Bio: Since my arrival at Texas Tech University in 1987, one of my missions and passions has been to lower as many barriers between the holdings of Rare Books and the public. The Science Spectrum Exhibit provided an ideal venue, presenting to the people of the South Plains the opportunity to examine, enjoy and learn from a gathering of maps, prints, and artifacts, many of which were over 200 years old and literally from the other side of the world.

Abstact: Interactive world map displayed at the Science Spectrum, Lubbock, Texas illustrating Captain James Cook 's three voyages to the Pacific (1768-1779). Original map provided by Rare Books, TTU Libraries. Panel and stand created by the following Science Spectrum staff: Elton Prater, Greg Watson, Leroy Gomez and Brad Sumner.

Sara Holmes, Assistant Archivist and Conservator for Special Collections

Bio: Sara Holmes is Conservator for Special Collections and heads the Hoblitzelle Conservation Lab in the University Libraries. She received her M.L.S. and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conservation of Library and Archival Materials from the University of Texas. She is also a certified archivist and has previously treated documents and materials ranging from court suits filed by slaves in bids to secure their freedom to the personal papers and notebooks of UT Tower sniper Charles Whitman.

Abstact: The diaries of Dr. Đặng Thùy Trâm were originally recovered and kept by American G.I. Frederick Whitehurst during the Vietnam War. Donated to the Vietnam Archive in 2005, the diaries required reattachment of boards and a few leaves. Most challenging was the design of an archival housing using appropriate materials that would meet the needs of preserving the books while honoring Dr. Trâm’s memory at the same time. Adapting Asian-styled book case traditions to the needs of the diaries, a single box was created to house both volumes as well as a small portfolio made to house the paper-cut stencil found inside one of the diaries.

Monte Monroe, Assistant Archivist, Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library

Janet Neugebauer, Associate Archivist, Southwest Collection/Special Collection Library

Bio: Janet Neugebauer is an archivist at the Southwest Collection, where she has worked for the past twenty-eight years. She is in charge of the Photo Processing/Special Projects Unit. Her current project mainly concerns writing a biography of George H. Mahon, the first representative from the 19th Congressinal District, who served for forty-four years. She has also published books relaing to farming and ranching history. Walt McDonald, Texas Poet Laureate in 2001, collaborated with Janet on two books that paired his peoms with historical photographs from the Southwest Collection. She has received two citations for her books from the San Antonio Conservation Society and a Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Abstact: For years the story of Elizabeth Boyle (Aunt Hank) Smith was interwoven with that of her husband, Henry Clay (Uncle Hank) Smith. This was acceptable to her, but when her story is winnowed out it provides an insight into how pioner women dealt with West Texas. They had to be strong to survive and carve out a home here. More often than not, like Aunt Hank, they did more than survive, they thrived. This is the story of a woman whose spirit grew to fill the wide-open spaces, whose determination was as strong as the wind, and who developed ingenious ways of coping with hardships. Through it all her personality became as colorful as the fire-like glow of a West Texas sunset, and it shaped a culture and way of life that could thrive in this big, lonesome land.

Brian Quinn, Associate Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development

Abstact: Although many social sciences theories have been applied to the field of library and information science, one theory that has received relatively little attention is dramaturgy. The dramaturgical perspective posits that social life is inherently theatrical in nature. When applied to the academic library setting, both librarians and library users are seen as performers who play a variety of roles in front stage and backstage areas within the library. They strive to deliver convincing performances to their respective audiences by engaging in various forms of impression management.

Brian Quinn, Associate Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development

Abstact: Positive psychology is an important new trend in the field of psychology that may have significant implications for academic libraries. Like the field of psychology, academic librarianship has traditionally focused a substantial amount of attention on problems within the field and on how to solve them. Positive psychology offers a viable alternative by focusing on the strengths and potential of librarians rather than weaknesses. Taking a positive approach to librarianship and fostering a positive culture within academic libraries may result in a variety of benefits to the organization including improved attendance, productivity, and retention of staff.

Brian Quinn, Associate Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development

Bio: Brian Quinn is Social Sciences Librarian and Coordinator of Collection Development at Texas Tech University Libraries. He is the author of numerous articles in the field of library and information science. Brian is a member of the editorial board of Internet Reference Services Quarterly. He is active in the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services. His primary research interest is exploring the psychosocial aspects of libraries and information seeking.

Abstact: With the growth of the World Wide Web has come a proliferation of online reference sources. Some of these are electronic versions of already existing paper sources, while others have no paper counterpart. Many of the best reference resources found on the Web are subscription-based, but a surprising number of quality resources are available free. The vastness of the Web makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive survey of all the resources that are currently available. This article attempts to identify some of the most significant resources across the social sciences.

Diane Warner, Librarian, Southwest Collection, Special Collections Library

Diane Warner, Librarian, Southwest Collection, Special Collections Library

Diane Warner, Librarian, Southwest Collection, Special Collections Library