Library Gazette

The Zephyrs were ready but not thrilled about having to brave the rain for today’s scheduled challenge, Frisbee Golf on Davis Field. We were puzzled to recieve an email this morning saying that the scheduled games were off due to the inclement weather and we were to report to Reynolds Gym at noon instead.

Not knowing what to expect, Prentis, Travis, Erik, Susan, Heather, Carolyn and Mary Beth walked over to the gym and, after trading a few barbs with opposing team mates, descended to The Six weight room where we were given the rules to the new game. We had to pick three team mates, who each would be doing one physical challenge while the rest of the team answered trivia questions. If the team completed the trivia questions without the team mate tiring and giving up, we could earn points for every question we got right. If the team mate got too tired while we debated the answer to the questions, we couldn’t answer any more questions in that round. We bemoaned the fact that our Quiz Bowl champs weren’t on the Olympic team today!

The first challenge was a “wall sit”, and was admirably completed by Erik. He had to lean on the wall, with his thighs parallel to the floor, while we answered the 6 questions on fitness and nutrition. I don’t think he even broke a sweat. The next challenge was dispatched handily by Travis who maintained a “plank” position, (anyone who’s done this in yoga knows it’s not easy) while we answered another set of questions. In the final challenge, Prentis did “crunches” while we answered the last 6 questions. Luckily, between us, we knew enough nutrition, fitness, biology and etymology to eek out a first place win. And the three gentlemen in the group managed to maintain poise and style, while utilizing skill, (not luck) and demonstrating their physical prowess.

Next week, Susan, Erik, Heather and Carolyn are ready to go head to head with other teams in the Water Polo Basketball Rematch. Come on out and watch!

The ZSR Zephyrs (or “Zephs”, since it has a little more attitude) played to a 2 Win, 1 Loss series today in Reynolds Gym, kicking of the Summer Olympics in fine style. The “A” team today consisted of Travis and Prentice, with Craig and Mary Beth acting as cleanup.

The first round was played against “The Committee” from Admissions. While their name would make them seem mild mannered, they schooled the Zefs in a 16-11 loss. The “B” team were handed a 2 point lead by Travis and Prentis before they approached the table for their half, but Craig and MB couldn’t carry the victory off. “The Committee” quickly found and exploited the weakness in the team, (AKA Mary Beth). MB realized she was going to have to settle down to keep the ball on the table.

Round two, played against the Stage Muthas (Theater/Dance) went better, and was closely played between the two teams. The final score was 17-15. Prentice and Travis again gave the Zephs a lead, and Craig and Mary Beth nearly managed to lose it when the opposing team won several unanswered points in the half. Craig and MB rallied late and took the team from a score of 11-15, to 17-15 to win game two.

The last round was played against the “Exhibitionists” from Reynolda House. Drunk on their previous victory, the Zephs hit their stride by the third game and finished off the opponents with a 16-7 victory. Well deserved high fives were given all around.

Next week…FRISBEE GOLF!

On Monday, June 8th, the Access Services Team took a day long retreat. We needed and wanted to stick close to the library, and since we have such great study rooms now in the library, we used the study room on the west side of the building, (near the Graduate Student Lounge) as our home base for the day. We started with the early risers taking a trip to Krankies downtown for some coffee and treats to get our engines going.

We returned to ZSR and met the rest of the team for our meeting in 232. The goal of the day was to do a SWOT analysis (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) for each Access “division” and we brainstormed in big and small groups about each of these divisions: ILL, Reserves/Ereserves, Circulation, Stacks, Facilities, Media and Document Delivery. We willl utilize that information to set goals for the coming year. Another goal of the day was to write a Mission Statement for the team.

After working until noon, we went to the Deacon Grille for lunch, and then took a tour of the Deacon Tower. Lunch was delicious, (and pretty reasonable.)

Then after a tour of the Tower,

we returned to ZSR for an afternoon session to further our SWOT analysis.

The day ended at 4pm with the team revved up and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

It was exhausting, but we discovered a great deal about each others concerns and challenges. We didn’t finish the Access Mission statement, and have a little more analysis on the SWOT charts to do, but we’ll be completing it all in the next few weeks. We know good things will result from all of this work. We appreciated being given the chance to have a day like this, (Thanks to Lynn!) and we also thank our great students who managed to problem solve sufficiently that they didn’t even need to use the emergency cell phone once!

Lauren, Kevin, Mary Scanlon and Mary Beth gathered in the Tech Cave for a few samplings from Ted.com at lunch today. We started with a short talk from Renny Gleeson who spoke on mobile technology and how it impacts our “availability” (we are constantly connected, even when we don’t want to be). He also sounded an alarm bell about how that constant tug to our mobile device negatively impacts our in person social contacts, sending the message to the person in the room, (our loved ones, our children) that what I am receiving or may receive is really more important than you.

Then we viewed another longer talk by Emily Levine who spoke on Tricksters and how they are really similar to change agents…hmmm.

We had a wide ranging discussion, from philosophy to the importance of calling your mother.

Join us next week for another enticing Ted Talk! Wednesdays at noon in the Tech Cave.