Issue
Library Tag Cloud
Jan. 13, 2010—This tag cloud is a visual illustration of phrases searched via the Vanderbilt library’s online search engine, the Acorn catalog, during Fall 2009 midterms. Larger type indicates greater popularity.
Olivella acquisition boosts library’s Latin American collection
Jan. 13, 2010—The Jean and Alexander Heard Library has one of the best Latin American collections of Colombiana of any library in the world—and it just got even better. The library has acquired the papers of Manuel Zapata Olivella, the 20th century’s most important Afro-Hispanic narrator, according to William Luis, Chancellor’s Professor of Spanish. Olivella was a doctor, anthropologist, folklorist, diplomat and writer and is one of the most distinguished figures in contemporary Colombian literature. More than any other person, Olivella has been recognized for his focus on the people of African descent, not only to the history and society of Colombia, but also to the Americas as a whole.
Summer in Oxford
Jan. 13, 2010—When the Oxford rail station loudspeaker boomed out “Mind the gap, please,” I knew I was really back in England. The heads of two groups of Oxford’s University Libraries had invited me for a consultancy for the Bodleian and other libraries that make up the university’s library system.
Library loses one of its foremost friends
Jan. 13, 2010—When Chancellor Emeritus Alexander Heard passed away in July at age 92, the library lost one of its foremost friends.
Beloved library personnel officer dies
Jan. 13, 2010—Gail Ridgway Workman of Old Hickory, a much beloved library personnel officer for nearly three decades, passed away October 5. Mrs. Workman, who was 72, worked at the library from 1971 to 1999. “For 28 years, Gail Workman served the library through her work as personnel officer,” said Associate Dean Flo Wilson. “She knew everyone who worked...
Library purchases Moser collection at auction
Jan. 13, 2010—Special Collections recently purchased at auction a collection of Barry Moser’s works with funds from the Sam M. Fleming Southern Civilization Collection. Chattanooga-born Moser is best known for his award-winning work as an artist and illustrator, but he is also a printer, painter, printmaker, designer, author, essayist and teacher. Moser’s work is included in the...
Library partnership integrates iTunes U with Blackboard
Jan. 13, 2010—Vanderbilt University Libraries championed the creation of a tool that allows easy integration of the course management program Blackboard and Apple’s iTunes. Thanks to a partnership between Vanderbilt and Blackboard, the new tool is now available to all universities using Blackboard. The partnership was announced July 15 at the annual meeting of Blackboard’s user and...
Library survey early step in planning process
Jan. 13, 2010—The library recently asked students, faculty and staff to evaluate the library and share their input on the library’s services and collections as an early step in planning the expansion and renovation of the library. About 2,300 people completed the survey, with graduate students making up nearly a third of the respondents. The survey, used at...
Touring Tennessee via postcard
Jan. 13, 2010—Ridley Wills II’s recently donated his collection of Vanderbilt and Peabody postcards, including those featured here, to the library. Pictured are just a few his collection of about 26,000 Tennessee postcards.
Nashville pays tribute to Mark Twain with citywide celebration
Jan. 13, 2010—Vanderbilt’s libraries are part of a citywide, months-long artistic exploration of the lively, provoking and distinctly American writer Mark Twain. The “Twain & Twang” celebration kicked off downtown in the fall and continues through June.