Containers of typical photographic developing agents spanning the period 1839-1892.
Part II of our series on photographic materials in the Oesper Collections deals with chemicals for photo development, developing tanks for film, and printing frames and developing trays for positive prints.
Click here for all other issues of Notes from the Oesper Collections and to explore the Jensen-Thomas Apparatus Collection.
Shannan Stewart will be joining the staff of the John Miller Burnam Classics Library as Library Specialist in Classics on November 4. Shannan holds a PhD in Classics from the University of Cincinnati. She received a BA in Classical and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Minnesota and an MA in Classics from the University of Wisconsin. She also studied at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and at the American Numismatic Society, and she taught various classical civilization courses at the University of Illinois for a number of years. However, since she felt that she belonged in Cincinnati, she now lives here, and in her own words, “for good.” Her professors in the Classics Department are thrilled, describing Shannan as an outstanding student; her dissertation defense was considered one of the best. Shannan is a classical archaeologist with much field experience, including working with the former chair of the UC Classics Department, Brian Rose, in Turkey and Albania and with the current chair, Jack Davis, in Greece. Her book on Hellenistic pottery from Gordion is forthcoming from the University of Pennsylvania Press.
Please join us in welcoming Shannan to the Classics Library and to UC!
Posted on behalf of Amy Latessa, Research Coordinator for IT@UC Research & Development
Coming up on Thursday November 7
The Data & Computational Science Series Presents: Research Computing: A View from the Trenches
Visualization Lab (GMP Library, 240 Braunstein Hall)
11am – 1pm: Lunch & Learn with George Turner, Chief Systems Architect for Research Technologies at the Pervasive Technologies Institute, Indiana University will give an insider’s presentation on research computing in higher education. George has helped build one of the most abundant and successful research centers in the United States and has been assisting the University of Cincinnati to set up its first ever Advanced Research Computing Cluster, now available to UC faculty and students. His talk will address challenges in research computing and HPC and share the benefits that a successful University research computing center can have upon a research institution.
1:30pm – 3:30pm: Linux 101 Workshop: This free workshop will provide a brief introduction on the layout of the Linux operating system. It will overview Linux concepts with a few exercises and will help people to understand the paradigms and why this is important in the bigger scheme of things.
No prerequisites. No scripting. Please Bring a Laptop.
All events are free. Registration is required.
Flyer: Turner_DCSS_Nov7
Contact Amy Latessa at latessak@ucmail.uc.edu for more information
The UC Health Sciences Library (HSL) has partnered with Read QxMD to bring you easy access to the HSL’s journal subscriptions.
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Libraries in Canvas Workshop
Learn how the library can be utilized by you and your students in your Canvas course! The first hour will be a workshop reviewing new Canvas tools for information literacy and library resources, while the last half hour will be open for consultations. All levels of Canvas experience are welcome.
Wednesday October 23, 2019
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Muntz 117
Note: please bring your laptop or tablet.
By Lauren Wahman
After weeks of excavating several layers of dust particles, mostly dog hairs, and what may be interpreted as children’s toys, textiles, and tools in his attic, our very own bibliographer/archaeologist/coin enthusiast/dog lover Mike Braunlin made what could only be described as the discovery of a lifetime, move over Griffin Warrior, namely the partial skeletal remains (a surprisingly small head and large hands) of one of the greatest of the ancient Romans, none other than the orator, lawyer, politician, Republican (not the Trump kind), good father, less great husband, Marcus Tullius Cicero. The identification is virtually certain since a paper fragment was attached with the text: “Caveat Rhetor: Cicero olim fui” in addition to a rostrum (the rostra of Rome?). AIA’s gold medal is a given for the explorer himself.
— Mike, please tell us; how did it feel when you made this remarkable discovery?
Mike: Well, Rebecka, words alone serve as an inadequate vessel to contain the depth of my emotions when I opened that box and saw “things…yes, wonderful things.” Let it only be noted that by the time I had descended my ladder, but before I was able with trembling fingers and benumbed legs to convey that precious cargo into my house, I used up my 2 remaining Depends, and Susan had to drive to Kroger’s to purchase another package for me. In short, it was a very moving experience.
— Would you say that this find equals Carter’s discovery of the tomb of King Tut and Schliemann’s discovery of Troy?
Mike: A modest man is a wise man. Let others judge.
— What’s next for the intrepid adventurer? Searching for Atlantis?
Mike: Besides my immediate concern of plotting the closest restrooms on my twice daily trek to and from the University Garage, I want to confirm once and for all my long held belief that the existence of the Byzantines proves that space aliens interbred with local populations in the eastern Mediterranean in late antiquity. While the coin portraiture of the 7th through 15th centuries should alone convince even the skeptic, as just a few of my numerous examples show in the photos below, I suppose the die-hard opponents of this truth will only bow before the Light of Science. As my many intimates know, I WAS abducted by space aliens one dark November evening while I was bicycling home from a Boy Scout meeting in 1966. Little did my tormentors know that they themselves would someday provide evidence of their existence. I managed to take a bite out of one of those space-oddities while they were attaching a brain waive monitor to my head. As we all know, alien flesh does not decompose (they are like plastic bottles that way), and I still have a chunk of that nastiness wedged between my teeth. We’ve just got to dig up some Byzantine bones and match their DNA with the stuff I’m currently trying to dislodge with my tongue. Then let my detractors laugh no more!
— There you have it. In spite of his exceptional discovery, Mike Braunlin remains modest and grounded in reality and is anxious to continue his search for the remains of dead people, whether of this or other worlds.
The skeletal remains of Cicero is temporarily (until October 31) on display on the mezzanine of the John Miller Burnam Classics Library. Entrance is free. Do not touch.
By Erica Bock, Archives and Rare Books Library Intern
It is that time of year again. It is starting to feel like fall and Halloween is right around the corner. Netflix is coming out with their top Halloween picks. And a category such as “gory” or “gruesome” is bound to be featured, as it is nearly every year. If you are like me, not only do you enjoy a scary film, but there are also books that fit the season. Maybe you are cracking open Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Stephen King’s Carrie. However, I just may have a new recommendation for you. Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus is a horror story that would definitely be featured on Netflix’s gory or gruesome film choices. And, believe it or not, it would be appealing to the same fans who adore American Horror Story or Sweeney Todd. But apart from appealing to the horror genre buff, this play addresses some issues that may be very close to home.
Although this story features a horrific fourteen killings, six severed members, one rape, one live burial, one case of insanity and an instance of cannibalism, we can find a number of these barbaric acts relevant to today’s culture. First and foremost, the issue of racism is addressed through these events. Titus Andronicus’ opposing sides consist of the Romans, which are revealed to be the more civilized pale skinned people, and the Goths, the darker skinned people known for their lawlessness and tactlessness. These are simply cultural biases that our culture is no stranger to. However, as the story progresses, both parties commit crimes of hatred, causing the audience to wonder who the heartless and reckless people really are in the end. Continue reading
Zorro Turns 100: The Hispanic Legacy
of America’s First Superhero
In 1919, an unknown U.S. pulp fiction writer created a masked California hero who fought for the people against tyranny. The dashing Zorro not only became America’s first superhero—he influenced the creation of Batman and other cape crusaders in years to come.
Join us to learn about Zorro’s Hispanic legacy and why, without him, we wouldn’t have today’s superhero universe.
Who: Dr. Mauricio Espinoza, Assistant Professor of Spanish and Latin American Literature
When: Wednesday, October 23, 2 PM-3:30 PM
Where: Walter C. Langsam Library Digital Commons (by the Triceracopter)
“Artful Books,” on display now through the end of fall semester on the 4th and 5th floor lobbies of the Walter C. Langsam Library, features books created by members of the Cincinnati Book Arts Society (CBAS) inspired by and in celebration of UC and UC Libraries.
Earlier this year, CBAS members visited the Archives and Rare Books Library where they researched and reviewed various collections for inspiration – the results of which are now on display in two cases with over 15 artists’ books covering a wide range of subjects, forms and mediums. Select highlights of the exhibit include:
Jan Thomas, “Shooting Star”
Jan Thomas, “Shooting Star.” In 1952, Marian Spencer, along with her sons, was not permitted at segregated Coney Island, Ohio, Amusement Park. This singular event became the catalyst for a life of public service as a civil rights advocate, community leader and champion.
Marguerite and Doug Katchen, “Bearcats and the Past”
Marguerite and Doug Katchen, “Bearcats and the Past.” Bearcats have been symbols of UC at least since the early 20th century. Wooden plagues of the map of Ohio were used as pages on which was described a brief history of the University of Cincinnati and on which were displayed Bearcat and Ohio patches.
Beth Belknap Brann, “Queen’s Icons”
Beth Belknap Brann, “Queen’s Icons.” This hand-drawn book is a celebration of Cincinnati’s architectural gems of the late 19th century. It was inspired by the historic photo archives in UC’s Archives and Rare Books Library.
Smruti Deoghare, “200 Years of Red, Black (and White)
Smruti Deoghare, “200 Years of Red, Black (and White),” the University of Cincinnati colors are more than just college colors. This bold palette of tricolor represents unity in diversity. Over the last 200 years, the University has provided education to people from all walks of life and colors – red, black, white, and all shades in between. The artist feels Tangeman University Center is the ideal architectural symbol of inclusivity on campus.
A brochure describing all of the books on display is available at the exhibit and online.
“Artful Books” was curated by Jessica Ebert, conservation technician in the Preservation Lab and CBAS member, and was designed by Michelle Matevia, communication design co-op student.
The Cincinnati Books Arts Society began in 1998 and is a non-profit organization comprised of professional and amateur book artists, paper artists and creators. Their membership includes bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers, book artists, archivists, conservation professionals and book enthusiasts interested in learning more about books and how they are created. Interested in learning more about CBAS? Check out their website and follow them on Facebook (Cincinnati Book Arts Society).