UH Libraries News

Announcing 2024 Alternative Textbook Incentive Program Award Winners

University of Houston Libraries is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient cohort of the UH Alternative Textbook Incentive Program (ATIP).

ATIP was created in 2018 as part of the University’s initiative to mitigate the high cost of textbooks for students. Since then, more UH faculty have been empowered to provide an inclusive, accessible educational experience for UH students through open educational resources (OER).

This year, ATIP was expanded to include two award categories. Faculty members applying for the Textbook Affordability category could adopt, adapt, or create OER, or use a combination of freely available or library-licensed resources, to replace required traditional textbook(s) and other high-cost learning materials in a future course.

Instructors applying for the Open Educational Practices category could either create and share an OER learning object (e.g., assignments, quizzes, lecture slides, lesson plans, videos, etc.), or replace a traditional assignment with a renewable assignment, implementing what is commonly called open pedagogy. This new award category supports instructors in creating new open materials that benefit a broader community. In addition, instructors can engage students in co-creating course content that can be openly licensed and shared.

2024 ATIP winners are:

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences:

  • Dhanushka Arunasiri Peru Durayalage – ECON 3357: Data Management with Economic Applications (Textbook Affordability)
  • Melody Yunzi Li – CHNS 3344: Global Chinese Literature (Open Educational Practices)
  • María Elena Soliño – HISP 2373: Spanish Culture and Civilization (Textbook Affordability)

Cullen Natural Sciences and Mathematics:

  • Nouhad Rizk – COSC 4337: Data Science II (Textbook Affordability)

College of Education:

  • Marédil León, Tairan Qiu, & Velvette Laurence – CUIN 4361: Second Language Methodology (Textbook Affordability) / Resources for Teacher Education and Alternative Certification Program (Open Educational Practices)
  • Carrie Cutler – CUIN 6335: Mathematics for Teachers I (Open Educational Practices)
  • Bradley Davis – ELCS 6350: The Principalship / ELCS 8310: The Superintendency (Open Educational Practices)

C. T. Bauer College of Business:

  • Emese Felvegi – BCIS 1305: Business Computer Applications (Open Educational Practices)

“I’m thrilled that we are able to continue supporting student success by increasing access to learning materials through ATIP,” said Ariana Santiago, head of Open Education Services. “Additionally, instructors are creating engaging learning experiences with open pedagogy in which students are empowered to share their knowledge in the form of an open educational resource (OER).”

Projected savings for students in the first year of implementing alternative textbooks in these courses is $122,349, benefiting an estimated 3,300 students. Awards were granted based on the number of students impacted, projected cost savings for students, the type of alternative textbook or open educational practices project, and the feasibility of successful implementation.

“These faculty, in collaboration with the Libraries Open Education Services team, are developing new learning strategies for their students and empowering them through dynamic learning experiences,” said Christina H. Gola, interim dean of UH Libraries. “They are modeling the way for innovations in student success and learning. I am so appreciative of their efforts, and based on past student data, I know that students are also grateful to have the opportunity to engage with open educational resources.”

Learn more about open educational resources at UH.

Special thanks to the members of the 2024 ATIP Review Committee: Natalia Kapacinskas, Minjung Shin, Mingjian Wen, Kate McNally Carter, and Ariana Santiago.

By on September 3rd, 2024 in Announcements, Featured, OER, Student Success

New Exhibits Featuring Shuart Women’s Research Collection

Two new exhibits featuring selections from the Carey Shuart Women’s Research Collection open in September at University of Houston Libraries. 

Houston Comets Memorabilia Collection

Houston Comets Memorabilia Collection

Nevertheless, She Persisted! Women as Historic Influencers will be viewable on MD Anderson Library Floor 2, while Leagues of Their Own: Representing 60 Years of Women’s Athletics Achievement will be on display on Floor 1. 

Claire Keck, graduate assistant curator for the Carey Shuart Women’s Research Collection, selected materials for Nevertheless, She Persisted! depicting influential women in the Houston region who effected changes in society, politics, and artistic expression. 

The process of curating an exhibit involves exploration of what Special Collections preserves through the use of finding aids, and choice of visually appealing items. Selections include a variety of primary source materials, including correspondence, artwork, scrapbooks, photos, certificates, banners, and video footage that illustrate an overarching theme. Keck’s tasks also involve generating social media, designing posters, and helping curate a digital exhibit. 

In choosing materials, Keck’s goal was to engage Gen Z, focusing on historical activism of women’s suffrage and the pro-choice movement, women’s clubs and organizations, women’s art, women of color, and LGBTQ+ women throughout the 20th century.  

Keck encourages other students who are interested in working with archival material to visit exhibits wherever possible. “Whether that means visiting museums when you can (by the way, Houston museums have a student discount on Thursdays), studying digital exhibits, or looking at the several exhibit cases in the MD Anderson Library, you will continue to learn from all of them and gain a greater understanding of history and the use of archival materials,” Keck said. “Be sure you like to work with old things and that you like to read.” 

Stephen F. Austin High School Scottish Brigade

Stephen F. Austin High School Scottish Brigade

Leagues of Their Own features archives from two collections within the Shuart Women’s Research Collection. Vince Lee, archivist for the Shuart Women’s Research Collection, curated items representing the Stephen F. Austin High School Scottish Brigade, which, founded in 1937, promoted scholarship, discipline, respect, leadership, social skills, and fitness at a time when girls’ sports teams were rare or nonexistent. James Burke, PhD student in US History, selected items from the Houston Comets Memorabilia Collection. The Comets, founded in 1997, set the standard for excellence in the early years of the WNBA and paved the way for future generations of players. 

The UH community is cordially invited to attend an opening reception on Wednesday, October 16 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the MD Anderson Library Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion. RSVP

“These exhibits are components of a year-long engagement generously supported by Carey C. Shuart to promote our research collections which preserve the histories of women’s clubs and organizations in the Houston area,” said Lauren Gottlieb-Miller, associate dean for Special Libraries and Preservation. “In spring 2025, we look forward to hosting a culminating event featuring a multi-generational panel and celebratory program to bring alive the stories related to the materials presented in the exhibits.”

Collaboration among Libraries departments is essential for successful exhibit production. These and all UH Libraries exhibits illustrate the collective effort and expertise of teams in Special Collections, Preservation and Reformatting, Resource Management and Metadata, Technology Services, and Administration. UH Libraries thanks Carey C. Shuart for her wonderful support of the Shuart Women’s Research Collection and related exhibits and programming.

Visitors are welcome to view the exhibits during regular building hours between September 6, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Visit Entering MD Anderson Library for details on quick and secure building access. 

New Library Supervisor in Special Collections

University of Houston Libraries welcomes Julia Dion as the new library supervisor in Special Collections.

Please describe your role. How does your work align with the student success and research productivity focus of the University?

My role is very student-focused. I not only manage students’ work on our welcome desk and oversee their part in patron assistance, but I also work one-on-one with each of them to assign archival projects that play to their unique interests and strengths. I enjoy creating bonds with our students, learning about their passions, and serving as a mentor for the archival profession. The work we do encourages students to engage with historic materials in a way that leaves long-lasting impressions. As a supervisor, I aim to connect our student employees with primary source materials that excite their curiosity and affirm their sense of identity. When students engage with archival collections in this way, they are empowered to understand the significance of our shared history.

Please share a bit about your background and professional interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach in archives?

I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in English language, literature, and an accompanying minor in linguistic studies. My passion for book history and authorship as an art form led me to rare books librarianship, which inspires my continued interest in archives and special collections. I went on to attend the University of North Texas as a graduate student, where I earned my master’s degree in library science with an emphasis in archival studies and imaging technology and a certificate in archival management.

As a student of literature and the evolution of written history, my undergraduate career inspired my drive for preservation. My work as a graduate student further enabled me to put this passion into practice with skills such as collections management, book composition and construction, and disaster prevention and recovery. Through my studies, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for first-edition materials and other early writings, as well as the need to protect them from adverse conditions. My aim as an archival professional is to encourage collection accessibility, continuous learning, and shared empathy across identities and ideological communities.

What are one or two things you’d like scholars and students to know about engaging with primary source materials?

When we participate in the use of primary source materials, a remarkable exchange occurs; studies have shown that hands-on involvement with archival materials promotes empathetic engagement and heightens emotional response. By handling objects created decades, centuries, or even millennia ago, our own experiences mingle with those from the past and create a sense of continuous humanity. Due to their tactile and deeply intimate nature, primary sources elicit a response that is as emotional as it is intellectual.

DRC Advances Student Success and Research Productivity

Digital Research Commons is located on MD Anderson Library floor 2.

Digital Research Commons is located on MD Anderson Library floor 2.

University of Houston Libraries Digital Research Commons (DRC), located on MD Anderson Library floor 2, is a space for collaborative work that provides access to resources and technology for students, scholars, and faculty engaged in a broad range of research.

UH students are encouraged to explore the variety of options available to them in the DRC, which offers recently upgraded, high-powered group workstations with a wide range of software, a professional podcasting studio, and a large, customizable space suited for hosting in-person and hybrid events.

Over the past year, use of the DRC has steadily increased, said Danny Fuller, DRC manager.

“We’ve hosted a lot of lectures, conferences, and limited-run programming as well as podcasting,” Fuller noted. “During the past five months, we have had over 370 students, faculty, and staff come through the DRC. Two highlights were the Summer Internship in Public History and Digital Humanities, organized by the Center for Public History, and a Mini-conference on Modal Logic and Connectionism hosted by Cameron Buckner, professor of philosophy. Additionally, the podcast studio has been used regularly by students and faculty for coursework and research purposes.”

A podcast station is available in the DRC.

A podcast station is available in the DRC.

Most importantly, the DRC and its wealth of resources are freely available to all members of the UH community to use in any academic pursuit, regardless of major or program. The DRC benefits everyone, from students who are new to conducting research to seasoned scholars needing access to tools they may not be able to find elsewhere on campus.

The DRC is accessible during open hours, and can also be used by request via the DRC website or by emailing drc@uh.edu.

New Health Sciences Librarian

Jose-Luis Quintero

Jose-Luis Quintero

University of Houston Libraries is pleased to welcome Jose-Luis Quintero as the new health sciences librarian supporting the Gessner College of Nursing and Graduate College of Social Work.

Please describe your role. How does your work align with the student success and research productivity focus of the University?

My role is centered on supporting student success and enhancing research productivity. I provide specialized research assistance, tailored library instruction, and access to relevant resources to help students and faculty excel in their academic and research endeavors.

My work directly contributes to the University’s mission by empowering students with the tools and skills they need to succeed academically and by supporting faculty in their research efforts, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in nursing and social work.

Please share a bit about your background and professional interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach as a librarian?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in history from University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University. My academic background in history has instilled in me a deep appreciation for research, critical analysis, and the importance of diverse perspectives. This foundation informs my approach as a librarian, where I emphasize the value of thorough research and evidence-based information.

Professionally, I am passionate about supporting students and faculty in their academic journeys, particularly in the health sciences. My interests lie in promoting information literacy, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment. These interests inspire me to be a proactive and engaged librarian, always seeking to empower others with the skills and resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. My approach is collaborative, student-centered, and focused on enhancing both educational and research outcomes in the fields of nursing and social work.

What are one or two things you’d like students and faculty to know about engaging with health sciences resources?

One of the key things I want students and faculty to know is the importance of utilizing evidence-based resources in their research and practice. Health sciences information is constantly evolving, and accessing reliable, up-to-date resources is crucial for making informed decisions, whether in academic work or clinical settings. I’m here to guide you through this process, helping you find and evaluate the best resources for your needs.

Additionally, I want to emphasize that the library offers a wealth of specialized tools and databases that can significantly enhance your research efficiency and depth. Whether you need assistance navigating complex databases, managing citations, or understanding systematic review methodologies, I’m available to provide support and training to ensure you can fully leverage these resources. Engaging with the library early and often can make a substantial difference in your academic and professional success.

By on August 21st, 2024 in Announcements, Featured

MD Anderson Library Service Desk Hours

University of Houston Libraries welcomes new and returning Coogs for the start of a spirited fall 2024 semester. This academic year, effective Monday, August 19, MD Anderson Library will offer new Service Desk hours. The new schedule is:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.

The new hours pertain only to the Service Desk on MD Anderson Library floor 1. Building hours will remain the same as in previous semesters.

During times when MD Anderson Library is open and the Service Desk is closed, Coogs have the following self-service options:

  • Self-checkout machines on MD Anderson Library floor 1, located across from the Service Desk, enable users to check out books. The self-checkout machines require an active Cougar Card to borrow books.
  • Group study rooms in the Red and Brown wings on floors 3, 4, and 5 are open on a first-come-first-served basis. No reservation or room keys are required to use these rooms during hours when the Service Desk is closed.
  • Individual study carrels in the Blue wing on floors 3, 5, and 6 and in the Brown wing on floors 2 – 5 are open on a first-come-first-served basis. No reservation or carrel keys are required to use these carrels during hours when the Service Desk is closed.
  • Printing, scanning, and copying options are available for those with active Cougar Cards.

Hours of operation for special libraries and service points are as follows:

Special Collections
Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Digital Research Commons
Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Architecture, Design, and Art Library
*Re-opening on Monday, August 26* Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Health Sciences Library
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Medical Library
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (staffed); the space is open 24 hours for medical students

Music Library
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact us.

New Digital Collection: Houston Shakespeare Festival

Houston Shakespeare Festival 1980 flier

Houston Shakespeare Festival 1980 flier

In tandem with the opening of Houston Shakespeare Festival’s 50th season, UH Libraries is pleased to announce the availability of the Houston Shakespeare Festival Collection.

The digital collection is the culmination of a months-long collaboration between Special Collections University Archives and Preservation & Reformatting to collect, preserve, and provide access to Houston Shakespeare Festival (HSF) and School of Theatre and Dance (SoTD) archives. The digital collection includes programs and other materials from HSF, with original materials preserved in UH Libraries Special Collections in the Sidney Berger Papers. Berger, former director of the UH School of Theatre, founded HSF in the summer of 1975.

The project was inspired by professor of acting Jack Young, who requested HSF resources that were preserved in Special Collections. The resources were digitized in Preservation & Reformatting, and University Archives prepared them to be shared online. Soon after, Young donated a remarkable scrapbook and other SoTD materials documenting HSF and the Children’s Theatre, along with audiovisual materials and photos saved in SoTD. Young’s interest in these materials spurred University Archives to make finding aids available online: UH School of Theatre and Dance Records and Houston Shakespeare Festival (a series in the Sidney Berger Papers).

The UH community, scholars and researchers, and the public can now easily find these materials in Special Collections, and many of the items have been digitized and are accessible online, thanks to the work of Preservation & Reformatting.

“We’re excited about the launch of the digital collection,” said Mary Manning, university archivist, “and we eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration in documenting and celebrating SoTD’s history.”

Promotions in Rank

Christina H. Gola, interim dean of University of Houston Libraries, is pleased to announce promotions in rank for the following librarians, effective September 1, 2024:

Associate Librarian

  • Carolina Hernandez, student success librarian, Teaching and Learning
  • Madelyn Washington, head of the Music Library

Librarian

  • Veronica Arellano Douglas, interim associate dean, Research and Student Engagement
  • Wenli Gao, head of Collections Strategies and Services
By on July 24th, 2024 in Announcements, Featured

Enhanced Entry to MD Anderson Library

The University of Houston community now has a new option to enter MD Anderson Library with a digital Cougar Card via the UH Go app.

Using a PAX reader, security staff can scan the QR code connected to each user’s Cougar Card and generated in the UH Go app, allowing students, faculty, and staff to pass through the security turnstiles without the need for a physical Cougar Card.

See how to access your digital Cougar Card QR code.

A successful pilot phase of PAX reader use in summer 2024 showed the digital option provides a quick, easy, and secure method of entry to MD Anderson Library.

Users retain the option to swipe or tap their physical Cougar Card for entry. Visitors without a physical or digital Cougar Card may enter with a valid, government-issued ID at the security desk. See Entering MD Anderson Library for more information.

New Interviews on Gulf Coast LGBT Broadcast History Project

The Gulf Coast LGBT Radio and Television Digitization Project received more coverage this week with the release of two interviews. Bethany Scott, head of Preservation and Reformatting, and Emily Vinson, preservation coordinator, led the project to digitize, preserve, and make accessible thousands of hours of Houston’s LGBTQ broadcast history, including recordings that had not been publicly available since their initial broadcast. The project was launched in 2020 with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Collections and Reference Resources Program. 

Listen to City Cast Houston “Saving Houston’s LGBTQ History Through Radio Archives”

Listen to North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC Due South “Archive preserves pioneering gay radio broadcasts from the 70s”

Read Scott and Vinson’s 2023 post “Preserving Houston’s LGBTQ Broadcast History: The Gulf Coast LGBT Radio and Television Digitization Project”

By on June 25th, 2024 in Announcements, Featured