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.
03.10.09
NEW DOCUMENTS AT THE STATE LIBRARY, MARCH 2009
Check out the new documents added to the State Library! Lists of state documents added are available on our website at http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/state-documents-shipping-list/ . Highlights of both State and Federal new documents this month include:
Policing Terrorism: an Executive’s Guide. Dept of Justice. J 36.8: T27
Since 9/11 state, local, and federal enforcement agencies have been tasked with a variety of responsibilities to ensure that plans are in place to prevent attack and to respond quickly should an attack occur. This manual is designed to help sheriffs, police executives, and other persons charged with protection of citizens develop priorities and responses to terrorism prevention and response. two of the primary areas addressed are building community partnerships and problem-solving in policing. Chapter areas are preparing your agency, understanding the threat, developing a plan and support network, collecting intelligence, assessing targets, planning responses. The text is easy to read, suggestions are in lists or tables. The manual is available as pdf or print from COPS (www.cops.usdoj.gov).
Health Activities for Primary School Students. Peace Corps. PE 1.10:R 0105
This publication is a reissue of a 1996 manual designed for Peace Corp volunteers. However, it contains activities that are quickly grasped by an instructor, whether trained teacher or new volunteer, for very basic activities to improve health behaviors. There are activities on dental health, hygiene, nutrition, first aid, general health, drugs and alcohol, and other topics. There is a basic information page followed by several lesson plans. Copies are available through the Peace Corps.
Mom. Dad. We gotta talk. Talk to me about sex. Health and Human Services HE 1.2: P 21/3/kit
This kit includes an informational letter and video explaining the Parents Speak Up national Campaign to encourage parents to talk to their kids about waiting to have sex. See also the webpage, http://www.4parents.gov, which has some good information and tips on talking to teens and other children.
2009 Tides & Times. SC Dept. of Natural Resources N2197 3.T42
This annual publication from SCDNR includes sun tables, tide tables, and locations (maps and latitude/longitude) of artificial reefs & Wrecks. It is on study hard copy to withstand some rough treatment. There are copies to check out at SCSL, or purchase a copy from the South Carolina Wildlife Magazine office.
ACE’S Activity Book: Fun and Facts Relating to the ACE Basin Reserve. SC Dept of Natural Resources
N 2197 2.A23
This activity book is a fun way to introduce students to the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve, and to the efforts there in environmentalism and conservation. NERR sponsors k-12 educational programs through the Carolina Coastal Discovery Marine Education Program (http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/discovery/history.html).
The South Carolina Inventory of Academic Programs, Fall 2008. SC Commission on Higher Education
H5373 3.I58-3
This is a massive printout of courses offered at the many state-supported institutions of higher education. For the Library copies, CHE has added labeled tabs and colored paper to separate each school. The document will also be available electronically in the library. CHE has a searchable database of the information on their website at http://connect.che.sc.gov/AS400/Inven/Default.asp.
03.04.09
Information You Need: Classes for South Carolina State Employees and Librarians
Columbia, SC – The Library Services Department of the State Library will be offering short classes on a variety of library resources. These classes are designed to introduce South Carolina state employees to selected library resources and as continuing education for public and academic librarians in reference service. Classes meet in the Computer Training Room of the State Library at 1500 Senate Street in Columbia. Classes scheduled for this spring are:
Introduction to the State Library: More Than You Expect
Dates: Monday, March 30, 2009 or Monday, April 27, 2009
Time: 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Brenda Boyd
The State Library is not just books on shelves. This class will introduce state employees to databases and electronic materials that they can access from their offices and home and explain procedures such as interlibrary loan and special collections such as training videos and state documents.
Grants Research: Finding a Funder for Your Nonprofit Organization
Dates: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 or Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time: 10am – 12 pm
Instructor: Dawn Mullin
Learn how to locate information on grants available from private foundations and corporations, using the State Library’s electronic and print resources. The Foundation Directory Online, the Foundation Center’s grants database, as well as grants-related web sites, will be demonstrated. Includes basic information on writing a grant proposal.
Internet Health and Medicine
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Time: 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Elaine Sandberg
Guiding others to reliable health information can be a daunting task. This class is designed for employees and librarians who need a core of websites and resources to turn to for current, reliable, and comprehensive information. The class will review reference tools, databases (DISCUS – South Carolina’s Virtual Library), and web sites.
Social Media? Its Time is NOW!
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Time: 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Curtis Rogers
Many people today are confronted with an astounding array of new communications channels. Internet-based social media tools like blogs, podcasts, online video and social networks are giving voice to the opinions of millions of consumers. This session will take a look at how state government agencies can take advantage of these mostly free online tools such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Meebo, and Podcasting.
Newspaper Research
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Amanda Stone
Did you know that State Employees have access to newspaper articles from around the state? Come learn how to find the information you need, in current and historical newspapers from South Carolina and beyond. The class will discuss both online and in-print sources.
Green Government Resources in DISCUS – South Carolina’s Virtual Library
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009
Time: 10am – 12pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
DISCUS, your online library that is available 24/7, provides numerous resources for researching environmental concerns, including topics such as recycling, alternative fuels, energy conservation, global warming, sustainable building, organic foods and much more. This hands-on training will introduce participants to what is available in the DISCUS databases and will also teach methods for easily locating the needed information.
All sessions are free to South Carolina state government employees and library staff. To register, please visit the calendar of events on the South Carolina State Library’s web site at www.statelibrary.sc.gov.
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Our Vision: The South Carolina State Library is a national model for innovation, collaboration, leadership and effectiveness. It is the keystone in South Carolina’s intellectual landscape. Our Mission: We optimize South Carolina’s investment in library and information services.
02.02.09
Legislative Resources class for SC State Employees and Librarians
There will be a second class on legislative resources for South Carolina state employees and South Carolina librarians on Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10 a.m. in the State Library. The 2-hour class will go over contacting your legislators, using some of the resources available at scstatehouse.gov for tracking legislation, and visit US government sites and resources for county and city information. To register, click on the link to the class in the Calendar of Events on the Library homepage (www.statelibrary.sc.gov).
12.01.08
Move for Life
Put this in the “Things My Mother Taught Me:” research shows that individuals at any age can benefit from being physically active. However, even though you think you know it all, do you expect an exercise video using participants of “mature age” and varying physical fitness? Probably not, which makes this DVD by the Office for the Study of Aging at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina out of the ordinary. The DVD is designed to increase physical activity, even at moderate levels, to aid older adults with every tasks and mobility.
The video contains 5 routines: Instructions, Deep breathing and stretch (5 minutes), Full routine (28 minutes), Strength and balance (10 minutes), and Cardio (10 minutes). The programs are designed for adults over 50, but would be useful for exercise beginners of any age, or for people with limited mobility, even arthritis. A variety of music is used, including spiritual, patriotic, and original tunes.
Move for Life is available for loan from the South Carolina State Library or from the other State Documents Depository Libraries. It is also available for purchase ($9.95) from the Office website (http://www.sph.sc.edu/osa/MoveforLife.htm).
2008 Small Business and Entrepreneurship Resource Guide
The cover has SUCCESS written multiple times over an image of South Carolina and a large S C superimposed over all. It is obvious that this latest publication of the South Carolina Department of Commerce feels this is a compilation of resources that can make the dream of starting a business and prospering in South Carolina a reality. The publication lives up to its promise—it is a reference tool providing statewide services in an easty-to-use and concise format.
The publication gives narrative and contact information on entities providing a variety of services in several areas: business consulting and counseling, education and training, financial, regulatory and government, international trade, technology resources and incubators, local resources, and internet resources. The narratives are generous—much more than a single sentence—and contact information includes fax, email, and web address if possible.
Be certain to flip through the Local Resources section in the back. Here are complete lists of Chambers of Commerce and local economic developers, who are employed by counties and municipalities to provide assistance with community growth. Colorful maps for the Councils of Government, County Regional Economic Development Alliances, Retired Executives (SCORE), and Small Business Development Centers depict regions and office locations.
The introductory letter from Charles A. Bundy, Jr, Manager of Business Services at the Department does not indicate how the information was compiled, so it is hoped that any service provider omitted would have an opportunity to be added for a subsequent edition.
The publication is available to borrow from the South Carolina State Library and is in State Documents Depository Libraries around the state. It is also in electronic format on the Department website.
09.10.08
Databases on State Ethics Commission Webpage
The South Carolina State Ethics Commission (http://ethics.sc.gov/) has some databases on its website that may be of interest to anyone seeking information on elected oficials or candidates for election. The Commission was established in 1975 and expanded in 1991. Now its duties include lobbyist registration and disclosure, campaign practices and ethical rules of conduct for candidates and elected officials. The Commission issues advisory opinions and conducts investigations and hearings into complaints.
Complaints http://www.sc.gov/Complaints/complaintsresolved.htm
Anyone who suspects that a violation of the law has been committed by a public official, public member, or public employee may file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission. The State Ethics Commission does not have jurisdiction over members of the General Assembly. The State Ethics Commission is also authorized to file a complaint against any public official, public employee, or public member who is suspected of violating the Ethics Reform Act. The complaint discloses the name of the violator, the filer, and particulars of the violation. The complaint becomes a public document. The complaint is reviewed by the Ethics Commission to determine if there is enough information to determine whether a violation has occurred. Complaints that have been resolved are provided in the database available on the website.
Public Disclosure and Accountability Reporting http://sc.gov/PublicReporting/Index.aspx
Public Disclosure is available for Constitutional officers and candidates and local office holders and candidates, for non-candidate committees, political parties and caucuses. Statement of Economic Interests forms for all elected officials, all public members of state boards and commissions and certain public employees are available online for viewing.
Advisory Opinions http://www.ethics.sc.gov/advisoryopinion/
An informal or formal advisory opinion may be requested by any person to whom the Act could reasonably be expected to apply. The request must be in writing and relate prospectively to a real or hypothetical set of facts or circumstances. The Commission will not issue an advisory opinion to a third party about another person without authorization from the affected person.
The Commission will consider advisory opinion requests having prospective application only. An opinion request requiring consideration of past conduct or events may be referred to the appropriate supervisory office and an investigation of any potential violation may be conducted.
A formal advisory opinion shall be considered by the Commission at a public meeting. The person whose conduct is the subject of the request may appear at the meeting. The Commission’s written opinion will be provided to the requestor and made public unless the affected parties request confidentiality. Formal advisory opinions are the final opinion of the Commission unless new and material facts are submitted which, in the opinion of staff and upon a majority vote of the Commission, warrant reconsideration.
The Ethics Commission also files lists of lobbyists with the General Assembly. Current lobbyist lists are posted at http://www.scstatehouse.net/reports/ethrpt.htm.
08.26.08
Going Green
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has produced a useful and attractive leaflet on ways to be “Green.” The SC Green Guide: Information You Can Use is printed on recycled paper that is glossy and easy to read and handle. The publication covers customer service aspects of DHEC and then specific pages on air quality, water and coastal resources, and waste reduction.
Do you know who to call for dead birds or what to do if a fluorescent light bulb breaks? How do you dispose of old computers or televisions? How about old paint? These are some of the topics covered, usually with short text followed by bulleted information or itemized steps. A DHEC office that can provide more information is always listed and helpful webpages are noted.
Especially helpful pages are the “ads” highlighting programs in DHEC that can assist small businesses in compliance and other green activities. Free technical assistance, publications, and online resources are available from programs on recycling, improving environment, regulations information, waste minimization, and materials exchange.
I find this publication very helpful and informative. It has a creative use of photographs and pages are sprinkled with highlighted information that is succinct and yet attractive. It would be great for a novice in green activities or for planning a short introduction to civic groups. Check it out! The State Library has copies for check out, but it is also available online at http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/library/OR-0763.pdf . Paper copies are available through the Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling at SC Department of Health and Enviornmental Control (1-800-768-3448).
