Fall Schedules

Wondering when you might receive your fall work schedule?  I hope to have them to you by the middle of next week.

Vivianne and Thein Caught in the Act

Vivianne

Vivianne and Thein were Caught in the Act of doing a fantastic job getting our guests to leave the IC for the tornado warning earlier this week.  It's not easy to uproot some of our patrons, but they were quite successful.  They may both be small in size, but they are mighty in accomplishments!





Thank you, Thein and Vivianne, for such good help during a stressful time.

Thein

Our Graduates: Vivianne Dang

We congratulate Vivianne, from Westfield, on her graduation with a major in Exercise Science and minors in Chemistry and Folklore.  After donning her cap and gown, Vivianne will be heading west to Salt Lake City, where she has accepted a position in corporate sales with Qualtrics. 

Vivianne has been a valued member of our staff for three years. She expects to miss our end of the month birthday cupcakes, but not nearly as much as she will miss her fun and energetic coworkers. She hopes those she leaves behind will always stay positive and have fun. 

We've certainly had fun with you on the staff, Vivianne!  We know we will miss your outgoing nature and your energy and enthusiasm.  May all the very best be yours in Salt Lake City!

A Gift for You

Here's a valuable gift to all who will be leaving BUSP behind (and for those who are staying).  With this recipe you can make your own and avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

(Matt's) World Famous Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In one bowl mix:
   2 1/4 c. flour
   1 tsp. baking soda

In another bowl mix:
   3/4 c. dark brown sugar
   1/4 c. regular white granulated sugar
   2 sticks (1 cup) butter
   2 eggs
   1 tsp. vanilla extract
   1 approx. 3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix

Mix the contents of the second bowl thoroughly, then gradually combine contents of first bowl (flour & baking soda) into second bowl.  When thoroughly mixed, then add:

   2 c. dark chocolate chips

Matt usually uses a tablespoon to measure out the cookie dough onto the (greased) cookie sheet, but of course if you make them smaller you will get more of them!

He has done quite a bit of experimenting with baking times, and for his oven 14 minutes and 20 seconds seems just about right.  But ovens and individual tastes vary greatly, so maybe start with about 13 minutes and keep checking.

Our thanks to Matt for sharing!  Of course, we're still hoping he'll supply us with these once a month for our birthday celebrations.

Our Spring Caught in the Act Award Winners Are...

We are happy to announce that Clayton and Hayden are this semester's Caught in the Act Award recipients.  We recognize them for their outstanding service to BUSP and its guests.

With the construction, shelving returned books has been slow, meaning more of them wait behind the desk for their proper placement in our stacks. Hayden made a remarkable effort to keep our returned books in order, making it easier for us to find those requested by guests.  We commend Hayden for his initiative. He is a freshman, completing his first year on the BUSP staff.

Clayton's careful attention to our guests is noteworthy.  No matter how busy we are, he takes the time to greet each guest approaching the desk in a friendly manner.  He is always pleasant, listens carefully to our guests' needs, and explains our policies and procedures in a way they can understand.  Clayton is a junior, completing his third year at BUSP.


We are fortunate to have these two remarkable individuals as colleagues.  Each will receive a $25.00 gift card from Target as a token of our appreciation.

Our Graduates: LaShaila Spivey

We are rightfully proud of Shaila, from Indianapolis, who is graduating with a major in Law & Public Policy and a minor in Financial Management.  She has been an important part of the BUSP staff for three years, serving as a Senior Circulation Assistant this year. 

She greatly appreciates the BUSP staff, and feels she never had a dull moment here.  She especially appreciates how well everyone works together.  ("We all clicked so well!")  She'll miss our staff meetings, but ranks Matt's chocolate chip cookies first on her list of what she'll miss. (Who among us can find fault with her for that?)

Shaila hopes you live every moment to the fullest, and that you will be kind.  She truly believes this combination of actions will allow you to live a happier life.  If you need more incentive, her very wise great aunt, thinks being nice makes you live longer!

She has been accepted into IU's Mauer School of Law, which means we are fortunate enough to get to keep her here in Bloomington a bit longer.  She'll continue as an SCA at BUSP over the summer before devoting herself more fully to her studies that will focus on public interest, sports and entertainment, and antitrust law.

Shaila, we could wish you luck, but you've got intelligence, common sense, stamina, and determination, so you don't really need luck.  Instead, we'll just say congratulations to you and offer our best wishes for a most wonderful future!  

Our Graduates: Natalie Moore

Congratulations to Talie, a BUSP senior from Valparaiso, who is graduating with a major in Environmental Management and a minor in Spanish.  Talie has been a valued member of the BUSP staff since her freshman year, and was an early Caught in the Act Award recipient. 

When asked what she will miss after graduation,  Talie replied with what she won't miss...all the construction going on around us!  She has enjoyed working with the staff, and appreciates the quiet Saturday afternoon shifts she has regularly worked at the I.C.  Job hunting is on her list of things to do after graduation. 

As she leaves us, she reminds us that there are a lot of resources on this campus, and "we library folk know how to take advantage of them."  She advises you not to forget that they are there for you.

Ah Talie, there is so much about you that we will miss, including hearing you hum and sing while you work. Congratulations to you on a job so very well done!  May all your post-graduation dreams come true.  You are most deserving.

Our Graduates: Erin McMenamin

We congratulate Erin, who is graduating this May with her Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) through SPEA.  Erin studied Public Management through SPEA and Near Eastern Studies through the College of Arts & Sciences.  During her junior year, she applied and was accepted into SPEA's accelerated Masters program, which to our delight kept her around BUSP for one extra year.  Erin was one of our original Caught in the Act Award recipients and served as a Senior Circulation Assistant for two years. 

She is originally from Zionsville, but will be moving to Alexandria, VA (a suburb of Washington, DC) after graduation.  She accepted an internship with Representative Susan Brooks from Indiana's Fifth District on Capitol Hill (in DC) this summer.  Erin says that she will miss the smiling faces and community she will be leaving behind at BUSP.  She reports her favorite parts about working here were, firstly, the AWESOME people, then the birthday treats and the likelihood of pizza and other mysterious food that appears in the back.

She gives this advice for students remaining, "Don't be afraid to take an opportunity that scares you, don't settle for what seems to be the safe or right thing to do.  Go on that study abroad program, join that funky/weird club, sign up for that alternative spring break trip, and fit in all the cool life things that you can before you have to be responsible! And most important, don't be afraid to ask for help or ask for something, because you might be surprised with the answer you get."

Erin, we are so fortunate to have crossed paths and worked with you these past four and a half years.  We are better for having known you, and we have no doubt Washington will benefit from your presence there.  Safe travels to you.  May all your roads be smooth!

Our Graduates: Ivona Talanga

Our congratulations to Ivona, who has been a valued member of the BUSP staff since the fall of 2013. She came to IU from her hometown of Indianapolis. Ivona will be graduating with a major in Psychology and with minors in Criminal Justice and the Slavic Languages. 

She is currently unsure of her future plans, but knows she will be searching for either a job or an internship.  She can envision grad school in a year or two. In the meantime, she knows she will miss being around students her own age and the community feeling of campus life.

Ivona  enjoyed meeting some amazing and friendly people while working at BUSP, who were willing to give her a hand both on the job and off the job.  She made friends on the staff who helped her edit her papers, gave her advice about classes, and even tutored her.  As she leaves us, she recommends you not be afraid to do something new and different, and to take advantages of opportunities available to you.  She regrets not traveling abroad while at IU, and counsels you to try something new every semester. She also tells us, "If you don't know what you want to do after college, don't worry or stress too much."  Ivona learned this semester that she is in good company in still trying to figure the future out.  She believes that everything will work out in the end, and we wholeheartedly believe she is right about that!

Ivona, it's been such a privilege working with you.  We will so greatly miss your quiet enthusiasm, your caring attitude, and yes, your beautiful smile!  We know you will be successful no matter what paths you choose in life.  Should one of them bring you close to Bloomington, please do stop and see us.  No doubt about it, your visit would be the highlight of our day!

Our Graduates: Tyler Carrel

Tyler came to BUSP as a freshman from Cloverdale, which he describes as the home of the mighty fighting lawn weed. In the four years that Tyler was on our staff, it has been our pleasure to watch him grow from this:

 

to this:

 

 

He won our Caught in the Act Award during his junior year and became a successful Senior Circulation Assistant during his senior year.  He describes his move to the SCA position as pivotal for him because it's where he was able to prove to himself that he could be trusted and that those around him saw the hard work he was doing.  What Tyler liked best about his time at BUSP was its opportunity to get to know his co-workers.  He says, "When you first start at BUSP, everyone is a stranger, but you soon learn where they're from and what their story is; and before you know it, they're your friend.  During my freshman year here at IU, I really needed some friends, and BUSP was able to help me make some."

 

During his tenure at IU, Tyler changed his major multiple times, finally settling on his passion:  Film Production.  Google here to see some of his fine work.  As he leaves the university community, Tyler says he'll miss his day-to-day interactions with his peers, especially those at BUSP and at Telecom.  He will also miss the beauty of the IU campus that he sees as he walks between classes and during his frequent wanderings.

 

As he leaves us, he stresses that while studies are important, so is spending time with the important people in your life.  He advises that you never over-commit yourself because it's just not good for you or for the ones depending on you.  He hopes that you will do your activities to the best of your abilities because half-efforts just aren't worth your time.  Lastly, he advises that you meet your obligations early, rather than later.  "After all," he says, "Netflix will always be there."

 

Tyler's future plans include working in a camera rental house and doing freelance assistant camera and video playback assist work. Our future plans include missing Tyler tremendously. Working with him has been plain downright fun.  His zany enthusiasm, progressive ideas, and dedication  have left their mark on BUSP and on our hearts. He describes himself as an incredibly fortunate man, with love, friends, and life. We consider ourselves to be fortunate to know and to have worked with him. 

 

Tyler, know that you leave us looking very forward to seeing your name in the credits of some mighty fine films!  May Life always bring you its best offerings.

Our Graduates: Audrey Stewart

Audrey came to the BUSP staff in her senior year, and quickly took her place.  Hailing from Indianapolis, she is graduating with a major in Telecommunications and minors in Theatre and Business. 

After graduation, she'll be leaving the Midwest for the sunny west coast, settling in Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment.  Among the things she'll miss the most are her sorority, the campus, and tailgate parties. 

Audrey leaves you with this bit of advice, "Regret nothing and take full advantage of your time at the school that changed my life."

She enjoyed her year at BUSP because she was able to interact with different kinds of people each day.  We certainly enjoyed interacting with you, Audrey!  Our best wishes go with you to California.

Next Year's Senior Circulation Assistants

I am pleased to announce that Kate, Sydney, and Nell have accepted BUSP's Senior Circulation Assistant positions for next year.  These three have exhibited the leadership characteristics necessary for the position and demonstrated a commitment to excellent public service while working at the IC.  Our SCAs oversee the IC during late nights and weekends.

Tyler, Shaila, and Erin, who will be vacating the position due to their graduations, have set a high standard, but we thoroughly believe Nell, Kate, and Sydney are up to the task.  Please congratulate them on their advancement!

Kate

Nell

Sydney

Our Graduates: Jelena Tomic

Our congratulations go to Jelena, who came to us from Brownsburg, and who is graduating with a major in Marketing and International Business and a minor in Slavic Literature and Language.  Jelena has been a much valued member of the BUSP staff since her freshman year, and was a recent Caught in the Act Award recipient. 

Jelena has been accepted into a full-time Leadership Development Program with Textron and will be in Rockford, IL for her first rotation with Greenlee, working on social media and graphic design.  She has a goal of completing her MBA in Marketing in a few years.

She tells us that she will miss the overall college culture and the late nights.  She describes BUSP as "the most fun place to work" because of the staff. (That means YOU!)  She leaves us with a bit of advice:  "Find what you love and go for it.  If you fail the first, second, or even the third time, keep going!"  She also recommends that you do a study-abroad trip, even if it is just a week long.  She believes it will open your eyes to a whole new world. 

Jelena, we wish you the very best as your eyes will undoubtedly be opening to a bright new world after graduation. We are very grateful for the four years you have been on our staff.  It's been such a pleasure!  We wish you the very best with your new position and all future endeavors.  Congratulations to you!

Birthday Bash Ahead!

Next Wednesday (April 27), we'll be celebrating those among us with birthdays in April, May, June, and July.  A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the following:

London (April 11)
Ivona (April 27)
Talie (May 10)
Audrey (May 21)
Walt (May 28)
Natalie (June 4)
Noah (June 12)
Jelena (June 14)
Kate (July 8)
Ethan (July 10)
Sara (July 12)

Come celebrate these fine people by eating something delectable served at your favorite information commons!

Ivona Caught in the Act

If you happened to work on April 19th, you know it was a busy day at BUSP.  At one point, our wait list was 15 names long!  As busy as it was, Ivona did double-duty that day.  She not only did an excellent job of taking care of our guests from the captain's chair, but she also took the time to reorganize both the carts and the shelves of books waiting to be returned to our stacks.

Thank you, Ivona!  Your effort has been noticed and much appreciated!

Summer Hours

In case anyone comes to the desk with foresight and curiosity,  here are our summer session hours:

Monday-Friday:8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday:  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

No More Room Reservations This Semester

We've come to the time in the semester when our lives get a little easier.  No more room reservations this semester!  All our rooms can now be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Three Things...

Thing #1:  Just a reminder that I'll be away from BUSP April 4-13.  If you need help with timesheet issues during that time, please let Jeri (jesander@indiana.edu) know.  If you need help with anything else, please check with your supervisor.

Thing #2:  When I return on the 14th, I hope to begin scheduling for this summer.  If you are planning on working at BUSP this summer, please leave your schedule request form in my mailbox by that time. 

Thing #3:  I want to thank all of you for your diligence in helping us locate leaks, and for all your patience and good humor as we face what the construction has brought us.  May BUSP be dry very soon!