Author Archives: Haiwang Yuan

Like every year, WKU Libraries kicked off the 2008-2009 academic year at a meeting in Helm 100 on August 20. Mike Binder, Dean of Libraries, keynoted the meeting with a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the achievements made by the Libraries’ faculty and staff in the past year (You may download the PowerPoint ). Meanwhile, the department heads briefed the audience on their departments’ personnel changes and introduced their new hires. A sumptuous lunch followed, thanks to the Dean’s graciousness and the hard work done by the staff of his office.

In the afternoon, the department heads took the floor. Brian Coutts, Department Head of Library Public Services, introduced a newly produced video that leads patrons on a tour of the Libraries; Connie Foster, Head of Library Technical Services, introduced SelectedWorks, a web-based platform that allows faculty to present their works of academic research hands down; Timothy Mullin, Head of Library Special Collections, introduced Libraries’ application of Second Life, a virtual environment on the web that promises new services to Libraries’ audiences.

Photo Album of the Events.

Every summer faculty of each of the WKU Libraries’ departments will meet separately to look back into the past and look forward to the future. On August 19 faculty of the Department of Library Public Services (DLPS) met at the Federal Groves Bed & Breakfast as usual to share information about its different units. At noon Dr. Binder, Dean of Libraries, joined them for lunch.

Photos of the Event.

On May 29, 2008, the Department of Library Technical Services said farewell to longtime cataloger Linda Davis. Linda retired from WKU with 27 years of service and her expertise and contagious laugh will be missed by all. During her reception Linda was presented with several mementos including a lovely rocking chair where she can sit and enjoy her life of leisure. We wish Linda a long and happy retirement.

Photo album.

On the evening of April 30, 2008, WKU gave a recognition dinner in honor of the 2008 Faculty Awardees. Among the winners were Connie Foster and Haiwang Yuan from the University Libraries, who won the Public Services and Research/Creativity Awards respectively. At the dinner were also Connie’s husband Tom Foster and Haiwang’s wife Shizhen Gao. Mike Binder, Dean of Libraries, and Brian Coutts, Head of Department of Library Public Services, were present to congratulate Connie and Haiwang.

Photo album

Grand Opening of the Visual and Performing Arts Library (VPAL) began at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 on the second floor of the Cravens Library. Festivities included Art Exhibit by Art Department Faculty, Costume Display by the Theatre & Dance Department, Interior Design illustrations by the Design, Merchandising & Textiles Department, and the WKU Brass Quintet performance.

At 2:30, remarks took place in VPAL’s new InfoLab. Mike Binder, Dean of Libraries, welcomed everyone, gave thanks to those responsible, and introduced Provost Barbara Burch, who made positive comments about the new facility and the work done to make it possible. Brian Coutts, Department Head of Library Public Services, spoke about VPAL and its collections and services. He also introduced Terri Baker, VPAL Coordinator, who talked about the nature of the facility and introduced her staff.

After everyone spoke the ribbon-cutting ceremony began. Provost Burch cut the ribbon and those who joined her were Debbie Pace, John Williams, Mike Binder, Brian Coutts, and Terri Baker. Then attendees to the opening proceeded to the conference room where a cake for celebrating the occasion was waiting. Drs. Binder and Burch cut the cake.

Prior to the abovementioned activities, VPAL staffer Brent Fisk gave Provost Burch along with Richard Miller and Mike Dale a tour around the facility, showing them the KICII machine, the Lila Green Listening Area, our Listening Rooms and HD TV’s and Bose sound systems.

Photo album

The 2008 SOKY Book Fest was our 10th. Over 160 authors were present at the book fest, including Mitch Albom, Marc Brown, Harlan Coben, and Kathleen Emst. We had several special anniversary celebrations during the event, which was a fund-raiser for the promotion of literacy in our community. The Book Fest was recently named one of Kentucky’s Top 10 Events and has been attracting people from several surrounding states.

Photo album