GENERAL NEWS: Fair Tradition, New Semester, 5 Things to Do

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Is it fall yet? We had the best rain on Sunday night with promises of cooler weather. Instead, we got a sauna. Is it fall yet? And speaking of fall, when is the State Fair? Last year we had a SLIS goes to the fair night and much fun was had by all. Should we do it again? Remember that if we do, it becomes a tradition! Let me know what you think.

We are in full swing of a new semester with many, many new students. Orientations all went well, the West Virginia/Virginia Cohort is up and running, the Lobsters are getting closer to graduation and our South Carolina students are finding their way around campus and our website. We have the first new doctoral students on campus and settled into their commons area. You can see the synapses sparking as they think about and contemplate research ideas.

Our faculty is up and away with research projects, grants and stellar teaching. It was such an honor to be at the first faculty meeting last week and hear about all of the new and exciting projects. When you get a chance please let them know that I am not the only one that thinks they are the best in the universe!

Homecoming is coming and for all you football fans that means Gamecocks play Mississippi State on September 29. Your alumni society has much fun planned for the week including our own Dr. Feehan in a special storytelling session on Gibbs Greene. Details to come.

In the meantime, here are your five things to do, read or think about for this week:

1. One in Four Read No Books Last Year [ABC News]
http://abcnews.go.com/US/WireStory?id=3507898

2. An Entire Bookshelf, now in your hands [International Herald Tribune]
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/08/business/basics.php

3. Open Library [Inside Higher Ed]
http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2007/08/08/mclemee

4. Ask for What You Want [Library Journal]
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6466666.html

5. Imagine No Restrictions: Digital Rights Management [School Library Journal]
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6448189.html

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend and let us know if there is anything we can do for you!

dr. sam