Check out the newest exhibits in UC Libraries

Exhibits highlight the services, collections, places and people of UC Libraries. The newest exhibits on display in the Walter C. Langsam Library showcase chemistry caricatures and open access.

chemistry caricatures

Caricatures in Chemistry: By William B. Jensen

On display on the 5th floor lobby of the library, this exhibit features original, hand-drawn caricatures by Dr. William B. Jensen (1948-2024), Ralph E. Oesper Professor of the History of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati and curator of the Oesper Collections from 1986 until his passing.

The exhibit was curated by Mark Chalmers, science and engineering librarian and Oesper curator, and was designed by Ashleigh Stout, UC Libraries communication design co-op student.

Available online via JSTOR, the online collection contains the 33 original, hand-drawn caricatures of notable chemists and physicists Jensen penned between 1970 and 1974. They are held by the Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry. The collection was scanned and digitized by the UC Libraries Digital Initiatives Team. Their humor and whimsy invite viewers to look a little closer and discover the stories behind the faces.

Open Access At UC

Open access describes any publishing model that provides barrier-free electronic access to scholarly content. Open access content is not behind a paywall or gated in any other way and is available to anyone with an internet connection, making it a more equitable. The exhibit on, display on the 4th floor lobby of the library, defines open access, shows the scale of open access at UC and demonstrates the benefits to students.

open access

UC Libraries supports open access at the university through a variety of
services and programs, including:

  • Open Publishing Infrastructure
  • Scholarly Dissemination Planning
  • Article Processing Charge Support
  • Self-archiving Support

The exhibit was curated by Melissa Moreau, scholarship communication librarian, and designed by Ashleigh Stout, communication design co-op student. More about UC Libraries Open Access initiatives can be found on the Libraries website.

Systematic Review & Evidence Synthesis Workshops – Fall 2026

The University of Cincinnati Libraries and the UCL Evidence Synthesis Network is offering our popular series of workshops on systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.

Students, staff, and faculty can learn about and work through various components of the review process – from protocol to data extraction – with the support of experienced librarians. We are also offering supplemental workshops on advanced searching, reviews in the social sciences, Covidence, and more!

Pick and choose which workshops meet your needs and fit your schedule! See the full list of workshops and register online.

2026 Systematic Review workshop series flyer

Recordings and PowerPoints will be shared with all those that register. Please let us know if you have any questions!

UC Libraries welcomes Mark Conaway as new research analytics and learning librarian

UC Libraries is excited to share that Mark Conaway has joined us as the new Research Analytics and Learning Librarian in the Research & Data Services department. In this role, Mark will deliver multidisciplinary support in research reproducibility, data literacy, data analytics, AI in research and data visualization through consultations, instruction, workshops and outreach to UC faculty, students, and staff.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Indiana University Bloomington and holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His career began with his PhD research on the morphology and evolution of humans and our closest ancestors. After finishing his dissertation, Mark began a postdoc at Iowa State University, where his research focused on statistical simulations and methods development using the R programming language. Additionally, helping to mentor graduate students as a postdoc helped Mark to discover his love of teaching and mentorship, particularly when it comes to methods and data management. Now, he looks forward to putting his experience and expertise to use, advising researchers at the University of Cincinnati on data management and research methodology, as well as emerging AI-powered research tools.

Welcome, Mark!

Mark Conaway

UC Libraries welcomes Rachael Elrod as the new associate dean of research and instruction

rachael elrod

On June 15 Rachael Elrod, PhD, joined the University of Cincinnati Libraries as associate dean for research and instruction. Rachael comes to UC from the University of Florida’s George Smathers Libraries where she most recently served as the associate chair of departmental libraries and the director of the Education Library. Prior to the University of Florida, she served in roles at the Military College of South Carolina, University of Louisville and Louisville Free Public Library. Her scholarly record includes over 25 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters on research topics ranging from supporting neurodivergent students, censorship and collection development. In addition to this scholarship, Rachael has been successful in obtaining over $1.3M in external funding as a part of her career. She has won numerous awards and honors, the most recent being the Distinguished Education and Behavioral Sciences Librarian Award from the Education and Behavioral Sciences Section from ALA, which will be delivered in 2026.

As associate dean of research and instruction, Rachael will collaborate with librarians and staff to develop a vision for instructional and research services at UC Libraries. As a part of that work, she will lead the overall strategy and direction of instruction and research services. Rachael will lead key initiatives in the UC Libraries Strategic Plan and will collaborate with leaders across campus to build and strengthen partnerships. With the other associate deans, she will work with librarians and staff to maximize expertise and create a cohesive user experience.

UC Libraries Welcome Sarah True, CECH Library Services Supervisor

UC Libraries is happy to welcome Sarah True as the new CECH Library Services Supervisor.

In this role, Sarah will manage fulfillment activities at the library’s info desk, supervise, hire and train student associates and lead CECH programming and engagement efforts. Part of these programming efforts will include preparing physical exhibits, displays and promotional materials that highlight CECH Library’s services and collections. She will also oversee all aspects of physical collections processing and access, including receiving and preparing new materials for users, preparing preservation requests and library collections management.

Sarah comes to us from the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library system, where she was most recently the Supervisor of Youth Services at the Price Hill Branch. Her experiences with children and youth collections have given her a passion for literacy, specifically as it relates to dyslexia and other learning differences. In her free time, Sarah enjoys yoga, spending time outdoors and knitting, and is excited to be a part of the UC Libraries community.

Welcome, Sarah!

Sarah True

UC Libraries Welcome Kiersten Linkey, Coordinator for the Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry

UC Libraries would like to welcome Kiersten Linkey as the Coordinator for the Oesper Collections in the History of Chemistry. In this role, Kiersten will be primarily responsible for all aspects of museum operations, including public services, daily operations, project support and care for various collections. In addition, she will provide general support and backup at the Science Library. Kiersten’s role will eventually play a part in helping the Oesper Museum maintain regular operating hours – a key to growing impact and awareness for its various collections.

Kiersten graduated from Miami University in 2024 with a bachelor’s in History. During her time there, she worked at the Walter Havighurst Special Collections Library, where she discovered her passion for library work. After graduating, she went on to become a Collections Librarian at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum in Fremont, Ohio. Additionally, she is pursuing her MLIS degree from Indiana University Indianapolis and is currently nearing completion. In her free time, she loves to read, go on runs and visit local ice cream parlors.

Welcome, Kiersten!

Kiersten Linkey

UC Libraries closed July 3rd

In celebration of Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, UC Libraries will be closed on Friday, July 3. Normal hours for all library locations will resume on Monday, July 6. 

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. 

Independence Day, July 4

Read Source to learn about the news, events, people and happenings of UC Libraries

source header image

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

In this issue of Source, Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian, looks back at the accomplishments of the most recent academic year while also looking head to the fall semester. We celebrate the many accomplishments of the UC Libraries faculty and staff, the 2026 UC Open Research Day and announce the 2026 Zero Textbook Cost Grant cohort. Two collections are highlighted in this issue: The Werner H. Von Rosentiel papers and the Oesper History of Chemistry collection while the Winkler Center display illuminates Covington, Kentucky as the “X-Ray City.” This issue of Source concludes with a year in photos.

Read these articles, as well as past issues, on the website. To receive Source via e-mail, contact melissa.norris@uc.edu to be added to the mailing list.

Changes in library hours beginning summer semester

UC Libraries has reduced operating hours in most locations beginning summer semester and continuing throughout the upcoming academic year. To minimize the impact on library users, reductions are primarily during evening and weekend hours when in-person usage is at its lowest. Digital library services, including Chat Reference, online resources and access to the library catalog will remain available 24/7.  

langsam library

These changes are the result of a reduction to the UC Libraries operating budget and are informed by foot traffic and usage patterns. The budget reduction required eliminating contracted security services and student employee positions, which are necessary to keep the libraries open extended hours. When determining how to adjust operating hours, the Libraries reviewed usage statistics and prioritized retaining currently employed student employees.

We recognize that reduced hours will impact users and are committed to maintaining access to services and support in a digital environment. Library staff and faculty roles remain unchanged.  

Each UC library location will continue to monitor usage and may adjust hours when possible, such as during high-demand periods. A list of library hours by location is posted on the Libraries web site.