PRIMARY SOURCE
FSU Campus Community Edition - April 2021
HENRY WHITTEMORE LIBRARY
Welcome to the second Whittemore Community Newsletter! March and April were busy months in the Library and our editor, Kate Burt, amazingly captured our activities in the newsletter.
The Library hosted a number of events to celebrate National Library Week which included two events on climate change for the annual Science on State Street festival, a book cart decorating contest, a literary cake contest, a tutorial on how to create book art, two book discussions, a picnic for our student workers that included a TP contest, and a game night.
The newsletter also mentions several resources that are available to the campus and features profiles of two of our incredible staff and our talented student assistant.
Please enjoy our newsletter; we would love to hear your feedback.
Let’s celebrate the end of the Spring semester!
Millie
iPad and Apple Pencil Lending Program
Boston Athenaeum Visits FSU Archives & John Halpern Special Collections Room
From Archives and Special Collections Librarian,
Colleen Previte:
President Cevallos began the New Year (2021) immersing himself in history, with a visit and private tour of the Boston Athenaeum (BA). https://www.bostonathenaeum.org/ He appreciated the time that the staff at the BA gave him and his party. He enjoyed himself and their collections so much he offered to reciprocate, by giving a tour of FSU’s archives and artifact collections, along with the tour of a few other historic places in Framingham.
On January 27th, three administrators from The Boston Athenaeum paid a visit to the FSU John Halpern Special Collections Room. One of the main interests of the group was to learn how the faculty at FSU use some of our primary resources (artifacts and collections) in the classroom. They thought of the visit as a way to begin a dialogue between our two institutions, opening up discussions of how we could collaborate together on projects, working with faculty and librarians.
Judging by the glowing letters of thanks we received, I believe the visit was a success. They appreciated that Lori Bihler, PhD zoomed in to discuss how she uses the collections in her classes. Since that time, we have learned that Dr. Bihler has had further conversations with the BA. I hope to further foster collaborative relationships with the BA by connecting them with some of the other faculty that regularly use our artifacts in their classroom teaching.
Special thanks to Archives Assistant Nancy Hanley and Interim Dean Millie Gonzalez for assisting with the set up of the exhibits and artifacts on the main floor of the library and in John Halpern Special Collections room.
Household Arts Dress ca. 1905
Daguerrotypes and Albums ca. 1865
Historic Artifacts on Display
DVD Conversion to Digital Format
The Whittemore Library is ready to assist faculty members to convert DVDs to a digital format for use in their online courses. The first step is to fill out a request form - faculty will then consult with the Library on how the content will be used in the online class. During the consultation, we will discuss any copyright considerations. The digitized content from the DVD will be uploaded onto Panopto and the link will be emailed to the faculty member to include in their secure learning management system course. The guide on streaming contains information about this service and a link to the form.
If you have any questions about this new service, please contact our E-Resources Librarian Abe Newell at 508-626-4948 or anewell@framingham.edu.
Technical Services
Hi! I'm Suzanne Meunier, the Head of Tech Services.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I'll be happy to assist you!
Email: smeunier@framingham.edu
Phone: (508) 626-4783
Technical Services
Hello! I'm Alicia O'Neill, Library assistant in the Tech Services department.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know.
Email: aoneill@framingham.edu
Phone: (508) 626-4032
From the Tech Services Department:
The Technical Services department at Whittemore Library works collaboratively with many other departments within the library to provide timely and accurate discovery of all the resources in our various collections to our students, faculty and the greater global community. Once purchased or gifted to our library, all materials are managed in Tech Services. Our responsibilities include cataloging, data entry and physical processing of these materials and many other special projects. We also work closely with the University’s Digital Repository to make those unique collections findable. If we get a book, an iPad, a bag of rocks or some puppets, we want you to be able to find it and use it. We may be behind the scenes, but we are busy!
Student Library Assistant Profile
Hi, I’m Marissa Dias from Attleboro, MA. I am a marketing major and will be graduating this Spring, 2021. I am a 2-year captain of the field hockey team, a member of the student athlete committee, an intern at the Innovation Center and I work at the Circulation desk in the Library. After I graduate, I aspire to open a thrift store outlet featuring thrifted, reworked and hand painted clothing and decor along with an art shop, a give and take library and a small cafe. I also hope to be able to sustain a nonprofit organization and donation center for clothing in the MetroWest area.
In my spare time, I enjoy running my small thrift business, cloud9resale, thrifting, reading, hiking, painting and watching the sunrise. I have a 1-year old kitty named Bonnie. My favorite TV shows are Weeds and Workaholics and my favorite movies are Jennifer’s Body, Stand By Me and The Butterfly Effect. Right now I am reading Helter Skelter, the story behind the Manson murders. My favorite genre of music is rock and favorite band is A Day to Remember. If I could, I would eat dinner with Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Princess Diana and Morrie from the book Tuesday’s with Morrie.
My favorite parts of working at the Library are the relationships I’ve made with my coworkers and supervisors, and the second home the Library has become. My coworkers and I check in and out books, help peers with anything needed and organize and stack books in the shelves. My typical shift starts with catching up with Lori (Circulation Supervisor) and Alex (Interlibrary Loan Coordinator), settling myself in at the Circulation desk, help any peers as needed and then shelf read or grab books from the stacks to send to other libraries. Since the pandemic began, student traffic has been much slower so most shifts are pretty calm. Working in the Library has taught me that there are so many more options in the literary world than what I’m used to, and trying out new things can actually end up really great in the end. And to always check the free book shelf!
David McCord Scholarship
For many years, the Whittemore Library has awarded an annual $500 scholarship to a full-time FSU undergraduate student who works in the Library and is in good academic standing. The student is required to submit an application, a letter of recommendation, and an essay on how the Library has impacted their academic career and how they have contributed to the Library’s mission.
This year we are pleased to announce that Mollie Pimentel has been selected as the recipient of the David McCord Scholarship. Mollie works in the Periodicals area of the Library. Through her hard work and determination, she has proven to be a student that the Library wants to recognize and encourage to continue her educational efforts. Please join us in wishing Mollie continued success throughout her academic career.
Congratulations Mollie!
Research Assistance
Are you searching for scholarly journals, monographs and/or research reports? Consider using JSTOR, an online database that can be accessed through the Whittemore Library homepage. According to the JSTOR website, “JSTOR is a highly selective digital library of academic content in many formats and disciplines. The collections include top peer-reviewed scholarly journals as well as respected literary journals, academic monographs, research reports from trusted institutes, and primary sources."
Click on the link below for our brief tutorial that will show you some of the key functions that can be performed in JSTOR.
Did You Know....?
Databases
RAMAnswers
Citations
Faculty Publications
Book Art!
Science on State Street
CREW
"Preparing for Extreme Weather with Hope" - The Library hosted Rev. Vernon Walker, from CREW, who talked about extreme weather and social justice. Participants learned how to prepare for extreme weather that elicited hope and social justice.
-Lady Bird Johnson
RIVER BLUE
The Whittemore Library joined libraries across the country in celebrating National Library Week. This annual event, which has been held for more than 60 years, highlights the valuable role libraries have in their communities.This year's theme was "Welcome To Your Library" - actress and author Natalie Portman was the Honorary Chair.
We hosted many events and welcomed our patrons to join in the festivities:
- Online book discussions
- Online game night
- Book cart contest
- Literary cake contest
- Library student worker picnic
- READ posters
- TP challenge
We hope you enjoyed participating in them!
Book Discussion: The War For Kindness
Important Conversations
Book Discussion: How To Be An Anti-Racist
“Like fighting an addiction, being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.” - Author Ibram X. Kendi. On April 8, an important discussion was had between participants who continued LDAC's ("Library's Diversity Advisory Committee") on-going conversation about Dr. Kendi's insightful work.
Trick The Truck!
Four teams made up of Library staff and students who work at the Library creatively decorated book carts. Patrons were asked to vote, either online or in person, for their favorite cart.
The theme? Entertainment. The fun? Outrageous! The decorations? Amazing! The winner? It was a tie! The "Ghostbusters" and "Escape Into Books" carts tied for the most number of votes.
Ghostbusters Theme
<< CHAMPIONS >>
Escape Into Books Theme
Hamilton Musical Theme
This fun, interactive cart was created by Librarian Sam and Library assistant Maria. The theme was taken from a song in the musical Hamilton, "History Has Its Eyes On You". Patrons were encouraged to try on the Hamilton inspired, hand-made head wear. Fancy Aaron Burr? There was a tricorn hat for that. Something more regal? Transform into the comical King George III? Place the crown upon the white wig and start singing ....
"Everybody...Da da da dat da, dat da da da da ya da...!"
Get Out The Vote
Princess Bride Theme
Sam and Maria!
A Colorful and Imaginative Lobby!
Debbie and Kate!
Literary Cake Contest!
For many years, the Library has held an in-person Literary Cake Contest during National Library Week. This year, the contest was changed to an online competition. Voters were tasked with choosing between two entries. The contestants this year were:
1. "The Grouchy Ladybug" decorated by Librarian Sam
2. "The Pigeon HAS To Go To School" decorated by Librarian Colleen
After the online ballots were tallied, a winner, by a very slim margin, was announced. The champion of the 2021 Literary Cake Contest was ........................"The Grouchy Ladybug"!
Congrats Sam!
The Pigeon HAS To Go To School
This cake was inspired by the book written by Mo Willems.
Decorated by Colleen
Winner >>>>>>>>
The Grouchy Ladybug
This cake was inspired by the book written by Eric Carle.
Decorated by Sam
READ Posters
Many of our librarians and staff, along with a few FSU students and one beloved, retired Library Dean (looking at you, Bonnie!), submitted selfies to the Library for a special project. They joined an illustrious group of celebrities (such as Taylor Swift, Daveed Diggs, and even Yoda!) by becoming a star in their own READ poster. It was a fun, creative way for everyone to promote reading and their favorite book (or in some cases, "books"). The personalized posters were produced by Digital Projects Assistant Claudia. We shared these awesome creations on social media and they were also posted on a bulletin board in our lobby.
Former Library Dean Bonnie and her Granddaughter
Librarian Marion
Librarian Karin
FSU Student Intern Meeghan
FSU Student Eric
FSU Student Intern Sara
Periodicals Supervisor Debbie
Library Assistant Maria
Librarian Sam
We Salute Those Who Support Us
In recognition of our great “behind the scene people” who keep the Whittemore Library going, we posted pictures on our lobby bulletin board of just a few of the amazing workers who support the Library. We want to give a big shout out and THANK YOU to all of the campus departments and workers who provide exemplary service to the Library! We appreciate all that you do and continue to do for us. We salute you all!
Fantastic Fatima!
We are so grateful to our two wonderful maintainers, Fatima and Clementina, for keeping the Library clean and spotless, and for working so hard to protect the Library workers and our patrons during this challenging time. Thank you to Pat and her dedicated team!
Phenomenal Pedro!
We appreciate all of the workers in the Storeroom and Mailroom who quickly and efficiently deliver packages, mail and supplies to us so we can seamlessly provide our services to our patrons. Thanks to Mark and his amazing team!
Terrific Jim!
We truly appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the Facilities Department to keep the Library in tip-top shape and in working order. We also appreciate the incredible work they do around campus all year long! Thanks Facilities team!
Super Copy/Print Center Student Workers!
We applaud the Copy and Print Centers for processing our print orders so quickly and beautifully. Thank you Dillon and Ralph!
Incredible Irving from Optima Shipping!
We are grateful for people like Irving Ormel from Optima Shipping who delivers books to and picks up books from the Library every day! You keep our Circulation Department moving and our patrons happy!
Spectacular IT Student Workers!
There is no way we could take care of all of our technological and print needs on our own.We couldn’t do what we do without the incredibly talented IT Department! Thanks to Patrick, Deb, Corey, Florentine, Robin, Judy and the entire IT team, especially you Mike Darcy!
TP Challenge !
Under bright blue skies on a warm Spring day, Library student workers stepped outside and happily accepted the challenge to have a bit of fun with the staff of the Circulation department. Student workers Marissa and Noelle competed in the TP Mummy Challenge with Circulation Supervisor Lori and Interlibrary Loan Coordinator Alex. The students' goal was to be the first one to use up a roll of TP by wrapping the staff up as mummies! Partners were quickly chosen: Marissa with Alex and Noelle with Lori.
And....1-2-3....GO! With other library staff members on the sidelines cheering them on, the students enthusiastically began running circles around Lori and Alex!. They very quickly unraveled their rolls of TP. It was close but the winner was....Noelle! She did a great job wrapping Lori up, head to toe!
I hear a rematch might be in the works for next year........stay tuned......................
B-I-N-G-O!
On April 8, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator Alex was the host, with Circulation Supervisor Lori assisting, of an online game night ... Zoom Bingo! Library staff and their families, Library student workers and FSU students had a blast playing four rounds of Bingo. Lots of laughs and fun all-around!
Interlibrary Loan Coordinator Alex
Game Night Bingo!
Circulation Supervisor Lori
COVID19 Precautions
Mandatory Masks!
One Per Room Please!
Keep Your Distance!
Our Hours - Spring and Summer
Spring 2021 -
Library -
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Reference -
Librarians at our virtual Reference Desk are available to answer questions and book remote research appointments during the following days/times:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Spring/Summer 2021 -
From May 15 until September 1, the Library will be open during the following days/times:
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Library Policies
Information about the Library's policies regarding access, borrowing, reference, interlibrary loan, circulation of materials, reserves, confidentiality of records, fines, public computers, diversity, and censorship can be found in this guide.
Answers to frequently asked questions are available in this guide.
We look forward to seeing you at the Library!
Check out our new student focused LibGuide and follow us on social media to learn more about Library events, any changes to our hours of operations, and to keep up with the latest news from the Whittemore Library ! We are @whittemorelib
Henry Whittemore Library
Instagram: @whittemorelib
This newsletter is created and published by the Library's Social Media Committee and the Interim Dean of the Library. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns about this newsletter, please reach out to us. Thank you.
Chair of the Social Media Committee: Kate Burt.
Email: kburt2@framingham.edu
Website: https://www.framingham.edu/academics/henry-whittemore-library/
Location: Henry Whittemore Library, State Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-626-4651
Facebook: facebook.com/whittemorelib
Twitter: @whittemorelib