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Volume 75, No. 2 Summer 2012

VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESA Quarterly Publication of the ISSN 0194-388XMississippi Library Association©2012EDITORIAL STAFFGUEST EDITORJennifer BrannockThe University of Southern Mississippijennifer.brannock@usm.eduEDITORAlex P. WatsonJ. D. Williams LibraryThe University of MississippiP.O. Box 1848University, MS 38677-1848apwatson@olemiss.edu662-915-5866ASSISTANT EDITORBlair BookerHolmes Community Collegebbooker@holmescc.eduCOPY EDITORTracy Carr SeaboldMississippi Library Commissiontcarr@mlc.lib.ms.usADVERTISING EDITORAlex P. WatsonThe University of Mississippiapwatson@olemiss.eduREPORTERTina HarryThe University of Mississippitharry@olemiss.eduFEATURESCONTENTSPresident’s Page ..............................................................................................................45Stephen Cunetto, President, Mississippi Library AssociationLibrarians and Architects: Q & A.................................................................................46Joyce M. Shaw and Philip W. ShawLibrary Renovation Lessons Learned...and Still Learning............................................47Mantra Henderson, M.L.I.S.New Job, New Setting, New...Everything: The Story of Two New Reference .............49Librarians and How They Survived a Library Renovation ProjectAdelia Grabowsky and Melissa Wright, M.L.I.S., Ph.D.Storage Room to Conservation Lab: How the University of ......................................53Miami Libraries Built the First Lab in South FloridaScott David Reinke and Duvy ArgandonaIf You Build It, They Will Come: Development of a Library Teen Room ..................56Casey Hughes, Susan Cassagne and Marianne RaleyIN EVERY ISSUENews Briefs......................................................................................................................................59People in the News..........................................................................................................................62About Books....................................................................................................................................62On the cover: Gloucester Cloisters by Elizabeth L. Beaud.BOOK REVIEW EDITORJennifer BrannockThe University of Southern Mississippijennifer.brannock@usm.eduMLA PUBLICITYCOMMITTEE CHAIRDavid SchommerWatkins Elementary Schooltrumpetdls@aol.comINDEXERShirlene StognerThe University of Southern Mississippishirlene.stogner@usm.eduMississippi Libraries is a publication of the Mississippi Library Association (MLA). The articles, reports, and features hereinrepresent the viewpoints of their respective authors and are not necessarily the official opinions of the Association.Subscription Rates: $16.00 per year ($4.00 per issue); $24.00 per year outside of the U.S.; free to MLA members. Back issuesare available from University Microfilms International.Advertising Rates: Rates are available upon request from the Advertising Editor.Advertising Deadlines: Spring: February 10; Summer: May 10; Fall: August 10; Winter: November 10Submissions: Manuscripts must be submitted in electronic format in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or ASCII text format.Documents can be sent as an attachment via e-mail.Deadlines for submission: Spring: February 2; Summer: May 2; Fall: August 2; Winter: November 2.In order to assure the widest possible audience for the work published in Mississippi Libraries, that work is added in electronicform to the Mississippi Library Association Web site and, by contractual agreement, to one or more EBSCO Publishing databases.Mississippi Libraries is also indexed in Library Literature and Information Sciences Abstracts.Dues must be paid by March 15 in order to receive the Spring issue of Mississippi Libraries.

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 45MISSISSIPPI LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 13687Jackson, MS 39236-3687Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. M, Tu, Th, FE-mail: info@misslib.orgExecutive Secretary: Mary Julia AndersonMLA Web site: http://misslib.orgWebmaster: webmaster@misslib.orgMLA EXECUTIVE BOARDStephen CunettoPresidentAdministrator of Systems, Mitchell Memorial LibraryMississippi State Universityscunetto@library.msstate.edu662-325-8542Lynn F. ShurdenVice President/President ElectDirectorBolivar County Library Systemlshurden@bolivar.lib.ms.us662-843-2774 ext. 102Patricia MatthesSecretaryAssistant Dean for Technical ServicesMississippi State Universitypmatthes@library.msstate.edu662-325-7662Kathy BuntinTreasurerConsultantMississippi Library Commissionkbuntin@mlc.lib.ms.us601-432-4111Jennifer A. SmithImmediate Past PresidentAssistant DirectorWarren County/Vicksburg Public Libraryjensmith@warren.lib.ms.us601-636-6411Jeff SlagellALA CouncilorDean of Library Services, Roberts-Laforge LibraryDelta State Universityjslagell@deltastate.edu662-846-4441Deborah LeeSELA CouncilorCoordinator/ProfessorMississippi State Universitydlee@library.msstate.edu662-325-0810Melissa R. DennisACRL Section Chairmdennis@olemiss.eduPublic Library Section ChairJenniffer Stephensonjstephenson@greenwood.lib.ms.usSchool Library Section ChairsVenetia Oglesbyvenetia.oglesby@lowndes.k12.ms.usPRESIDENT’S PAGEI’d like to take this opportunityto let you know that I have askedJeff Slagel and CatherineNathan to chair the LongRange Planning Committeewith the intent of assistingthe Board in coming up witha long range plan that willguide the association over the3-5 years. In order to buildthis plan we need to hear fromour members about your visionfor the association. To that end, wewill have a Long Range Planninglistening session at theMLA Conference in Natchez.This will give you an opportunityto express your thoughts and ideas. Iinvite you to share your ideas with Jeff,Catherine and other members of the ExecutiveCommittee.As you may know by now, MAGNOLIAfunding is secure again this year. Thanks tomany individuals throughout the state,MAGNOLIA was funded at the same levelas the previous year! Although the legislativefunding was not enough to pay for allof the MAGNOLIA databases the MississippiLibrary Commission paid for OCLCFirstSearch and a portion of Credo Referencefrom their LSTA funding. The balancewas paid by contributions from MELO, thevarious community colleges, and variousuniversities and public libraries fromaround the state. We are indebted to theselibraries for keeping this valuable resourceavailable to the citizens of Mississippi.Like most of the libraries around thestate and the country, the MississippiLibrary Association is trying to be as frugalwith our limited funding as possible. TheFiscal Management Committee under theStephen Cunetto2012 MLA Presidentdirection of Carol Green workedvery hard to establish the 2012budget. It was a very difficulttask and one that requiredthe MLA Board to makesome tough decisionsincluding raising conferenceregistration fees, raisingmembership dues andreducing the number ofissues for Mississippi Libraries.The increased conference registrationfees will be take affect withthe 2012 conference but membershipfees will be voted uponby the membership at the MLAconference, going into effect inJanuary 2013. We also asked Alex Watson,editor of Mississippi Libraries, to reduce thenumber of issues from 4 to 3 to save funds.I have also appointed an ad hoc committeechaired by Ann Branton to look into transitioningMississippi Libraries to an onlinepublication. To assist with the financial situation,we are asking everyone to renewtheir individual and their organizationalmembership regardless of whether you areable to attend the MLA conference. If youhave new librarians, please encourage themto become active MLA members and tosupport their statewide library association.Vice-President Lynn Shurden and herconference committees have been workingvery hard this summer planning for theMLA conference in Natchez. I know this isgoing to be another excellent conferencethat will be inspiring and educational for allof us. I hope that you will make plans toattend the conference.I look forward to seeing you in Natchezin October! Susan Sparkmanssparkman@jackson.k12.ms.usSpecial Libraries Section ChairSheila A. Corkscork@noma.orgFor additional information and a list of committees androundtables, see the Mississippi Library Association’sWeb site at http://www.misslib.org/.

PAGE 46 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESLibrarians and Architects: Q & AJoyce M. Shaw, Head, Gunter Library, andAssociate Professor • University of SouthernMississippi • joyce.shaw@usm.eduPhilip W. Shaw, Architect • Shaw DesignGroup • shawdesigngroup@cableone.netABSTRACTA librarian and an architect discussedthe process of planning and designing orrenovating a library. Their discussion is presentedin a question and answer format. Aresource list is included.INTRODUCTIONIn spite of several decades of doomsdayprophesies about the end of libraries as thephysical space we know, libraries not onlystill stand, but continue to prosper andgrow. People still use libraries. Books, magazinesand journals – in many interesting andchanging formats, continue to be published,and librarians continue to provide servicesthat help patrons navigate these changes.Libraries as a place and sense of place continueto be more than a simple repositoryfor books. In communities, schools, universities,and organizations, libraries are culturalcenters and intellectual loci.If the opportunity arises for you to beinvolved with planning a new library (orsignificantly renovating a library), then beprepared to asct as the bridge between yourinstitution and a professional design team.Whether or not your plans involve the creationof the award-winning library of thefuture, once you have made the decision toconstruct (or renovate) a library, the nextstep is to develop the relationship betweentwo professionals – the librarian and thearchitect. This article provides an overviewto building that relationship using a questionand answer format and includes a shortlist of books, articles, and Web resources tohelp you feel confident and comfortable inthe world of design and construction. Thefollowing questions posed by a librarian areanswered with the help of an architect.QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS1. Who will be involved with making theselection of the design team? Do not besurprised if you are brought into theprocess after an architectural firm hasbeen chosen.2. Is having previously designed a libraryan important factor when selecting anarchitectural firm? This is not a dealbreaker. A good architect should havethe skills to make it work.3. If the firm has not designed a library,what local commercial spaces, schools,public, or community facilities shouldbe included in its portfolio? This is thetypical scenario. Pay a visit to some oftheir other projects and note what elementsyou like and do not like.4. Has the firm worked with stakeholdersin the public arena including volunteerand elected boards, community members,college presidents, librarians, campusarchitects, and others? In somecases, the librarian will represent thesegroups and will bring the stakeholder’sissues to the table. Having a designerwho is willing to meet with the stakeholdersis a plus.5. What specifics do architects need toknow about your library? This is themost important question! Try to detailthis part of the discussion as comprehensivelyas possible to the team. If you areusing this renovation or new building tomake major changes in your services,programs, the collection, or technology,now is the time to describe how you seethe space functioning now and in thefuture.6. If you are involved with fundraising or acapitol campaign for funding the constructionor renovation, have you partneredwith the design firm for help withcreating supporting materials? The firmcan provide renderings, descriptions,models, and other props which will helpexplain the project to potential donors.7. How important is having a “green” (sustainable)project? Does the firm haveexperience with LEED requirements andstandards? Architects are very good atmaking green choices that are also longterm money savers. If having a LEEDcertified project is a selling point todonors or important for grants, be sureto make that known to the design team.8. When is the best time to discuss finisheson counter tops, types of windowshades, and carpet color? Interior decoratingis best discussed near the end ofthe process. Most firms have someonewho will work with you on finishingdetails.The best way to approach a constructionor renovation project is to be familiar withthe concepts and vocabulary. Coming intothe process as the library expert withenough information to feel comfortablewith the process will make you a valuableresource for the design team. Use the followingresource list to get a start on theprocess. RESOURCE LISTAmerican Institute of Architects. You and YourArchitect: A Guide for a Successful Partnership.http://info.aia.org/blast_images/mrkt/brochure_wtw_yaya.pdf (accessed April 29,2010).Darnton, Robert. “5 myths about the ‘InformationAge.’” The Chronicle of Higher Education,April 17, 2011. http://chronicle.com/article/5-Myths-About-the-Information/127105/ (accessed April 20, 2011).Rolf Erikson and Carolyn Markuson, Designinga School Library Media Center for the Future.Chicago: American Library Association,2007.Latimer, Karen. “Redefining the library: currenttrends in library design.” Art LibrariesJournal 35 (2010): 28-35.Leighton, Philip D., and David C. Weber.Planning Academic and Research LibraryBuildings. Chicago: ALA, 1999.Murdock, James. “Beauty and the book,” ArchitecturalRecord. http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/building_types_study/libraries/2011/libraries-intro.asp (accessedMay 5, 2011).Sannwald, William W., ed. Checklist of LibraryBuilding Design Considerations. Chicago:ALA, 2001.Steward, Christopher. The Academic LibraryBuilding in the Digital Age: A Study of Construction,Planning, and Design of NewLibrary Space. Chicago: ACRL, 2010.U.S. Green Building Council. http://www.usgbc.org/ (accessed May 5, 2011).Woodward, Jeannette A. Countdown to a NewLibrary: Managing the Building Project.Chicago: ALA, 2000.

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 47Library Renovation LessonsLearned…and Still LearningMantra Henderson, M.L.I.S.Director of James H. White LibraryMississippi Valley State Universitymlhenderson@mvsu.eduABSTRACTThis article focuses on the renovation ofthe James Herbert White Library at MississippiValley State University, and the lessonsthat were learned during the process. Themassive renovation project of the JamesHerbert White Library presents a balancebetween aesthetics and functionality, library“look and feel” and technology, as well ashonoring and remembering the past whilecreating a 21st century student-centeredlibrary.There were many issues to consider. Theissues, which will be planning considerations,architectural history, library designand building features, and the lessonslearned during the process.INTRODUCTION:A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE JAMESHERBERT WHITE LIBRARYWhen Mississippi Vocational Collegewas established in 1950, there was no specificspace allocated as a library. In 1957,when the “T” shaped Science-LibraryBuilding was completed, the college librarytook up residence in one of the wings. Thecollege library had a seating capacity of 300students, four office spaces, a facultylounge, and shelf space for books, magazines,and other periodicals.In 1954, Mr. John Perches became thecollege’s first official librarian. Under histenure, the library grew progressively. Mr.Perches is credited with establishing thelibrary’s first audio-visual center for highschools in the area. From 1957-1961, Ms.Berdie Odom Weir served as the librarianalong with three assistants. During thistime, the library collections grew to 4,551books. In 1962, Mrs. Clara Bedenfieldbecame head librarian. The library staffthen consisted of seven staff members andseveral part-time student assistants. Thecollections grew to more than 22,918 volumeswith subscriptions to 152 magazinesand 19 newspapers.In 1968, under Mrs. Bedenfield’s leadership,the library contained 55,023 volumeswith 24 staff members including studentassistants. During the college’s SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools (SACS)visit in 1968, the committee recommendedthat the university construct a new library,transfer the responsibilities for the library tothe academic dean, hire an acquisition anda catalog librarian, and increase the collectionholdings to 150,000 volumes. Thesame year, library automation was initiatedin the circulation area. Following the 1968SACS recommendations, construction tothe new library commenced in 1971. Thenew 53,000 square foot library constructedat a cost of $1,250,000 was designated asthe James Herbert White Library. The newlibrary was an award-winning, modern twostory building (see figure 1) with an elevator,research carrels, group study rooms, ashelving capacity of 160,000 volumes, andthe ability to seat 750 students. The librarystaff and its resources were relocated to thenewly constructed library in 1973.Figure 1 – Current James H. White Library 2010.Since the 1970s, the university has seena tremendous increase in its student population.Over time, this increase challengedthe library’s ability to function and serve theeducational and research needs of students,faculty, staff, and the community.As the library is the heart of the universitycampus, physically and figuratively, thelibrary plays a vital role in teaching andlearning. In order to make this happen, thebuilding required major enhancements andrenovations. This all changed in 2005 whenthe library was slated to undergo a$14,480,347 expansion and renovationproject. The progress on this project cameto a halt in 2007. However, in 2009, theproject recommenced, but it changed froma fourteen million dollar expansion-renovationproject to an approximately thirteenmillion dollar renovation project.The many lessons that were learnedalong the way and that library staff are stilllearning came during various stages of theproject. However, the focus of this articlewill be on those that occurred during theplanning process, the discovery of the architecturalhistory of the current building, andthe library design and building featuresphase of the project.PLANNING PROCESS /CONSIDERATIONSThe James Herbert White Library supportsthe university’s mission by providingbooks, materials, services, and effectiveaccess to facilities and resources in supportof the university curriculum. In addition,the library serves as a hub of the campus,stimulating teaching and learning from aglobal perspective. In collaboration withother academic units, the library promotesand empowers students and faculty toexplore their research goals and flourish aslifelong learners. Moreover, the libraryembraces and supports the use of electronictechnologies and instructing students inseeking, evaluating and interpreting information.Thus, the purpose was to create afacility that enhances the productivity ofthe faculty and students. The goal is to reimagineand integrate traditional serviceapproaches with information literacy andtechnology in locating, finding and interpretinginformation. Our central theme wasuser focused. However, during the course ofthe project, it was determined that therewere several areas of concern that the librarywanted the expansion and renovation toaddress. They included providing better useof learning spaces to create a better teachingand learning environment that includesindividual and group spaces, enhancingnatural daylight, improving temperaturecontrol, providing proper library signage,updating electrical and network wiring,compliance with ADA, adequate librarystaff workspace, providing for interactivelearning capabilities, exhibits and recep-

PAGE 48 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIEStions, seamless computing integratingaccess, media and software applications, acultural center, and space that would serveas a information commons.Therefore, the first lesson learned was, toquote an old adage, “Don’t count yourchickens before they are hatched.” Thelibrary staff had high hopes for the newlyexpanded-renovated space and had not consideredother ideas. However, once the dialogbegan between the architect (DuvallDecker), university officials, MississippiState Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)officials, and the State of Mississippi Bureauof Buildings officials regarding concerns, itwas discovered that some issues were notgoing to be addressed due a funding shortage.The focus was now on addressinglibrary programmatic needs within the original53,000 square footage instead of the72,000 expanded-renovation version. Thefocus turned to ensuring that the needs ofour services areas were met. We wanted toensure that we addressed the redesigning ofreference, circulation, serials, audio-visual,and the administrative office in order toensure adequate work space and room forgrowth to all service areas.The library was also concerned aboutthe space for archives, library instruction,video conferencing, and proper library signage.It was determined that it is advisableto have a strong relationship with the architect;particularly, if the architect is conversantwith the day-to-day operations of alibrary as Duvall-Decker was. The architectscan serve as a strong advocate who canarticulate the library’s needs to those in IHLand the Bureau of Buildings who may notunderstand the library’s programmaticfunctions and may assume that any amountof space will do for library service areas. Itwas during the initial 2005 expanded-renovatedJames H. White Library project that aprecedent analysis was conducted of severallibraries (The Joseph Cook Library-Universityof Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg,MS; The Library Commission, Jackson,MS; The N. Murrey Atkins Library-Universityof North Carolina, Charlotte, NC; TheBostock Library Duke University, Durham,NC; and The D. H. Hill Library-NorthCarolina State University, Raleigh, NC) toascertain the success and lessons learned atthese libraries. It was discovered that all ofthe libraries had their own unique qualitieswhich meant that various voices were at thetable in the design.However, as with all construction projects,mishaps happen. During the project,the administrators at the university leveland the library changed hands and all theinitial key players were not replaced by successorswhich caused library staff to worrythat the initial purpose for the projectwould be lost. Another lesson that waslearned was to ensure that all key players areon board and quickly brought up to speedif they are new. Other aspects of the precedentanalysis found that all libraries allowedeating and drinking and had some sort ofcoffee shop. Durability and user friendlinessaspects were carefully implementedthroughout each library. As this is somethingthat we want to keep at the center ofour renovation project, we were careful topay attention to what lessons were learnedduring these projects. The other issues thatwere addressed were technology enhancements,collection capacity, new furnishingsand equipment, a new entrance and façadefor the front of the building, and the inclusionof an Internet café. Once these issueswere solidified, library staff began to take alook at the architectural history of thebuilding to see what if anything should beincluded in an effort to remember andhonor the past.ARCHITECTURAL HISTORYThe James H. White Library’s originalconstruction was completed in 1971, occupiedand dedicated in 1973, and named inhonor of the university’s founding fatherand first president. The existing James HerbertWhite Library was constructed by M.M. Lockhart Construction Company withBrumfield & Craig from Jackson as thearchitect. The original planning for thelibrary started in the mid 1960s and culminatedin an award-winning functionallibrary at a cost of $1,227,655. The buildingwas originally designed to house160,000 books and to seat 750 students.The building includes 53,000 square feetdivided into two stories (see figure 2). It isconstructed with concrete columns andwaffle slabs. The floor-to-floor heights are15’4” on the first floor and 14’8” on thesecond floor providing enough room for theintroduction of new infrastructure systems.The existing column spacing is 22’7”Figure 2 – James H. White Library, 1973.(which is not ideal for book stack spacingefficiency), but does provide a flexible floorplan to accommodate library functions.The existing structure was designed for traditionallibrary stack structural loading.The basic structure appeared to be in verygood condition and represented a valuableasset for the renovation project.Once the original expansion-renovationproject had begun, the intent was to expandoutward. However, after the original expansion-renovationproject came to a halt, welearned that the expansion outward wouldnot happen. Thus, we inquired aboutadding additional levels. As library staffwere going through the architectural historyof the library, it was discovered thatbecause of original construction, we couldnot add additional levels to our currentbuilding which contributed to the cancellationof the expansion plans. The amount oftime and effort put forth on the expansioncould have been better spent on other issuesif the history of the structure would havebeen determined earlier. It was a hard lessonto learn but, it is best to know the history ofyour library to determine what can and cannotbe done to it. Our next steps were toensure that the newly renovated design andbuilding features were met to our specificationswith a focus on the library users.LIBRARY DESIGN AND BUILDINGFEATURESThe planned library is a comprehensiverenovation of the existing James H. WhiteLibrary. The renovation will fully addressthe needs and aspirations identified in theprogramming phase. The library constructionwas planned to occur in two phases tokeep the current library functioning as longas possible. The first phase utilized therecently renovated Academic Skills Building,which is immediately adjacent to thelibrary, to create a temporary library. The

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 49second phase fully renovates the James H.White Library. The exterior of the buildingwill be strategically renovated to improvethe facility’s energy performance by increasinginsulation and harvesting natural light.The largely enclosed exterior will be openedwith new, two-story glass bays whichincrease visual accessibility and engage thelibrary into the campus center. The renovatedlibrary includes accessible collectionstacks intermingled with ample study areas,accessible circulation and informationdesks, and multiple computer access pointsamong the stack and study areas. All of thelibrary administrative and library servicesspaces are arranged for ease of use toincrease accessibility for library users. Alibrary instruction classroom, 24-hourcomputer laboratory, learning resource center,accessible special collections andarchives, children’s reading area, and a coffeelounge are included to draw people intothe library (see figure 3).Figure 3 – Final design for the renovated J.H. White Library.CONCLUSION AND LESSONSLEARNEDThere were and are still many lessonsbeing learned during the renovation of MississippiValley State University’s James H.White Library. The many lessons that werelearned along the way and that are stillbeing learned include creating a strong relationshipwith the architect who can serve asa strong advocate, ensuring that all keyplayers are on board and brought up tospeed regarding the process, knowing yourlibrary’s history so that you know what canand cannot be done to it, having a clearcutfocus in mind before you begin renovation,and being flexible in your plans asthings can and often will go awry. These lessonsare worth it because the final result willbe a facility that presents a balance betweenaesthetics and functionality, the library’s“look and feel” and technology, as well ashonoring and remembering the past whilecreating a 21st century student-centeredlibrary. New Job, New Setting, New...Everything: The Story of Two NewReference Librarians and How TheySurvived a Library Renovation ProjectAdelia GrabowskyReference LibrarianUniversity of Mississippi Medical Centeragrabowsky@umc.eduMelissa Wright, M.L.I.S., Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorReference and Instructional Services LibrarianUniversity of Mississippi Medical Centermwright2@umc.eduABSTRACTThis article focuses on a renovation atthe University of Mississippi Medical Center’sRowland Medical Library and how thatrenovation impacted two newly hired referencelibrarians. It includes a description ofthe renovation project and of the new layoutof the library, explores the benefits ofbeing involved in such a major project, andends with “top ten” pieces of advice forother new employees who are faced with arenovation project at their libraries.In the summer of 2010, Rowland MedicalLibrary (RML) at the University ofMississippi Medical Center hired us as thenew reference librarians. Like any newemployees, we began the task of learning“the lay of the land.” As we were still learningthe collection and our jobs, the onething we both felt reasonably confidentabout was the physical layout of the buildingand where everything was located.However, Rowland Medical Library hadlearned in early 2010 that it was to join thelikes of other health science libraries in SanFrancisco by losing space to other institutionalrequirements [(Persily 2010),Durham (Thibodeau 2010), San Antonio(Tobia and Feldman 2010) Baltimore(Tooey 2010)]. In our case, half of the topfloor would be converted to institutionaladministrative offices. A good portion of ourcollection would be stored on carts andwrapped in plastic until it could be transferredto a remote location. The upside oflosing space and having to move items toremote storage was the chance to design andimplement a much more student-friendlyspace. What follows is a description of therenovation project and how we, as new referencelibrarians, coped with having theproverbial rug of familiarity with our physicallocation ripped out from under us. Wewill end with our “top ten” pieces of advicesfor other new employees who are faced witha renovation project at their libraries.

PAGE 50 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES1st Floor Before – Tall journal shelving blocks most of the 1st floor from enjoyingthe light and view of the beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows.1st Floor After – The new layout places the scaled down journal shelving in thefar right corner, and opens up an expansive area for study with an abundance ofnatural light and a lovely view over the campus.RENOVATION TIMELINEThe plan for renovation was straightforward;divide the existing collection of booksand journals by date and move the olderitems off-site in order to free up half of thesecond floor for the new administrationoffices and to create more room in thelibrary’s remaining part of the floor for studentstudy space. It was also necessary tofind and renovate a suitable off-site storagefacility, move existing shelving there forbooks, and install new compact shelvingboth off-site and at the library to holdbound journals. All books and journals tobe moved would have to be identified,removed from shelves, packed on carts,transported to the off-site facility,unpacked, and re-shelved. Meanwhile, thenew compact shelving would have to beinstalled on the second floor of the library,the existing shelving would have to bereconfigured to hold the now smaller bookcollection, offices would have to be carvedout for technical services in a new location,new lighting would have to be installed,study carrels and group study rooms fabricated,existing chairs recovered and newfurniture unpacked and placed. Luckily, theuniversity contracted for movers to domuch of the physical labor. Unfortunately,as in many renovations, things did not goexactly as planned. The first off-site storagesite was not acceptable, and a new one hadto be located which proved to be a lengthierprocess than anticipated. The packing ofbooks and journals which had been proceedingat a steady pace, stopped at thispoint in order to maintain access to asmuch of the collection as possible until asuitable off-site facility could be found.Meanwhile, when the second floor bookcaseswere moved to their new location, it wasdiscovered that the floor had discoloredvery unevenly, and even after deep cleaning,still looked horrible. New flooring had to beinstalled, but first, old flooring had to beremoved causing the entire area to be offlimits for a period of time. Add to that, normaldelays like things not being deliveredon time and contractors not able to start asscheduled with the fact that the entirelibrary was trying to prepare for SACSaccreditation. Considering all of the obstaclesthroughout the process, we kept oursenses of humor, and the reference departmentcontinued to provide access to asmuch of the collection as possible.NEW LAYOUT OF RMLBefore the renovation, the first floor ofthe library contained Access Services, ReferenceServices and the reference collection,current journals, and several small collections(print indexes and abstracts, consumerhealth, humanities, and leisure reading).There was some study space interspersedamong the shelving. When you entered thesecond floor, all you could see was a vastexpanse of shelving from one end of thefloor to the other. The space for thearchives, offices, and workspace belongingto technical services were in the back cornerwith some individual enclosed study carrelsand open study space located along theperimeter. Post-renovation, there is a dramaticchange to both floors. Although thefirst floor did not receive any new furniture,it looked much better after a significantreconfiguration.Rowland Medical Library has wonderfulfloor to ceiling windows which had beenblocked to most of the first floor by hugejournal shelving. Since we, like many otherlibraries, are going increasingly to e-journals,much of the shelving was no longerbeing used. Moving the small humanitiescollection to the upper floor freed up anarea appropriately sized to hold the scaleddown journal shelving. We had recentlyweeded the reference and indexes andabstract collections and were able to condensethose into half the amount of shelvingpreviously used just for indexes andabstracts. Moving the reference collectionto its new location allowed us to move ourvery popular leisure reading section to alarger space where the books could be displayedin a more attractive manner. Themoving and rearranging opened up a muchlarger area for tables, chairs, and comfortableseating where students can study, andbest of all, this enabled the windows to bevisible from the entire floor which makeseverything lighter and brighter.The upstairs change was even more dramatic.The installation of compact shelvingwas done against the new back wall withcompletely enclosed study carrels at eachend. Book shelving was whittled down to23 units which were arranged in two rowsdown the outside of the middle section. Inbetween the shelving, the library now hasbeautiful new square tables and chairs withopen carrels running back-to-back downthe center and partially enclosed study carrelson either side. Along the north side ofthe floor, the library has six group studyrooms which have already proven to beimmensely popular with students. The newcolor scheme of brown, grey, white, andorange gives the floor a contemporary butcozy feel, and the new pendent lightingadds to the ambience. So far the studentsseem delighted with the look and the functionalityof the new space.

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 512nd Floor Before – Before the renovation, themajority of the second floor consisted of rows androws of book stack and journal shelving.2nd Floor After – The new plan places bound journals in compact shelving (against the back wall), booksin shelving down each side and leaves plenty of room for new open and enclosed study carrels (along the sidesof the photo), an array of tables and chairs, and new group study rooms (not shown).BENEFITS OF THE RENOVATIONPROJECTThere were many benefits of the renovationproject: a bright new space for ourpatrons, small-group study rooms for ourstudents, new furniture, and new electriccompact shelving. However, there were alsothree major benefits for us as new employees.It was decided that each book publishedbefore 1986 would eventually be transferredto an off-site location so that fewer shelveswould be required in the new 2nd floor.The first step was to identify those books sothat the movers would know which ones topack for off-site and which ones wouldremain at RML. The solution was to placesmall red dots next to the call number ofthose books going to the remote site. Webecame part of the “red dot brigade,” staffmembers who were chosen to place the reddots on these books. We were given a shelflist for a certain section, a list of instructions,a red Sharpie pen, and were sent tobegin marking books. What we realized,though, is that as we were reading the shelflist and identifying these books, we werelearning both the collection and theNational Library of Medicine classificationsystem used by RML, with which both ofus were still somewhat unfamiliar. One ofour favorite discoveries: a book called BigFleas Make Little Fleas.We were excited to learn that part of therenovation included new carpeting and anew design for the first floor. The referencelibrarians were assigned the task ofredesigning the first-floor layout. This gaveus a chance to decide what we liked and dislikedabout the current set-up. We decidedto move the reference collection to theshelves beside the reference desk and createa cozy reading nook and colorful displayarea for our leisure collection. Even thoughwe all wanted to move the reference deskcloser to the library entrance, it was not feasibleto do so, and we finally agreed to leaveit where it was and purchase a large sign toplace over the desk making us more readilyidentifiable to patrons. Finally, the currentjournal shelving was moved to one side ofthe library which opened up the space andbrought in more light from the windowsalong the front of the building.While deciding the placement of furnitureon the first floor was not part of our

PAGE 52 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIEStypical job duties, there were three majorbenefits to the redesign. First, we becameintimately acquainted with the stepsinvolved in a renovation project. If we everwant to go into administration, we will befamiliar with how some of the processworks. Second, it allowed us as newemployees to have some ownership of thespace. Finally, with four reference librarianshaving sometimes very different ideas aboutthe new layout, it became necessary for usto hone our compromise skills so that weended up with a space which representedthe ideas of all of the librarians.During the renovation, we worked withstaff from different departments. Thisallowed us to become better acquaintedwith and bond with co-workers much morequickly than we probably would have otherwise.We became part of the work teammuch faster than new employees typicallydo and quickly learned where our strengthslay and what our role was in this process inrelation to other employees and departments.REFERENCESPersily, Gail L. and Karen A. Butler. 2010.“Reinvisioning and Redesigning ‘a Libraryfor the Fifteenth Through Twenty-firstCenturies’: A Case Study on Loss of Spacefrom the Library and Center for KnowledgeManagement, University of California,San Francisco.” Journal of the MedicalLibrary Association 98(1): 44-48. doi:10.3163/1536-5050.98.1.015.Thibodeau, PL. 2010. “When the Library isLocated in Prime Real Estate: A Case Studyon the Loss of Space from the Duke UniversityMedical Center Library andArchives.” Journal of the Medical LibraryAssociation 98(1): 25-28. doi: 10.3163/1536-5050.98.1.010Tobia, RC and JD Feldman. 2010. “MakingLemonade from Lemons: A Case Study onLoss of Space at the Dolph Briscoe, Jr.Library, University of Texas Health ScienceCenter at San Antonio.” Journal of the MedicalLibrary Association 98(1): 36-39. doi:10.3163/1536-5050.98.1.013.Tooey, Mary Joan. 2010. “Renovated, Repurposed,and Still ‘One Sweet Library’: ACase Study on Loss of Space from theHealth Sciences and Human ServicesLibrary, University of Maryland, Baltimore.”Journal of the Medical Library Association98(1): 40-43. doi: 10.3163/1536-5050.98.1.014.TOP TEN PIECES OF ADVICE FOR NEW LIBRARIANSFACING A RENOVATION PROJECT1. Be flexible. The original plan called for a three week period of no access to collections,but that quickly fell by the wayside, and instead, we had partial access formonths. Because the upstairs was considered a construction zone, there was nopatron access to collections. We were a closed stack library with all items retrievedby library staff for patrons. Parts of the collection were available at various times, andthings were frequently moved to new locations. We had to continually reassess whatwe could do on any given day. It really wasn’t something we could document either.Most of the time, we had to go upstairs and determine if we could retrieve the itemthat the patron needed.2. Keep a positive attitude and a smile on your face. Focus on the upside (in our case,a beautifully redecorated space and new group study rooms.) Always be ready to tellpatrons about the wonderful results the renovation will produce. Even if you are reallytired of noise and dust and have been up and down the stairs (because the elevatoris shut down) about 15 times that day, never vent to a patron. Find your closest,trustworthy colleague and tell her instead.3. Be willing to go above and beyond and don’t wait to be asked to help. Startingnew jobs at RML, neither of us anticipated that we would be relocating the entirereference collection, rearranging tons of chairs, scraping glue off bookcases, or otherrenovation activities, but everyone needed to pitch in and help in order to get thingsfinished which made us feel like we were an important part of the process.4. Know well (research if necessary) the other (non-print) options to which youcontinue to have access. We have a substantial e-book collection which was fullyavailable during the renovation, but many patrons didn’t think of looking at theseresources. We had to be knowledgeable about what we had in order to offer suggestionsfor alternatives for print books that were unavailable.5. Get to know the people who are moving your stuff. Their good will and assistancecan be invaluable. In our case, once things were at a standstill waiting on the off-sitefacility, we wanted to separate the book trucks that were pushed tightly together sothat we could get to the books and journals they contained. The movers had by thispoint bought into the library and were willing and able to help us devise a plan torearrange the carts in order to maximize our access.6. Try to offer patrons something extra to acknowledge their inconvenience. In ourcase, the library offered to suspend any ILL fees which would normally be associatedwith borrowing items that are owned by the library. We had to offer this servicesince many of our items were unavailable.7. Know what other public or academic library resources are available in your area.We were fortunate that Melissa had previously worked for the Mississippi LibraryCommission and had extensive knowledge about other local library resourceswhether it was study space or print materials.8. If your renovation causes substantial inconvenience, it’s a big help if your boss“has your back.” Our library director had cards printed and when a patron wasunhappy we could give them a card to fill out and offer to set up an appointmentwith the director. This helped save us from the venting of unhappy patrons.9. Be patient. If there is one absolute about renovation projects, it is that they nevergo exactly as planned. Know that things will go wrong, not fit, break, or plans willchange. Just remember...one day the renovation will be over, and hopefully, it will bebefore you retire!10. View the renovation as an opportunity. Working to mark books and journals to bemoved, searching the plastic wrapped carts for a needed journal, moving books andjournals to their new locations gave each of us an opportunity to get to know thecollection. We feel that working together with the rest of the library staff on such amajor project so soon after we were hired helped to fully integrate us into the workplaceand given each of us a stake in the library’s future.

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 53Storage Room to Conservation Lab:How the University of Miami LibrariesBuilt the First Lab in South FloridaScott David ReinkePreservation AdministratorAssistant ProfessorUniversity of Miamis.reinke@miami.eduDuvy ArgandonaConservation TechnicianUniversity of Miamidargandona@miami.eduABSTRACTRepurposing buildings or space insidebuildings is a common practice, but onethat often comes with limitations and compromises.When the library administrationat University of Miami Libraries decided tobuild the first paper and book conservationlab in south Florida they had to look atlibrary spaces in a new way and hired thelibraries’ preservation administrator to overseethe project. Richter Library, the flagshiplibrary for the University of Miami, has agate count of over a million visitors a year,so there is constant pressure to expand individualand group study areas, add computers,and find storage space for growing collections.With these constraints, there wasno way to convert potential public spaceinto a conservation lab, so the search wentbehind the scenes.INTRODUCTIONIn the last 30 years, most of the largeacademic research libraries in the UnitedStates have invested in preservation programsand dedicated space for conservationlabs. The University of Miami Librarieslagged in this trend, and only in 2010, formallycommitted resources to this endeavor.Under the leadership of a new dean anduniversity librarian, the UM Libraries hasgone through a rapid transformation. Thecollections that were amassed during thepast 50 years were suffering from heavy use,and the excellent special collections materialsneeded professional care. Under his leadership,Dean William Walker made thedevelopment of a preservation program apriority and a fundamental goal of thelibraries’ strategic plan.The entrance to room 136 is the door on the right.ROOM 136Ideally, a conservation lab is included inthe plans of a larger project, such as a buildingrenovation or the construction of a newlibrary. When this is not an option, manyconservation labs have been created in basements,but Richter Library has no basement.Other universities have built conservationlabs at offsite or high density storagebuildings where space is relatively inexpensive,but this was not a viable option withthe UM Libraries’ offsite facility twelvemiles from campus. The only remainingalternative was to locate an underutilizedspace in a non-public part of the library.After exploring all of the options, thelibrary administration settled on RoomRoom 136 looking towards the back wall and plywoodwalled closet.136, located on the first floor between anelevator shaft and a mechanical room nearthe loading dock. It took vision to look atthis storage space and see a state-of-the-artfacility designed to handle UM Libraries’rare and unique treasures, but it was underutilizedand could never serve as a publicspace. The location provided the opportunityfor security, elevator access to the collections,load bearing concrete floors forequipment, and access to water anddrainage. Although it is not overly spaciousat approximately 1000 square feet, it wasthe best option available and could be transformedinto a functioning lab with properplanning and monetary investment.FUNDINGIdentifying a space to repurpose wasonly the first step in a process that took overa year to complete. Next, the proposalneeded the approval of the provost in orderto develop a project budget. Within a university,there are always competing interestsfor funding, so the library administrationdrafted a program statement to justify theimportance of building a conservation labillustrating how the lab would support thelibraries’ strategic goals of supporting studenteducation and improving access to thecollections. Once the provost approved theproposal, the library contacted the campusOffice of Real Estate and Facilities, and aproject manager was assigned to the project.The project team generated a “Request forServices” document with a budget estimate,and an architect joined the team, allowingfor the design process to start in February2010. These steps were accomplishedbefore the preservation administrator cameon board in March 2010, primarily underthe direction of Cheryl Gowing, the directorof information management and systems.DESIGNINGDesigning a space is far different fromworking in a space. All of the features that

PAGE 54 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESFirst CAD drawing of Room 136 called “SchemeC.”are taken for granted, such as the location ofdata ports, electrical outlets, cabinets,plumbing, and light fixtures have to bespecified during the design process. Moreover,a conservation lab has specific needs interms of lighting, sinks and faucets, andwork spaces, so it is best to work with anarchitect experienced in designing suchspaces. The project architect had no priorexperience designing conservation labs, sothe first challenge in the design phase was toeducate her so that she understood how thespace would be used.Since the design phase started before thepreservation administrator arrived inMiami, the first meeting to discuss the projecttook place via conference call. At thistime, the preservation administrator hadonly spent a few minutes touring the spaceduring the interview process and had onlyreceived a brief look at the collections thatthe lab was being designed to treat whichpresented an additional challenge in envisioningthe space. However, the preservationadministrator knew that certain elements,such as work tables, a sink, and storagefor supplies and oversized materialswould be needed, but this provided a startingplace. Unfortunately, the additionalstorage was later removed from the designto keep the project within budget.The next meeting of the project teamtook place in March 2010, after the preservationadministrator arrived. This meetingbegan with a hand sketched design of thespace and a layout of some possible furnitureand equipment. At this point none ofthese items had been purchased, and vendorshad not yet been identified to providespecifications. The architect wanted specificdimensions and layouts for the potentialfurniture and equipment, so all the sizesneeded to be estimated. Following themeeting, the architect designed a floor planusing the room dimensions and created acomputer-aided design (CAD) drawing ofthe space.At this point, room 136 was officiallycalled the Library Preservation and AdministrationSpace, and this first drawing wascalled “Scheme C”. Although it was importantat the time to specify items in thespace, nothing except the sinks and cabinetsare in the specified locations. This firstscheme was created at the beginning ofApril 2010, and the design was finalizedtwo months later in June of 2010. Duringthat time all of the details of the space weredefined resulting in nine pages of architecturaldrawings detailing how the space wasgoing to be renovated.All designs involve compromises, andone unfortunate compromise was the exclusionof a fume hood, which should be standardequipment in any conservation lab.However, library administration made thisdecision for two main reasons: the cost ofadding the ventilation duct work (the fumehood itself is not particularly expensive, butadding duct work would have pushed thecosts over budget), and the difficulty of gettingpermit approval for a “laboratory”space from the city of Coral Gables. Thechallenges of the permitting process becameevident when the Coral Gables Departmentof Environmental Management (DERM), amember of the permitting agency, opposedthe inclusion of a washing sink in thedesign, which will be discussed in moredetail later in this article.While the layout of room 136 was beingfinalized, the preservation administratorbegan identifying furniture and equipmentthat would be installed in the space onceconstruction was completed. Part of thisprocess involved reaching out to colleaguesacross the country for suggestions and recommendations.Few conservation labs areconstructed or remodeled each year, so thenumber of experts who have gone throughthe process is relatively small. Also, there areno manuals that provide step by stepinstructions, and since every institution hasits own particular needs, a manual wouldonly offer guidance. Therefore, consultingwith preservation and conservation colleagueswas essential in the process of identifyingequipment and vendors.The first items that needed to be identifiedprior to construction were the sinks,faucets, deionized water system, and lighting.The preservation administrator identifiedthe specifications for a large washingsink which was designed and constructedby Laboratory Design and Supply locatedin Buford, GA. The internal dimensions ofthe sink were 54 x 42 inches, and it wasconstructed of 14 gauge T316 stainlesssteel. Holes were cut to accommodate 3faucets: one for tap water, one for deionizedwater, and one for calcified water. A secondstainless steel sink was included in thedesign for general use, and it had a faucetwith an integrated eye wash station fromGrainger Supply.Hydro Services and Supply in Durham,NC, supplied the deionized water system,which is a four-tank system that supplieswater through two Picotap flex faucetslocated on the washing sink. Lighting fromH. E. Williams, Inc., of Carthage, MO wasselected because the plastic shields blockmost of the ultraviolet light without havingto place individual filters on the bulbs. Thecolor and intensity of the light was carefullyconsidered because room 136 does nothave any windows to allow for natural light.The intensity is a relatively consistent 1000lux across the space and the bulbs are 5000k providing a cool daylight color that createsa bright space, which is needed fordetailed conservation work.MEETING WITH THE DERMOnce the design plans were completeand the built-in equipment had beenordered, it was time to get the building permits.The architect took the plans to thecity of Coral Gables, and they wereapproved. Next, she went to the CoralGables Department of EnvironmentalManagement (DERM), which rejected theplans over concerns about exactly whatwould enter the drainage system from theextra large washing sink. It did not help thatthe architect had written in large type acrossthe front of the architectural plans that “Nochemicals or solvents are being used in thisproject”, which raised red flags.To resolve the issues, the preservation

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 55administrator prepared a written statementand provided Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS) sheets for all chemicals that weregoing to be used in room 136. He was alsoasked to specifically describe the chemicalcomposition of the water that was going tobe drained into the Coral Gables sanitationsystem. When washing paper, the chemicalcomposition of the water differs each time,according to specific treatment of eachitem, making it difficult to provide adetailed chemical analysis. Therefore, thepreservation administrator compared thewater to common liquids disposed of inevery home and business in the city: sodaand coffee. This information was takenback to the DERM, which rejected it again,stating that it was illegal to dump soda andcoffee down the drain because the pH wastoo low. At that point, the project managerbrought in a senior director from the university’sReal Estate and Facilities divisionto help with the process. Eventually, thepreservation administrator explained, inperson, how the space was going to be usedto an official at the DERM, who was concernedthat the university was trying tobypass the Coral Gables environmentalrules. The official even asked how many 50gallon drums of chemicals were going to bedumped down the drain of this large sink.The whole project was nearly derailed, butthrough patient explanation, the universityprevailed and the permits were issued.CONSTRUCTION BEGINS, ANDENDSIn August 2010, the demolition processbegan immediately followed by construction.This part of the project went smoothlyunder the guidance of the general contractor,but there were still plenty of detailsfor the preservation administrator toaddress such as the color palette, flooring,and security systems. By September 2010,construction was complete, and the inspectorssigned off on the project. The space wasready for the equipment and furniture. Themonths and months of work was finallybeginning to show tangible results as thespace was transformed from a clutteredstorage room into a bright and open space.The workbenches and tables all needed to be assembled.FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENTFrom November 2010 through February2011, the preservation administrator assembledwork benches and tables with the assistanceof a student worker. These items werepurchased from C & H Distributors, basedin Milwaukee, WI. The benches wereselected based on the ability to add a varietyof components to the bench top, such aslighting, shelving, drawers, and a swingingarm for the computer keyboard and monitor.In addition to benches and tables, a varietyof specialized equipment had beenordered to create a functioning conservationlab. The university has very specificprocurement procedures, and once vendorswere identified, they had to be approved bythe university’s Purchasing Department.Since many of the items, such as the ultrasonicwelder, were only available from a singlevendor, the preservation administratorhad to justify why certain items had to bepurchased from particular vendors. Fortunately,some vendors were able to supplymultiple pieces of equipment, but the purchasingprocess still involved stacks ofpaperwork.For example, Bindery Tools, located inNew Holland, PA, was able to supply someof the basic bookbinding equipment such asa Jacques board sheer, short standing press,

PAGE 56 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESjob backer, nipping press, press boards, anda sewing frame. Preservation Technologies,in Cranberry Township, PA, provided adeacidification spray system. Bill Minterprovided the ultrasonic welder, which wasdelivered from Woodbury, PA. The ultrasonicwelder took about six months fordelivery, but it has already seen steady usesince it was installed in March 2011. Twoother important pieces of equipment werepurchased from Museum Services Corporationin St. Paul, MN: the manuscript suctiondevice with vacuum pump and thepaper conservation table with humidificationdome, which have both proven usefulwhile working with archival materials.One final piece of equipment will bedelivered in June 2011 which will help putdamaged books back in the hands ofpatrons. A board slotting machine designedby Jeff Peachey from New York, NY, willallow conservation staff to efficiently reattachbook covers. During previousdecades of collecting, the libraries’ SpecialCollections Department often purchaseddamaged volumes due to limited fundingfor acquisitions. These volumes are animportant part of the collection, althoughaccess is limited due to the condition.Repairing these volumes is a high priorityfor the conservation lab.The ability to purchase equipment forthe conservation lab was made possible by agenerous donation to support preservationactivities at the University of MiamiLibraries. Without funding, this wouldhave been a lovely space filled with secondhand furniture and a few book presses.Conservation work does not need an extensivelist of equipment; a couple of dedicatedstaff with appropriate training and a fewhand tools can produce incredible work.However, having this additional equipmentwill allow the conservation staff to offer awider variety of treatments to support thecollections.OPEN FOR BUSINESSIn March 2011, the UM Libraries’ conservationlab began accepting materials fortreatment. The conservation technicianmoved from her cubical in Technical Servicesto a work station in the lab. She performsconservation treatments with theassistance of two University of Miami studentworkers. The first major project toenter the queue was the Antonio FernandezReboiro collection of silk screen theaterposters housed in the libraries’ Cuban HeritageCollection. This collection of 91 itemsis being repaired, deacidified, and encapsulatedto improve access and reduce the riskof damage.Room 136 filled with equipment and workstations.CONCLUSIONLocating and repurposing space in alibrary can be a challenging endeavor withmany obstacles. Detailed planning is essential,although it is a luxury in some cases. Attimes, action must be taken when an opportunitypresents itself. Most conservationlabs spend years in the planning stage, so totransform a storage space into a functioninglab in one year is quite an accomplishment.The newly constructed conservation labwill play a large role in helping the librariesmeet the goals of the strategic plan to supportstudent education and provideimproved access to special collections materials.What began as an underutilized spacehas fulfilled the vision and can now bringnew life to the University of MiamiLibraries’ exciting collections. If You Build It, They Will Come:Development of a Library Teen RoomCasey HughesAdministrative AssistantNatchez Adams Wilkinson Library Servicechughes@naw.lib.ms.usSusan CassagneDirectorNatchez Adams Wilkinson Library Servicescassagne@naw.lib.ms.usMarianne RaleyReference Librarian &Youth Services CoordinatorNatchez Adams Wilkinson Library Servicemraley@naw.lib.ms.usABSTRACTThis article describes the creation of theTeen Zone in the Judge George ArmstrongLibrary in Natchez. The article will explorehow the idea evolved, how funding wasobtained, the process of designing the layoutwith contents that would appeal toteens, and how it was publicized.INTRODUCTION“If we build it, they will come” was thegoal of our project to create a teen room forthe Judge George Armstrong Library inNatchez. We wanted to design a room thatwould be an inviting, fun, and safe place forthe teens/young adults in our community.In addition to housing the young adult collection,the room would offer an area forgaming, internet, crafts, and other attractiveactivities.HISTORY AND BACKGROUNDIt took us a while to get to this point. In2003, the Armstrong Library did not evenhave a young adult collection. That year wehired a new reference librarian who, as itturns out, had experience as a teen librarianin her prior position. She was given the goaheadto begin developing a young adultcollection. It started as one shelf in the backcorner of the nonfiction area, which weoptimistically called the Teen Zone which

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 57had a banner that was almost as large as thecollection! As resources allowed, the collectiongradually grew and attracted both teensand adult patrons.In 2008, a devastating event turned outto have positive effects. Hurricane Gustavroared through Natchez, tearing two cupolasfrom the roof of our library allowingwater to gush into the building. Most of ourcollection was saved by the rapid responseof our director, her husband, and son wholive only two blocks away. But the buildingitself was a disaster, and major renovationshad to be done. The roof was replaced in2009, and in 2010, it was finally time toreplace the carpeting. Replacing the carpetingin a two story library building and movingevery shelf, book, and item, with noprofessional help, can be a challenge. Wechose to look on the positive side.We decided this was the perfect time toredesign our layout and asked for help fromthe Mississippi Library Commission(MLC). They kindly sent Jennifer Walker,Kathy Buntin, and Barbara Price who hadmany great ideas. Kathy actually asked howattached we were to this reference room andwondered if we could envision it being usedfor another purpose. At the time, we had atypical reference room with printed referencematerials, and Kathy suggested that aroom dedicated to reference was really awaste of space, since reference informationis increasingly available online. This got usthinking and an idea was born! It becameobvious that this would make a fantasticroom for teens. But first, we had to finishthe renovations and get the libraryreopened.GRANT PROPOSALMLC’s announcement of the LibraryServices and Technology Act (LSTA) GrantProgram could not have come at a bettertime. Here was the potential funding forthe new teen room. Since our financialBefore the renovation.resources are scarce, we were very fortunatethat our Friends of the Library agreed toprovide the required matching funds.In the midst of the chaos of renovation,the library director and teen librarian managedto put together a grant proposal.Through their research, they found theoriginal blueprints and discovered that theroom was designated as a teen room whenthe library was first designed in 1963. But,by the time the building was completed in1965, that room had become the referenceroom.The grant proposed to return the roomto its intended purpose – a room to attractthe teens and young adults of the community.Attract is the operative word. Theroom should do more than house materialsfor teens. It should somehow attract teensto visit and to come again.Teens have so many demands on theirtime that often library use is only consideredfor school reports. One goal was to createan atmosphere conducive to fun, inorder to show this age group that the libraryis more than books and research, but that itis truly a place for lifelong use. Plus, someteens simply have nowhere to go whenthey’re not in school. This can lead teens tounsafe places or result in inappropriatebehavior. So, another goal was simply toprovide a safe haven that would attract thisgroup of teens.By offering a safe and attractive meetingplace for teens, we expected to increaseusage of our library for this age group. Wewanted to increase both library visits andcirculation of young adult materials. Wehoped to turn school-project-only teenusers and nonusers into regular library visitors.ATTRACTING TEENSAttracting teens is easier said than done.Our teen librarian is an active member ofthe Young Adult Library Services Association(YALSA) and learned a lot throughthat resource. In addition, she and ourdirector spent a day visiting other teenrooms in the Jackson area. The bestresource was our teen patrons. Last year’sTeen Summer Library Program was held inthe unfinished room, still filled with boxesof weeded books, and participants wereinvited to share their ideas.The wall that connects the room to therest of the library is mostly glass, so the interiorof the room can be easily seen. Weknew that in order to initially attract teens,the visual impact of the room was important,so we used bright colors. One wall wasalready orange red, so we painted the otherwalls lime green, bright sky blue, and halfblue and half green. The trim and many ofthe furnishings were black, which tied intothe black and white tiled floor and reallyhelped pull the room together. Besides,teens love black. There is a terrific rug thatties all the colors together.A popular teen activity is playing Wiivideo games, but many teens do not have aWii available at home. So video games anda huge flat screen HDTV were essentialattractions. We also have a license to showmovies. The games and TV are in a lockedcabinet to control access.Music is important to teens, so we havea karaoke machine. Low tech games andpuzzles are available, along with all sorts ofcrafts. Perhaps the most popular item is anold fashioned popcorn popper, just like atthe movies.We wanted to include computers, butthey were not in the budget. However, wehad recently purchased two new laptops forstaff, so we were able to recondition theirold computers for the teen room. Newcomputer stands and chairs were purchased,and teens are encouraged to bring their laptopsto the library to take advantage of thefree wireless access.Teens have to be able to lounge around– no matter what they are doing. So wehave several kinds of flexible furniture.There are six brightly colored short tablesthat can also be used as stools and can bestacked for storage. There are four ottomansthat can be used as tables or for sittingwhich can also be pushed together to makea couch. There are two big comfy chairs forreading or relaxing and 18 stackable chairsto use when watching movies, having meetings,or working at the two activity tables.And yes, we even have books! Ouryoung adult collection has come a long waysince it occupied only one shelf. One wallhas tall book shelves full of fiction, andanother wall has low shelves with nonfiction.In addition, there are teen magazinesin a display rack and a collection of youngadult books on tape and compact disc. Oneend of the room serves as a reading nookwith comfortable chairs and tables. Theother end of the room has cabinets that

PAGE 58 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIEShouse the television, games, and supplies.The middle of the room has tables forcrafts, games, puzzles, and other activities.Immediately outside the room is where wemoved what was left of the reference roommaking the adjacent area an ideal place forquiet study.Book-shaped stress relievers.GETTING THE WORD OUTIn our small county (population about30,000), a new teen room was considerednewsworthy, and we were fortunate to getgood publicity through our local newspaper.In addition, we wrote blog posts aboutthe progress of the room, which includedlots of pictures. Plus, the community waskept informed through Facebook and Twitter.The teen room now has its own Facebookpage, which we hope will develop intoa teen communication center.In February, MLC asked us to prepare adisplay for their exhibits in the rotunda atthe State Capitol. Our director and teenlibrarian went to Jackson, equipped withbook-shaped stress balls that read ArmstrongLibrary Teen Zone, which proved tobe very popular. The legislators, as well astheir staff, seemed to be quite impressedwith our teen room.GRAND OPENINGIn October 2010, the Teen Zone wasopened to the public in time for a Halloweenparty. Elected officials, members ofthe community, and of course, teen patronscame to see our new room and wereextremely impressed. Everyone felt thatNatchez was so lucky to have this kind ofplace for teens. Library staff were veryproud, since they did all of the work.AFTERWARDThe Teen Zone has been open and fullyfunctional for about a year. Several programshave already taken place. Over theChristmas holiday, there was a program tomake homemade ornaments and gingerbreadhouses. Around Valentine’s Day was aDeath by Chocolate Day, where teenswatched the original Willie Wonka and theChocolate Factory and experimented with allkinds of chocolate concoctions. Duringspring break, an open gaming session washeld where teens could bring in their games,as well as play the ones the library owns.There was also singing and dancing goingon during Karaoke Time. (Fortunately, withthe door closed, the noise does not botherthe rest of the library.)Although it’s early yet, we are alreadyseeing an increase in teen visits and circulation.As an added bonus, the attentiongiven to this collection has attracted someadults who are more comfortable with thisreading level, as well as adults wanting toknow more about teens. We have alsoAfter the renovation.caught a few pre-teens trying to sneak in, sowe know we have created an attractiveplace.When asked if she thought the room wasa success, the teen librarian told a storyabout one young man who entered theroom for the first time. After lookingaround big-eyed, he asked if this room wasreally for any teen. When reassured that itwas, he broke out in a big smile and said,“This is paradise!”

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 59News BriefsTina HarryAssociate Professor/Catalog and AssistantAutomation LibrarianUniversity of Mississippitharry@olemiss.eduFIRST REGIONAL LIBRARYBRANCH WINS JOHN COTTONDANA AWARDFirst Regional Library’s branch inComo, The Emily Jones Pointer PublicLibrary, has been selected as one of eightnation-wide winners of the prestigious65th Annual John Cotton Dana LibraryPublic Relations Award. The $10,000 prizewas awarded to the library for the publicrelations efforts surrounding the LSTAgrant-funded “Como Elders RememberPanola County Music” program, whichunited the community in an effort to preserveand promote the rich history ofPanola County music. (For more information:http://www.firstregional.org/comoelders.html.) Other winning libraries werefrom California, Texas, Iowa, Pennsylvania,Washington, Minnesota, and Utah. Submittingthe award for the Como PublicLibrary were Como Branch Manager, AlicePierotti (left), First Regional Library YouthServices Coordinator, Judy Card, and FirstRegional Library Public Relations Specialist,David Brown. The award will be presentedthis summer at the annual AmericanLibrary Association conference in Anaheim,California.Pierotti, Card, Brown– Submitted by David Brown, Public RelationsSpecialist, First Regional LibraryAudience members enjoy the concert in the PassChristian City Hall Courtyard.WORDS AND MUSIC COMMUNITYCULTURE SERIES CONCERT INTHE COURTYARDThe Pass Christian community enjoyedhot jazz on a cool spring night complimentsof the quartet of Evan Christopher andClarinet Road. This was the first event inthe Words and Music Community CultureSeries sponsored by the Pass Christian PublicLibrary. The free concert, featuringrenowned clarinetist Evan Christopher, washeld in the City Hall Courtyard. Audiencemembers brought their chairs and blanketsand enjoyed the beautiful spring evening.The Pass Christian library is able to offerthe Words and Music Community ConcertSeries through a generous grant from theMississippi Development Authority!Upcoming events include a Cajun musicconcert, author program and story teller. Tolearn more, you can visit http://www.ci.pass-christian.ms.us or http://www.harrison.lib.ms.us or email at passchristianlibrary@gmail.com or you can callthe Pass Christian Public Library at 228-452-4596.Evan Christopher and Clarinet Road entertainingthe crowd.– Submitted by Wendy Allard, Children’sLibrarian, Pass Christian Public LibraryNEW PRESIDENTIAL ARCHIVESTOOLS AVAILABLE AT MSULIBRARIESMississippi State University Libraries’University Archives Department announcesthe addition of new finding aids for the collectionsof MSU Presidents.“So far we have seven .pdf versions ofthese inventories available to our patrons,”said Ryan Semmes, Assistant Archivist atMSU Libraries, “and they cover MSU’spresidents from its beginnings with StephenD. Lee in 1880 to Buz Walker in 1930.”Semmes went on to share that UniversityArchives anticipates adding at least fivemore similar finding aids before the end ofthe spring 2012 semester.For more information on these newpresidential inventories and on MSULibraries, please visit http://library.msstate.edu/specialcollections/archive/presidents or contact Semmes at 325-9355.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibrariesSECOND ANNUAL TEACHERSINSTITUTE OFFERED AT MSULIBRARIESThe National Park Service, MississippiState University Libraries, and the UlyssesS. Grant Association announce the SecondAnnual Social Studies Teachers SummerInstitute to be hosted at Mississippi StateUniversity’s Mitchell Memorial Library.The purpose of the Institute, which willbe held June 17-22, 2012, is to assist history/socialstudies educators in teaching therelevancy of the Civil War to students of the21st century. The Institute offers teachers abroad spectrum of lectures by accomplishedCivil War scholars plus on-site visits toShiloh, Corinth, Jackson, and Vicksburg.Thanks to a grant provided by the NationalPark Service’s “Teaching HistoryThrough Civics,” participants will be providedwith on-campus lodging, transportationto and from historic sites, and meals.Applications for the week-long Institute

PAGE 60 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESwill be accepted from public, private, andhome-school teachers, and 30 participantswill be selected on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Teachers selected for the Institute willbe eligible to receive 4 Continuing EducationUnits through Mississippi State Universityat a cost of $20. No partial CEUswill be awarded.Interested persons should visit http://library.msstate.edu/content/templates/usgrant/2012%20Brochure.pdf to applyand/or contact Elizabeth Coggins, U.S.Grant Association, at 662-325-4552 orecoggins@library.msstate.edu with anyquestions.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibrariesHISTORICAL LECTURE SERIESCONTINUES AT MSU LIBRARIESThe John F. and Jeanne A. MarszalekLibrary Fund and Lecture Series continuedat MSU Libraries on Wednesday, March21, 2012. Featured lecturers for this installmentof the series were Dr. Thomas A. Horrocks,Associate Librarian for Collections atHarvard University’s Houghton Library,and Kevin B. Johnson, 2012 MarszalekGraduate Student Award recipient.The John F. and Jeanne A. MarszalekLibrary Fund and Lecture Series was establishedin 2002 by John F. and Jeanne A.Marszalek and by the Mississippi State UniversityLibraries to encourage use of primarysource materials related to AmericanHistory, the Civil War and Reconstruction,Jacksonian America, and Race Relations.The Series includes papers presented byuniversity students and a lecture by anDr. Tom Horrocks shares his presentation on AbrahamLincoln during the 2012 John F. and JeanneA. Marszalek Library Fund & Lecture Series atMSU Libraries.established historian of national reputation.The Marszalek Library Fund is a specialfund used annually to purchase primarysource materials to be added to the holdingsof Mitchell Memorial Library.For more information on MSU Librariesand the Marszalek Lecture Series, pleasevisit http://library.msstate.edu/Marszalek/.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibrariesULYSSES S. GRANT COLLECTIONDESIGNATED AS PRESIDENTIALLIBRARYMississippi State now officially serves ashost to a presidential library – one of onlyfive universities in the nation to share sucha distinction.Ulysses S. Grant Association PresidentFrank J. Williams formally announced thedecision of the organization’s board ofdirectors to designate the Ulysses S. GrantCollection at MSU’s Mitchell MemorialLibrary as the Ulysses S. Grant PresidentialLibrary on Friday, May 18, 2012.The announcement came during theassociation’s annual meeting at MSULibraries as part of the organization’s 50thanniversary observance.“We are extremely grateful to the UlyssesS. Grant Association for entrusting MississippiState University with the long-termresponsibility for managing and showcasingthis treasure trove of vital American history,”said MSU President Mark Keenum.“Our university feels a deep bond with thisorganization and a shared vision for what amarvelous resource this collection is andwhat it can and will become.”Since 2008, Mitchell Memorial Libraryhas been the repository of correspondence,photographs, books, memorabilia, andother documents related to the militarycareer and presidency of America’s 18thpresident.For the third time in the past four years,the library welcomed association membersand directors, including Williams, a formerRhode Island Supreme Court chief justice.The Grant Presidential Collection consistsof some 15,000 linear feet of correspondence,research notes, artifacts, photographs,scrapbooks, and memorabilia andincludes information on Grant’s childhood(l to r) US Grant Association Executive DirectorJohn Marszalek, US Grant Association PresidentFrank Williams, MSU President Mark Keenum,and Dean of Libraries Frances Coleman take partin the signing of an addendum to the originalGrant Collection acceptance papers. This addendumofficially names and unveils the Ulysses S.Grant Presidential Library at MSU Libraries.from his birth in 1822, his later militarycareer, Civil War triumphs, tenure as commandinggeneral after the war, presidency,and his post-White House years until hisdeath in 1885. There are also 4,000 publishedmonographs on various aspects ofGrant’s life and times.Through a 2008 agreement with theUlysses S. Grant Association, the MSULibraries became the official host of theGrant papers. John F. Marszalek, a nationallyrecognized Civil War scholar and MSUGiles Distinguished Professor Emeritus,was named its executive director and managingeditor.For more information about the UlyssesS. Grant Collection at Mississippi StateUniversity Libraries, visit http://library.msstate.edu/USGrant/.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibrariesMSU LIBRARIES’ RAGTIME FESTIVALRETURNS FOR A 6TH YEARRazzle-dazzle rhythms… Spectacularshowmanship… Energizing entertainment…The Charles H. Templeton Ragtime JazzFestival returned to Mississippi State UniversityLibraries for the weekend of March30-31, 2012. Close to 200 guests over theweekend attended concerts, “living room”sessions, and lectures centering around theunique Charles H. Templeton, Sr. Collectionin MSU Libraries.The 2012 Festival featured Jeff Barnhart,a highly regarded and versatile pianist,

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 61vocalist, bandleader, recording artist, andcomposer; Brian Holland, a Grammy-nominatedragtime, jazz, and stride piano entertainer;Carl Sonny Leyland, a boogie-woogievirtuoso; Martin Spitznagel, a “facemelting”musical talent who excels inblending ragtime with current popularmelodies; and David Jasen, one of the mosthighly regarded authorities on ragtimemusic.As an outreach of the Festival, Spitznagelled a master class for MSU’s Department ofMusic and visited elementary school childrenat Starkville’s West Oktibbeha Elementary.The 6th annual Charles Templeton RagtimeJazz Festival was again sponsored bythe Mississippi State University Libraries;the Charles Templeton, Sr. Music Museum;the Starkville Area Arts Council; the RotaryClub of Starkville; the Greater StarkvilleDevelopment Partnership; and, in part, bygrants from the Mississippi Arts Counciland the National Endowment for the Arts.For more information on MSU Librariesand the Charles Templeton Ragtime JazzFestival, please visit http://library.msstate.edu/.Ragtime entertainer Martin Spitznagel entertainsat Starkville’s West Oktibbeha Elementary Schoolduring the week of Festival events.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibrariesFIRST REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMJOINS MSU-BASED MISSISSIPPILIBRARY PARTNERSHIPMississippi’s largest library consortium isadding new libraries and changing its name.Via a new merger, the system serves 53libraries in 14 Mississippi counties.The Mississippi Library Partnership(MLP), formerly known as the Golden TriangleRegional Library Consortium(GTRLC), welcomes the First RegionalLibrary (FRL) System to its ranks. The FRLSystem is a five-county public library cooperativewith thirteen branches located inNorthwest Mississippi. The Region wasformed among DeSoto, Tate, Panola andLafayette counties in 1950. Tunica Countyjoined the System in 1968. The regionalheadquarters is located inside the branch inHernando.Public libraries within the FRL Systeminclude facilities in Southaven, Hernando,Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Walls, Tunica,Coldwater, Senatobia, Crenshaw, Como,Sardis, Batesville, and Oxford.The FRL System joins a partnershipwith the former GTRLC that served 40libraries on the campuses of MississippiState University, Mississippi University forWomen, East Mississippi Community College,Starkville High School, and in thecities of Starkville, Maben, Sturgis, Meridian,Jackson, Columbus, Amory, Aberdeen,Ackerman, West Point, Hamilton, Mathiston,Nettleton, Eupora, Weir, Wren, Mayhew,Scooba, Artesia, Crawford, Caledonia,Kosciusko, Duck Hill, Carthage, Durant,Goodman, Kilmichael, Lexington, Pickens,Tchula, Walnut Grove, West, Winona, andLouisville.“We have simply outgrown the previousname for the Consortium,” said StephenCunetto, Administrator of Systems with MississippiState University Libraries. “The nameMississippi Library Partnership better representsthe fact that this network covers morethan just Mississippi’s Golden Triangle.”During a contract signing on March 5,2012, Dr. Mark Keenum, president of MississippiState University, welcomed the newlibraries to the MLP stating “We’re proudto welcome First Regional Library Systemto the Mississippi Library Partnership. Thisrelationship brings libraries in northwestMississippi into the most significant libraryconsortium in Mississippi and allows theUniversity to facilitate shared resources forlibrary patrons during tight budget timesand increased utilization of databases thatmight otherwise be unavailable to communitylibraries.”FRL System Director Catherine Nathanis pleased with the decision to join, remarkingthat “The staff and trustees of the FirstRegional Library could not be more pleasedabout joining the Mississippi Library Partnership!We look forward to many years ofresource sharing and collaboration with themembership – and hope that other librarieswill consider joining.”The Mississippi Library Partnership wasestablished in 1993 as a means of increasingthe sharing of resources and automationcosts as well as the sharing of technicalexpertise. The mission of the Partnership isto provide a central database that customerscan utilize to provide easy access toresources available in the Golden Triangleand Mid-Mississippi regions. Buildingupon the success of the venture betweencharter members Mississippi State Universityand Mississippi University for Women,the Partnership continues to impactlibraries and provide exceptional service toits members.“We are very pleased to have the FRLSystem join the MLP,” said Cunetto. “Withthe addition of the FRL System, the Partnership,the only one of its kind in theState, now includes over 50 libraries,including academic, public, and schoollibraries.”Since its establishment, Starkville HighSchool, Tombigbee Regional Library System,Oktibbeha – Starkville Public Library,the East Mississippi Community CollegeLibraries, and the Mid-Mississippi LibrarySystem have joined the Partnership. Trainingand ongoing development and supportfor the Partnership is handled by the MississippiState University Libraries.For more information on the MississippiLibrary Partnership, please visit http://library.msstate.edu/gtrlc.(standing, l to r) Jerry Gilbert, MSU Provost; EvelynHubbard, FRL System Board Member; FrancesColeman, Dean of MSU Libraries; Stephen Cunetto,Admin of Systems, MSU Libraries (seated, l tor) Mark Keenum, MSU President; CatherineNathan, Director, FRL System.– Submitted by Lyle Tate, Special ProjectsCoordinator, Mississippi State UniversityLibraries

PAGE 62 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIESMLA MEMBERS AT NATIONALLIBRARY LEGISLATIVE DAYSMembers of the Mississippi LibraryAssociation met in April with all the MississippiCongressional Delegates duringNational Library Legislative Days, held inWashington, DC. Among the issues discussedwere continued funding for theLibrary Services and Technology Act(LSTA), continued support for E-rate (thecommonly used name for the Schools andLibraries Program of the Universal ServiceFund, administered by the Universal ServiceAdministrative Company (USAC)under the direction of the FCC), Elementaryand Secondary Education Act (ESEA),and School Library Federal Funding. Wewere fortunate to speak with SenatorsCochran and Wicker and RepresentativesHarper, Nunnelee, Palazzo, and Thompson.– Submitted by Susan S. Cassagne, Director,Judge George W. Armstrong Library Pictured (l-r) are: Stephen Cunetto (MLA President),Jolee Hussey (MLC Commissioner), SusanCassagne (MLA Legislative Chair and Director,Judge George W. Armstrong Library), Dr. RussellBurns (MLC Commissioner), Lynn Shurden (MLAVice-president/President elect and Director, BolivarCounty Library System), Pamela Pridgen (MLCCommissioner and Director, The Library of Hattiesburg,Petal and Forrest County), SenatorCochran, Celia Fisher (MLC Commissioner), HarveyFisher, and Dr. Glenda Segars (MLC Commissioner).People inthe NewsMississippi State University Librariesis proud to welcome a new facultymember to its Serials Department.Derek Marshall joined MSULibraries’ faculty as an Assistant Professor/SerialsLibrarian in March 2012.He completed his M.L.I.S. in 2001 atthe University of South Carolina. Marshallobtained a B.A. in English fromthe University of South Carolina –Aiken in 2000.— ◆ —Joan Deegan joined the Universityof Mississippi Libraries as the new BusinessReference Librarian. She receivedher library degree from DominicanUniversity and her B.A. in English fromSt. Mary’s College at Notre Dame, IN.Previously she worked as Business ReferenceLibrarian at Northwood Universityand as a corporate librarian at PricewaterhouseCoopers.FICTIONBridges, Ramona. Sweet By and By: A Storyabout Love. Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing,2010. 348 pp. $25.00 (paperback)Ramona Bridges’ first novel, Sweet Byand By, is set in rural Mississippi around theend of the 19th century. The story followsAddie Coulter, a woman plagued by misfortuneand sadness primarily caused by herangry and violent husband Alfred. At thebeginning of the book, the reader findspregnant Addie exhausted from caring forher invalid mother, single-handedly maintainingthe household, and rearing herdaughter all while enduring the miserycaused by Alfred. Addie is able to maintaina benevolent disposition due to her unwaveringfaith and through the love of friendsand family.As the destruction of Alfred’s continuouslyheinous behavior mounts, Addie’srepugnance for him grows. She is adamantabout honoring the sacrament of marriageand refuses to leave Alfred much to the dismayof her loved ones. But when tragedystrikes she is given the opportunity to begina new life, one in which she can find truehappiness.The subtitle describes this book as astory of love. Even though Addie is in a miserablemarriage with a sociopath, she takesAbout BooksJennifer BrannockCurator of Rare Books and MississippianaUniversity of Southern Mississippijennifer.brannock@usm.educomfort in the love that is present in her lifethrough her faith and through the ministrationsof her loved ones. The author maintainsa steady theme of love, both spiritualand earthly, throughout the book. Thepower of prayer is a constant theme that ispresented through the characters’ feelingsand actions as well as consistent bible versereferences.To counterbalance Addie’s reverence forGod and the fondness others feel for her, theauthor has Alfred commit unspeakable actsranging from child abuse to murder. We arenot privy to the reasons why Alfred is set onthis path of destruction or why he feels socompelled to unleash his anger on his family.There are so many atrocities caused byone person that it difficult at times for thereader to conceive that so much sadness andtragedy can befall one woman.This book would find a place in a publiclibrary’s religious book collection. It wouldappeal to readers who enjoy religious booksin which love and faith in God give thecharacters strength to persevere.Ann McGrawMedia SpecialistMagnolia Park Elementary— ◆ —

MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 63NONFICTIONBeaman, John. Walking is the Worst Exercise:and other Challenges to the ConventionalWisdom of Medicine. Richton, MS: FamilyCare Clinic, 2010. 277 pp. $28.95 (hardcover)For 25 years, author Dr. John Beamanhas been writing a popular medical columnfor the Hattiesburg American. He has nowput together a collection of the columns ina self-published book. The book containsten chapters which are loosely grouped bytopic. Each column was driven by the medicalquestions asked by readers with headingsranging from “No, You Don’t HaveSinus Headaches”; “Life Hurts”; “Depressionis Like Diabetes”; to “Young Doctorsare Too Expensive.”Many questions in the columns dealwith particular doctors in the area, specificmedical aliments, medications and weightloss. Some esoteric questions or testimoniesconcern dogs curing cancer and other ailmentsvia salvia. All columns are written inhis characteristic direct and sometimescaustic style.The book is addressed to the popularaudience, as the columns were targeted tothe readers of the Hattiesburg American, andis not a medical reference item. The bookdoes provide an index of sorts to many previouscolumns of Dr. Beaman. This book isrecommended for public libraries and tolibraries with Mississippiana collections.Tracy EnglertInformation Services LibrarianUniversity of Southern Mississippi— ◆ —Hackler, M.B., ed. Culture After the Hurricanes:Rhetoric and Reinvention on the GulfCoast. Jackson, MS: University Press ofMississippi, 2010. 194pp. $50.00 (hardcover)Edited by M.B. Hackler, Culture Afterthe Hurricanes: Rhetoric and Reinvention onthe Gulf Coast, contains six essays thatexamine the ways in which culture has been“described, quantified, and understood by awide variety of stakeholders, from communityactivists to elected officials, artists topolicy wonks” (4). The contributors investigatecultural planning and policy by examiningthe language used in the cultural discoursefollowing the hurricanes.Villmoare and Stillman explore the residents’“right of return” to their homes inNew Orleans after Katrina struck. They discussthe differing visions of the new NewOrleans and how complex cultural factorsinfluenced the way the city has rebuilt itself.Jay D. Edwards’s challenges accepted architecturalhistories of the Crescent City in hiscultural geography of the shotgun house,arguing that New Orleans’s architecturalhistory needs to include the importance ofthe shotgun house, which would mark theshotgun-crescent neighborhoods as culturallyrelevant and deserving of attention andmoney for restoration.Benjamin Morris uses restaurants andrecipes to explore how the culinary arts have“not just been ‘rebuilt’ as part of the city’sinfrastructure (of hospitality, of tourism,and of heritage) but have themselves catalyzedand changed the course of therebuilding process” (94). Jeffrey Schwartzexamines the development of neighborhoodfarmers’ markets in New Orleans. Thisdevelopment, he argues, speaks not only tofood access but also to psychological andsymbolic functions for the community.W.D. Wilkerson “explores how pre-Katrinacultural policy, coupled with post-Katrinaenvironmental (mis)management anddisaster recovery policies, has desperatelyendangered the cultural life of one comparativelymarginalized parish – PlaqueminesParish” (140). Lastly, Keagan LeJeuneexamines how the people of southwestLouisiana used signs and holiday decorationsto express themselves and give voice tothe narrative of the community’s sharedexperience during Hurricane Rita.Culture After the Hurricanes is a welcomeaddition to the scholarship on HurricanesKatrina and Rita. The discussion of culture,cultural policy, and planning through culturaldiscourse is a unique approach tostudying the effect of Katrina and Rita onvarious locations in Louisiana. Althoughthe authors come from different fields – history,English, geography, folklore, archaeology,urban planning, and political science –their individual examinations of culture andrhetoric bring diverse points of view togetherin this volume. Hackler has smartly packagedthese thoroughly researched and criticallyanalyzed essays that speak on a topicthat is being lived even now, over five yearslater.One minor issue detracts from the volume:the title. Using “Gulf Coast” in thetitle is misleading to readers, who mightbelieve that the essays cover more territorythan is the case. All of the essays are restrictedto Louisiana, when Alabama and Mississippiwere also heavily affected by these hurricanes.This problem does not, however,detract from the well-written and thoroughlyresearched essays.This volume is recommended for academiclibraries as well as comprehensiveLouisiana collections in public libraries.Scholars, particularly anthropologists, geographers,and cultural historians, as well aspeople interested in Hurricanes Katrina andRita and Louisiana history will find thisbook of interest.Margaret A. SwansonIRC LibrarianDelta State University— ◆ —Hubbell, Macklyn (text), and JamesGoldman (photography). Goldman’s Gold:An Album of Photographs Taken in 1968 ofthe Marks’ Mule Train. Cleveland, MS:Hubbell, 2010. 63 pp. $40.00 (hardcover).Goldman’s Gold is concerned with the115 demonstrators who started their marchin the Poor People’s Campaign of May-June1968 in mule-drawn wagons in Marks,Mississippi. The main feature of the book is30 photographs taken by Dr. James O.Goldman, a local dentist.The photographs are arranged inchronological order, which provide a stepby-stepdocumentation of the early stages ofthe march out of Marks. Among the photographsare such compelling images as a coveredwagon with the words “Stop the War,and Feed the Poor” (47), and a view of aline of wagons crossing the ColdwaterBridge (59).In the introductory section, Hubbellwrites, “Considering the converging ofhundreds and hundreds of people onMarks, the conflicts between the local andstate leaderships and the marchers wereminimal” (vi). Nevertheless, the photosinclude some very vivid images of police inhelmets using clubs and images of protes-

PAGE 64 VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIEStors fleeing in fright and confusion (23, 25,27, 29, 31).Each photograph is accompanied by acaption that provides useful informationabout the photograph. However, it wouldhave been more helpful if the captions identifiedthe names of the leaders shown in thepictures.The introductory material seeks to setthe historical context, but contains toomuch irrelevant information about the1960s. Not until the end of the introduction,does Hubbell finally focus on theplanned march as it pertained to Marks,specifically. For example, it is noted thatMayor Langford arranged for the demonstratorsto have a place to camp out and alsoprovided “lights, water, and outdoor toiletsat the city’s expense” (vi). However, otherhistorical information, such as why the protestorsin Marks and other places chose touse mule trains, is omitted.Hubbell is a minister who does not havea background in historical writing or scholarship.Other works, such as Robert Weisbrot’sFreedom Bound and Civil Rights: AnA-Z Reference to the Movement that ChangedAmerica give detailed descriptions of themarch and look at the march from a broad,national perspective.However, the unique contribution ofGoldman’s Gold is found in its intimate portrayalof the Civil Rights Movement at thelocal level. The book is an excellent visualdocument of how the Poor People’s Campaignbegan in Marks, and thus shows howthe local community played a role in anevent of national historical significance.Goldman’s Gold is recommended forreaders who are interested in learning moreabout the aspects of civil rights history thatare not normally covered in texts on thesubject. The book would also be suitable forinclusion in public and school libraries, particularlyin the Mississippi region, but inother parts of the nation as well. AlthoughGoldman’s Gold has certain flaws as a workof historical scholarship, it has educationalvalue because of its visual treatment of aspecific aspect of the Civil Rights Movement.William L. BahrDirectorMarks-Quitman County Public Library— ◆ —Cole Hunter. The Legs Murder Scandal.Jackson: University Press of Mississippi,2010. 382 pp. $30.00 (hardcover)In 1934, Laurel, Mississippi was like anyother small southern town. People went towork and church, entertained family andfriends, greeted their neighbors, and didtheir best not to become the center of smalltown gossip. Unfortunately, on January 25,1935, the world of Laurel would changeforever. It was on this day that Ouida Keetonwas arrested in connection with themurder of Mrs. Daisy Keeton, her very ownmother. It was on this same day, that Ouidaruined the life of W. M. Carter, her formeremployer and possible lover, by implicatinghim in the crime of the decade.Author Hunter Cole leaves no stoneunturned in telling the story of the LegsMurder Scandal. His character development,descriptive writing, and use of primarydocuments enable the reader tobecome a part of the story. By recountingthe trials of Ouida Keeton and W. M.Carter and the effects it had on the individuals,families, friends, and townspeople ofthis once quiet town, the reader can grievefor the loss of Mrs. Keeton, judge the adulterousacts of Mr. Carter, and question themotives of Miss Keeton. The readers findthemselves just as intrigued as the thousandsof people who would arrive at thecourthouse daily for a chance to see theonce beautiful Ouida and to hear the testimonyrecalling the happenings of January19-23, 1935. Such testimony includes theman that, while walking with his huntingdogs, came across a set of butchered legs,cut from the knee to the pelvis. While theuse of legal jargon can be confusing attimes, the author does a relatively good jobof explaining the terms. It is, however, ashame a glossary was not provided.Hunter Cole leaves nothing out of thisintriguing story about love and betrayal.Readers will enjoy The Legs Murder Scandalfor the twists and turns the story takes. Theprovided timeline keeps the dates andevents in order so as not to confuse thereader. Also the afterword, written by Cole,explains the author’s process of investigatingthis historic trial giving the context of whythe story was told. This book is recommendedfor public and academic libraries.Pamela WilliamsonCurator of Visual CollectionsUniversity of Mississippi— ◆ —Wildmon, Allen. The Wildmons of Mississippi:A Story of Christian Dissent. Denver:Outskirts Press, 2010. 395 pp. $24.95(hardcover)Allen Wildmon says that life was like asmall country gravel road, lined on eachside with trees of different shades of green.The road gets smaller as it fades into thedistance and makes a sharp bend in a curve,passing out of sight. Allen’s autobiographytakes the reader along on his journey downthat road. It begins with his childhoodmemories of growing up in rural Mississippiand ends with his retirement from theAmerican Family Association.Each of the 55 chapters recalls a detailedstory of the struggles and joys of daily lifethat came with growing up in the south.His simplistic style of writing, actual familyphotos and detailed recollections put thereader in a setting among the Wildmonfamily. Allen has a remarkable memory. Herecalls the names, places, and mannerismsof many acquaintances throughout his life.Some of these were just acquaintances,while others became life-long friends. Manyoffered encouragement and sometimesmade impacts on important choices in hislife. His personal retellings of these encountersleaves the reader enveloped in a sense ofbelonging, rejoicing, laughing, and sometimeseven brokenhearted.This book would be an enjoyable readfor those who love to soak up southern culture,nostalgia buffs, historians, Christians,and those concerned about the break downof society’s morals and decency. For over 30years, Allen and his family have been wellknown for their relentless efforts to “fightthe good fight” in the cultural war. TheWildmons’ undeniable integrity andaccomplishments will inspire readers, notonly to acknowledge the ongoing decline ofsociety’s standards and beliefs, but also totake action against companies that sponsorprograms that attack and distort traditionalfamily values.Ginger MattoxKossuth Middle School LibrarianAlcorn School District

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