Friends of the UNCG Libraries Elect New Officers

The Friends of the UNCG Libraries elected new officers at their recent annual meeting, which featured John Shelton Reed discussing his new book Dixie Bohemia, about the New Orleans literary scene in the 1920s. Outgoing chair Howard E. Covington, Jr. served as master of ceremonies at the event, attended by 248 members and other attendees.  Funds raised at the dinner support the University Libraries, and a special drive was initiated to renovate the landscaping in front of Jackson Library on the UNCG campus.

Ms. Billie Durham

The new Chair of the Friends is Billie Durham of Asheboro. She is retired from UNCG’s Library and Information Studies Program, which she joined in 2004 as an adjunct instructor, becoming an Assistant Professor and School Library Media Program Coordinator in 2008. She holds the MLS degree from UNCG. Durham’s background includes 17 years as a school library media specialist in Randolph County and five years as a public services librarian at Montgomery Community College. In addition, she served six years as English as a Second language Coordinator for the Montgomery County Board of Education. She has served as a member of the State Library's Library Services and Technology Act {LSTA) Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the Board of Trinity Music Academy.  Durham is married to Carey Durham, CFO/Director of Corporate Services of Hospice of Randolph County and they have one son.


Dr. Karl Schleunes

The new Vice-Chair/Chair Elect is Karl Schleunes of Greensboro, Professor Emeritus of History at UNCG, where he specialized in Modern German History and the Holocaust.  Schleunes taught for 45 years, including 39 years at UNCG.  Major publications include The Twisted Road to Auschwitz: Nazi Policy toward German Jews, 1933-1939 and Legislating the Holocaust: The Bernhard Loesener Memoirs.  An avid library user and supporter, Schleunes is also a collector of travel accounts by American travelers to the Holy Land (Palestine) during the 19th century and the early 20th century (up to 1948).  He is married to the Brenda Schleunes, Founder and Director of the Touring Theatre of North Carolina.  They have one daughter and two grandchildren.  Schleunes notes that he has been a denizen of UNCG’s Jackson Library since the tower went up in 1973, and can often be found there working in his faculty study on the 8th floor.

Newly elected to the Board for three year terms were Kate Barrett and Mae Douglas of Greensboro.  Re-elected to a second term were Robin Sutton Anders, David Arneke, Ned Cline, Carol Douglas, Nancy Fuller, and Jim Schlosser, all of Greensboro. 

Filar-Williams Co-Authors Article in C&RL News

Distance education is not new. The  Distance Learning Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries was formed more than 30 years ago, for example, but online learning is now growing rapidly. From 2002 to 2008, undergraduates enrolled in at least one distance education course rose from 8% to 20%.1 In turn, more librarians are connecting with online students and faculty, often without truly knowing where to start in a strategic, meaningful way. This article, based on a panel presentation at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference, contains tips and advice for new distance learning librarians.   Beth Filar-Williams of UNCG was one of the panelists.

The article may be found online here.

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Friends of the UNCG Libraries Launch Project to Revitalize the Landscaping in Front of Jackson Library

The Board of Directors of the Friends of the UNCG Libraries recently announced a special initiative to revitalize the landscaping in front of Jackson Library. “The library has traditionally been a photogenic centerpiece, and we want to return it to that status,” said board member Laura Tew.

With Board approval and financial support, UNCG Grounds Manager Chris Fay commissioned  Christine Russell of New Earth Design to craft the proposed landscape design to incorporate sustainability principles, including:
•         minimal demands for water and fertilization;
•         food and protection for local songbirds; and
•         minimal upkeep requirements.

The Jackson Library portico facing College Avenue will be accentuated by Graham Blandy boxwood, dwarf Burford hollies and Kay Paris magnolias. The Yoshino cherry & Jane magnolia trees will be highlighted by hydrangeas and flowering Kaley rose mountain grass, seasonally colorful shrubs, annuals, and perennials. Bluestone slate will lead to the brick sitting wall where library passersby can congregate or rest.

The Board chose to pursue the landscaping project after conducting a review of the UNC Greensboro campus grounds and concluded that the front of Jackson Library, facing College Avenue, was in need of significant renovation to boost its visual and functional appeal to match that of the UNCG’s Award winning contemporary landscaping. On January 24, 2013, the Board approved the plan, along with a commitment to provide the necessary funding.

To meet its fund-raising goal of $25,000, the Friends of the UNCG Libraries are accepting tax-deductible contributions. To date, they have raised $17,300 and will appreciate contributions of any amount. The Board hopes to raise the necessary funds by September 1 with the hope of installing the landscape design by year’s end.

Want to give to the project? Click here.

Checks can be made out to UNCG and mailed to Advancement Services, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, N.C. 27402-6170.  Please put Jackson Library Landscaping Project on the memo line.

Help the Libraries, Help Yourself: Amnesty for Overdue and Lost Books

This May, the UNCG Libraries are changing circulation systems and want as many items as possible returned before May 16 so that accounts may be cleared before the switch.

To help the effort we are offering fee and fine amnesty! From April 24-May 16, you may return Jackson or Harold Schiffman Music Library Lost or Overdue books and pay no fines or fees. No questions asked!

Here's the "fine" print: Fines and fees will only be waived for Libraries books returned during this period. No credit will be given towards fines or fees for reserves, technology or AV equipment, DVDs, damaged items, or on any items returned prior to April 24.

As always, no refunds or credits can be given on items more than 6 months overdue.

If you are not ready to return some library materials, please plan to renew those items before May 16.

UNCG wins federal grant to recruit, train culturally diverse librarians

A federal grant of almost $450,000 will support UNCG’s Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program as it continues to recruit and train culturally diverse librarians. The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), will provide $442,063 to support the Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) Scholars: New Americans for Community College Librarianship. ACE Scholars is designed to increase cultural diversity in UNCG’s program and in the library and information field as a whole. Principal investigator Dr. Nora Bird, assistant professor of library and information studies, and co-principal investigator Michael Crumpton, assistant dean of UNCG University Libraries, say increasing diversity in the field is essential to keep up with the changing face of America and the Triad. For more click here.

DMC Video Garners Award

A video created by our Digital Media Commons staff was recognized by Lyrasis at their latest eGathering as one of the top three entered in a contest.  LYRASIS partners with member libraries to create, access and manage information, while building and sustaining collaboration, enhancing library and technology operations, and increasing buying power.

Congratulations to the DMC folks!