Friends of the Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1
Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary!
by Stephen Grinch and Kirsten Peninger
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Courtright Memorial Library. In the late 1960s it was becoming evident that the Centennial Library, attached to the back of Towers Hall, was no longer large enough to serve the growing needs of Otterbein’s students, staff, and faculty. Under the careful guidance of Head Librarian John Becker, ‘50, a state-of-the-art facility was designed. It would house not only the books, magazines, film and fiche, vinyl records, and filmstrips used in everyday research and study, it would also be home to the university archives, the WOCC-TV studios, and the Learning Resource Center, which created audio-visual content as well as maintained the devices used to play back that content. Ground was broken for the new building on February 27, 1970, and the cornerstone was laid on October 17, 1970, at Homecoming. The new library was opened for use in January, 1972, and was officially dedicated on May 6th, 1972.
Until 1979, the Courtright Memorial Library was just the Library. However, shortly before his passing in 1977, A. Monroe Courtright ‘40 made provisions to have the building christened “Courtright Memorial Library,” in honor of his parents, Robert and Ada Courtright.
Monroe Courtright was the owner and publisher of the Westerville newspaper, The Public Opinion. His contributions to Otterbein included serving as president of the Otterbein Alumni Association, the Westerville Chairman of the Special Gifts Committee of the Venture Into Opportunity program, the chairman of the Development Board, and the chairman of a campaign to raise funds for Memorial Stadium.
(continued on page 4)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 50th Anniversary FOL Library Cards Common Book Recap
Singers
Margaret Doone President Mary Pat Knight Vice
Rebecca O'Neil
Tiffany Lipstreu Treasurer The FOL Newsletter is a bi-annual publication with issues in the Fall and Spring
Otterbein
By-Laws Library Staff Changes Officers:
President
Secretary
Friendly Correspondence
WINTER 2022
Concept drawing for the Courtright Memorial Library.
University Changes FOL Card Process
In 2020, as part of COVID protocols, the library had a proximity reader installed on the doors in order to assist with social distancing. While installing the proximity reader, the University took a look at the Cardinal Card system on campus and did a small overhaul. In the process of overhauling the system, the way Friends of the Library cards are issued has been changed.
The new Friends cards will include a photo of you, which will need to be taken at the Campus Center. If you have a Friends of the Library card WITHOUT a photo, you will need to get a new card. If you have a family membership, the card can include both members of the family or just one person, whichever is your preference.
If you look at your card and see that you do not have a photo on it, please contact Kirsten (peninger@otterbein.edu) for details on what will need to be done in order to get your new card. If you renew your membership and add borrowing privileges, Kirsten will reach out to you to let you know the steps that will need to be taken to get a card. Cards can no longer be issued at the front desk. Thank you for helping us get everyone updated to the new system!
Common Book Virtual Event
Thank you for all who attended the virtual Common Book Friends event. We had a wonderful time chatting with Anna Rosling Rönnlund, who joined us at 1am her time! She talked extensively about the process of putting the book together and the statistical work that went into their findings. It was a lovely evening, and we're so grateful we still have these opportunities to meet with one another in a virtual space.
PAGE 2
Your image here! A mock-up of the new Friends of the Library card.
Return of the Otterbein Singers
In our previous newsletter, we announced that the Otterbein Singers had unfortunately been dissolved. While that was true in 2020-2021, we are happy to share that the beloved choir has been formed again and will be having a March concert! The concert will be a fundraiser for the Friends, as in previous years. A postcard with more information will be sent out closer to the date, but we can share that the concert will be on March 20th at 7pm. The title of the concert is "Myths, Legends, and Tales".
We hope this news excites you as much as it does us. The Otterbein Singers is a choir that consists of musical theatre students, and their concerts are always full of favorite tunes. Mark your calendar, and we'll see you in March!
By-Law Updates
The Friends of the Library Council has been working on updating the by-laws to reflect changes that have organically occurred over the years in the way the Friends organization works. The proposed by-laws are posted on the Friends website (otterbein.libguides.com/friends). Please take a look at the proposed changes. As part of the April 5th Courtright Birthday Party (see page 4 for more details), the Friends will have a general meeting, during which the by-laws will be voted upon. If you would like to share comments or concerns with the Council, you can email those to Tiffany (tlipstreu@otterbein.edu) in advance, and she will share them with the Council. Be sure to attend the Courtright Birthday Party to vote!
PAGE 3
The Otterbein Singers concert in 2019, "Music from the Heartland"
Change in Library Personnel
In December, Jessica Crossfield McIntosh (Public Services Librarian) let the library know that she would not be returning to Otterbein after her one-year leave of absence. The Courtright Memorial Library wishes her well on her next adventure and thanks her for her years of service.
In response to the open position, the library proceeded with a small reorganization. They took the opportunity to create an Early Career Development Residency program. The program provides an opportunity for new-to-the-profession librarians to gain experience in an academic setting. The library is currently interviewing candidates for the position.
In addition to the new position, Kirsten Peninger's title was changed from "Assistant to the Library" to "Program Coordinator" as she takes on some of the responsibilities previously handled under the Public Services Librarian, notably marketing. Shiva Shakeri, a temporary Public Services Librarian, has had her contract extended through the end of June.
50th Anniversary (cont.)
There are a number of plans throughout 2022 to recognize and celebrate this milestone, many of which will be co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Mark these dates on your calendar!
April 5th, 4p-6p: Courtright Birthday Party
July 13th, 12p-1p: BLISS - History of the Otterbein Library
October 1st, times TBA: Homecoming Courtright Celebration
More details will be coming about all of these events, and more! Keep an eye on the Friends website, your email, and the regular mail for more information.
We are also asking for people to share their memories and stories of their time in the library. If you have a moment to share, scan the QR code, which will take you to a form to fill out. Stories will be shared in the Digital Commons at Otterbein.
The library is so excited to share this monumental milestone with our Friends, who have made so much possible for the community. Thank you, all, and happy 50th anniversary to the Courtright Memorial Library!
PAGE 4
Join the Friends of the Library
Friends with library borrowing privileges enjoy many benefits. Listed below are a complete list of benefits afforded to members.
BORROWING PRIVILEGES AT THE COURTRIGHT MEMORIAL LIBRARY (CML) -You may receive a CML card, providing you the ability to check out library materials
ACCESS TO MATERIALS BORROWED THROUGH OUR CONSORTIUMS, OPAL AND OHIOLINK -This gives you the ability to request materials from academic libraries throughout the state of Ohio.
ACCESS TO INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICE -You will be able to request materials that are not held by the Courtright Memorial Library or any of our consortium member libraries.
SUBSCRIPTION TO THE BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER, FRIENDLY CORRESPONDENCE -The newsletter will keep you up-to-date on events and news pertaining to the Friends and the CML.
SPECIAL INVITATIONS TO FRIENDS-SPONSORED EVENTS -Be the first to know about author talks, musical events, and other special occasions sponsored by the Friends.
VOTING RIGHTS AT THE ANNUAL FRIENDS BUSINESS MEETING AND THE ABILITY TO SERVE ON THE FRIENDS BOARD OF TRUSTEES -You will have a say in what the Friends of the Library do to help promote and support Otterbein's Courtright Memorial Library, students, and the Otterbein community.
... More Benefits To Come
PAGE 5
Courtright Memorial Library
Otterbein University
1 S. Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Your membership is important! Renew today and make a world of difference! Membership form enclosed for mail-in membership renewal. You can also renew online by visiting the Friends website!
otterbein.libguides.com/friends
Prepared by Kirsten PeningerThank You