Library Columns: The Latest News from University Libraries

A MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL CRUMPTON, INTERIM DEAN

The end of the spring term has arrived. Over the last several weeks, each of us in University Libraries has worked even longer and harder to accomplish all that we set out to do at the beginning of the year. Like many of you, I began with some ambitious agenda items, such as working collaboratively for the success of our students and faculty, engaging library departments to make enhancements to teaching and learning, as well as addressing the needs of our larger community and ensuring accessibility of our programs and services virtually.

As you may know, my appointment as Interim Dean was effective February 1, and my goals include forming a short-term strategy of pulling everyone together cohesively; a mid-term approach of refreshing our mission and value statements in preparation of new initiatives on campus; and a long-term plan of determining and further developing our strengths to move the organization forward in achieving our strategic directions in the years ahead.

Throughout my time with University Libraries, my relationships with professional organizations like the North Carolina Library Association (NCLA) and academic departments, such as Library and Information Science in the School of Education have been beneficial to our success. These collaborations are very important to me, and I’ve enjoyed teaching in the library school for many years now. Academic libraries provide an important role to the overall success of student learning and faculty research, but it is a changing platform that requires ongoing assessment and intuition to succeed.

Even in the midst of our current challenges, this month in Library Columns , we share with you hope-filled news about our initiatives, programs, faculty, staff and students. As we celebrate the Class of 2020 this week, we are proud of these students, who are able to think critically, analyze thoroughly, and communicate effectively to serve any ambition they choose to pursue. And, I find myself ending the year inspired and energized. I hope you will be too.

HOW UNCG HANDLED THE 1918 FLU PANDEMIC

Sophmore Abigail Knight and Faculty Mentor Erin Lawrimore, Associate Professor and University Archivist

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic our campus has faced. In early 1918, influenza made its way to North Carolina and hit what was then called State Normal and Industrial College. Of the 1,164 students enrolled for the 1918-1919 academic year, about 200 students contracted the flu. Remarkably, no students died. READ MORE .

Story by Alexandra McQueen, University Communications

Image courtesy of Martin W. Kane, University Communications

WHAT CAN ARTISTS TEACH US ABOUT RANGE?

In Range , David Epstein reports that modern workplaces expect employees that can think creatively, transform past methods and make connections across disciplines. While the pursuit of creativity is now a wildly popular theme of professional development books and conferences, artists throughout history have know the power of diverse experiences. Join us on May 19 at 11 a.m. via Zoom for our second video discussion around our newest book, Range , moderated by a UNCG librarian. UNCG's Alumni & Friends Virtual Book Club is co-sponsored by the Alumni Association , the Bryan School of Business and Economics and University Libraries . For more information about the book club, questions you may have or to RSVP, contact Nakia Hoskins, community engagement associate, at nakia.hoskins@uncg.edu .

FACULTY AND STAFF RETIREMENTS

Associate Dean for Public Services Kathryn (Kathy) M. Crowe retired in December 2019 after a 36-year career in librarianship. Crowe began her tenure with UNC Grensboro in 1983 as a reference librarian and bibliographic instruction coordinator. She wore many hats during her time at UNCG and was at the forefront of many monumental changes. Crowe was responsible for the development, delivery, marketing and assessment of public services. "Kathy is the reason the DMC has been so successful,” said one colleague. Her passion for librarianship and student success has always been evident in her work. "Her heart belongs to University Libraries and especially Jackson Library,” said another colleague. Crowe received her master of arts degree in history from the University of Georgia, her master of library science degree from Indiana University and a bachelor of arts degree in history from Randolph-Macon College.

Story by Holly C. Shields, University Libraries

Image courtesy of David Crowe

Evening Manager John Picard retired in December 2019 after a 30-year career with UNC Greensboro. He joined University Libraries in 1989 in the Cataloging Department where he successfully managed and implemented many changes including oversight of the Faculty Research Room and the Nursing Mothers Room. Picard received his masters of fine arts from UNCG and has published fiction and nonfiction in many publications. Additionally, his collection of stories, Little Lives , was published by Main Street Rag . During his time in Jackson Library, Picard enjoyed working with students, and was an excellent listener, mentor and friend. His passions include writing, traveling, cooking, movies and University Libraries!

Story by Holly C. Shields, University Libraries

Image courtesy of John Picard

GIVE TO THE TEACHING AND LEARNING FUND

Now, more than ever, the world is seeing how flexible educators have to be, going from classroom instruction to living room lessons. While University Libraries has been open virtually to assist educators as they adjust to the changing need of their students, it has also provided new opportunities for research and learning. This new normal has allowed students to complete their studies this semester successfully. At the University Libraries, the Teaching and Learning Fund helps provide these tools and more. Become a partner to educators everywhere as we #StaySafe and #StayHome . You can help today by giving to the University Libraries Teaching and Learning Fund .

Story by Nakia Hoskins, University Libraries

Photograph courtesy of University Libraries

DIGITIZING HISTORY

The Digital Library on American Slavery (DLAS) is an expanding resource compiling various independent online collections focused upon race and slavery in the American South, made searchable through a single, simple interface. Although the current focus of DLAS is sources associated with North Carolina, there is considerable data contained that relates to all 15 slave states and Washington, D.C., including detailed personal information about slaves, slaveholders and free people of color. There are multiple projects within the DLAS, including People Not Property (the slave deeds project) which is a collaborative endeavor funded by the National Archives . The slave ads project received grant funding from a Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) grant administered by the State Library of North Carolina .

Pride! of the Community

is an ongoing project documenting LGBTQ+ history in the Triad region of North Carolina. The project will continue to host scanning events in Greensboro, as well as other Triad communities, to invite citizens to bring in their materials that document LGBTQ+ social life, history, activism, organizations and businesses. After the materials are scanned and made available online for others to see and use, individuals can receive a copy of the digital files. PRIDE! of the Community is made possible through a Common Heritage Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities .

Well Crafted NC p romotes North Carolina craft breweries and their history to a broad community. It has helped locals recognize and appreciate that current breweries are part of a long history of brewing across the state. The project also brings people into the area to celebrate history and beer, while also encouraging them to drop by their local breweries during their visit. There have been a variety of internal funding sources for this project including the current Community-Engaged Pathways and Partnerships (P2) grant from the UNCG Institute for Community & Economic Engagement and the Office of Research and Engagement . The project is also partnering with the Bryan School of Business and Economics and several community organizations on this grant. Faculty and staff in involved with these projects are listed below:

Digital Library on American Slavery: Richard Cox, David Gwynn, Dr. Claire Heckel and Dr. Brian Robinson
Pride! of the Community: David Gwynn and Stacey Krim
Well Crafted NC: Richard Cox, David Gwynn, and Erin Lawrimore

Story by Holly C. Shields, University Libraries

Images Courtesy of David Gwynn

COMFORT LITERATURE FOR SPARTANS

My comfort literature is about space and the amazing point of view afforded from seeing the earth from above. One of my favorites is this collection by Scott Kelly who has broken endurance records, demonstrated incredible leadership and shares his knowledge and perspective with the world. I also have his book Endurance , which chronicles his experiences and note they are both signed, one of my hobbies!!!

— Mike Crumpton, Interim Dean, University Libraries

I've had this beautifully illustrated version of The Hobbit since I was a wee one, and have read it cover to cover countless times. Nothing takes me away to a familiar and wonderful fantasy land like Tolkien.

— Leah Eichhorn, Biology Student, UNC Greensboro

LIBRARY FACULTY RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARDS

Steven (Steve) Cramer, business librarian, associate professor and Coleman Fellow for Entrepreneurship Education for University Libraries has been awarded the 2020 BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) division of the American Library Association (ALA).