December 2013 - Members - lists.sigcis.org

Fellowship opportunity at Manchester
by M. Hicks 26 Dec '13

26 Dec '13

Passed along from James Sumner--deadline soon. See below. Best, Marie ______________________ Marie Hicks, Ph.D. Asst. Professor, History of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL USA mariehicks.net | mhicks1(a)iit.edu | @histoftech > > > Cheers > James > > +++++ > > SIGCIS list members may be interested in this opportunity for a three-year research fellowship, given that the Library Special Collections referred to now include the UK National Archive for the History of Computing holdings (details at http://www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk/research/nahc/contents/) > > I'm not involved with managing this call or with the selection process, but would be happy to advise if anyone has questions about the Archive. > > Please note the imminent deadline of Monday 13 January for preliminary applications. > > All best > James > > LEVERHULME EARLY CAREER FELLOWSHIPS > > THE SCHOOL OF ARTS, LANGUAGES AND CULTURES > > UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER > > > > The John Rylands Research Institute is pleased to announce that it intends to sponsor two Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships beginning in 2014. Potential applicants are invited to submit preliminary applications by Monday 13 January 2014. Projects must demonstrate a strong connection to the University of Manchester Library’s Special Collections (see below). Interested candidates should contact the John Rylands Research Institute administrator, Silke Schaeper (silke.schaeper(a)manchester.ac.uk) as soon as possible. The Institute’s director, Professor Peter E. Pormann, and grant writer, Dr Stevie Spiegl, as well as the curatorial staff of the Library may assist the candidate in formulating a viable research proposal that is based on a detailed study of items in the Special Collections. > > > > Preliminary applications must be submitted to the SALC Research Support Manager via email (jonathan.starbrook(a)manchester.ac.uk) as a single PDF file. > > > > We require (i) a one-page CV, and (ii) details of the proposal, including: > > > > Project title > > > > 100-word abstract. > > > > Brief statement explaining how the project links to the Library’s Special Collections. > > > > Project description (max. 2 sides of A4). > > > > To quote the Leverhulme guidelines about the project description: > > > > “This should include aims, objectives, methodology and outcome (e.g. publication plans). It should enable the Committee and your referees to form an estimate of the scope and importance of your proposal. The methodology should be clear and explicit, comprehensible to a non-expert. Include any bibliographic references in full, including page numbers where relevant. This statement and the bibliographic references may not exceed two sides of A4. Please add your name at the top of the first page.” > > > > The John Rylands Research Institute aims to uncover, explore, unravel and reveal hidden ideas and knowledge contained within our world-leading Special Collections. We are creating an international community of scholars and researchers across many disciplines, to support research and to bring this information to the wider public in exciting and innovative ways. > > > > Our Special Collections have huge research potential across a wide range of disciplines. Manuscripts span 4,000 years and over fifty languages, from Gilgamesh to Gaskell. There are hundreds of archives, with particular strengths in modern literature, nonconformity, and British economic, social and political history. Rare books range from the peaks of European printing, such as Gutenberg and Caxton, and one of the world’s great collections of early Italian printing, to examples of street literature and counter-cultures. There are also collections of art and visual culture, including tens of thousands of photographs which date from the inception of photography to contemporary photographic books. In addition, we hold the largest collections of maps in the North West which offer an extensive range of topographic and thematic mapping for the UK, as well as wide-ranging coverage for the rest of the world. > > > > More information about the Special Collections and the John Rylands Research Institute can be found here: http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/jrri/. > > > > Note: The John Rylands Research Institute will sponsor up to a maximum of two applications. > >

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FW: Call for Papers, Joint Meeting of ESOCITE and 4S, Buenos Aires, August 20 – 23, 2014
by Thomas Haigh 22 Dec '13

22 Dec '13

The 2014 4S CFP below may well be of interest to the SIGCIS community. In the past I organized a number of SIGCIS panels for 4S meetings. I will probably not be able to attend this time, but anyone interested in organizing a panel on some aspect of IT history should feel free to use this list to find like-minded participants. 4S tends to get bigger and bigger every year, which may be connected to its traditional practice of accepting more or less everything. It’s a fun, lively, sometimes chaotic gathering. The good news is that this year there are no scheduling problems involved with attending both 4S and SHOT. Best wishes, Tom From: webmaster(a)4sonline.org [mailto:webmaster@4sonline.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:39 PM To: thaigh(a)computer.org Subject: Call for Papers, Joint Meeting of ESOCITE and 4S, Buenos Aires, August 20 – 23, 2014 English <> Español <> Portugués <> Joint Meeting Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estudios Sociales de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (ESOCITE) and Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) August 20 – 23, 2014 | Buenos Aires, Argentina Intercontinental Hotel Call for Submissions March 3, 2014: Deadline for Submissions of Individual Papers, Movies, and Session Proposals The 2014 ESOCITE/4S joint conference will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The general theme of the conference is “Science in context(s): Souths and Norths”, which refers to the opportunity for STS scholars to meet colleagues (and research traditions) from other parts of the world, giving rise to new dialogues and exchanges. Individual abstracts and proposals for sessions should emphasize how they will make original and timely contributions to any theme relevant to science and technology studies (STS). The Joint Meeting welcomes papers, session proposals, and events that are innovative in their delivery, organization, range of topics, and type of public, and which bring new resources to the STS community to explore these new relations and themes. Apart from traditional research papers, the Joint Meeting conference also welcomes proposals for sessions and papers using ‘new media’ or other forms of new presentation. This year, we plan to hold special sessions in which presentations are in the form of a movie or video. Movie and video submissions should be related to STS. At this stage, a brief description of the movie/video (up to 250 words) and length will suffice. Due to the ever-increasing number of submissions and the desire to be as inclusive as possible, each participant will be limited to only one paper presentation or movie and one other activity (such as session chair or discussant but not a second paper) for a maximum of two appearances. Individual submission abstracts should be up to 250 words. They should include the main arguments, methodology, and their contribution to the STS literature. Paper titles should not exceed 10 words. Please list five key words to assist the program chair to group individual papers into a session. You may choose to submit your abstract to an open panel where you would prefer your paper to be included, or you can leave panel selection to the program chairs. The call for open panels was issued on November 3rd and received enthusiastic responses from both the ESOCITE and 4S communities (around 100 panels have been accepted). View the full descriptions at http://www.4sonline.org/open_sessions. Session proposal abstracts should have a maximum of 250 words. Each session proposal should contain a summary and rationale, including a brief discussion of its contribution to STS. Session proposals should be designed to fit two-hour time slots. A typical session will contain six papers or five papers with a discussant. A minimum of three paper abstracts conforming to the above criteria for abstracts must be submitted for a proposed session. The program chairs may assign additional papers to proposed sessions to meet the typical session composition. Each presenter in the session must have a user account in the submission system that includes name, affiliation, and contact information. Session organizers can create user accounts on behalf of their authors, if necessary. Submission Process Submit paper/movie abstracts and session proposals now at http://convention2.allacademic.com/one/ssss/4s14/. Please note, the submission site uses a separate database from the 4S membership/registration systems. All presenters, including those included in session proposals, must have a user accounts with the submission system. Submitters can create accounts on behalf of their co-authors and session participants, if necessary. Anyone who has participated in a 4S meeting in the last six years should already have a user account. Please avoid creating duplicate accounts. Important Dates * December 18, 2013: Submission opens for individual papers, session proposals and movies/videos. * March 3, 2014: Deadline for submissions of individual papers, session proposals, and movies/videos. * April 1, 2014: Acceptance notification. * April 1 – May 1, 2014: Early registration. * May 12, 2014: Preliminary program posted. * July 1, 2014: All presenters must register to be included in the final program. For papers with more than one author, one presenter must register to be included in the final program. * July 21, 2014: Final program posted. Contact Info For information on conference and program practices, contact the Program Chairs, Pablo Kreimer and Leandro Rodriguez Medina < jointmeeting2014(a)yahoo.com> For technical assistance with the submission or registration process, contact the 4S Webmaster <mailto:webmaster@4sonline.org> . More information in Portuguese, Spanish and English can be found on the Joint Meeting home page: http://4sonline.org/meeting <https://webmail.unm.edu/Redirect/4sonline.org/meeting> Thi

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Computer Age in Hong Kong
by Bernardo Batiz-Lazo 22 Dec '13

22 Dec '13

Here is a book that could be of interest to some as the author was an IBM engineer for long time and was intimately involved in the computerisation of HSBC (thanks to Andrew Smith - University of Liverpool - for the heads up): O, Anthony (2013) “The Computer Age in Hong Kong”, Hong Kong: The Commercial Press You can order it directly from the Comercial Press (not the most friendly website but ultimately produces the goods): http://www.cp1897.com.hk/product_info.php?BookId=9789620728082&cl=english or through this book shop (which was recommended by a local): http://www.dymocks.com.hk/ Season’s greetings Bernardo (Bangor University - Wales)

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New blog and lecture on the Homebrew Computer Club
by Dag Spicer 17 Dec '13

17 Dec '13

Dear SIGCIS Friends, CHM is proud to announce a new blog today by CHM board chairman Len Shustek on the origins and impact of the Homebrew Computer Club. See: http://www.computerhistory.org/atchm/the-homebrew-computer-club-2013-reunio… The blog also contains an entertaining and insightful 1.5 hour video of the Homebrew Computer Club reunion held at the Computer History Museum on November 11, 2013, and featuring Len Shustek, Lee Felsenstein, Ted Nelson, Steve Wozniak, Bob Marsh and others. This video has many fascinating behind-the-scenes observations about this transformative period in computer history that won’t be found in any written document. Enjoy! Dag -- Dag Spicer Senior Curator Computer History Museum 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 650.810.1035 direct 650.810.1055 fax Follow Us: CHM Blog I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube

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SIAM Oral Histories collection now at CHM!
by Dag Spicer 17 Dec '13

17 Dec '13

Dear SIGCIS Friends, I’m delighted to report that by special arrangement a unique series of high-quality interviews of applied mathematicians and computer science pioneers now have a permanent home at the Computer History Museum. These were conducted by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), which, if you haven’t heard of them before, have, since 1951, been a clearinghouse (via conferences, journals and publications) for technical information on computing, mathematics and the applications thereof. As they say in their mission statement: “Applied mathematics, in partnership with computational science, is essential in solving many real-world problems. Our mission is to build cooperation between mathematics and the worlds of science and technology through our publications, research, and community.” SIAM also likes to point out that it’s acronym can also mean: "Science and Industry Advance with Mathematics”. The 36 interviews are available at this permanent URL: http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102746778 Series Description: The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) oral histories collection contains thirty-six transcripts of applied mathematics and computer science pioneers conducted by SIAM as part of grant number DE-FG02-01ER25547, awarded by the US Department of Energy. These oral histories cover the modern history of numerical analysis and scientific computing, dealing specifically with topics of numerical linear algebra, numerical methods for differential and integral equations, methods of approximation of functions, mathematical software packages, and the impact of these developments on science and technology. And, there’s a special SIGCIS connection: Our very own Tom Haigh conducted 20 of the interviews and they are excellent! Best wishes, Dag -- Dag Spicer Senior Curator Computer History Museum 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 650.810.1035 direct 650.810.1055 fax Follow Us: CHM Blog I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube

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2014-2015 Lemelson Center Fellowships - final call for applications
by Thomas Haigh 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Eric S. Hintz at the Lemelson Center has requested that this be forwarded to the list. There are many collections relevant to the history of IT at NMAH. Tom ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program and Travel to Collections Award Program support projects that present creative approaches to the study of invention and innovation in American society. These include, but are not limited to, historical research and documentation projects resulting in publications, exhibitions, educational initiatives, documentary films, or other multimedia products. The programs provide access to the expertise of the Institution's research staff and the vast invention and technology collections of the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The NMAH Archives Center documents both individuals and firms across a range of time periods and subject areas. Representative collections include the Western Union Telegraph Company Records, ca. 1840-1994 and the Earl S. Tupper Papers, documenting Tupper, and his invention, Tupperware. In addition, the NMAH Library offers long runs of historical technology serials like Scientific American and American Machinist, and the American Trade Literature collection, which includes 300,000 catalogs, technical manuals, and advertising brochures for some 30,000 firms, primarily from 1880-1945. For a comprehensive catalog of objects, manuscripts, images and research materials available at the NMAH (and other Smithsonian units), see http://www.collections.si.edu/. The Lemelson Center invites applications covering a broad spectrum of research topics that resonate with its mission to foster a greater understanding of invention and innovation, broadly defined. However, the Center especially encourages project proposals that will illuminate the role of women inventors; inventors with disabilities; inventors from diverse backgrounds; or any inventions and technologies associated with groups that are traditionally under-represented in the historical record. Pertinent NMAH collections include the papers of Victor L. Ochoa, a Mexican-American aeronautical inventor; the papers of Dr. Patricia Bath, an African-American inventor of a patented cataracts treatment; the Safko International papers, documenting assistive technologies built for the physically disabled; and the HIV/AIDS and LGBT Reference Collections, which document innovative public health programs and associated technologies. The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program annually awards 2 to 3 fellowships to pre-doctoral graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and other professionals who have completed advanced training. Fellows are expected to reside in the Washington, D.C. area, to participate in the Center's activities, and to make a presentation of their work to colleagues at the museum. Fellowship tenure is based upon the applicants' stated needs (and available funding) up to a maximum of ten weeks. Stipends for 2014-2015 will be $575/week for pre-doctoral fellows and $870/week for post-doctoral and professional fellows. Applications are due 15 January 2014. For application procedures and additional information, see http://invention.smithsonian.org/ resources/research_fellowships.aspx <http://invention.smithsonian.org/%20resources/research_fellowships.aspx> . Researchers are encouraged to consult with the fellowship coordinator before submitting a proposal - contact historian Eric S. Hintz, Ph.D. at +1 202-633-3734 or hintze(a)si.edu. The Lemelson Center Travel to Collections Award Program annually awards 2 to 3 short-term travel grants to encourage the use of its invention-related collections. Awards are $150 per day for a maximum of 10 business days and may be used to cover transportation, living, and reproduction expenses; they are intended only for applicants who reside or attend school beyond commuting distance of the NMAH. Applications are due 15 January 2014. See http://invention.smithsonian.org/resources/research_travel.aspx for application procedures and additional information. Researchers are encouraged to consult with the travel award coordinator before submitting a proposal - contact archivist Alison Oswald at +1 202-633-3726 or oswalda(a)si.edu. ====================== Eric S. Hintz, Ph.D. Historian, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation National Museum of American History Smithsonian Institution MRC 604, P. O. Box 37012 Washington, DC 20013-7012 PHONE: 202-633-3734 FAX: 202-633-4593 hintze(a)si.edu http://invention.smithsonian.org <http://invention.smithsonian.org/>

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HP programmable calculators: economy of programmed cards?
by Michael McGovern 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Hello all, I am an MPhil student at Cambridge in the HPS department working on our science museum’s calculator collection (the Francis Hookham Collection of Handheld Calculators) for a short essay. In working through the collection of calculators and associated ephemera, I have become very interested in HP’s programmable calculators, particularly the HP-65 and subsequent developments in which programs could be written stored on magnetic cards, sent to and ordered from a user library, and also purchased in packages from HP. Given the recent de-emphasis on computation as calculation, this is a fascinating instance in which calculation itself helped create a form of social organization; calculators were not about simply crunching numbers but sharing and writing programs. I was wondering if anyone on this list a) used these calculators and their magnetic cards or b) know of anyone who might be willing to discuss with me. I am trying to answer the following questions about the magnetic cards and these calculators: 1) How common were they to have? HPs were notoriously expensive and their being programmed in RPN may have led certain groups to turn to other companies like TI. I don’t know how much discussing RPN would figure into this account but I am interested in programming language entrenchment/preferences as well. 2) What was the incentive to enter programs into the HP user library? Was it financial? Did people code programs on spare cards and send them to each other? Was it enough to buy the various packs that HP marketed (Statistics, Flight, Medicine, etc.) or was this seen as facile/not trustworthy? 3) If you yourself worked with these HP calculators with magnetic card readers in the ‘70s and ‘80s, where were you working and to what extent was it desirable to shop for programs rather than simply writing them yourself? I am interested in how different calculators were used infrastructurally but also understand that it was often a source of personal satisfaction and intrigue, as can be seen in the case of Francis Hookham who collected so many calculators! Thanks so much for hearing me out and I hope to hear from some of you! Sincerely, Mikey McGovern

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new commission History and Philosophy of Computing
by Liesbeth De Mol 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Dear all, as some of you already know a new commission for the History and Philosophy of Computing has been created by the Division for the History of Science and Technology. For more information on HaPoC please do have a look at our new website: www.hapoc.org We are convinced that this website should really be the dynamic result of the HaPoC community and, for this purpose, anyone interested to contribute to the website can create an account at the website. This account will allow you to post new publications, events, comments etc. You can create an account here: http://www.hapoc.org/user/register Membership to the new commission is free. If you are interested in HaPoC-related topics, please feel free to become a member by filling out the following form: http://www.hapoc.org/membership If you would have any more questions, suggestions, ideas, etc please do not hesitate to contact us at hapoc(a)info.org, my very best wishes, on behalf of the HaPoC council, Liesbeth and Giuseppe.

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CBI's archivist on "Social Issues in Computing" collection
by Thomas J. Misa 05 Dec '13

05 Dec '13

Title: The Future of the History of Computing Authors: Nelsen, R. Arvid Issue Date: Dec-2013 Abstract: The history of information technology is not the history of how wires got into boxes. Technological developments are intertwined in the social fabric, and their story includes the direct experience of individuals and the impacts felt by communities. Computers were once thought to be relevant only to specialists, but people today are more aware of the reach of computers into their lives. Similarly, the history of computing has traditionally been the focus of specialists in technology, but a greater variety of scholarly researchers is now studying archival collections about computing. The Social Issues in Computing Collection at the University of Minnesota’s Charles Babbage Institute seeks to collect a wider array of perspectives on the industry and even to change the way people think about computing and archives. Permanent URL: http://purl.umn.edu/161215 Appears in Collections: Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays (JOIE)

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UW-Milwaukee iSchool Dean job
by Thomas Haigh 02 Dec '13

02 Dec '13

Now that you all know what an iSchool is, perhaps one of you would like to try running one? See below. My school has finally posted its new call for a Dean. Tom University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Dean of the School of Information Studies The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Information Studies (SOIS). For the full position profile and desired qualifications, please visit: http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/news_events/sois-dean/sois-dean-search.cfm. UWM is one of two doctoral-granting institutions in the University of Wisconsin System and offers 188 degree programs including 94 undergraduate degrees, 59 master's degrees, 1 specialist program and 34 doctoral programs, through 14 schools and colleges. The 93-acre main campus, just blocks from Lake Michigan, is located in a residential neighborhood on Milwaukee's east side, offering faculty, staff, and students a wide range of cultural, athletic, and entertainment opportunities. The nationally ranked School of Information Studies offers a Bachelor Degree program in Information Science & Technology, programs leading to a Master Degree in Library and Information Science, a Doctorate in Information Studies, and two certificates in advanced study. The School has a strong research faculty, approximately 950 students, and state-of-the-art informational technology laboratories. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate in library and information science or a related discipline, demonstrated leadership and proven administrative experience, and an academic record appropriate for appointment as a Full Professor with tenure in the School. Preference will be given to candidates who also possess experience in managing and developing traditional and emerging education programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and a history of success in budget and personnel management within an educational institution. For the full position profile and desired qualifications, please visit: http://www4.uwm.edu/secu/news_events/sois-dean/sois-dean-search.cfm. The Committee will accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Initial screening of applications will begin February 1, 2014 and continue until an appointment is made. Applications received after January 31, 2014 may not receive consideration. Nominations should include nominee's name, position, and telephone number. Application materials should include a cover letter, a complete resume, and contact information for at least five references. Correspondents are advised to submit materials by e-mail utilizing attachments. Chuck Bunting and Lesley Boyd, with Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, are providing support for this search. Please send all inquiries, nominations and applications to: uwmsois(a)storbeckpimentel.com. In accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law, requests for confidentiality by nominees and applicants will be honored, if so requested, except that names and titles of the finalists must be disclosed. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer For more information about the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, please visit the web site at: http://www4.uwm.edu.

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