The MSU Library has received the largest single donation in its history, a gift from research scientist Keelung Hong, PhD, in honor of his longtime partner Stephen O. Murray, a sociologist, anthropologist, and independent scholar who graduated from MSU’s James Madison College. Dean of Libraries Joseph A. Salem, Jr. said the donation will be used to renovate space on Three East in the Main Library and to move Special Collections to that floor.
“This gift is a tremendous act of...
Continue reading "MSU Library Receives Largest Donation in its History for Renovation and Relocation of Special..."...This blog post is based on two talks I gave at IASSIST in Austrailia and the Michigan State University Accessible Learning Conference in 2019. This is a sparsely published on subject and the talks and this blog post were/are meant to spark conversation on an under considered subject.
I do not write out my talks prior to giving them, I have basic notes and give presentations extemporaneously. The style of this blog post reflects that conversational tone.
My reason for giving presentations on this...
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MSU Middle East Studies Librarian Deborah Margolis has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award. Margolis will conduct research in partnership with Tomorrow’s Youth Organization in Palestine, the University of Jordan Libraries American Corner, and in the Digital Scholarship Lab at MSU Libraries as part of a project to encourage youth development and create relationships among college-age youth and among professionals from different parts of the world. Dean of Libraries Joseph A. Salem, Jr. said the award will give Margolis and others at MSU...
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Recently, editors at The New York Times asked several authors to name books that bring them comfort. We thought it would be meaningful to create our own list to share with you. Enjoy the list, stay safe, and happy reading.
Joseph A. Salem, Jr.
Dean of Libraries
... Continue reading "Books That Bring Us Comfort"...
When MSU Libraries faculty and staff developed a new strategic plan last year, they defined a vision of promoting equal access to information and spaces for all, then got right to work to advance the accessibility, equity, and inclusion they promised. As part of a new Open Educational Resources (OER) Program, they are awarding nine MSU faculty funding assistance for the creation and adaptation of OER course material for the 2020-21 academic year. Dean of Libraries Joseph Salem said the financial awards, which total $26,500, are designed to help instructors...
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In a state known for rock & roll, it would seem that scholars, music lovers, and visitors should have access to a rich archive of posters, handbills, band photos, protest buttons, recordings, and underground newspapers documenting this great musical history. A treasure trove of such things will soon be available at Michigan State University Libraries, which recently acquired a 25,000-piece archive of 1960s – 1970s rock & roll history rooted in Michigan. The collection was purchased from Melissa and Jack Bodnar, who describe it as the largest and most...
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OK Geo Nerds --- After analyzing the Michigan Department of Transportation's computer files of the entire road network of Michigan, we compiled a list of the most common road names. They go:
Main St.
2nd St.
1st St.
Maple St.
3rd St.
Elm St.
4th St.
Pine St.
Oak St.
5th St.
These findings prompted astute tweeters @PWolfson6 and @matheduactor to ask, "How could 2nd Street be more common than 1st Street?" We scratched our heads and assumed that in many towns the location of 1st Street was taken over by Main Street. But...
Continue reading "Why are there more 2nd Streets than 1st Streets in Michigan?"...
In 2020 there will be 52 Mondays. Since morning routines can help to set the tone for your whole week, why not consider a podcast to start your Monday?
The Dalai Lama once said, "Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
Perhaps a new podcast is just what you need?
'Hello Monday' is a show that explores the changing nature of work. In just ~30 minutes, Jessi Hempel interviews guests such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Melinda Gates, Arthur Brooks, and others. The show probes listeners to think about the work we do, what it all means, and even...
Continue reading "A Podcast for Monday"...MSU Libraries’s well-established book club Muslim Journeys will feature something new this month: the author. Award-winning novelist Dr. Ausma Zehanet Khan will lead a discussion of her own novel, The Unquiet Dead, Tuesday, March 10 from 7 – 9 pm in the Green Room of the Main Library. The event is presented in partnership with the MSU Muslim Studies Program and is co-sponsored by the MSU Canadian Studies Program.
The Unquiet Dead is a police procedural that addresses issues of identity, war, religion, equity, truth, and family...
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Some connections between humans and animals feel almost inexplicable, but a new exhibit at the MSU Libraries gathers historic books from MSU’s veterinary medicine collections and notable items in Special Collections to examine how these bonds have been illustrated, documented, and described for hundreds of years. The exhibit examines the history of the horse, the link between human and animal health, the role of farm animals, the practice of beekeeping, and the history of hunting and fishing. It includes rare books and illustrations dating from the 17th century....
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