Special Collections & Archives staff work to digitize the University's Athletics Archive.
Dear Friends,
The demand for innovation and efficiency from academic libraries continues to intensify as we move forward in an increasingly digital age. I am excited to announce two of our library’s recent initiatives to meet these challenges.
As students seek access to the latest technologies, this summer we successfully launched our new Innovation Hub, an exciting and dynamic space at the forefront of technology and collaboration. The Innovation Hub reflects our commitment to excellence in learning and research by investing in cutting-edge resources that support the new ways students and faculty are conducting research, creating knowledge, and solving problems. Here, students, staff, and faculty can gather in teams or individually to experiment with the latest hardware and software—from 3D printers and Haptic Pens to creative tools like Adobe Audition and ArcGIS— unlocking new opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth.
In addition to this initiative, over the course of the last year, the library has restructured its departments to increase efficiency and collaboration. By breaking down silos and fostering the development of teams across the organization, we have enhanced our ability to respond to the evolving needs of various communities within our university.
It is because of our Friends’ continued encouragement, vision, and support that we can innovate as we have. If you would like to be included in the exciting changes happening in our library, please feel free to reach out to me any time.
Jennifer Duncan, Dean of Libraries
Cameron Nielsen
Ben Dupuy
Kirsten Cox Scholarly Communication Librarian Library Marketing Specialist Digital Scholarship Librarian
Open Science Librarian
Instructional Design Librarian
Discovery Services Librarian
Open Education Librarian
Building and Tech Manager
Online Learning Librarian
Shawn Hall
Rachel Blume
Yassin Nacer
Joe LaSure
Sara Szobody
Aurora Durfee
After Hours Welcomes New Students
Each fall, the Library throws its popular After Hours party for new students, an event designed to familiarize first-year Connections students with the Library. Approximately 1,300 students came to play games, sing karaoke, take part in a raffle, and learn about the Library. Post-event surveys showed that 93% of students who attended feel more comfortable using Library resources and services they learned about at After Hours and 96% would recommend the event to others.
The Friends of the Merrill-Cazier Library graciously donated $2,000 to After Hours, providing 216 pizzas for hungry attendees and volunteers. Several board members of the Friends also volunteered their time to staff the event. The Library is incredibly grateful to the Friends for their support.
Presidential Gifts Displayed for Investiture of President Cantwell
In April of 2024, the Merrill-Cazier Library hosted the reception for the investiture of President Elizabeth (Betsy) Cantwell. As part of the celebrations, University Archives exhibited Presidential Gifts. One of the most important duties of University Archives is capturing the work of USU presidents, who serve as the chief executive officers of the university and manage its direction.
University Archives has a wide variety of material, including presidential correspondence, reports, office files, and
inauguration materials. Presidents also receive gifts or tokens of appreciation from university supporters. As presidents leave office, they often transfer these gifts to University Archives for safekeeping.
The Presidential Gifts exhibit displayed a selection of University Archives' most unique and unusual gifts. They serve as a reminder of USU’s impact at home and around the world
The exhibit was curated by Kelly Rovegno and Heather Housley.
(Left) USU President Cantwell accepting a gifted blanket at the investiture.
(Bottom Left) A decorative plate in the Presidential Gifts exhibit from the College of Political Science in Thailand.
(Bottom Right) A Korean Crown replica in the Presidential Gifts exhibit.
Friends Lecture Highlights the Ongoing Appeal of Horror in the Digital Age
Dr. Lynne S. McNeill, associate professor of Folklore in the English Department at Utah State University, delivered "Slenderman and the Ongoing Appeal of Horror in the Digital Age" as part of this Fall's Friends of the Library Lecture Series.
McNeill explored the role that the internet has played in reshaping folklore and folk belief, and examined several examples of contemporary online horror that illustrate the ways in which folklore continues as a barometer for society's anxieties and fears in the digital age.
This successful event was standing-room only with over 90 students and community members gathering to learn about the topic. A showcase of Special Collections & Archives materials related to regional folklore with a spotlight on the Bear Lake Monster was also on display for attendees to enjoy along with live music and refreshments.
Dr. Lynne McNeill presents "Slenderman and the Ongoing Appeal of Horror in the Digital Age" to a standing-room only crowd.
Friends Support Student Research at the Conference of Intermountain Archivists
Two library staff members and History graduate students, Zoe’Swanna McGee and Luke Boardman, received Friends of the Library financial support to attend and present on their work in Special Collections & Archives (SCA) at the Conference of Intermountain Archivists (CIMA) in May 2024.
McGee presented on her research and findings pertaining to the 70th anniversary of the Ella Gardener McQuarrie – Hatch Memorial Library, commonly known as the Hatch Room, within SCA. Project outcomes
included an item-level inventory finding aid, book preservation, and an updated research guide with newly found historical information.
Boardman presented on his work processing and providing access to the Campus Camera Collection, a collection of Super 8mm film that was recorded by a student group at Utah State University from 1966 to 1971. McGee and Boardman were supported in their work and their presentations by faculty
Zoe'Swanna McGee (Left & Top) and Luke Boardman (Right) presented their research at the 2024 Conference of Intermountain Archivists.
New Innovation Hub Benefits from Funded Student Positions
The Library is excited to have Noha Ramadan, a secondyear PhD student in the Instructional Design and Learning Sciences program and Jas Lowe, a second-year MA student in the History Program join our Innovation Hub team for the 2024-25 academic year.
The Innovation Hub brings together audio/video recording tools, 3D printing, VR headsets, and other emerging technologies into an to adaptable space designed to facilitate integrative research and learning.
Jas and Noha are already making amazing contributions to the Innovation Hub through collaborations with library and campus partners, designing and offering workshops and tours, and creating an assessment plan for the new space. The library and its users are all benefiting from their expertise and enthusiasm, and we are excited to see all that they will accomplish during the year.
Jas’s position is supported jointly by the Library and Department of History, and Noha’s position is supported by a generous donation from Linda Wolcott.
Jas Lowe (left) and Noha Ramadan (right) lend their expertise to the Library's new Innovation Hub.
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© 2024
Published by: Friends of Merrill-Cazier Library
Issue Coordinator: Sara Grove
Graphic Design: Shay Larsen
Photography: Kellianne Gammill, Shay Larsen
Send a check for a minimum of $25 to: Friends of Merrill-Cazier Library 3000 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-3000 OR
Contributors: Jennifer Duncan, Kelly Rovegno, Becky Thoms, Jen Kirk, Ben Dupuy, Katie Strand INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK Curious about library events and services? Follow us @USULibraries X
