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.
