USA Libraries September 2023 Newsletter

University Libraries Newsletter

September 2023

Welcome to Leesha Coleman -

Assessment and Collections Librarian!

The Biomedical Library is happy to announce Leesha Coleman will join their team as Assistant Librarian, Assessment & Collections effective October 1, 2023. Ms. Coleman comes to us after serving as a Library Assistant at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia campus in metro Atlanta. She previously served in positions with the Gwinnett County (Georgia) Public Library and the West Florida Public Libraries, based in Pensacola. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Valdosta State University and a BA in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Psychology, from the University of South Alabama. On a personal note, Leesha enjoys baking, going to anime conventions, and cosplaying. She is also a semi-retired K-pop fan. Her favorite genre of book is YA fairytale retellings. Welcome to USA Libraries, Leesha!

Traveling Exhibit at the Biomedical Library - Life and Limb: The Toll of the American Civil War

The Biomedical Library is hosting a traveling exhibit from the National Library of Medicine titled “Life and Limb: The Toll of the American Civil War.” This exhibit explores the experiences of disabled veterans and their role as symbols of the fractured nation. It will be on display in the lobby of the Biomedical Library from September 25^th – November 4^th. Artifacts from the Mobile Medical Museum will also be on display.

Some programs planned in conjunction with the exhibit:

Tuesday, October 3^rd at 1:30 pm – A panel presentation with Dr. Jess Mullens, Orthopedic Surgeon with USA Health, and Dr. Henry McKiven, USA Associate Professor of History. The panel will be held on the 3^rd floor of the Biomedical Library with a reception to follow.

Thursday, October 26^th at 1 pm An online book discussion with Dr. Brian Miller about his book “Empty Sleeves: Amputation in the Civil War South.”

Empty Sleeves is available as an eBook through USA Libraries (for USA community members). Two print copies are also available for check-out at the Biomedical Library Circulation desk.

More information about the exhibit is available here: https://libguides.southalabama.edu/lifeandlimb

National Community Health Workers Week

(Pictured: Gail Kouame, Director of the Biomedical Library, with Community Health Workers Karla McCants and Danette Jolly)

The Biomedical Library collaborated with USA’s Center for Healthy Communities to recognize National Community Health Workers Week which took place August 28 – September 1. The Center for Healthy Communities is leading a pilot project at USA Health’s Stanton Road Clinic where they are integrating Community Health Workers into the outpatient clinical care setting. A poster about the project was recently presented at the National Association of Community Health Workers Unity Conference in Austin, TX. The poster was displayed at the Biomedical Library during National Community Health Workers Week and on Thursday, August 31^st two Community Health Workers, Karla McCants and Danette Jolly, were on hand to talk with people about their work.

University Libraries Publications & Staff Updates

Jia He - Jia He, Cataloging/Electronic Resources Librarian and liaison Librarian for International Students, participated in the Fall 2023 International Student Orientation and welcome reception at the Marx Library. During this occasion, Jia actively collaborated with Global USA, effectively engaging with a cohort of over 80 newly arrived international students. Her primary objective during the event was to acquaint these students with the library resources and services available at the USA Libraries. In pursuit of this goal, she held a library tour, distributed informative library handouts, and provided her business cards to the attendees. It is noteworthy that this event was graced by the presence of University President Jo Bonner and Provost Andi Kent, further underscoring the institutional commitment to welcoming and supporting international students.

USA Libraries Exhibits & Events

September/October 2023

Science Matters: New Exhibit in the ArtSpace@BioMed

The Biomedical Library is pleased to host a new exhibit in the ArtSpace@BioMed gallery on the 3rd floor of the library. The exhibit, titled "Science Matters," is composed of fiber and textile art pieces created by members of the Azalea City Quilters Guild in Mobile and the Studio 222 fiber arts gallery in Auburn. From colorful beetles to images of space, the collection is delightful for viewing. The exhibit will be on display throughout September and October. All are welcome to visit the ArtSpace@BioMed to view it during the library's open hours. For information, contact Gail Kouame, Director of the Biomedical Library at gmkouame@southalabama.edu.