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Stories

January Update

December 29, 2021

Happy New Year, Huskies!

We are happy to welcome our UW Community back from break! At this time, the Libraries plans to proceed with planned, expanded  hours for winter quarter as noted below and on our website; however, these plans are subject to change pending the evolving public health status, new protocols and/or staff availability.

Rescheduled: Our first Wednesday concert series for January (in Allen Library lobby) has been rescheduled to Wednesday,  January 19th. See calendar for information.

Services  

  • New hours for winter quarter!  Libraries will expand hours nights and weekends for some libraries. Check out the new hours.
  • Libraries help is available online anytime/anywhere! Whether you are on or off campus, #YourUWLibrary can answer your questions and offer help with research, writing, digital scholarship, publishing and more. Learn more. 
  • Special Collections Virtual Reading Room: Can’t make it to campus to view materials in Special Collections? Check out the popular virtual reading room! Learn more.
  • Stay informed: The best source for Libraries status and operational changes is Libraries Operations Update Page.

News and Stories

Community Reads Winter Quarter

Community Reads fall quarter gallery shares participant reflections on the themes of self-care, breath, and reflection. See also “Exhibits” below.

Community Reads is an annual program designed to build community and connection through collective group reading and reflecting experiences.  The program is hosted by UW Bothell/Cascadia College Library, and is open to all. Participants can join anytime.  This year’s chosen book is Undrowned by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, a collection of meditations inspired by marine mammals, to seek ways we can all breathe easier, individually and together. Each quarter focuses on different categories of the theme wellbeing, guided by different meditations from within the book resulting in a collective online community art piece showcasing art, poetry and other expressions on the theme. Winter quarter’s theme is community care and support. Join Community Reads/ Learn more.

Our 2021-2022 programming is meant to support reflection, process, and well-being through activities guided by the reading. Instead of gathering in person, we hope to build community through sharing creations born of a common reading experience.

Denae Ford Robinson

Faculty Feature: Denae Ford Robinson

Denae Ford Robinson is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) and Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research. Learn more about her research and building connections with the UW community.

New Accessibility Toolkits at UW Libraries

The University of Washington Libraries Accessibility Working Group is pleased to share that new accessibility tools are now available to improve equity of access to library resources and services for users with disabilities. Learn more.

Featured Resources, Collections

Hidden Gems (surprising and amazing Libraries resources and collections): Underground and Independent Comics 

Underground and Independent Comics brought to you by UW Libraries offers thousands of comics—many extremely rare and hard to find—in one, easy-to-use online collection. Search over 200,000 pages of original material with accompanying interviews, commentary, criticism, and other supporting materials. View major works from North America and Europe, beginning with the first underground comix from the 1950s and continuing through to modern sequential artists.

Updated 2022 Guidance and FAQs for Faculty and Students

The UW Libraries Student FAQ and Faculty Guidance provide a comprehensive overview of new and existing Libraries services and resources that are especially helpful for new Huskies.

Workshops and Events

Winter Welcome!

Whether this is your first quarter at UW, or you just want to learn more about the Libraries, we’ve got you covered with these events and resources designed specifically for first year students, including transfer students.

Events

Recurring Workshops  

Exhibits

 

Inspired by the chapter “breathe” in Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ book, Undrowned. Created and submitted by Ellen Allen through the Community Reads fall quarter reflections.

Digital Gallery – Wellbeing, A Community Reflection: – Community Reads fall quarter gallery showcases beautiful, inspiring and emotional artwork, poetry and expressions on the fall quarter themes self-care, breath, and reflection based on this year’s book:  Undrowned by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, a collection of meditations inspired by marine mammals, to seek ways we can all breathe easier, individually and together. View the gallery, and learn more about Community Reads.

photo of climate protestors
an image from the Climate Justice Exhibit in Allen Library

New Exhibit: Climate Justice for All — on view in the Allen Library North Lobby through January 31st, this new exhibit explores the effects of climate change on disadvantaged populations and communities of color and highlights solutions through an equity lens. 

And Then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present was sown from The Dead Feminists series, a collaboration between local artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring in the form of a collection of 31 broadsides elevating voices of women throughout history. Viewing is currently by appointment only. Use our Contact Us form to schedule a visit! Learn more. 

The Pacific Northwest in the ‘70s Groove through the ‘70s in this exhibit of photos, ephemera, and publications from the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. Each quarter will feature different aspects of the pivotal decade that brought the end of the postwar economic boom, an increase in social progressive values, greater political awareness and expanding liberties for women. Learn more.

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Stories

UW Libraries Winter Welcome! 

December 27, 2021
Did you know? The Reading Room in Suzzallo Library is often listed as one of the world’s most beautiful library spaces.

Welcome to winter quarter Huskies! UW Libraries is so excited to encourage new and returning students to learn how we can help you succeed at UW.  If this is your first quarter at UW, or you just want to learn more about the Libraries, we’ve got you covered with these events and resources listed below. Events are held in partnership with UW First-Year Programs’ Winter Welcome and are also listed on the main UW Libraries calendar.  To get the latest announcements about Libraries’ hours, workshops, news, and more, be sure to follow us on social media, and/or subscribe to our blog (see sign-up to the right).

Journey Through the UW Libraries: Self-Guided Tour (Hybrid) + gift card drawing! — January 3- January 22

Explore UW Libraries’ spaces, services, and resources via this virtual or in-person self-guided tour. Visit popular UW Libraries including Odegaard Undergraduate Library and Suzzallo & Allen Libraries and learn about library resources and services available to UW students. Complete the tour and enter yourself into a drawing for a $20 e-gift card.

Transfer Students: Welcome to UW Libraries (Online via Zoom)– Wednesday, January 12, 4:30-5:30 PM PST

Attend our virtual library orientation specifically aimed at transfer students to find out how the UW Libraries can help you succeed at UW. We’ll show you how to connect online, find course materials, start your research, and more! In addition, you’ll have a chance to meet other students and ask any questions you might have. Student attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $20 e-gift card.

Top Ten Things I Wish I Knew My First Year

This is a great blog post to bookmark and return to when you are starting a new research and writing assignment.  Save yourself some time (and stress) by getting to know these super helpful tips and resources!

UW Libraries Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ, updated quarterly,  provides a quick summary of answers to common student questions about the Libraries, access to resources and current guidance on operations (hours, safety protocols, etc.), course reserves, and more.

Stories

Celebrating a Win for Equity!

December 21, 2021

The University of Washington Libraries Accessibility Working Group is pleased to share that accessibility tools are now available to improve equity of access to library resources and services for users with disabilities. Many thanks to the Friends of the Libraries for making this possible with their generous contribution!

Fourteen libraries now have an accessibility toolkit with valuable resources for on-site use, including:

LapboardsImage of a lapboard

Lapboards can be placed on the lap or across the arms of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Lapboards effectively provide a desktop space for a mouse and keyboard (or laptop) while improving reach and comfort for individuals with whom using a standard desk is impractical.

Large-type, high contrast keyboardsImage of a large print keyboard

The large-type, high-contrast keyboards assist individuals with low vision by reducing eye strain while making their time more productive and enjoyable. These keyboards make typing easier for those lacking fine motor skills by eliminating multi-function key necessity and larger key size. Currently, there are only 5 available keyboards at select locations. However, due to a generous donation from a few individual board members keyboards will be available in all the toolkits in early 2022.

Image of a pocket hearing loop

Pocket-hearing loop

Individuals who use hearing aids or telecoil-equipped cochlear implants may struggle with noise, feedback, or speech comprehension. Pocket loops are like a “headset”, and any device that can be used with a headset may be used with this device to assist in improving one-on-one communications. Each kit contains one pocket hearing loop to help facilitate communication in the library.

Image of a magnifying bar

Wide 2x magnifier bars 

These magnifiers can be used to scan over pages of writing and enhance the size of text to help reduce eye strain caused by small print.

Trackball miceImage of Trackball Mice 

Trackball mice are highly useful tools to help those with dexterity and fine motor skill impairments, including carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. This mouse allows people to use differing or less muscles in their hands and wrists.

Disposable noise-reduction earplugs  Image of disposable earplugs

Disposable earplugs are useful for those with cognitive or learning disabilities. Earplugs allow for more focused concentration in spaces with additional noise.

These items were selected after consulting with both the UW Disability Resources for Students office and the Seattle Public Library, to identify which pieces of equipment would provide the best options for library users. Having the opportunity to place accessibility toolkits in these locations improves the quality of the student, faculty, staff, and visitor learning experience across the Libraries — no matter where they choose to work, resources will be available.

Further details are available on the Accessibility at the Libraries: Technology webpage. Please also feel free to bookmark that webpage to stay up to date with the Accessibility Working Group’s news and initiatives to improve equity of access to information, services, and resources.

Stories

Faculty Feature: Denae Ford Robinson

December 15, 2021
Denae Ford Robinson

Denae Ford Robinson is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) and Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research. Her research focuses on cognitive and social barriers to participation in online socio-technical ecosystems. She is best known for her research on just-in-time mentorship as a mode to empower welcoming engagement in collaborative Q&A for online programming communities including open-source software and work to empower marginalized software developers in online communities. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and has been a member of the UW community since 2019.

What is a socio-technical ecosystem and what are some of the ways your work addresses barriers to participation in these ecosystems?

​​The term socio-technical ecosystem is a system where both social and technical communication become essential to professional work. This term has been adapted to “ecosystem” from “system” as the sustainability of the community relies on reinforcement of consistent social and technical dialogue from members. What makes these communities an ecosystem is the many types of members, how their actions can impact each other, and how they develop niches. These factors also present four fundamental problems of socio-technical ecosystems: architecture, business opportunities, coordination, and governance. In my work I tackle the issues of architecture and governance to increase participation in online programming communities.

My work addresses barriers by understanding the status of community member participation, diving deep into what approaches some are taking to overcome those challenges, and finally using what I learned helps some to determine what can be built as embedded interventions.

How did you first become interested in this area of study?

I first became interested in this area from my early research as an undergraduate understanding how people learned to code. At the time my research mentor was using multimodal interactions to measure how novices to software development were getting stuck with new programming concepts and overcoming them. This work launched my interest into how people not only learn to code but how they overcome barriers to continue their journey into software development with a community of others. These interests launched me into my PhD in Computer Science program at North Carolina State University and later my graduate minor in Cognitive Science where I investigated how the dynamics of communities of practice can be used as support networks for software developers and other knowledge workers..

What do you hope to achieve through your research/teaching?

My goals are to continue executing and contributing to research that supports the next generation of software developers. While at UW, I am focused on deepening interactions with my HCDE department and building meaningful connections with students.

What is one “little known” fact or interesting aspect of your work that you think people may find surprising or unexpected?

A little known fact that people may not know about me is that I am fascinated by the final frontier of the human mind. More specifically, I am interested in how cognition impacts how software developers work. I was so interested that I made it my mission to pursue a Graduate Minor in Cognitive Science back in my PhD. Although I have not been able to investigate research questions in this area lately, I have a plethora of research questions unpacking how people share their technical knowledge (which can include sharing how they wrote code or came to a technical decision) by measuring brain activity. 

What are some examples of your research/ what aspects of your work are you most excited about right now?

A  project that I have previously kept close to my chest is the project centered around how Black (and ally) technologists have been building tools to support the Black Lived Experience. This fits into a broader theme of my work of supporting the Next Generation of Software Developers—which includes developers who have a keen interest in using their technical skills to support a greater good.

This project presents an opportunity to support and highlight the Black software developers and technologists doing amazing work to create, curate, or build for the Black community—despite the fact that it is not their job to build these systems. I talked a bit about this critical perspective in the ACM Interactions article on Designing for the Black Experience.

More on the Tech 4 Black Lives project can be found here: https://go.gmu.edu/Tech4BlackLives 

How does the UW Community support your work/research? What has been most helpful?

The UW community has been supportive of my research by being a helpful community of collaborators. I have found that giving lectures in my colleagues’ courses, participating in research meetings, and pitching research ideas has been helpful in executing my research agenda and identifying collaborators.

How do the UW Libraries support your research?

Visibility of research, even in its early stages, can be valuable for gaining collaborators and also putting yourself out there.  By highlighting my research in this interview and other’s work across disciplines, the Libraries is helping to increase visibility of our research. The Libraries also conducts its own research (i.e. Library Impact Research Report: Understanding and Communicating Research Impact: The Needs of STEM and Health Sciences Faculty and Postdoctoral Researchers) and programs specifically focused on helping researchers increase visibility of their work including Libraries Research Data Services, Open Scholarship Commons with tools and training to support researchers at all stages of the research cycle, especially helpful to those who are early on in their research.   

What advice would you give to new faculty coming to campus for the first time this fall?

I would recommend that they do their best to step outside of their comfort zone! You are beginning a new chapter of your career at a stellar institution. You are now surrounded by world-renowned experts (including yourself) so don’t be afraid to collaborate and lean on their expertise.

This new chapter also presents a new opportunity to challenge yourself–so why not take a leap into a new direction you have always been curious about. After all, what do you have to lose?

Representation matters.

Students, faculty, staff and community members from diverse backgrounds thrive when we create and maintain inclusive research, learning and working environments. As part of our strategic commitments, UW Libraries seeks to elevate the voices of historically underrepresented communities at UW and in the Pacific Northwest by partnering to create, preserve and increase access to culturally-relevant information resources.

If you would like to submit/suggest ideas for a future spotlights highlighting the work of Black students and faculty, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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Stories

December Update

December 1, 2021

Don’t miss out on important Library news and updates: Get the UW Libraries monthly news directly to your inbox– Sign up for our blog.>>>

Finals are just around the corner – be sure to check out UW Libraries Top Ten Tips for Finals Week and read our latest services updates below for new finals week hours and winter break operations. 

Services  

  • New hours for winter quarter! Libraries will expand hours nights and weekends for some libraries. Check out the new hours.
  • Expanded Hours For Finals Prep: We are pleased to announce Odegaard Undergraduate Library and Individual Study @ the Research Commons in Allen Library will offer extended hours for UW users for the last week of autumn quarter and the final exam period December 6-17th. Learn more
  • Winter Break: All Libraries buildings will be closed during the winter break period of Saturday, December 18, 2021 – Sunday, January 2, 2022.  Library users will continue to have 24/7 access to many online resources, including our Ask Us Service, our research databases, e-books, and other specialized online collections. Be sure to check out materials you may want before the break!  Learn more.
  • Stay informed: The best source for Libraries status and operational changes is Libraries Operations Update Page.

News and Stories

book cover of Northwest Coast Art10 Publications From The Past Decade That Best Represent UW Press-The story of UW Press’s evolution can be seen through these ten books published in the last ten years.  PLUS- get 30% off these and all UW Press books online through the UW Press Holiday Sale now through January 2nd! Learn more.

 

 

photo of climate protestors

New Exhibit: Climate Justice for All — on view in the Allen Library North Lobby, this new exhibit explores the effects of climate change on disadvantaged populations and communities of color and highlights solutions through an equity lens. Visit the exhibit, and don’t miss the corresponding virtual panel discussion Coping With Climate Grief: A Panel Discussion on Eco-Anxiety.

McKinstry Fellows Making a Difference — In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Jill and Joseph McKinstry Libraries Endowed Fellowship befitting MLIS graduate students, past recipients came together to share insights on their careers and impact in the communities they work with. Learn more. 

Who is #YourUWLibrary superhero? Please consider nominating a Librarian for the annual Distinguished Librarian Award.  Learn more. 

Featured Resources, Collections

What is a data management plan (DMP), why is it important, and how do I make one? This new blog explains why more funding agencies are requiring DMPs, and how UW Libraries can provide you with tools and resources to create them. Read the blog.

Birds of the World –  brought to you by UW Libraries: Calling all birders! Birds of the World brings together scholarly research, eBird observations, and multimedia to provide comprehensive life histories of birds. Read detailed accounts, view color photos,  range and distribution maps, watch videos and listen to bird song recordings for over 10,000 species of birds.  View the resource.

Workshops and Events

Community Events

 Thursday, December 2nd: Coping With Climate Grief: A Panel Discussion on Eco-Anxiety. The climate crisis impacts the mental health of all of us, but it affects youth, the under-resourced, and communities of color most acutely. Join our panel of UW faculty and students as they discuss climate grief and eco-anxiety and explore ways to cope with climate chaos.

Study Break Wednesdays: Upcycling Origami! Take a break from your day to try some origami! If you have a few minutes, a cell phone, and want to put our upcycled maps to good use, swing through the ground floor (G) of Suzzallo and let the fun unFold! Learn more.

Monday, December 6, 2021, 1 p.m. – 2p.m. Medical Data Science Seminar Join UW Libraries for a seminar on medical data science with Dr. Russ van Gelder, Director of UW Medicine Eye Institute, and Dr. Aaron Lee, Assistant Professor at the UW Department of Ophthalmology. Learn more.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. UW Theses and Dissertations For many students, the thesis or dissertation represents one of their first forays into publicly disseminating the products of their scholarship. This webinar will give an overview of the copyright and publishing issues students should consider, and demonstrate how their decisions are reflected in the ETDAdministrator system. It will offer the opportunity for students to think through their options for how and when to share their work, and to ask questions about the process. Learn more.

Sunday, December 12, 2021, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Readings from the Heart of Europe: Breda Smolnikar’s Birches Possibly the most breathtaking book you’ll read this year, Breda Smolnikar’s novelette When the Birches Leaf Out Up There (first published in Slovenian in 1998) precipitated a series of lawsuits that ultimately led to a finding by the Slovenian Constitutional Court ensuring freedom of creative expression. Register for the Zoom discussion now to obtain a free copy of the English translation by December 10th! Learn more.

Recurring Workshops  

Save the Date

Save the date for the next  “First Wednesday” concert on January 5th in Allen Library North Lobby showcasing the many talents of UW School of Music students!   Check out this  previous performance from UW Choral groups!  

Missed it?

Promotional poster for the exhibit And then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present featuring select broadsides by artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring.
political cartoons of 2020
One panel of Pen & Ink Politics: Polarization and the Pandemic now on display

And Then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present was sown from The Dead Feminists series, a collaboration between local artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring in the form of a collection of 31 broadsides elevating voices of women throughout history. Viewing is currently by appointment only. Use our Contact Us form to schedule a visit! Learn more. 

Pen & Ink Politics: Polarization and the Pandemic. This exhibit of editorial cartoons illustrates the different perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Presidential Election. Featuring the work of cartoonists from around the country and the world, its purpose is to emphasize the intensity of the discourse on these issues while providing and forum for open discussion. Take a moment to leave your mark, sharing your reactions to the exhibit and the events of 2020.  Sponsored by and located in Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers, University Libraries on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library.

 

Stories

What is a data management plan, why is it important, and how do I make one?

November 23, 2021

Last year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it would be instituting a new Data Management and Sharing Policy, effective 2023. The new policy establishes the requirement that research projects funded by the NIH must submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan. This announcement follows a wider trend of many other funding agencies requiring these plans. 

Why are funding agencies requiring Data Management Plans?

Data Management Plans, or DMPs, are documents that describe how data will be collected, stored, analyzed, preserved, and shared throughout the research process. By establishing a DMP, funding agencies and other researchers can conveniently review a research team’s methods for data collection and analysis. A DMP also ensures that the researchers on a team know the scope of their responsibilities, exactly where to store and locate their data, and how they will be preserving and sharing their data for future use. Sharing research data allows researchers to review, reuse, combine, and expand upon previous research; it also allows funding agencies to conserve resources and cut down on unnecessary data duplication. Beyond benefits to the greater community, sharing data is also associated with greater citation rates for the researcher (Piwowar, Day, and Fridsma, 2007). 

How can the UW Libraries help you with a DMP?

UW Libraries has staff and tools available to help researchers create DMPs, either for the first time, or by creating a template to be reused. DMPTool is a web-based service that allows researchers to easily create Data Management Plans from a series of convenient templates, or to create their own with the help of example plans and helpful resources. Since the University of Washington is affiliated with DMPTool, UW students, staff, and faculty can easily create an account by signing up with their UW NetID. Once signed in, users can also see plans created by other UW creators. 

screen grab of the dashboard software
Image: A selection from the “Write Plan” tab of DMPTool. “Selection and Preservation” has been selected, which provides the user with a field to add text. To the right, resources for guidance and the comments tab are visible.

When creating a new plan, DMPTool takes you step-by-step through the necessary components of a solid Data Management Plan. Each section of the plan includes helpful prompts and additional information to inform your writing from the Digital Curation Centre, the DMPTool help pages, and sources from your affiliated institution. You can even link your plan to your Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID), another important tool for researchers.

For more information on creating your own Data Management Plan, using DMPTool, or any other area of the data management process, contact the Scholarly Communication and Publishing (SCP) Team at [email protected]. The SCP Team is dedicated to supporting researchers and increasing open access to scholarly materials through a suite of services, including open access publishing, author’s rights, data management, digital preservation, and much more.

You can learn more about Scholarly Communication and Publishing on their LibGuide, or contact them directly using [email protected]. 

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Stories

Sustainable Scholarship: Libraries Collection as a Service

November 19, 2021

Authors: This is a collaborative post by Simon Neame, Dean of University Libraries; Denise Pan, Associate Dean for Collections & Content; and Corey Murata, Director, Collection Analysis & Strategy

Collections as a service in academic libraries represents the “shift to the incorporation and integration of more continuous, ongoing, flexible, and sustainable review of collections, and an increasing need to align collection development with institutional research and curricular requirements.” Through this Sustainable Scholarship blog series, we will share how the collection as a service model provides the framework for decision-making around all aspects of the collection. This includes planning for space, size, and locations for our physical materials, plans for our upcoming journal package negotiations, strategies for alternative access paths to resources, and our thinking around expanding open access to scholarship. All of this is built around the UW Libraries mission to advance discovery and enrich the quality of life by connecting people with knowledge.

The library is not just a building, it is a gateway. It is a gateway for discovery and access to knowledge preserved over time and available to scholars around the world. It is a gateway to resources that we hold close and resources in our vast reach. It is also a gateway for us to share the knowledge created at the University of Washington with the rest of the world through our Digital Collections, Open Educational Resources, and Open Access initiatives.

The Mission of the University of Washington Libraries is to “advance discovery and enrich the quality of life by connecting people with knowledge.” The Libraries has fulfilled this mission of connecting people with knowledge for over a hundred years by providing user-centered services and collections to support researchers in our UW communities, and researchers around the world. We do this through purchasing and licensing of resources for our researchers, and, critically, by being part of a network of shared collections in research libraries worldwide. This cooperation enables the UW Libraries to provide discovery and access to resources more vast and more diverse than any single library could possibly provide on its own. By doing so, the UW Libraries can maximize constrained budgets and existing staffing, and reaffirm our commitment to providing the UW community with timely access to the information they need. Our physical collection, our electronic collection, our network of libraries regionally and beyond are a purpose-built service “to accelerate inquiry, creativity, and learning for global impact and the public good.” 

This cooperation (with the network) enables UW Libraries to provide discovery and access to resources more vast and more diverse than any single library could possibly provide on its own…and by doing so,  maximize constrained budgets, staffing, and reaffirm our commitment to providing the UW community with timely access to the information they need.

Among libraries this idea of the network of shared collections is referred to as the “Collective Collection.” The Collective Collection guides us to define our “collection” not by what is contained in our walls, but by the reach of our partnerships in this network. The UW collection is more than the books on shelves at UW Libraries buildings, it is a service, built to provide our researchers access to what they need from anywhere across this network. We use this service model to help us make difficult decisions about allocation of our most scarce resources: time, space, and budget. These constraints demand we continually balance what we acquire for the most time-sensitive needs and where we locate materials to ensure the best access and preservation. This service model guides us in determining how we provide access to resources whether that is online, on the shelf, retrieved from another location on campus or across the three campuses, or from one of our partners in the Collective Collection around the country and the world.

The UW Libraries Strategic Plan lays as a foundation our values: User Centered, Collaboration, Equity, Creativity, and Sustainability. The “collection as a service” model grows out of these values of being user-centered and collaborative in our participation in the Collective Collection. It is based on equity in attention to researcher needs and creativity in meeting those needs. 

Our goal in highlighting our approach for the collection is to increase understanding of the guiding principles for decision making, especially as we work collaboratively with faculty and leadership to navigate the challenges of budget and space constraints that all academic libraries contend with. 

Collections as service provides a mindset that is critical in this process because it reinforces that our collections are not limited solely by the physical spaces at the University alone, and the importance of the network and our partnerships.  Most of all collections as a service is grounded in sustainability and our responsibility to be good stewards of the cultural and scholarly record that we are committed to preserving, as well as the budgets and spaces that have been entrusted to us by the University.

For more information or questions about UW Libraries collection management, contact [email protected]

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Stories

Catching Up with a Few McKinstry Fellows

November 5, 2021

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Jill and Joseph McKinstry Libraries Endowed Fellowship, Taylor Healey Brooks, the outgoing McKinstry Fellow (2019-21), hosted a virtual gathering to celebrate the occasion. The endowed fellowship is awarded to an underrepresented MLIS student and includes a scholarship and a paid graduate student position at the UW Libraries. During the virtual gathering, McKinstry Fellows shared professional and personal updates—and it is abundantly clear that McKinstry Fellows are making an impact on the communities they serve.

An Image of some McKinstry Fellows on a Zoom Call

Memo Cordova, the inaugural (2001) McKinstry Fellow, is now an Associate Professor and Librarian at Boise State University’s Albertsons Library. In his role, he works closely with Boise State’s McNair Scholars program, a federal program supporting undergraduate students who show academic promise, are interested in pursuing their PhD, and are a first-generation college student and/or a student underrepresented in doctoral programs. Memo teaches the Library Lab to each cohort, which usually ranges from 10-15 third-year undergrads, to guide and offer research support and one-on-one research consultations. “Working with the McNair Scholars is what I love most about my work. Not only am I fortunate enough to work with inspiring students, but the research the students conduct oftentimes address concerns facing marginalized populations.” In recognition of his outstanding work with students, Memo received the Boise State McNair Scholars Distinguished Service Award in 2009.

Khue Duong, 2008 McKinstry Fellow, is a Science Librarian at the California State University, Long Beach, a competitive position he secured at the height of the financial crisis. He supports all of the physical sciences departments in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Environmental Science & Policy, Geology, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics, as well as Asian and Asian American Studies.

Khue Duong at a library in Lyon, France
Khue Duong at a library in Lyon, France

Khue has taken his love of libraries to a whole new level, cycling in Europe (Montpelier to Lyon, France in 2014 and Oslo, Norway to Aarhus, Denmark in 2015) with the Cycling for Libraries program. The group visited libraries, museums, cultural centers, and city halls along their journey, ending the tour at the renowned DOKK1 in Aarhus, a brand new, state-of-the-art public library and community-cultural center.

Khue enjoys following and experimenting with new trends in the field. He helped organize a 4-day CSU Library Carpentry Workshop last year to teach foundational computational software and data science skills to his peers. Khue is also active within Special Libraries Association (SLA) Physics Astronomy and Math Division, and recently served as co-chair of the mentoring committee.

A leader in the field, Twanna Hodge, 2013-15 McKinstry Fellow, is the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Librarian at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. Google her name, and you will find a treasure trove of information on her research interests: diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility issues and efforts in the LIS curriculum and workplace; library residencies and fellowships; cultural humility in librarianship; and the retention of minority library staff in librarianship. (Seriously, check out her work—it is time well spent. Links are below.)

In fact, Taylor, the most recent McKinstry Fellow alum, became interested in pursuing her MLIS at UW after coming across Twanna’s research online and connecting with her. While Twanna is now a mentor to her, Taylor’s work stands on its own.

As a student, Taylor split her time at UW Libraries between Research and Learning Services, as well as working on the Assessment and Planning team. She co-authored an assessment report synthesizing data on the undergraduate student experience during the initial COVID-19 shutdowns and summer 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. This work helped inform her capstone, Celebrating Black Faculty and Student Scholarship: A Framework for UW Libraries Programming and Outreach. One of Taylor’s capstone recommendations was to showcase research by Black faculty and students, which inspired this UW Libraries Blog post featuring Associate Professor Maya Smith’s research.

Taylor also co-founded and co-chaired the Students of Color in Library and Information Science Student Organization (SoCLIS), where she co-hosted an intimate conversation with UW iSchool alumna Tracie Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association.

Taylor is currently participating in a residency at the Library of Congress, in the Latin America, Caribbean and European Division.

Mei’lani Eyre, is the latest McKinstry Fellow and is honored to be in the company of the others. “It was a pivotal moment for me, when I found out I was named a McKinstry Fellow. Until that point, I had been at a crossroads in my life, not sure if I could fully pursue grad school and my dream of librarianship. Once I received that email headlined ‘congratulations’, I saw my dreams begin to manifest before my eyes.” Mei just started their internship at Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

Underscoring the importance of opportunities like the McKinstry Fellowship, Twanna explains, “paid internships and fellowships focused on combatting structural inequities in the profession are more than financial investments; they instill the belief that people are committed to seeing your dream a reality and helping you do so. To me, that is one of the best feelings to experience.”

Worth the time—a selection of work from Twanna Hodge:

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If you are interested in creating opportunities for students through philanthropy, please feel free to reach out to me, Shelby Williford with UW Libraries Advancement at [email protected] or 206-616-6521.

 

 

Stories

Special Collections Reopening Update

November 3, 2021

A popular new virtual reading room, why appointments are better for users, new exhibits and more.

UW Libraries Special Collections is one of the busiest places in the UW Libraries system. With people seeking access to materials from on campus and off, the Special Collections team has adapted services to meet the demand for virtual and remote services and maximize health and safety for all staff and visitors.  We caught up with Allee Monheim, Public Services Librarian in Special Collections to learn more.

 What is the virtual reading room and how does it work? 

Special camera equipment allows for virtual visits to the Special Collections reading room.

The virtual reading room,  launched in September, enables users to look at Special Collections materials from anywhere using Zoom and a document camera. Staff handle books, archival collections, and photographs for users while they examine the material on camera. We can also zoom in and zoom out on different parts of a document or book so that users can get a closer look at things like signatures or illustrations. Appointments are 55 minutes long, and  they can view one archival box or up to 5 books per appointment. Users are limited to one appointment at a time to give everyone a chance to use the service.

How is the virtual reading room helpful?/ Who is it for? 

The virtual reading room is for anyone who wants to view our material but can’t come to campus for whatever reason. UW Special Collections is nationally and internationally known as a repository for incredible unique and rare material, and while some people do travel from all over the world to use our collections, not everyone can! This makes the collection more available to more people at no cost (for travel, etc).  

For example, we recently had viewing of a rare book that required a special set-up with book supports and the user was able to get a really good view of the pages because of how we could angle the camera – possibly even better than they would have been able to do in person! 

How many people are using it, and what has been the response so far?

We offer 11 sessions per week and we’ve been booked at 90%-100% capacity every week. We’re hoping to be able to start offering more in the future! This was originally intended to be a pilot project, but the response has been so overwhelmingly positive, we expect that it will become a more permanent service moving forward. Everyone is so happy to be able to access materials this way.

How common is this technology in libraries? 

There are a few other places doing variations of this service, but it’s not widely used as far as I know.  I was inspired by a presentation from colleagues at the Huntington Library on their use of document cameras to provide access to users during COVID. I think remote/virtual services will only continue to gain popularity and be more necessary in the future. 

 What types of requests are better served in person?

People can look at one box per 55 minute appointment, so if you’re someone who needs to go through a lot of boxes really quickly, it may be best to come in person. But you could also use the Virtual Reading Room to get an idea of what’s in a collection so you can decide if you want to visit! 

It’s structured this way because it’s technically still a pilot program – so  we only have the equipment for one Virtual Reading Room set up and only 3 people working on it (me and two graduate students). We’re hoping that once we hire and train more student workers we can start offering more appointments! 

Why do I have to make an appointment to visit special collections now? How far in advance do I need to schedule? 

Special Collections is operating by appointment for two reasons:

First, COVID safety protocols and staffing. Most of our users are actually “general public” – meaning they’re not UW students, faculty, or staff. This means that they’re not held to the same vaccination requirements as those of us who are members of the UW community. In order to keep everyone safe, we’re limiting the number of people in the reading room at any one time. This allows us to better observe social distancing. We also have a buffer at the end of each appointment to give us time to disinfect workspaces and any shared equipment (such as the scanner in the reading room) 

Second, as noted in recent communication, the Libraries are all facing unprecedented staffing shortages. In Special Collections, we’ve had several retirements and graduations since closing for COVID in 2020, adding to the shortage.  We don’t have enough people to support retrieving material on demand, so the appointment system gives us the chance to prepare for research visits ahead of time.

Appointments should be scheduled at a minimum of 3 business days in advance so we have enough time to retrieve material and arrange delivery from our offsite storage facility if it’s not on campus. 

When will special collections open back up to drop-in in person visits?  Will the virtual visits continue when that happens?

It isn’t possible to accurately predict when staffing will return to a level that would facilitate any major change in hours or operations. That said, the appointment system is working so well, it is definitely something we are considering keeping because it has proven to be more efficient and productive for our users. For example, in a drop-in scenario, if someone requested an item that was offsite or had to be screened before it could be used, we were pretty limited in what we could do. They may have to wait for a long time, or we may not have been able to get them the material at all resulting in a wasted trip (we always try to find alternatives, but that isn’t ideal). Having people plan their visits and requests in advance lets us handle these logistics ahead of time so people can focus on what they came here to do: research!

Once we have the staff to expand our hours and it’s safe to allow more people in the room, we’ll revisit things like our requesting process, appointment limits (currently users can only have two at a time), and how long the appointments last. We’ll keep adapting the process to expand access as soon as it is feasible to do so.

As for if virtual visits will continue – yes! As we hire and train more staff we’ll revisit how we provide this service, possibly even expanding it. It’s clear that this is filling a need for our users, so we don’t want to stop doing something that’s been so obviously helpful to people. 

What else should people know about Special Collections right now? 

Exhibits are back! For the first time in almost two years, our exhibit and showcase spaces are full, which is really great to see. While the And Then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present exhibit in the reading room requires an appointment, others are open to anyone during business hours:

And Then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present was sown from The Dead Feminists series, a collaboration between local artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring in the form of a collection of 31 broadsides elevating voices of women throughout history. The exhibiting is on display through March 11, 2022.Viewing is currently by appointment only. Use our Contact Us form to schedule a visit!

Unsheltered Seattle, Then and Now:  In conjunction with National Homeless Awareness Month, this showcase highlights primary sources documenting the history of Seattle’s unhoused–from Hooverville to the original Skid Road, these images, books and pamphlets illustrate the increasing and unmet needs our city continues to grapple with. Allen Library first floor display case. Listening to Seattle’s Skid Row: Testimony from the Edge on 11/18 is an online program weaving together voices from all sides of the homeless epidemic, from unhoused individuals to caregivers. 

The Pacific Northwest in the ‘70s – Power to the People: October 25, 2021-Jan 28, 2022. Groove through the ‘70s in this exhibit of photos, ephemera, and publications from the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. Each quarter will feature different aspects of the pivotal decade that brought the end of the postwar economic boom, an increase in social progressive values, greater political awareness and expanding liberties for women. Special Collections Lobby, Allen Library South Basement (no appointment needed). Learn More. 

Stories

November Update

November 2, 2021

We are almost half-way through the autumn quarter! As the countdown to final exams begins, take some time out this Wednesday to relax and enjoy the First Wednesday Lunchtime Concert Series in Allen Library’s north lobby, featuring Students of the UW Strings Program, presented by UW Libraries and UW School of Music.  This month is packed with free workshops and events for all students, faculty and staff; check them out! 

Services  

  • Department Delivery is back! Delivery to campus mailboxes is now available.
  • When will UW Libraries expand hours?  Our goal is to expand hours as soon as possible. Libraries staff have been working diligently since summer quarter to fill vacant positions, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to address labor challenges that impact the Libraries as well as other campus and public institutions at this time. Learn more. 
  • Special Collections Update: A look at the popular new virtual reading room, why appointments are better (and required)  for users, future operations and new exhibits. Learn more.
  • Study Space Survey – Calling all students! The UW Libraries needs your input on campus study spaces. Complete this 2 minute survey and you can enter a raffle for a $10 gift card to the UW Bookstore. Your input will help us to improve the UW student experience! Take the Survey. 
  • Stay informed: The best source for Libraries operational updates and information is the Libraries Operations Update page. 

News and Stories

A New Library for UW Health Sciences! The Active Edge Library (AEL) will be part of the new state-of-the-art UW health sciences education building, currently under construction and scheduled to open in May 2022. Learn more.

 

 

 

Maya Angela Smith

Faculty Feature: Maya Angela Smith. The first of a series of UW Libraries features celebrating Black faculty and student scholarship.  Get to know more about the intersectional work of Maya Angela Smith, Associate Professor of French and the Interim Chair for the African Studies Program, Jackson School of International Studies. Read the profile.  

 

 

 

 

 

Who is #YourUWLibrary superhero? Please consider nominating a Librarian for the annual Distinguished Librarian Award. Finding that essential primary source for your thesis, teaching support for your classes, navigating online resources and answering your digital publishing and copyright questions — UW Librarians are always here for you, Huskies! Now is the time to show your appreciation and support by nominating an outstanding Librarian for the Distinguished Librarian Award, part of the UW’s annual Awards of Excellence program. Anyone may nominate a librarian for the award and Librarians at UW Seattle, Bothell/Cascadia, Tacoma, and the M.G. Gallagher Law Library are eligible. Learn more and nominate your Librarian by December 31, 2021!  Learn more. 

Announcing the 2021-2022, Community Reads program  With Wellbeing as the topic for this year, we hope to offer opportunities for grounding, connection, and reflection amid ongoing traumas experienced by so many in recent months.  We will dive into Undrowned by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, a collection of meditations inspired by marine mammals, to seek ways we can all breathe easier, individually and together. Learn more.

New Exhibits/Spotlights

Unsheltered Seattle, Then and Now:  In conjunction with National Homeless Awareness Month, this showcase highlights primary sources documenting the history of Seattle’s unhoused–from Hooverville to the original Skid Road, these images, books and pamphlets illustrate the increasing and unmet needs our city continues to grapple with. Allen Library first floor display case. See also Listening to Seattle’s Skid Row: Testimony from the Edge on 11/18. 

The Pacific Northwest in the ‘70s – Power to the People: October 25, 2021-Jan 28, 2022. Groove through the ‘70s in this exhibit of photos, ephemera, and publications from the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections. Each quarter will feature different aspects of the pivotal decade that brought the end of the postwar economic boom, an increase in social progressive values, greater political awareness and expanding liberties for women. Special Collections Lobby, Allen Library South Basement (no appointment needed). Learn More. 

Lem’s Bestiary Illustrated by Mróz: On the 100th anniversary of Stanisław Lem’s birth, UW Libraries present an exhibit of drawings created by Daniel Mróz, illustrator of Lem’s science fiction books. The exhibit is accompanied by videos and a display of Lem’s books from the UW Libraries’ Slavic collection. The exhibit is co-presented by Seattle Gdynia Sister City Association, the producer of Seattle Polish Film Festival, and the UW Polish Studies Endowment Committee. Learn more.

Featured Resources, Collections, and UW Press 

November is Native American Heritage Month. Check out the  North American Indian Drama database that contains 256 plays by 49 playwrights representing the stories and creative energies of American Indian and First Nation playwrights of the twentieth century.  Browse published and previously unpublished works with a diversity of tribal traditions and approaches to drama.

UW Press featuring David Williams’ Homewaters: Hear from naturalist David B. Williams at two upcoming events to celebrate his latest book Homewaters. Witty, graceful, and deeply informed, Homewaters weaves history and science into a fascinating and hopeful narrative, one that will introduce newcomers to the astonishing life that inhabits the Sound and offers longtime residents new insight into and appreciation of the waters they call home.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6 – 7 p.m. with University Bookstore learn more
  • Monday, Nov. 8, 7 – 8 p.m. at Brick & Mortar Books learn more

November Workshops and Events

Community Events

Open Writing Circles Tuesdays 1:30-3:00pm PST:  Are you a PHD or grad student working on a long-term writing project? Join us for weekly meetings on Zoom for 90 minutes of quiet writing time and community with fellow UW writers from across campus! Learn more.

11/7- Readings from the Heart of Europe:  A Conversation on Antanas Škėma’s “White Shroud,” widely acclaimed as Lithuania’s great modernist novel, we’ll discuss this book with special guest Prof. Violeta Kelertas (U. of Illinois-Chicago), one of America’s leading experts on Lithuanian literature.  Readings from the Heart of Europe is a book club led in part by UW Libraries’ Slavic Studies Librarian, Michael Biggins, the American Romanian Cultural Society and Ethnic Heritage Council. Sign up.

11/18 – Virtual Scholar’s Studio. Scholars’ Studio is an excellent opportunity for grad students looking to make connections and build presentation skills. Hosted by the UW Libraries Research Commons and Core Programs in the Graduate School, Scholars’ Studio is a quarterly event featuring up to 10 short presentations (5 minutes each) by UW graduate students and postdocs to encourage the cross-disciplinary sharing of research. Hosted virtually this quarter, presenters receive feedback on their presentations and participate in Q and A. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Faculty, instructors encouraged to attend! Learn more.

11/18 – Listening to Seattle’s Skid Row: Testimony from the Edge.  Join us for a Reader’s Theater performance and hear the voices of unhoused individuals, caregivers, and more, as we consider the toll that homelessness takes on our community as well as effective interventions. Based on interviews conducted by Josephine Ensign with people working—and living—at the intersection of health and homelessness in Seattle, Listening to Seattle’s Skid Road: Testimony from the Edge was written by Josephine Ensign, DrPH, professor, UW School of Nursing; and Lorraine McConaghy, PhD, public historian; with assistance from Lisa Oberg, librarian, UW Special Collections. See also the corresponding showcase in Allen Library’s 1st floor: Unsheltered Seattle, Then and Now (note above).

Workshops 

#CelebrateFirstGen 

UW Libraries is proud to partner with our colleagues across campus in honor of the National First-Generation College Celebration

Join us on 11/10 for  Finding Your Balance: Balancing Research, Coursework, and Life. As a UW first-generation student, there are a lot of things – whether they are exciting opportunities or necessary obligations – on your plate! This session, open to undergrad and grad students,  is all about balancing your busy school, work, and personal lives, as well as navigating a large university system. We will feature interactive activities and conversations led by first-generation students to explore topics like: self-care, time management, goal setting, library research, communicating with UW faculty and staff, and more. Leave the session with a plan and support.

11/3 – Copyright and the Creative Commons Workshop. Whether you create media or need media to use, the Creative Commons can help you manage rights! Learn copyright basics. Share your work easily. Use other people’s work freely and legally.

11/4 – Hacking the Academy: Simpson Center Showcase. Back by popular demand, come learn about funding opportunities for faculty and graduate students available through the Simpson Center and hear about the projects developed by recent recipients of this Simpson Center  Fellowships.

Pressbooks Workshops: Want to develop your Pressbooks skills or need a refresher? RSVP for one of our upcoming online trainings

11/9 – The Possibilities of Word Embedding in Korean Literature: From Language Analysis to Language Generation | Jae-Yon Lee & Nam-Gi Han (TEAL Digital Scholarship for East Asian Studies): This talk showcases the potential applications of word embedding—the representation of words as vectors—in the study of modern Korean literature. 

11/10 – Fair Use Workshop. Where does copyright protection end and your right to use someone else’s work begin? Join us for an overview of fair use, which is perhaps the most consequential and dynamic copyright doctrine for education and research.

11/15 – Create the World’s Fastest Book: Manifold Workshop. Learn how to create the world’s fastest book using the Manifold digital book publishing platform! 

11/16 – Accessibility and Data Visualization. Learn how to make data visualizations more accessible. 

11/17 – Profiles and Publishing Workshop. Learn the basics of establishing your online presence with author profiles, and discuss the aspects of the publishing process you can control to make it more or less likely to be able to share your work widely. 

11/30 – Introduction to Omeka Workshop.Learn how this tool can help you build a digital exhibition with your images and media? 

Save the Date

11/22-1/4 The exhibit Climate Justice for All will be on view in the Allen Library North Lobby. The exhibit will explore the effects of climate change on disadvantaged populations and communities of color and will discuss solutions through an equity lens. Book displays will be included in the exhibit, and a virtual panel discussion on climate anxiety will be held in mid-December.

Missed it?

  • Watch October’s Constitution Read-Aloud with more than 90 community readers and the corresponding  panel discussion exploring different perspectives on viewing this historical document in a modern context. You can view both via this YouTube playlist. And check out this list of critical readings prepared by the Gallagher Law Library.
  • And Then She Said: Voices of Feminists Past and Present was sown from The Dead Feminists series, a collaboration between local artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring in the form of a collection of 31 broadsides elevating voices of women throughout history. Viewing is currently by appointment only. Use our Contact Us form to schedule a visit! 

Don’t miss out on important Library news and updates: Get the UW Libraries monthly news directly to your inbox– Sign up for our blog under the Subscribe By Email link at the top right of this post. 

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