The following class meets in the Coe Library Electronic Classroom Monday:
2:00 – 3:40 p.m. ENGL 1010 (Howe)

Save the date for lunch with Dr. William Close.

Members of the University of Wyoming Libraries Development Board are hosting the third annual Book & Author Luncheon featuring noted physician and author Dr. William T. Close on April 17 at the UW Conference Center.

Dr. Close is widely heralded for his valuable contribution to the world’s understanding of the deadly virus Ebola. A long time resident of Big Piney, Wyoming, Dr. Close recently published Beyond the Storm, an account of his 16 years practicing medicine in the Congo. Actress Glenn Close, the author’s daughter, says of her father’s latest book, “My father used his passion and gift for medicine to make a difference during the post independence chaos of an emerging African state in the years that followed. [This is] a unique story told by a unique man.” Dr. Close’s other books include Ebola: through the Eyes of the People, A Doctor’s Life, and Subversion of Trust.

Admission is $50 and includes lunch and a silent auction. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (307) 766-2430 to make a reservation by April 9.

It is a freshman comp-filled day here at the Coe Library Electronic Classroom:
8:00 – 8:50 a.m. ENGL 1010 (Koch)
9:00 – 9:50 a.m. ENGL 1010 (Thoman)
11:00 – 11:50 a.m. ENGL 1010 (Wilkinson)
1:10 – 2:00 p.m. ENGL 1010 (Stewart)
2:10 – 3:00 p.m. ENGL 1010 (Madden)

Lately Wikipedia enthusiasts are arguing about whether the popular online encyclopedia is too inclusive.  We’ve talked before about how Wikipedia dwarfs the size of traditional encyclopedias, but of course much of that content describes Pokemon characters or similar pop culture arcana.

The Economist reports on the tension at Wikipedia, noting

“…two conflicting visions are at the heart of a bitter struggle inside Wikipedia between “inclusionists”, who believe that applying strict editorial criteria will dampen contributors’ enthusiasm for the project, and “deletionists” who argue that Wikipedia should be more cautious and selective about its entries.”

I count myself an inclusionist, especially given my new obsession with Wikipedia’s “random article” option. I enjoy the huge world of pop culture and trivia housed in Wikipedia. If I wanted only super-serious encyclopedia entries, I could get those from traditional publishers.

Where do you stand?

[via library link of the day]

The following classes will meet in the Coe Library Electronic Classroom Tuesday:

11:00 – 11:50 a.m. ENGL 1010 (Townsend)
1:20 – 2:35 p.m. ENGL 4120 (Frye)

The following class meets in the Coe Library Electronic Classroom on Monday:
11:00 – 11:50 a.m. ENGL 1010 (Ingoglia)

All UW Libraries will be closed Saturday and Sunday and we will re-open Monday with normal hours. Until then, please enjoy your holiday and the marshmallow peep fun below!

Check out peeps dioramas submitted to a Washington Post contest. And more from the Denver Post!

Which diorama is your fave?

(Anne Lukas and Meg Paganelli for the Washington Post)

[via poppytalk]

Is the era of the print encyclopedia over?

The New York Times reports this week that venerable German encyclopedia Brockhaus will be publish all of its scholarly vetted articles for free online. The Times also notes that print sales of Encyclopedia Britannica are 10% of what they were 18 years ago.

The article shared more online encyclopedia news, that the Encyclopedia of Life project is attempting to catalog all earthly species of life online. Harvard scientist Edward Wilson described the project’s ambition to be nimble and speedy and collaborative in adding entries to the Encyclopedia of Life, and he hopes to fulfill the dream of Linneaus (revered by librarians as well as scientists) to describe the world’s fauna and flora.

Wilson added that in his childhood, printed encyclopedias never played as much of a role as field guides. I loved his description of a budding naturalist:

“Maybe I am hopelessly old fashioned, but a kid with a knapsack, and a Boy Scout or Girl Scout manual, printed, a field guide on snakes or butterflies, printed, is the best combination in the world.”

I agree!