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Rescuing History at the Portal to Texas History

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Black and white photograph of several women dressed in western wear. They are all holding their cowboy hats in the air. The text in front of the photograph reads "Thank you for this website and for these memories and for history." - Mindi G., Portal User

The Portal to Texas History (2025). About – endowment. Retrieved from https://texashistory.unt.edu/media/pth/public/images/about/endowment.png

Written By: Haiden Scheffrin

The Portal to Texas History (PTH) is an online repository of digitized items and documents maintained by the UNT Digital Libraries Department. Named among the top online resources for humanities education by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the portal serves as a “gateway to rare, historical, and primary source materials from or about Texas,” (The Portal to Texas History, n.d). Officially beginning in 2002, the UNT Digital Libraries Department created the PTH to ensure that all items comply with UNT Libraries standards.  

This digital database contains documents and artifacts that represent the rich history and heritage of the people in Texas. Currently, the Portal to Texas History contains over two million items ranging from newspapers to photos to maps to videos. The Portal is in constant collaboration with public and private partners to expand their collections.  

Why Digital?

The Portal to Texas History was born out of a need for digitization of Texas history. There was no main website that provided an accumulation of history and culture from across the state. Archivists had a need for a platform that allowed them to share their work online, to a wider audience. From this, the Portal to Texas History was founded to ensure a dedicated, refined space for the display of information about Texas. Additionally, the Portal to Texas History is credited with having the largest collection of one single state’s newspapers. The Texas Digital Newspaper Collection currently has over one million items that span more than 200 years. 

Over time, the UNT Digital Libraries Department has also expanded its reach to Oklahoma history. Founded in 2012, the Gateway to Oklahoma History is a partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society to digitize and publish historical information from Oklahoma. 

This black and white photograph shows a house on fire with several people removing furniture from the home. The text on the picture reads "I likely never would've heard this editor's voice if it had remained trapped on eighty-five-year-old newsprint. But the Portal to Texas History and its generous partners allowed me to hear that long-gone editor and assure that his voice would be heard again." - Rusty Williams, writer-historian.

‌‌The Portal to Texas History (2025). About – rescuing Texas history. Retrieved from https://texashistory.unt.edu/about/portal/rescuing-texas-history/ 

Rescuing Texas History Collection 

The Rescuing Texas History Collection (RTH) serves a very important purpose within the scope of the UNT Digital Projects Unit and the Portal to Texas History. The Rescuing Texas History Collection was founded to digitize and display collections of Texas history that might otherwise be inaccessible online. The Portal contains a multitude of open access materials, so anyone with a working internet connection can see the vast amount of historical knowledge contained on the site. Collections that may have remained hidden have now been brought to light, with new views and research breathing a sort of new life into the collections. “Every page we digitize is not just one person’s life, but an entire community’s life,” (Krahmer, as cited in University of North Texas Research and Innovation News, 2024).

Through mini-grants and other resources provided by the Portal, entire collections are digitized and made accessible online with ease. For the first time in Texas history, smaller collections and heritage projects have been uploaded for research and viewing purposes. Information about partnering with the PTH can be found here. 

Collections Spotlight

Photograph of 4 uniformed firefighters standing in front of the Assistant Chief's fire engine. From left to right, the firefighters are Clay, Watson, Cody, and Chief Meador. The fire engine is parked in the driveway of Dallas Fire Station 8, a brick building which is just barely visible on the left of the photograph. There are several trees beyond the fire engine, and beyond those, a residential neighborhood is visible.

[Fire Station 8’s Assistant Chief’s Fire Engine], photograph, 1937; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth803765/: accessed March 31, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Dallas Firefighters Museum.

Dallas Firefighters Museum: 

The Dallas Firefighters Museum collection at the Portal to Texas History features photographs that depict the early history of the Dallas Fire Department, beginning in the 1870s. “The Museum works to collect, preserve, and present the history and cultural heritage of the fire service of Dallas,” (Dallas Firefighters Museum, n.d.). Many of the photographs within the museum depict City of Dallas fire stations, some of which are no longer standing. These photographs of the older buildings that are still standing have been used to assist in restoring them to their original external appearance. 

Known for many innovations through the years, the Dallas Fire Department had some of the first paid firefighting staff in the state of Texas; including motorized fire engines; advanced training and education programs; and one of the first Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems developed in the country (Dallas Firefighters Museum, n.d). 

Multiple parts of this collection have been digitized and uploaded to the Portal to Texas History through the Rescuing Texas History program and mini grants. The Dallas Firefighters Museum was added as a partner organization in 2011 and presently has around 1200 items digitized and uploaded to the Portal to Texas History website (PTH, n.d).  

Weekly German-language newspaper from Austin, Texas that includes local, state, and national news along with advertising.

Schütze, Julius. Texas Vorwärts. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, November 27, 1885, newspaper, November 27, 1885; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1535567/: accessed March 31, 2025), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting German-Texan Heritage Society.

German-Texas Heritage Society: 

The German-Texas Heritage Society is another organization that partners with the Portal to Texas History through their Rescuing Texas History mini grants. Their mission is to preserve “German culture in Texas through festivals, language classes, genealogical searches, and other services” (German Texas Heritage Society, 2025). They “envision that the people of Texas today and in generations to come will be well informed about the cultural values and heritage of German Texans and that they will embrace the societal benefits of all cultural and heritage diversity within the communities of our State,” (German Texas Heritage Society, 2025). Many items in this collection come from the German-Language Newspaper Collection and the Texas Digital Newspaper Program. Combined, these collections contain over 2400 items from The German-Texas Heritage Society.  

More information about the PTH can be found here: 

Interacting with the Portal 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Additional questions or comments can be sent to the UNT Libraries Ask Us service or sent directly to the Portal to Texas History through their contact us form. 

References:

Dallas Firefighter’s Museum (2023). About. Retrieved from https://www.dallasfiremuseum.com/about 

Dallas Firefighters Museum, partner contributing to The Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/partners/DFFM/ accessed March 10, 2025. 

Gateway to Oklahoma History (2025). About – who we are. Retrieved from https://gateway.okhistory.org/about/gateway/who-we-are/ 

German Texan Heritage Society, partner contributing to The Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/partners/GTHS/ accessed March 10, 2025. 

German Texas Heritage Society (2025). About. Retrieved from https://www.germantexans.org/about 

German Texas Heritage Society (2025). Home. Retrieved from  

https://www.germantexans.org

Texas Digital Newspaper Program in The Portal to Texas History. University of North Texas Libraries. https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/TDNP/ accessed March 11, 2025. 

‌‌The Portal to Texas History (2025). About – rescuing Texas history. Retrieved from https://texashistory.unt.edu/about/portal/rescuing-texas-history/ 

University of North Texas Research and Innovation News (2024). UNT’s Portal to Texas History changed the way scholars research the state. Unt.edu. Retrieved from https://research.unt.edu/news/unts-portal-to-texas-history-changed-the-way-scholars-research-the-state.html 

Bored? Games at the Media Library

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Written By: Jerrin Duty 

Located on the second floor of Willis Library, the UNT Media Library offers many incredible resources for students, staff, and faculty. They offer not only video games and board games but also gaming consoles, controllers, PC gaming spaces, movies, and more. With the many different materials available through the Media Library, let’s take a moment to highlight some of the most popular board games as well as some of my personal favorite board games from the collection.  

5 Most Popular Tabletop Games: 

  1. Uno – A classic. You know it; you love it. Uno is card game that is easy to play for all ages. Match the cards, get rid of your hand, but make sure you know the rules before you accidentally start a fight about stacking +4 cards. 
  1. Cards Against Humanity – This card game is fun at parties but be careful because it is certainly not safe for work. These cards are silly and out of pocket so make sure you know the audience you’re catering to.  
  1. Betrayal at House on the Hill – If you like working with your friends and against them this game is for you. In this board game, you reveal the haunted house with your friends until one of the players becomes a monster and betrays you. With 50 different haunt scenarios you won’t get bored of playing.  
  1. Coup – In this easy-to-play card game, you hide your roles to try and knock out other players. If you can’t manage it through deception and lying, don’t worry you can do it with brute force and a seven-coin cost. Form alliances with caution and keep your cards close to your chest. 
  1. Secret Hitler – Try to prevent the government from falling to fascism in this hidden role game. Pass liberal policies and root out Hitler and his fascist allies to protect the government or lie to your fellow players to turn the government to fascism and establish Hitler as Chancellor.  
Books and Cards and Chess Board
Preciado, Amar. (2023). Books and Cards and Chess Board [Photograph]. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/books-and-cards-and-chessboard-17653598/

5 Tabletop Games You May Not Know: 

  1. Abducktion – Kidnap ducks in the UFO and strategically move your board around to form patterns and win points. This game is a quick and easy-to-learn competitive game where you get to pull ducks from a UFO, what more could you want?  
  1. Hanabi – Mind meld with your friends to try and set off the fireworks without a hitch. In this collaborative card game, the players work together to play cards in order. Unfortunately, you cannot see your own cards and must rely on hints from your fellow players and your own memory to win.  
  1. Cryptid – Try to find the cryptid’s lair fastest. With dozens of scenarios, each player gets one clue about the location of the cryptid. Deduct the location of the cryptid from other player’s moves without giving up what you know.  
  1. Chrononauts – Playing as a time traveler from an alternate future you must alter the course of history to ensure the safety of your timeline. But be careful, altering history too much could result in the destruction of the universe.  
  1. Tsuro – Carefully place path tiles to keep your meeple on the board the longest. Compete with the other players to create a long and winding path that keeps you on the board and sends them off.  

These are just small portion of the vast Media Library Collection. The collection consists of over 1,250 games and continues to grow. They have games for every age group, as well as games with accessibility features including extra-large print and braille. Their collection also includes historic board games such as Mansion of Happiness, a board game about Christian morality from the 1800s, and an early copy of Monopoly called “Progress and Poverty.” Don’t get too overwhelmed with the options though because the collection of tabletop games can easily be searched by number of players, play time, and player age-range. Or if you can’t be bothered to search yourself join the Media Library for Tabletop Time on March 6th to play fun games and get to know the collection.  

References

Media Library. UNT University Libraries. (n.d.). https://library.unt.edu/media/ 

Deepdive: Criminal Justice Database

Posted by & filed under Research Help.

Written By: Apurwa Bhattarai

Also, Part of 

·         Criminology Collection 

·         Socio Science Premium Collection

Criminal Justice Database 

Screenshot of Criminal Justice Database homepage by Apurwa Bhattarai, 2025 

Audience: 

· Students & Researchers – Studying criminology for research purposes. 

· Legal Professionals – Use this database for case research and accessing court records. 

· Law Enforcement Agencies – Utilize the database to investigate cases and conduct background checks. 

Topics Covered: 

The ProQuest Criminal Justice Database (n.d.) provides a collection of valuable resources for studying crime, its causes and impacts, and its legal and social implications. It supports research in law enforcement and security services by offering access to various materials related to crime such as crime reports, cases, blogs etc. Some of the major subject coverages of this database includes Criminology, Corrections administrations, Criminal law, Law Enforcement, Addiction, Family law, Industrial security and Rehabilitation. These materials can be used by anyone for conducting research for a case, class, or academic purpose. 

Features: 

· Advanced Search: Offers an advanced search feature to narrow down results using Boolean operators, publication date, source type, document type, and language. 

· Cite: Allows users to copy citations directly into their papers in their preferred format. 

· Email: Enables users to email the paper to their email address. 

· Save Research: Allows users to save their searches and create a personal database of their research. Users must create an account to access this feature. 

· Copy URL: Copies the article’s URL, making the sharing process easier. 


Pixabay. Police Crime Scene. https://pixabay.com/illustrations/police-crime-scene-blue-light-850054/

Information About Searching 

Users of the Criminal Justice Database can start searching for a topic by typing the title into the search bar. If a user has specific requirements, such as full-text access or peer-reviewed sources, there are options available to filter the results accordingly. An advanced search feature is also available for users to refine their search further. To use this feature, the user must click on Advanced Search and apply Boolean operators, select a publication date, source type, document type, or language based on their needs. To the left of the screen, there are additional features, such as the Sorted By option, which allows users to sort search results by relevance, oldest first, or most recent first. The Person feature enables users to filter results by a specific author, while the Location feature allows users to select the country from which the articles originate. The Subject feature allows users to filter documents by their subject matter.  

Another amazing feature of this database is that it lets the users filter out the results based on publications. If a user is looking for results from a specific publication, this feature comes in handy. Users can access this feature by clicking on the publication tab located next to the Advanced Search feature.  

With these features available to the users, the Criminal Justice Database makes it easier for the users to access wide varieties of resources on crime. Other than offering resources, these features enable users to narrow down results, making the research process more efficient and faster. 

Subject Librarians:

Jennifer Rowe – University Libraries –UNT Sycamore Library

Tasha McClain – University Libraries –UNT Sycamore Library   

For more help with research, patrons can email AskUs services at askus@unt.edu, call 940-565-3245, or contact their subject librarian. 

Reference

ProQuest. (n.d.). Criminal Justice Database. ProQuest. 
https://about.proquest.com/en/products-services/pq_criminal_justice/ 

Getting Past the Distance

Posted by & filed under Research Help.

Written By: Cheyenne King 

Books shelf filled with books
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. 

Books being packed in a box

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!

Ask Us Logo

Ask Us. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/ask-us/#:~:text=Email%20Us,your%20question%20within%2048%20hours. 

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!! 

References: 

Ask Us. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/ask-us/#:~:text=Email%20Us,your%20question%20within%2048%20hours. 

Course Reserves. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/course-reserves/ 

Discover: Catalogue of Books and More. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://discover.library.unt.edu/ 

Distance Learning Services. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/distance-learning/ 

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/ill-document-delivery/ 

Online Media: Find Online Media. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries.  https://guides.library.unt.edu/onlinemedia 

Start Your Research. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/ 

Subject Librarians. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/subject-librarians/ 

UNT Digital Library. (2024). University of North Texas Libraries. UNT Digital Library 

ADA-Compliant Equipment at UNT Libraries: Fostering Inclusivity and Independence

Posted by & filed under Research Help.

Written By: Apurwa Bhattarai 

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
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)
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
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.

References

Discover Catalog, UNT Libraries, (n.d.). Self-Help Devices for People with Disabilities. UNT Libraries.https://discover.library.unt.edu/?f%5Bresource_type_facet%5D%5B%5D=equipment&f%5Bsubject_heading_facet%5D%5B%5D=self-help-devices-for-people-with-disabilities%21Self-help+devices+for+people+with+disabilities 

Hogan Assessments.  (2021, March 12). Inclusion and Belonging for Well-Being. Hogan Assessments.  https://www.hoganassessments.com/blog/inclusion-and-belonging-for-well-being/ 

Services for Persons with Disabilities. (n.d.) UNT Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/persons-with-disabilities/. 

U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.).  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) overview. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/ 

Warwickshire County Council. (2023, November 8). Supporting Your Independence and Mental Wellbeing. Warwickshire County Council. https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/3965/supporting-your-independence-and-mental-wellbeing 

Supporting Families at Willis Library

Posted by & filed under Events, Library Resources.

Written by: Emma Ramos

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.  

Broaden your horizons! Libraries as far as the eye can see

Posted by & filed under Library Resources.

Written By: Jerrin Duty 

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. 

UNT Libraries Accounts Login webpage highlighting ILLiad account login.
Accounts Login, UNT Libraries, UNT Libraries Website, https://library.unt.edu/accounts-login/

TexShare

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.
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?  

Houston Public Library webpage showing digital services available to MyLink card holders.
Download and Stream, Houston Public Library, Houston Public Library Website,  https://houstonlibrary.org/download-stream 

References 

Denton Public Library. (n.d.). Get a card. https://library.cityofdenton.com/screens/dpl_card.html 

Houston Public Library. (n.d.). MyLink. https://houstonlibrary.org/mylink 

UNT Libraries. (n.d.) Accounts login. University Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/accounts-login/ 

UNT Libraries. (n.d.) Interlibrary loan lending and document delivery. University Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/ill-document-delivery/ 

UNT Libraries. (n.d.). Texshare cards. University Libraries. https://library.unt.edu/services/texshare-cards/ 

WorldCat. (n.d.) Home. https://search.worldcat.org/

Introspection from the Interlibrary Loan Office

Posted by & filed under Careers in Librarianship.

Written By: Marissa Criswell

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.  

Books sitting on a wooden bookshelf.
books on brown wooden shelf by Olena Bihivyk, licensed under Unsplash

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. 

Vinyl Record Collection at the UNT Music Library

Posted by & filed under Library Resources.

Written By: Cheyenne King 

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. 

Dauntless Original Soundtrack on Record Player
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
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. 

Record Player and Dauntless Original Soundtrack and Spirited Away Soundtrack
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!  

References

How do vinyl records work?. (n.d.). Victrola. Retrieved July 2024 from https://victrola.com/blogs/articles/how-do-vinyl-records-work 

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2024, July 16). phonograph. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved July 2024 from https://www.britannica.com/technology/phonograph 

Have We Passed the Need for Literacy?

Posted by & filed under Research Help.

Written by: Ashra Londa

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? 

Outstretched hand holding an e-reader over a bubble bath with a rubber ducky.
Person holding turned on Amazon Kindle ebook reader by Perfecto Capucine, licensed under Unsplash 

“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).

Robotic hand pointed up at a navy-blue abstract sky full of data dots that look like constellations.
Robot pointing on a wall by Tara Winstead, licensed under Pexels 

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  

American Library Association (2023, November 1). New ALA report: Gen Z & millennials are visiting the library & prefer print books. https://www.ala.org/news/2019/12/new-ala-report-gen-z-millennials-are-visiting-library-prefer-print-books 

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  

Massis, B. E. (2012). Post-literacy and the library. New Library World, 113(5), 300-303. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801211226382  

National Center for Education Statistics (2019, July). Adult literacy in the United States. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019179/index.asp 

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  

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