The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #38: 6-19-24
VOLUME 2024 June 19, 2024 NUMBER 38
President Bill Wisdom welcomed the membership and guests, and presented the following reflection: Excerpt from the Peace Poem by John Denver:
For me the name is past
And we could call it peace
And peace the way we live
And we can call it peace
The flag salute followed.
Mark Knackendoffel introduced our speaker, Dr. Joe Mocnik.
Naturally curious and an avid history buff, he is passionate about libraries, literacy, and innovation. Among his major initiatives was initially the completion of the fire recovery and restoration of Hale Library, and then the strengthening of student success efforts, exploring community engagement under the K-State 105 initiative, and introduction of artificial intelligence literacy.
Joe and Mirta have two adult sons, both of whom live in Fargo.
Joe thanked the Optimist for the invitation and noted that Mark Knackendoffel and his wife have supported the library for many years.
Hale Library has been around for 103 years. The library today is not what the library used to be. They want the library to connect with researchers, faculty, students and people across the state of Kansas. The university and the library had a land grant mission and needs to connect with people across the state of Kansas through the extension agents across the state.
The whole idea of innovation is very important to the library. Since 1991, the library has seen considerable change in how they deliver service, and the experience of visiting the library is totally different than the pre 1991 experience. There is a whole new learning center on the first floor, on the second floor is an innovation lab with modern computer equipped three-dimensional printing facilities, laser cutters etc. in addition to typical printing equipment.
In addition to Hale library, there is also a library on the Salina campus, a math and physics library in Cardwell Hall, a Library of Architectural Planning and Design in Regnier Hall, and a Veterinary Medical Library located in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The library has also, with the help of a grant, transitioned to providing learning materials to students at little or no cost, instead of students being required to purchase expensive textbooks. The alternative texts are equally good as traditional textbooks but are much less expensive for students.
The library also is very proud of their Student Ambassadors’ Program. Student Ambassadors influence decisions and help fellow students navigate library resources. A recent donation will create a new scholarship to support K-State Libraries’ Student Ambassadors.
Technology is always changing and is adopted at varying rates among the faculty. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is challenging the traditional way faculty and students approach learning. They are engaging faculty in learning about AI and its implications for both faculty and students. They encourage full disclosure by both the faculty and students. If the faculty member allows students to use AI, the student must disclose they did so. They are having several opportunities for the faculty to learn about AI and its implications. The library does have AI labs for exploration. They also have a small recording studio to record, for instance, oral history.
The library leadership and staff want to reach out to the entire state of Kansas. They also have events at the library such as the Library Gala, the AI and the Future Symposium, the Hale Library Concert Series, the Kansas KidWind Challenge (miniature wind turbines), the K-State Libraries Lecture Series, and the Mid-America Print Council Conference. Spaces are available for groups to rent for event space.
The library is largely electronic access to materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and periodicals.
Link to the KSU Libraries: K-State Libraries
President Wisdom introduced today’s speaker, Joe Mocnik, Dean of KSU Libraries.
Greg McCune introduced new member Jerome Miratsky.
Bill Wisdom announced the Manhattan Optimist won the Flint Hills Finest’s (Formerly Readers’ Choice Awards) for Civic Services Organization for 2024, the second year in a row and three out of four years.
The Tree Lot Survey has been turned in and the committee is processing the results. After a review of the data, a recommendation will be made on how to proceed at the next board meeting.
Optimist board meeting is on June 29th at 6:00 pm at Optimist Park; all members are welcome to come.
Mike Fincham announced the Optimist beverage handout at the Juneteenth celebration was a success. They handed out 336 bottles of water and 96 cans of soda, and he thanked Clyde Scott, Steve Beckman, Gary Lloyd, Allen Nesbitt, Sharon Fincham, Dan O’Neil, and Bruce Bidwell.
Save these dates: September 28, football parking for the OSU game; October 19, Aggieville Chili Crawl.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed
JUNE 26: NOON MEETING: Alyssa Mitoska, Pawnee Mental Health: Topic: “Pawnee Mental Health.”
JULY 3: MORNING MEETING: Amy Manges, Riley County Register of Deeds: Topic: “Office of Register of Deeds”
JULY 10: NOON MEETING: Karla Hagenmeister, Flint Hills Breadbasket: Topic: “Flint Hills Breadbasket”
JULY 17: MORNING MEETING: Mike Finnegan, PHD, D-ABFA, Forensic Anthropologist: Topic: “War Dead Recoveries: Vietnam”
JULY 24: NOON MEETING: Ron Wells: Topic: “Classic Car Restoration”
JULY 31: MORNING MEETING: Business Meeting