Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Welcome Our New Systems Librarian

Paul G. Blazer Library is excited to announce the arrival of our new Systems Librarian, Mr. Benjamin Rawlins. Yes, that's right, the very same Benjamin Rawlins who has served so capably in his capacity as the Library Technician in Periodicals since October 2008.




Benjamin came to Blazer Library with experience as both an a Electronic Services library assistant at Eastern Kentucky University and as a graduate assistant in Reference and Information Services at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. When he first joined our staff, he already had a Bachelor of Science in History and a Master of Arts in History from Rio Grande University and Marshall University, respectively. Always committed to furthering his education, however, he did not stop there. He continued his studies, receiving his Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Kentucky in May of this year. In addition to his formal education, Benjamin has pursued multiple continuing education opportunities within the library community, including KDLA's training on Open Source Software. Further, he has served as a guest committee member on Blazer Library's own Electronic Resources/Systems Committee, making him keenly aware of the technology issues and concerns relevant to our library. All of this experience and education makes him a wonderful fit for the position of Systems Librarian here at Paul G. Blazer Library.

When not at work, Benjamin loves to spend time with his wife Julia and their two dogs, Lexi and Ashes. He is a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes football fan and loves watching them play.

We're glad to have you here (still), Ben!




Monday, December 7, 2009



All right all you bakers or those who love sweets, like myself, here is an eBook for you! NetLibrary's eBook of the Month for December is The Modern Baker: Time-Saving Techniques for Breads, Tarts, Pies, Cakes and Cookies. Below is a description of the book.

With the right teacher, simplified techniques, and step-by-step photo tutorials to guide the way, everyone can make freshly baked loaves, crisp flatbreads, savory tarts, and rich desserts – in record time. Written by Baking Hall of Famer Nick Malgieri, this collection of 150 straightforward recipes with gourmet appeal, strives to bring success to even the busiest of bakers, with the bulk of the preparation taking under one hour.

Malgieri distills years of teaching and experience into these detailed recipes for baking everything from bread to biscotti to puff pastry to old-fashioned layer cakes. Recipes are thorough and include descriptions of how batters and doughs are supposed to appear at each stage of preparation. The Modern Baker is as necessary and essential as a good oven; Nick Malgieri leads cooks through the simple art of creating an international assortment of delicious sweet and savory baked goods, interweaving techniques and helpful sidebars.


A Little About the Author
Malgieri, former Executive Pastry Chef at Windows on the World, is a 1996 inductee into Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America. The bestselling author of eight cookbooks, Malgieri currently directs the baking program at the Institute of Culinary Education. Malgieri's recipes have been published in the New York Times, Cuisine, Family Circle, McCall's, Ladies' Home Journal, and other magazines and newspapers throughout the United States. He is the author of articles for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and his writing has appeared in the New York Daily News, Gourmet, Chocolatier, Food & Wine, and Cook's Illustrated. Malgieri has appeared on all the U.S. national morning shows, local television, and "Chef du Jour," "Cook's Choice," "Bakers Dozen," and "Cooking Live" on the Food Network, and with Julia Child on "Baking with Julia," as well as with Martha Stewart.

So if you are looking for some dessert recipes for the holidays or just to enjoy anytime this book may have what you are looking for. The best parts is that is comes with the pictures so you can see what the dessert will eventually look like!! Enjoy and feel free to let us know how these desserts turn out.