Bluffton University News

Bluffton University hosts “Voices of Conscience:  Peace Witness in the Great War”

Bluffton University’s Musselman Library is the venue for the university’s hosting of “Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War.”  This traveling exhibit remembers the witness of peace-minded people against the First World War from 1914-1918 and immerses visitors in the historical experience of witnessing for peace during “total war.” The exhibit also suggests parallels to the culture of war and violence in our world today.  The exhibit was developed and is toured by Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas.  Learn more at VoicesofConscienceExhibit.org.

Carrie Phillips, archives and special collections librarian at Bluffton University, has curated a companion exhibit titled, “Of Bronze and Bravery: Local Voices of Conscience.”

The exhibit includes selected works of Russian Mennonite artist and Bluffton emeritus art professor John Peter Klassen, along with archival documents and artifacts illustrating the Bluffton College experience in the Great War.  Both exhibits are on display through March 31.

Bluffton University Fifth Annual Research Fair

Bluffton University’s fifth annual Research Fair was held Thursday, February 7, from 1:00-4:30 pm at Musselman Library.  The poster-session-style event showcased the work of 44 Bluffton University students in 41 presentations including traditional research presentations, projects, pre-professional experiences, and creative work.  Presenters were nominated by members of the Bluffton University faculty.

–Carrie Phillips, Bluffton University

 Oberlin College News

Alonso Avila joined the library as Information Literacy and Student Success Librarian in the Mary Church Terrell Main Library in January. His primary responsibilities include curricular support, reference and instruction, information literacy initiatives, and information resource management. Avila was most recently employed at the University of Iowa as a Special Collections and Reference and Instruction Librarian where he designed and taught a 10-week first year seminar on international hip-hop and social justice.

Other staff changes: Allison Gallaher, Assistant Director of the Libraries and Head of Public Services, and Jessica Grim, Collection Development and Management Librarian, retired in January after a combined 66 years of service in the Terrell Main Library.  A search is underway to fill the position of Conservatory Library Special Collections Librarian, following Jeremy Smith’s move to East Tennessee State University.

-Alison Ricker, Oberlin College

Ohio University Lancaster News

Ohio University Lancaster is hosting two events in March: Celebrate Women 2019 conference. Registration is still open! Keynote speakers include Colonel Eileen Collins, first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft and Professor Chawne Kimber, mathematician and accomplished quilter/activist. A day full of concurrent sessions, 3 keynote timeslots, door prizes, and lunch—all for less than $50! If you’re still not sure, check out the video here.

The Friends of the Hannah V. McCauley Library at Ohio University Lancaster present Professor Timothy G. Anderson (OHIO Athens): “Barns as Evocative Elements of the Midwestern Landscape”. Dr. Anderson provided the introduction to the 2^nd edition of Barns of the Midwest. The event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. March 28, 6:30pm, room 211, Brasee Hall, Ohio University Lancaster, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130 . Feel free to contact Judy Carey Nevin, director, Hannah V. McCauley Library, Ohio University Lancaster: careynev@ohio.edu 740-681-3351 .

–Judy Carey Nevin, Ohio University Lancaster

University of Toledo News

Jolene Miller, Director of Mulford Health Science Library has been selected to serve in the following capacities:

As a co-presenter for a 90-minute immersion session at the Medical Library Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.  The session, entitled “Closing the Circle with Reflection: Elevating Professional Practice,” will be an experiential session introducing participants to reflective practice.

As a fellow for the 2019 Medical Library Association’s Research Training Institute, which provides practicing health sciences librarians with an opportunity to immerse themselves in instruction and focused activities related to scholarly research, inquiry, and publishing. Jolene’s research project is “Health Science Librarians’ Engagement in Reflective Practice:  A Qualitative Exploration of Why They Invest in Reflective Practice.”

–Jolene Miller, Mulford Health Science Library, University of Toledo

Wright State University News

Wright State University Libraries would like to congratulate Bette Sydelko on her retirement! Bette has served the Wright State University community for a total of 27 years; 18 years at the Fordham Health Sciences Library and 9 years in Dunbar library. In her most recent position as Medical & Education Librarian she is the subject librarian for the Boonshoft School of Medicine and the College of Education and Human Services.

Bette is one of the many people we can thank for the early years of online library chat in Ohio. When OhioLINK got involved with statewide chat services many years ago, Bette was on its WebRef committee, which first started its own service and then got involved with the public libraries’ 24/7 KnowitNow service. We owe a lot of thanks to Bette and her fellow early-adopters for the fast, friendly, local service we enjoy today. Bette considers it a privilege to have helped online reference service, an ever-growing field, get started in Ohio.

Bette’s last day was February 28, 2019. Please join us in congratulating her and wishing her a happy retirement!

–Sue Polanka, Wright State University