THURSDAY.FEB.7.2002
JAYPLAY
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5B
KU Info crew: the fast and the fun
By Alicia Urban Jayplay writer
Dan Beckmann sits in a small room, surrounded by newspaper clippings and by walls covered with pieces of information.
The telephone rings and instead of the usual "Hello" Beckmann answers, "KU Info, this is Dan."
"It's a lot of timing and luck," he said.
But because of the lack of turnover, not many positions become available at KU Info. Beckmann said he was informed of an opening there when KU Info's director sent an e-mail through the honors program mailing list.
After a year working for KU Info, Beckmann said he considered himself fortunate to have gotten the job.
Beckmann said he stayed busy on the job primarily by answering phone calls, but also clipping newspaper articles to find useful information such as weather forecasts, lottery numbers and other articles that could interest callers.
He considered applying because a job at KU Info would be good for his future because "it helps a lot with interpersonal skills" and "shows commitment," he said. He said the job was "very intense but also very fun."
Newspaper clippings are one way that KU Info employees find the facts they share with callers. They also keep between 60 and 80 books in the room, along with bulletin boards covered with information that may prove useful.
Much of what people ask comes from the published information from the University or from its departments, such as the Lied Center and Student Union Activities.
KU Info also has about 4,000 cards with general, random knowledge. Beckmann said. Contrary to popular belief, KU Info
Contrary to popular belief, KU Info
does not heavily rely on the Internet for its sources.
"We really avoid the Internet because it is slow and unreliable," he said.
Despite the amount of preparation done by the staff, some answers cannot come in a book or from a University of Kansas publication. he said.
"One time we were called to settle a dispute between house mates over who was to get the bigger room," Beckmann said. "Each of us in the room talked it over and decided for them."
But is there anything they don't know?
Beckmann said there is often confusion between three libraries on campus: the Spencer Research Library, the Murphy Art & Architecture Library found in the Spencer Museum of Art, and the Gorton Music & Dance Library found in Murphy Hall.
"Sometimes the scariest thing about this job is not knowing the answer because they expect us to." Beckmann said.
"They are extremely campus active," Gilbert said, referring to the staff consisting of four student senators, three Greek students and two alternative spring break planners.
The 13 students that work there amaze Cori Gilbert, a graduate assistant at KU Info.
The University Information Center was founded by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in 1970. It served as a rumor control center to provide correct information and prevent any problematic situations on campus. Slowly, it became a center for campus and community information.
KU Info is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight and can be reached at 864-3506.
Contact Urban at aurban@kansan.com. This story was edited by Cassio Furtado.
HEARD ON THE STREET
What do you think the French phrase "Mardi Gras" translates to?
LOCATION: WESCOE TERRACE
"The only thing I know about Mardi Gras comes from commercials for 'Girls Gone Wild' videos." Paul Lindiblade
Paul Lindlblade
Olathe junior
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Sarah Mitchell Omaha,Neb.,junior
"Get drunk, get naked? That's what usually happens, anyway."
"Big Tuesday or something?"
Ronnie Franks Kansas City, Kan., senior
Stephanie Quinn Plano, Texas senior
CORRECT TRANSLATION:
FAT Tuesday
Compiled by Rebecca McClelland
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