Renovations Bring New Technology and New Look to the Chemistry-Biology Library

This past spring, University Libraries and the Chemistry Department partnered in renovating the main floor of the Ralph E. Oesper Chemistry-Biology Library. The project goals of expanding technology resources and improving the appearance of the library were accomplished with the addition of the Else L. Schulze Information Commons--an area designed to bring together information resources, technology, and research assistance. The eagerly anticipated improvements began during Spring Break. Existing space was rearranged to make room for 16 new computer workstations and furniture plus two large-capacity network printers. Additional improvements included new carpet, resurfacing of the existing circulation desk, and a fresh coat of paint for the entire area. The old book security gate was replaced with a sleeker model and softened with the addition of plants. Lastly, new signage was added to recognize the generous contributions of Else L. Schulze and Ralph E. Oesper to the Chemistry-Biology Library. “The renovation has created a welcoming environment that connects students with the resources they need for academic success,” said John Tebo, head of the Chemistry-Biology Library. “And judging from usage in the first days of the new quarter, the Info Commons will be a popular place for students to work.”

At the Else L. Schulze Info Commons, students and faculty are now able to:

• Use specialized chemistry and biology software such as ISIS Draw, ChemDraw, Mathematica, MDL CrossFire, SciFinder Scholar, MeasureNET, MathType, and TITRATE.
• Access the libraries’ Web site to search indexes and databases such as SciFinder Scholar and Science Citation Index, and to find books and journal articles online using the Library Catalog and OhioLINK.
• Use Microsoft Suite to write papers, create spreadsheets, and produce presentations.

The Info Commons is named for Else L. Schulze who left an endowment to benefit the Ralph E. Oesper Chemistry-Biology Library. She was born October 19, 1902 in Cincinnati. Ms. Schulze entered the University of Cincinnati in 1919 as a home economics major, but sooned changed her major to chemistry. Ms. Schulze earned her undergraduate degree in 1922, a M.S. in 1924, and Ph.D. in 1926. After UC, she went to work for Procter and Gamble (P&G), where she stayed for 39 years. Her career allowed her to work on various projects, including a study on soap, the design of flavor additives to mayonnaise, testing cake recipes, and even answering cooking questions in the absence of the home economist. At the time of her retirement in 1966, Ms. Schulze was in charge of the P&G library and technical information services, overseeing three libraries and 37 staff. The Else L. Schulze Info Commons is the third such facility established in the past two years in University Libraries. Langsam and Engineering Libraries both have Info Commons that combine technology and research assistance in an updated environment.

The Ralph E. Oesper Chemistry-Biology Library is located in 503 Rieveschl Hall. Hours and additional information about the library are available at <www.libraries.uc.edu/libraries/chem-bio/index.html>.

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