ODYSSEY

A Bi-Annual Publication of the

Hodges University Library

Fall 2008

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Editor’s Introduction

Welcome to the Fall 2008 issue of Odyssey, a good name for our publication. Odysseus (as Homer tells us) faced many obstacles in his noble quest to return home from the Trojan War. So the university library today faces many challenges. More than ever, we need a vision of what the academic library can be, and should be. Certainly the means for discovering these answers involve a careful and reflective consideration of the points of view of three people groups, namely, the faculty, the librarians, and the students. As librarians we must always remember that we provide a service function in the organization, and as such, our success greatly depends upon how well we meet the needs of our users. The theme of this issue is “Aligning Perspectives on the College Library Today.” Our first article brings a faculty point of view and we are pleased to present an interview with Dr. Don Forrer, the MBA/MPA Program Director here at Hodges University. It is vitally important that librarians understand the faculty’s perspective of the academic library as we serve their students. Faculty also have academic needs for their own continuing studies. The second article is an interview with our newest librarian, Dr. Susan Smith. It is essential that librarians make their contributions along with faculty and students in shaping the library, for they bring many insights from their affinity with and training in information science. The final article reveals the students’ point of view through a written survey. The survey I administered was a deliberate attempt to steer away from a meticulous assessment of our current library, which is accomplished by other means. Here we read how students visualize their “dream” library. You might be surprised at what they wrote. I should post a disclaimer here that I did not intend to address the issue theme solely, or even definitively. This is especially true in the two interviews, where my purpose is also to present a professor and a librarian as brief human interest stories . I hope you will also peruse our Spotlight section, where Jeanine Brady briefly describes a special book collection in the Naples campus library. In every issue, we will conclude with some news snippets (“In the News”) and a “Down the Road” section that projects our work in the near future. Thanks for reading! Gerald Franz, PhD Assistant Library Director

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Table of Contents

Dr. Don Forrer: A Faculty Perspective (p. 3-4)

Profile of a Reader: An Interview with Dr. Susan Smith (p. 5-6)

The “College Library of Your Dreams”: A Student Survey (p. 7-10)

Spotlight: The Mysiewicz Special Collection (p. 11)

In the News (p. 12)

Down the Road (p. 13)

Dr. Don Forrer: A Faculty Perspective

Gerald: Can you tell us a little about your career in business?

Don: I currently serve as the Director of the MBA/MPA program and a Professor of Management at Hodges University. Originally from Ohio, I spent twenty years in the United States Army with the Field Artillery. During my last four years on active duty I managed the official authorizations database as the Army downsized from 750,000 to 520,000. Upon retirement, I earned a Doctorate in Business Administration and served four years as the Director of Information and Management for the City of Cape Coral, where I managed the revenues and information technology during a conversion from a flat file system to a relational database system. At the City of Cape Coral, I was responsible for over 50 employees, 410 end-users of computers, an IBM AS400, 2 IBM RISC6000’s, 7 Servers, and over $250,000,000 in water and sewer revenues. Additionally, I served as the Operations Director for Troy State University for four years where I was responsible for 125 personnel and 17 educational sites.

I have taught for Strayer University, Central Michigan University, Embry-Riddle University, Troy University, and now, Hodges University.

In addition to my operations and military background I jointly owned and operated a successful “Home Accent” business for two years, selling the business when I moved to southern Florida. My research area is processes involved in water and wastewater rates.

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Gerald: And your family?

Don: I am married to Janet and we have two sons, Acie and Toby. Additionally, we have three granddaughters Chelsea, Morgan, and Ayla.

Gerald: So you’ve been at Hodges for quite a while now?

Don: Actually, I worked for International College for eighteen months when I retired from the Army in 1992. I worked with Mr. Doug Devaux to create the B.A.M. program that is now the B.S.M. This program was our most successful program at that time. In 1994, I left International College to work for Cape Coral, but returned in 2001 as the Director of Distance Learning. In 2004, I assumed the duties as the Program Director for the MBA/MPA.

Gerald: You’ve probably seen the growth and development of the library over the years.

Don: Yes, tremendous! I was with the College in 1992 when it was truly a place full of books. I have witnessed the library evolve into a full service operation that supports our programs world-wide. We could not function without it. The library at Hodges is much like an offensive lineman in football. You don’t realize its value until something isn’t right. Fortunately for us, the Hodges University library is always there when we need it.

Gerald: As a faculty member and department chair, what are some of the main functions and roles you see for the college library?

Don: As the Director of the MBA/MPA program, my students rely heavily on the library for research. We need in-depth and concise research in real-world time. I see the Library becoming more and more involved in our classes through Tegrity and the Blackboard system.

Gerald: Okay, if we could only do a few things, what would you want them to be, with respect to faculty and students?

Don: Continue providing high quality data bases for our students to use in their research.

Gerald: Thanks very much for your time and expertise. I really appreciate it.

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Profile of a Reader:

An Interview with Dr. Susan Smith, Librarian

Gerald: It’s been great to have you with us in the library. Tell us a little about yourself.

Susan: My husband and I recently moved here from Arlington, TX. I have been a librarian for ten years, but until I came to Hodges, I had always worked in public libraries, first with children, then teens, and finally adults and fiction/collection development. For much of that time, I was also working towards my PhD in public administration. There were so many changes for me happening almost at the same time—a big move, a new job, and finishing my degree. My husband started his doctoral degree after I did and finished before me, but we are both doctors, which is kind of cool. I have a background in English and History, and have always loved books and reading and was surprised (and happy) to discover that people went to school to become librarians. I still love reading, especially mysteries and teen books, but all fiction really. It is rare that I can’t find something to like about a book. Over the course of my years in public libraries, I discovered that I got a lot of joy and fulfillment from helping others, and I grew from being annoyed by having to design and implement technology to embracing it and pushing the library to embrace it as well. Outside of work, I love reading (see above) and have an active Shelfari account and a blog about books that I recently started. I learned to knit a few years ago, and also love cooking. For some reason, moving here has inspired me to try new recipes. I try to stay active and am big into walking. I may be the only person who bought an mp3 player to listen to audio books when I walk. I watch too much television, and am very grateful to whoever invented the DVR.

Gerald: What particularly drew you to Hodges University?

Susan: I had often thought that I would like working in an academic setting, because I really like the whole atmosphere of a university—the sort of focus on learning and growing that is not felt anywhere else. When I found out about Hodges educational philosophy and commitment to customer service, I knew this would be a good fit for me. I was very grateful for the opportunity to step outside what I knew and have the chance to learn and try something different. I was also excited about the possibility of teaching classes.

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Gerald: Why did you become a librarian? Was this a long-term goal?

Susan: I had been a life-long reader and library user. (I taught myself to speed read sometime in the first grade, and would have been bereft without the public library to feed my reading habit.) I had known many special librarians, both school and public, but honestly, it had never occurred to me that I could have that as a career. I was going to be an engineer or a journalist (or in my dreams, a ballet or modern dancer…). In my first semester of college, I took both an advanced literature class and Calculus I. I received a B in both, but the first was fun and the second horrible. (To this day, I remember no calculus at all.) My roommate was working for the library school in their office, and mentioned that one of the professors was having a hard time hiring a student assistant, so I decided to apply. I got the job, and from almost that moment, I knew I wanted to be a librarian (There’s a school for librarians? How awesome is that?) I actually took classes thinking that I might be a school librarian, but when I graduated, ended up in the public library instead.

Gerald: Can you give us some of the most important values you hold as a librarian?

Susan: I mentioned one of them above, which is a real calling to not just customer service, but a service or serving attitude. I believe that no one should leave the library empty-handed or unsatisfied, and if I have to keep working and searching to find what they need, then I will. (Which is why you often get a call or e-mail from me later with more information or details about your question or request.) I also have strong feelings about access, equity, and intellectual freedom, which are core values of the library profession. I think that is part of the reason I am drawn to technology, because it can both help and hinder these. It increases access because it takes information outside the physical walls. It reduces access when people don’t have computers or internet access or more importantly, the skills to use both. The same for equity, and the intellectual freedom becomes quite interesting because it allows everyone to have a voice but then, when it get noisy, people need to have the skills to understand and critique all that information and those opinions for themselves.

Gerald: Do you have any long-term goals, personally or professionally, that you would like to share? Maybe we’ll hold you to them!

Susan: I will probably be teaching in the Fall, and would love the chance to teach in public administration or maybe even library and information studies. I hope to become more involved in the national library association, and continue to look for new ways to bring technology and the library together. On a personal note, I am looking forward to spending lots of time outside at the pool and the beach, bicycling, walking, whatever, and hope to get back into photography, as the light here is something of artists’ dreams.

Gerald: You certainly have a great many interests and hobbies, in addition to your library vision and experience. Thanks very much for sharing with us! It’s great to have you on board.

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The “College Library of Your Dreams”: A Student Survey

By Dr. Gerald Franz, Assistant Library Director

n today’s business world, companies spend millions of dollars to discover the answer to the question, “What do our customers want?” Organizations exist solely to feed companies with huge amounts of demographic and economic data. The Hodges University Library also

wanted the answer to that question, but we chose a very simple strategy. We just asked the customer. Our expenses? Let’s see, I spent ten dollars on candy and a handful of labor hours.

In July 2008, I put out a simple, one-page library survey for students. I stapled a candy bar or M & Ms to each page. The page had the heading, “What Do You Value Most in the Library?” followed by:

“While you enjoy your candy, would you please interact with the statement below? Thanks very much! In a handful of sentences or phrases, describe the college library of your dreams. Don’t worry about whether you think we can accomplish it or not.”

We received 38 surveys back from the students, with about half coming from each campus. I’ll describe the results below, but it is very important to remember the question the students answered. The students were asked to “describe the college library of their dreams.” You might think how you would answer a question like “describe the car of your dreams.” When you answer that question, it is possible that you may never entertain the thought that one day you will own such a car.

As I interpret the results, the survey seems to capture two important opinions. First, there were things the students valued most in the college library. Second, students interpreted the survey as an opportunity to make suggestions in areas they perceived that we had the greatest needs.

First, let me provide an overview of the results, using the following broad categories.

I

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RESOURCES

Books

Well over a third of students (39%) mentioned books. Most of these (73%) dealt with the quantity of books (more needed) and the remaining comments (27%) concerned easier access to law books, more variety and diversity, and old and new book titles.

The phrases used to describe more books seemed to point to a traditional library with lots of visible books. Overall, it was significant that in our digital age, 39% of our students expressed a strong interest in books.

Periodicals (physical and online)

Only one person mentioned physical periodicals. This person noted that he/she would “enjoy reading magazines that are not scholarly” to unwind. Five persons mentioned the online databases. Four of these wanted easier and instant access, and one person wanted a “larger selection.”

I was a bit surprised that 39% of students referred to books, and only 13% referred to online resources. I think it is safe to say that this statistic does not mean that students love books three times as much as online resources. Students probably perceive we have a need of books much more than we need more online periodicals.

FACILITIES

Furniture & Seating

Five persons (13%) desired comfortable chairs and couches. Couches were mentioned by four of the five persons. One person also mentioned long tables for study. Overall, these students seemed to want some lounge areas.

Temperature

Four persons (10%) mentioned temperature. Three persons wanted more air conditioning, and one person used the phrase, “warm and cozy.”

Study Space

More comments were made concerning study space than any other category (71%). Most of these mentioned “rooms,” but others used the term “carrels” or “nooks,” or just general phrases like “bigger study areas.” Three persons mentioned group study needs. Three persons also noted the need for “quiet” in these areas.

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Floor Space

Concerning the size of the library, nine persons made comments (24%). Six persons desired a bigger space. In addition, three mentioned the possibility of another floor. One person used the phrase “big and quiet.”

These comments, combined with the comments above concerning study space, help us to see that the ideal library contains a lot of quiet study space for both individuals and groups.

EQUIPMENT

Copiers

One student mentioned the need for another non-color copier for students. I don’t know which campus this came from.

Computer labs

Thirteen persons (34%) mentioned computers or the computer lab. Almost all of them wanted more computers. One person requested that computers be cleaned and maintained, and another asked that they work faster.

PERSONNEL

Librarians

Eight persons (21%) mentioned the librarians/staff. All of the comments were positive statements except one statement, which said “more available assistance.” There was one comment that said “friendly staff.” I believe this was an affirmation statement, not a call for the staff to be friendly, but I cannot be sure. Overall, this topic was very positive.

SERVICES

Hours

Four persons (10%) mentioned hours of operation. Three persons called for 24/7 hours, and one expressed a desire for Sunday hours throughout the semester.

Coffee

Nine persons (24%) wrote concerning the availability of coffee. One of these also mentioned hot chocolate, and one mentioned an expresso maker.

Television / Movies / Multimedia

Nine persons (24%) commented concerning the availability of television, movies, or multimedia. Of those, four persons mentioned the word TV, four mentioned movies, one person mentioned

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multimedia, and one person mentioned educational videos. Three persons included a dedicated area for the TV or movies.

MISCELLANEOUS

There were 15 other comments that did not fit into the above categories. Two concerned having activities and two concerned background music. Other comments included such ideas as restrooms, a snack bar, and tutor help.

The survey results were not too surprising, except, as I noted earlier, the strong emphasis on books. The library still maintains a healthy budget for book acquisitions on both campuses, and this finding seems to confirm that this is appropriate and needed.

The results of this survey will certainly provide some meaningful discussion among the librarians and staff. This survey was motivated by much more than curiosity. We want the library to offer all the resources and services that students want, as much as possible (within the constraints of our space, finances, and mission).

Last, I want to thank all the students who participated in this survey. Your input was very valuable.

Study Space, 71

Books, 39

Compu

ters, 34

Gen

 Space, 24

Coffee, 24

TV/M

ovies, 24

Furnitu

re, 13

Online Period

icals, 13

Hou

rs, 10

Tempe

rature, 10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Percentages of Mentioned Areas

Study Space

Books

Computers

Gen Space

Coffee

TV/Movies

Furniture

Online Periodicals

Hours

Temperature

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SPOTLIGHT ! By Jeanine Brady, Library Associate

In 1998, Elizabeth Mysiewicz, the widow of Dr. Alphonse Mysiewicz, an orthopedic surgeon, donated his approximately 1,600 volume collection of books on world cultures to the library at Hodges University. The collection resides in The Peter and Stella Thomas Special Collection Room, located in the Naples campus library.

Every book in this special collection is unique and wonderful in its own way. There are a few that could be pointed out as typical of the collection: Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (1932), The Treasure of the Magi (1917), Albert Farges’ Mystical Phenomena (1926), Revolt in the Desert (1927) by T.E. Lawrence aka “Lawrence of Arabia”, The Ruined Cities of Ceylon (1904), Sir Wallace Budge’s The Monks of Kublai Khan, Emperor of China (1928), Strange Customs, Manners and Beliefs by Hyatt Verrill (1946), Montague Summers’ The Werewolf (1933), Hawaiian Historical Legends (1923), Chinese Art (1936), The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (1949), and the Rev. J.L. Petit’s two volume Church Architecture (1850). In addition to the above, we have J. B. Lightfoot’s four volume Apostolic Fathers (1889), a fourteen volume Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East (1917), and a sixteen volume The Arabian Nights which includes supplemental volumes and dates from 1885. Students are welcome to visit the special collection room, peruse the collection and read or take notes on any book found there.

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*Debbie Lewis, Riva Wharton, and Gerald Franz successfully completed an 8-week course offered through SWFLN called “Spanish for Library Staff.”

*Susan Smith successfully passed her dissertation defense for her PhD in Public Administration. Congrats Dr. Smith!

*Gerald Franz has been publishing many Tegrity sessions and brochures in an effort to increase information fluency.

*The librarians and staff had a wonderful and informative trip to Ft. Lauderdale to tour Nova Southeastern University’s Library.

*Susan Smith, working with IT, has successfully put together our new library website that contains many more helpful features and research guides for students and faculty.

* The library databases now feature USA Trade Online to support The School of Business.

*Jeanine Brady continues to critique the titles in the special collection for her book, The Mysiewicz Collection at Hodges University. She is close to completing reviews for 200 of the 700 books in the main collection. A labor of love that will happily be years in the making, she brings to it her broad knowledge of the English language, world cultures, and theology.

*We welcome Ryann Calderone, our new library work study. She will be helping the library with the archives.

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Down the Road

*The librarians will be attending the following library conferences:

Debbie Lewis: 28th Annual Charleston Library Conference, November 2008. Each year, over 1,000 librarians, vendors, and publishers gather to discuss issues concerning acquisitions.

Jan Edwards: Special Library Association (SLA), June 2009 in Washington DC. Carolynn Volz: LISA convention in Charleston, SC, October 2008. LISA is the annual user’s group for our library software, Library Solutions. Gerald Franz: Association of College & Research Librarians (ACRL) annual conference in Seattle, WA in March 2009. Their theme is Pushing the Edge: Explore, Engage, Extend. Susan Smith: Library & Information Technology Association (LITA) in Cincinnati, OH, October 2008. The conference theme is Technology and Community: Building the Techno Community Library.

*Gerald Franz will be teaching a two-hour CLL session in Naples in November 2008 entitled “Voices from Great Depression Florida.” In this seminar, Gerald will draw from the interviews and writings done in the 1930’s by the Federal Writer’s Project. *The Fort Myers library will be removing some shelving to make more room for study furniture. *Both libraries will be installing new signs to help the library users more quickly identify the various sections and subject areas on the shelves.

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Odyssey is published twice a year by the Hodges University Library.

Editor: Dr. Gerald Franz, Assistant Library Director

Assistant Editor: Jeanine Brady, Library Associate

Issues are posted on the library website and emailed to all faculty in electronic form.

8/2008