UH Libraries News

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.

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 [email protected].

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 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.

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.

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.”