Between the Columns Fall 2021

columns between the

Fall 2021

FROM THE

DEAN As I reflect on this semester, I think of the many small moments that have made the last several months such joyful ones. While it’s easy to only emphasize the projects that make large, audacious impacts, I think the more subtle experiences add up to the greatest influence we make: connecting with our students and creating a warm, joyful experience with the Library.

Daily, I see students throughout the Library focused on their work, laughing with their friends, and engaging with the staff. We greet them with smiles (even behind masks), help them navigate both daunting term papers, as well as how to print a document. We provide embedded course instruction, and we also provide free cookies to get students through late nights of studying.

There have been many moments I’ve loved this semester: passing out free snacks to students as they studied, or watching groups gather in front of the Library to eat a snow

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cone and play giant Jenga. These sort of moments might seem small but have added up to make a meaningful impact.

Students know we are here to support them in multifaceted ways-- that we care about their academic success, and also about creating a joyful, welcoming experience for them, too.

I am so grateful for Friends, employees, and stakeholders who stand with us in providing a welcoming, friendly experience for Eastern’s students. Working with you is certainly one of the reasons this year has been such a joyful one.

Sincerely,

Julie George Dean of EKU Libraries

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Fall Fun

EKU Special Collections & Archives Presents:

SPILLING THE TEA

The fall has been packed with a variety of fun activities! To kick off the semester, the Library welcomed back students with free snow cones made by Library employees.

Students gathered at the Little Entrance to enjoy the frozen treats, free swag, and oversized yard games. Later in the semester, EKU Libraries was featured at a home football game.

There, we recognized the recipient of the Dick Mayo Allen scholarship and enjoyed tailgating at the President’s tent. Several Friends also volunteered the week of Halloween to pass out treat bags to students studying in the Library. The Library has enjoyed hosting so many fun opportunities to connect and engage with students!

Spilling the Tea Special Collections & Archives celebrated National Archives Month throughout October with a series of exciting and informational sessions presented by members of the SCA team. The archivists discussed a variety of topics, from EKU’s history of international students, Richmond- based true crime, and more. Participants enjoyed an engaging presentation that included items from the Archives and left with a goodie bag, too!

All Spilling the Tea presentations were recorded and can be viewed on SCA’s Facebook page.

De-Stress for Success Each semester, EKU Libraries hosts a series of events and activities to help students de-stress and feel fully prepared for their final exams! This fall, the Library hosted succulent planting, gave out snacks and final exam survival kits sponsored by the Friends, and we offered a nostalgic story time with Dean Julie George.

Throughout the week the Library provided coloring stations, giant sticker mosaics, and book displays students could utilize at their convenience when they needed a break. De-Stress for Success is always such a fun time!

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EKUopen

Expanding Access to Research, Teaching, and Learning

International Open Access Week (libguides.eku.edu/oer/OAweek2021) was celebrated in late October. The theme for 2021, “It Matters How We Open Knowledge: Building Structural Equity,” illuminated the centrality of equity in both open pedagogy and open scholarly communication.

To build equitable and inclusive learning environments, we ideally need to utilize scholarly resources that are responsive to the needs of both learners and educators. When adopting or adapting Open Educational Resources (OERs), EKU faculty consider the the following criteria: • • • • •

High quality disciplinary content Diverse and culturally responsive content Content adapted and localized for context Content designed for accessibility utilizing multiple modes of engagement Content that lends itself to using open pedagogy strategies (e.g. student generated content)*

Open Pedagogy @ EKU Faculty adopting OERs at EKU have recognized the high cost of commercial textbooks for students, and have transitioned from using commercial textbooks to OERs in order to lower or eliminate that barrier to success. Along the way, in addition to the obvious benefits of cost savings, they have discovered that open pedagogy also enables them to design more engaging assignments. For example, the concept of a “disposable” assignment has been around for ages. These are assignments that the professor or, at most, classmates may have seen and learned from, but they have had no impact beyond that one class and often the only motivation for students to complete them was to get a grade. “Renewable” assignments, on the other hand, are assignments in which students can contribute impact or value beyond the confines of the classroom. A classic example is group editing a Wikipedia article to make it better. This type of learning, centered around openness and sharing, can be more engaging because students see practical applications for their work.

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Here are examples of how two EKU faculty who received EKU Board of Regent Alternative Textbook Grants last year are applying open pedagogical strategies in their classrooms:

“I intend to add content to the textbook I’m writing through the use of student developed materials which are referred to as ‘renewable’ or ‘recyclable’ assignments.”

The Dennis Cokely American Freedom Speeches Parallel Corpus

- Dr. David Stumbo, Safety and Health

“Dr. Jill Parrot and I are working alongside graduate assistant Jonathan Collins to gather and collate existing OER, public domain, and Creative Commons license materials that support the learning outcomes in assignments specific to our program as well as materials we believe will resonate with our students interests and experiences. We plan to involve students directly with the OER by creating opportunities for them to submit sample essays, reflections, and advice for future students.”

- Dr. Dominic Ashby, English *To learn more about open pedagogy, visit libguides.eku.edu/oer/pedagogy

encompass.eku.edu/cokely

NEW RESOURCES at EKU Libraries Social Explorer: Provides U.S. demographic data back to 1790 through data reports and interactive demographic maps that can be viewed, queried, and manipulated on the site. libguides.eku.edu/socialexplorer

PBS Video Collection: Fourth Edition This collection of more than 1,200 streaming videos provides an exceptional range of content with the most valuable video documentaries and series from PBS. libguides.eku.edu/pbsvideocollection

SAGE Knowledge with SAGE Video Looking for resources to include in your syllabi? SAGE Knowledge includes an expansive range of eBook and eReference content alongside SAGE Video, containing over 4,600 titles within the Social Sciences. libguides.eku.edu/sageknowledge

Dr. Danny Roush collaborated with EKU Libraries to publish this unique collection of open research materials that are named in honor of Dr. Dennis Cokely, a pioneer researcher, educator, and leader in sign language interpretation. Parallel corpora are research databases of translations in which the relationship between phrases in the original text (English) with the corresponding phrases in the translation (American Sign Language) are maintained.

The Cokely Parallel Corpus is based on 13 important historical political speeches and documents translated into American Sign Language (ASL). ASL has its own unique grammar, lexicon, semantics, and discourse devices that are not based on the English language.

Because ASL does not have a widely-used writing system, the original translations were prepared by a team of experts, including Dr. Cokely, and memorized and performed on video by Deaf translators.

“If you’re working with a minority language, it’s very important to work closely with the community [because] it belongs to the community.”

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Perks of the Archives

Jacob Johnson's McNair Scholarship Research

Where some balk at the idea of heavy research, others rise to the occasion. Jacob Johnson is no stranger to intense research. Of course, as a History major, this should come as no surprise.

All good projects start with a plan. Johnson came to EKU Special Collections and Archives (SCA) with a research plan that would involve using an abundance of primary sources. These materials would span from the use of manuscripts to the creation of oral history interviews.

Over the summer of 2021, Johnson spent over 30 hours poring over manuscripts in the SCA Reading Room. So, what was his project?

“I’m basically researching strip mining and looking at everyday people’s initial reaction to it,” he said.

“I’m specifically able to do that through the Perkins collection. It’s the only way to fully recreate [the reactions] outside of oral history interviews.”

The “Perkins collection” also known as the Carl D. Perkins Congressional Papers contains nearly a thousand boxes of untapped resources. The materials span Perkins’ career as a congressman from 1948 to 1984. This includes the extensive constituent correspondence that Johnson analyzed.

Johnson focused on the impact strip mining has on Appalachian citizens for his McNair Scholars Program summer project. The McNair Scholars Program aims to help underrepresented college students who intend to obtain a doctorate. Selected scholars receive McNair scholarships, research mentorship and presentation opportunities, as well as professional guidance.

But Johnson’s interest in strip mining began well before his required McNair summer project.

“The specific moment that got me the most interested was when I first learned about the initial opposition [to strip mining],” he said.“I did an Appalachian studies class in a little [community] college...I remember feeling all these different emotions, like the anger that the opposition had...more and more it stuck with me that this was the world they lived in.”

Those emotions sparked a desire in Johnson to seek multiple perspectives, including those of government officials. Within the Perkins Papers, Johnson uncovered discussions of strip-mining strategy and debate between upper level officials.

“Something I learned from Perkins, actually, was that Lyndon B. Johnson was the first one to start talking about strip mining regulating, and he said that it can’t really be done at the state level,” Johnson noted.

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“In fact,” he continues, “another thing I found was, once Nixon got in office, whatever review board that LBJ had put in place actually said that the best way to regulate strip mining was to nationalize the mines in Appalachia.”

Nationalization is the act of making the private asset of a business into a public asset. Johnson said it was intended for the mines to fall under the ownership of the states they were in, had the mines been nationalized. That would’ve meant the corporations running the mines would no longer have the exclusive rights they had when the mines were private.

Johnson laughed. “Of course, Nixon said no because he had no interest in that.”

Johnson’s scholarly tenacity and affinity for his chosen topic are evident. The Perkins collection can be intimidating due to the staggering number of boxes. But Johnson rose to the occasion and discovered a collection that will serve him far beyond the conclusion of his summer project. SCA is not only happy to help along the way, but excited to see where his research takes him.

“It really couldn’t have been done without the Perkin’s collection,” Johnson said. “I’m still an undergrad at the moment, but it’s made a great jumping point for me to have a topic and a research focus for when I move on to grad school.”

Interested in seeing the scope of Perkins?

Visit: https://tinyurl.com/ PerkinsPapers

Jacob Johnson Areas of Study:

Undergraduate History Major Appalachian Studies Minor Environmental Education Certificate

Hometown:

Wheelwright, KY

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JOY in the Library

Free sno-cones!

In the midst of the pandemic, the Library has worked to not only survive, but to thrive! Employees, patrons, students, and everyone in between have found joy in their interactions with the Library‒whether it’s a new favorite book, finding a study spot that feels like home, or simply being able to print a needed document at the last minute. The Library works hard to provide a positive experience, and that can look like anything from a one-on-one research appointment or simply lending a listening ear. One thing is certain‒the Library cares about Eastern’s students and making sure they have everything they need to be successful.

Helping Feels Good!

I had a student come in, panicked, because she couldn't get something to print. She had tried multiple locations and couldn’t get her password to work. She seemed hurried, and I could see the stress level rising in her eyes. I told her to email the file to me from her phone so I could print it for her. At first it seemed like that wasn’t going to work, either, but thankfully it did! She told me her instructor was allowing the class to make a “cheat sheet” for their final, and she had worked three hours on the document.

I think she would have cried if we couldn’t have printed it-- and honestly, I would have, too if I was in her position! It felt good to help.

Study ti

‒ Richard Garland, Library Associate

me in the

library.

A Multipurpose Space I used EKU Libraries for so many things during my time as a student. It was a central meeting place for my friends or doing group projects, as well as every organization I chaired. I took naps on one of the couches when I had 2 hours between classes. I had access to journal articles that I could upload to my Kindle to use for my senior thesis. I loved the Sookie Stackhouse series, and the moving bookshelves in the basement helped get my daughter excited to go to college herself. Thank you EKU Libraries! Especially for the naps.

--Bethany Goad McGuffin, Alum

Reading for Fun Last spring, EKU Libraries created a Blind Date with a Book program, which was extremely fun. I ended up with a book I probably never would have chosen on my own, but I enjoyed it immensely.

I’m always happy to receive book recommendation. ‒ Jennifer White, EKU Employee

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Free books!

Favorite o u

tdoor stud

y space.

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THANK YOU, FRIENDS!

Honor Roll of Friends Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022 (July 1, 2020-October 31, 2021)

Joel Aalberts Anne Abate Larry and Melissa Abney Julia Adams Dr. Joy Allameh Joe and Melinda Allen Kim Allen Cathy Andersen Dr. Tom Appleton, Jr. Jens Arneson and Rachel Alexander Tom Arnold Misty Bailey Leah Banks George and Penny Begley Heather Beirne Martha Bogard Dr. Anne Brooks James and Sally Brown Jack Burkich Catherine Bushey Shelley Caldwell Martha Campbell Mary Campbell Pennie Centers Merlin Chowkwanyun Genevieve Clay Josh and Ashley Cole Lisa Collins Brad and Melinda Compton Malcolm and Javena Conlee Cathy Connley Carrie Cooper Brian Cornish Robert Craig Dr. Robert and Joyce Creek Gerald and Jeannette Crockett Dr. John and Martha Davidson Beverly and Shirley Dezarn P. L. and Jerry Dimitrov Dr. William and Charlotte Ellis Nancy Enzie David and Beth Erb

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Sharon Estes Dr. H. E. And Linda Everman Dr. Jennifer Fairchild Dr. Steve and Helen Fardo Don and Jodie Feltner Lewis Cope Kathy Flood Lucy Flood Verna Freer Martha Gabbard Dorothy Galatz Andrew and Betina Gardner Conley Garland Wanda Garr Jacob Gibson Mary Jean Giltner Barbara Graff Dr. Bonnie Gray Philip and Sarah Gump Drs. John and Phyllis Gump Charles and Melba Hay William and Kay Hill Dr. Ordelle Hill and Dr. Helen Bennett Hal and Kathy Holmes Abby Horn Dr. John and Jerry Jenkins Shirley and Kathy Kearns Dr. Dot Kirkpatrick Drs. C.E. and Mary Laird Doris Lash Ronnie and Carol Lawson Dan Lee Peggy Lukens Jey Marks Kevin and Lois Martello Thomas and Veronica Martin Marietta McBride Dr. Nancy McKenney Rev. Horse Miller, Sr. Jerome Molumby and Patricia Eckert Lisa Moore Erin Murphy

Melinda Murphy Dr. Marshall Myers Patricia New Kevin Nunn Dr. Eugene and Cindy Palka Forniss Park Rev. James and Patsy Potts Carl and Geneva Pullen Dr. Barb Ramey Charles and Kim Reams Harold and Dotti Renfro Zach and Krista Rhodus Gary and Geri Rice Harry Rice and Carol Gilliam Annette Rigrish William and Elizabeth Robinson Dr. Robert and Carol Rogow Dr. John and Sharon Rowlett Melissa Schutt Stephen and Martha Seithers Nicholas Sexton Rita Smart Kelly Smith Christina Stallard David and Laura Steidle Rebecca Stinnett Wilma Swope Dr. Jack and Amelia Taylor Susan Taylor Ashley Thacker Dr. William and Nancy Thames Dr. Stuart and Yongseon Tobin Carrie Tuttle Jackie Vance Sue Waehaus Dr. Mary Walker Dennis and Nancy Warren Laurence and Hazel Wells Dr. Rodney and Donna White Dr. Doug and Joanne Whitlock

Become a Friend Anyone can be a Friend of EKU Libraries! If you have a love of libraries and EKU and you would like to be a Friend, or if you are already a friend and have not yet made your annual gift, we invite you to do so today by visiting libguides.eku.edu/library-about-us/support or reaching out to Christina Stallard at Christina.Stallard@eku.edu.

Friendly Suggestions Book Recommendations from the Friends of EKU Libraries

Doris Lash

Lincoln on the Verge Edward L. Vidmer

For fans of history and presidential biographies

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek Kim M. Richardson

For fans of historical fiction, the Appalachian region, and learning more about Kentucky.

Charles Hay The Great Influenza John M. Barry

This book is for fans of medical history because of its thorough research; it is the best work on the Great Pandemic of 1918.

Dr. Tom Appleton

Wait Till Next Year: A Memoir Doris Kearns Goodwin

One of America's most talented historians, Goodwin describes her girlhood in a suburb of New York City in the seemingly tranquil 1950s. Through the lens of baseball and her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, she introduces us to some of the most intriguing individuals and events of the decade, including Jackie Robinson and the desegregation of baseball, the Red Scare and the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, Dwight Eisenhower and the Korean War, and the "Little Rock Nine" and school integration. I often assigned Goodwin's book in my American history survey course. Students of all backgrounds--men and women, baseball fans and otherwise, and avid readers or not--really enjoyed the fast-paced story.

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Eastern Kentucky University Libraries 103 Libraries Complex Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, Kentucky 40475

Celebrating Scholarship Dick Mayo Allen Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Sonia Kwiecinski, the 2021 winner of the Dick Mayo Allen Scholarship. Since her first day, Sonia has impressed the Library and University community with her dedication and willingness to perform her duties beyond what is expected. She easily adapts to change in procedures, is timely and responsible, and is never afraid to ask for help when needed. She takes her role as Key Holder seriously without any hint of arrogance or superiority. Rather, she approaches her role with only eagerness to help. Sonia is always ready and willing to tap in to help her coworkers, especially in difficult situations at the front desk. She is undoubtedly and will continue to be an incredible asset to both EKU Libraries and the University as a whole.

Between the Columns Credits Contributors: Jens Arneson, Heather Bierne, Ashley Cole, Julie George, Todd King, Sara McFerron, Trenia Napier, Caitlyn Raschulte, Kelly Smith, and Christina Stallard.

Photographs Courtesy of: Christina Stallard, EKU Communication & Brand Management, and EKU Special Collections & Archives Designer: Melissa Abney

#EKULibraries #YouBelongHere Visit us on the web: library.eku.edu Read this issue electronically: issuu.com/ekulibraries