11.25.09
SC State Art Collection, American Buildings, Pony Express, and More!
Federal and State Documents of special note this month cover a wide variety of topics ranging from naturalization tests to art collections to statistics on gangs. These are exceptional documents and are worth checking out!
Real People Real Stories. The Federal Trade Commission has distributed a video (DVD) to encourage homeowners to be knowledgeable of foreclosure rescue companies. With more homeowners in financial stress, we see more possibilities of individuals falling for scamming. The video is available to teach individuals to recognize potential problems with companies or individuals promising to stop foreclosure. The video is in both English and Spanish.
The Road to Yucca Mountain This book by J. Samuel Walker and published by the University of California Press in association with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission traces the U.S. government’s efforts to solve the problems associated with radioactive waste. It is the fifth in a series of volumes sponsored by the Commission on the history of nuclear regulation. It does not represent the official position of the Commission.
Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has distributed boxes of flash cards designed to assist candidates for the Naturalization Test. These are not as easy as you think! For example, do you know what the President’s Cabinet does? How about naming any of the writers of the Federalist Papers? Or, what is one right ONLY for U. S. citizens? The cards are sturdy and have a photograph of something in our history or representative of our government, country. I think they would be great for long trips with children or spot quizzes in middle schools. The cards are available for loan from the library, or get a set for yourself at the U. S. Government Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov/index.jsp). There are several companion items that may catch your interest.
State Art Collection 1987-2006 (South Carolina Arts Commission) is only the second comprehensive retrospective publication of the State Art Collection. Its focus, rightly, is on works purchased since 1987 and traces important milestones and events since the inception of the collection in 1967. The works were collected for two exhibits at the Sumter Gallery of Art and Patriot Hall Galleries in 2006. In the essay on the collection David Houston, former Visual Arts Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, sees a revival of realism, crafts, pottery, and sculpture. Native American art and the Women’s Movement were instrumental in developing crafts into art and pottery as identity. The book includes short biographical notes on the artists.
Biennial Directory of Special Purpose Districts in South Carolina this is the 2008 edition of the Secretary of State’s directory of districts that provide governmental functions or are rural community water districts, but do not include any state agency, department, commission or school district. Listed for each district are services, contact information, some financial information, board members, and selection method. There is an index by name. The directory is available on the Secretary of State’s website and will be in the SCSL catalog.
Gangs and Crime in South Carolina: How Much, How Bad? SC Dept of public safety, office of justice programs 2009 provides information about criminal activity attributed to gangs. It brings together material on victims of gang activity, gang offenders, and estimates of gang membership in South Carolina’s prison population. The report shows that gang related incidents increased 996% from 1998 to 2007. Other statistics are just as staggering: gang membership increased 184% from 2000 to 2008. The department concludes that the volume of gang crime is relatively small, but the rate of increase points to a serious problem.
Time to celebrate! The National Pony Express (NPEA) is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first ride of the pony express! Through 2010 NPEA will conduct several events, leading to an actual ride from San Francisco, California leaving on Sunday, June 6 and arriving at St. Joseph, Missouri on June 26.
American Place, the Historic American Building Survey at Seventy-five Years. This is an exhibition of historic and current photographs and drawings of sixty-one American buildings that represent fading currents in American society. The Survey was established in 1933 to create a public archive of America’s architectural heritage. The surveys, and this document, consist of measured drawings, historical reports, and large-format black and white photographs. I think the book is valuable even just for the photos! It is a great trip down memory lane.
State employees and libraries may request these documents on loan, or come by the library to see them.
10.14.09
Yet More on Flu
Rainy days in Columbia make us remember that fall has come to the Midlands. And, with fall, comes the flu season. With the appearance of Swine Flu (H1N1 to some), the media has inundated us with information, warnings, advisories, and accounts of outbreaks. However, some of us (thankfully!) haven’t experienced a really “bad” case of flu in quite some time. (This is probably due more to luck than to good hygiene or genes, and to the advancement of science and medicine such that most flus are no longer life-threatening to healthy individuals.) But, this year’s strains look to be more aggressive and more debilitating, so maybe yet another review of where to find information quickly is worth reading. This article will not be comprehensive, but includes mention of some sites up just last week. The websites mentioned here are intended for SC state employees or for others in positions of giving others information (librarians, teachers and mothers come to mind).
Locally, SCDHEC has excellent material and links. Did you know about the Medical University of South Carolina questionnaire to help assess your symtoms? This page is new and I found it easier to use and less alarmist than the Microsoft questionnaire licensed by Emory University.
EBSCO, a major provider of databases of journal articles and other licensed material, has posted an Influenza Evidence-Based Information Portal that will provide information from DynaMed™, Nursing Reference Center™, and Patient Education reference Center ™. This means free information for clinicians, nurses, and patients worldwide!
MedlinePlus has a new interactive tutorial on Influenza available. The tutorial can be viewed with sound, can be played as a self-running presentation, or can open to a pdf file. It is very easy to read and understand and may help relieve fears or give instructions to senior citizens and children. Of course, MedlinePlus has tons of other excellent resources on the topic.
However, mention must be made of the standard sources of information, CDC, and WHO. CDC Human Swine Influenza Information Page has brochures available for printing. WHO has three pages to note: Human Swine Flu website, Disease Outbreak News , and Swine Flu Questions and Answers, which is a nice pdf that can be printed as a handout.
But remember, referral to a health care professional is the best medicine.
10.07.09
New Documents Set Standards for Excellence!
We have received two documents that will set the standard for “notable.” (Most of you know of our Notable State Documents Awards we announce in the spring.) One is from an agency that regularly has outstanding publications. The other (we say with pride!) is from the Library!
South Carolina Day by Day. Family Literacy Activity Calendar.
The State Library has produced, with a host of partners, a beautiful calendar with ideas for activities to encourage literacy and learning in families. The calendar has original artwork by Helen Correll of Spartanburg, SC. Each page of the calendar, which follows the school year, has a recommended activity to share, such as “Explain what the word veteran means,” or “Go outdoors and enjoy a picnic. How many square items do you have and how many circles do you have?” These are small ideas, but one could imagine a family sharing even a few moments together over the topics. Throughout the months are illustrations—the food pyramid, a plate of peas, books (of course!), a colorful monkey—to catch a child’s interest. The calendar is not associated with a particular year. Each month has boxes for weeks, but no dates. Thus, it could be used again and again, particularly with young children. The calendars are being distributed to public libraries and several other outlets, and is available for purchase. Come by the State Library to see it!
Beautiful Places. The Timeless Beauty of South Carolina State Parks.
This book, published by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Toursim, is a coffee table quality showpiece of South Carolina treasures! The book is by Chad Prosser, with help by Jon Holloway (photography), Cal Harrison, and a forward by Rudy Mancke, and it will be a book to display and cherish, or use to persuade businesses and outsiders just how wonderful our state is! It is for loan from the State Library, or get your own from the agency. But, watch it carefully: you don’t want this one walking away!
09.25.09
September Documents: ETV gives us some programs!
The Library is pleased to announce that it has received several dvds from SCETV! These programs are produced entirely by the agency and aired on public broadcasting stations around the state. The dvds are also for sale at the agency website, http://etvstore.org/. Received in the library are copies of “G-Man, the Rise and Fall of Melvin Purvis,” “A True Likeness,” (Richard Samuel Roberts), “Chasing the Swamp Fox” (Francis Marion), and “Pee Wee,” (Donald Henry Gaskins), all from the Carolina Stories programming. Check it out!
Other documents received in the State Library include:
South Carolina Fish Consumption Advisories 2009, subtitled, “Fish smart! Eat Smart! It’s for your health,” is a colored publication explaining the dangers that may be present in fish our waterways. The book contains information and drawings on high risk groups, FAQs about fishing and eating fish, maps, and a list of advisories for every water body in South Carolina. There are also drawings of common fish. This is a handy little book that will appeal to young and old!
America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2009, is a compendium of indicators illustrating both the promises and the difficulties confronting our nation’s young people. Forty indicators are reviewed to describe family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health. Each of the summaries include charts showing trends and changes. For example, in 1979, less than 10% of children ages 5-17 spoke a language other than English at home or had difficulty speaking English. In 2007, the percent rose to 21%. For 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in 2008, the percentage of those reporting smoking dropped from a high of over 20% in 1996 and 1997 to just over 10% in 2008. And, in 2007, black, non-Hispanic children had the highest rates of substantiated child maltreatment reports.
Congressional Pictorial Directory (111 Congress). Need a photo of your representatives? This handy book is mostly color photos of the Congress by state. Included are state delegations and alphabetical lists.
From the National Center for Educational Statistics we recently received 2 annual compilations of information on the state of education and of students. The Condition of Education 2009 covers 46 indicators showing developments and trends in student participation, persistence, performance, and achievement, and resources or environments of education and learning. The Digest of Education Statistics 2008 compiles statistical information on schools, colleges, teachers, enrollments, graduates, educational attainment, finances, funds for education, libraries, and international comparisons. Both publications are available under Annual Reports at the NCES website http://nces.ed.gov/.
09.16.09
The Citadel, South Carolina’s Military College
The Citadel is South Carolina’s military college, tracing its history back to 1822. It sits on 300 acres of land on the Ashley River and today offers 5 bachelor’s degrees in 18 areas, 6 master’s degrees in 13 areas, and one specialist degree in 2 areas. It has been designated an Essential Military College, and its ROTC detachments offer commissions in th Army, Air Force, Marine corps, or Navy. The Citadel has a long history of contributing its public documents to the State Library. This month the Library received some unique items that document the past year at the school, including the impressive graduation ceremony.
Alumni News (Spring) includes photos of the graduating class and of Citadel fathers and grandfathers presenting diplomas.
The Citadel Fact Book 2008 provides a ready source of information about the College, including history, personnel, statistics, and finances. This edition is spiral bound with tabbed sections for easy use. Color charts and diagrams add to the presentation.
The Gold Star Journal 2009 showcases exemplary scholary nonfiction works of the students.
Finally, the school sends the Library one copy of its Sphinx, the yearbook which is a truly beautiful collection of text and photographs of the students, the school, the faculty and officers, and the local surroundings. A beautiful book!
08.25.09
Late Summer Gems
Most state publications are not random. Annual or periodic reports of activities or statistics will appear in the State Library at predicable times. Fact sheets for influenza or materials for school administration and review appear at regular times also. However, directories, handbooks, and special publications are published as the agency can complete them. While the regularly published materials, now more electronic than paper, are certainly appreciated and of value to the history of South Carolina government, these occasional publications can be exciting and interesting additions to our collection. For late summer reading, check these out!
This month we received some really nice publications from the Department of Natural Resources. For the children, we have A beginner’s guide to fishing, a color booklet covering ethics, safety, equipment, how to handle fish, how to clean your catch, and even fish anatomy, and SC Fishes of concern coloring book, a book for the young that includes pictures to color and text to learn about SC fish.
South Carolina Trout Fishing is a booklet of photos, charts, maps, and information on trout fishing in South Carolina. Streams and lakes in SC are identified and the kinds of trout are explained.
Donnelley WMA Driving Tour is a 17” x 22” map and tour guide of the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. Heavy grade paper ensures that it will withstand handling throughout a tour.
Be sure to look at History of the South Carolina Blue Crab Fishery! This is a monumental work (for a state agency!) that presents a colorful and detailed history of the Blue Channel Corporation processing plant in Port Royal and its products. Charts detailing sales and production show the growth and success of the business. And, of course, there are recipes!
From other agencies we have added:
- two publications from the South Carolina Bar Association: Drug Litigation in South Carolina 3rd Edition, and South Carolina Requests to Charge – Criminal. The publications are intended for attorneys, but many in state government may find them useful.
- Home Lawn Management in South Carolina. This is a popular publication of the Extension Service at Clemson University. Turfgrass adds beauty and value to properties and is one of the most effective plant covers to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff. The publication identifies the varieties of turf and discusses selection, lawn establishment, management, maintenance, and pest, nematode, and disease management. Copies are available for checkout from the State Library, or for purchase for $15.00 from Clemson University Public Service Publishing.
08.03.09
Connecting State Government to Information Resources
| The South Carolina State Library has launched a new campaign, Connecting State Government to Information Resources, to let state agency employees know more about the host of free services it offers. The campaign will provide posters to state government agencies highlighting the agency’s services. State government agencies can schedule one of the library’s staff members to present at a staff development session or new employee orientation. The State Library now has a new and improved web site and online catalog. Training state government employees how to use these online tools effectively will help state government operate more efficiently.
Through the State Library, state employees have free access from any state agency to online databases and book collections to help them do their jobs better, including Safari Books Online, the e-reference resource for technology and business professionals. State employees can view online hundreds of the latest technology and business books published by O’Reilly, Microsoft Press, Wharton School Publishing, and more. All South Carolina state employees are eligible for a free State Library Card which entitles you to check out books from the library. Even better – the library will send you the book right to your office at no charge via the Budget and Control Board’s Interagency Mail Service (IMS). And if the book you need isn’t in the collection, it can usually be borrowed from another library through interlibrary loan at no expense to the employee or agency. To get your card, just go to www.statelibrary.sc.gov/obtaining-a-library-card . Library staff are expert researchers and can help you locate the information you need when it comes to work-related research. The library is the official depository for all state government documents and has a large collection of federal documents as well as books about South Carolina. Simply call 803-734-8026, Monday – Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm or visit http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/News-for-State-Employees/ and ask your question in an online chat session. You can also email the information services staff at reference@statelibrary.sc.gov . “This campaign helps educate state government employees about the added value our State Library’s Information Services staff have to offer,” said David Goble, Director of the SC State Library, in announcing the campaign. He continued saying that, “accurate and timely information is critical to decision making and good governance. The State Library plays an essential role in assisting state government staff and libraries in all their information needs.” State Government agencies are encouraged to post small signs around their agencies to help promote the services of the State library during the month of August. Contact the reference staff (803-734-8026) for information on hosting a librarian for you next staff development meeting! |
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05.22.09
Trivia and other things worth knowing
Be a star on knowledge of South Carolina! Take a look at these state documents and open your brain to things you never knew before!
South Carolina Legislative Manual 2009
If you have never looked at this pocket-sized guide, you are missing something that literally packs in enough information about South Carolina to compete honorable at Jeopardy. The manual is designed for legislators, who need to know the rules of legislature, the state and federal Constitutions, and the names of all legislators, governors, judges, and state officials from memory, probably on the first day of each session. For those whose memories fail, the Manual can be whisked from pockets for a quick glance. The manual can be purchased from the Office of Legislative Printing, Information, and Technology Systems. Their website, SC Legislature Online (http://www.sscstatehouse.gov) also has a link to the current Manual, in sections. Some of these are HUGE pdfs, so you’ll have to wait a while for them to load. Do YOU know what our state beverage is? How about our state rock?
General Appropriations Bills FY2009-2010
Remember that the State Library receives print copies of the various versions of the appropriations recommended by various bodies in the Legislature. Currently, the budget process begins with the Governor who presents a version to the legislature. Then the House and Senate committees begin (often completely anew) their recommendations. A version is sent back to the Governor for signature. If not signed by the Governor, it goes back to the General Assembly. Usually the Library receives the Governor’s budget, the legislature versions, and the final appropriations act for access in the Library. Electronic versions will be added to our library catalog also.
South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission Annual Report 2007-2008
The Commission has overseeing and administering the operation of the Tuition Grants Program, which provides financial assistance from the state to SC students attending independent colleges. The report lists the colleges and number of students receiving grants, the ethnic breakdown, average family income, and other statistical charts, graphs, and other figures. The Commission has been providing this annual report to the State Library and the depository program since 1988.
Consumer Alert
Another issue of this fine awareness publication is available in the library and online at http://www.scconsumer.gov/publications/consumer_alert/consumer_alert.htm. This one has articles on overdraft protection, debit cards being denied, reverse mortgages, and secret shopper work-at-home opportunities.
04.17.09
Bird watching and unemployment insurance fraud
Now that I have your attention, there is no connection–at least in this article–between bird-watching and unemployment insurance fraud. However, we have received some really interesting documents on these topics!
The Game of Bird Watching in Coastal South Carolina. SC Sea Grant Extension Program.
This is a 2000, 30 minute video of selected birdwatching sites along the coast of South Carolina. The video takes you through each of the coastal wildlife preserves and parks, showing footage of selected sites and identifying selected birds. The narration includes mention of when the birds are particularly plentiful, nesting sites, and behavior of the flocks. Also gives tips for locating backroads to the parks. The video would be useful for planning field trips or even vacations. CHECK IT OUT!!
South Carolina Workforce Trends. S.C. Employment Security Commission.
The current issue of this publication has arrived with a cover story on unemployment insurance fraud, a timely concern given the current economy. The article explains that there are many instances of attempts to continue to receive unemployment insurance payments even after securing a full-time position. The excuse is usually that “people say they did not know they were required to report their earnings.” However, ESC follows up on the claimants, requiring a payback agreement. For less cooperative claimants there may be wage garnishing or denial of benefits in any subsequent application by an individual. Employers, too, are tracked. The issue has graphs and maps of unemployment statistics. Of course, the usual labor force information is included also. This is a valuable document for South Carolina economics. It is available online at http://www.sces.org/lmi/pubs/OnlinePubs/wft.asp.
Other notable documents received this month are:
U.S. Marines in Battle An-Najaf August 2004. U.S. Marine Corps History Division.
Another battle study written from the perspective of the Marines, soldiers, and sailors who fought in the battle. The intent is to provide a view of combat for the education and training of Marines who might face similar circumstances. Includes photos of the area and of individuals involved in wartime activities.
Smithsonian at the Poles. Smithsonian Institution.
This 400+ page monograph is a compilation of contributions to the proceedings of the interdisciplinary symposium dedicated to the opening of International Polar Year 2007-2008. The event was hosted by the Smithsonian Institution on May 3-4, 2007. The symposium was the fourth IPY, but represents the latest in a long history of the Institution’s involvement in polar research. There are papers on history and legacy, cultural studies, systematic and biology of polar organisms, methods and techniques of under-ice research, environmental change and polar marine ecosystems, and polar astronomy. The document is also available online at http://www.si.edu/ipy/.
Mixed-Gender Basic Training, the U.S. Army Experience, 1973-2004. U.S. Army
1973 saw both the advent of the all-volunteer force and an increasing number of female soldiers. This publication is an account of the many currents affecting the Army’s struggle to design a basic training course acceptable to both soldiers and citizens of the country. While the emphasis is on the changes 1973 through 2004, the book is organized in both topical and chronological form. And, as is often the case with the military publications, the focus is on facts, not solutions or judgments.
South Carolina State Employees who hold cards with the library may borrow these items from the library. Copies are also available for interlibrary loan.
04.13.09
New Documents at the State Library, March 2009
Just in case you think all documents are little brochures or dry statistics, check out these titles recevied in the State Library:
Early art of the northern far east, the Stone Age. U.S. Dept of the Interior. This is an interesting and detailed study of art and artifacts from Beringia, the region between North America and the Northern Far East, which is part of Russia.
Ready to talk, helping parents talk about sex. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. This is another kit from the Parents Speak Up National Campaign (www.4parents.gov) to help parents speak to children about sexuality and sexual relations. The kit has cd with training videos and downloadable materials, a manual for leaders, details on a workshop, and materials for parents. Check it out for a presentation at a small gathering, parents meeting at school, or individual use. Visit the website for additional information.
Innovations in compassion, the faith-based and community initiative: a final report to the armies of compassion. The White House. This final report from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives offers an account of the organizations partnering with the federal government to work against poverty, disease, and other social ills. Measurable results, government reforms and innovations, and prospects for the future of the FBCI are included. Several partners are highlighted, including individuals, organizations, or states that made significant inroads to solving problems or conditions such as malaria, vulnerable youth, prison violence, HIV/AIDS, and hunger.
The Sphinx 2008. The Citadel. C 4985 8.S64
The Sphinx is the yearbook for this fine state military college and is a fine collection of photos and text for the college. We always appreciate having these yearbooks as they are useful for researchers down the road.
South Carolina Wildlife Magazine. Dept of Natural Resources. N2197O 3.W45.
It has been awhile since I mentioned this award-winning magazine and it is still as beautiful as ever. Articles for March-April include brook trout, hidden treasures on the forest floor, red-cockaded woodpeckers, lesser known roads and others. Check it out!
South Carolina Criminal and Juvenile Justice Trends 2008. Dept of Public Safety. P9602JS 2.C64
This is a regular publication of the Office of Justice Programs Statistical Analysis Center. It provides basic statistical information on crime rates, arrests, the courts, inmates, probationers, and parolees in South Carolina.
South Carolina Aeronautical Chart SC Dept of Commerce C736A 4.A36
South Carolina Airport Directory and Plot’s Guide. SC Dept of Commerce C736A 8.A46-2
These are complementary publications for pilots. The map opens up to a full map of the state with aeronautical symbols. The back has a directory of airports with descriptions of the landing conditions. The guide boasts that aviation generates at least $4.3 billion in economic activity in South Carolina, and the agency targets the guide for pilots and businesses. Each airport has a page with standard information including manager name, ground control and tower frequencies, and a total of 45 different items. An aerial view of the airport is featured.
County Base Labor Market Analysis Publications. SC Dept. of Commerce C736WL 2 B172
Have you been aware of the flood of documents mounted to the website of the Department of Commerce (http://www.sccommerce.com/ Go to the “Documents Directory” link)? Over the past year or so the department has published in print and pdf current detailed reports on the labor markets of EVERY South Carolina county! The reports have a positive statement for every county and include material and statistical charts on the labor supply and types, education levels, income, population, and major occupations. This is a major and prolific publishing endeavor and fills an information void in ready statistics on labor and employment in the state. Check it out! At both the Library and the department website!
State of South Carolina Popular Annual Financial Report 2008 Comptroller General. C7395 3.P56
PAFR is a convenient and easy-to-read summary of state government finances. Relive the $250 million budgetary deficit caused by unsustainable spending. This should be mandatory reading to understand the economic situation for the state today.
