Archives and Special Collections Declared Official University Repository

On April 17, 2009, President France A. Córdova signed a resolution declaring the Archives and Special Collection as the University’s official repository for Purdue’s historical records. The signing took place at the dedication of the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center.

The resolution states “…I hereby resolve that the Division of Archives and Special Collections of the Purdue University Libraries shall be charged with the responsibility to steward and preserve the items that document and comprise the historical record of Purdue University.”  The resolution also states that the Libraries has the expertise to steward the safekeeping of historical records and names the Head of the Division as the University Archivist.

Currently the collection consists of 73,000 rare books, 3,200 feet of manuscripts, and 53,000 microforms. The collection includes the papers of Herbert C. Brown, Purdue’s Nobel Prize-winning chemist, original manuscripts of Indiana folklorist and author George Ade, and most notably the George Palmer Putnam Collection of Amelia Earhart Papers. Recent additions include the personal papers of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan.

April 20 was the deadline for the list of proposed cancellations to go ‘public’ for campus review. The list is 32 pages long and includes over 1,100 titles. It is available from the Scholarly Communication Web page, http://scholarly.lib.purdue.edu/materials_budget/fy10.html, and is grouped by tiers to show the impact of cuts at various levels. May 15th is the deadline for interested members of the campus community to ask questions, register any concerns, or make suggestions for alternative cuts.    

Thank you to all library staff and faculty who have been involved so far in this major undertaking. Many hours, many spreadsheets later… I am confident we have conducted a very thorough review of our library materials expenditures. Our work isn’t quite over - much behind-the-scenes activity will take place during the next few months as we finalize lists and check and double check to make sure we are canceling the correct titles, switching some from print to online, updating our records, etc., in time for our August Ebsco deadline. Stay tuned for an update after we pass the May 15 deadline.

On August 1, 2006, I joined the staff of Purdue Libraries as the first Associate Dean for Learning. I was so excited about the opportunity to break new ground and become part of the campus community. I remember that first day for many reasons, not least of which is that I couldn't find the way to my office! From my interview, I remembered going through the old Archives and Special Collections (ASC) to get to 271 STEW, but I arrived so early that first day that the door to ASC was still locked. After roaming the halls of Stewart Center for a while seeking an alternative route, I finally called the Admin Office and Barathi came and rescued me.

That was the first of many adventures at Purdue and the first of my many experiences of kindness, helpfulness, and generosity from Libraries’ staff. Thanks to my colleagues, I quickly learned the lay of the many libraries, the ins and outs of campus culture, and the dos and don’ts of West Lafayette and beyond. As if that wasn’t enough, everyone also shared copious amounts of chocolate along the way! Working together, we accomplished much in a short time, including establishing the One Book Higher Showcase, expanding the 24 hour library, initiating gaming initiatives, evaluating the faculty performance review process, and transferring the holdings of the CFS/Psych Libraries one book at a time. Three years have flown by.

I’ve appreciated my time at Purdue, from the warm welcome upon my arrival to the thoughtful good wishes since my departure was announced. It’s been great having the chance to work with such a dedicated group, to learn from seasoned colleagues, and to make so many dear friends in such a short time. On May 1 I’ll be moving on, but I’ll take good memories with me and hope our paths will cross again. If you’re ever in the Chicago area, please look me up at Northwestern (or at beautiful Wrigley Field). I’ll have chocolate ready to share with you!

2009 Libraries Award Winners

Front Row: Chassidy Glaze, Rebecca Richardson, Sandy Galloway, Claire Alexander, Sarah Cox.
Back Row: Jim Mullins, Chris Miller, Jake Carlson, Brad Heiss, David Solomon. Not pictured: Cody Chambers.

CHRIS MILLER – John H. Moriarty Award for Excellence in Library Science
“Here's something you don't think about as you run around campus attending meeting after meeting, collaborating, solving problems, (creating problems) and squeezing some real work in between it all: there might be an award in it for you. My position is atypical in some ways, quite typical in others, and to have it ratified with a librarianship award (not just a tries-real-hard award or a makes-colorful-maps award) is invigorating. And even though it's a little discomforting to know there are plenty other librarians who are equally committed to advancing Purdue Libraries and who could easily have received the Moriarty Award, it's no less a validation of how much Purdue Libraries is committed to the profession and willing to endure the growing pains associated with helping to define it. I'm quite honored and I thank those who are responsible.”

SANDY GALLOWAY – Joseph M. Dagnese Award for Excellence and Service to the Libraries
“I was very excited and extremely honored when I found out I won the Dagnese Award. When I was asked by Sue Ward to manage the Elsevier project last summer, I said an emphatic 'yes' without skipping a beat. I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to show others what I am capable of doing, although I couldn’t have done it so quickly without the help of many others. Working on that project gave me the opportunity to branch out of my little office in ENGR and work side-by-side with many other libraries staff and departments. Winning this award makes me feel great knowing that my efforts didn’t go unnoticed and only makes me want to work harder. Thank you to everyone involved in the project, to my nominator, and to the people who wrote those great quotes about me.”

CLAIRE ALEXANDER – Joseph M. Dagnese Award for Excellence and Service to the Libraries
“It is always exciting to listen to the descriptions of the winners of the various awards and try to guess who the winner is before the name is read. I had in fact looked around to see who was dressed up more than usual, for a preliminary guess. It was breathtaking to hear 'Map Room Curator' and know there was only one. I had forgotten that winners were no longer notified ahead, and I had no expectations, so the surprise was complete. It is both exciting and humbling to take my place in the long line of recipients, those before me and those who will follow. I like to ponder on what future library staff will say of the libraries’ era that I inhabit, an era that will be ancient history to them. I especially appreciated hearing the history of the people behind the names of the awards.”

REBECCA RICHARDSON – Dean’s Award for Sustained and/or Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries
“Winning one of the Dean’s Awards is obviously an honor, and an unexpected one at that, as I feel my work is contingent upon the dedication and hard work of others. Without the wonderful staff and faculty with whom I have the privilege to work, I wouldn’t be successful. Working with my colleagues is such a joy, and each person brings a unique perspective to the table. Even though I didn’t make any remarks upon accepting the award, I did truly accept the award on behalf of everyone with whom I work – thank you!

BRAD HEISS – Dean’s Award for Sustained and/or Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries
“I was challenged the other day when I attempted to express my pleasure with receiving the Dean’s award. I’m pleased to be given a second opportunity to take more time to compose my thoughts. I was trying to say that I appreciate your recognition and that I want to share with all of you the other intangible reward that I receive on a somewhat regular basis. That reward is the many positive comments I hear about the new Archives and Special Collections area. I hear this from Purdue staff and outside contractors that have seen and worked on many of the newer facilities Purdue has. I see that they are truly awed by this new Library space and recognize it as one of the more extraordinary spaces on our campus. The reason I would like to share it is because there are so many of you that have contributed to this project with your talents and hard work.  Beyond the brick and mortar, the carpet and special lighting they are also taken with our technology, our digitization, our role of preserving the record. So thank you Jim for leading us into this new vision and for everyone that works in the Library to move us forward on so many fronts. Change is good.”

JAKE CARLSON – Dean’s Award for Significant Advancement of a Libraries Strategic Initiative
"A little more than two years ago I left a fairly comfortable librarian position to come to Purdue as a 'Data Research Scientist.' I did this because the Purdue Libraries had articulated a compelling vision centered on librarians actively collaborating with faculty as research partners, and was actively exploring how librarians could help address issues in data curation. I had recently been introduced to data curation and I saw a chance to be a part of a newly developing area of importance to Libraries. I’ll confess that there have been times when I have missed the comfort and familiarity of my old position. However at Purdue I am now engaged in many activities that I never thought I would be doing and I am challenged in ways that have helped me to grow and develop as a librarian. I gain a tremendous amount of satisfaction from the work that I do and I take great pride in being a part of an organization that is helping to define what it means to be a librarian in the 21st century. Receiving the Dean’s Award for Significant Advancement of a Libraries’ Strategic Initiative is further confirmation that I made the right decision in coming to Purdue."          

Libraries Honors 2009 Student Award & Scholarship Winners

PULSE Awards

Sarah Cox is a junior majoring in Computer Graphics Technology. She has worked for the Humanities, Social Science, and Education Library for the past four semesters updating and maintaining their Web site, designing signage placed around the library, creating informational handouts for patrons, and assisting with the display cases. One example of her outstanding contributions is the redesign of the brochure about the Stewart Center Mural. Printing Services was very impressed with her updated brochure and has printed quantities for wider distribution. Several of Sarah’s designs have been requested for use by other libraries. Her supervisors relate she has taken on any project they have given her with a smile and excels at it. Sarah is a member of Alpha Phi Omega and is very active in a variety of community service projects such as APO’s Service Program. Sarah’s future goal is to have her own design company and she feels the design experience she has gained as well as the communication skills, ability to work with others, meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations have helped prepare her for future challenges. “Receiving the PULSE Award made me happy to be recognized by the Libraries' faculty and staff for the various projects and work that I've done during my time at HSSE Library. Thank you.”

Chassidy “Chazz” Glaze is a junior majoring in English Education and Creative Writing. For the past six semesters, she has worked at the Engineering Library assisting with circulation duties, answering directional questions and simple reference inquiries, in charge of opening and closing the library, and performing other various duties as needed. Chassidy had a key role in completing the Elsevier project, which required packing and unpacking heavy journals from eleven different locations. She consistently steps in to cover another student’s hours and also has filled in at the Aviation Technology and Physics Libraries when needed. Chassidy provides excellent service not for recognition, but because she believes this is the way it should be done. Her supervisors attest to her dedication and describe her as very dependable; self-motivated with a high degree of initiative, and feel she exemplifies what a library student worker should be. Chassidy feels the knowledge she has gained about the Libraries and the resources that are available have contributed to her academic success along with the relationships she has developed with her co-workers and regular patrons. The time management skills she has developed while working will be a benefit in her future job as a teacher. “Winning the PULSE Award means two things to me: First, it means that I am finally starting to feel like all my hard work is being recognized and it's encouraged me to keep working hard. Secondly, the award helps me to relax a little bit knowing that that's just a start towards paying for my tuition in the fall. Usually by this time every year I am freaking out trying to figure out how I will pay for the next year’s tuition, but thankfully, I'm feeling pretty calm about it all now.”

Dr. Albert Viton Scholarship

Cody Chambers is a junior majoring in Computer Graphics Technology. He has worked at Purdue University Press for three semesters designing and editing book covers and marketing materials, such as posters, magazine ads, and fliers. He aids in updating and maintaining the Purdue Press Web site as well as other digital multimedia. Cody strives not only to meet the requirements of his assigned projects, but to exceed the expectations of his supervisors. When designing book covers, he has worked one on one with authors in an attempt to bring their visions to life. Cody’s supervisor shared an outstanding example of this customer service when Cody presented several scenarios for a book cover to a professor who authored a book, then proceeded to design the cover and explain the design elements while the professor watched over his shoulder. Cody appreciates the real work experience he has gained working for the Press – from meeting strict deadlines to project collaboration. The opportunity to express and further develop his creativity will serve him well in his future career. "Winning the Viton scholarship allows me to focus more on my academics and extracurricular activities while still being financially comfortable. It is a great honor to be awarded the scholarship and insures that hard work really does pay off in the end." 

Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship

David Solomon is a junior majoring in Atmospheric Science. For the past eight semesters, including summers, he has worked for Auxiliary Services and demonstrated outstanding dependability and responsibility. He has assisted with most of the major projects in the libraries beginning with the closing of the PSYC and CFS libraries to the recent construction of the Archives and Special Collections Research Center. He has helped set up the local repositories and moved thousands of books and journals. All the libraries have benefited from David’s service, whether it is repairs or moving offices or handling the mail. He has also assisted staff with the training of new students. According to his supervisors, "There has never been a job or work order that David has given up on or tried to give to someone else. He is determined to get the job done with whatever it takes." In addition to his course work and work in Auxiliary Services, David is actively involved in several organizations on campus and is the chair of a committee to plan a career fair for the College of Science and to organize activities for Science Week. He also gives back to the community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. David believes working for the Libraries has taught him responsibility and time management as well as helping him to develop the ability to think creatively for practical solutions – all of which will continue to aid him in the future. “The McCaw scholarship is important to me because there are so many hard working students in the library system, and to be selected to receive an award for hard work and dedication tells me that Purdue truly appreciates the role student employees play in the Purdue libraries.”

  Amelia Earhart Scholarships

Emanuel “Manny” Cuevas is a junior double majoring in Industrial Technology and Industrial Distribution. He also has an Associate’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. Manny is a Student Ambassador in Purdue's College of Technology as well as a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He has earned placement on the Dean’s List and achieved Semester Honors for four consecutive semesters. “Winning the Amelia Earhart Scholarship is a great honor for me and my family. This award reminds me of how far I have come in my life, especially for being the first in my family to attend college. Amelia Earhart was an outstanding woman with an exceptional life story. Like Amelia, I too have stayed determined and have prospered through challenges despite all of the forces that were against me. Purdue University has opened many doors for my future; I have earned respect and gained knowledge that has shaped who I am as a person. I have always been taught to chase my dreams and never let anything stop me from achieving my goals. Even when times are going well in my life, I always look for new opportunities to progress. Amelia Earhart was innovative, courageous, influential, and an excellent role model for anyone that believes in breaking through barriers and achieving their goals.”

Suzanne “Maggie” McKay is a senior in Dietetics and has been accepted into Purdue’s dietetic internship for the 2009-2010 academic year. She has volunteered her time at PUSH medical center as well as various hospitals near her hometown of Matteson, Illinois. Currently, she is a resident assistant at Hawkins Hall and is training to become a fitness instructor at the Recreational Sports Center. She transferred to Purdue as a junior and has been on the Dean’s List each semester thus far in her academic career. “I am both touched and honored to have received the Amelia Earhart Scholarship. My family and I are having financial troubles, so this helps us immensely! This scholarship enables me to continue working towards my dream of assisting others in achieving their optimal health and improving their body image. Purdue has shown me that no matter how great one’s obstacles seem to be, they can be overcome by the gracious help from others.”

Ryan Trevithick is a junior in the School of Pharmacy, and was recently accepted into the Professional Program. His extracurricular activities include Campus House Church, Habitat for Humanity, Cary Volunteer Squad, and the Purdue Outing Club. He also enjoys running, swimming, and biking. This summer he plans to work at a local CVS Pharmacy and participate in the day-to-day operations of his family’s cattle farm. “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for winning the Amelia Earhart Scholarship; this means a great deal to me. I feel honored to have been chosen out of all the applicants. The scholarship is an excellent award in memory of an extraordinary person, and to be chosen as one of the scholarship recipients is very gratifying.”

On April 20-21, the Purdue Libraries hosted the 5th Annual Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce Visit to Purdue University Libraries. Ten scholars and the ARL Director of Diversity Programs were able to attend.

What is a catalog?
This simple question kicked off a 90-minute discussion led by Eric Lease Morgan, who heads the Digital Access and Information Architecture Department at the University of Notre Dame Libraries. Morgan was invited by the Faculty Seminar Committee to give a presentation on the topic of “next-generation” library catalogs, which he delivered to a capacity-crowd in the Undergraduate Library’s iLab on March 27th.

Morgan related the work of librarians in developing and supporting traditional library catalogs to new platforms for discovering and using information in new formats. “We don’t need to change what we do as librarians but how we do it," he explained. Morgan distilled library activities into four main categories—collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination—and then related them to meeting the information needs of users in today’s environment. 

He described how most “next- generation” catalogs work by gathering together metadata records, reconciling them into a common schema, indexing them, and then providing a search interface for the user. “There are more similarities between them than differences," Morgan said. He made his point by soliciting examples of products from the audience and describing how each one works, under-the-hood. He elaborated on the differences between databases and indexes and how these impact the ways users can search and navigate a catalog.

Morgan concluded his presentation by calling for librarians to move “beyond discovery” and instead focus on helping users to understand, use, and integrate the information they’ve found. The questions and lively discussion spilled over from the seminar into an open-invitation lunch at the Blue Nile restaurant after the event.

The last seminar of the 2008-2009 academic year will be held on May 1 at 10:30 a.m. in UGRL B848. Donna Ferullo will recount the research she performed on sabbatical, analyzing the legal content in library and information science graduate programs. The members of the Seminar Committee are Matt Bejune, Marianne Stowell Bracke, Jeremy Garritano, Stephanie Schmitz, and Michael Witt.