We are excited to share that Julia Carr-Trebelhorn has joined UC Libraries as the Service Coordinator for the Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry. Julia earned a PhD in the History of Science, Medicine and Technology in 2023 from the University of Oxford. In addition, she holds a BA (English Literature) and MA (Art History) from the University of Kentucky, where she also completed courses in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering and Chemistry.
Julia brings a wealth of experience in the history of science, special collections and museums that will benefit both the Oesper Collections and UC Libraries more broadly, including experiences in operations and collections management. As the Service Coordinator, her duties include: facilitating public operating hours for the Oesper Collections, coordinating tour requests, assisting with compiling statistics and stories on engagement with the collections, collaborating on displays and digital projects and much more. In the Science and Engineering Libraries unit, Julia will also have responsibilities in supporting the CEAS Library collections and operations.
From historical anatomies to apothecary artifacts to early 20th-century pharmaceutical equipment, there are three new exhibits at the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library that have something interesting for everyone to explore.
Display Case 1: Dr. Lisa Koby’s donation to the Henry R. Winkler Center for the History of the Health Professions. Ansomi Normals Du Corps Human Atlas Inconographique, by Sigismond Laskowski (1841-1928).
Lisa’s father, Dr. Victor Koby was a direct descendant of Andrei Kobyla – the progenitor of the Romanov dynasty in Russia. Dr. Koby attended medical school in Prague, where he became friends with Dr. Katherine Euler. After graduation, Euler gifted Koby the Atlas pictured (wherever photo is). The Atlas made it through World War II and over to America, where it was given to a friend of Lisa Koby’s, Dr. Stillman (University of Cincinnati), who then had it restored. It was then donated to UC Libraries.
Display Case 2: Dorothy Blank Apothecary Artifacts Collection.
Dorothy “Dot” Blank was born September 11, 1914, and died August 7, 1987 at the age of 72. She was the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy freshman class secretary, as well as the historian for the Alpha Phi Gamma sorority. She graduated in 1934 with a Candidate in Philosophy degree. Her husband, Robert E. Lonneman Sr. graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Pharmacy. The display consists of apothecary weights, sets of mortar and pestle, apothecary scales and glass test tube.
Display Case 3: Compound & Traditional Pharmacy Provisions.
The University of Cincinnati Libraries will be closed, Friday, July 4 for Independence Day. Normal hours for all library locations will resume Saturday, July 5.
UC Libraries is excited to share that Alex Herbers has joined our staff as the Web & User Experience Specialist. This role will support and advance UCL’s mission by ensuring website and digital resources are discoverable, accessible and aligned with the needs of the UC community.
Alex is an experienced UX developer and designer. He joins us from Kent State University, where he also earned a BFA in Visual Communication Design. After working in private industry for several years, he joined Kent State in 2019. Most recently, he worked in University Communications & Marketing, serving as a lead UX Developer / Designer for the university’s digital presence. Welcome, Alex!
All University of Cincinnati Libraries will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Regular library hours for all locations will resume Friday, June 20.
All University of Cincinnati Libraries locations will be closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. Regular library hours for all locations will resume Tuesday, May 27.
Know of a good book to eat?! Create an Edible Book for UC Libraries International Edible Books Festival!
It’s time once again for the fan-favorite International Edible Books Festival scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 11 a.m. on the 4th floor of the Walter C. Langsam Library. UC Libraries is seeking people interested in creating an edible book for the enjoyment of all in attendance. There are few restrictions – namely that your creation be edible and have something to do with a book – so you may let your creativity run wild.
As in previous years, entries will be judged according to such categories as “Most Delicious,” “Most Creative,” “Most Checked Out” and “Most Literary.” Those awarded “Best Student Entry” and “Best Overall” will win UC swag.
If you’re interested in creating an Edible Book, fill out the entry formEdible Books Entryby Tuesday, March 25. And if you’re looking for inspiration, visit The Facebook Album to see Edible Books from years past.
On Saturday, February 15, Don Jason, clinical informationist in the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library, represented the University of Cincinnati as a sponsor of the Heart of Northside Health Fair. This fair allowed community members to connect with approximately 15 different vendors. They were able to get screened for issues such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as receive educational materials and meet local healthcare providers.
The Heart of Northside Health Fair was organized by UC College of Medicine Faculty member, Florence Rothenberg. Rothenberg is a cardiologist who has been treating Cincinnati patients for almost 20 years. When the North Presbyterian Church dissolved and closed its doors, Rothenberg purchased the building in 2022 with the goal of creating a wellness center for patients who do not have as much access to the resources needed to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.
Our final spotlight of Black History Month is a well-known figure in Cincinnati’s history of civil rights and activism, Marian Spencer. Born in Gallipolis, Ohio in 1920, Marian Alexander was a graduate of Gallia Academy and went on to study English literature at the University of Cincinnati. During her time at the university, she was involved in campus life and was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. While here, she also met her husband, Donald Spencer. After college, the couple settled down and had two sons, Donald and Edward.
Spencer’s sons were actually what sparked her passion for civil rights and equality. When the boys were young, they wanted to go to an event at Coney Island Amusement Park but were disappointed when they showed up and were escorted out because it was a segregated event. Spencer, along with 28 other witnesses filed a lawsuit and won the case to desegregate the park.
Following this event, Spencer dedicated herself to fighting for civil rights and equality in the Cincinnati area. She spent time as the NAACP Cincinnati Chapter president, served on Cincinnati’s City Council and was a representative of Ohio’s Democratic Party at a national level. Even more than this, Spencer was passionate about equality in education and played a pivotal role in the 1974 Bronson case, which was a catalyst in desegregating Cincinnati Public Schools. Other organizations Spencer worked with include Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Planned Parenthood, Cincinnati Human Services Task Force and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission Ohio Advisory Board.
You might recognize Marian Spencer’s name by the street that’s named after her downtown, the dormitory that’s named after her or perhaps by her well-known scholarship here at UC. To learn more about Marian Spencer’s life and work, visit the digital exhibit:
Our second Black History Month spotlight goes to a pioneer of medicine in the Cincinnati area, Lucy Oxley – the first African American to graduate from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Lucy Oxley was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1912. During her childhood, her family moved to Cincinnati, as her father was named rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. As a young girl, Oxley looked up to three of her uncles who became doctors and knew early on that she wanted to be one too. She graduated early from Woodward High School and joined the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s six-year undergraduate and medical program.
During her time at UC, Oxley excelled, working hard to earn her spot in the group of top fifteen students who would have the chance to intern at General Hospital (UC Medical Center). However, she was refused an internship spot. When she questioned Dr. Alfred Friedlander about why she wasn’t given an internship, he said to her, “Lucy, you are a negro, and we don’t want you.” Oxley replied, “Well Dr. Friedlander, I wouldn’t change that for anything.” Rising above the prejudice, she went on to complete her internship at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, DC, and returned to Cincinnati to join her classmates for graduation on June 5, 1936.
After graduation, Oxley became a medical director for student wellness at Bennett College in North Carolina, and then Wilberforce College here in Ohio. Following that, she had a daughter, Francine, and returned to Cincinnati where she started her general practice. In 1945 she began working in cancer research alongside fellow UC grad, George Sperti. A few years later she returned to full-time practice in family medicine where she cared for thousands of patients and families.
Later in life, Oxley was diagnosed with lung cancer but continued to treat patients up until her passing in 1991. She is remembered today for her dedication to those she cared for and for paving the way for young African Americans who aim to make a difference in the medical field just as she did.
