Page 6 Library computers down while being upgraded Derrick L. Armstead Staff Reporter Checking out library materials used to be so simple that many students took it for granted. But with the recent changeover of li brary computer systems, students now realize what a convenience the computers were. A process that normally took from one to three minutes, now averages about six minutes. De lays occur because the borrower has to fill out a checkout card in stead of having the computer scan the materials. Many students won der why they have to go through this process. Everyone seemed to think that the computer system was broken. In order to gain more informa tion about the situation, Floyd C. Harding, director of library ser vices, commented on how this problem affects Shepard Library. Harding stated that the old system was phased out because of weak vendor support and inadequate power capabilities. Harding said that the delay in system implementation was due to the late arrival of equipment and transfer of information from the old system to the new one. He said he hopes the system will be on-line before finals, but that it could possibly be as late as January. The new system will have more features such as; an advanced CD- ROM network, more access to pe riodical subscriptions, list of gov ernment documents, better power abilities and links with other schools in the UNC-College Sys tem. Students should have been aware of the impending change because of a library newsletter ar ticle at the beginning of the year, said Harding. Finances have played a part in the amount of reference and re search materials at North Carolina Central University. A substantial budget of about $977,000 was available last year, compared to only $477,000 for this year. A re duction in this year’s budget was due to a lack of available funds. The money is usually spent on materials such as journals, refer ence materials, CD-roms and mi crofiche. This recent problem has caused Mr. Harding to express genuine interest in the opinions of the stu dents. One of his final comments was, students should become ac tive in voicing their concerns about future problems to the library committee, so they may develop a library that they want and deserve. November T 9, 1994 Founder's Day a tribute to Shepard Shelvia Dancy Staff Reporter North Carolina State Senator Jeanne H. Lucas and North Caro lina Mutual Life Insurance Co. executive Roger Gregory narrated the forty-seventh annual Founder’s Day Convocation. Held Friday, Nov. 4 in the B.N. Duke Auditorium, the event was presided over by Chancellor Julius Chambers. This year the event was in commemoration of NCCU founder James E. Shepard. The ceremony began with an organ prelude by Fred Mason Jr. and the presentation of colors by the Army Reserve Officer Train ing Corps. University Marshal Arthrell Sanders began the processional, . Kenneth Chambers, chairman of the faculty senate committee, and Junelle Gist, Miss NCCU 1995, provided the welcome address. The life of Shepard was chronicled in a musical narration, from his birth in 1875 through his academic career to his pioneering efforts in establishing of what is today North Carolina Central University. Said Chancellor Chambers, “It is in his memory that we make the eternal pledge to live up to the motto he gave us, ‘truth and ser vice.’ “ As each stage of Shepard’s life was chronicled the NCCU Tour ing Choir performed mu.sical se lections. Songs performed ranged from “Go Down Moses” to “Soona Will Be Done” to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Graduate student Ayanna Smith and Senior Detroit Yancey performed solos that re ceived standing ovations. If you don’t stop your friend from driving drunk, who will? Do whatever it takes. Wi FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE DRUNK. Delta Week focuses on unity By Catilla Everette C corespondent “Outreach to Others, Uplift Each Others, and Respect One Another,” was the theme for the NCCU Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta during their annual Delta Week. The sorority worked hard to uphold this theme by sponsoring activities focusing on interac tion between other Greek sororities, students and faculty; political and economic awareness; and health and wellness issues dealing with African American women. Sunday, Nov. 6, began the fanfare of Delta Week with the Delta Tea. “Keeping Yourself in Order, The Total Woman,” was the theme for this event. The panelists shared their specialties in the various areas of women health. LillianHome, DirectorofStudentHealthServices, discussed the various sexually transmitted diseases and other women problems. Stephanie Pender-Amiker, a Durham psychologist, focused her discussion on the mental problems women may face. Temple McDowell, a senior at NCCU, gave valuable beauty tips. The Delta Tea also covered the history and historical women who were a part of Delta Sigma Theta. The evening was filled with thought provoking questions that paved the way for a week full of informative, entertaining information. “As I looked at 100 beautiful black people in the room, I saw a wealth of intellect and outer beauty. I hope that everyone will look in the mirror and see the same beauty I see, and then the walls of animosity, stereotypical labeling, and self-worthlessness will crumble down.” said Lisa Mitchell. This quote was one of many that sparked the heavy panel discussion on Monday called “Sister to Sister,” The panel discussed the growing concerns many “sorority hopefuls” and sororities have had for many years. “Why is there hatred between the different Greek organizations?” The panel, consisting of members of each Greek sorority from NCCU and the Durham com munity, tried to answer this question. Grace Dzidzienyo, Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae and facilitator of this panel discussion, took the question to another level and asked, “What does sisterhood means to each person on the panel, and how can one exemplify this within their organization and abroad? “ The interaction between students, the panel, and Dzidziendyo was informative. Dr. Dzidziendyo ended the discussion by reading a passage from In The Company of My Sisters, by Julia Bond: “It’s true, we don’t always get validation from others, even other Black women. However, not getting validation is no excuse for abusing ourselves or anybody else.” “Women of Color and Their Role Internationally ,” was the topic of Melania Page’s speech on Thursday. Page, a senior at NCCU and the 2nd National Vice- See "Delta" continued on page 8 U.S. Department of Transportation