The vector algebra war: a historical perspective

There are a wide variety of different vector formalisms currently utilized in engineering and physics. For example, Gibbs' three-vectors, Minkowski four-vectors, complex spinors in quantum mechanics, quaternions used to describe rigid body rotations and vectors defined in Clifford geometric algebra. With such a range of vector formalisms in use, it thus appears that there is as yet no general agreement on a vector formalism suitable for science as a whole. This is surprising, in that, one of the primary goals of nineteenth century science was to suitably describe vectors in three-dimensional space. This situation has also had the unfortunate consequence of fragmenting knowledge across many disciplines, and requiring a significant amount of time and effort in learning the various formalisms. We thus historically review the development of our various vector systems and conclude that Clifford's multivectors best fulfills the goal of describing vectorial quantities in three dimensions and providing a unified vector system for science.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, 1 tabl

Generalised Minkowski spacetime

The four dimensional spacetime continuum, as first conceived by Minkowski, has become the default framework within which to describe physical laws. In this paper, we show how a four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime structure naturally arises from three-dimensional physical space when modeled with Clifford geometric algebra $C\ell(\Re^3)$. This expanded eight-dimensional framework allows a generalisation of the invariant interval and the Lorentz transformations. Also, with this geometric oriented approach the fixed speed of light, the laws of special relativity and the form of Maxwell's equations, arise naturally from the intrinsic properties of the algebra without recourse to physical arguments. We also find new insights into the nature of time, a unified treatment of energy-momentum and spin, a Lagrangian unifying gravity and electromagnetism as well as predictions of a new class of physical effects and interactions.Comment: 20 pages, no figure

National Union Catalog: Asset or Albatross?

Midsize academic libraries face many unique challenges, particularly in the greyer areas of collection management. This presentation addresses these challenges faced by libraries in midsize institutions and how they differ from those at larger research institutions. It focuses on the presenters’ study of midsize library attitudes toward retaining or weeding the iconic National Union Catalog, Pre-1956 Imprints and the reasoning behind each. The generations of librarians who used the NUC and other analog sets are passing from the scene in academic libraries, and the incoming digital native librarian knows little or nothing about them. The fate of the NUC is examined. The example of de-selection decisions regarding voluminous paper sets of pre-digital finding aids is also discussed. Ultimately, the presentation aims to discuss the ways in which midsize libraries can find in building midsize library collections, which will balance out the research needs against the demands of limited space and budgets

Reconsidering the Role of Youth : Generational Differences in Political and Social Attitudes in the Arab World

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NUC, Quo Vadis? Have Mid-Size Academic Libraries Retained the National Union Catalog Pre-1956 Imprints?

Mid-size academic libraries face the dilemma of limited funding and space but are expected to provide the tools their graduate students and faculty need to compete in research. A question faced by these institutions is whether to weed potentially useful paper finding aids of the pre-online era. One example is the 754 volume National Union Catalog Pre-1956 Imprints (NUC). Has the content and current use of the NUC justified its retention by libraries in mid-size universities? The authors provide historical background of the NUC and the results of a survey of librarians from mid-size academic institutions that explores their perspectives on the tool’s continued utility and their institutions’ ultimate decisions on its fate

Courage of Our Convictions: Making Difficult Decisions about Serial Collections

Three academic librarians, a library administrator, a serials librarian, and a collection development librarian, discuss pressing serials issues as they plan for a move to a new library building. Professional perspectives on serials are juxtaposed as they grapple with issues such as limited storage for paper journals, rising costs of serials, and problems related to serials check-in, e-resources, and document delivery