OLD GOLD&BLACK W A K E
F O R E S T
U N I V E R S I T Y
VOL. 94, NO. 6
T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 0
“Covers the campus like the magnolias”
E-readers now available for students in ZSR
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them on our e-reader devices,” Davis said. “That way, if we happen to not have a hard-copy available, we can use the digital copy to supplement it.” The iPad comes with the added benefit of an unlimited 3G connection, meaning students can connect to the internet wherever cellular coverage is available, making it all the more useful for travel. It can also give a student’s backpack muchneeded relief. “So many students lug around a laptop and textbooks all day, even when traveling on weekends,” Davis said. “E-readers can make the process so much more compact and efficient.” It is for this reason that many students are enthusiastic about the new program.
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Davis, coordinator for Multimedia and Digital Production Services at ZSR Among the voluminous collections of Library, said. “These aren’t just shiny, fun toys. I books, journals and magazines at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, resides a new, believe they have real staying power and markedly modern resident: the e-reader. will influence when and how we send Its placement is the result of library and receive information.” The e-readers the staff having surveyed similar programs offered at such peer institutions as Duke library has University and N.C. State as well as rec- available ognizing that such emerging technol- for rent ogy should be in the hands of students, include four iPads, faculty and staff here. The electronic reading device, or a Kindle, e-reader, has been the subject of much Barnes & investment for tech companies and Noble Nook and Sony booksellers alike. Apple’s iPad, a multipurpose tablet Touch Reader. Each can be computer, debuted this January and has dominated the market, while Ama- checked out from zon’s Kindle leads the single-purpose The Bridge for a period of three e-readers. Both have been met with feverish days. Each comes hype and speculation among technol- preloaded with a variogy gurus and publishers — the former ety of popular e-books excited about their portability and the and, in the case of the powerful computing available in Apple’s iPad, apps. “We actually went iPad, the latter hoping it revives a flagthrough our catalog and ging publishing industry. “The interest in these devices, par- took the books that were ticularly the iPad, has been high,” Barry circulating the most and put By Jeffrey Turner | Contributing writer
Festival celebrates culture
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INSIDE: Brieflies
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Faculty Profile
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Outside the Bubble... White House adviser Summers stepping down
By Caitlin Brooks | Production manager
Construction will soon be underway on “the Barn,” a new student event venue that will be located where the current cross country running trails exist. The 7,000 square foot events space is a product of the Greek Caucus in March and the wider campus-life revitalization effort outlined in the “Living Values” administrative report. The building should be completed before May 2011 in time for this year’s class of seniors to enjoy final celebrations in a space designed to minimize its negative environmental impact while providing maximum programming opportunities for students with both indoor and outdoor spaces. All organizations can register for events at the Barn and the cost will be off-set by the university. Catering will be offered and provided by the Posh Plate. In a letter to the entire university, President Nathan O. Hatch carefully described the need for such a structure in response to a changing social climate that promotes off campus partying and dangerous drinking behaviors. “Over the last decade, reflecting national trends, much of social life has moved to offcampus locations,” he said in the letter. “This has weakened community on campus, created tension with our neighbors and, with increasing frequency, endangered the welfare of our students,” he said. Hatch particularly cited the dangers of “front loading” with hard liquor before underage university students leave for off-campus parties, which he says stems from the wide=spread fear of being cited for underage drinking at off-campus venues.
“For students on-the-go, I think something like the iPad is indispensable,” Ben Comer, a senior communications major and student entrepreneur, said. “It’s so portable that you can take it anywhere and send email, work on a group project, or catch up on the latest news.” Others, like junior Audrey Helmerich, are less convinced of an e-reader’s functionality. “I think I’d mostly use my laptop for web surfing and doing assignments on a daily basis,” Helmerich said. “The technology is really cool to have but I doubt I’ll be checking one out just for fun.” Even so, Davis says that having them available will be a big asset to the library. They represent a step toward greater integration of technology with academics as well as a step toward improving the library for students, administrators and professors. “As librarians, we need to be on the cutting-edge of technological innovation; to be able to show people what’s out there and how it works. It’s a step in the right direction.”
White House economic adviser Larry Summers announced on Sept. 21 plans to leave his position by the end of the year, marking a major staff shake-up as President Barack Obama struggles to get the economy back on track.
Senate blocks debate on ending military gay ban
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The World Cultural Festival allows clubs and students with ties to various cultures to showcase themselves and their interests. By Katie Phillips | Staff writer The second annual World Cultural Festival was held on the evening of Sept. 15 on the Mag Quad. Featuring an eclectic mix of international music, food and games, the fair was deemed a success by students, faculty and Winston-Salem residents alike. Over 600 people attended the event, and there will be more room for involvement next year. Jonathan Cox, assistant director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), established the event last year through his position in the OMA. One of the main goals of the office and staff is to bring multiculturalism and difference to every member of the university. Cox credits all members of the OMA with the great success of the event two years in a row. “They were all an invaluable resource in helping me bring this idea to fruition last year and continuing with
its success this year,” Cox said. The World Cultural Festival exemplifies the goals of the OMA, according to Cox. “It showcases the varied and wonderful cultures from around the globe, so that people can come and interact with these cultures in a fun, exciting way, he said. “The festival also creates a space for the entire campus to work together, including student organizations, academic departments via the hosting tables. There is literally something for everyone, and you have a chance to explore different cultures through sight, smell, taste, sound and even games.” Senior Lia Flur, member of the VSC Student Advisory Committee, worked the Volunteer Service Corps booth to promote sponsored international and domestic service trips.
Attempts to repeal the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the U.S. military stumbled on Sept. 21 as the Senate voted against starting debate on defense legislation containing the change. Sixty votes were needed for debate to begin on the bill authorizing defense programs and repeal of the policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Just 56 senators voted yes and 43 no.
Rock the Block draws 50,000, high attendance The first day-long Rock the Block downtown street festival was, according to the people who planned it, a raging success. The festival encourages residents to support downtown life. About 50,000 people attended the festival on Sept. 19. Attendance was the highest since Rock the Block began in 2002 to encourage more local residents to spend time downtown.
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Sports | B1
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Life | B5 Fall television season begins
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