Building connections: Mac-Anthony Cobblah visits UC Libraries
This summer, the University of Cincinnati Libraries hosted visiting scholar Mac-Anthony Cobblah from the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, Ghana. Cobblah is university librarian for the Sam Jonah Library at the University of Cape Coast.
Visiting scholar grants are awarded by UC International to faculty from the university’s strategic partner institutions. They give recipients the opportunity to spend time on UC’s campus, form relationships with their UC colleagues and develop joint research projects in their discipline. More information about the Visiting Scholar Grants can be found online.
In the months leading to his visit, Cobblah worked with Dean Liz Kiscaden and UC International to identify areas of interest. These extended beyond what UC Libraries and even the university had to offer. Meetings and tours were planned with partners throughout the city, including the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and Xavier University.
On campus, Cobblah had a packed itinerary, starting with a lunch with UC International. He met with multiple library departments and key members of staff and toured library spaces, including the Regional Depository in Middletown, Ohio. He met with leadership from UC’s Accessibility Resources and toured UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub and Digital Futures. Cobblah also hosted a lunch-and-learn for library faculty and staff, where he discussed Cape Coast and the important role the library plays on campus.
In between meetings, Cobblah explored Cincinnati, from the Krohn Conservatory to Findlay Market to a Reds game at Great American Ballpark.
Hosting a scholar, especially one interested in exploring the best an institution has to offer, is an energizing task. It serves as a reminder of all the talent, innovation and deep history the University of Cincinnati and the city of Cincinnati have to offer.
“Engaging with international scholars and colleagues, aligns perfectly with UC Libraries’ new strategic goal to Expand Our Impact.” said Dean Kiscaden. “These partnerships, like Mac-Anthony’s visit, are mutually beneficial and provide us the opportunity to learn from one another and explore future collaborations that utilize our institutional strengths.”
