IN CIRCULATION CHECKING OUT THE LIBRARIES AT THE UNIVERISTY OF VERMONT Volume 1, Issue 2 Fall 2012 In the spring of 1962, librarians in UVM’s new Guy W. Bailey Library unveiled the first Special Collections Department, under the di- rection of its first head librarian, John L. Buechler. Special Collections brought together Vermont research materials, formerly housed in the Fleming Museum’s Wilbur Room, and rare book collections, formerly housed in the Billings Library. For the first time, these materials—and the specialized attention they required—were com- bined in one department with a special educa- tional and research mission. Special Collections staff and members of the Friends of Special Collections have undertaken a series of events designed not only to celebrate this milestone but to spread the word about the collections and services offered by the Depart- ment. The celebration started in October 2011 with the Great Billings Book Sale, which coincided with UVM’s Homecoming/Reunion weekend. The sale raised more than $4,000 for Special Collections acquisitions and pro- grams—and gave new homes to hundreds of surplus books. Volunteers contributed a great many hours of time to make this kick-off event a success. At the end of February, Special Collections treated Libraries staff, the UVM community, and friends around the state to a birthday party with cake—and “lightning round” PowerPoint presentations on rare books, manuscripts, Vermontiana, and the University Archives. Another spring semester undertaking was the Broadside project, in which eight studio art stu- dents in Professor Jane Kent’s “Projects in Printmaking” class produced broadsides to recognize Special Collections’ 50 th anniversary. After viewing broadsides in our collection, (continued on page 2) Special Collections Turns 50 The Learning Commons: Feasibility Study & Master Plan In the summer of 2011, the UVM Libraries engaged Shepley Bulfinch Architecture firm of Boston to develop a master plan for the renovation and expansion of Bailey/Howe to create a Library and Learning Commons. Working with students, faculty, library faculty and staff, admin- istrators and potential partners, the team gathered information through focus groups and surveys, evaluated site opportunities, reviewed planning options and finalized many recommendations. Not surprisingly, they concluded that Bailey/Howe in its current configuration posed a number of challenges to library users. Students expressed needs for more seating, additional group study spaces, places for quiet study, easy access to electrical outlets from every seat, seats with enough space for laptops and printed materials, and seats near natural light. (continued on page 4) Shepley Bulfinch’s conceptual rendering of a Learning Commons addition to Bailey/Howe.
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Volume 1, Issue 2
Fall 2012
In the spring of 1962, librarians in UVM’s
new Guy W. Bailey Library unveiled the first
Special Collections Department, under the di-
rection of its first head librarian, John L.
Buechler. Special Collections brought together
Vermont research materials, formerly housed in
the Fleming Museum’s Wilbur Room, and rare
book collections, formerly housed in the
Billings Library.
For the first time, these materials—and the
specialized attention they required—were com-
bined in one department with a special educa-
tional and research mission.
Special Collections staff and members of the
Friends of Special Collections have undertaken
a series of events designed not only to celebrate
this milestone but to spread the word about the
collections and services offered by the Depart-
ment. The celebration started in October 2011
with the Great Billings Book Sale, which
coincided with UVM’s Homecoming/Reunion
weekend. The sale raised more than $4,000 for
Special Collections acquisitions and pro-
grams—and gave new homes to hundreds of
surplus books. Volunteers contributed a great
many hours of time to make this kick-off event
a success.
At the end of February, Special Collections
treated Libraries staff, the UVM community,
and friends around the state to a birthday party
with cake—and “lightning round” PowerPoint
presentations on rare books, manuscripts,
Vermontiana, and the University Archives.
Another spring semester undertaking was the
Broadside project, in which eight studio art stu-
dents in Professor Jane Kent’s “Projects in
Printmaking” class produced broadsides to
recognize Special Collections’ 50th anniversary.
After viewing broadsides in our collection,
(continued on page 2)
Special Collections Turns 50
The Learning Commons: Feasibility Study & Master Plan In the summer of 2011, the UVM Libraries engaged Shepley Bulfinch Architecture firm of
Boston to develop a master plan for the renovation and expansion of Bailey/Howe to create a
Library and Learning Commons. Working with students, faculty, library faculty and staff, admin-
istrators and potential partners, the team gathered information through focus groups and surveys,
evaluated site opportunities, reviewed planning options and finalized many recommendations. Not
surprisingly, they concluded that Bailey/Howe in its current configuration posed a number of
challenges to library users. Students expressed needs for more seating, additional group study
spaces, places for quiet study, easy access to electrical outlets from every seat, seats with enough
space for laptops and printed materials, and seats near natural light.
(continued on page 4)
Shepley Bulfinch’s conceptual rendering of a Learning Commons addition to Bailey/Howe.
V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 2
(continued from cover)
the students were asked to produce prints that were open in
terms of content but combined text and image in some way that
acknowledges the historical tradition of the broadside. The
resulting prints were displayed in an exhibition, “The Broad-
side Project,” in the Bai-
ley/Howe lobby after
classes ended, with a well
-attended reception to
kick off the exhibition.
On September 21,
2012, Mark Dimunation,
chief of the Rare Books
and Special Collections
Division of the Library of
Congress, will give a talk
on the value of special
collections in the digital
age, followed by a recep-
tion, in Billings.
The Department is also
involved in two publica-
tion projects. The first is a biographical sketch of David
Richardson (1918-2012), grandson of Billings Library designer
Henry Hobson Richardson, and recent donor of a valuable col-
lection of books to Special Collections. The sketch will include
some of the highlights of David’s donation and a brief history
of Billings Library.
The second publication is a bibliography of Red Hen Press,
edited by Vassar College’s Head of Special Collections,
Ronald Patkus. Located in Wales, Red Hen is a “fine press”
that has produced a
number of books of
Welsh poetry and folk-
lore (among other liter-
ary works) illustrated
with mezzotints by the
press’s proprietor ,
Shirley Jones.
Special Collections
holds one of the most
complete Red Hen
collections in North
America. Publication
support for the bibliog-
raphy from the Friends
of Special Collections
will bring positive atten-
tion to the quality of the
Department’s fine press/artists’ book collection.
Special Collections has much to celebrate at the conclusion
of its first fifty years, but it is the prospects for the next fifty
years that the staff really wishes to celebrate. We hope that all
of the Libraries’ staff and friends will join in upcoming events.
For more information, call 802/656-2138.
The UVM Libraries cover a whole lot
of territory—both in terms of infrastruc-
ture and information. Our goal, within
these physical and virtual
spaces, is to expand
minds and materials.
In a heightened effort
to share the vast array of
scholarship residing in
our ever-expanding bor-
ders, we’re calling 2012-
2013 the “Year of Discovery.”
Throughout the summer and coming
academic year, we will emphasize every-
thing that our stacks and technology have
to offer. We’re on a mission to get the
depth and diversity of our collections into
our patrons’ hands.
To make “discovering” even more user-
friendly, we’ve implemented a new search
tool that allows for faster and more robust
access to our catalog. And, in keeping with
our “discover” theme, we continue our
work to bring the Bill-
ings Library back online
as the home of Special
Collections, the Center
for Research on Vermont
as well as the Center for
Holocaust Studies.
Check out the gorgeous
plans on the opposite page.
I am also pleased to report that we have
completed the feasibility phase of a future
Library and Learning Commons—a place
where scholarship and collaboration
knows no bounds. These are exciting times
for the UVM Libraries.
Discover what we have to offer!
Page 2
Special Collections Celebrates a Half Century
From the Dean: Discovering New Faces, Spaces and Places
YOU ARE INVITED
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 21, 2012
WHERE: Billings Library
WHY: A reception in honor of
Special Collections’ 50 years.
WHAT: A talk on the value of
special collections in the digital age.
WHO: Mark Dimunation, chief of
the Rare Books and Special Collec-
tions Division, Library of Congress.
“These are exciting times for the UVM Libraries. Discover
what we have to offer!” —Mara Saule
Page 3
The Billings Renovation Project: Architectural Plans
I N CIR CULATI ON
Plans are moving forward for the renovation of the Billings Library as a new home for Special Collections, the Center for
Research on Vermont, and the Center for Holocaust Studies. The renovation will honor the historic ambiance of the building
while providing appropriate facilities for its new occupants. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and dedicated in 1886, Bill-
ings served as the main University Library until 1961, when Bailey Library opened. These images, produced by Schwartz/Silver
Architects of Boston, show some of the spaces to be used by Special Collections. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and
dedicated in 1885, the Billings Library is an architectural gem of the UVM campus, and is on the National Register of Historic
Places.
Round Room offices and work space.
Apse exhibit and reception room. Special Collections reading room.
New collection storage area. “Great Hall” reception and casual meeting space.
Marsh Room classroom and public events.
Page 4
Leaning Commons Feasibility Study & Master Plan Unveiled
New Library Professor Helps Welcome the President to Vermont
V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 2
Dana Medical’s “Integrative Health: Local Resources, Luminaries and Community
Connections” exhibit spotlights the research and publications of UVM professors Helene
Langevin, M.D. and Ge Wu, Ph.D.
The University of Vermont College of Medicine is a member of the Consortium of
Academic Health Centers for Integrative Health, joining 50 other academic centers to
further understanding and knowledge in integrative health. The exhibit defines integra-
tive health and the overall goal of academic health centers to foster an exchange of
constructive ideas, bridging Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Conventional
Medicine.
The UVM College of Medicine collaborates with the Laura Mann Center to help
educate all interested health care providers and medical students about the integration of
alternative and allopathic medicine.
Also highlighted in the exhibit is the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, the federal government’s lead agency for scientific research on
Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Page 5
On Display: “Integrative Health” Exhibit at Dana Medical
On Friday, March 30, Libraries’ Assistant Professor
Amber Billey (who moved to Vermont from Brooklyn in
December 2011) had her picture taken with President
Obama during his day-long stint in Burlington. Amber
(on right of the President) describes the thrilling experi-
ence of meeting him in the following few paragraphs:
“My wife, Lydia (on left) and I were shocked when
we received the call notifying us that we had won the
lottery to meet and have our pictures taken with him. On
the day of his rally I made sure to wear my bow-tie by
Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont and my Library of Congress
lapel pin. My wife wore her Americorps Alumni pin as
well.
We were given a special yellow wristband and ush-
ered to a separate section in the front row with about 40
other people. Right before President Obama was sched-
uled to speak, all 40 of us were taken backstage and lined up to
meet him.
We were so nervous! When it was our turn to meet the
President, he asked our names and shook our hands.
As we were posing for the photo, I told the President that
my wife and I are so proud to be married in the State of
Vermont, but that we would love to be married throughout this
great country. To which he replied, “We’re working hard on
it.” I felt that he was genuine and kind. His eyes are warm and
caring. I joke now that I saw rainbows and unicorns and world
peace when I looked into his brown eyes. His hands are also
very soft. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so
happy that my wife and I could represent Vermont — our new
home.”
“Right before President Obama was scheduled to speak, all 40 of us were taken backstage and
lined up to meet him. We were so nervous! When it was our turn to meet the President, he asked
our names and shook our hands.” —Amber Billey
As of May 2012, the Vermont Digital Newspaper Project
has added 10,000 more pages to the Chronicling America
database, bringing the total to over 72,000. The Montpelier
Watchman & State Journal issues are now available from
1836-1888 in addition to the following:
Windham County Democrat: 1837-1853 (select issues)
Rutland Daily Globe: 1873-1876, with 1877 forthcom-
ing
Vermont Transcript (St. Albans): 1864-1869
Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro): 1836-1922
Burlington Free Press (weekly edition): 1836-1920
Rutland Herald: 1836-1854
Vermont Farmer (Newport, St. Johnsbury): 1872-1877,
with 1870-1872 forthcoming.
Mickie the Printer’s Devil was a widely syndicated comic
strip drawn by Charles Sughroe. The comic shows episodes in
the life of Mickie, a printer’s apprentice.
Though the origin of the term is uncertain, such boys were
called “printer’s devils.” Printer’s devils would do all manner of
tasks in a printing office, including setting type and sweeping
up. A number of famous people were printer’s devils, including
Ambrose Bierce, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Mark
Twain.
The strips often depicted what daily life was like for a small
town newspaper printer, showing conflicts with subscribers,
amusing happenings, and the demands of running a print shop.
This, no doubt, appealed greatly to small publishers, and ex-
plains Mickie the Printer’s Devil’s wide syndication.
The strip below is from the 1920 Middlebury Register.
Page 6
Vermont Digital Newspaper Project Update & Sample Comic
Picture Perfect: UVM Yearbooks Digitized by the CDI
I N CIR CULATI ON
The University Libraries’ Center for Digital Initiatives has digi-
tized all 112 volumes of the Ariel, the UVM yearbook that was
published by students from 1886-1997. The yearbooks document
college life and the evolution of the university. They include pho-
tographs of students and faculty, buildings and facilities, activities
and events. The first volume of the Ariel was published by the
sophomore class in 1886, but it soon became a junior class project.
Beginning in 1956, the senior class assumed responsibility for the
annual yearbook. The faculty and students of the Medical College
were included until 1936. Ariel ceased publication in 1997.
V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 2
Librarians Laura Haines, Jeanene Light and Alice Stokes developed a new
website with directions for accessing or downloading mobile apps for Dana’s
licensed medical, drug and health science resources. Medical students, residents
and attending physicians need fast, easy access to evidence right at the point of
care. “We know that many of them carry iPhones, iPads or other devices, and
many of our licensed resources, such as DynaMed and AccessMedicine, offer
mobile apps. The trouble was, these health care providers didn't know what medi-
cal apps were available and how to download them,” explains Haines. “We
wanted to create one place for clinicians to go to find out about medical apps and
get directions for downloading them.” (See http://danaguides.uvm.edu/mobile)
Page 7
Spotlight on the Center for Teaching and Learning
Mobile Medical Resources: There’s Directions for That App!
UVM’s Center for Teaching and Learning promotes
excellence in teaching and encourages interdisciplinary
dialogue throughout the University community. CTL also
offers training, support and collaborative opportunities for
faculty and graduate students utilizing instructional tech-
nology in their teaching and research. The following are a
few examples of CTL’s outreach efforts and far-reaching
effects:
CTL recently partnered with Melanie Gustafson of the
History Department to teach American Women's History
students how to design a digital humanities collection.
Students researched, scanned, transcribed, and encoded
primary source material from the Bailey Papers in Special
Collections at Bailey/Howe. The students then created an
online exhibit of Consuelo Northup Bailey, Vermont's first
Lt. Governor. (A sample of their findings is on the right.)
CTL is now also a partner in the Burlington Geographic
Project, headed by Walter Poleman of the Rubenstein
School in collaboration with numerous local nonprofit
organizations. The project brings faculty from a diversity
of disciplines together with students to investigate the sus-
tainability of Burlington's sub-systems—food, transporta-
tion, education, architecture and energy.
CTL's primary role in the project is help students create
a dynamic website featuring interactive maps, historic and
contemporary photos, videos of local community activi-
ties, place-based curricula, and range of supporting re-
sources.
CTL’s Hope Greenberg introduced the students to the field of digital history, the practice of creating
digital surrogates, and gave an overview of how the project would be created. She discussed the
advantages and challenges of digital history. —Melanie Gustafson
Page 8
Discover This: A Tourist's Album of Japan
I N CIR CULATI ON
Katherine Wolcott and her uncle, Robert Hull Fleming, compiled a photo album on their visit
to Japan in 1909. Part of a larger Asian trip, the two stopped in Japan and collected photos, postcards,
bookmarks, and other materials. Fleming was a graduate of the University of Vermont, and in 1929
Katherine Wolcott helped to fund the construction of the Robert Hull Fleming Museum in memory of her
late uncle. Their collection of images, now available through the UVM Libraries’ Center for Digital
Initiatives in partnership with the Fleming Museum, depicts Japan’s strong national heritage and
cultural appreciation, as well as a newfound embrace of modernization and technology.
Top: Group of Female Performers. Below left: A man carrying his goods to a shop. Below right: An estate in the Japanese countryside. Images courtesy of the Fleming Museum.
