Category Archives: UC Libraries

Julia Carr-Trebelhorn joins UC Libraries as Service Coordinator for Oesper Collections

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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 Carr-Trebelhorn

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.

Welcome, Julia!

Busing and the battle for equal education in Bronson v. Board of Education

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Last November, the University of Cincinnati Libraries announced the award of an Archives Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to the Libraries’ Archives and Rare Books Library (ARB). This grant supports the archival processing of records related to the lawsuit Bronson v. Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Cincinnati maintained by the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and donated to the University of Cincinnati in the 1980s. 

Newspaper image of young girls (one Black and one White) playing a hand game sitting across from each other on the bus.
Image from Cincinnati Enquirer, November 14, 1978

The struggle of busing

During the legal proceedings of the Bronson case, one of the examples of discrimination within Cincinnati schools cited by the NAACP was the policy of busing students to school further away rather than allowing them to attend a much closer school in order to prevent integration at particular schools. 

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Alex Herbers joins UC Libraries as web and user experience specialist

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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!

Alex Herbers

New Library Services Platform launches today

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The University of Cincinnati Libraries transitioned to a new library services platform (LSP) beginning today, June 25. Included in the LSP upgrade is OneSearch, a new user discovery interface that students, faculty, researchers and other library patrons will use to find (and access) resources in the Libraries’ collections.

onesearch

Note: OneSearch is under development. The preview shown here are subject to change.

This LSP upgrade is in collaboration with the OhioLINK statewide academic library consortium. This cloud-based, enterprise system software is the backbone of day-to-day library operations (acquisitions, cataloging, circulation/fulfillment, etc.). The new system will provide user benefits to help students, faculty and other library users find and access library resources. Its user-friendly interactions will be more user intuitive.

Although we are working to minimize any disruption to services, the cut over to the new system will impact links to library collections, acquisitions and summer borrowing of print materials among other OhioLINK institutions. If you have any questions, please contact a subject librarian.

The LSP upgrade was a library-wide effort led by a Migration Team. For more information, the Libraries has created a LSP FAQ, or contact a subject librarian.

Understanding the content of the NAACP Bronson v. Board collection

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Last November, the University of Cincinnati Libraries announced the award of an Archives Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to the Libraries’ Archives and Rare Books Library (ARB). This grant supports the archival processing of records related to the lawsuit Bronson v. Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Cincinnati maintained by the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and donated to the University of Cincinnati in the 1980s.   

Archival records from organizations may contain an array of documents and an incredible amount of those documents, such as correspondence, meeting minutes and case files. When this occurs, archivists may arrange the material into series and subseries in order to assist researchers in accessing the collection. The NAACP Bronson v. Board records is an example of this practice. Due to the extensive material within the collection, it is vital to note the different types of documents and what they mean in the context of the case. This includes files created and kept by the school districts and documents that originated in the court. For both document types, ARB has consulted with the Office of General Counsel to determine if any records need to be restricted or redacted.

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Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community has started

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Summer is here and that means the Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community (URSLC)has begun.  The kick-off session, held June 4th on the 4th Floor of Langsam brought together students from 55 different research areas for networking and community.  The students discussed their research interests and upcoming opportunities over wonderful food featuring egg bake, potatoes, and homemade pastries provided by local business and award winning Pierre Entities Catering. 

The 4th floor area of Langsam with many students sitting at the tables

After an overview of the program, Graduate Students and Presidential Fellows Adair McWilliams (Epidemiology), Damilola Odula (Philosophy), and Henry Levesque (Regional and Urban Planning) provided insight into their early days of research and how they thrive in the research environment.  Research results in new knowledge, innovations and improved lives and requires a love of exploring the unknown, perseverance, passion, and embracing both failure and success.  The graduate students encouraged the audience to dive into the passion, make time for processing information, and especially to make sure they also take care of themselves through the research experience. 

The community meets Wednesdays in June and July from 9:30 to 11 am both in-person and via zoom. The upcoming sessions will cover mentorship, data management, ethics, ownership, presentations and research methods.  If you are interested to participate, you can still register.  More information can be found on the UC Libraries website.

Image of Don Wittrock presenting to students with the triceracopter in the background

The URSLC is sponsored by UC Libraries and in collaboration with the TRIO McNair Scholars, University Honors Discover program, NSF Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, and CCPS Undergraduate Research Program. The program is free and open to any undergraduate interested in research.

head shots of six people who are the facilitators of the program

Announcing OneSearch, the new LSP user discovery interface

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The Library Services Platform (LSP) upgrade currently underway will include OneSearch, a new user discovery interface that students, faculty, researchers and other library patrons will use to find (and access) resources in the Libraries’ collections.

One Search tool
One Search preview

Note: OneSearch is under development. The previews shown here are subject to change.

The new user discovery interface will streamline search functions and access to local library resources and scholarly research. OneSearch will offer new and improved features and benefits including:

  • Faster searching – search electronic and print resources in one search,
  • Enhanced discovery – explore automatic recommendations, citation trails, availability in multiple formats and track requests, including finding resources across the OhioLINK network,
  • Personalized features – save preferences, searches, citations and export to citation management systems,
  • More intuitive user experience, and
  • Mobile friendly – a responsive user interface designed specifically for mobile devices.

OneSearch will debut June 25 with the LSP go live. For more information, the Libraries has created a LSP FAQ, or contact your subject librarian.

Important note on links:

Existing links to library resources in course syllabi, reading lists and Canvas pages will require updating to new links in the OneSearch discovery tool. The Libraries will develop materials to assist faculty teaching in the fall with any required adjustment to course links. Those teaching summer courses should note that any existing links may experience disruption. Contact your subject librarian with any questions or for assistance.

Emergence of the suburban school districts in Bronson v. Board

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Last November, the University of Cincinnati Libraries announced the award of an Archives Grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to the Libraries’ Archives and Rare Books Library (ARB). This grant supports the archival processing of records related to the lawsuit Bronson v. Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Cincinnati maintained by the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and donated to the University of Cincinnati in the 1980s.      

Map of Hamilton County School Districts provided by Metropolitan Association Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, undated
Map of Hamilton County School Districts provided by Metropolitan Association Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, undated

The suburban school districts 

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Patrick Bois joins UC Libraries as evening and weekend supervisor

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We are delighted to announce that Patrick Bois joined the University of Cincinnati Libraries on May 12 in the role of Langsam Library evening and weekend supervisor. Patrick will be working Sundays – Thursdays, providing critical staff coverage for Langsam’s seven-day-a-week schedule during the academic year. 

Patrick is a UC alumnus in history and is currently working on his MLIS at Kent State, with a concentration in archival studies. Before coming to UC, he worked in the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Libraries since 2021, and this experience will be a great asset in his new role. He is excited to work in an academic library that he experienced as a student.

Welcome back to UC, Patrick!

patrick bois

Renovation Alert: CECH Library 4th Floor

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We’re excited to share that the 4th floor of the CECH Library will undergo a renovation beginning Tuesday, May 27. The space will be closed for the summer and is set to reopen at the start of the fall semester.

This transformation is designed to better support our students and academic community by creating a more dynamic, flexible, and welcoming environment.

Architectural rendering of planned improvements to the CECH Library reading room.

What’s coming:

  • Reconfigured layout for enhanced study, collaboration, and events
  • Modern study tables with integrated power and lighting
  • Comfortable seating, refreshed study room, new carpet, and paint
  • A thoughtful blend of modern design and the existing classic architectural elements

The main level (3rd floor) will remain open, and materials will still be accessible by request.

This project reflects our ongoing commitment to student success and innovation in academic spaces. Stay tuned for updates — and have a fantastic summer.

Katie Foran-Mulcahy (she/her)
Head, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library