I remember very clearly that my second-grade teacher Mrs. Slocum would make us begin every day with the Pledge of Allegiance and then segue into a patriotic sing-a-long. This was my introduction to "This Land Is Your Land" and was about the time I began working out the actual lyrics to the national anthem (instead of "dawnzer lee light" or whatever I thought it was).

 Then there was also the elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Airhart, who introduced me to classics such as "On Top of Spaghetti" and "Where Is Thumpkin?"

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has an index of all of these songs and more. And not only songs, but also online coloring pages (easier to stay in the lines!), riddles and brainteasers, and various other activities for kids of all ages. This is one of those government sites that you could spend a day exploring!

Have fun and have a great week!

Pop culture can sometimes influence government documents. In this case, today's blockbuster release of the movie "2012" attracted NASA's attention. Click here to read NASA's response to many of the apocalyptic claims supported by the movie and by others who worry that the world will end with the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012.

Last week we had a request for the UHCL Commencement Programs housed in our Vertical File.  As we surveyed the folders, we realized that our run of programs ended in 1998. Only three programs had been deposited in the Archives between 1999-2009. 

After checking with two or three sources, I sent an email to all faculty and staff asking for their help in tracking down past programs. Within minutes I had five or six email replies offering either ideas of where to look, or a personal copy of various programs.

Moments later, our UHCL President, Dr. Staples, walked unannounced into the Archives bringing his own personal copies from 1999-2009. After he left, I wondered how many university presidents would take the time from their busy day to pull ten years worth of programs from a file drawer and walk them over to the library and archives? 

In my mind, it speaks volumes about the leadership and support we have here at UHCL. I'm so proud to be a member of this community. His example encourages me to "pass it forward" and go that extra step every time I answer the phone or answer a reference request.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that others have given to the Archives.  Thank you to all.

There is no doubt that a book can be a work of art.  Type faces, binding, paper, and even edges can be works of art.  And there is a general consensus that the pop-up books of artists such as Robert Sabuda are works of art.

But book artists have experimented in other formats that may surprise you.  Library staff members Darlene Woodward, Donna Jones and Jan Millican have created a display of books that qualify as works of art in their own right, not just because of the pictures they contain.  Some of the books in the display are from the Neumann Library collection, but most were loaned from the personal collections of these three staff members.

As you approach the display cases, the first book to catch your eye is a handmade book signed by the artist Ken Leslie.  The title is Space Time.  You’ll have to come in to see why this book is so distinctive.

You’ll also see a needle book (just what you think,) a flip book (not what you think) and a book printed on a deck of cards.

Nearly an entire cabinet is devoted to pop-up books, most donated to the library by Joanne M. Timm in memory of her mother, Lois Gwynn Timm.  Taking up much less space in the cabinet is Jan Millican’s collection of miniature books.  The miniature format, originally developed for practical purposes, remains a fascination for the numerous collectors of these tiny books.

 

Do you happen to know how many cell phones are thrown out annually in the United States? The number is staggering.  Approximately 130 million cell phones make their way to landfills every year (read more here).  By recycling your cell phone, we can lower that number!

Neumann Library is helping UHCL become more 'green' and is providing everyone the opportunity to recycle cell phones and rechargeable batteries.  The collection box is located right across from the Reference Desk.  Just put your cell phone in the plastic bag which is provided, seal it, and drop it in the box.  It’s that easy!  The proceeds go to select charities and is made possible by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).  To find out more, check out their website at www.call2recycle.org. 

The University also recycles paper, aluminum cans, and plastic (1 & 2 only) throughout the campus.   If you are confused as to what the different numbers mean on the bottom of your plastic container, the Daily Green website provides a guide that explains each.  However, if you have glass (clear, green, brown) or any other recycle products, where is the most convenient place for you to go?   The website http://earth911.com is a great resource to answer just that question.  Just type in what you want to recycle along with your zip code and you will see a list of local recycling centers.  Other recycling information can be found on the Environmental Institute of Houston’s website.

Recycling can bring a community together and the UHCL’s Green Team will be hosting an event on Monday, November 16th to commemorate Texas Recycle Day.  America Recycle Day is officially on November 15th.  If you are curious as to how much of an impact one person can have on the environment, click on the websites below and answer the questions.  You might be surprised.  You can find out your carbon footprint and compare that number to the rest of the country.

Carbon Footprint Calculator.com (choose from list of countries)

The Nature Conservancy Carbon Footprint Calculator (U.S. States only)

Don’t forget to recycle!

Photo taken in Los Angeles, CA

In the eight years that I have been with the Alfred R. Neumann Library, I've become familiar with many of the unique pieces of art throughout the Library.  There's the large Shuttle/Eagle painting on the third floor, the formal portrait of our Founding Chancellor behind the Reference Desk, and the stitched UH/CLC logo tucked away in the Library Conference Room.

I've always admired the stitched logo whenever I'm in the conference room. I've even spotted it in a few of the Archives early campus photos, such as this one with Dr. & Mrs. Neumann and UH Chancellor Dr. and Mrs. Hoffman.

Last semester the Digital Services department added some new technology to the Library Conference room and the UH/CLC logo had to be removed. Tuesday, when it was given to the Archives, I was stunned to discover that our earliest charter faculty and staff signed the brown paper backing!

Hidden from sight while hanging on the wall were the names of those intrepid men and women who dedicated themselves to develop UH/CLC from the very beginning.

Signatures of our Provost, Deans, faculty and staff now long retired, newly retired, long deceased, or recently deceased. A very few names still remain teaching here after 35 years. The reverse has some damage in places, but overall the piece is in very good condition.

Gay Carter, one of those few names still here, believes the art was signed and presented as a gift to Dr. Neumann. We know from the front that the stitched artwork was created "In Commemoration of the Opening of the UH/CLC, September 3, 1974."

A typed index card taped on the reverse provides additional detail about the art itself, including the name of its creator.

I'm looking forward to discovering what other wonders will appear in the Archives during our university's 35th year?

In a meeting today, I realized that I didn't know what time it was. The public computer didn't display the time or allow me to view the time settings; I didn't have a cell phone or watch on me; and there was no visible clock in the room. What to do?

I googled "U.S. Naval Observatory master clock" and left this window open. There you go, one of the most precise clocks in the world updating on your computer screen. (This link doesn't update on its own, but it also doesn't require JavaScript should that be an issue for you.)

This made me remember an incident last week. A reference librarian and I were trying to name as many U.S. territories as we could recall, and she remarked that the first place she thought to consult for a list may seem unorthodox, but it was the U.S. Mint because of the latest series of quarters.

Have you ever used a government web site in an unexpected way? Please share!

Just two weeks ago, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched a redesigned site to make it easier for people to find the services they need. The site offers help studying for the naturalization test, a one-stop shop for all forms, a searchable database of immigration law, and a list of recent news from the department.

As a depository library, we have many USCIS documents available to check out, and even more available as e-resources. Two of my favorites are

"Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test" and

 "The Citizen's Almanac." 

Even native-born citizens can enjoy polishing up on their civics lessons!

In recognition of the importance that information literacy plays in our lives, President Obama has declared October National Information Literacy Awareness Month. He pointed out that we need to assess the quality of information that we receive. In addition, the ability to seek, find, and interpret information is crucial. The president noted that information literacy has become an important part of participating in the democratic process.

Discover all of what President Obama had to say about information literacy. Check out his proclamation declaring October National Information Literacy Awareness Month at the Neumann Library homepage. 

The library has copies of the League of Women Voters of Texas' "Voters Guide" available. It covers proposed amendments to the state Constitution. Feel free to come by the reference desk to take one. You can also access the information on their Web site.

According to the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area, today is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming elections! Early voting will begin on Oct. 19th.

The Texas Department of Agriculture has been running the Go Texan campaign for 10 years. It encourages the use of locally grown food, thus supporting local farmers. This week, they've been celebrating Texas Restaurant Round-up. There are several Houston-area restaurants participating, highlighting the local choices they have on their menus.

As Houston chef Monica Pope has said, "eat where your food lives."

According to the Texas State Historical Association's  Texas Day By Day:

On this day in 1835, fighting broke out at Gonzales between Mexican soldiers and Texas militiamen. When Domingo de Ugartechea, military commander in Texas, received word that the American colonists of Gonzales refused to surrender a small cannon that had been given that settlement in 1831 as a defense against the Indians, he dispatched Francisco de Castañeda and 100 dragoons to retrieve it on September 27. Though Castañeda attempted to avoid conflict, on the morning of October 2 his force clashed with local Texan militia led by John Henry Moore in the first battle of the Texas Revolution. The struggle for the "Come and Take It" cannon was only a brief skirmish that ended with the retreat of Castañeda and his force, but it also marked a clear break between the American colonists and the Mexican government.

For additional details on the Battle of Gonzales, check out the The Sons of Dewitt Colony of Texas website on the "Lexington & Concord" of Texas.   If you're looking for something to do this weekend, head out to Gonzales to participate in their Come and Take It Festival.

Tomorrow, Thursday October 1, at 6 p.m. join the AIAA Houston for a special free showing of the acclaimed film Apollo 13 in the Saturn V Rocket Park Building.  

Apollo alumni are expected to be on hand pre-showing to stir up nostalgia and tell stories of the 1970 mission. The 2-hour 20-minute movie will be projected onto the side of the S-IVB stage for viewing, so bring your favorite lawn chairs, tailgate seats or blankets.

Free popcorn and beverages will be provided courtesy of AIAA. $5 donations are welcome, but not required. Space is limited for this rare event, so be sure to arrive as early as possible. 

 

Former NASA Historian James M. Grimwood visited the UHCL Archives this early afternoon to donate a copy of his recently completed personal autobiography titled, What I Remember, 1922-1975. His most recent writing project, the 532 page memoir took him seven years and covers those years in his life in detail.

The Archives is extremely honored that Mr. Grimwood personally delivered a copy for our collection; he is largely responsible for the creation of our Apollo Series, including the Apollo spacecraft oral history interviews. Grimwood's NASA writing credits include Project Mercury: A Chronology; This New Ocean: A History of Project Mercury; Project Gemini: A Chronology; On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini; and Chariots for Apollo: A History of Manned Lunar Spacecraft. 

Interested readers may visit the Archives to read the autobiography, which comes to us without index or table of contents.  (Any students looking for a project want to index the book? )

Over the course of the summer, the library redecorated a little. We put a lot of effort into giving laptop users easier access to electrical outlets, as well as making comfortable seating areas for reading and studying. What we haven't done is name the area! This is where you come in. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR SUGGESTION as to what we should call this area.

Looking at the area from the entrance:

Looking at the area from the windows:

Tables for laptop users, note the handy electrical outlets:

Tall tables, again, handy outlets at table height:

What would you call this space? Do you like it? Are there other improvements you'd like to see? BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT to let us know your thoughts!