Web Personalization: Powerful Information Tool or Filter Bubble?

Join us this Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 12:00 to 1:00PM in WML 305!

Like. Share. +1. Subscribe. Unsubscribe. These are just some of the actions we perform on the Web as we interact with information. Generally speaking, we do these things to make sense of the vast amount of information available to us. What is less widely known is that the information we see on the Web is shaped by more than just these deliberate actions we take. For instance, your search engine may know in what country you are located, and it may use this information to deliver search results it deems relevant to your interests based on this information. This process is called Web personalization. In this presentation by Donna Witek, attendees will receive a basic overview of Web personalization, how it is different from customization, and the role it plays in determining what information we encounter on the Web. Common examples of how we participate in Web personalization (knowingly and unknowingly) will be demonstrated, and critiques of this technology will be presented. A light lunch will be provided.

Sessions are open to all University faculty and staff, but seats are limited, so please let us know you are coming. You can register at www.scranton.edu/ctleregistration – under Technology on Your OwnTerms.

Environmental Art Show Submission Deadline Extended

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The deadline to submit works of art for the Environmental Art Show has been extended to Wednesday April 17.

We are looking for all types of art, including photography, paintings, 3D Objects, repurposed/recycled items, and so on.

Please bring your works of art to the Library’s Reference Desk on the 2nd floor.

The 3rd Annual Environmental Art Show will run from Thursday, April 18 to Thursday, April 25. There will be a reception to meet the artists on Earth Day, Monday, April 22 from 5-7 PM in the Heritage Room of the library.

If you have any questions, contact george.aulisio@scranton.edu

New! Counseling and Therapy in Video Volume I and Volume II

A new resource from Alexander Street Press has been added to the databases and Streaming Media web page.  Counseling and Therapy in Video, Volumes I and II contains over 700 hours of training videos, reenactments and footage of actual therapy sessions conducted by world-renowned therapists such as Albert Ellis, Allen Ivey, and  our own John Norcross.

The collection highlights dozens of therapeutic methods, diagnoses, and cultural groups and is a valuable tool for anyone involved in studying, teaching, or practicing in the helping professions.

Login to my.scranton and use the Library tab so that you’ll be authenticated as a University of Scranton user.  Links are found on the Streaming Media web page, the A-Z Database under C and in the Databases by Subject under Counseling and Human Services and Psychology. Authorized users can create an account and make custom clips and playlists.  Counseling and Therapy in Video can be accessed on or off campus from a computer, iPhone, iPad or Android.

If you have any questions about Counseling and Therapy in Video Volumes I and II, or would like more information, please contact Sharon Finnerty at sharon.finnerty@scranton.edu or (570) 941-6330.

Seniors – Vote for Teacher of the Year!

Our colleagues over in the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence asked us to share this announcement:

VOTE FOR:

 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

ATTENTION:  GRADUATING SENIORS

2013 University of Scranton

Teacher of the Year Award

Each year the Graduating Senior Class selects its “Teacher of the Year.” Beginning Monday, April 15th, please vote for the faculty member who you believe best exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Maintains the highest standards of academic excellence and fairness.
  • Inspires interest in the discipline through personal enthusiasm and dedication.
  • Is consistently effective in communication.
  • Is available outside of the classroom.

The award will be presented during Class Night on Friday, May 24th, 2013.

HOW TO VOTE:  To cast your electronic ballot, access www.scranton.edu/toy

WHEN TO VOTEMonday, April 15th, 9:00 a.m. – Friday, April 19th 5:00 p.m.

Remember a Faculty Member Whose Teaching Has Inspired You!

Technology on Your Own Terms

TOYOT_logo4a small

On behalf of the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, we invite University of Scranton faculty and staff to our Spring 2013 Technology On Your Own Terms (TOYOT) workshops. Here’s what we’ve got planned for this semester:

Web Personalization: Powerful Information Tool or Filter Bubble?

Donna Witek (Public Services Librarian)
Thursday, April 18, 2013 – 12:00-1:00PM in WML 305

Like. Share. +1. Subscribe. Unsubscribe. These are just some of the actions we perform on the Web as we interact with information. Generally speaking, we do these things to make sense of the vast amount of information available to us. What is less widely known is that the information we see on the Web is shaped by more than just these deliberate actions we take. For instance, your search engine may know in what country you are located, and it may use this information to deliver search results it deems relevant to your interests based on this information. This process is called Web personalization. In this presentation, attendees will receive a basic overview of Web personalization, how it is different from customization, and the role it plays in determining what information we encounter on the Web. Common examples of how we participate in Web personalization (knowingly and unknowingly) will be demonstrated, and critiques of this technology will be presented. A light lunch will be provided.

Sessions are open to all University faculty and staff, but seats are limited, so please let us know you are coming. You can register at www.scranton.edu/ctleregistration – under Technology on Your OwnTerms.

eBook Records in the Online Catalog

When searching the online catalog eBooks normally display in the Location Electronic Access with a Material Type of eBook. Like this: ebook catalog good

However, there is currently an issue with a batch of records and they are display in location error and a Material Type of Printed Material. Like this: catalog record bad

We are aware of this issue and are working on fixing the records. The links to the eBook still work, so you should not have a problem accessing each of the affected titles. Please, let us know if you have any questions about this issue or other catalog questions.

Opportunity for Arts and Crafts Vendors at Annual Book Sale

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Call for Student and University Community Arts and Crafts Vendors

 2013 Weinberg Memorial Library Book Sale

Sponsored by the Friends of the Weinberg Library & the Library Staff

Friday- Sunday, April 26th – 28th, 2013

 Important Dates

  • Vendor applications are due by Friday, April 12th.
  • Vendors will be notified of acceptance on or before Friday, April 18th.
  • The table fee is due via cash before table set-up each day.
  • The Book Sale will take place:
    • Friday, April 26th (preview sale, members and student night) ~ 4pm-9pm
    • Saturday, April 27th ~ 9am-9pm
    • Sunday, April 28th ~ noon-4pm

Information for Vendors:

  • The Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held in the Library’s Fifth Floor Heritage Room.
  • The table space fee is $5.00 per day, $15.00 for all 3 days.
  • Approval of applications is space permitting, and the Library reserves the right to reject any applicants.
  • The Library is not responsible for the loss or damage to art/craft work.  Vendors are required to properly staff their tables and are responsible for the sale and safety of all merchandise.

The Library is excited to showcase University student, faculty and staff artists and crafters at its Annual Book Sale. For more information or to fill out an application please visit the Library’s Circulation Desk or contact Barb Evans:

Barb Evans, Access Services     570-941-4078     Barbara.Evans@scranton.edu

Join Us for Corpo Celeste

corpo celeste poster
Photo courtesy of Film Movement.

The International Film Series presents the Italian drama Corpo Celeste at 7 p.m. on Friday April 12,2013 in Room 305 of the Weinberg Memorial Library.   Dr. Marzia Caporale will lead a discussion following the film.

Adolescence is a time of change, challenge, and transformation. The Italian coming-of-age drama Corpo Celeste portrays 13-year-old Marta facing the trials of youth as a newcomer to Calabria, Italy after living 10 years in Switzerland. With a mother trying to make ends meet by working at a bakery, Marta sets off into the city bright-eyed and restless. She seeks a community in the local church where she prepares for the rite of confirmation. Despite her hope, she soon realizes the hypocrisy of the priest and the misplaced morality of the local community. Through these interactions, Marta realizes she must take the first step in shaping her own life, as she climbs towards adulthood.

Corpo Celeste is the writing and directing debut of Alice Rohrwachers, and is in Italian with English subtitles.

The event is open to the public and free of charge.  Light refreshments will be served.

Contact Sharon Finnerty at sharon.finnerty@scranton.edu for reservations.

Get in the Game!

Xbox KinectAnyone can play! Especially with Xbox Kinect, the new gaming system that doesn’t require a controller. Your physical gestures are the remote control so if you are playing volleyball, you would reach up and hit the ball!  Join us on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 any time between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to try it out. Event will be held in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. We will also have Wii and Playstation with various games. Feel free to ask questions about the different consoles, and experience the games firsthand. Stop up, learn some new tools, and play some games!

Pizza, soda, and snacks will be provided just like at the Game Nights we hold every semester for students.

Any University faculty or staff member can drop-in, but please let us know you are coming so that we order enough pizza. You can register at www.scranton.edu/ctleregistration – under Technology on Your Own Terms.