hile the University Libraries serve all students, for those students looking to study diligently and go

the extra mile to spark a change, the library becomes a second home, according to Jonas Chin, 2009. As a freshman in the Honors College, which is on the second floor of the library, Chin found his place on the UH campus. As he recalls his first days studying at the Li-brary, he says, “the Library has always been my home.”

Although he felt at home, Chin was far from his roots. His story began in San Francisco, California where he was born and raised, yet as he so eloquently phrases it, “I left my heart in San Francisco, but I brought my soul to Texas.” At 17, Chin moved to Houston eager to attend the University of Houston and to explore one of the nation’s top media cities.

As a sophomore, Chin was elected to the board of the Student Government Association (SGA). Chin always had a strong passion for defending the best interest of his classmates. A concern that sparked action was that there were insufficient books placed on e-reserves, and this proved problematic for students already facing outstanding textbook costs. Dean Rooks from the M.D. Anderson Library helped build a connection with SGA, offering her assistance and answering the tough ques-tions. As a result, SGA was able to aid the passing of the Fair Practices Bill in October 2007. This bill “Requires that professors of every department, who

choose to use an electronic portal to assign homework, essay ques-tions, quizzes and tests, do so through a portal that does not incur costs beyond that student’s tuition and fees for the class,” and it mandates, “that professors have all required materi-als, tutorials, and books for class available in at least one on-campus location.”

After proving his leadership skills in SGA, Chin continued to build on what he had learned by building partnerships between other entities on campus. SGA and The Hon-ors College teamed up to host the first annual

Honors Ball. This event turned into a night of dancing and established a new tradition. Chin was also involved in the beginning of a popular Library tradition, the Great Pumpkin Carving Contest. The Library staff pro-vides free pumpkins, prizes, and unveils the winners at a fun event where donuts and cider are provided.

Outside of Chin’s time studying in the library and leading the students through SGA, he also learned a little about his own Houston history. Chin’s grandfather grew up in the 5th Ward where he owned and operated Benny’s Wholesome, a grocery store that was popu-lar among local residents. Chin’s father, Kenny Chin, graduated from Bellaire High School in 1967, and soon after graduated from the University of Houston in 1971, with a degree in Philosophy. He currently works in the import/export business in the pistachio industry. Need-less to say, following the Cougar paw prints was almost an automatic decision.

Jonas Chin: Making the Library hoMe1,3Featured Alumni & Librarian Profiles

2Letter from Dean Rooks

4Distinguished Service Award ‘09

5Learning Commons Expansion

6Who is Dewey McGnome?/ Kathleen O. MacNerny

7UH Library Wish List/Preserve the Houstonian

8John P. McGovern Foundation

9Ike Induced Grand Resurrection

10Rare Books Featured @ MFAH

112nd Annual Student Art Exhibition/ Finals Mania

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Fall ‘09

UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON LIBRARIES

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Jonas Chin, Michelle Annel Pena, and Sam Dike at the first annual Honors Ball in 2008

Jonas Chin

“The Library has always been

my home.”

by: Marylu Rodríguez

any of you have entrusted the Library with your gifts, your collections and your friendship so that

we might better be able to follow the lead of our Univer-sity and its desire to achieve greatness for our students, our faculty and staff as well as our alumni and commu-nity. With the recent passage of Proposition 4, establish-ing the National Research University Fund (NRUF), the University of Houston now has a clear path to becoming a Tier One nationally competitive research university. The University of Houston Libraries will be a major com-ponent in achieving this goal.

As Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corpora-tion said, “No university in the world has ever risen to

greatness without having a great library, and no university is greater than its library.” The University Libraries are poised to meet the growing needs of our faculty, students and community as our University aims for Tier One status. We will focus our efforts on excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. In order to achieve these goals, we will rely on the support of the University community and our friends and donors.

The University Libraries are moving aggressively to adapt our collections and services to the fast-paced world of knowledge creation and dissemination. We are blending the traditional roles of the research library with today’s technology–intensive environment. Our librarians are serving state and national leadership roles that are defining and shap-ing the research library of the future.

This newsletter provides a short overview of the far-ranging and diverse library initia-tives currently in progress along with a glimpse of the past to place it all in perspective.

With your support, the University of Houston Libraries will continue their leadership role on the campus and in the nation.

Dean of Libraries, Dana C. rooks

M

Dana C. RooksDean, University Libraries Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair

UH Library, 1950 UH Library, 2009

Student using the online catalog inside the Art & Architecture Library, 2009

A student using the card catalog in 1950

UH Photographs Collection, Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries

University of Houston Libraries Fall 20092

any of you have entrusted the Library with your gifts, your collections and your friendship so that

we might better be able to follow the lead of our Univer-sity and its desire to achieve greatness for our students, our faculty and staff as well as our alumni and commu-nity. With the recent passage of Proposition 4, establish-ing the National Research University Fund (NRUF), the University of Houston now has a clear path to becoming a Tier One nationally competitive research university. The University of Houston Libraries will be a major com-ponent in achieving this goal.

As Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corpora-tion said, “No university in the world has ever risen to

greatness without having a great library, and no university is greater than its library.” The University Libraries are poised to meet the growing needs of our faculty, students and community as our University aims for Tier One status. We will focus our efforts on excellence in teaching, research and community engagement. In order to achieve these goals, we will rely on the support of the University community and our friends and donors.

The University Libraries are moving aggressively to adapt our collections and services to the fast-paced world of knowledge creation and dissemination. We are blending the traditional roles of the research library with today’s technology–intensive environment. Our librarians are serving state and national leadership roles that are defining and shap-ing the research library of the future.

This newsletter provides a short overview of the far-ranging and diverse library initia-tives currently in progress along with a glimpse of the past to place it all in perspective.

With your support, the University of Houston Libraries will continue their leadership role on the campus and in the nation.

Dean of Libraries, Dana C. rooks

M

Dana C. RooksDean, University Libraries Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair

UH Library, 1950 UH Library, 2009

Student using the online catalog inside the Art & Architecture Library, 2009

A student using the card catalog in 1950

UH Photographs Collection, Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries

University of Houston Libraries Fall 20092

or almost two decades, one librarian witnessed additions, expansions,

renovations, and countless other im-provements that have taken place right here at the UH Library. Her name is Gene Jackson, and she began working at the UH Library when the library was in the attic of one of the two buildings that made up the UH campus!

Jackson was working as a cataloger before the UH Library had its own building on campus. She was hired in 1949 by Ruth Wikoff, the UH Library Supervisor, and was paid $1/hr. As the years developed, Jackson had children of her own and relocated a few times, but she seemed to always have a home within the UH Libraries. At the time of her retirement in 1984, Jackson had obtained 20 years of service to the Libraries.

In the early 1950’s, the University of Houston was on the brink of opening up a world of Cougar Traditions, and the campus of that era bore no resemblance to today. The Uni-versity Campus was made up of only two build-ings, the Roy Cullen Building, which housed the UH Library in the attic, and the Science Building. Because of the lack of facilities, classes were held at a nearby high school campus. In order to not disrupt their high school schedules, UH held classes once the high school

students were let out. Jackson recalls working the shifts from 3pm-6pm.

During Christmas of 1950, the Library moved to the newly constructed M.D. Anderson building; which at the time consisted of the 3 floors and the basement. Jackson worked tirelessly alongside Wikoff and her only student worker to move every volume to the new building. There were no elevators and the power was off because of the Christmas holidays, so Jackson had to get creative and used flattened card-board boxes to create a slide down the stairs to move the book boxes more efficiently. They were even confronted with a boa constrictor in the hallway!

Within months, Jackson became the Acquisitions Librarian. She had a true passion for bibliographies and look-ing up obscure references. There were times that students would come to

Jackson looking for the physical references

they had already cited, and she

took pride in knowing she could help someone find what they needed when they needed it.

Jackson says, “When I was

working, I would stop and think,

‘I am being paid to do this?’ It was so rewarding!”

Throughout her time at the UH Library, Jackson’s favorite job was working as

the Acting Head of Special Collections. She only wishes that she had not retired just as computers were being intro-duced to the UH Libraries. Jackson says, “I hated to leave because I could see the change coming, I wanted to be involved.” Jackson contributed a great deal to the Library, and still keeps in close contact with the UH Libraries’ current staff.

Please visit the Digital Library’s web-site at http://digital.lib.uh.edu/ to see recently added images of the early days of UH, from the Special Collections Department.

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gene JaCkson: two DeCaDes of Library serviCe

Gene Jackson assisting her student worker in the early days of the UH Library

Ruth Wikoff inside the Cullen Building, the original location of the Library

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UH Photographs Collection, Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries

by: Marylu Rodríguez

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

the Learning CoMMons: UnDergoing expansion

he Learning Commons has been a popular and successful addition to the

M. D. Anderson Library at the University of Houston, and an expansion of this col-laborative space is already underway. The Learning Commons provides the Library with the latest technology, equipment, and resources to help its users create multi-media projects, prepare presentations, and analyze data.

After the expansion is complete, the Learning Commons will have 35 high-end PCs and 17 iMacs all equipped with the latest in dig-ital media creation software (Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection) and the best in statistical analysis software (MAT-LAB, SPSS, SAS, Mathematica). Among these new additions are digital cameras (point-and-

shoot and DSLR models), video cameras (standard and Hi Def digital models), and portable flatbed scanners for use at any of the workstations. The space gives users the op-portunity to learn about new technology, receive training and assistance with special-ized research software, and collaborate on projects with one another in a space de-signed for cooperative work. The Learning Commons pro-vides tools to maximize the potential of student projects and research activities.

Additional services include both color and black/white printing, as well as wide-format poster printing, and a presentation rehearsal room that allows

students to add the final touches to their presentations.

There have been many notes of gratitude to the

Library for provid-ing students with equipment such as video cameras and scanners as these items are not widely

available elsewhere on campus.

The Learning Commons operates under the same hours as the Library and has trained staff accessible and ready to assist students.

For more information about the Learning Commons or plans for the future expan-sion, please contact Nate McKee, Learn-ing Commons manager, at 713-743-9767 or npmckee@uh.edu.

he Learning Commons is helping students with their digital projects more each day,

and thanks to the amazing support of The Hamill Foundation, the Library will begin con-struction on a sound booth for recording pod-casts and other audio productions to increase the capabilities of our students and faculty.

Currently, there is no space on campus that accommodates this need. With a new space for recording, faculty and students will be able to produce high quality segments for use on cam-

pus and the web, further extending the impact of the research and teaching of the University of Houston.

Their gift of $50,000 this year to provide for the sound booth will surely continue to make this new space one of the most visited areas on campus. From all of the tech savvy students on campus who are captivated by the possibili-ties offered by the new space and stand in line to use it daily, we say thank you!

the haMiLL foUnDation: Makes a “soUnD” investMent to the University of hoUston Libraries

Daniel Mora assisting Soledad Guido and Arturo Valencia with the new video cameras

5

T

T

Students meeting at the Learning Commons

Dalia Garcia using a new workstation with dual screens

he Texas Library Association (TLA) awarded the 2009 Distinguished

Service Award to Dana Rooks, Dean of Libraries at the University of Houston, at its annual conference in Houston.

The award is given annually to a librarian who is a TLA member who has substan-tially demonstrated leadership, and has contributed outstanding and continuing service in one or more areas of the library profession. Rooks has served the libraries of Texas through 30 years in the state, including serving as co-principal investi-gator for a state-wide resource sharing proj-ect that came to be known as TexShare. As president of TLA, she led thousand of librarians in a rally to ask for more funding at the state capitol in Austin in 2005.

According to Karen Wielhorski of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, who presented the award, Rooks also “mas-tered the fine art of fundraising and raised money for the major expansion of her library at a time when no one thought it could be done.”

Rooks also worked with the University of North Texas in its efforts to establish a

library school degree program in Hous-ton, served as a mentor for three

classes of the Tall Texans leadership program, and

served on the board of directors of the Associa-tion of Research Librar-ies, the Greater Western Library Alliance, the OCLC Research Librar-

ies Advisory Council, and the Amigos Board of

Trustees.

According to Pat Smith, TLA Executive Director, one of Rooks’ most important contribu-tions is her mentorship of young librarians. “She is a great cheer-leader who helps put people together for projects, listens and is quite willing to use her experiences to help others suc-ceed,” Smith said.

4

texas Library assoCiation

The Texas Library Association is the largest state library asso-ciation in the United States with more than 7,000 members who work in public school, academic and special libraries, plus

library vendors and citizens who support libraries. Founded in 1902, TLA offers a wide range of services, including an annual

conference that attracts more than 7,000 librarians and exhibi-tors, a leadership development program, continuing education, legislative advocacy, and publications. For more information, please visit their website at www.txla.org.

the 2009 DistingUisheD serviCe awarD:presenteD to Dana rooks, Dean of Libraries

at the University of hoUston

“Rooks also ‘mastered the fine art of

fundraising and raised money for the major

expansion of her library at a time when no one

thought it could be done.’”

Top Right: The 2009 medallion given to Dana C. Rooks, Dean of Libraries

Bottom Right Circle: The Distinguished Service Award plaque given to Dean Rooks

Left: 1st place Book Cart Drill Team award-ed to the University of Houston Libraries team

T

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009 University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

by: Nate McKee

the Learning CoMMons: UnDergoing expansion

he Learning Commons has been a popular and successful addition to the

M. D. Anderson Library at the University of Houston, and an expansion of this col-laborative space is already underway. The Learning Commons provides the Library with the latest technology, equipment, and resources to help its users create multi-media projects, prepare presentations, and analyze data.

After the expansion is complete, the Learning Commons will have 35 high-end PCs and 17 iMacs all equipped with the latest in dig-ital media creation software (Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection) and the best in statistical analysis software (MAT-LAB, SPSS, SAS, Mathematica). Among these new additions are digital cameras (point-and-

shoot and DSLR models), video cameras (standard and Hi Def digital models), and portable flatbed scanners for use at any of the workstations. The space gives users the op-portunity to learn about new technology, receive training and assistance with special-ized research software, and collaborate on projects with one another in a space de-signed for cooperative work. The Learning Commons pro-vides tools to maximize the potential of student projects and research activities.

Additional services include both color and black/white printing, as well as wide-format poster printing, and a presentation rehearsal room that allows

students to add the final touches to their presentations.

There have been many notes of gratitude to the

Library for provid-ing students with equipment such as video cameras and scanners as these items are not widely

available elsewhere on campus.

The Learning Commons operates under the same hours as the Library and has trained staff accessible and ready to assist students.

For more information about the Learning Commons or plans for the future expan-sion, please contact Nate McKee, Learn-ing Commons manager, at 713-743-9767 or npmckee@uh.edu.

he Learning Commons is helping students with their digital projects more each day,

and thanks to the amazing support of The Hamill Foundation, the Library will begin con-struction on a sound booth for recording pod-casts and other audio productions to increase the capabilities of our students and faculty.

Currently, there is no space on campus that accommodates this need. With a new space for recording, faculty and students will be able to produce high quality segments for use on cam-

pus and the web, further extending the impact of the research and teaching of the University of Houston.

Their gift of $50,000 this year to provide for the sound booth will surely continue to make this new space one of the most visited areas on campus. From all of the tech savvy students on campus who are captivated by the possibili-ties offered by the new space and stand in line to use it daily, we say thank you!

the haMiLL foUnDation: Makes a “soUnD” investMent to the University of hoUston Libraries

Daniel Mora assisting Soledad Guido and Arturo Valencia with the new video cameras

5

T

T

Students meeting at the Learning Commons

Dalia Garcia using a new workstation with dual screens

he Texas Library Association (TLA) awarded the 2009 Distinguished

Service Award to Dana Rooks, Dean of Libraries at the University of Houston, at its annual conference in Houston.

The award is given annually to a librarian who is a TLA member who has substan-tially demonstrated leadership, and has contributed outstanding and continuing service in one or more areas of the library profession. Rooks has served the libraries of Texas through 30 years in the state, including serving as co-principal investi-gator for a state-wide resource sharing proj-ect that came to be known as TexShare. As president of TLA, she led thousand of librarians in a rally to ask for more funding at the state capitol in Austin in 2005.

According to Karen Wielhorski of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, who presented the award, Rooks also “mas-tered the fine art of fundraising and raised money for the major expansion of her library at a time when no one thought it could be done.”

Rooks also worked with the University of North Texas in its efforts to establish a

library school degree program in Hous-ton, served as a mentor for three

classes of the Tall Texans leadership program, and

served on the board of directors of the Associa-tion of Research Librar-ies, the Greater Western Library Alliance, the OCLC Research Librar-

ies Advisory Council, and the Amigos Board of

Trustees.

According to Pat Smith, TLA Executive Director, one of Rooks’ most important contribu-tions is her mentorship of young librarians. “She is a great cheer-leader who helps put people together for projects, listens and is quite willing to use her experiences to help others suc-ceed,” Smith said.

4

texas Library assoCiation

The Texas Library Association is the largest state library asso-ciation in the United States with more than 7,000 members who work in public school, academic and special libraries, plus

library vendors and citizens who support libraries. Founded in 1902, TLA offers a wide range of services, including an annual

conference that attracts more than 7,000 librarians and exhibi-tors, a leadership development program, continuing education, legislative advocacy, and publications. For more information, please visit their website at www.txla.org.

the 2009 DistingUisheD serviCe awarD:presenteD to Dana rooks, Dean of Libraries

at the University of hoUston

“Rooks also ‘mastered the fine art of

fundraising and raised money for the major

expansion of her library at a time when no one

thought it could be done.’”

Top Right: The 2009 medallion given to Dana C. Rooks, Dean of Libraries

Bottom Right Circle: The Distinguished Service Award plaque given to Dean Rooks

Left: 1st place Book Cart Drill Team award-ed to the University of Houston Libraries team

T

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009 University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

by: Nate McKee

n folklore, a gnome is recognized as a small dwarf-like being that inhabits

earth and guards treasures. To most garden lovers, they are a decorative addition to their gardens. However, the UH Libraries’ has a distinctly significant gnome known as Dewey McGnome.

How does a gnome end up being associ-ated with a Library? It’s simple really. The UH Libraries has been able to continue improving its span of resources thanks to the generosity of its donors and their gifts. It is through one of these friendships, with donor John Probst, that the Libraries’ gnome “Dewey” was born. In one of Probst’s letters from 2006, he included a picture with his gnome Ted. The back of the photograph was written to Dean Rooks and read, “Dana, Greet-ings from Johnny and Ted – your friends in Florida! The flower garden is starting to look good. Our best wishes to Dewey; bet he’s an A student! What a guy!” UH Li-

braries’ Development Coordinator, Iska G. Wire, decided it would only be appropriate to write back with a picture of the library’s

gnome, and just like that Dewey became a part of the UH Libraries. Dewey has become a popular personality in the Library, and he attends almost every library event. UH students may receive a Facebook request from Dewey as Marylu Rodríguez, UH Libraries’ Communica-tion Specialist, he has created the page to keep UH students/alumni/faculty & staff members updated on Library events and happenings. You may also follow him on twitter @DEWEY_UHLIB. Stay connected to the UH Libraries!

Contributing Writers

Caroyln MeanleyEvents Coordinator

Library Development

Iska G. Wire, Director of Development

Library Development

Jonas Chin, UH Alumnus

Marylu Rodríguez, Communications Specialist

Library Development

Editor:Alex Simons

History, Political Science, Gov Docs Librarian

Layout/Graphic Design

Marylu RodríguezCommunications Specialist

Library Development

Photography

Bobby Marlin, Library Supervisor

Special Collections

Pathik Shah, Photographer

UH Creative Services

R. Nicole Cobb, Digital Photograph

TechnicianSpecial Collections

6

efore her death on June 20, 2007, few people

at the University Libraries knew the name of the quiet and loyal former faculty wife, Kathleen O. MacNerney. But now, almost two years later, it is a name known and respected by all.

In an unprec-edented bequest for the Library, Kathleen gave half of her estate to create an en-dowment at the M. D. Anderson Library for the acquisition of materi-als and research resources for the students at the University of Houston. This endowment will preserve the legacy that

she and her husband, the late John MacNerney, started in 1967 when John joined the faculty of the mathematics department.

Gifts by bequest can create indelible marks on chari-

table organizations, allowing them

to rapidly press forward toward their mission. In Kathleen’s case, the Li-

brary received an extraordinary

$925,000 that will pro-vide a sustaining endowment for the future. This bequest is truly a gift for all of the students both today and for years to come.

kathLeen o. MaCnerney, a gift by beqUest

who is Dewey MCgnoMe?

Special ThankS To The collaboraTive SupporT of The uh librarieS STaff

We also thank the Marketing Committee and our student volunteers for their assistance!

UH Libraries’ donor, John Probst & gnome Ted

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B

Dewey McGnome showing his school spirit with mini-Shasta

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

by: Marylu Rodríguez

he Library is constantly seeking ways to improve its

services and facilities to best meet students’ needs. The following is a wish list of items that would make the library an even better place for our students.

Any of these items may be donated in honor or memory of a loved one, favorite professor, or someone spe-cial. Contact the Library’s Devel-opment Director, Iska G. Wire, at (713) 743-9741 or igwire@uh.edu for more information on how you may contribute to the UH Libraries.

Uh Libraries wish List

7

T

$5,000Donates

an HP LaserJet

printer$1,000Donates a desktop for the Academic Research Center

$800Donates a collaborative work table for student’s study areas

$70Donates one shelf of high density shelving for Journals

$500Donates one section of high density shelving for Journals.

$750Donates a lounge chair for the study areas

$2,500 Donates a Laptop for student use

long with the advances in library preservation comes a new way to

bring the history of UH to your comput-er and the world. The University Librar-ies is currently kicking off a project to digitize and make available online the entire set of UH Houstonian Yearbooks. As the home of the University Archives, the library has the full set of yearbooks and will be working to find a sponsor to digitize each volume. As a way to start this program and honor two of the libraries most faithful supporters, Welcome Wilson, Sr. and Belle Griggs Johnson, the library has digitized the 1949 volume. This volume of the Hous-tonian Yearbook is accessible online at http://digital.lib.uh.edu.

The process of digitization requires a labor intensive process of scanning each page, correcting the image for viewing and a lengthy process of entering key words called “meta-data” so that the entire yearbook is searchable. Currently all years are available for sponsorship for a gift of $250 per volume. By spon-soring your graduation year volume, you can preserve the original copy as well as provide hundreds of pages of history, photographs and memories accessible to friends and family around the world.

Use the enclosed envelope or contact Iska G. Wire, Director of Development at (713) 743-9741 or igwire@uh.edu and sponsor a volume. Hurry, they are going quickly!

preserve the hoUstonian: sponsor a yearbook

A

The front cover of the 1949 edition of the Houstonian Yearbook

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

n folklore, a gnome is recognized as a small dwarf-like being that inhabits

earth and guards treasures. To most garden lovers, they are a decorative addition to their gardens. However, the UH Libraries’ has a distinctly significant gnome known as Dewey McGnome.

How does a gnome end up being associ-ated with a Library? It’s simple really. The UH Libraries has been able to continue improving its span of resources thanks to the generosity of its donors and their gifts. It is through one of these friendships, with donor John Probst, that the Libraries’ gnome “Dewey” was born. In one of Probst’s letters from 2006, he included a picture with his gnome Ted. The back of the photograph was written to Dean Rooks and read, “Dana, Greet-ings from Johnny and Ted – your friends in Florida! The flower garden is starting to look good. Our best wishes to Dewey; bet he’s an A student! What a guy!” UH Li-

braries’ Development Coordinator, Iska G. Wire, decided it would only be appropriate to write back with a picture of the library’s

gnome, and just like that Dewey became a part of the UH Libraries. Dewey has become a popular personality in the Library, and he attends almost every library event. UH students may receive a Facebook request from Dewey as Marylu Rodríguez, UH Libraries’ Communica-tion Specialist, he has created the page to keep UH students/alumni/faculty & staff members updated on Library events and happenings. You may also follow him on twitter @DEWEY_UHLIB. Stay connected to the UH Libraries!

Contributing Writers

Caroyln MeanleyEvents Coordinator

Library Development

Iska G. Wire, Director of Development

Library Development

Jonas Chin, UH Alumnus

Marylu Rodríguez, Communications Specialist

Library Development

Editor:Alex Simons

History, Political Science, Gov Docs Librarian

Layout/Graphic Design

Marylu RodríguezCommunications Specialist

Library Development

Photography

Bobby Marlin, Library Supervisor

Special Collections

Pathik Shah, Photographer

UH Creative Services

R. Nicole Cobb, Digital Photograph

TechnicianSpecial Collections

6

efore her death on June 20, 2007, few people

at the University Libraries knew the name of the quiet and loyal former faculty wife, Kathleen O. MacNerney. But now, almost two years later, it is a name known and respected by all.

In an unprec-edented bequest for the Library, Kathleen gave half of her estate to create an en-dowment at the M. D. Anderson Library for the acquisition of materi-als and research resources for the students at the University of Houston. This endowment will preserve the legacy that

she and her husband, the late John MacNerney, started in 1967 when John joined the faculty of the mathematics department.

Gifts by bequest can create indelible marks on chari-

table organizations, allowing them

to rapidly press forward toward their mission. In Kathleen’s case, the Li-

brary received an extraordinary

$925,000 that will pro-vide a sustaining endowment for the future. This bequest is truly a gift for all of the students both today and for years to come.

kathLeen o. MaCnerney, a gift by beqUest

who is Dewey MCgnoMe?

Special ThankS To The collaboraTive SupporT of The uh librarieS STaff

We also thank the Marketing Committee and our student volunteers for their assistance!

UH Libraries’ donor, John Probst & gnome Ted

I

B

Dewey McGnome showing his school spirit with mini-Shasta

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

by: Marylu Rodríguez

9

he William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library, a branch of the University of Houston Libraries system,

was severely damaged by the winds of Hurricane Ike last fall. A tornado spawned by the hurricane peeled off eight tons of the College of Architecture’s copper roof during the early hours of September 13th. Water poured into the building and filtered down through four floors until it pooled above the library on the first floor. When the branch coordinator arrived to check on the library in the late afternoon, water had just begun to break through the ceiling tiles. What followed was 48 hours of frenzied activity designed to protect as much of the library collection as possible. The librarian, her hus-band, and two architecture professors spent the night moving books away from the small waterfalls that dotted the facility, re-arranging plastic tarps, and strategically knocking down ceiling tiles in order direct water away from the book stacks and the rare books room. Until Monday when recovery crews stemmed the water on the upper floors, the librarian continu-ously moved piles of books from one location to the next in order to avoid newly developing water streams. As a result of these efforts, the library’s book losses were surprisingly small.

It took three days to move the remaining 110,000 volumes from the mold and mildew-infested building to storage at the M.D. Anderson Library and offsite warehouses. The staff then set up a “research clinic” at the central library and promoted the UH Libraries’ excellent inter-library loan service to student researchers. Many library departments were impacted by the displaced Architecture and Art Library. Each showed great flexibility and patience in order to help the Jenkins Archi-tecture and Art Library staff fulfill its mission and support learning and research at the University of Houston. Three of the four Architecture and Art Library’s full-time staff had just been hired during the summer, yet each of them (Supervisor Tina McPherson, Specialist Donovan Parker, and Evening Su-pervisor Tyler Rudick) worked as diligently and with as much care as if they were saving their own home and belongings.

After replacing all ceiling tiles, carpet, and much of the walls,

the library staff began return-ing books to the facility in December. The library reopened half of the facil-ity on the first day of the spring semester, rolling out services and replacing

equipment gradually. The students and faculty of the

College of Architecture and School of Art were understanding

and patient throughout the recovery. Rather than focusing on services and resources that were missing during the fall semester, they focused on existing services and worked with the staff to find creative research solutions. They often sent the staff messages of encouragement and gratitude, as well. Paul McJunkin, applications developer, wrote, “I have perused [the Architecture and Art Library collection] off and on since I started with the university 30 years ago…The library has matured into a local treasure. I look forward to its ‘Grand Resurrection.’ Eye, brain, soul candy.”

ike inDUCeD “granD resUrreCtion”:saLvaging historiCaL books froM the art & arChiteCtUre Library

T

Hurricane Ike damage at the Art & Architecture Library

Present day shot of the Art & Architecture Library, fully renovated

Bottom Left & Right Circles: Damaged books in need of restoration

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

he UH Libraries endowment is growing, thanks to a generous gift from

the John P. McGovern Foundation in the amount of $75,000. This wonderful gift has now created a materials endowment that will enhance the libraries ability to acquire collections for many years to come.

The Library’s total endowment has now grown to over 6 million dollars, providing a strong boost for the Librar-ies’ collections development, technology resources, and other Library additions. Each year the cost of purchasing journals, books and access to electronic sources continues to rise significantly. Endowments help the library provide the needed research materials and resources that our faculty and students deserve.

For many years, the McGovern Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of the UH Libraries’ mission to pre-serve and provide information for scholarly research and learning. We offer our most sincere thanks to the John P. McGovern Foundation for their wonderful

generosity and their commitment to Houston and education.

8

T

Iska Wire with Julie Mitchell and Gay Collette from the John P. McGovern Foundation

the John p. MCgovern foUnDation:$75,000 for MateriaLs enDowMent

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

9

he William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library, a branch of the University of Houston Libraries system,

was severely damaged by the winds of Hurricane Ike last fall. A tornado spawned by the hurricane peeled off eight tons of the College of Architecture’s copper roof during the early hours of September 13th. Water poured into the building and filtered down through four floors until it pooled above the library on the first floor. When the branch coordinator arrived to check on the library in the late afternoon, water had just begun to break through the ceiling tiles. What followed was 48 hours of frenzied activity designed to protect as much of the library collection as possible. The librarian, her hus-band, and two architecture professors spent the night moving books away from the small waterfalls that dotted the facility, re-arranging plastic tarps, and strategically knocking down ceiling tiles in order direct water away from the book stacks and the rare books room. Until Monday when recovery crews stemmed the water on the upper floors, the librarian continu-ously moved piles of books from one location to the next in order to avoid newly developing water streams. As a result of these efforts, the library’s book losses were surprisingly small.

It took three days to move the remaining 110,000 volumes from the mold and mildew-infested building to storage at the M.D. Anderson Library and offsite warehouses. The staff then set up a “research clinic” at the central library and promoted the UH Libraries’ excellent inter-library loan service to student researchers. Many library departments were impacted by the displaced Architecture and Art Library. Each showed great flexibility and patience in order to help the Jenkins Archi-tecture and Art Library staff fulfill its mission and support learning and research at the University of Houston. Three of the four Architecture and Art Library’s full-time staff had just been hired during the summer, yet each of them (Supervisor Tina McPherson, Specialist Donovan Parker, and Evening Su-pervisor Tyler Rudick) worked as diligently and with as much care as if they were saving their own home and belongings.

After replacing all ceiling tiles, carpet, and much of the walls,

the library staff began return-ing books to the facility in December. The library reopened half of the facil-ity on the first day of the spring semester, rolling out services and replacing

equipment gradually. The students and faculty of the

College of Architecture and School of Art were understanding

and patient throughout the recovery. Rather than focusing on services and resources that were missing during the fall semester, they focused on existing services and worked with the staff to find creative research solutions. They often sent the staff messages of encouragement and gratitude, as well. Paul McJunkin, applications developer, wrote, “I have perused [the Architecture and Art Library collection] off and on since I started with the university 30 years ago…The library has matured into a local treasure. I look forward to its ‘Grand Resurrection.’ Eye, brain, soul candy.”

ike inDUCeD “granD resUrreCtion”:saLvaging historiCaL books froM the art & arChiteCtUre Library

T

Hurricane Ike damage at the Art & Architecture Library

Present day shot of the Art & Architecture Library, fully renovated

Bottom Left & Right Circles: Damaged books in need of restoration

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

he UH Libraries endowment is growing, thanks to a generous gift from

the John P. McGovern Foundation in the amount of $75,000. This wonderful gift has now created a materials endowment that will enhance the libraries ability to acquire collections for many years to come.

The Library’s total endowment has now grown to over 6 million dollars, providing a strong boost for the Librar-ies’ collections development, technology resources, and other Library additions. Each year the cost of purchasing journals, books and access to electronic sources continues to rise significantly. Endowments help the library provide the needed research materials and resources that our faculty and students deserve.

For many years, the McGovern Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of the UH Libraries’ mission to pre-serve and provide information for scholarly research and learning. We offer our most sincere thanks to the John P. McGovern Foundation for their wonderful

generosity and their commitment to Houston and education.

8

T

Iska Wire with Julie Mitchell and Gay Collette from the John P. McGovern Foundation

the John p. MCgovern foUnDation:$75,000 for MateriaLs enDowMent

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

11

he 2nd Annual Student Art Exhibit transformed a section of the 3rd floor of the Library into an art gallery! The juried ex-

hibit featured 25 works by UH students whose majors range from English to Mechanical Engineering to Art. Their masterpieces brought much color and excitement to the Library. Out of the 56 entries, curators from the Lawndale Art Center, the Menil Collec-tion, the UH Art Department, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Blaffer Gallery, selected the final works.

The intent of the student exhibit was to have an art

display available to all university students and to have their work evaluated by art ex-perts. The aspiring artists that par-ticipated were given an opportunity to display how talented

they are.

The exhibit opening was a huge success, attracting family, friends and members of the UH community. The guests enjoyed mingling with the artists who enthusiastically described their work and how it was developed.

The library looks forward to the next Student Art Exhibi-tion, scheduled to premiere early in the Spring semester. If you would like to submit a piece for the Spring Exhibition or would like more infor-mation please contact the Events Coordinator, Carolyn Meanley, at 713-743-9781 or cmeanley@uh.edu.

2nD annUaL stUDent art exhibition

finaLs Mania!hen finals roll around, you’re sure to see students and professors most

stressed. In Fall 2008, the Student Govern-ment Association and the UH Libraries partnered with administration, faculty and

staff to start Finals Mania. This event gives stu-

dents an opportunity to take a break from the overwhelming study sessions and enjoy the culinary excellence of UH administrators,

faculty and staff members. What

better way to take a load off than by devour-

ing pancakes, sausages and playing board games like Opera-

tion or President Khator’s favorite, Hungry Hungry Hippo! The Libraries’ Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion fed over 1,000 students in the Spring 2009 Finals Mania, and the staff expects more students to join in the years to come!

by: Jonas Chin

Phot

ogra

phy

by P

athi

k Sh

ah

W

T

Untitled,Joel Rodriguez, Architecture Major

President Renu Khator playing a game with students

Students were treated to complimentary pancakes topped with fresh strawberries

President Khator posed with members of the SGA Prince Wilson and Kenneth Fomunung

Dean Rooks and Diane Bruxvoort serving plates for students in line outside the Rockwell Pavilion

CalendarHilary Hunt, Painting Major

Dean Rooks

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

rare books featUreD at the MUseUM of fine arts hoUston:froM the Uh Libraries’ arChiteCtUre & art Library & speCiaL CoLLeCtions

From The Five Books of Architecture (De Architectura libri cinque) of Sebastiano Serlio (Italian, 1475-1554) is shown the double-page spread of the ground plan of a Roman amphitheater from the1569 edition. Known primarily as an archi-tect and architectural theorist, Serlio’s architectural treatises were intended to be instructive as a sort of workbook for contemporary craftsmen. Unlike other architectural books of this era, his relied not only on text, but also on illustrations to convey their meaning, thus spreading Italian Renaissance architectural prin-ciples throughout Europe.

The earliest work loaned by UH Librar-ies is the 1490 edition of Supplementum Chronicarum by the Augustinian monk, Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis (Italian, 1434-1520). This is one of the most im-portant of his early printed and illustrated books, the view of this woodcut being based on a now lost prototype by the Florentine engraver, Francesco Rosselli from ca. 1478-1490. The bird’s eye view of Rome replaced an earlier, generic one that appeared in the 1486 edition. The 1490 woodcut is significant because it re-veals an increasing interest in topographi-cal specificity.

For more information on the Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis and Albrecht Dürer books, contact Pat Bozeman, Head of Special Collections, at 713-743-9751 or e-mail her at lpbozeman@uh.edu.

For more information on the Sebastiano Serlio book please contact Catherine Essinger, Architecture & Art Librarian, at cwessinger@uh.edu.

ooks from the William R. Jenkins Architecture & Art Library and

Special Collections were selected for inclusion in Going with the Grain: Woodcuts from Houston Collections by Dena Woodall, Assistant Curator

of paints and drawings at the Museum of Fine Art, Houston. The exhibition highlighted approximately 60 carefully selected works that survey the woodcut in Western art from 1450 to 1998. Ms. Woodall states that, in this exhibit, she

attempts to provide “an understanding of the myriad ways the woodcut was used from devotional means to anatomical studies, descriptive botany, architectural and drawing treatises, and maps.”

Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) is represented by the Book on the Art of Measurement (Underweisung der Messung) from 1525. It was intended as a manual of geometric theory for students, published not in Latin but in the German vernacular in which the artist discussed not only how geometry applied to architecture, painting and lettering, but also to an assortment of mechanisms for drawing in perspective from models. For Dürer, the study of human proportions and the study of perspective were both integral to the quest for naturalism in painting, and this work was the first scientific treatment of perspective by a Northern artist.

Albrecht Dürer (GermAn, 1471-1528) From the Book on the Art of MeAsureMent

(UnDerweisUnG Der messUnG), 1525

sebAstiAno serlio (itAliAn, 1475-1554)

the five Books of Architecture (De ArchitectUrA libri cinqUe)

1569

JAcobUs PhiliPPUs berGomensis (itAliAn, 1434-1520)suppleMentuM chronicAruM, 1490

10

B

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

11

he 2nd Annual Student Art Exhibit transformed a section of the 3rd floor of the Library into an art gallery! The juried ex-

hibit featured 25 works by UH students whose majors range from English to Mechanical Engineering to Art. Their masterpieces brought much color and excitement to the Library. Out of the 56 entries, curators from the Lawndale Art Center, the Menil Collec-tion, the UH Art Department, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Blaffer Gallery, selected the final works.

The intent of the student exhibit was to have an art

display available to all university students and to have their work evaluated by art ex-perts. The aspiring artists that par-ticipated were given an opportunity to display how talented

they are.

The exhibit opening was a huge success, attracting family, friends and members of the UH community. The guests enjoyed mingling with the artists who enthusiastically described their work and how it was developed.

The library looks forward to the next Student Art Exhibi-tion, scheduled to premiere early in the Spring semester. If you would like to submit a piece for the Spring Exhibition or would like more infor-mation please contact the Events Coordinator, Carolyn Meanley, at 713-743-9781 or cmeanley@uh.edu.

2nD annUaL stUDent art exhibition

finaLs Mania!hen finals roll around, you’re sure to see students and professors most

stressed. In Fall 2008, the Student Govern-ment Association and the UH Libraries partnered with administration, faculty and

staff to start Finals Mania. This event gives stu-

dents an opportunity to take a break from the overwhelming study sessions and enjoy the culinary excellence of UH administrators,

faculty and staff members. What

better way to take a load off than by devour-

ing pancakes, sausages and playing board games like Opera-

tion or President Khator’s favorite, Hungry Hungry Hippo! The Libraries’ Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion fed over 1,000 students in the Spring 2009 Finals Mania, and the staff expects more students to join in the years to come!

by: Jonas Chin

Phot

ogra

phy

by P

athi

k Sh

ah

W

T

Untitled,Joel Rodriguez, Architecture Major

President Renu Khator playing a game with students

Students were treated to complimentary pancakes topped with fresh strawberries

President Khator posed with members of the SGA Prince Wilson and Kenneth Fomunung

Dean Rooks and Diane Bruxvoort serving plates for students in line outside the Rockwell Pavilion

CalendarHilary Hunt, Painting Major

Dean Rooks

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

rare books featUreD at the MUseUM of fine arts hoUston:froM the Uh Libraries’ arChiteCtUre & art Library & speCiaL CoLLeCtions

From The Five Books of Architecture (De Architectura libri cinque) of Sebastiano Serlio (Italian, 1475-1554) is shown the double-page spread of the ground plan of a Roman amphitheater from the1569 edition. Known primarily as an archi-tect and architectural theorist, Serlio’s architectural treatises were intended to be instructive as a sort of workbook for contemporary craftsmen. Unlike other architectural books of this era, his relied not only on text, but also on illustrations to convey their meaning, thus spreading Italian Renaissance architectural prin-ciples throughout Europe.

The earliest work loaned by UH Librar-ies is the 1490 edition of Supplementum Chronicarum by the Augustinian monk, Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis (Italian, 1434-1520). This is one of the most im-portant of his early printed and illustrated books, the view of this woodcut being based on a now lost prototype by the Florentine engraver, Francesco Rosselli from ca. 1478-1490. The bird’s eye view of Rome replaced an earlier, generic one that appeared in the 1486 edition. The 1490 woodcut is significant because it re-veals an increasing interest in topographi-cal specificity.

For more information on the Jacobus Philippus Bergomensis and Albrecht Dürer books, contact Pat Bozeman, Head of Special Collections, at 713-743-9751 or e-mail her at lpbozeman@uh.edu.

For more information on the Sebastiano Serlio book please contact Catherine Essinger, Architecture & Art Librarian, at cwessinger@uh.edu.

ooks from the William R. Jenkins Architecture & Art Library and

Special Collections were selected for inclusion in Going with the Grain: Woodcuts from Houston Collections by Dena Woodall, Assistant Curator

of paints and drawings at the Museum of Fine Art, Houston. The exhibition highlighted approximately 60 carefully selected works that survey the woodcut in Western art from 1450 to 1998. Ms. Woodall states that, in this exhibit, she

attempts to provide “an understanding of the myriad ways the woodcut was used from devotional means to anatomical studies, descriptive botany, architectural and drawing treatises, and maps.”

Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) is represented by the Book on the Art of Measurement (Underweisung der Messung) from 1525. It was intended as a manual of geometric theory for students, published not in Latin but in the German vernacular in which the artist discussed not only how geometry applied to architecture, painting and lettering, but also to an assortment of mechanisms for drawing in perspective from models. For Dürer, the study of human proportions and the study of perspective were both integral to the quest for naturalism in painting, and this work was the first scientific treatment of perspective by a Northern artist.

Albrecht Dürer (GermAn, 1471-1528) From the Book on the Art of MeAsureMent

(UnDerweisUnG Der messUnG), 1525

sebAstiAno serlio (itAliAn, 1475-1554)

the five Books of Architecture (De ArchitectUrA libri cinqUe)

1569

JAcobUs PhiliPPUs berGomensis (itAliAn, 1434-1520)suppleMentuM chronicAruM, 1490

10

B

University of Houston Libraries Fall 2009

114 University LibrariesHouston, TX 77204-2000http://info.lib.uh.edu

Acorn enDowment - helPinG oUr librAry Grow

The Acorn Endowment is just over a year old and is quickly gaining momentum from faculty/staff and friends. To date, we have 25 funds that have been created, including one sponsored by the Library Faculty and Staff that has already reached halfway to full endowment funding. Special thanks to our Acorn Endowment Growth Fund donors:

Adair, Wendy Anonymous Barr, Carol Bertman, David Birx, Don & Linda Culbertson, Margaret DeFrank, Richard & Susan Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez, Pete Ignatiev, Alex & Laura Jay, Thomas & Rebecca Khator, Renu Khumawala, Basheer & Saleha

For more information about how you can start your own endowment at the University of Houston Libraries with a gift of $1000, contact the Library’s Director of Development, Iska G. Wire, at igwire@central.uh.edu or (713) 743-9741.

Library Faculty & StaffMartin, James & Karen Ness, Craig & Anne Phi Kappa PhiRooks, Charles Scamell, Richard Schneider, Billie & John Sharpe, Paul Simons, Spencer & Alex Wallace, Larry & ConnieWolfe, Richard & Johanna Yantis, Spencer & Madlyn

Fall ‘09

UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON LIBRARIES