiobooks.

 

Bestsellers are also on the 3rd floor, stop up and browse. A few recently added titles include:

 

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/04/looking-for-films-audiobooks-and-bestsellers-in-gordon-library/feed/ 0 Library Staff Celebrate Long Term Service Awards http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/03/library-staff-celebrate-long-term-service-awards/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/03/library-staff-celebrate-long-term-service-awards/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 19:25:35 +0000 Christine Drew http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2570 Congratulations Don, Martha, Debbie and Joan

Congratulations to Don, Martha, Debbie and Joan!

The library staff are pleased to report the George C. Gordon Library at WPI is a terrific place to work. How do we know? Staff stick around for a while! The following are being recognized today for their contributions and for long service at WPI.

35 Years: Don Richardson, Associate Director for Technology and E-Resource Management
Starting as a reference librarian in 1977, Don began his WPI career teaching students use the old fashioned card catalog to find books. Over the years he has worked to implement many technological advances, most recently working last summer to roll out the new Summon/All search on the library website.

25 Years: Martha Gunnarson, Electronic Resources Librarian
Otherwise known as ‘the magic wizard behind the curtain,’ she manages access to print journals, eJournals, and eBooks through the library catalog, eResources Portal, and in Summon. With this effort, users can seamlessly get to the information they need, without even knowing the WPI Library is behind the full text magic trick.

20 Years: Debbie Bockus, Assistant Director, Access Services
Debbie administers and directs the operation of the Access Services Department with much energy and a stream of creative ideas. Her midnight brainstorms, shared with staff, ensure the library is an innovative and productive space for students and staff alike. She oversees Interlibrary Loan staff, who make certain faculty and students get timely access to articles and books borrowed from other libraries. Her work involves hiring and managing 50+ students who work at the library each year.

20 Years: Joan Dickert, Administrative Assistant
Joan has kept the library admistration in line for many years. Joan keeps an eagle eye on our library accounts and patron count statistics. She tracks many details behind the scenes. Joan is an active member of the New York Times Bestseller selection committee. She collects reviews, analyze circulation trends, and knows the reader’s choices. She’s also an amazing seamstress and one of the best bakers in the world, and sure knows how to organize a party.

Thanks to these staff members for their many, many contributions over the years.

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/03/library-staff-celebrate-long-term-service-awards/feed/ 0 Library Patio Class Gift: Donations Accepted Until Commencement http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/library-patio-class-gift-wooberry-frozen-yogurt-may-3rd/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/library-patio-class-gift-wooberry-frozen-yogurt-may-3rd/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 00:37:15 +0000 Christine Drew http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2564 Library Patio Before and AfterThe Class of 2012 is very close to their goal of raising $10,000 for the Senior Class Gift! By raising $10,000 and getting donations from 40% of the seniors, the class earns a 1:1 Trustee match and $5,000, respectively, to give towards the refinishing of the Gordon Library patio. The patio will be updated with benches, trees, and shrubs to make it an inviting place for students to gather. If you would like to donate or have questions, please contact Ajayi Harris at 508-831-6021 or aharris@wpi.edu, or donate online here.

Donations will be accepted until Commencement.

 

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/library-patio-class-gift-wooberry-frozen-yogurt-may-3rd/feed/ 0 Summer Hours: May 2 – August 22 http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/summer-hours-may-2-august-22/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/summer-hours-may-2-august-22/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 23:47:21 +0000 Christine Drew http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2562
Gordon Library Summer Hours
Monday – Thursday Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

See more library hours for exceptions and holidays.

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/02/summer-hours-may-2-august-22/feed/ 0 Sarcey Chen biography translation celebrated on April 26th http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/01/sarcey-chen-biography-translation-celebrated-on-april-26th/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/01/sarcey-chen-biography-translation-celebrated-on-april-26th/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 19:22:59 +0000 Margaret Anderson http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2459

Sarcey Chen

 
On April 26th, students, staff and faculty gathered to celebrate the translation of the biography of Sarcey Chen, WPI Class of 1924.  This event was co-sponsored by the library and the WPI Alumni Office.  Mr. Chen received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and returned to China to found the North Pole Appliance Company. He hoped China would use new technology to transport fresh food long distances in refrigerated rail cars.

Japan’s invasion of China early in the 1930s led to Sarcey Chen’s involvement in the resistance movement against Japan in Shanghai, where Sarcey lived. He raised money for the Chinese forces and helped plan construction of routes for the army. His failed attempt to assassinate one of the Chinese men who was part of the puppet government in Shanghai led to his arrest and execution in 1940.

Yitai Lu and Qian Wan, in China, wrote a biography of Mr. Chen, and WPI students Xiaowen and Xiaolin Zhen and Chao Liao translated the biography, beginning in 2008.  At last the translation is complete, and the reception was held to celebrate this, and the life of Sarcey Chen. 

Professor Jennifer Rudolph

Humanities and Arts Professor Jennifer Rudolph explained that China sent some of its most promising young men to the U.S. in the early decades of the 1900s to learn skills they could bring back to their home country. The Japanese invasion and the events that followed disrupted many of the hopes and plans these young men had for China.  

Nienling Leung

Nienling Leung, whose father was a classmate and friend of Sarcey Chen at Tsinghua University, told of her memories of that time.  She was a child then and her father was a diplomat.  Her father wrote a remembrance of Sarcey which is in the translated book.   

Left to Right: Peter Thomas, Tracey Leger-Hornby, Chao Liao, Xiaolin Zhen, Xiaowen Zhen, Mei Dong.

We thanked the students who translated the biography, and especially recognized Xiaowen and Xiaolin Zhen, who worked on the project from beginning to end.

Bound copies of the book will be available in the library’s circulating collection, as well as Special Collections.  We are also planning to have an electronic version through the library’s web site.

Note: Photos were taken by Jackie Mushinsky

]]> http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/05/01/sarcey-chen-biography-translation-celebrated-on-april-26th/feed/ 0 Moving Parts : Steam Engines and Mechnical Drawings — Class of 41 Gallery, GL 3rd floor http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/04/25/moving-parts-steam-engines-and-mechnical-drawings-class-of-41-gallery-gl-3rd-floor/ http://wp.wpi.edu/library/2012/04/25/moving-parts-steam-engines-and-mechnical-drawings-class-of-41-gallery-gl-3rd-floor/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:57:52 +0000 Lora Brueck http://wp.wpi.edu/library/?p=2440 Gordon Library is fortunate to have the opportunity to exhibit working model steam engines made by master model maker Daniel Fay.  Mr Fay spent his career making models for Morgan Construction Company. These models were used to demonstrate operating characteristics of proposed Morgan equipment or to give physical form to concepts such as the Morgan No Twist Mill.  Several of Fay’s Morgan models are on display in the Morgan Exhibit on the ground floor of the library.  In his off hours, Mr. Fay indulged in his passion for historic gas and steam engines and was involved with a number of organizations devoted to the preservation of this technology and its evolution.  Dan made and restored a large number of models, many of which were and are operational.   Dan’s purpose was to demonstrate the various ways in which steam had been and could be controlled to produce the mechanical power needed for industry before the advent of the electric motor, and to preserve physical models of that technology for posterity.  Several of Dan’s models are on display in “Moving Parts,” on loan from his family, combined with drawings of engines done by WPI students in the late 19th century.  Although made as part of a student’s training in creating working drawings, the drawings are amazing in detail and beautiful to look at.  The exhibition will be on display in the Class of ’41 Gallery, Gordon Library 3rd floor, until mid-July.

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