Team of Librarians from Purdue University, University of Arizona and University of Nebraska-Lincoln awarded $250K IMLS Grant

Catherine Fraser Riehle, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, is a co-project lead on a $249,179 grant awarded by the Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in early July. The award supports the project “Academic Librarian Curriculum Developers: Building Capacity to Integrate Information Literacy across the University,” which supports collaborative integration of information literacy into curricula.

During the three-year project (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2022) the team will collaborate with classroom instructors to develop disciplinary-based, information literacy curricula. In addition to Riehle, project team leaders include Clarence Maybee, project lead, Purdue; Michael Flierl, co-project lead, The Ohio State University; and Maribeth Slebodnik, co-project lead, University of Arizona.

The project will apply a learning design model that underscores the role information plays in the learning process. Academic library professionals will partner with disciplinary instructors to integrate information literacy into courses and assess outcomes of the resulting curricula.

“Solid information literacy skills contribute to a student’s success in school and life,” noted Riehle. “I am thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort to integrate information literacy into curricula at three large research universities.” 

The project team will recruit academic library professionals and disciplinary instructors for participation this winter 2019 and spring 2020. Additional information about the IMLS grant award is available at www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/re-13-19-0021-19.

Update on C. Y. Thompson Library/Dinsdale Family Learning Commons

Curious about what's going on at C. Y. Thompson Library and the future Dinsdale Family Learning Commons?

Demolition of both the interior and exterior is underway. According to Joe Goodwater, UNL Facilities, the end of demolition is approaching. New duct work is already being installed and soon a plastic barrier will enclose the building to keep the interior above freezing temperatures. In 18 months, the C. Y. Thompson Library will return on the ground floor of the building while the main floor will be the Dinsdale Family Learning Commons filled with study spaces, and a coffee shop. The second floor will hold a 40-seat active learning classroom, more study spaces, and the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.

Architectural renderings and plans for the future are available for viewing.

Library services are still available on East Campus during the renovation. Currently service is available at the Libraries Depository & Retrieval Facility (LDRF) and on November 18, library services will open in the former Dairy Store location in Filley Hall/Food Industry Complex. Hours for the temporary location can be found here.

Below are several more photographs of the demolition's progress:

Groves & Van Diest Retirement Reception December 6

Jaci Groves, Architecture Library operations supervisor and Maggie Van Diest, senior accounting associate, University Libraries, are retiring in December.  A joint retirement reception for both will be held, Friday, December 6, from 2:00-3:30 pm in 218 Love Library South. Remarks will be given at 2:30 pm.

In 1988 Jaci Groves started her career at UNL in the Circulation department of the University Libraries. She held several different positions over the years including stack maintenance, night supervisor, and Geology Library manager. In 2005 Groves started her present position in the Architecture Library. Since 1981, Groves has also been a volunteer with the Athletic Department Event Staff and is a member of the rope crew at football games. According to Groves the highlight of her employment at UNL has been working with students. She will miss them, but plans to continue to volunteer and travel in retirement.

Maggie Van Diest began her 47 year career in 1973 at UNL in the Libraries’ Processing Department. She started before the advent of computer technology and remembers using a manual typewriter to create cards for the card catalog. In 1980 Van Diest moved into a position in the Dean’s Office. In her role, she worked with many students seeking employment in the Libraries. She would interview student supervisors about their departmental needs and help find the best students that fit the job.  Van Diest also worked with many people in other departments such as Scholarships & Financial Aid, Procurement Services, Financial Services, and more across the campus. Van Diest will miss all the connections and friends she had made at UNL over the years. Here plans for retirement include family gatherings and travel.

The reception is free and open to the campus community.

Survey on Incorporating Library Resources into Research & Teaching

The University Libraries invites you to participate in a short survey. In combination with usability studies, we are gathering basic information about how lecturers and teaching faculty incorporate library resources into courses and student research.

Information shared will be used to assist in design and information architecture decisions of the Libraries website and services. We do not ask for personal information and all answers will remain confidential. If you choose, you will also have the option to sign up to participate in Libraries user studies once you submit the survey.

Please share your responses to the questions in the survey located at https://go.unl.edu/lib-research  by November 29, 2019. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact me at nancy.weyers@unl.edu or 402-472-0026.