University of South Carolina Libraries
The University of South Carolina Monday, April 17, 2006 Vol. 99, No. 88 • Since 1908 Library construction *r , slated to start May 10 New wings for housing collections to open 2008 Gina Uasselli STAFF WRITER Construction will begin May 10 to add two new wings to the Thomas Cooper Library. Paul Willis, dean of libraries, said the wings will be approximately 72,000 square feet and will extend from the east and west sides of the library. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2008. “I think it’s going to be a mess, but we’ll maintain access to the main part of the library,” he said. Willis said he is hopeful that the new wings, designed to house the Rare Books and Special Collections and Political Collections sections will “help the looks of the building.” The wings will give both collections the special humidity and temperature controls that they need, Willis said. The Rare Books and Special Collections section is now housed on the mezzanine —. level of the library. The new wing will be on the Sumter Street side of the building and will be four floors, with two above ground and two below ground for a total of approximately 40,000 square feet. Construction will begin on the rare LiBRORV • <1 Special to THE GAMECOCK The Rare Books and Special Collections and Political Collections will get special humidity and temperature controlled environments in 72,000 square feet of space to be built on the east and west sides of the Thomas Cooper Library. Protesters rally » to help homeless Event decries arrests of displaced locals because of new policy Oreui Broohs THE GAMECOCK A group of up to eight protesters set up camp in Finlay Park on Saturday night in an attempt to help the homeless and protest recent actions of the city government. The event was planned in response to an April 7 article in The State newspaper that said there had been 10 arrests of the homeless in the park since March 31. Police announce that the park is closed every night at 11 p.m. and instruct everyone to leave. The park was historically used by many of the area’s homeless as a safe haven up until the recent crackdown. The group, known as “Camp (Columbia Mayor Bob) Coble,” made signs with sayings such as “Whose Park? Our Park,” “Free the Park” and “Stop the Arrests,” while handing out water, food and clothing. More than 20 homeless visited the camp between 5 and 11 p.m., with many hanging around for a few hours. City Manager Charles Austin has stepped up efforts to clean up the park with the influx of homeless that come with the spring, The State reported. Willy Hampton, a homeless man, said there are “not enough shelters” for people like him. “Homeless people have rights just as everyone else,” Hampton said. A homeless man named Bobby spoke of tickets costing $200 or more for being in the park after hours. Other homeless people spoke of police with dogs, Taser stun guns and the apathy of the general public. Daniel, the group’s leader who wished not to reveal his last name, said they were Homeless • i Courtesy KRT Campus College students are prime targets for companies offering free items for filling out credit applications. Selling your soul for a slice of pizza Promotion campaigns can hurt students Joshua Rabon ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Free sandwiches, stereos and iPods are being given to students at no cost — provided they divulge some personal information or complete a survey. Lindsay Woodberry, a first-year political science student, said the amount of personal information asked of students is extreme. “If you sell them your first-born child, you get a free sandwich,” Woodberry said. “I once got a free sandwich, a cookie, a bag of chips and a drink from Beezer’s-.” On the corner of Pendleton and Pickens streets a sign posted reads “Free 12” sub combo.” At the bottom of the flier is printed “must participate in promotion. Flier not FREE • 4 Program provides aid for difficult classes Drew Brooks THE GAMECOCK Students having trouble in difficult classes are getting help from the university’s Supplemental Instruction Program. The program allows students who have previously made A’s in these courses to become SI leaders and help their peers. Dan Patel, a second-year chemistry student and SI leader, said the program gives students a chance to make a difference in some else’s life. Patel said the peer-to-peer structure of the class allows students to not be afraid to ask questions, and that the SI sessions are collaborative, with student leaders serving as facilitators. SI leaders attend the class, take notes and complete assignments so they can discuss content while giving helpful hints to their peers as to what to study. Leaders also coach students about the styles and structures of exams. “It has made a considerable improvement # on my grades,” said Ryan Reddick, a first-year pre pharmacy student who has taken advantage of the SI program. “People there know how to teach you and generally want you to succeed.” Patel said it’s very beneficial to see students in the program receive good grades. “I would recommend it for everyone,” said Carrie Goodin, a fifth-year print journalism student and SI student leader. Classes are selected for the SI Program based on the amount of students who previously made a D, F or withdrew from the class. On top of being able to help others, SI leaders work on improving communication skills and academic strategies, Patel said. “It has also gave me some thoughts about entering the field of academia as a career,” said Megan Hamilton, a second-year business management student. PR0GRRII1 • 1 Viewpoints Field Cantey talks about the Easter Bunny and his relation to science; Jackie Alexander says plagiarism is a rampant disease at tong college kids.* The Mix Blue skies USC has a full week of environmental activities planned in recognition of Earth Day on Saturday. Sports Rebel yell USCs baseball team thwarted Ole Miss in the weekend series with SEC implications at Sarge Frye Field. * Index Comics & Crossword..8 Classifieds.11 Horoscopes..8 Opinion.5 Police Report..2