Music @ SPC Libraries Blog

May 2–8 is Choose Privacy Week

2010-05-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

"May 2–8 is Choose Privacy Week, a new ALA initiative from the Office for Intellectual Freedom that invites library users into a national conversation about privacy rights in a digital age. "

Watch this video regarding privacy in a digital age.

Choose Privacy Week Video from 20K Films on Vimeo.

Free "Jazz in the Stacks" concert featuring the WWHM Quartet!

2010-04-26T14:18:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month the WWHM Quartet, featuring Kevin Wilder (keyboard); Johnny White (Trumpet); Pat Horgan (Bass); and Chad Mairn (Drums), will be performing at the West St. Petersburg Community Library @ St. Petersburg College on Wednesday, April 28th at 7:00 PM. The WWHM Quartet (pronounced 'whim') will perform improvisational free jazz, fusion, and will reinterpret some classic R&B tunes. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served!

For more information regarding Jazz Appreciation Month visit: http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/jam or call 727.341.7177

Free Concert Tonight in the Library! 'Jazz in the Stacks' with the Helios Jazz Orchestra

2010-04-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Come join us at the library and celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month!

The Helios Jazz Orchestra, directed by David Manson, presents an evening of big band jazz at the West St. Petersburg Community Library @ St. Petersburg College tonight (Tuesday, April 20th) at 7:30 PM. The 20-piece professional jazz big band will perform Swing, Pop, Latin, Bebop and will feature jazz vocalists Rita Wilson ...and Joseph Ephraim. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the EMIT series.

St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg (727) 341.7177

A video of last year's performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GJyahilL8&feature=related

Important changes to the OCLC NetLibrary Service and to the FirstSearch Service.

2010-03-18T05:29:00.001-07:00

OCLC and EBSCO Publishing have announced that EBSCO has acquired the NetLibrary Division. The purchase includes the NetLibrary eBook and eAudiobook platform as well as operations and infrastructure in Boulder, Colorado. As eBooks become mainstream components of a library's eContent collections, there is increasing value to libraries to be able to integrate eBook acquisitions and delivery with other electronic databases and eJournals. EBSCO will maintain and enhance the NetLibrary platform and will also work to integrate NetLibrary eBooks into the EBSCOhost platform. There will be no interruption in service to libraries.

We are also announcing an important change to our FirstSearch content services. OCLC is transitioning out of our role as reseller of vendor-owned content. Therefore we will transfer or discontinue sale of the vendor-owned databases on FirstSearch when subscriptions have ended. We will instead increase our focus for both FirstSearch and WorldCat.org on providing libraries with access to a rich set of library-owned content and increasing visibility and access to the full scope of a library's collection. We will work with libraries, publishers and other information providers to expand WorldCat.org as a comprehensive platform for eContent. As a part of this migration, EBSCO has acquired the rights to license a select number of vendor-owned databases that we currently offer on FirstSearch. Our long-term relationship with H.W. Wilson is also changing as we will work together to transition from reselling Wilson databases on FirstSearch to indexing Wilson databases in WorldCat Local over the coming months. There will be no interruption in service to libraries.

Please see our letter to members and news releases for more information.

Elimination of State Aid to Libraries. Don't let it happen!!!

2010-03-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

To the Florida Library Community,

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the House and Senate Transportation and Economic Development Committees both adopted preliminary positions eliminating State Aid to Public Libraries.

Most legislators want to fund state aid, and it is up to us to generate enough contacts and pressure to give them the justification to restore it. Both Committees are expected to report out their bills in the next week or so - the Senate has set Friday, March 19^th as the date they will report out their bill. This means that the best time for us to act is right now.

For more information, visit http://capwiz.com/ala/fl/issues/alert/?alertid=14792616&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

Announcing SPC’s mobile library Web site!

2010-01-20T17:10:00.001-08:00

With your phone take a quick photo of this code
to go directly to our mobile site. For the software, visit http://www.neoreader.com.

The mobile library site is designed for those on the go and includes library hours & locations, contact information, directions using Google Maps for Mobile, and it also has the ability to find books, articles, and other resources. For more information visit:http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline/mobile/MobileSiteFlyer.pdf .

The mobile site can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/spcmobile.

RefWorks -- online research management, writing and collaboration tool!

2010-01-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

SPC Libraries now have access to RefWorks -- an "online research management, writing and collaboration tool" that generates citations and bibliographies! Ask a librarian today for help setting up your free account and for a quick start guide.

For more information visit http://refworks.com/.

Interactive Timeline: The Decade In Music

2009-11-13T11:36:00.001-08:00

NPR Music highlights some of the most significant musical moments of the '00s in culture, business and technology using their archival news coverage. Ten years is a lot to survey (you could listen to Chinese Democracy 73,888 times in ten years). Feel free to share your thoughts on the most important music moments this decade in the comments section.

Check it out at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120181495&sc=nl&cc=mn-20091111

October is now NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH

2009-10-04T07:51:00.001-07:00

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009

NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every day, we are inundated with vast amounts of information. A 24-hour news cycle and thousands of global television and radio networks, coupled with an immense array of online resources, have challenged our long-held perceptions of information management. Rather than merely possessing data, we must also learn the skills necessary to acquire, collate, and evaluate information for any situation. This new type of literacy also requires competency with communication
technologies, including computers and mobile devices that can help in our day-to-day decisionmaking. National Information Literacy Awareness Month highlights the need for all Americans to be adept in the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Information Age.

Though we may know how to find the information we need, we must also know how to evaluate it. Over the past decade, we have seen a crisis of authenticity emerge. We now live in a world where anyone can publish an opinion or perspective, whether true or not, and have that opinion amplified within the information marketplace. At the same time, Americans have unprecedented access to the diverse and independent sources of information, as well as institutions such as libraries and universities, that can help separate truth from fiction and signal from noise.

Our Nation's educators and institutions of learning must be aware of -- and adjust to -- these new realities. In addition to the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic, it is equally important that our students are given the tools required to take advantage of the information available to them. The ability to seek, find, and decipher information can be applied to countless life decisions, whether financial, medical, educational, or technical.

This month, we dedicate ourselves to increasing information literacy awareness so that all citizens understand its vital importance. An informed and educated citizenry is essential to the functioning of our modern democratic society, and I encourage educational and community institutions across the country to help Americans find and evaluate the information they seek, in all its forms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the important role information plays in our daily lives, and appreciate the need for a greater understanding of its impact.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Jazz in the stacks at the West St. Petersburg Community Library (April 21st at 7:30 p.m)

2009-04-16T11:37:00.001-07:00

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, St. Petersburg College will host Jazz in the Stacks, a free concert featuring the Helios Jazz Orchestra, on April 21, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at its West St. Petersburg Community Library, 750 66th Street North, St. Petersburg. This concert is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Library, the EMIT series, and the City of St. Petersburg.

The Helios Jazz Orchestra, a 22-piece jazz big band that performs swing, bebop and Latin jazz, is led by Director David Manson and made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Visit Helios Jazz Orchestra or the St. Petersburg Library Blog for more information.

Ask-a-Librarian Director's Chair Contest Winner

2009-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

The other Director's Chair winners can be viewed at: http://www.tblc.org/aal/directorschair/winners2009.shtml

Dear Mr. President: A Special Digital Book

2009-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

The National Education Association and Kidthing.com released "Dear Mr. President", an electronic book where children share their "thoughts, ideas, and advice" for America's 44th President. For more information visit: www.kidthing.com/DMP

NBC Nightly News report regarding the importance of libraries in these difficult economic times.

2008-12-15T05:44:00.001-08:00

Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks Video

2008-10-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks

On Oct. 21, the West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College hosted its second “Jazz in the Stacks” concert with the talented Helios Jazz Orchestra.

The 21-piece jazz ensemble, directed by David Manson, performed swing, bebop & Latin jazz arrangements. Its band members, with vocalists Rita Wilson and Joanna Rose, include some of the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Watch them on SPC TV on:

Sunday 9 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.

Saturday 12 p.m.

Friday 8:30 p.m.

Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

2008-10-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

The West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College and the Friends of the Library proudly presents the Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

The Helios Jazz Orchestra is a resident ensemble at St. Petersburg College. The 21-piece jazz big band is directed by Dr. David Manson and performs swing, bebop & Latin jazz. Its members include the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area. Read more at: www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/helios/heliosroster.htm.

The library is located at 67th Street and Eighth Avenue N. on
the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus. For more information call (727) 341- 7199.

Date: Tuesday October 21, 2008
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Library
Cost: Free!

Refreshments and snacks will be served.

New iTunes Music Listening Stations

2008-05-30T08:42:00.001-07:00

After years of visiting book and music stores like Borders, Virgin Records, and FYE and having an opportunity to listen to any CD’s tracks before making a purchasing decision has been a luxury that I certainly have taken for granted. Libraries usually do not have this luxury, but why? Right outside my office is a monolithic filing cabinet where all of our CDs are hidden. That’s right, they are hidden! I have heard first hand the cries of many library users who have become so frustrated when trying to find a CD. It is true that these CDs are difficult to find because they have stickers and other “library stuff” stuck all over them. And it doesn’t help that they are tightly squeezed into this filing cabinet.

So, I asked myself wouldn’t it be nice if we could open up our CD collection for people to browse and listen to these CDs before they decided to check them out or not? There are several libraries doing just that, so I decided to take it seriously and set up a system. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on 2 old PCs and set them up to become our music listening stations by using iTunes. Although 2,000 songs have been digitized, not all of our collection is digitized yet. That will come very soon. So, please visit the West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College and try it out!

Also, I have been working on creating a web page based on the XML data that iTunes creates. This web page is still a work in progress, but you can check it out at: http://www.spcollege.edu/SPG/WSPCL/iTunes%20Music%20Library.xml. Firefox doesn’t like it yet, but I am working on it. The links should open up the iTunes application so that you can listen to a 30 second clip. I will have the call number links going to our library catalog very soon.

If you are interested in the process, I am working on a document that explains the process of setting up this system. Just send me an email or comment on this blog post and I’ll forward you a copy.

Stay tuned!

Oxford Art and Music Online databases have been redesigned.

2008-05-19T06:06:00.001-07:00

The Oxford Art and Music Online databases have been redesigned. Guided tours can be found at:

Oxford Music Online
Oxford Art Online

Celebrate Jazz Appraciation Month at the Library!

2008-04-25T07:44:00.001-07:00

Jazz Listening Session: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Jeff Donovick, piano; Don Davis, harmonica: 12:30-1:00pm
SPC Big Band: 1:15-2:00pm

'Cosmic Quandaries' at the Palladium Theatre this Wednesday!

2008-03-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

Join Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson - world renowned astrophysicist, bestselling author, and host of the groundbreaking PBS series NOVA scienceNOW for a journey across the universe as he reveals its cosmic wonders, curiosities and uncertainties in front of a live audience at The Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg.

WEDU welcomes Dr. deGrasse Tyson, Nova scienceNOW senior executive producer, Paula S. Apsell, and local experts as they as field questions from the audience and explore the mystery of black holes and other galactic conundrums.Tickets are $15 per person and, unlike the universe, are limited for this exclusive WEDU event. Reserve your tickets now at 727.822.3590 or http://www.mypalladium.org/. A flyer for the event can be found here.

Dr. Tyson’s most recent book, Death by Black Hole and other Cosmic Quandaries will be available for purchase at the event.

Piano Concert Series with Dolores Gadevsky and Lin He

2008-03-05T10:44:00.001-08:00

St. Petersburg College Piano Concert Series Performance withDolores Gadevsky, Piano and Lin He, Violin.

Dolores Weller Gadevsky has served as piano faculty at Chautauqua Institution, The Eastman School of Music, Los Angeles Conservatory, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Csehy Summer School of Music, and the University of Central Arkansas, where she was also a member of the faculty trio. She is currently serving as Adjunct Professor at
St. Petersburg College.

Born in Shanghai, China, Lin He began his musical training at the age of five. Currently a Doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music, Mr. He works under the tutelage of Zvi Zeitlin. Lin He is now serving as the Assistant Professor of Violin at the Louisiana State University School of Music in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Friday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
Free
(727) 341-4301
Department of Music website: http://www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/

Rudresh Mahanthappa Quartet - Codebook Project Concert at SPC Music Center

2008-02-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Chamber Music America, St. Petersburg College and EMIT present a special Encore concert of Codebook by Rudresh Mahanthappa with Vijay Iyer on piano, François Moutin on bass, and Damion Reid on drums.

Guggenheim fellow Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians and composers in jazz today. Named a "Rising Star" of the alto saxophone by the Downbeat International Critics Poll for the past four years, #2 in 2006, Rudresh has incorporated the culture of his Indian ancestry and has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision.

St. Petersburg College Music Center is at the corner of 66th St. and 5th Ave. N in St. Petersburg. SPC students and staff have free admission. Donation admission is $10(cash) at the door. This concert benefits music student scholarships at St. Petersburg College.

Saturday, March 1The Music Center at SPC at 8 p.m., pre-concert chat at 7 p.m.Gibbs campus map

St. Petersburg College Heissler Pipe Organ Concert Series with Nathan Laube

2008-02-14T09:35:00.001-08:00

Nathan Laube has been a perennial favorite of SPC audiences since making his southern U.S. debut at St. Petersburg College in 2005. Currently in his fourth year as a pupil of Alan Morrison at The Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, Nathan has been busy this past year with performances ranging from NYC to Cape Town, South Africa. “One of America’s fastest rising young stars” does not begin to describe the boundless gifts this engaging young man brings to his electrifying performances. An opportunityto experience one of his several opera transcriptions is not to be missed! Mark your calendars!

Friday, Feb. 15, 7:30pm
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
Free admission
341-4301

St. Petersburg College Heissler Pipe Organ Concert Series with David Higgs

2008-01-22T10:35:00.001-08:00

David Higgs, chairman of the organ department at The Eastman School of Music, headlines the Heissler Organ Concert Series this year. David is an internationally acclaimed concert and recording artist (Gothic Records and Delos International).

Come experience the famed Eastman style through the superlative artistry of this gifted performer. Arrive early, as seating is limited. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
$10 - general public, SPC students and staff - free admission
(727) 341-4301

Are you an educated voter?

2008-01-18T08:16:00.001-08:00

St. Petersburg College Piano Concert Series Performance with Read Gainsford

2008-01-16T10:50:00.001-08:00

“The perfect combination of head, heart and hands” typifies critics’ responses to Read Gainsford’s first concert tour in the United States. He has earned critical and public acclaim in four continents, and has received high praise for music ranging from Mozart to Messiaen, from performances on period instruments to the pianistic complexities of Rachmaninoff. Born in New Zealand, Read moved to the United States in 1992 to enter the doctoral program at Indiana University, where he worked with Karen Shaw and Leonard Hokanson.

Since living in the USA he has been guest artist for the American Music Teachers Association, as well as giving recitals, concerto performances and master-classes. He has appeared at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival and the Music Festival of the Hamptons, and is a member of the contemporary music group Ensemble X and the Garth Newel Chamber Players, as well as working with such musicians as Jacques Zoon, William Vermuelen, Roberto Diaz, Eddie vanOosthuyse and Luis Rossi.

His program, entitled The French Connection will feature works by Mozart, Debussy, Faure, Messiaen, Poulenc and Bolcom.

FREE!
Friday, January 18, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
(727) 341-4301

VILNIUS STRING QUARTET – In Concert

2008-01-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Vilnius String Quartet has given concerts all over the world including Carnegie Hall (New York), Tchaikovsky Conservatoire (Moscow), Bayerische Rundfunk (Munich), Mozarteum (Salzburg) and in many other renowned concert halls. Having made its debut in 1965, the ensemble's wide repertoire of 450 works includes 150 quartets by contemporary composers and about 100 works by Lithuanian composers. The Vilnius String Quartet has formed a unique tradition of interpretation. Its deep comprehension enables the ensemble to employ a wide range of musical expression in interpreting Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Schuloff, Schnitke, Schonberg or Cage.

Wednesday, Jan . 16, 4 p.m., $17 -$22 - $27

Note: St. Petersburg College’s Palladium Theater will be closed for renovations throughout January. As a result, concerts will take place in the Music Center on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Ave. N.

St. Petersburg College Piano Concert Series Performance with Cathal Breslin

2008-01-09T05:39:00.001-08:00

An exciting international career has taken Cathal Breslin to critically acclaimed performances in Concert Halls throughout Europe, U.S.A. and Asia. He has worked under such prestigious conductors as Vladimir Altschuler, Christian Gansch, Barry Douglas, Giovanni Battista Rigon, Niklas Willen, and Gearoid Grant.

Breslin was awarded first prize in the Carlet International Piano Competition in Valencia, top prize in the Grand Konzerteum International Piano Competition in Greece, third prize in the Viotti International Piano Competition in Italy (World Federation), fourth prize in the Iowa International Piano Competition, and two special prizes in the AXA Dublin International Piano Competition. He recently performed as one of 30 pianists selected for the Cleveland International Piano Competition, where his performances were critically acclaimed for their "superb intensity and passion."

Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Music Center, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg
FREE
(727) 341-4301

Workshop and Discussion with Composer David Amram

2007-10-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

Thursday October 25 @ 3pm,
Humanities Room 117,
SP/Gibbs campus map

727.341.4360

Music @ SPC Libraries

2007-10-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Music @ SPC Libraries Liaison Blog. My name is Chad Mairn and I have been an Information Services Librarian at St. Petersburg College since August 2004. In addition to being known as the "computer guy", I am a liaison between the library and the Gibbs campus Business Technologies, Humanities, Fine and Applied Arts, and Music Departments. I am also an adjunct instructor who teaches CTS 1101, LIS 1002, LIS 1002 Honors, LIS 2004, and OST 1793. For more information on these courses please visit my instructor web page.

While an undergraduate studying Humanities at the University of South Florida (USF), I was awarded a Library of Congress Fellowship archiving Leonard Bernstein's personal papers. During my Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate work, also at USF, I became a technology liaison between the Bill Gates Learning Foundation and Florida public libraries. I believe that it is important to understand how technology impacts culture and vice-versa and having a Humanities and a LIS background helps me to "see" things from multiple perspectives.

My hobbies are reading, composing/performing music, watching films, gardening, and spending time with my family.Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, recommendations, and/or concerns. My contact information can be found here.