Tag: special collections

70th Anniversary of the Conclusion of WWII: Exhibit Reception and Talks

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March 2, 2015

12:31 pm

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Cornerstone of Victory Exhibit

Millions of young Americans served in the armed forces from 1941 to 1945, including many students and alumni of The University of Scranton.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formal conclusion of World War II, the Heritage Room is featuring an exhibit, Cornerstone of Victory, as a tribute to all of the men and women, particularly our veteran alumni, who went into harm’s way to serve their nation.  The exhibit is based on materials from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections and the University Archives. Although the McHugh Special Collections does not specifically collect material on World War II, a number of collections have relevant material that highlight the impact that this tragic event had on the University, our nation, and the world.

Two history talks and an exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 6pm in the Library’s fifth floor Heritage Room. This event is free and open to the public.

“From Harvard to Nuremberg: Father Fabian Flynn and His Service with the 26th Infantry Regiment 1943-1946″ by Dr. Sean Brennan.

Fr. Fabian Flynn was an American priest from the Passionist order who spent the years of 1943 to 1962 in Europe and who served as a military chaplain during World War II.

Dr. Sean Brennan is an Associate Professor of History at The University of Scranton. He specializes in the History of 20th Century Europe, especially in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Impact of World War II on The University of Scranton by Dr. Francis X. J. Homer

The University of Scranton underwent a transition from Christian brothers to Jesuit stewardship in 1942. Besides the change from the Christian brothers to the Jesuits, the University was significantly affected by the war, as were all other institutions of higher learning as young men went to war instead of University.

Dr. Frank Homer is a Professor of History Emeritus and serves as The University of Scranton Historian.

A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II, which is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. There is also a second plaque commemorating those who died in Vietnam
A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II. The plaque is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. A second plaque hangs next to it commemorating those who died in Vietnam.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Click here for more information about the exhibit, which is on display in the Heritage Room until Sunday, April 26, 2015 during normal library hours.

For additional information, please contact Michael Knies, Special Collections Faculty Librarian, (570) 941-6341 or michael.knies@scranton.edu

Spotlight on Student Workers: Rebecca Edwards

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February 18, 2015

12:18 pm

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BeccaWe can hardly believe that it has been two and a half years since Rebecca Edwards began working in the University Archives and McHugh Special Collections department! Time has flown by, and we will miss Becca greatly after she graduates this spring!  Before she leaves us, we would like to recognize all of her hard work and leadership in the department.

Becca began in the Library in the fall of 2012 and has worked on several ongoing projects, including accessioning files from the Office of the Provost into the University Archives.  She has also spent a great deal of time processing and accessioning negatives from the Terry and Paula Connors Collection.  A crucial role that she has filled this semester is helping to train three freshman student workers who are new to the department.  What Becca enjoys most about her Library position is working with the other student workers, and it certainly shows! She always maintains a friendly and articulate demeanor while collaborating on projects with other students and library staff.  Becca has been an asset to the department, and it has always been a pleasure to work with her.

Becca, who hails from Long Valley, New Jersey, is a senior Biology major and is currently on the hunt for a job for after graduation. Wherever she may find herself in the future, we know she will thrive and develop into a positive and confident leader! Throughout her time at Scranton, she enjoyed competing for the University’s equestrian team. Her favorite books and movies are the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, and a little known fact about Becca is that she was originally born in Brazil.

Thank you, Becca! And congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Exhibit: Cornerstone of Victory

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February 12, 2015

8:47 am

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Cornerstone of Victory Exhibit

Millions of young Americans served in the armed forces from 1941 to 1945, including many students and alumni of The University of Scranton.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formal conclusion of World War II, the Heritage Room is featuring an exhibit as a tribute to all of the men and women, particularly our veteran alumni, who went into harm’s way to serve their nation.  The exhibit will be based on materials from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections and the University Archives. Although the McHugh Special Collections does not specifically collect material on World War II, a number of collections have relevant material that highlight the impact that this tragic event had on the University, our nation, and the world.

The Abe L. Plotkin Collection is focused on the end of World War II and immediately thereafter. Plotkin, a 1935 graduate, served in the United States military and was a witness to the liberation of the Ohdruf concentration camp. After the war ended, Plotkin assisted survivors of the concentration camp in getting in touch with American relatives. The exhibit will feature photographs and correspondence from his collection.

The recently acquired Passionist Congregation Archives contains Military Chaplain Reports. The Passionists, like other Catholic Church orders and congregations, provided chaplains to perform sacraments and provide counseling to soldiers. The collection contains photographs and reports from the chaplains detailing their day-to-day life and activities.

Gold Star Veterans of WWII
A memorial to alumni and students who were Gold Star Veterans of World War II, which is permanently on display in the foyer of Madonna della Strada Chapel. There is also a second plaque commemorating those who died in Vietnam

The Joseph Polakoff Collection primarily features his editorial writing on Middle Eastern affairs; however, during the 1940s Polakoff, a 1932 graduate, worked for the United States Information Agency, and some of his correspondence relates to World War II activities.

The exhibit will also feature assorted publications collected over the years that relate to the war. The University of Scranton underwent a transition from Christian brothers to Jesuit stewardship in 1942. Besides the change from the Christian brothers to the Jesuits, the University was significantly affected by the war, as were all other institutions of higher learning as young men went to war instead of University.

This exhibit reflects a period of great transition for The University of Scranton and an experience that shaped the character of many of our alumni, the institution, our nation, and the world. Seventy years ago, America rejoiced in the hope for enduring world peace. Through this exhibit, we aim to honor the bravery, honor, strength, and sacrifices of all veterans and those impacted by war.

This exhibit will be on display in the Heritage Room until Sunday, April 26, 2015. For more information, please contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies, Michael.Knies@Scranton.edu (570) 941-6341.

 

Newly Digitized: Penman Photographs from the Zaner-Bloser Collection

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November 21, 2014

1:03 pm

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Digital Collections, News

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Penman PhotographsOne of the most highly prized jewels in our Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections is the Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection, one of the most extensive collections of American ornamental penmanship from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, we’ve been digitizing parts of the Zaner-Bloser Collection to make it more accessible to researchers and penmanship enthusiasts around the world.

We’re now happy to announce that more than 500 photographs of celebrated masters and instructors of penmanship from the Zaner-Bloser Collection are now publicly available online. The photographs (96 portraits of women and 453 of men) were gathered by Zaner-Bloser for publication in penmanship journals like the Business Educator. Few of the photographs are dated, but we estimate that most of them were taken between the early 1900s and early 1940s.

Some of the photographs are portraits of celebrated master penmen, including several members of Michael Sull‘s Penman’s Hall of Fame. Others are lesser known teachers and instructors, some of whom we weren’t able to identify (please contact us if you recognize them!).

None of these photographs would be online today were it not for Thomas W. Costello, who spent many hours carefully digitizing the portraits for us. Tom’s great-grandfather is Scranton’s own master penman P. W. Costello, who has three portraits in the collection. Tom described the photograph collection as a “wonderful, well-deserved tribute to the masters and many of the dedicated unsung heroes who worked under the radar teaching penmanship.” We couldn’t say it better ourselves. Thank you, Tom, for bringing the men and women behind the pen into the spotlight.

Job Posting: Seeking Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist (part-time)

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October 20, 2014

5:13 pm

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The University of Scranton seeks an Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist (part-time).  The Archival and Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Specialist supports the work of the Special Collections Librarian, the Digital Services Librarian, and the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, in the coordinated cataloging, description, and record-keeping necessary to the preservation, accessibility, and findability of University Archives and Special Collections materials. Working across varied Library information systems, this position creates, maintains, and enhances descriptive, administrative, structural, and preservation metadata of various types for materials of diverse formats.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree required along with broad subject knowledge.  A graduate degree in archives, public history, digital humanities or an ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science is preferred.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:  a knowledge of library and archival procedures; the ability to perform repetitive, detail-oriented tasks and work independently in an isolated environment; and excellent record-keeping, written, oral and instructional skills.
The candidate must be able to lift at least 30 lbs., climb a step-stool, and be tolerant of different environmental conditions.  A familiarity with various software and tools related to digital asset management, i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, file processing, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Bridge and a familiarity with standards and best practices for cataloging and metadata are preferred.

Hours:  This position requires 17.5 scheduled hours per week between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

This position will remain open until filled.

All applications must be submitted electronically:
Click “Search Postings” on the Human Resources page to create an application and then apply for a position. Please note you will not be considered an applicant until you apply for a specific, open position. If you need assistance, please call Human Resources at (570) 941-7767 or e-mail your questions to hr@scranton.edu. Thank you for your interest in working for The University of Scranton!

Position number and title are:
Title:  Cataloger (Part-Time);  Posting Number:  6000736

The University of Scranton is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body embracing an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. The University welcomes Veterans, minority persons, women, and persons with disabilities to apply. The University of Scranton is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer/Educator.

Dedication of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections

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September 3, 2014

3:41 pm

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Unveiling the Plaque
Brian McHugh ’59 and Librarian Michael Knies unveil the plaque

 

On Tuesday, September 2nd, the Weinberg Memorial Library hosted the dedication of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. The dedication ceremony included comments by Dean Charles Kratz, an invocation by Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., and remarks by Vice-President for University Advancement Gary Olsen, followed by the unveiling of the dedicatory plaque by donor Brian McHugh ’59 and Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies.

 

 

Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque

Mr. McHugh provided remarks about his mother, for whom the department has been named. Mrs. McHugh was born in Kingston and resided in Plymouth.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian McHugh '59 providing remarks
Brian McHugh ’59 providing remarks

Mr. McHugh is a graduate of Kingston High School. He attended the University of Havana, Cuba, and earned a master’s degree in psychology from The University of Scranton in 1959. A resident of Kingston, Mr. McHugh is a Korean War Veteran who served in U.S.A.F. as a member of an aircrew. His background includes positions in instruction, banking, construction and development. Mr. McHugh is a field consultant for business development at present. He is a member of the the Schemel Forum, serves on the Advisory Board of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library, and is an active member of the Luzerne County Historical Society.

 

 

Fr. Ron McKinney, S.J., Charles Kratz, Brian McHugh, Don Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Gary Olsen
Fr. Ron McKinney, S.J., Charles Kratz, Brian McHugh, Don Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and Gary Olsen

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Provost Donald Boomgaarden, Ph.D., which included a brief musical interlude when he sang from the Library’s 14th century illuminated Italian choral book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reception and Exhibit
Reception and Exhibit

Following the dedication, there was a reception in the Heritage Room, where there is an exhibit on display of  “Highlights from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections.” The exhibit runs through September 25th.

 

Library Exhibit: Highlights from the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections

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August 28, 2014

10:17 am

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Highlights Exhibit

Brian E. McHugh ’59 recently announced a planned estate gift to the Weinberg Memorial Library in memory of his mother, Helen Gallagher McHugh. In memory of Mr. McHugh’s mother, the Weinberg Memorial Library’s Special Collections were named the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. Mrs. McHugh was born in Kingston and resided in Plymouth.

In honor of the naming and dedication, the Library is currently hosting an exhibit with a small and selective sample of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. Most of this material has been assembled since 1996, starting with the acquisition of the Joseph Polakoff Papers followed by the Joseph McDade Congressional Papers Collection. Although the Library had a small rare book collection, including four mostly complete medieval manuscripts and a handful of books printed prior to 1500, the collection has been significantly expanded through the creation of the Hill-Davis Jesuit Collection with initial funding from the Rousseau Memorial Fund and subsequent funding from the Jesuit Community. Other items have been acquired through the generosity of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library, as well as through donations and purchases.

This exhibit is concentrating on the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections. The department also contains the University Archives, which are not featured in this exhibit. Material from the University Archives was featured last year in an exhibit celebrating the 125th anniversary of the University. Archival material is regularly featured in Heritage Room exhibits and a significant amount is available online in the Library’s Digital Collections.

The exhibit is on display in the Library’s fifth floor Heritage Room until September 25. For more information about the exhibit, please contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies. michael.knies@scranton.edu    (570) 941-6341

Alumni Authors Exhibit

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June 5, 2014

11:35 am

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Alumni Authors Exhibit

Throughout the month of June, The University of Scranton Alumni Authors Exhibit is on display in the Library’s 5th floor Heritage Room. The exhibit showcases books by more than a hundred alumni authors and includes many signed copies.

The range of subjects varies greatly, encompassing alumni who became authors in their academic fields, nonfiction writers, novelists, children’s literature writers, and historians. The earliest former student featured is Clarence Walton, ’37, 10th president of The Catholic University of America and the first layman to hold the position. The youngest graduate featured in the exhibit is Sarah M. Piccini, ’07, G’10, whose local history book, Framing Faith, provides a pictorial history of former churches in the Diocese of Scranton.

Also included in the exhibit is Jason Miller, ’61, H’73, who received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play That Championship Season.  Two of our very own Librarians, Bonnie Strohl, G’90, and Kristen Yarmey, G’12, are also alumnae and have books on display in the exhibit.

We also have numerous books by alumna and children’s literature writer, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, G’82, who has written a Newberry Honor Book and a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal winner.  She is also the recipient of 2013 Friends of the Weinberg Library Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award.

We encourage you to explore this wonderful exhibit and celebrate our alumni and their important contributions in the publishing world. The exhibit is on display during normal library hours.  For more information, please contact Michael Knies, Special Collections Librarian, (570) 941-6341.

Hey! You! Get into our (Dura)Cloud!

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May 5, 2014

11:39 am

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DuraCloud logo

The Weinberg Memorial Library’s got a brand new cloud – and unlike Mick Jagger’s, on ours, not even two terabytes are a crowd.

Thanks to our new partnership with DuraCloud, the master files from our digital collections are now being preserved in a more robust repository, where we can monitor the health of our bitstreams, discover and repair any corruption or damage, and automatically back everything up offsite in Amazon S3 and Amazon Glacier cloud storage.

This is a pretty important step up for us. Since our beginnings in 2008, our digital collections have expanded from 0 to 1.75 terabytes (that’s about 1,792 gigabytes!), with no signs of stopping anytime soon. At that scale, it was getting difficult for us to manage our own local and remote backups, and we were quickly running out of local storage space. The move to DuraCloud not only smooths out our workflow, it also gives us plenty of room to grow for the future.

As an added bonus, thanks to interoperability between DuraCloud and our Archive-It web archiving service, all of the web content that we capture for preservation from University-related sites will be automatically backed up in DuraCloud, too.

All of these changes are on the back end, so users won’t notice any difference – you can still search and browse our digital collections at www.scranton.edu/library/digitalcollections.

Media Attention for the Mutiny on the Bounty Exhibit

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March 31, 2014

1:00 am

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Mutiny on the Bounty Exhibit Blog PostAlthough the mutiny on the Bounty will always stand as a signal event in maritime history, the circumstances surrounding the mutiny have been clouded by early attacks on Lieutenant William Bligh and by motion pictures, which portrayed him as a tyrant.

In celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Mutiny on the Bounty, the Weinberg Memorial Library is presenting an exhibit on the topic drawn from the collection of University benefactor and alumnus Edward R. Leahy.

The exhibit is on display in the 5th Floor Heritage Room until April 17th and has already received positive media attention.

WVIA ArtScene

 

 

 

On March 18th, Erika Funke interviewed Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies about the exhibit for WVIA’s ArtScene. Ms. Funke also provides an overview of the Mutiny on the Bounty as it’s been depicted in film. You can listen to the interview on the WVIA website.

 

 

 

Fine Books & Collections 5

 

 

The  exhibit is also featured in a blog post by Rebecca Rego Barry for Fine Books & Collections magazine.  She highlights a couple of the rare books from Mr. Leahy’s collection that are currently on display as part of the exhibit.

 

On April 9th at 5:30pm, Edward Leahy will speak on The Mutiny on the Bounty: Myth and Fact in the Library’s 5th floor Heritage Room with a reception to follow. The talk is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. The event is cosponsored by the Schemel Forum and the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

We invite everyone to explore the exhibit, which is on display until Thursday, April 17th in the 5th floor Heritage Room during regular Library hours.  For more information, please contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies, Michael.Knies@Scranton.edu 570-941-6341.