UCF Libraries

Office of Library Development

University of Central Florida                             Volume II  Issue 5 August  2006

In Development

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A Friend of the Library: Charles Bali

UCF Libraries Director of Development Dwain Teague with Professor Charles Bali

A university library, whether the association is through employment or attendance, has many advantages.  It is difficult, for instance, to go very many days without learning something new on any subject, many things truly profound.  Also, the people one is likely to meet are equally diverse and the introductions to them can be spectacularly rewarding.

It is not unusual for a book to be donated to the UCF Libraries by an author. Actually it's quite common.  It is also a frequent happening that the author will, themselves, bring the materials to the library; especially if the author happens to be a UCF faculty or staff member.

In late June the UCF Libraries had the honor of accepting a gift book from Professor Charles Bali, who happens to be an instructor of law.  He may have also set a record for the longest trip to personally deliver a book donation to the library.  Indeed, Professor Bali teaches in Sydney...Sydney, Australia.

Professor Bali made the long trip to Florida, landing on a late Sunday evening, and visited the campus on Monday morning, fighting jet-lag and a vicious lack of sleep.  He donated to the library his most recent book, Australian Commercial Law In Perspective.  As we showed him around our collections, the library as a whole, and the campus, he was able to impart an insightful knowledge of Australian culture we would never have been able to learn on our own.

We thank Dr. Bali for his visit to UCF and hope that our new good friend can return many times.

A UCF Factoid:
H. Trevor Colbourn became the university’s second president in 1979—he was born in Australia.

Department Review:  Media Services

In February 2006, the Head of Circulation, Marcus Kilman, added the Media Services department to his area of responsibility.  Mr. Kilman's guidance has wrought changes in the department's structure to make the third floor, which acts as the home for Media Services, more utilitarian, including changes to make the best use of the crowded shelving.  Much of the 3rd floor collection has been shifted to other areas and the print periodicals and newspapers have been moved to create more seating for study space and to allow greater interaction between the departmental staff and the library users that they serve.

Among the materials held in the department are DVDs, which are housed behind the service desk, VHS tapes, newspapers, and the periodicals that the library still receives in print.

Most of the videos housed in Media Services can be checked out by any library user with a valid UCF ID card.  Many of these films are new theatrical releases such as 2005's The Constant Gardener and Good Night and Good Luck.  There are also a number of classics as well as documentaries.  This collection provides a great way for UCF students, staff, and faculty to pep up any evening.  The library is always looking for more donations to build that collection as it, in particular, is a great tool for bringing people, who would not otherwise come, into the library.

For a brief period, the Media Services area is hosting the Browsing collection, generally made up of newer pleasure-reading books.  When the library's new coffee shop opens with the beginning of the fall semester, that collection will move into the coffee shop in an attractive set of shelves built into one of the walls.

Be sure to visit the 3rd floor Media Desk in the main campus library any time you're in the building, or take advantage of the three Knight Showcase events during the fall semester to peruse the Media Services Collection and see our great staff at work.

Inez Bracy - Rejuvenate Your Life in 21 Days

In May,  Inez Bracy was featured in In Development.  On July 18, Inez mesmerized 34 attendees from both the UCF Libraries and other departments on campus with her presentation, Rejuvenate Your Life in 21 Days.  Her wide base of knowledge became clear to all who attended and reflected her 20-year experience in an array of professional environments from corporate, nonprofit, and educational.  All walked away from the visit with something to ponder and look forward to.

Inez Bracy in the UCF Library on July 18

Those who missed Ms Bracy speak can still benefit by her teachings.  The UCF Libraries carries the donated print version of her e-book Rejuvenate Your Life... on the first floor of the main library under the call number BF335, B7, 2006.  To get your own copy of her book, simply visit the book's Web site.  Ms Bracy has designated that a portion of each book sales will go to benefit the UCF Libraries.  You can also learn more about Inez Bracy by visiting her Web site.

Support your UCF Libraries

Giving to the library is easy.  Go to our Make a Gift page, complete the form at the bottom of that page, and someone from the library will contact you.  If you would like to send a check, you can mail it to the address below.  Your gift will be appreciated and used to directly affect the education and research of our students and faculty.

Dwain Teague, Director of Library Development
dteague@mail.ucf.edu
(407) 823-5982

University of Central Florida Libraries
P.O. Box 162666
Orlando, FL 32816-2666

For confidential inquiries regarding ways you may become a part of the UCF Libraries circle of support or to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please contact Dwain Teague at (407) 823-5982 or at dteague@mail.ucf.edu.