Ohio University Libraries
Spring 2024
ABOUT THE COVER
Knick Knocks Rag
Composer/lyricist: Phil Schwartz
Publisher: Sam Fox Publishing Co., Cleveland, 1915.
Credits
Interim Dean of University Libraries: Janet Hulm
Editor:
Kate Mason, coordinator of communications & assistant to the dean
Contributing editors:
Mimi Calhoun, undergraduate communications assistant
Allison Weber, library support specialist
Carla Williams, music and special projects librarian
Designer:
Stacey Stewart, associate director of design, University Communications and Marketing
Contributing Writers:
Mimi Calhoun, Janet Hulm, Kate Mason, Tate Raub
Photographers:
Charlie Nick, graduate assistant photographer
Stephen Zenner, graduate assistant photographer
Sheri DiBari, graduate assistant photographer
Message from the Interim Dean
4 Social Media: This is Alden
Legacy Lives on through Sheet Music Collection
Social Media: Tips & Tricks
24 Acclaimed photographer, Thomas Schiff, donates personal collection to Library
30 Joel Forrester donates compositions to University Li braries 36 Notable News from University Libraries 42 Our Donors
TABLE
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MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM DEAN
Photo by Charlie Nick/ Ohio University Libraries
In this edition of “Gatherings, Spring 2024,” we are highlighting three of our newest special collections and the faces behind those remarkable collections.
Celebrated photographer and 1970 OHIO alumnus, Thomas Schiff, has encapsulated his unique perspectives through the lens of his 360-degree panoramic camera to produce beautiful and dramatic views of national and regional architectural landmarks. Schiff has published gorgeous photography books covering the great libraries of America, important art museums and Frank Lloyd Wright structures, among others. We are honored to have as our three-millionth acquisition a Schiff panoramic of OHIO’s Vernon R. Alden Library. In addition, we will soon be home to the Thomas R. Schiff Collection including over 2,000 photographic prints, digital image files and unreleased photographs.
Always a leader during her employment with Ohio University Libraries, Nancy Rue was committed to providing excellent library services to OHIO. At a critical juncture, she and her staff transitioned learners and researchers from an analog card catalog into an electronic environment. Beginning as a reference librarian in 1969, Rue contributed to the modernization of library services until 2004, after 35 years, when she retired as the associate dean for Public Services. In her personal life, she was filled with a love of music from growing up in a family of musicians, and later in life she collected sheet music, especially that of the Tin Pan Alley era. That accumulated collection titled, the Nancy Huffman Rue Sheet Music Collection, is now available to students and scholars inside the Music & Dance Library.
Internationally recognized jazz musician and 1968 OHIO alumnus, Joel Forrester, who studied composition with Thelonious Monk and wrote the theme song for NPR’s “Fresh Air,” has a distinct musical flair. Forrester too was raised in a family of musicians and began playing piano at an early age. A journalism major who also studied music theory, he would go on to become a prolific composer, provide music for Andy Warhol films and play with the Microscopic Septet. We are excited to now house the Joel Forrester Collection in the archives of the Music & Dance Library. His collection consists of original jazz compositions, recordings and writings.
Finally, this issue shines the light on the Libraries’ newest hires and newest staff promotions. I do hope you enjoy reading this special edition.
Janet Hulm
Interim Dean of University Libraries
This is Alden Library: The Fourth Floor
Take some time to watch the fourth installment of University Libraries’ social media video series, “This is Alden Library.” The fourth floor is one of two main hubs of Alden Library, as it includes an entrance from the outside. With a variety of workspaces, egg-shaped chairs and a resource desk for students to check out books, this installment of the series is a crash course all about the fourth floor!
This is Alden Library: Fifth Floor
Check out the Libraries’ Twitter account to watch “This is Alden Library: The Fifth Floor.” From maps to the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections to several different collections, this installment tells you information you need to know about the fifth floor!
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This is Alden Library: Overview of the Sixth & Seventh Floors
This installment of “This is Alden,” covers both the sixth and seventh floors of the Library. Additionally, instead of the usual video format of the series, all of the important information about the two floors is delivered in the form of a “silent” film. Check it out.
LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH SHEET MUSIC COLLECTION
Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon
Composer/lyricist: Irving Berlin
Illustrator: John Frew
Publisher: Ted Snyder Co., New York, 1910.
This composition for piano and voice was Irving Berlin’s first “hit.” Berlin later went on to become “… one of the most prolific and popular songwriters of the 20th century, counting among his many hits, ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Cheek to Cheek.’’’ Berlin composed more than 1,500 songs including dozens of musical scores for film.
Text source: biography.com/musicians/irving-berlin
By Mimi Calhoun
Nancy Rue, former associate dean, continues to live in the hearts of many and through the spirit of Ohio
the Music and Dance Library, the Nancy Huffman Rue Sheet Music Collection consists of over 2,000 pieces of sheet music, most of which date from the early decades of the 20th century, which is known as the Tin Pan Alley era.
While Rue has her collection archived within University Libraries, her legacy has stayed with current and previous staff as well. In 1969, Rue began working at Alden as a reference librarian. It was her first job after
Chanticleer (top-left)
Composer: Richard Grant (O’Grady)
Publisher: McKinley Music Company, 1910.
“Richard Grant’s first known song appeared around 1908 [titled], ‘Don’t Tell Lies,’ which was written with New York composer Bessie Boniel.” Other popular works include a set of “Teddy Bear” pieces targeted for third and fourth grade piano students written about President Theodore Roosevelt as well as several other nicely written songs.
Text source: ragpiano.com/comps/rggrady.shtml
Chariot
Race of Ben Hur March (top-right)
Composer: E.T. Paull
Publisher: E.T Paull Music Co., New York, 1894.
The turning point for E.T. Paull’s approach to selling music was “Chariot Race,” which “… sold over 60,000 copies the first year, quite a good result for a first publication by an unknown artist. Later, the work was recorded by John Phillip Sousa and even later … the silent film, ‘Ben Hur,’ 1926.”
Text source: parlorsongs.com/bios/etpaull/etpaull.php
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Pictured is a sampling of the various donated sheet music, which according to Rue, presents insights into an earlier period of American culture.
Pictured is Rue working at Alden Library’s fourth-floor reference desk, ca. 1973.
receiving her master’s in library sciences, and as a dedicated employee, she stayed with the University Libraries for 35 years until she retired in 2004.
Cathy Sitko, a former administrative associate, worked closely with Rue and transitioned with her as she went from reference librarian to associate dean for Public Services around the year 2000.
“She [Rue] accomplished so much for the Library,” Sitko said. “She was a collegial hands-on worker, a wonderful leader, collaborator, mentor… and I was very lucky in 1998 to be hired by her — extremely lucky actually. She’d never had an assistant before, and she was thrilled by that opportunity. The feeling was quite mutual.”
Sitko mentioned that Rue’s vision when it came to the Libraries was always about the user and how to make services the best and most understandable to them. Sitko also touched on how Rue guided Alden Library with her many contributions to the introduction and acquisition of computerization, including OhioLINK, ALICE, information technology collaborations as well as instruction collaborations across campus.
Composer: Egbert Van Alstyne
Lyricist: Harry Williams
Publisher: Jerome M. Remick & Co., New York, 1906.
A popular ragtime composer and pianist during the 20th century, Egbert Van Alstyne attended the Chicago Musical College and Cornell College before joining the circus and touring throughout the U.S. in vaudeville acts. He later “… moved to New York in 1900 and worked as a staff pianist for music publishers on Tin Pan Alley.”
Text source: songhall.org/profile/Egbert_Van_Alstyne
Cheyenne (right)
Bright Eyes (left)
Composer: Karl L. Hoschna
Lyricist: Otto Hauerbach
Lithographer: The H.C. Miner Lithograph Co.
Publisher: M. Witmark & Sons, New York, 1909.
Songwriter and composer, Karl Hoschna was educated at the Vienna Conservatory before coming to the U.S., where he played with the Victor Herbert Orchestra. While working at Witmark Music, he wrote the Broadway stage score for “Three Twins,” along with popular music which includes “Bright Eyes.”
Text source: imdb.com/name/nm0395910/bio/#mini_bio
Collegiate (top-left)
Composer/lyricist: Moe Jaffe and Nat Bonx
Publisher: Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., New York, 1925.
As a songwriter and bandleader, Moe Jaffe composed over 250 songs. His first success, “Collegiate,” was written while still a student with Nat Bonx. The song later became the “… theme for Harpo Marx as the Professor in ‘Animal Crackers,’ a 1930 American-made film — before the debut of the Marx Brothers comedy films.”
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_Jaffe
Cowbells (top-right)
Composer: Al Piantadosi
Lyricist: Sidney Mitchell & Lou Klein
Illustrator: Perret
Publisher: Broadway Music Corp., New York, 1922.
“Al Piantadosi kept on adding an impressive slate of lyricists and other composers to his personal repertoire, ultimately amassing [94] works ... His works ranged from the reverently personal, ‘The Woman Thou Gavest Me,’ to the unusual, ‘Cow Bells,’ and a number of blues songs.”
Text source: ragpiano.com/comps/piantadosi.shtml
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Did You Mean It?
Composer: Mort Dixon and Jesse Greer
Publisher: Irving Berlin Inc., New York, 1936.
Mort Dixon, began his music career as a vaudeville actor before achieving songwriting success with “That Old Gang of Mine.” As an esteemed lyricist, he wrote the timeless song, “Bye, Bye Blackbird.” Dixon also had several successful Broadway stage scores and nearly 20 film scores.
Text source: songhall.org/profile/Mort_Dixon
Don’t Blame it All on Broadway
Composer: Harry Williams & Joe Young Lyricist: Bert Grant
Publisher: Harry Williams Music Co., New York, 1913.
Harry Williams, “… an American composer, lyricist and publisher of popular music, … also produced story ideas and directed silent movies” for Keystone Studios, an early film studio where some of the well-known actors of the time began their careers, such as Gloria Swanson and Charlie Chaplin.
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_ Williams_(songwriter)
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Doin’ the Raccoon
Composer: J. Fred Coots
Lyricist: Raymond Klages
Publisher: Remick Music Corp., New York, 1928.
J. Fred Coots, a prolific songwriter, wrote over 700 songs including the all-time holiday favorite, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” His first job as a stock boy was in a music shop, and “… by 1917, he had his first song published. He then went into vaudeville, playing the piano and writing songs tailored to specific performers, including Sophie Tucker.”
Text source: songhall.org/profile/J_Fred_Coots
I Love You
Composer: George Gershwin
Lyricist: Arthur Jackson
Publisher: Harms Inc., New York, 1921.
George Gershwin is one of the most significant American composers of all time. “He wrote primarily for the Broadway musical theatre, but important as well, are his orchestral and piano compositions in which he blended, in varying degrees, the techniques and forms of classical music with … techniques of popular music and jazz.”
Text source: britannica.com/biography/ George-Gershwin
I Wish There was a Wireless to Heaven
Composer: Willy White
Lyricist: Joe Manuel & Harry White
Publisher: Fred Fisher Inc., New York, 1922.
Willy White played in the early decades of the American recording industry “… performing classic blues as well as technically demanding ragtime piano pieces and is also credited as an accompanist on vocal mu sic sides from the ‘20s and ‘30s.”
Text source: allmusic.com/artist/willy-whitemn0001622827#biography
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Dance of the Fireflies (bottom-left)
Composer: Danno Sintenis
Arranged: E. T. Paull
Lithograph: A. Hoen & Co.
Publisher: E.T. Paull Music Co., New York, 1902.
Danno Sintenis, a German-born composer and musician, “… migrated to the United States in 1887. Other than his compositions, there is virtually no mention of Sintenis as a musician in the trades or newspapers.” In a second reprinting, the original cover was replaced by this colorful lithograph.
Text source: perfessorbill.com/pbmusic_paull.shtml
Dear Old Daddy Long Legs (bottom-right)
Composer: Albert Von Tilzer
Lyricist: Neville Fleeson
Illustrator: E. E. Walton
Publisher: Broadway Music Corp., 1919.
Albert Von Tilzer, a successful publisher along with his brother, Will, wrote the popular song, “Take me out to the Ballgame.” Tilzer also composed several Broadway scores and contributed songs in film during the 1920s and 1930s.
Text source: songhall.org/profile/Albert_Von_Tilzer
Wanda Weinberg, who followed in Rue’s steps as head of the Reference department, wrote in an email that over Rue’s lengthy library career, she demonstrated exemplary skills in every position she was in and always pushed to make things more comprehensive for others.
“… Always a leader, Rue worked with others to move Public Services in the Libraries from the card catalog and printed indexes to a far more automated environment,” Weinberg wrote.
Other examples of well-known initiatives led by Rue include facilitating the introduction of online searching, the public web presence of the Libraries and in the early 2000s, she was one of the leaders planning and implementing the Libraries’ second-floor Learning Commons, a collaborative effort to integrate student services across multiple units on the Athens campus.
A hands-off supervisor who never hovered, Rue was always comfortable having her staff figure things out on their own. Pictured is Rue sitting behind her office desk, ca. late 1990s.
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A Deed of the Pen (right)
Composer: Neil Moret
Publisher: Whitney Warner Publishing Co., New York, 1904.
An acclaimed composer and music publisher at the turn of the 20th century, Neil Moret (Charles N. Daniels) cofounded the Daniels & Russell Publishing Company, and later became an executive at the Remick Music Company in the 1910s. In 1913, Moret formed his own firm, the Villa Moret Inc., in San Francisco.
Text source: songhall.org/profile/Neil_Moret
Dearest One (left)
Composer: Walter Blaufuss
Lyricist: Gus Kahn
Publisher: Jerome H. Remick & Co., 1920.
Walter Blaufuss, an American composer, band leader and radio personality, composed the theme for the “Breakfast Club” on the Don McNeill radio show, which aired from 1933 to 1968. “Blaufuss was an important part of the show as both the orchestra conductor … [and] as a regular on the show.”
Text source: music.metason.net/artistinfo?name=Walter%20Blaufuss
Mame (right)
Composer/lyricist: Jerry Herman
Publisher: Edwin H. Morris & Company, 1966.
“One of the most commercially successful Broadway songwriters of his time, Herman was the composer and lyricist for a number of hit musicals, starting in the 1960s, that were characterized by an upbeat and optimistic outlook and what Herman called, ‘the simple, hummable showtune.’” Other Broadway hits include “Hello, Dolly!” (1964) and “La Cage aux Folles” (1984).
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Herman
Love is a Terrible Thing (left)
Composer: Henry Sullivan
Lyricist: Henry Myers
Publisher: Edward B. Marks Music Co., New York, 1928.
Henry Sullivan, a gifted composer, attended Dartmouth College before he wrote his first complete show, “Almanac,” which was later produced on Broadway in 1929. Sullivan seldom wrote popular songs, but instead he devoted “… most of his attention to musical comedies, operettas and revues. He prefers to do his composing in the day, but if the mood is right, he will work far into the evening.”
Text source: worcestersongs.blogspot.com/2013/01/i-may-be-wrongbut-i-think-youre.html
“Our home included an upright piano, and my mother arranged instruction for me,” Rue wrote. “… My piano teacher’s name was Jeanette Vogt.” Pictured is then fifth-grader Rue practicing her lessons.
“When it opened in 2004, it was a national model of the possibilities this new concept offered,” Weinberg wrote.
According to Weinberg, Rue’s success came from her management style, which was welcoming, collegial and enabling to librarians and staff that resulted in the development of a truly outstanding reference team, all of whom worked alongside Rue on any number of successful initiatives. Never hierarchical, Rue encouraged colleagues to flourish through self-discovery.
“I recall occasions when I sat next to her [grandmother] on the bench marveling at her fingers always finding the right keys to make melodies ring out,” Rue wrote. Pictured is “Mom” Huffman at her piano in 1942.
The Rise of Rosie O’Reilly
Composer/lyricist: George M. Cohan
Publisher: M. Witmark & Sons, New York, 1920s.
Early on, Cohan wrote skits and songs for his family’s vaudeville acts, before he became “… one of the leading Tin Pan Alley songwriters, publishing upwards of 300 original songs,” most of which were identified by his memorable melodies and ingenious lyrics.
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_M._Cohan
Let’s Face the Music and Dance
Composer/lyricist: Irving Berlin
Publisher: Irving Berlin Inc., New York, 1936.
Published by Irving Berlin for the 1936 film, “Follow the Fleet,” starring the celebrated dance duet, “Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, was a signaling of the popularity … of jazz on the silver screen.”
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let%27s_ Face_the_Music_and_Dance
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Before she had passed, Rue wrote a document about her donated sheet music collection. She detailed growing up in a family that enjoyed and appreciated music, as well as how when she was about six or seven years old, she began playing piano.
“Later, my parents purchased a Baldwin spinet piano for me, as I had finally become more serious about studying piano,” Rue wrote. “I inherited a true love of music from my family.”
Rue and her friend, Connie Stanford, partnered together to operate their own small antique business which Rue used as an opportunity to sell sheet music she didn’t want to retain in her own collection. Eventually, Stanford and Rue ended the business, but she had chosen to keep her sheet music collection stored in her garage. Although her intention was to continue with her hobby, Rue’s other projects had taken her priority. Instead, she had decided to donate the expansive materials for others to enjoy.
“This year [2018], I chose to donate what I have accumulated to the Ohio University Libraries for preservation with the hope that students and scholars will approach the collection with a similar enthusiasm and find in its abundant opportunities for study, research and learning,” Rue wrote.
Carla Williams, music and special projects librarian, is the curator of the Nancy Rue Collection. She previously worked with Rue on preparing and setting up the collection before her passing and continues to keep the culmination of sheet music as a work in progress through improving its upkeep as well as accessibility.
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I’ll See You in Cuba (bottom-left)
Composer and lyricist: Irving Berlin
Publisher: Irving Berlin Inc., New York, ca. 1920s.
“With a life that spanned more than 100 years and a catalogue that boasted over 1,000 songs, Irving Berlin epitomized Jerome Kern’s famous maxim that ‘Irving Berlin has no place in American music - he is American music.’”
Text source: irvingberlin.com/biography
I’ve Got Something in My Eye (bottom-right)
Composer: George W. Meyer
Lyricist: Grant Clark & Edgar Leslie
Publisher: Waterson Berlin & Snyder Co., New York.
After graduating from high school, George W. Meyer moved to New York City where he worked “… as a song plugger for Tin Pan Alley publishers. In 1914, he was a charter member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.” One of his well-known compositions was “For Me and My Gal.”
Text source: songhall.org/profile/George_W_Meyer
“Nathaniel and songs
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If You Talk in Your Sleep Don’t
Mention My Name
Composer: Nat D. Ayer
Lyricist: Seymour Brown
Publisher: Jerome H. Remick & Co., New York, 1911.
“Nathaniel Davis Ayer … was an American composer, pianist, singer and actor. He made most of his career composing and performing in England in Edwardian musical comedy… He also contributed songs to Broadway shows, including some of the Ziegfeld Follies.”
Text source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_Ayer
Williams mentioned that Rue’s collection is important not only to have and keep, but to also give students and others the chance to learn from it.
“The words and the artwork on the covers can really tell you about history, about what real people were thinking, what they were doing, what were they purchasing, what song did they like the best and can you figure out why [just] by looking at them,” Williams said.
Rue’s generosity also includes supporting funds for the care and preservation of the collection, which the Libraries proudly stewards.
“The University Libraries is honored to be home to this collection, which is a wonderful combination of attributes that includes being visually fun, and often beautiful, as well as historic and even practical,” wrote Janet Hulm, interim dean of University Libraries. “Nancy’s generosity includes supporting funds for the description and preservation of the collection. [On a personal note,] she was incredibly kind, and her legacy is evidence of that.”
The Libraries hopes you enjoy the viewing of just a small sample of the many materials in the Nancy Rue Collection and the extensive stories along with it.
For more information about the collection, contact Carla Williams, music and special projects librarian.
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(Left to right) University Libraries staff Jeff Ferrier, former head of the Center for International Collections; Mike Farmer, knowledge management specialist; Steve Steward, former library support specialist; and Nick Ver Steegh, metadata technologies librarian, all stand smiling and chatting while looking through a sampling of sheet music.
(Left to right) Carla Williams, music and special projects librarian, Nancy Rue, donor and former associate dean of the Libraries, and Janet Hulm, interim dean of University Libraries, chat during Rue’s reception in celebration of her generous donation.
During the event, Makayla Fritinger, a sophomore in anthropology, organizes a finding aid for use with the sheet music collection that was donated to University Libraries’ Music and Dance Library.
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Mike Farmer, knowledge management specialist, peruses the collection that includes over 2,000 pieces of popular sheet music, most of which comes from the Tin Pan Alley era. The collection was acquired in the summer of 2018 thanks to the generous donation of Nancy Rue.
ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHER, THOMAS SCHIFF, DONATES PERSONAL COLLECTION TO LIBRARIES
By Mimi Calhoun
Acclaimed photographer and businessman, Thomas R. Schiff, captures stunning views of architecture across the U.S. through his iconic Hulcherama 360 panoramic camera, which takes a unique angle on photography by encapsulating a full 360-degree image. His images include broad cityscapes, city halls, movie theaters, art museums, religious sites and more. Schiff is also the co-founder of the non-profit FotoFocus, which was created to celebrate and champion photography and lensbased art. Ohio University Libraries will now be the permanent home to more than 2,000 of those works that were generously donated by the photographer himself.
Schiff has been interested in photography ever since his childhood when an early interest was sparked in elementary school. He had gotten a Kodak Brownie camera and later set up a dark room in his basement at around 11 years old before taking pictures for his high school yearbook and newspaper. In 1970, Schiff graduated from Ohio University’s College of Business with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in fine art, which enabled him to continue pursuing his passion for photography.
As technology and cameras advanced, Schiff decided to move away from the conventional black and white negatives in 1994 and instead changed to the Hulcherama 360 camera, mastering
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the panoramic photographs that he’s known for today. Schiff mentioned that he had already been photographing city scenes and architecture for a while and felt that he needed to change things up a little bit with something different. It was at that point that he had begun getting into panoramic and color photography.
Since 1999, Schiff has published 14 books, each demonstrating the intersection between his interest in the history of architecture and love for photography. While the books often explore a theme or location, Schiff dedicated two books to exploring the work of a single architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
“I ended up visiting over 100 [buildings by Wright] around the country and photographed them,” Schiff said. “I had two books. One is a book of photos from around the country [titled, ‘Wright Panorama’], and the other [book, ‘Wright in Ohio,’ showcases] … Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Ohio.”
Currently, Schiff is working on a project for 2026 celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Civic buildings, city halls, the U.S. Capitol building, the U.S. Supreme Court and other significant pieces of architecture will be included in the project.
Pictured is a panoramic image of Ohio University’s Wolfe Garden by Thomas Schiff, ca. 2009.
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Schiff’s colorful panoramic photography captures stunning and extraordinary architectural views that offer a new way of seeing the built environment. The donation to University Libraries comprises of approximately 2,000 of his panoramic color prints measuring about three to six feet in length, 200 black and white prints, born-digital archival material and correspondence. His collection represents his published work including books, photographic prints, digital image files as well as unreleased photographs.
Schiff’s work will be a part of the Documentary Photography Archive within the Libraries’ Mahn
Center for Archives and Special Collections. The archive currently is made up of four different collections with Schiff’s donation being the fifth and newest addition. Other photographers featured in the archive include: Lynn Johnson, world-renown photojournalist and Ohio University Knight Fellow of 2004, Peter L. Goss, an OHIO alum of 1973 who took photos of Ohio University and the surrounding area from 1966-1970, Lloyd E. Moore, a lawyer and photographer of the Southeast Ohio region and Leonard “Len” Vaughn-Lahman, a photojournalist known for his work covering the environment, immigration and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
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The collections in the Documentary Photography Archive, including Schiff’s new donation, are available for anyone to view and use for research. Laura Smith, photo archivist and the curator of the collection, mentioned that Schiff’s works will benefit teaching and learning at Ohio University as well as researchers worldwide.
“For the OHIO community, I think there’s a lot of exciting opportunities to incorporate these photographs in the curriculum and classwork [that include] anything from the photographic technique and process … [to] the film photography to the
digitized versions, as well as studying the subjects of the photographs,” Smith said.
Schiff has always had close ties and love for his alma mater. In 2009, Schiff photographed the exterior of Alden Library in the memorable piece entitled, “Vernon R. Alden Library, Panoramic Photograph,” which was also the three-millionth addition to Ohio University Libraries that was unveiled at Alden Library’s 40th anniversary celebration. Additional interior images from that time period are also currently on display inside Alden Library nearly 15 years later.
Pictured is a 2009 photo of Schiff standing in OHIO’s Wolfe Garden in front of Alden Library. Schiff is holding his Hulcherama 360 camera, which captures a snapshot of everything that surrounds the subject.
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Photo collage by Sheri DiBari/Ohio University Libraries
The strong connection and bond that Schiff has with OHIO has enabled the Libraries to steward the extensive collection. Schiff mentioned wanting a safe environment to house his photos and a place where others can enjoy them. University Libraries is honored to be the place to make those things happen.
“It’s a great opportunity for … [my collection] to be cared for under [such] superior circumstances,” Schiff said. “The archives of Ohio University
[Libraries] will do a terrific job of keeping them in shape.”
Neil Romanosky, former dean of University Libraries, was thrilled and honored that Schiff was donating such a large portion of his collection to University Libraries.
“I am also grateful for Schiff’s generosity in supporting the ongoing work and infrastructure that will enable the Libraries to make this
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collection available to students and researchers for generations to come,” Romanosky said. “Through his own photographic work and that of FotoFocus, Mr. Schiff has done much to advance engagement with lens-based art. This is a truly wonderful addition to the Libraries’ Documentary Photography Archive.”
For more information about the Thomas R. Schiff collection, please contact Laura Smith, photo archivist.
Pictured is the “Vernon R. Alden Library, Panoramic Photograph,” a gift from Schiff, a life-long Cincinnatian and a 1970 graduate of Ohio University, in honor of Ohio University Libraries’ three-millionth addition to its collection.
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Joel Forrester is the composer of more than 1,600 tunes. His performances range from large ensemble to solo piano to a duet with a tap dancer.
Text source: joelforrester.com
“Pianist Forrester is an old hand at composing beguiling yet decidedly off-center instrumental pieces, polished by the ‘Microscopic Septet’ and his own bands.” On the other hand, his tunes with lyrics flaunt more of his individualistic humor and his “quirky lyricism.”
Text source: The New Yorker
FROM UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES NOTABLE NEWS
By Mimi Calhoun
Ohio University Libraries is thrilled to announce the hiring of four new staff members: Austin Justice , senior library support specialist in Metadata Services, Jonathan Brier, data services librarian in Research Services, Ash Brooks and Amanda Grinstead , both library support specialists for User Services, as well as the promotion of Chris Guder, subject librarian for education and head of Learning Services.
Austin Justice is an Appalachian native who grew up about an hour and a half away in the Ashland, Kentucky area, across the river from the OHIO Southern campus. He began working with metadata about seven years ago in an archival context before spending the last three years leading metadata operations for digital projects and collections at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Justice wrote in an email that the position was a good way to translate his skills and learn about new ones while also staying close to family and friends. He also hopes that by using his previous background as a metadata lead, he can continually help maintain information access to the Libraries’ materials for faculty, staff and students at OHIO.
“Empowering users to find, understand and use the resources they need is my driving factor. I’d also love to contribute to the Libraries’ DEIA [diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility] initiatives through inclusive metadata work,” Justice wrote.
Damon DeBorde, head of Metadata Services, wrote in an email detailing Justice’s role within the Libraries.
“Austin will be utilizing his metadata and digital collections experience to help us catalog new materials, process the myriad replacements, transfers, etc. and support metadata and content work in the OHIO Open Library,” DeBorde wrote.
Austin Justice, senior library support specialist Metadata Services
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For Jonathan Brier, he was attracted to the position of data services librarian because he wanted a job that was meaningful. He wrote in an email that he thought his skills and experiences aligned with the position and would leave a positive impact at OHIO.
“I’m looking to construct a solid foundation for this new data services [librarian] role at the University within the University Libraries,” Brier wrote. “[While at the same time], helping students and researchers to learn, refresh and build upon data best practices. As well as honing data skills for improving research, teaching and [classroom] assignments.”
Hanna Schmillen, head of Research Services and subject librarian for health sciences, wrote about the multifaceted tasks Brier will be taking on.
“Jonathan is bringing a host of experience and expertise to the department and Libraries,” Schmillen wrote. “Jonathan will be helping us build our data services and data literacy programming while becoming a subject liaison for Data Services and Analytics.”
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Jonathan Brier, data services librarian Research Services
Chris Guder may be new to his position, but he’s not unfamiliar with OHIO and the Libraries. Before transitioning as head of Learning Services, he has worked in multiple positions over about 20 years with the Libraries.
He was attracted to the new opportunity because of the leadership role in the creation and assessment of learning objects, connecting collections to pedagogy using digital humanities in the classroom and working with campus collaborators on affordable course materials.
Chad Boeninger, interim assistant dean for Research and Education Services, also wrote in an email about Guder’s credentials and experience all of which are beneficial and valued by the Libraries.
“Chris brings extensive experience and previous successes in open educational resources projects, collaborations and programming, which will help push forward a key initiative for the Learning Services department,” Boeninger wrote. “Likewise, Chris’ extensive knowledge of universal design and accessibility will help guide us in creating more inclusive learning objects, programming and orientations, and his experience in assessment will help us measure our impact.”
Chris Guder, head of Learning Services and subject librarian for education
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Previously having worked in the Music and Dance Library between 2015 and 2018 as a student, Ash Brooks is no stranger to University Libraries. So far in his position, Brooks has felt a sense of accomplishment in terms of being an evening student supervisor, as he has hired and prepared evening student staff for their roles at Alden Library.
Brooks also mentioned in an email that he was excited to continue his journey of gaining a deeper understanding of academic libraries and their multifaceted functions.
“I
love the library environment, and I deeply believe in the importance and value of the services libraries provide to their communities,” Brooks wrote.
Andrew Stuart, interim head of User Services and subject librarian for life and physical sciences, wrote in an email that Brooks has used his customer service experience to assist his late-night colleagues in planning and implementing the new late-night staffing plans with student employees staffing.
Ash Brooks, library support specialist User Services
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Amanda Grinstead, who is not unfamiliar to libraries since she worked at a public library for two years, is new to OHIO. Having always wanted to work in an academic setting, Grinstead found the position of library support specialist for the Libraries and thought it was very similar to her previous job.
The ability to connect with other departments, participate in graphic and web design and the opportunities within Alden Library and OHIO were some of the aspects that drew her to the position too.
“Being in User Services has given me the chance to really hone my skills in more ways than I could at any other job,” Grinstead wrote in an email. “I am beyond thrilled, thankful and full of pride to represent the Bobcats and the University and the Library in general.”
Stuart also mentioned that Grinstead brings her web-related experience from Hocking College, and that the Libraries’ staff is looking forward to her contributions serving on the Library Web Team.
The University Libraries staff is pleased to have the five join the team and looks forward to all that they will accomplish.
Amanda Grinstead, library support specialist User Services
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University
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Vernon R. Alden Library Fourth-floor lobby
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(top)
ca. 1994. •
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2024. CONTACT INFORMATION
Then & Now
Gatherings is a publication of Ohio University Libraries. For more information, please contact Kate Mason at masonk1@ohio.edu
OHIO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Photos by Stephen Zenner/Ohio University Libraries
