Smithsonian Libraries

Library 2023 : a discussion with Gregg Silvis

Please join us for the second in our series of lectures and programs in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Smithsonian Institution Libraries!

Gregg Silvis
Library 2023: a (provoked) discussion on the future of libraries and  librarians (hip)
When: July 28, 2008, 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: National Museum of Natural History, Kerby Room (CEG-313)

Gregg Silvis has spoken widely about the future of libraries.  He served as computer services/systems librarian at the law library at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles before joining the University of Delaware in 1994, where he now serves as Assistant Director for Library Computing Systems.  In 2006 Gregg Silvis was elected to the executive committee of the Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) Members Council, the governing body of the world's largest library cooperative.

Mark Catesby's America

David Elliott, Nancy Gwinn, Leslie Overstreet,
and Cynthia Neal
2008-06-09-dscn4174
Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Smithsonian Libraries presented "Mark Catesby's America: Symposium and Panel Discussion" on June 9, 2008.

The symposium featured Dr. Storrs Olson (National Museum of Natural History), D. Therese O'Malley (National Gallery of Art), and Leslie Overstreet (Curator of Natural History Rare Books, Smithsonian Institution Libraries).

Dr. Alan Feduccia, professor of Biology and Department Chair at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, presented the keynote address, "Mark Catesby and his Natural History of Carolina ... : an Introduction and perspective."

The event, held at the Freer Gallery of Art, was attended by over 150 guests.

Following the symposium, the audience was treated to the Washington premier of The Curious Mr. Catesby. The documentary film, introduced by producers David J. Elliott and Cynthia Neal. The film, an excellent overview to the life and work of Catesby, features Leslie Overstreet and the Cullman Library.

A reception followed at the Freer Gallery of Art.

View images from the Smithsonian Libraries' copy of Catesby's Natural History.

ALA President delivers Fortieth Anniversary Lecture

ALA President, Loriene Roy, Ashinabe, Professor at the University of Texas Austin, iSchool, delivered the first in the Smithsonian libraries 40^th anniversary lecture series on May 12, 2008. In covering the wide topic of America'€™s Libraries: Expanding Collections, Services, and Facilities,"€ Dr. Roy began by reminding her audience that 1968 was a very different place with the Beatles balanced by social turmoil. However, for  libraries, the issues were similar and included censorship, building public involvement, and preserving budgets.

 Based on her 320 days as ALA president, Dr. Roy used her media experience to identify what issues matter most.  Reporters consistently ask about the way libraries look now, the impact of the Web, gaming, and if we are a dying profession. Loriene was able to say that more young students are entering the profession, leveling the playing field and increasing the challenges of how to make libraries inclusive as employers and as a service. ALA will offer a gaming evening at Annual conference to recognize that people don'€™t divide their lives neatly into work and home.

 Asked if she was concerned that "€œpeople would not find us,"€ Dr. Roy responded that "€œif we stay where we are, they won't find us"€ and went on to give examples of creative ways to be where the patrons live. For an academic library this might include rethinking physical space, providing roving reference staff, and offering services that promote collaboration among researchers.   

 Perhaps the most amusing reminder was Loriene's urging "€œNo one should leave before the dance,"€ a reference to the many activities that SIL will have during its anniversary year, culminating in the Ruby Gala in late October.

 

 

Libraries hosts a Make-A-Book activity for "Take Your Kids to Work Day"

The Libraries hosted over 20 children and their families at today's Make-A-Book activity in the National Museum of Natural History. Children were able to make books, make their own stickers, and decorate their books with decorative papers, markers, stickers and rubber stamps. The event proved to be very popular with children and their parents!

Richard Naples and Phuong Pham from Preservation Services demonstrate how to make a book

 

Symposium on noted explorer, botanist, scientist and artist Mark Catesby

When: June 9, 2008, 2:00 pm
Where: Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Auditorium at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW

(NOTE NEW TIME AND LOCATION!)

More Information:

The Smithsonian Institution Libraries is pleased to present Mark Catesby’s America, a symposium, followed by the Washington premiere of the film, The Curious Mister Catesby, Monday, June 9, 2008. In 1731, Englishman Mark Catesby began work on the book that would make him famous at home and abroad as an explorer, botanist, scientist and artist. The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 1:30 in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest, and will be followed by the film at 4:00. For more information, contact the Libraries’ development office at 202.633.2875.

About the image:
Mark Catesby
The natural history of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama islands: containing the figures of birds, beasts, fishes, serpents, insects, and plants, 1731-43  [1729-48]
"Largest White Bill'd Woodpecker"
More information about this image