How Scholars Work: Panning for Gold in Libraries Marianne Ryan, Editor
Judith M. Nixon, Guest Columnist
How do liberal arts scholars work? For example, where do they get their ideas? When beginning a research project, do they start with a Google search, or the library’s homepage? How and when do scholars use libraries and library resources—especially library-funded databases? How has research changed since the explosion of the Web? See article here: http://www.rusq.org/2010/04/07/how-scholars-work/

Literary Resources: A Pathfinder Neal Wyatt, Editor Stefanie R. Bluemle, Guest Columnist
Librarians responsible for the collection development of their library’s literary criticism section know that it is a difficult task to select the right book. Is the Oxford World’s Classic or the Penguin the best imprint of Jane Eyre? Which translation of War and Peace best captures Tolstoy’s language? Does the collection need both the 1818 and 1831 editions of Frankenstein, and if not, which edition? See primary, secondary, and Web resources at: http://www.rusq.org/2010/04/07/literary-resources/

At a warehouse in New Jersey, 6,000 used copy machines sit ready to be sold. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports almost every one of them holds a secret. Nearly every digital copier built since 2002 contains a hard drive - like the one on your personal computer - storing an image of every document copied, scanned, or emailed by the machine. In the process, it's turned an office staple into a digital time-bomb packed with highly-personal or sensitive data. If you're in the identity theft business it seems this would be a pot of gold. "The type of information we see on these machines with the social security numbers, birth certificates, bank records, income tax forms," John Juntunen said, "that information would be very valuable." Juntunen's Sacramento-based company Digital Copier Security developed software called "INFOSWEEP" that can scrub all the data on hard drives. He's been trying to warn people about the potential risk - with no luck. See rest of the story at: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/19/eveningnews/main6412439.shtml

Nick Schenk's script for Gran Torino , centering on Walt Kowalski, a racist Korean War vet, and his Asian neighbors, won the National Board of Review's award for best original screenplay, just as Diablo Cody's "Juno" did in 2008. The movie's original setting was Minneapolis, but shifted to Detroit when Michigan offered Warner Bros. a 42 percent production rebate. "Gran Torino" retains some Minnesota flavor, however. Several Twin Cities actors play significant roles. The pivotal part of Thao, a Hmong teenager whom Walt protects from predatory gangs, went to Bee Vang, a 17-year-old junior at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Plymouth with no stage experience. When Bee won the part at a May casting call at a Hmong community center in St. Paul, his family and friends were incredulous.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/36949514.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsI

A Nashville songwriter won a 2 1/2 year legal battle May 24 to regain control of his life and make all medical, legal and financial decisions for himself, in a case that drew wide attention to problems that can arise when a disabled person is put in the care of a guardian. The same judge who removed Danny Tate's legal rights in 2007restored them to the 54-year-old musician who has written a top 10 hit and composed tunes for several popular TV shows. http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-05-24-tate-songwriter_N.htm

Gardens in Michigan Lists 11 links to gardens including Cranbrook House and Gardens and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
http://www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/in/usa/michigan