Library Update - Bethlehem University

 
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Library Update - Bethlehem University
Library Update
  Fall 2017 — Spring 2018

Bethlehem University Library
    at the Cutting-edge of
 Library Design and Facilities

   In This Issue:
      Reflections: Ms. Claudia Dold
      From Chile to Bethlehem University
      Ms. Maha Saca: A Passion for “Turath”
      A Tribute to Mike
Library Update - Bethlehem University
In This Issue:
                                                                Page                                                            Page

                  Usage of Discussion Rooms ……………………………….. 2                 Working Students: Highlights ………………..…………....9

                  List of Donors …………………………………………………….. 3                    Teaching Library Skills ………………..………………………….9

                  Claudia Dold: My Reflections …….……………………… 4                “Books Not Walls” Ignites a Passion for Reading…....10

                  Library Liaison Team Meeting—Fall 2017………….. 4             The Novelty and Strength of a Renewed Workforce..11

                  From Chile to Bethlehem University ….…………..… 5             EBSCO Discovery Service ………………………………….…….11

                  Turathuna Summer Camp Activities……..……….…. 6               Claudia Dold: Workshop on Mendeley …………….…..12

                  Ms. Maha Saca: A Passion for “Turath”…………...…. 7           Findings of the Online Survey …………………………….....12

                  Spring Reading—2018 ………………………………...…….. 7                  From the Library Director’s Desk ……………………….....13

                  A Tribute to Mike ………..………………………………..…...8                 What Does Teamwork Mean? …………………………….....14

                                                                                                                                            Page 2

                                                                                                                                Library Update 2017/2018

                                   Usage of Discussion Rooms
                                                                                                                                       Institute of
                                                                                            Nursing &
                                               Business                                                                                   Hotel
        Faculty                 Arts                                   Education             Health                  Science
                                             Administration                                                                            Management
                                                                                            Sciences
                                                                                                                                        & Tourism
                                TOTAL               TOTAL               TOTAL                    TOTAL               TOTAL                  TOTAL
  Month / Year              f          #        f           #           f         #          f         #         f         #            f            #

  August 2017              20          48       3          11           8        18         17        37        24        67            0             0

  September 2017          168       433        199        583          189       554        91       269       100        288           21           52

  October 2017            138       543        267        584          121       378       107       269        80        248           43           139

  November 2017           149       329        290        751          90        223       186       506        67        182           23           61

  December 2017            97       252        137        360          70        165       112       279        52        140           17           47

  January 2018             23          52      19          41           7        16         2          7        3          7            2             6
  February 2018           155       357        135        426          83        204        55       142        40        87            11           26

  March 2018               73       280        133        602          37        135        36       141        36        144           3            12
  April 2018               103      356       133         577          43       170        33        140       27        103            5            17
  May 2018                 90       302        104        383          41        138        51       200        38        157           20           63

  TOTAL                  1016      2952       1420        4318         689      2001       690      1990       467       1423          145           423

 f = frequency, # = no. of users

       Feedback from one of the Faculty Members:
Mr. Mahdi Kleibo describes Bethlehem University Library as a “collective learning hub.” In addition, he also says that the
Library connects with, and helps him achieve the outcomes of the Human Resources course. Particularly, the discussion
rooms helped him better communicate with his students during their projects and group studies. Likewise, the multimedia
devices which the Library and the IT Center provide, assisted the students in doing their work and projects professionally.
Library Update - Bethlehem University
List of Donors — June 2017 till May 2018

Mr. Samer Abady                  Vice Chancellor’s Office, Brother
                                   Peter Bray, FSC
Mr. Adnan Abdel - Karim
                                 Mr. Hani Abu Dayyeh
Mr. Sari Hisham Mustafa Aburas   OFID “The OPEC Fund for
Ms. Hiam Alawi                   International Development”
                                                                        The Library Team would
Fr. Jacques Amateis, SDB         Mr. Osama Abu-Baha
                                                                      like to thank most sincerely
Ms. Wala' Ahmad Amro             Palestine Capital Market                  Ms. Maria Asuncion
Mr. Ahmed Azim                   Authority
                                                                        Nicolau, a member of the
Breaking the silence             Palestinian Economic Council for
                                                                        Teresian Association for
                                   Development & Reconstruction
Brothers' Community                (PECDAR)                            her two invaluable gifts to
B'Tselem                         Palestine Economic Policy                Bethlehem University
Fr. Hisham Chemali               Research Institute (Mas)                        Library :
Dar Al - Ifta of Palestine       The Palestinian Initiative for the      “ Digital Camera Canon
                                   Promotion of Global Dialogue        PowerShot SX 540 HS” and
Department of Social Sciences
                                   and Democracy - Miftah                 “JVC HD Digital Video
Mr. Ed Durst
                                 Palestine Liberation Organization,              Camera”.
Efta' House                        Research Center                    God bless you Ms. Maria for
The Emirates Center for          Palestine Monetary Authority              your generosity and
Strategic Studies and Research   Palestine National                       passion for the Digital
Mr. Fanni Faegersten             Authority/Ministry of Local                      World!
General Elections Commission -   Government
  Palestine                      Mr. Issa Issa Qawasmi
A group of BU Students (Books    Pastor Mitri Al-Raheb
  Not Walls)                     Dr. Bilal Salameh
Al - Haq Organization            Mr. Roy Sansour
Ms. Asma Ateiah Moh'd Harb       Mr. Moh'd Yahia Al-Sawalhe
Ms. Watan Basheer Hawamda        Ms. Diala Khader Shatleh
Ms. Elsa Hazboun                 Dr. Jabra Shomali
Fr. Louis Hazboun                Prof. Qustandi Shomali
Hebron University                Heinrich Boll Stiftung                  Ms. Maria Asuncion Nicolau,
Human Rights & Democracy         Taawon                               a member of the Teresian Association
  Media Center (Shamas)          Ms. Narmeen Nehad Ali
Institute of Public                Talahmeh
Administration (Yasr)            Ms. Asmaa Tayseer Rajab Al
Institut Du Monde Arabe            Tamimi
Dr. Rami Ishaq                   Mr. Emad Abdo Al - Tarawneh
Mr. Abed AlRazeq Fawzi Issa      Mr. Nicholas Taylor
Dr. Ferdoos Issa                 Mr. Toine van Teeffelen
Dr. Khalil Issa                  UNCTAD (United Nations
Ms. Gabriella Kattan             Conference on Trade and
Dr. Vivian Khamis                Development)
Mrs. Leila Khatter               United Nations
Mr. Mahmoud Khweis               Beverly R. Voloshin ed.
Mr. Johnny Mansour               Mr. Mahmoud Yazbeck
Mr. Hussein Mehanna              Mr. Khaled Sameer Al-Za'tari
Ministry of Higher Education     Brother Henry Chaya, FSC
Dr. Walid Mustafa
An - Najah National University
Ms.Amnah Nakhleh
Ms. Mai Nassar
Dr. Stephen O'Connor                                                       Page 3—Library Update
Dr. Ramzi Odeh
                                                                                  2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
Ms. Claudia Dold: Reflections

Claudia J. Dold is the Core Fulbright Scholar to the West Bank 2017-2018, whose work is directed at increasing the
research skills and publishing knowledge at West Bank universities, in order to encourage more voices from the Middle
East in Western publications. She splits her ten-month scholarship between Bethlehem University and Al Quds
University in Abu Dis. She comes from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she is the Assistant University
Librarian at the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute Research Library.

At Bethlehem University, she has presented numerous workshops and
presentations to students, faculty, and library staff about ways to streamline the
research process. She has also worked one-on-one with masters students in the
MICAD program. In October 2017 she worked with library staff to create a
library users’ survey, the goal of which was to identify library user experiences
and suggestions. She presented the findings on behalf of the Library Team at the
Bethlehem University Research and Innovation Day in March 2018.
She is currently conducting research with Diana Sayej Nasser at Birzeit
University among PALICO library staff about their perceived needs for the next
generation of librarians in Palestine. The survey instrument is being tested as a
model for other international libraries to collect data that will be useful for analysis and comparison.
“I thoroughly enjoy working in the West Bank universities with students and faculty. I have had a warm reception here.
I admire the persistence, tenacity, and good will of the population in pursuing their education goals and a national
identity for themselves and their children, despite political difficulties and disappointments.”
Ms. Dold’s tenure in Bethlehem University is made possible through funding by the United States and the invitation of
Dr. Jamil Khader, Dean of Research. Dr. Mellie Brodeth, Director of the Library, and the Library Staff have been
generous with their time and perceptions as she gains an understanding of academia in the West Bank.

                                   Library Liaison Team Meeting—Fall 2017

Thursday, 26th of October was the date set for the Library Liaison Team (LLT) meeting.
Convoked at 11:00 AM, in L-005, eleven representatives from the various faculties and
departments along with three presenters from the Library came together in a lively discussion
and interaction. This year, the Library is fortunate to host a visiting Fulbright Research fellow,
Claudia Dold. She spoke on the importance of the research process in classroom teaching and
learning, and offered her availability to facilitate the design of a research handbook for faculties
and departments.
This year’s LLT coordinator is Juana Juha – Librarian-in-charge of Circulation Services – who
happily welcomed the representatives. Juana Juha with Mike Hazboun, Librarian-in-charge of
Digital Services and Vera Koussa, Head of the English Technical Services addressed the remarka-
ble progress and developments which technology has decidedly contributed to library science
and online information. In effect, the University Library – starting with the implementation of
RFID technology – has effectively embraced the challenges and advantages technology has
offered to enhance the spectrum of services being currently offered.

                                                   Page 4—Library Update 2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
From Chile to Bethlehem University

  O
             n Wednesday, 18 October, Brother Peter Bray, having arrived from his visit to Chile, came over to the Library to give
             us a facsimile of Don Andres Bello’s manuscript, entitled “Cuadernos de Londres” (1812-1820), volume 1, recording
             eight prolific years of his life in London.

  H
              is life unfolds in three great scenarios: in late 18th and early 19th C, in the city of Caracas
              where he was born; the city during that time was recognized as one of the most cultured
              cities of the Spanish empire in America; in London, at the time when it was becoming the
  capital of a new world empire; and most importantly in Chile, where the most fertile and productive
  part of his life and work took place. He was Rector of the University of Chile from 1843 – 1865,
  spanning two decades of scholarship, diplomacy, and academic leadership. Don Andrés Bello is
  considered the greatest humanist of Latin America.

T    his book “Mis 100 Años de Vida” written in Spanish
     by Victoria Kattan Salame de Hirmas is a gift from
Mr. Enrique Elsaca to Bethlehem University Library. Mr.
Isaac Sahhar, at the Advancement Office – in his visit to
Chile - was the kind medium to deliver the book safely to
the Library.

W        hat makes this book doubly interesting and dear to
         our hearts is the author’s close link to Bethlehem;
in fact, she was born here but had to emigrate to Chile by
reasons of marriage. There in Chile, with her husband
Nicolas Hirmas, also of Palestinian origin, Victoria found
herself in a foreign land, yet surmounted hardships and
trials, and discovered her inner strength as a woman living
in a new country, encountering a new culture and
adjusting to people she didn’t know before.

I  n the book’s epilogue, she writes inspiring insights:
   “…we should never lose hope…even in the midst of
sorrow…we should live life with optimism, until the last
days of our life.”

S    he ends the epilogue saying: “It is 2005 and with 97
     years of age, I do feel really old but still strong to
manage my business, sharing with my children and
grandchildren… It is a life worth living.” Interestingly, her
book is entitled “My 100 years of life…” perhaps a
metaphor representing the perfection of a life well-lived,
well-traveled surrounded by a loving family, relatives and
friends.                                                                           “Mis 100 Años de Vida” – an autobiography by

T
                                                                                             Victoria Kattan de Hirmas
      hat’s the mettle of a “Bethlehemite” woman:
      “Victoria” - which literally means “victory,” with a
fortitude that helped her forge a future away from her
homeland. She was not only victorious over life’s
vicissitudes, she lived life to the full with joy, gratitude
and love.                                                         Page 5—Library Update 2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
Turathuna Summer Activities

        Page 6—Library Update 2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
Ms. Maha Saca: A Passion for “Turath”

The Turathuna Team has organized various activities during the academic year 2017-2018. One of
the most significant activities for this year is a videotaped interview with a Palestinian woman,
Mrs. Maha Saca, who is passionate in preserving the Palestinian heritage items and artifacts. Mrs.
Saca is the general manager of the Palestinian Heritage Center (PHC). Bethlehem is the city where
she was raised and reared with the values of love, commitment, and dedication to her homeland
and her Palestinian heritage. In the Heritage Center, which was opened in 1991, she has exhibits
that show the visitors the differences in lifestyle among the city, village, and the Bedouins, which
are displayed on three corners of the Center. In addition to the corners, there are sections that
present the household items, heritage paintings and some traditional costumes. Unfortunately, the
center doesn’t present all the items due to the fact it has a limited space, lack of security, and
inappropriate condition for the inclement weather.
Mrs. Maha participated in more than 40 important exhibitions
around the world. The most significant one was at Chicago
University, where she lectured to some 2,000 persons about the
Palestinian heritage. Every Palestinian woman has a dream, hers
is to establish a museum to keep the history of Palestine alive in
the minds of all the people. She is paving a path toward that
vision, because she believes that the museum will showcase a vast
collection of Palestinian artifacts, dresses, and other interesting
items.

                                   Spring Reading for 2018

S   pringtime is a beautiful season everywhere in the
    Holy Land. As one drives from place to place, up
north, down south, carpets of bewitching colourful
flowers beckon to the traveler.

W        e commence the Spring semester 2018 pre-
         senting to our readers the book “Wild Flowers
of the Holy Land” with significant features such as its
date, 1876, published in London, and as the title page
indicates, with “fifty-four plates printed in colours,
drawn and painted after nature.” Exquisite creativity
harnessed to the fullest, this is the book’s testimony.
The title page also carries the author’s name, Mrs.
Hannah Zeller as well as the dedication of E. E. Nowell,
April 1876.
                                                                      Page 7—Library Update 2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
A Tribute to Mike

Little did we know that Mike was on “borrowed time” from God. But for the duration that God him to us, we feel blessed.
Mike, a person of integrity, was also a man of perfection and he literally did everything PERFECTLY. Mike passed away and
left us on the 5th of May 2018, at the height of what he looked forward to as a breakthrough in his life, to improve himself
professionally, eager to pursue a Master in Library/Information Science.
Mike present among us was an inspiration, a driving force to efficiency, a model of punctuality, of service. It didn’t matter
whether they were his students or not, he had time for everyone. Teachers who knew of his dedicated and skillful service
while at the Instructional Technology unit, went up to see him at the Digital Services section for advice and for technical
help. He always made himself available, unselfishly, unconditionally. I’m reminded of the “Parable of Talents,” he had ten
and multiplied them to twenty (or more) so everyone is served.
Photos below are our memories of Mike, a dear friend, a loving colleague. He was a multi-talented person who was just as
good in teaching as when he was on duty in any workstation he was assigned to. He did his job lovingly, without any reser-
vation, always willing to learn, open to improvement. We cannot help but say, “MISSING YOU MIKE!” - may you rest in
God’s peace.

                                                                                           Page 8—Library Update 2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
Working Students in the Library: Highlights

 Two important meetings this academic year 2017-2018 were held honoring our student-assistants,
 an indispensable workforce to accomplish the goals and mission of the Library.
 The Fall Term meeting was held on 28 September 2018 attended by 5 working students in the
 presence of the Student-Assistants’ Team of the Library and Rania Hazboun, BU’96 who is
 currently Development Officer at the Advancement Office. As the invited guest speaker she gave
 an inspirational talk emphasizing the importance of hard work. The Best Student-Assistant named
 for Fall was Sabreen Abu Daoud from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences.
 The Spring Term 2018 meeting was held on 16 February paying tribute to the Best Student-
 Assistant Isra’ Abu Rabdah along with her fellow student-workers. The speaker was Miral
 Nasser, Library Staff and a BU- MICAD’16 graduate who spoke to the students about the value of
 striking a balance between working and studying to pursue their university degree.

The guest speaker for the Fall 2017 term was Rania Hazboun (BU’96).   Miral Nasser (BU’ 13) spoke to the student-assistants during Spring term 2018.

                                         Teaching Library Skills: Challenges
Five members of the Library Team: Mrs. Vera Koussa (BU’80), Ms. Valerie Rock (BU’96), Mr. Mike Hazboun (BU’02, RIP), Ms. Juana Juha
(BU’06), and Ms. Dina Massad (BU’13) taught 16 sections of the Library Skills course in the Fall 2017 semester for 7 weeks. They adminis-
tered the written final exam with the assistance of the department of English. This course includes three components: fundamentals of
computer skills, Library skills, and Lasallian formation.
In the Spring 2018 term, these five Bethlehem University graduates also instructed another
10 sections of intensive English freshmen. An e-class (Moodle) for this course was created/
assembled to include various elements such as PowerPoint Presentations, online
assignments, and interactive videos.
The approach of “a flipped classroom” was integrated. The first year students were intro-
duced to the learning materials before class. As a result, the classroom time was used to
deepen their understanding. The main goal of a flipped classroom is to enhance student
learning and achievement by reversing the traditional model of a classroom, focusing class
time on student understanding rather than on lecture.

                                                                                                              Page 9—Library Update

                                                                                                                      2017/2018
Library Update - Bethlehem University
“Books Not Walls” Ignites a Passion for Reading...
                    “It shares the belief that walls can be taken down through the gaining of knowledge,
                                                 both physical and figurative.”

Khalil Shahd Marei, a second year business administration student with his classmate Ahmad Abu Monshar and
the Bethlehem University graduate, Mira Amer (BU’17) took the initiative of forming a new group called
“Books Not Walls.” This newly-born group strongly believes that the only means to demolish the Segregation Wall
is through reading various books and through education. This group has confidence in that knowledge, cultivation
of learning, and enlightenment are the greatest weapons to conquer this gigantic wall. This cultivated group’s
mission is to foster the passion of its peers for reading and let the students of Bethlehem University articulate
themselves as well as reinforce their intellectual freedom. The group offered not only Bethlehem University
Library 36 Arabic and 7 English compelling books, but also donated books to other local private libraries, such as
the “Anwar” Library in Hebron to nurture the seeds of love for reading. When students are on a break at Zuwadeh
Library Café, the availability of a shelf with some bilingual novels ignites a passion for reading. The BU Library
offered this rising group a collection of novels to support this cultural and intellectual project, whose endeavor is
to enlighten the path of students to convert them into passionate readers. The group will surely have long lasting
effects and enduring impact on its members and followers .
“Books Not Walls” group is also proactive and has organized varied activities such as the campaign under the
motto “from you … to you”, different non- profit book fairs, and discussion of documentaries to develop a reading
habit among the students and to graduate with a sound educational foundation and a love for reading and
learning, making them the future leaders of this Holy Land. An example of an off-campus activity is reading stories
to the children who suffer from cancer at Al-Hussain Governmental Hospital in Beit Jala.
The Library Team is grateful and blessed for this group’s thoughtful gesture of remembering Bethlehem University
Library. The whole world will know that Bethlehem University is against walls of division; instead books, symbol
of our education for peace, love and harmony will hopefully bring justice one day to everyone in the Holy Land
and the whole world.

                                                                                                    Page 10—Library Update
                                                                                                           2017/2018

        “Books Not Walls” group is composed of a large number of BU students, the above group-photo shows some of its members.

Dear Khalil,
It gives me such great pleasure to write to you and thank you and your group "Books not Walls" for
your brilliant idea and generous gesture to donate books for the University Library in support of your
noble cause of countering the construction of walls with the reading of books. How thoughtful! How
wonderful!
There is a lot to be learned and said that such a gesture comes from you, the students. It is a clear indi-
cation that you will grow up to be committed active citizens that Palestine is in much need for.
I wish you and your friends’ success in your studies and a brighter future that you so much deserve to
have.
With my appreciation,
Dr. Irene Hazou, Vice President for Academic Affairs
The Novelty and Strength
                             of a Renewed Workforce

          Miral Nasser (BU’13 – MICAD’16), right,                     Mirna Zoughbi (BU ’02), center,
          is the newly appointed Secretary to                         replaced Mike Hazboun as Reference/
          the Library Director.                                       Information Services Library Staff.

         Mike Hazboun (BU’02, RIP) held
         the position of Librarian-in-Charge,
                                                                        “It is time to give back to our
         Digital Services.
                                                                                  Alma Mater!”

                      The Perks of EBSCO Discovery Service—EDS

Maximize the Value and Usefulness of your Collection
It is available on the Library Homepage as well as on the Bethlehem University
Academic Portal (BUAP) to have access to it off-campus.
EDS is an online research tool that “pulls together” almost all of our Library
resources so that they can be explored by using a single search box. It provides
users with an easy, yet powerful means of accessing the entire Library
collection.
In fact, you could think of EDS as the Library’s version of Google.
EDS provides an integrated index for most of our Library resources. Although it
is an EBSCO product, your search results will also include non-EBSCO resources.

                                        Page 11 —Library Update

                                               2017/2018
Claudia Dold’s Workshop on Mendeley: 20 December 2017
                                Feedback from some of the Library Staff

                                                                                    Dina Massad, Secretary to the
        “Ms. Claudia Dold’s session expanded my                                     English Technical Services had this to
        knowledge on how to do a research, what                                     say:
        processes to follow to write an efficient paper in an
        easy, helpful, relevant way using Mendeley. As a                            “Mendeley would be very helpful for me if I
        professional I can help our students, to teach them                         decided to do a master’s degree. Masters and
        how to start a report, how to look for books,                               PHDs are full of researches, and this software
        articles in our e-resources.”                                               with all the benefits it has, might be the best
                                                                                    and most perfect one to be used. Also, I can
                                                                                    mention about this software since I’m giving the
                                                                                    computer skills in the LIBR 101 course.”
       Vera Koussa, Head of the English Technical Services, commented:

                                              “Mendeley accelerates the process
                                              of academic research and writing
                                              skills. As a result, the scholar begins
                                              to assemble his/her own personal
                                              library/repository, which saves him /
                                              her time and reduces the devoted
                                              efforts to focus more on how to be
                                              creative and innovative in writing
Mike Hazboun (RIP), Librarian-in-
                                              his/her paper.”
Charge, Digital Services, highlighted the
above comments:

                                    Findings of the Users’ Study— Online Survey

       In the fall of 2017, the Bethlehem University Library staff issued a survey across campus to ask students, staff,
       and faculty about their experiences and preferences using the library. The responses were tabulated and evaluated
       in the spring, and forwarded to Dr. Mellie, the Library Director.

       The Library was refurbished in 2016 with the express purpose of creating a facility with the most
       current practices and equipment, at a level comparable to other modern academic universities,
        to enhance the learning experience at Bethlehem University. The survey posed questions about library services,
       resources, usage of resources, and the refurbished building. The survey also provided space
       for comments, which clients used to express opinions and suggestions.

        Survey results indicate that clients are highly satisfied with both the Library services and
       the building. Respondents use the Library as a place to work and study. They rely on Library
       computers as opposed to their personal digital devices to access resources. They slightly prefer electronic
       resources to print.

       We recommend that the survey be repeated periodically to assess changing
                                                                                                      Page 12—Library Update
       client experiences and to determine how the Library can best meet client needs
       and expectations in the transition from a strictly paper-based universe                               2017/2018
       to one shared with digital information.
From the Library Director’s Desk

                  Some Insights to Challenge Us at Bethlehem University Library
Bethlehem University Library has never been the same after its landmark
renovation. With a refurbished facility, cutting-edge technology and enhanced
resources, the Library is indeed becoming the university’s “intellectual hub.”
Consider these the perks of renewal and modernization. On the other hand, we
have the downside of increased use of technology. Let us take some time to
re-examine our students’ depth of thoughts, reflections in this age of digital
distraction. How are our students’ behaviour influenced by the global
proliferation of social media? How are we, as educators, called to guide the
students entrusted to our care, in critically analysing the uncontrolled flow of
information that reach them through their electronic gadgets?
… Colleges can recommit themselves to a mission of holistic student formation that simultaneously fosters
the intellectual and the spiritual life, assisting in promoting depth in an age of digital distraction and there-
by demonstrating the enduring value of … higher education in today's world.
The article* I have read a few years back – and will now be commenting about - pointedly identifies three
flaws of this digital generation: "maximalism, superficiality, and isolation” defined as follows:
A.    The first flaw, digital maximalism, refers to a problem that William Powers identifies in his inventively
      titled Hamlet's Blackberry. It starts with the assumption that connection is good, digital maximalism
      argues that more connection must therefore be better than less connection. However, this outlook
      leads to the uncritical pursuit of a "hyper-connected life” as well as seeking “validation from external
      sources, rather than relying on their own assessments.” This phenomenon exists as early as their
      secondary schooling… “ where the practice of updating social networking sites at a moment's notice
      primes them to share a thought before they have fully processed what it means to them.” Hence,
      there’s lack of depth in reflective processes because of multiple distractions. Raw reactionism is not
      the fruit of rational, well thought-out response.
B.    “The second major flaw of (this) digital age is superficiality. A life of constant connection promotes
       digital distraction not just at the expense of self-reflection, but also to the detriment of engagement
       beyond the self.” The phenomenon of multi-tasking is evident here; having several tasks at hand, like
       butterflies tasting the nectar of flowers at speed time. The result is a habituated preference for multi-
       tasking, to the point that people feel the need to fill every moment with some form of digital activity.
       Students…will be …more prone to distraction by irrelevant information, which makes it more difficult
      for them to think "deeply - or even critically - with sustained concentration." Multi-tasking does not, in
      any way, develop a person’s capacity to process facts in an integrated way. Small, unrelated tasks –
      albeit done with precision - do not necessarily add up to an integrated whole nor a healthy rational act
      of reasoning.
C.   Increased connectivity with the outside world leads to isolation from those immediately present to
      them, in the classroom or family settings. This is evident in the proliferation of phone calls and texts;
      the use of internet in a cell phone always makes games available, at times at the expense of relation-
      ships with those who are physically before or beside you and whose attention and presence you ignore.
      The irony of digital connectivity in this case is the absence or the growing isolation, if not alienation
      from those close to you and with whom sharing one’s feelings is threatened to be cut off. The scenario
      of being alone with your I-phone, in a crowd of family members or friends, all engaged in a digital
      conversation and in a world all their own, is a growing, sad and socially alarming phenomenon.
In the face of the above perceived flaws present among the “digital natives” of this millennial generation
who have grown up immersed in technology, what are we, as educators, called to do?
How do these flaws and changed social behaviour affect the teaching-learning process? How do I, as an
educator, make an effort to transform the digital flaws into a platform for learning new methods of reading
critically and working through a process of wholesome social interaction with others ?

(*Excerpts from “Depth in an Age of Digital Distraction: The Value of a Catholic College in Today's World, “ Conor M.
 Kelly***, in the Journal of Higher Catholic Higher Education, vol. 34, no.2, Summer 2015).
         ***Conor M. Kelly is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theology at Marquette University, WI.

                                                                                                Page 13—Library Update
                                                                                                     2017/2018
What Does Teamwork Mean?

           Team development, tasks coordination, team spirit, talent,
           thoughtfulness, and techniques – are assets to offer while working with
           others.

          Effort, effectiveness, efficiency, embracing the opportunity, experience,
          energy, enjoying and enthusiasm… contribute effectively to teamwork.

          Achievement, adaptability, attitude, ability, acceptance, accurate and
          amiability in pursing one’s goals in, and with, the team, are gems at work.

          Making decisions, motivation, mission, morals, management of time,
          making efforts to balance one’s studies and library work in the day to day,
          is a real challenge.

Work together, work hard, work with love, and work with joy, work with
others to be of service, must be uppermost in our minds.

Organization, orientation, observation, over-all development of the
person is the result of healthy teamwork.

Reaching goals, recipe for success, in effect, resounding success for one
who knows how to work with, and respect others—their strengths and
weaknesses.

Kindness is the least costly, most powerful in words which creates
Confidence; kindness in thinking, creates depth; and kindness in giving,
creates love. And when you love your work, you will never consider it
work.
                 PRACTICE TEAMWORK AND BE HAPPY IN WHATEVER YOU DO!

                                                                   Page 14—Library Update

                                                                         2017/2018
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