Information Opens Doors

Documents received on depository in the State Library include a new version of an old newsletter and a special publication on John Drummond.

STATE DOCUMENTS MAY 2008

            Several state agencies have regularly produced magazines highlighting government work around the state.  Many of these publications have developed reputations of producing high-quality, informative articles on timely issues.  Some of the publications received this month and articles of note are:

            “A Bygone Era Resurfaces” (PowerSource, Spring 2008.  Santee Cooper)

Kevin Langston has written on the discoveries made on the land exposed by drought in and around lakes Marion and Moultrie.  Included are headstones and artifacts believed to be part of the Woodlawn Plantation and the remains of the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company under Lake Marion and the brick formation of the abandoned Santee Canal under Lake Moultrie.  The article is illustrated by Jim Huff.

            Two articles that address the problem of water shortages are:

“Our future—written in water: (Clemson World Spring 2008.  Clemson University)

Debbie Dalhouse details what Clemson experts are doing to find solutions to water shortages from drought, development, and demand for hydroelectric power.

“Slowing stormwater” (Coastal Heritage Spring 2008.  SC Sea Grant Consortium)

The issue is devoted to this article detailing ways to clean up many neglected waterways by slowing stormwater runoff.  There are plenty of photographs and pictorial presentations of proposed improvements.

The New South-Carolina State Gazette  (Vol. 1, no. 1. Department of Archives)

This publication is a revival of several DAH publications including the South Carolina Gazette, founded in Charleston in 1732 and is now published by the department and its foundation.

Humanitas (Vol 12, 2008.  Medical University of South Carolina)

This small volume of submissions by students and faculty at the university continues to be a quality publication.  It is a collection of poems and photographs and demonstrates the university’s commitment to fostering humanistic attitudes and values.  Even the cover is attractive!

South Carolina Legislative Manual 2008

The manual is a handy collection of information on state government:  biographies of congressional members, executive and judicial departments, rules of government, constitution, state emblems and symbols, and more valuable information on the people and state government.  The manual is available online at http://www.scstatehouse.net/man08/manual08.html and is also available for purchase through the South Carolina Legislative WebStore (https://www1.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/webstore.exe).

Senator John w. Drummond: the story of a South Carolinian, military hero, and statesman.  (USC)

This is a special print edition of two issues of Public Policy & Practice,  the journal of the Institute for Public Service and Policy Research at the University of South Carolina.  This publication presents the life and achievements of state senator John W. Drummond from his childhood, through his service in World War II, and his more than 40 years as the Senator from Ninety Six.  See the “Beyond the Lions” entry for more information on this publication.

Managing Residential Growth in South Carolina, a Citizen’s Guide.  (Clemson)

            This is another fine study from the Strom Thurmond Institute of government and Public Affairs.  It lays out for citizens the issues facing the state regarding residential growth, including challenges, rates, benefits, costs, roles of the state and local communities, and the impact of development on local revenue and services.  It concludes with describing tools for managing growth and its costs and areas in which citizens can be involved.

Tidal Creek Habitats, Sentinels of Coastal Health (SC Sea Grant Consortium)

            This small publication is a colorful, informative summary of tidal creek ecosystems and effects of urban growth.  It is designed for local and state decision-makers.

Soybean Rust Management in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Clemson)

            This document is a colorful summary of soybean rust movement in the four mid-Atlantic states.  Histories of incidence are followed by information on indentification and life cycle, monitoring, a detailed section on diseases, and facts about growing soybeans.  Several photos, particularly of disease presentations, and maps of incidence are included.  A section on fungicides includes detailed information on tests for effectiveness.

2008 Index of Waste Minimization Resources for South Carolina Industries.  (DHEC )

            This is the 15^th edition of the index and can be used to find equipment, services, and substitutes for hazardous materials, and users of by-products.  The spiral bound volume is tabbed for local government services, recyclers, vendors, services, companies, and material substitution for easy use.  The web version is searchable at http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/admin/CWM/CWMrindex.htm.

These documents are available to check out at the library.