Smithsonian Libraries

A three-hour tour...

On June 26 twenty-three Catholic University of America (CUA) library program students and two instructors, Diane Schnuurpusch and Michele Masias, came to the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution Libraries three-hour tour, as part of the CUA 31st Institute on Federal Library Resources.

The first hour was a question and answer session between the students and National Museum of American History librarians Chris Cottrill and Jim Roan, about the library's role within a museum and academic setting. Samples of the Libraries' trade literature collection were put on display by Roan.

After the first session ended, the students were divided into two groups, with one group staying on-site for a talk by museum curator Dr. Peggy Kidwell, National Museum of American History Information & Communications Technology, who gave a presentation with collection objects on research and using the library. The other group visited the Dibner Library for a tour into the collection vault and reading room given by Special Collections head, Lilla Vekerdy. The groups then switched places and attended the other sessions.—Chris Cottrill

Patty Stonesifer, Smithsonian Board of Regents Chair, visits Pennsy Drive

Patricia Stonesifer, chair of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, visited Pennsy Drive on March 30th.  The Libraries took part in the fast talking/walking tour for all Smithsonian unit residents.

Deputy Director Mary Augusta Thomas had the pleasure of welcoming the visitors and pointing out that this is the first time the Libraries has been able to rationally arrange off-site collections in an environmentally sound space.

Research Annex Technician Mike Hardy led a whirlwind tour of the stack areas and answered questions about capacity of the stacks for the future, and the current use of the collections housed there. When the group reached the Book Conservation Lab, Book Conservator Vanessa Haight had on display a stellar example of a 19th century pop-up book as a good teaser for our next exhibition on moveable books. Examples of the work that is done by interns and volunteers were also on display, highlighting the Libraries' dedication to education and to using interns and volunteers in significant projects. The tour finished in the Imaging  Center where Digital imaging Specialist David Holbert showed one of the beautiful butterfly books undergoing scanning. Ms Stonesifer asked perceptive questions about all of the Libraries' digital projects including the Biodiversity Heritage Library and mass scanning efforts, as well as high-end one-of-kind projects.

Ms. Stonesifer was accompanied by Smithsonian staff John Lapiana, Office of the Regents,  Jim Gardiner and Patrick Ladden of the National Museum of American History, Claire Gill, Office of Facilities Engineering and Operations , Mike Headly, Office of Exhibits Central and Bill Tompkins, National Collections Program. —Mary Augusta Thomas