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We are in the process of assessing our website to make it easier to find information and to streamline your ability to complete important tasks. The project team includes librarians Christy Allen, Jean Thrift, and Scott Salzman. Our initial focus is on improving navigation. If you would like to share your thoughts about the library website or participate in usability studies over the next few months, please contact Christy at: christy.allen@furman.edu.    

We’re thrilled to announce the unveiling of a new dedicated shelf in the James B. Duke Library – a celebration of the remarkable literary contributions of our university community! This special collection showcases the diverse range of printed monographs authored, edited, or translated by our talented faculty, staff, administrators, and students. This new shelf is more than just a collection of books; it’s a testament to the vibrant intellectual life of our university. It’s a place to discover the talents of our colleagues, to explore new ideas, and to connect with the minds that shape our academic community. Here, you’ll discover a fascinating array of works, reflecting the breadth and depth of expertise within our university.

You will find this collection contains a broad range of publications. Alongside traditionally published works, you’ll find self-published gems. Textbooks authored or edited by our faculty, invaluable resources for students and researchers alike, also find a home here. Whether it’s a meticulously researched historical analysis, a beautifully crafted novel, or a practical guide to a specialized skill, if it’s a printed monograph authored, edited, or translated by a member of our university, you’ll likely find it here.

We encourage you to explore this exciting new resource. Browse the shelves, pick up a book that piques your interest, and celebrate the accomplishments of our authors, editors, and translators. You might just find your next favorite read, or discover a new perspective on a familiar subject.

The Furman University Libraries are committed to supporting and showcasing the work of our university community. If you have a publication you would like included, please let us know by contacting libraryresources@furman.edu or your library liaison.

We are thrilled to introduce Lauren Lundy, our new Instruction & Research Librarian at Furman University Libraries. Lauren brings a passion for teaching, research, and advocacy, and she is eager to support students on their academic journeys.

Lauren describes her role simply: “My job is to get my students to pass. I’m a resource for research, citation help, and just about anything else a student would need to get an assignment done. If I don’t know an answer, it’s my goal to make sure I can connect my students with someone who does.” Her commitment to student success is at the core of her work.

Her journey into librarianship began with a love for music and a desire to challenge systemic injustice. “I studied opera in undergrad. As I learned more about the industry and the history of music, I was unable to ignore the systems of oppression baked into every element of music-making. I wanted to be a part of the change, rather than a perpetuator of the system, and so I found librarianship as a way of documenting and sharing the erased and oppressed history of music.”

For students considering a career in librarianship, Lauren offers valuable advice: “Join a library academic association. Student membership fees are often inexpensive, and they allow the formation of connections that will help students determine if this profession is for them. Networking is essential for success, and academic associations are the easiest way to do that.”

Lauren is an avid reader of political non-fiction and finds PASCAL especially useful for accessing current literature beyond Furman’s collection. “It’s great to get not just Furman resources, but easy access to all of these resources from around the state and beyond.”

Lauren’s favorite season is fall, “especially if I have a chai latte in my hand and leaves crunching underneath.” She also has a deep interest in historical figures, sharing: “I’d choose to have dinner with Hildegard of Bingen. I think she would enjoy the messiness of the 21st century, and beyond that, I spent most of my master’s degree working with her oeuvre, so I just have a lot of questions.”

We are delighted to welcome Lauren to the Furman community. Be sure to say hello when you see her in the library or at the Research Assistance desk!

The new Digital Storytelling and Mapping Portal located in the University’s institutional repository (FUSE) allows users to explore a rich selection of StoryMaps created here at Furman. These StoryMaps contain contextual information, primary source documents, timelines, data, research analysis, and interactive mapping utilities. Highlights of the collection include:

• Research projects created in collaboration with the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities and community partners
• StoryMaps created by students in ART 259 “History of Design” taught by Assistant Professor Kylie Fisher in Spring 2023
• Digital exhibits focusing on Furman’s history.

Additional resources

• Visit the Digital Storytelling and Mapping Portal
• Want your StoryMaps, data visualization, or digital exhibit added to this portal? Contact Christy Allen at: christy.allen@furman.edu.
• Interested in learning more about StoryMaps? Contact Mike Winiski at mike.winiski@furman.edu

On February 14, Furman University Libraries hosted a vibrant Douglass Day celebration, bringing together over 30 participants for a transcribe-a-thon in the Pitts Room of Duke Library. Co-sponsored by the English Department and Special Collections and Archives, the event engaged students and employees in preserving Black history.

What is Douglass Day?

Douglass Day honors Frederick Douglass’s chosen birthday with a national effort to transcribe and preserve Black historical documents. This initiative, led by the Colored Conventions Project, builds on a tradition dating back to the late 19th century, which helped inspire Black History Month.

Furman’s Douglass Day Event

Participants at Furman transcribed documents from the Library of Congress, contributing to public accessibility of Black historical records. Attendees worked on deciphering handwritten texts, fostering engagement with archival materials in a lively atmosphere reinforcing Douglass Day’s principle that Black history is American history. Beyond transcription, the event featured refreshments, cake, and discussions.

A Community Effort

Douglass Day at Furman was a chance to engage in learning, remembrance, and collective action. Through their participation, attendees played a role in preserving Black voices and stories for future generations.

For more on Douglass Day visit DouglassDay.org.