BIO-RAD SPECTRA DATABASE DEMONSTRATION

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You are cordially invited to drop-in at the Lewis Science Library’s electronic classroom and learn about the content and features of BioRad’s spectra database called “KnowItAll U” (where U=University) this Thursday, Oct. 16, between 10 am and 2 pm. The e-classroom is on the 2nd floor, Room 225. Dr. Greg Banik of Bio-Rad Informatics will be here to demonstrate this product.

In 2008 the Library subscribed to KnowItAll U—only then offered via subscription to academic institutions—which provides Web access to over 1.3 million spectra (including those from Sadtler) and includes structures and chemical property information. The database includes IR, UV/Vis, NMR, Raman and mass spectra. A Windows version is available as well and can be used for database creation and more sophisticated searching. The web version is available at http://www.knowitallanyware.com/site.html. Scroll down on the webpage, click “Yes, I agree”, and try out the Advanced Search option.

There will be refreshments and door prizes.

We would appreciate it if you would register at http://scilib.princeton.edu/instruction/workshops.php so we can gauge the number of attendees in advance, but this is optional. Please feel free to come and stay as short or as long a time as you wish.

I hope you will be able to join us on Thursday.

Juliette O. Arnheim

Chemistry Librarian

Lewis Science Library

Princeton University

(609) 258-6173

NSF-funded climate humanitarian program abruptly terminated

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“Citing budget constraints, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) announced this week it will shut down its Center for Capacity Building, a small group of experts headed by Dr. Michael “Mickey” Glantz, a 35-year veteran of NCAR and a well-known champion of helping human beings adapt to climate change. The Center was dedicated to assisting communities in Asia, Africa, and other areas less fortunate than the US in dealing with the societal impacts of weather and climate. The abrupt announcement was met with vociferous protest within the social science community and amongst colleagues in the climate policy arena. What does this move say about overall support for the role of social sciences in climate research and policy development?”

ClimateScienceWatch, is the newsletter for “Promoting integrity in the use of climate science in government”.

Posted on Friday, August 08, 2008.

Read the whole entry.

Energystar

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The United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have produced a useful website, ENERGYSTAR, which gives practical information on how we all can save energy. There is advice or tips for products, buildings and plants, new homes and home improvements. There are links to news and podcasts.

Source: an email from Robert Sheneman at the Princeton Plasma Physics Labs.

EPA Libraries re-opening September 30, 2008

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HTML – http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-22468.htm

PDF – http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-22468.pdf

“SUMMARY –
EPA is enhancing access to library services for the public and Agency staff. EPA will open previously closed libraries in its National Library Network, with walk-in access for the public and EPA staff. Other library locations will expand staffing, operating hours, or services. This notice [from the Federal Register] provides information regarding how members of the public can access the libraries and services beginning September 30, 2008.”

With thanks to Dorothy Alibrando, from the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection, who sent this information to the Special Libraries group, Environment & Resource Management Division.

Wikia Green — a new Wiki

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“…today [Jimmy] Wales and others at Wikia, Inc. announced the launch of a new eco-focused project, which they’re calling Wikia Green. The goal is to create a flexible, dynamic community wiki that covers anything and everything in the environmental and sustainable universe.”
From an interview reported in The Daily Green 9/9/08: “Wikia Green Launches as a “Wikipedia” for Enviros”

On their homepage is stated: 681 articles since March 2008

Green, Inc. a new blog

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Did you notice in today’s New York Times, an announcement of the blog:
Green, Inc. : Energy, the Environment and the Bottom Line

“About Green Inc.
How will the pressures of climate change, limited fossil fuel resources and the mainstreaming of “green” consciousness reshape society? Follow the money. From renewable energy policy to carbon markets to dubious eco-advertising, our energy and environment reporters will track the high-stakes pursuit of a greener globe.”

Green Chemistry Program & electronic newsletter

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To read about the Green Chemistry Program at the EPA, click here. The ACS (American Chemical Society) is an active partner. Check out their Green Chemistry links. The RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry) also has green chemistry links and publishes the key journal, Green Chemistry. Princeton University Library subscribes to this journal.

To subscribe to the Green Chemistry Program electronic newsletter, send a blank email to lyris@lists.epa.gov with the subject line: subscribe green_chemistry FirstName LastName

Student Design Competition for Sustainability (EPA)

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From the Green Chemistry Program electronic newsletter:

P3: People, Prosperity and the Planet: Student Design Competition for Sustainability

Solicitation Open: Sept 23, 2009 – Dec 23, 2009

  • EPA is seeking applications to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society.
  • Applications can address any of these research areas: Agriculture, Materials and Chemicals, Energy Information Technology, Water, & Built Environment.
  • The P3 Award Program is open to degree-granting public & private institutions of higher education located in the U.S.

See the P3 website at: www.epa.gov/P3 for more details about the program & a link to the solicitation.

EPA Libraries’ Roller Coaster Ride

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Barbie E. Keiser, a resources management consultant in Washington, D.C., has written a review of the EPA libraries experience of attempting to close several libraries in the wake of a declining budget, but in the face of greater demand. She also writes about recommendations for best practices concerning its “second life”. She says that the website has improved.

The article can be found at www.epa.gov/libraries

One will be able to access the full article soon from Online Information Review, vo. 32(5): 25-29, Sep.-Oct. 2008. “EPA Libraries’ Roller Coaster Ride”