Pixabay. Books in Black Wooden Bookshelf. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/books-in-black-wooden-book-shelf-159711/
In the past few years, online learning has become a greater part of university students’ lives. Now it is very common for entire classes to take place remotely, so students only interact with their classmates and professors digitally. While such courses have many benefits, distance learning students may miss the opportunity to use on-campus resources. Despite this, there are many online resources available for remote students!
UNT Libraries Website & Discover Catalog: While this may seem like a common answer, there is a lot that UNT Libraries have to offer! Many resources can be accessed online such as eBooks, online articles, databases, and videos. These materials can be searched on the UNT Library website and the Discover Catalog. There is also a Online Media Search guide which has some helpful tips on how to find digital library media.
Document Delivery: Sometimes the materials you need are just not online. Print materials are still invaluable and have a great impact on academic work. So, if you need a book the library has, it can be mailed to you! Distance students have the option to request books be mailed to their address, and better yet this is a free service. Please visit our Distance Learning Services page for more information.
Kaboompics.com. Crop man packing books in carton box. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-packing-books-in-carton-box-4498123/
Interlibrary Loan: This is a wonderful option that allows students to borrow materials from other universities. While ILL books cannot be mailed, book chapters and articles can be sent electronically to a student’s ILL account. For more information, please visit our Interlibrary Loan website.
Course Reserves: These materials are books reserved by professors for certain classes. Items range from print books to online articles and other media. Entire print books cannot be sent through the mail, but chapters can be scanned and sent to students digitally through their Interlibrary Loan account. You can view more information on course reserves here and search for your course reserves with your Course ID here.
Ask US: Do you have a question for the library? Not to worry, just Ask Us! UNT Libraries is here to help you find the answers to your academic questions. If you are unsure about what the library has to offer or need a jump start in finding research materials, please chat with us via email, phone, online chat, or text. We are happy to help!
Subject Librarians: Finding sources for papers is not always an easy task. It’s a good thing the library has librarians specializing in various different subjects! By visiting the UNT subject librarian webpage, you can find a specialist who can help you locate resources for different fields. These librarians can be contacted by phone, email, or through a virtual appointment and can assist remote students who need access to online only resources.
Digital Libraries: The UNT Digital Libraries consists of resources that can be accessed online and include the highlighted collections of UNT Thesis/Dissertations, UNT Scholarly Works, University Photograph Collection, College of Music, CRS Reports, and a CyberCemetary. There are many more collections available as well, and all the Digital Library resources can be accessed by UNT students, faculty, or staff members.
Learning remotely doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected! Always feel free to contact the library through Ask US or give us a call. With these resources, I hope UNT can feel a bit closer and help you take those steps towards success!!
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (n.d.), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against an individual with disability at work, school, or public places. To ensure everyone, including persons with disabilities, has equal access to the services, UNT Libraries offers various ADA-compliant equipment to assist patrons in completing their work. The key component for the availability of this equipment is that UNT wants to ensure all its patrons feel included regardless of their disabilities. The availability of ADA equipment is crucial as it removes barriers and offers a sense of independence to the patron with disabilities. While researching this topic, I had the pleasure of interviewing Janelle Foster, Resource Sharing & Access Librarian and a member of the accessibility team, who provided valuable insights into the types of ADA-compliant equipment and services offered by UNT libraries. Based on my interview with Ms. Foster and my research, I present this blog to explore various kinds of ADA-compliant equipment offered by UNT libraries, and why it is important.
ADA-compliant equipment at UNT Libraries
UNT Libraries offers various services across different sectors including facilities with multiple carrels available on each floor and a few wheel-chair accessible study pods. In Materials Retrieval, any service desk staff can assist patrons with retrieving materials. Access Services offers ADA equipment like ADA assistive calculators, large print calculators, magnifiers, C-Pen, Sensory kits, and translators. All the equipment offered at UNT Libraries enables patrons with a disability to work independently and UNT Libraries ensures that this equipment is well-maintained and upgraded promptly (Services for Persons with Disabilities, UNT Libraries, n.d.). Additionally, the adaptive Student Computer Lab in Sage Hall, Room 330 is specifically designed to meet the needs of patrons with disabilities. The following are some of the ADA-Compliant equipment offered at the UNT Libraries and their uses:
Topaz Desktop Magnifier: Topaz desktop magnifier is a powerful support for patrons with low vision. It magnifies text and pictures and has a setting that enables them to adjust contrast and brightness.
Perkin Brailler: The Perkins Brailler functions similarly to a typewriter, with the primary distinction being that it produces Braille text. It requires a special type of paper designed for Braille writing, conveniently located alongside the Brailler. This tool is specifically crafted to support individuals with visual impairments.
Large Print Keyboard & Calculator: This is a special keyboard and calculator designed for patrons with low vision, featuring letters printed in a larger size than normal.
ADA assistive calculator: This calculator is also known as a talking calculator. It narrates every step users take.
Magnifier: It is used to assist patrons with reading words difficult for them to read because of its size. When placed on top of the words, it magnifies and enlarges.
C-Pen: This innovative tool is designed for patrons with learning disabilities or low vision. When run over the text, it scans words and reads them back aloud.
Jaws software: A powerful software that is an invaluable ally for people with low vision and provides auditory access to digital content. In simple terms, it acts as a narrator for digital content.
Pocketalker: A powerful assistive listening device designed to assist users with communication through amplifying sound.
ADA equipment at the circulation service desk by Apurwa Bhattarai, 2024.Topaz Desktop Magnifier and Perkin Brailler located outside of Room 130 at Willis Library (Left) and Pekin Brailler located on the 4th floor of Willis Library (Right) by Apurwa Bhattarai, 2024.
ADA-compliant gaming equipment offered by the media library:
3dRudder: the foot-powered motion controller: This controller enables patrons to play in VR using their feet, freeing up their hands.
3D printed Nintendo Joy-CON adapter for one-handed gamers: A single-hand switch that enables users to play Nintendo using just one hand.
Access controller for PS5: An adaptive equipment designed for disabled patrons with a feature like swappable buttons to customize inputs that fit their needs.
StealthSwitch3 FS-2: This equipment lets users control computers using their feet. By stepping on a pedal on this equipment, users can operate computers.
Xbox Adaptive Controller: A controller designed for users with limited mobility. This controller enables the user to mount external buttons and switches.
AbleNet Big Red Twist Switch: A device designed for an individual with limited mobility. It’s a red button that controls computers and other tools by using minimal force.
Adaptive gaming kit: A powerful kit that has adjustable buttons that can be rearranged as needed.
Xbox wireless keyboard: A wireless keyboard that can be connected to Xbox series S/X or Xbox One S/X.
(Source: Discover Catalog, UNT Libraries)
Media Library Service Desk Located on the 2nd floor of Willis Library by Apurwa Bhattarai, 2024.
Why is ADA-compliant equipment important?
Libraries offer patrons various services, including accessible resources, technology access, study spaces, and recreational options like video games. The key aspect of libraries providing these services is to serve all community members and ensure all the resources are accessible to everyone, regardless of their disability. This inclusive approach allows patrons with a disability to feel included and empowers them to complete their tasks independently, positively affecting their mental health and well-being.
As a fellow university student, we belong to a community that thrives on unity. No matter our background we treat everyone with respect and equality. When public spaces like libraries lack ADA-compliant equipment, it can alienate disabled patrons affecting their sense of belonging and well-being. According to the Hogan Assessment (2023), individuals who feel rejected by their groups are less likely to perform at their best and the absence of inclusion can significantly affect their well-being. By Prioritizing accessibility, we can create an inclusive learning environment to our disabled patrons and enhance their well-being.
Similarly, ADA-compliant equipment is vital as it enables disabled patrons to work independently which can enhance their mental health. According to Warkshire County Council (2023) independence and mental health are interconnected and it promotes good mental health by enabling individuals to engage in activities that promote well-being and pursue goals. Offering ADA-compliant equipment has a direct positive impact on our disabled patron’s mental health, as it allows them to work independently on any task. Therefore, the importance of this equipment cannot be neglected.
As a community, it is our fundamental duty to ensure all patrons, including those with disabilities, experience a sense of inclusiveness, and have their mental health enhanced by fostering independence in their work. Implementing ADA-compliant equipment is the first step toward achieving this goal. For more Information about ADA-compliant equipment, patrons may contact AskUs services via email or call 940-565-3245.
Student-Parents– According to Urban Institute, the term ‘student-parent’ is defined as “someone who is enrolled in any level of education or training and is concurrently responsible for providing for a child of any age,” (Urban Institute, 2023). This includes being a biological parent, stepparent, unmarried co-parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, legal guardian, grandparent, extended family member, or sibling caregiver, (Urban Institute, 2023). Parenting students are a growing group in higher education, yet they still face many challenges, issues, discrimination, and lack of support in data collection, services, and spaces. UNT and UNT Libraries have been working to make campus and Willis Library more family-friendly for parenting and pregnant students. In the Spring 2024 semester, students were asked to self-identify as student-parents during registration. According to UNT Registration, there were 2,732 student-parents enrolled. 1,403 were undergraduate students and 1,329 were graduate level or higher students. The American Council on Education predicts that parenting students in colleges and universities are expected to rise as more adults are pursuing higher education, (2024). This past September, UNT Libraries celebrated National Student Parent Month with a physical book display on the first floor and a virtual display that highlighted resources from library collections for parents, children, and families. UNT Libraries understands that balancing classes and family life can be challenging. To nurture a more welcoming and inclusive library, Willis Library offers many resources for parenting students, families, and children.
Student-Parent and Family Resources Library Guide– UNT Libraries has created a helpful guide on the UNT Libraries website that is solely dedicated to parenting and pregnant students. Library and campus resources can be found including family-friendly spaces, lactation rooms, restrooms, programs, services, collections, entertainment, dining, parking, and childcare, and other related information. The library guide is updated frequently to ensure parenting and pregnant students have access to correct information. More information is planned to be added, so keep an eye out! We strive to connect parenting and pregnant students to all resources and information to ensure each student feels valued, supported, and welcomed.
Family-Friendly Spaces– Willis offers many family-friendly spaces for families to use. The first and second floors are social floors equipped with desktops, printers, tables, and study spaces. The first floor also has four family workstations that are desks for both parent and child. There is also a Lactation Room (152) with a changing table across from the Spark. The third and fourth floors are collaborative floors where talking is allowed but at a minimum. Located on the fourth floor, there is a gender-neutral restroom (435) with a changing table. Soundproof study pods from the lower level to the second floor can also be reserved through the UNT Libraries website. The Library Mall is also a great scenic area with many seating areas and water fountains to bird watch and people watch!
Family Workstations by Emma Ramos
Family Study Hours – Family Study Hours are a designated time and space for student-parents to study, do homework, and receive research assistance while their child/ren can participate in fun crafts, activities, story times, and snacks with child-friendly furniture. Kids Activity Kits are also available for children to play with and check out. Keep an eye out for upcoming Family Study Hours!
Family Study Hours Set Up by Emma Ramos
Kids Activity Kits – Entertaining kids while on campus can be challenging. To keep kids busy, student-parents can check out a Kids Activity Kit! Kids Activity Kits are backpacks filled with fun activities, toys, and books for children ages 1-9. Each backpack follows a theme—from Developing Motor Skills to Dinosaurs to Fairytales. All kit materials were researched and purchased by library professionals to ensure each activity, book, and game is age-appropriate and contributes to fun learning. To check out Kids Activity Kits, students would need to bring their student ID to the 1st floor Library Services Desk.
Kids Activity Kit: Space (ages 4-9) by UNT Libraries Marketing & Communications Department
Help Yourself Campaign – Created by librarian, Brea Henson, The Help Yourself Campaign connects students to a variety of library collections (physical and electronic) about many sensitive topics such as food insecurity, financial literacy, mental health, legal services, work-life balance and many more. There is also campus, local, and national resources available for students that include departments, organizations, projects, hotlines, and much more. The Help Yourself Campaign is a great guide for all students to receive the help and education they need.
Grab & Go’s – Need a fun and quick way to entertain kids?Grab & Go’s are a fun on the go way to entertain children. Grab & Go’s consist of a fun squirrel craft with supplies and instructions, along with coloring pages, crayons, a tattoo sheet, and snacks. All Grab & Go’s can be requested at the 1st floor Library Services Desk—no student ID required!
Squirrel Craft by UNT Libraries Marketing & Communications Department
Other Helpful Library Resources– Parenting and pregnant students can also find parenting books, family books, children’s books, and audiobooks. Information about the Media Library and their family-friendly movies and games can also be found—perfect for a family movie night or game night! Parenting and pregnant students can also find information about graduate student library lockers, laptop loans, and tutoring services. To learn more about Willis Library and other library resources, visit the UNT Libraries website or contact Ask Us.
Campus Resources – The Student-Parent and Family Resources Library Guide also provides campus information for parenting students and families. Information about the Crumley Hall Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Gowns for Grads, family-friendly parking, lactation rooms, childcare resources, and family-friendly fun and entertainment can be found. The Center for Belonging and Engagement provides campus support for non-traditional and commuter students at UNT. They also have a dedicated guide for student-parents that you can check out here. On this guide, parenting and pregnant students can find more resources and information. Families can also check out this interactive resource guide with information on family-friendly dining, entertainment, and UNT Libraries! To learn more about what UNT offers for students, check out Student Life on the UNT website
References:
Henson, Brea. Help Yourself Campaign. UNT Libraries.
Sick, N., Anderson, T., Green A. R., Adu-Gyamfi, A., Demario. M.A. (2023). Considerations for Postsecondary Data on Student Parenting Status. Urban Institute.
Yates, A. S. (2024), Student-Parent Data: What We Know, What We Don’t, and How to Find Out. American Council on Education.
Undergraduate or graduate, staff or faculty, we are all looking for ways to save money where we can. At least if you’re anything like me free stuff is where it is at. So here are some tips and tricks to game the system and get as many free things as possible. The UNT Libraries offer over 3 million resources, including books, movies, video games, and music. But why limit yourself to only the UNT Library items? This post will cover 3 other ways to access materials at no cost to you.
Interlibrary Loans
Interlibrary loan, sometimes referred to as ILL or ILLiad, is a way that libraries across the country share materials. If UNT doesn’t have access to the book or article you are looking for, submit an ILL request through the UNT Libraries website and another library may be able to provide it to you at no additional cost. Many public libraries also offer ILL services, but with an out-of-pocket cost to the user, however UNT covers that cost for all students, staff and faculty.
To use the ILL service, go to the accounts login tab at the top right of the library website. Then select log into Illiad, and login using your EUID and password. From the ILLiad home page you can then submit a request for materials like books, articles and newspaper clippings.
Similar to ILL, a TexShare card gives you access to materials from other libraries. But a TexShare card can only be used for in person transactions. TexShare is a system of almost 500 Texas Libraries that allow cross-library user access. To utilize the TexShare network, come to the front desk at UNT Willis library to pick up a TexShare card. TexShare cards can also be received in the mail after requesting over the phone or by emailing circ@unt.edu. Then you’ll be able to check out materials from other universities and colleges, as well as various public libraries across the state of Texas. Interested in browsing at the TWU libraries? With a TexShare card you can!
TexShare and ILL are especially useful when paired with the WorldCat system. WorldCat is a comprehensive catalog combining the materials of thousands of libraries across the globe. This catalog contains information for books, articles, e-books, audiobooks, movies, musical scores and more. In WorldCat you can search almost any form of media and find the closest library to take your TexShare card to for checkout. Additionally, finding an item in WorldCat before filling out the ILL item request will make filling out the item information easier. WorldCat auto-populates all of the metadata information the new request form will ask for.
Interlibrary loan book, TexShare card and Denton Public Library card on desk. Photo taken by Jerrin Duty, 2024.
Public Libraries
Speaking of Public Libraries don’t forget about the great system that is the Denton Public Library. If you are a Denton Resident, even if you live in a dorm, you can get a library card for the Denton Public Library and gain access to their extensive collection of physical and digital resources. Personally, I am a big fan of their Cloud Library e-books and DVD collection. But the good news doesn’t stop there! The Houston Public Library also offers free library cards to any Texas Resident. If you have a Texas Driver’s License, Texas State ID or a passport, you can apply for a MyLink card to the Houston Public Library and access all their digital materials.
Do not be fooled by the traditional reputation of libraries, the digital collection of the Denton Public Library is vast. Both libraries offer e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music through websites and apps like Hoopla and Kanopy. Why pay for Spotify or Netflix when you can stream movies for free from the UNT Media Library, Denton Public Library, and Houston Public Library?
Working in the interlibrary loan office of UNT’s Willis Library is a daily exploration of academic curiosity for me. I have been a part of the department for over a year now. It is a quiet office on a quiet floor, but if you ever stop in, do not mistake that hush for a lack of productivity. The interlibrary loan team is working diligently to process up to hundreds of requests per day during the semester.
The research and reading interests of UNT are diverse and there is never a dull day in the 035 office. Every topic imaginable comes across my desk: diseases of bees, antique textiles, trauma nursing, chemical engineering topics I am not sure I pronounce properly and Native American troops of WWII. Two that have been my favorites are old newspaper articles surrounding American serial killers and the Klondike.
My perspective on the research that takes place at UNT has broadened widely. Gone are the days when I only knew research as simply a quote from a book or finding a relevant article in a Gale database. The research I help the students and faculty of UNT complete covers not only books and database articles, but has taken me on adventures locating every edition of a particular tome, articles from newspapers that have not been in existence for decades, physical copies of wartime Red Cross fliers, musical scores from around the world, and photo collections from World Fairs. Undertaking the responsibility to stay up to date on trends in publishing such as open access, creative commons and how to access new items in the public domain also keeps my day interesting.
I admit that as the physical items come into our office from the lending library, sometimes I get distracted by my own curiosity and end up poring over a fascinating item, learning something new about the world. The ILL team might pause for a moment to share some fascinating book, score or dissertation that arrives. The varied interests of UNT students and faculty are innumerable and it is extremely fulfilling to be a part of helping a patron locate what they seek. There is a sense of accomplishment when an item I worked diligently to locate comes into the office and I know that a scholarly pursuit can progress in whichever college the item is off to.
One thing I wish our patrons knew about the ILL office is that the requests our office processes can take just a few seconds to weeks or months to complete. Our team operates in tiers, sending more complicated requests up the levels to our colleagues with the skills to fulfill more challenging requests. When a request shows only one holding available in WorldCat (a database of library collections from around the world) our team exhausts all options to acquire that single item for our patron, whether in a physical or digital form.
Even though the interlibrary loan office is behind the scenes of the daily hustle and bustle of the library, I truly feel a sense of accomplishment every time a request I worked on comes in from a lending library. Whether the loan is for research or enriching downtime reads, a short and playful musical score or an entire opera, an article from the current pediatric oncology journal or the now defunct Klondike News, my perspective on the world has become more vibrant. Processing requests is my daily adventure, and I am proud to be a part of the team-effort and overall endeavor of a major research university.
Academic books and articles may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the word “library,” and they are vital to a successful school year. However, libraries contain more than these resources for students. One of my favorite discoveries has been in the UNT Music Library. If you go beyond the stacks of scores and literature, you can find the Vinyl Record Collection.
Picture of Dauntless Original Soundtrack on Record Player, taken by Cheyenne King
What is a Vinyl Record?
Vinyl records are a physical format of recorded music. They are much bigger than a CD and need to be handled carefully by the edge of the disk, so they are not scratched or damaged. The record itself is made of vinyl plastic and has small groves in it where the sound was recorded (How do Vinyl Records Work?, 2024).
To listen to the music stored there, you need a record player. Originally called a phonograph, these devices have a long arm with a needle on the end (Britannica, 2024). This is carefully placed on the record and as the disk spins, this creates sound (How do Vinyl Records Work?, 2024).
What kind of Music do we have?
While this technology has been around since the 19th century (Britannica, 2024), that is not the only type of music available on records! Many modern artists have been putting their albums on vinyl records in addition to producing digital copies and CDs. The Music Library has a variety of genres available from Studio Ghibli to video game soundtracks.
Looking for a record player? The Music Library has some available that can be checked out with a valid UNT ID.
Vinyl Record Music Stand at UNT Willis Library, taken by Cheyenne King
Where Can I find Records?
You can check out records at the Music Library, located on the fourth floor of Willis Library. There is a small vinyl stand next to the Music Library service desk which can be browsed through. More options are available to be viewed online through the UNT Discover Catalog. To narrow search results to vinyl records, scroll down to format type and select Audio records (LPs/Eps) and 12-inch Vinyl records. To check one out that you found online, place a hold on the item and when it is ready for pickup you will receive an email to your UNT account.
Photo of Record Player and Dauntless Original Soundtrack and Spirited Away Soundtrack, taken by Cheyenne King
Why Records?
Music is available everywhere and digital formats tend to be the most coinvent in our daily lives. However, using vinyl records can be a wonderful way to disconnect from online media while still enjoying good music. It is especially helpful if you are trying to limit distractions caused by devices when studying.
There is something satisfying about putting on a record and watching the turntable spin. The sound is distinct with no digital distortion making the experience of listening to music all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend trying it!
In the past 20 years, technology has begun playing a bigger and bigger role in how society functions on a global scale. Less and less are libraries used for finding books—and even if a patron still wants to read, they may rather sift through online options while perusing a tablet than check out a physical item. Databases and online articles have rapidly expanded in prospect and accessibility, while physical books shrink into smaller and smaller bookshelves.
On top of these changes, many people are no longer merely seeking reading materials from their local library, instead exploring the malleability between differing media formats and tastes (American Library Association 2023). Perhaps they are interested in borrowing a DVD of a film or television show. They may want to listen to a new audiobook. Perhaps they would rather stream a digital resource than stop by to pick one up. The media consumed by patrons has evolved into newer, more complex types: Film, audio, video games, and other multimedia options.
These changes may lead one to wonder: If people are less interested in reading, or have even stopped reading entirely, then does that mean they are no longer literate?
“Post-literate” is a relatively new term that started to see use in the 2010s. It is not defined as people who can’t read, but people who choose to gain information via non-reading means, such as audio, video, graphic, or gaming components (Massis, 2012). A post-literate society is not a dark age where once-literate, once-intelligent people have foregone reading for the sake of ignorance. In fact, America is still a society in which over 79% of its adult citizens are able to read and critically analyze their findings at a sufficient level (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019).
There are several ways in which post literacy has begun to shape how people interact with information outside of traditional reading. For example, people tend to read in smaller bursts, comprehending the most important components of what they scanned; this behavior can already be seen in the scholarly field, where many academics skim in order to pick up the main points of articles (Massis, 2012; Alberto Mora & Golovátina-Mora, 2020).
The movement toward digital, multimedia, and online engagement has also fundamentally shifted how libraries interact with their communities. Not only does post-literacy alter libraries’ practices, but it questions their very definitions, prompting librarians to redefine their functions into more relevant practices for their patrons. Post-literacy could even be understood as a complete retooling of the meaning of “literacy,” reconsidering the concept as a multimodal presentation of information rather than a single dimension (Alberto Mora & Golovátina-Mora, 2020).
A more library-relevant example of the multimodal post-literacy movement is embedded within the Metaverse, a platform based on the fusion of the physical and virtual realms (Noh, 2023). One such platform propelled libraries into the Metaverse: Second Life. This application allowed libraries to build virtual portals for anyone accessing the Internet to explore, framed as a series of hub worlds stocked with an information desk and a librarian’s avatar behind it. A vast number of libraries around the globe synced with the platform when it dropped in the late 2000s, giving virtual patrons a way to connect with libraries thousands of miles away from the comfort of their computer. While this particular Metaverse has fallen out of use due to the rise of budget cuts and the fading of the fad, it stands as a monument of what libraries could mean to patrons, as well as what post-literacy could yet transform libraries into.
It is impossible to document exactly how post-literacy will shape the world ahead of us. While aspects such as text skimming, multimodal information displays, and the Metaverse offer potential avenues, we are as likely to guess what could happen in the future as information science students were 50 years ago. Perhaps literacy will become completely unfathomable to today’s world; perhaps it will not be remembered, even “dismembered,” as a construct (Massis, 2012; Cline & López-McKnight, 2024).
I will sign off with this quote that ponders the state of the future, viewing the lens of literacy as a preconception that can be thought outside of:
“…We imagine outside the need for [Information Literacy (IL)] and its ways (and worlds) of knowing and learning and being (human) that it facilitates, mandates, and encloses. And this outside of IL, turns back around to demand just what to do about IL in the now to set in motion an after” (Cline & López-McKnight, 2024).
References
Alberto Mora, R. & Golovátina-Mora, P. (2020). Video composition as multimodal writing: Rethinking the essay as post-literacy. KnE Social Sciences, 4(13), 4-12. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v4i13.7690
Cline, N. & López-McKnight, J. R. (2024). Before information literacy: Field notes on the end of IL. Journal of Information Literacy, 18(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.11645/18.1.568
Noh, Y. (2023). A study on the developmental direction of the metaverse libraries for the future. Libri, 73(3), 239-252. https://doi.org/10.1515/libri-2022-0060
And now, as we enter summer, one final blog covering a Spring 2024 event and some new materials at the library.
I attended the From Artists’ Books to Zines Symposium that Special Collections held on March 23rd; it was held not just in celebration of their Biannual Artists’ Book Competition, but as part of the grand opening of Special Collections’ new zine library.
The Arists’ Books panel consisted of Dottie Love, Kathy Lovas, Christine Adame, and David Wolske, artists who have all worked with artists books as a medium, with Wolske currently a professor at UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design.
During this panel, they discussed the various elements that led them to artists books as a medium, as well as some of the ways they portrayed their art using artists books. They mentioned and referred to other book artists that both served as inspirations for their own entry into the medium and were well-known artists in the field, such as Edward Ruscha, Susan Kae Grant, Keith Smith, and Philip Zimmermann. Wolske additionally mentioned art book resources that were useful for people interested in learning the craft: Making Books by Hand, The Art of the Fold, and Keith Smith’s various books on the art of bookbinding. One of the questions from the audience was regarding creating and publishing artists’ book as more than limited runs and as commercial works instead. As an example of commercially published artists’ books, Anne Carson was brought up.
The Zine panel consisted of local zine artists and publishers, which included the Denton Zine and Art Party’s Founder and Coordinator Rachel Weaver and Assistant Coordinator Alex Khraish, Trilobite Press’s executive editor Tom Sale, and the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of Triangle Nonprofit Publishing Michael Bartels. University of North Texas lecturer and multimedia artist Meredith Cawley was also present on as part of this panel.
Zine by Valerie Cummins. Image by Valerie Cummins.
The attitude of this panel was more informal, best underlined by one of the responses to a question of what made the difference between an artist’s book and a zine: “You can lick it”. The rest of the panel discussions included discussions on issues like legal and illegal zine distribution (such as slipping zines into newspapers or mailboxes) and how zines can be not just artistic or hobby-based but a form of political activity, with Bartels providing as an example the available online zine “12 Things to do Instead of Calling the Cops”. Zines were discussed and brought up as being works that can be created individually or as part of a collective community with others.
After the panels, there were two workshop locations to provide the audience the opportunity to create their own zine; one hosted by the Denton Zine and Art Party and the other by Trilobite Press, who brought in a large photocopier so that participants in that room could create copies of what they made.
The keynote speaker was Candace Hicks, a local Texas artist whose start was in artists’ books that used embroidery and fabric as their medium. The UNT Libraries’ Special Collection has one of her works, Volume LXXXVII of Common Threads, as part of its collection. She has additionally done a variety of exhibitions, including ones using gallery walls as the writing surface, and the “Many Mini Murder scenes” series, which include inset dioramas inspired by murder mystery novels.
One of the questions regarding her exhibits was whether her works were altered to fit other galleries beyond the original one they were first designed for: For one exhibit which featured the writing going around the gallery in two full lines, Hicks said that she did a great deal of editing and alterations to make it fit in the new gallery; she additionally mentioned that unplanned changes or unexpected environmental differences were common, such as a second floor that people were able to enter that allowed them to look down below; one of the exhibition items had not been designed with the expectation that people would be able to look down at it, so it had no ‘roof’ to hide the interior from that viewing angle.
As a follow-up to the Symposium, I conducted an interview with Meagan May, the Special Collections Public Services Librarian, regarding the symposium, zines, and Special Collections’ new zine library.
Q: What inspired the push to develop the zine library and run the zine symposium?
A: We first started noticing an interest in zines from our faculty and students about a year or two ago, as zines became more commonplace in class discussions and assignments, so this collection has been in the works for a while now. There is a lot to consider when it comes to zines in libraries, and a lot of that revolves around the ethics of purchasing zines at the institutional level, and the unique challenges that come with displaying and making zines accessible. It kind of feels like the wild west of collection development at times. I would say the foundation and decisions surrounding this collection took about a year, and for the last year we’ve been working on purchasing zines and getting the library prepared for students and visitors to browse.
The idea for the symposium wasn’t directly inspired by our new zine library. The symposium was initially meant to be a celebration of our Biennial Artists’ Book Competition which had its latest cycle in the fall of 2023. Traditionally, we’ve held an exhibit to accompany the competition, but for this cycle we wanted to try something a little different. I had begun to notice that there was this really unique crossover that was happening with zines and artists’ books, and that the lines between the two mediums were beginning to blur in some ways. With the competition and the launch of the zine library happening so close to each other, it just made sense to combine the two into a wider topic, more general books arts symposium – and I think this really allowed us to do some fun things for the symposium.
Q: What kind of zines are you hoping to obtain in the future for the zine library? Or for yourself? Is there a specific zine you’re hoping to collect?
A: Our zine library does have a primary area of collecting focus, and that is zines related to topics of gender, identity, and sexuality. We also prioritize zines created by members of marginalized and underrepresented communities. Historically, zines have been an important means of communication for underrepresented communities because they provide a sharing news and information that wasn’t available through traditional publications and media.
However, these aren’t the only zines we are hoping to collect. We also have a large interest in zines from our students and local community members, and those can vary significantly in topic and genre! One of the great things about zines are their ability to be about anything, and I would certainly like our collection to reflect that as it grows through zines from or by our campus and community.
Q: Since the opening of the zine library, Special Collections has taken part in events around the library to encourage zine making and introduce it to students, staff and other community members; is there a process in place for members of the UNT community to submit their zines to the new zine library?
A: I’m so glad you asked this question! We welcome and encourage UNT Community members and others to submit their zines to the collection, and we have a couple of different ways they can do that. The first way is probably the easiest, and gives you the chance to browse the zine library. We have set up a box in our Reading Room where people can donate their zines along with an attached form that makes sure we get the information needed to add it to the collection.
We do prioritize paying makers for their zines though, so if you’re a zine maker with an online presence or have an affiliated distro I encourage you to reach out to me (meagan.may@unt.edu) directly with information on where your zines can be found and how it can be acquired.
Q: What kind of challenges have you encountered with proposing the zine library and then developing its initial collection? What are the plans for displaying the zine library in the long-term?
A: I’ve been really fortunate to have full support from our Department Head, Morgan Gieringer, from the get-go on this collection so navigating its development has been a fairly smooth process, at least in terms of direct support. As mentioned above – there have been some unique collection development related challenges, but I think those are pretty universal for librarians working with zines.
As far as permanent display goes, the plan for the foreseeable future is to continue to have a space for the zine library within the Hughes Reading Room so that is available to browse during open hours of the reading room. We have recently reconfigured half of our reading room to act as a browsable archive we’re calling the Open Stacks, and the zine library is a part of that space. We’ll be officially launching the Open Stacks this fall, but in the meantime, anyone is welcome to come in and take a look.
Q: Are you hoping to host future zine symposiums or was this one intended to be done to celebrate the zine library’s opening?
A: We’re presently hoping to continue hosting a book arts symposium biennially in conjunction with our Biennial Artists’ Book Contest. The incorporation of zines into this one was definitely due to the launch of our own zine collection. There’s a lot of different areas of book arts that we would like to explore in the future as themes for both the competition and the symposium, but nothing that been decided on just yet. You’ll have to wait for the announcement about the 2025-2026 competition cycle for that to be revealed.
Q: This symposium was combined with the artists’ book competition reception and featured a panel regarding artists’ book. What do you feel is the similarity between artists’ books and zines? How would you define both in ways that distinguish them?
A: It’s strange to thing about the similarities between artists’ books and zines when they seem to be on opposite ends of the book arts spectrum in some ways. Historically, zines are rooted in their ease of reproduction so they’re often considered ‘cheap’ or ephemeral, and artists’ books are literally books as art objects, right? So it seems strange to view them through similar lens, but artists’ have long been interested in zines and zine creation. The Brookyln Museum even held an exhibit, Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, earlier this year exploring artists’ zines and their history and impact.
For me, what I have been coming across more and more and has been raising questions at least in my mind, are zine makers incorporating more artistic elements into zines by using different bindings and folding techniques, more complex print making and reproduction methods, and even sculptural elements through the shapes of their zines and the containers they come in. These elements seem to blur those points of distinction between artists’ books and zines, and tend to leave me with more questions than answers. I’m definitely interested in further exploring this cross-over though as I continue working with zines and artists’ books in my capacity at UNT.
Q: I noticed that many of artist’s book panelists were connected to the UNT community; was that coincidental or did that play a role in approaching them?
A: This was definitely not coincidental. Since this was our inaugural symposium, we really weren’t sure the kind of response we’d receive if we put out a call for proposals for traditional presentations and sessions. To avoid any issues with programming, we decided to curate panels composed of invited guests that had previously worked with Special Collections through instruction or outreach. This included several UNT faculty members, but also a TWU faculty member, regional book artists, and local community organizations.
The only speaker who had not previously worked with Special Collections was our keynote, artist Candace Hicks, but even then, she’s still connected to our collections. We invited her as our keynote based on the interaction students have had with the volume of her Common Threads series that’s in our artists’ book collection. During artists’ book related instruction sessions, her work is often one of the first examples students are introduced to and interact with so we felt like inviting her to be our keynote would be a draw for students and faculty who work with our collection.
Special Collections can be visited on the fourth floor of Willis Library in 437, the Sarah T. Hughes Reading Room, during their listed hours.
Similarly to last semester, two GSAs undertook research on databases of their preference for one of their projects. They delivered presentations covering various aspects such as background information, materials/collections, target audience, features, search functionalities, and more. I have compiled key highlights with the help of the presenters, from these presentations so that anyone interested can easily access and explore them. Both of these presentations were on science-related databases.
Audience: Researchers and academics (for tracking literature, citations, and research impact), Research institutions (for evaluating performance, showcasing output, and analyzing collaborations) and Funders, publishers (to evaluate the influence of research projects and journals).
Topics Covered: The Web of Science offers comprehensive multidisciplinary coverage, covering scholarly journals, books, and conference proceedings in fields ranging from the sciences and social sciences to arts and humanities. Additionally, it includes regional databases such as the Chinese Science Citation database, KCI-Korean Journal, and Russian Science Citation Index.
Features
Advanced Search: Allows complex searches using Boolean operators (AND, OR NOT), truncation and field tags to combine different metadata concepts like titles, authors, journals, etc.
Citation Search: Find articles that have cited a specific paper you’re interested in and can access high impact articles within the database.
Saved Searches: Create a personalized list for future reference.
Create Alerts: Set up email alerts to stay updated when new relevant papers get published.
Export Citations: Export citations in various formats like Bib Tex, Excel EndNote, etc.
Suggest a Correction: If you spot an error, you can suggest corrections to publication records.
Information About Searching:
Web of Science makes it easy to find the research papers and information you need. You can use advanced search techniques like combining keywords with AND, OR, NOT to get very specific results. The search can look for terms in different fields like title, author name, journal name, and more. You can filter your search results by factors like publication date, document type (journal article, book, etc.), author, and institution. This will help narrow it down to the most relevant items. With some practice using the different search options, you’ll be able to quickly locate the scholarly publications you need from the vast collection in Web of Science. The flexible search tools allow you to be as broad or specific as required.
Audience: The intended audience for the Medline database are healthcare professionals, researchers, students, educators, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in biomedical literature.
Topic/s Covered:
Medline covers a wide range of topics in medical and life sciences fields. It contains biomedical literature, containing citations and abstracts, peer-reviewed articles, conference abstracts, systemic reviews, clinical trials, case studies and many more from journals in medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and healthcare systems.
Features:
Searching tips: The database as special feature, searching tips which provide tips to users and guide them on searching in the database.
Advanced search: This advanced search allows users to narrow down the results using “limit to”, “publication date” and many other filters allowing the users to get the exact results they need.
Filters: This feature allows users to filter the results by study type, author, journal, and the location of the key word in the article, if the keyword must be in title, abstract, body or another part of the article.
Boolean Operators: And, or not Boolean operators are present in the advanced search feature to get specified results.
Permalinks: Permalinks for articles are present which enables in easy sharing and citation of the articles.
Citation: Users can choose the style of citation and can export the reference to various citation managers like RefWorks, EasyBib, EndNote and many more.
Compatibility: The database is compatible with smartphones allowing users to access the database everywhere.
Information About Searching:
Users can start browsing topics related to biomedical field in the search bar of the database. First time users can use the feature, searching tips and start searching for articles. Users can use the advanced search option which allows them to filter suing publication date, author, and location of the key words in the articles. This will help in narrowing down the results t more relevant and specific results Boolean operators (AND, OR NOT) can be used to get specific results. Users can start experimenting with all the special features and advanced search features to get the scholarly and peer-reviewed publications from a huge collection of the Medline database. The cool features allow users to get specific results as need by the users.
The Access Services department at Willis Library, located on the University of North Texas main campus, functions as the primary public facing department for research and reference inquiries. Access Services is the first front desk patrons encounter when entering the library. Access Services houses the popular ‘AskUs’ Team who assist patrons with research needs. Comprised of faculty, staff, Graduate Services Assistants (GSAs), and Library Service Student Assistants (LSAAs), this department is very diverse and serves a wide spectrum of patrons and academic disciplines.
This informal research study stems from a discussion initiated by a question that was directed to the AskUs email, typically answered by the GSAs, regarding Algae Blooms. Despite lacking natural science degrees, a collaborative effort between a part time employee (myself) and a staff member ensued to locate optimal resources for the patron. Subsequently, the inquiry was escalated to the science subject librarian—the perfect resource for advanced research that could be considered niche within different fields. However, after the email was sent, the part time employee and staff member were discussing the interesting topic and another, different staff member overheard the conversation and shared that they had a substantial background in science with multiple concentrations. This individual then shared some really interesting, fun facts about Algae Blooms all from memory. Needless to say, it was rather impressive.
Informal Study
The conversation between these three employees sparked a question: what academic backgrounds do employees in Access Services have, aside from the GSAs who are required to be pursuing higher degrees within the College of Information? A survey was distributed that posed 10 questions to employees of the Access Services department. 20 responses were recorded.
To establish background on this casual study, out of the 20 responses, 15% were faculty, 25% were staff, 20% were GSAs, 35% were LSAAs, and 5% were part-time.
Undergraduate Degrees in the Department
Regarding undergraduate qualifications, 75% of respondents possessed undergraduate degrees, 20% were actively pursuing such degrees, and 5% did not have and were not pursuing an undergraduate degree. Analysis of the specific fields of undergraduate study revealed a diverse array of disciplines within Access Services, encompassing 12 distinct fields.
Notable among these were degrees in English, with diverse subfields including Linguistics, Technical Communications, Creative Writing, Literature, and Cultural Studies, alongside specialized domains such as Civil Engineering, Social Work, Dental Surgery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information Science, and Journalism. Additionally, respondents often had received minors, reflecting multidisciplinary educational trajectories, with fields including Japanese, French, Business Foundation, Psychology, and Philosophy.
Graduate Degrees in Department
A significant proportion of respondents were either currently pursuing or had already obtained graduate degrees. Specifically, 40% were actively engaged in graduate studies, 35% possessed graduate qualifications, and 25% did not have and were not pursuing a graduate degree. Surprisingly, all graduate degrees represented within the department, including those of non-GSAs, were from the College of Information, encompassing disciplines such as Library Science, Data Science, and Information Science, with various specializations.
When asked about degrees and certificates that did not fall in the traditional undergraduate and graduate degree classifications, the following were listed:
Asian Studies
Associate Degrees in Science
Advanced Management in Libraries and Information Agencies
Furthering Education
When questioned about their interest in furthering education, 42.4% expressed a willingness to pursue another degree in the future. Notably, respondents showcased a wide array of aspirations regarding their future educational endeavors.
Masters in English
Ph.D. in Information Science
Master’s in History
Master’s in Film Production
Masters/Ph.D. in Anthropology
Ph.D. in Learning Technologies
Master’s in Creative Writing with a Nonfiction Concentration
Theme
One recurring theme in the data is the prevalence of humanities backgrounds among Access Services personnel. This suggests a strong aptitude for creative expression and effective communication skills. As the department serves as a public-facing department within the library, patrons can trust that they’ll encounter employees with diverse competencies. Whether directly addressing inquiries or facilitating assistance, these personnel are well-equipped to meet the needs of patrons with confidence.
Another prominent theme is the department’s emphasis on rich educational diversity and evident interdisciplinary collaboration. This highlights a strong commitment to embracing individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and nurturing a culture of teamwork. By fostering such inclusivity, the department encourages innovative problem-solving, which ultimately leads to more effective outcomes for the patrons it serves. This dual focus on educational diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration not only enriches the department’s collective knowledge but also enhances its ability to meet the diverse needs of its patrons with creative and efficient solutions.
At the front desk, patrons can expect excellent service, and yet there is even more assistance available for advanced research needs. One valuable resource provided by the library is the opportunity to meet with a subject librarian. These experts have extensive knowledge and backgrounds across various fields. You can easily explore the list of subject librarians and search by field, topic, or name.
Conclusion
The data, overall, suggests a strong emphasis on education and career advancement within the Access Services community, with a notable interest in both traditional and emerging fields of study. No matter the area patrons require support in, Access Services is more than ready to assist.
Run by graduate student employees, Scholar Speak hopes to bridge the gap between the library and its students through instruction on the use of library services and resources.
