Top Shelf Spring 2012 The Newsletter of the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Volume 8, No. 1 The Value in Visiting Archives Recently The King Center made select Voter Education Project and Atlanta Student papers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Movement Collections. Since many historical publicly available for viewing online. It is papers like the Voter Education Project are exciting that scholars can conveniently see not accessible for viewing online, discovering Dr. King’s correspondence, manuscripts, the depth and breadth of what is offered and speeches on their personal computer can only be done in person. screens; however, the value of visiting As technology continues to offer scholars archives and libraries holding the primary new paths for access to information, the resources of treasured collections cannot convenience of one method should not be overstated. outweigh the immense benefits of another. Archivists teach scholars how to use a Located on the upper level of the AUC Woodruff Archives represent a people’s collective Library, the Archives Research Center is a place of collection, an educational component that rich history and intellectual discovery. history—a record of their stories, their voices, is somewhat lost in the virtual experience. their identities—and students and scholars Of particular note are trained archivists University King Collection, donated by are fortunate in that they can explore this and the important roles they play in helping Dr. King himself in 1964. The Morehouse history online or by stepping through a on-site visitors navigate a collection. In the College and Boston University collections door of an archival institution. add to the vast amount of Martin Luther expert hands of an archivist, records of our Contact 404.978.2052 or archives@auctr. past are transformed, and history is given King Jr. materials held at The King Center and managed by the King Estate. edu for more information on the King meaning and brought to life. The Atlanta Collection and the Library’s additional University Center Robert W. Woodruff At the AUC Woodruff Library, the teaching archival collections. Library houses the Morehouse College and scholarship of the King Collection is Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, and the actively promoted. Archivists in the Library’s benefit of researching primary resources Archives Research Center deliver instruction on-site in an academic environment can be sessions on the King Collection for the seen here. general public as well as assist college Five years ago, Dr. King’s papers were and high school educators in developing rescued from Sotheby’s auction block curriculum. Encouraging the engagement through a purchase on behalf of his alma of the collection in such manner honors mater, Morehouse College. A generous and continues the legacy of Dr. King, who grant to the AUC Woodruff Library from The was himself a devoted scholar and educator. Andrew Mellon Foundation supported the Researchers who visit the Archives Research processing and digitization of the King Center will find in addition to the King The Reading Room offers Archives Research Center materials. The Mellon Foundation also Collection, other rich collections related to visitors a comfortable and quiet space to conduct supported the processing of the Boston the civil rights movement, including the scholarly research. Camtasia Studio Puts Users in Production Booth In today’s multimedia educational • upload and edit existing videos; environment, Atlanta University Center • record PowerPoint presentations; and (AUC) students and faculty often need to • convert finished projects into shareable create videos for presentations and lectures. formats, such as YouTube videos. In its Technology Design Studio located In addition to giving projects a polished, on the main level, the AUC Woodruff studio-quality look, with Camtasia Studio, Library offers Camtasia Studio, a video students and faculty can add informative capture and editing software published by narration, eye-catching visuals, and smooth TechSmith. As one of many technologies transitions to any raw video. The software enhancing teaching and learning that the is currently available on the computers in Library provides, Camtasia Studio allows the Library’s presentation practice rooms, users to easily: which require a scheduled reservation. For Camtasia Studio makes it simple to create effective • capture a computer screen for real-time more information, contact 404.978.2010 or video presentations. Photo credit: Oscar Daniel demonstrations; visit the Technology Design Studio.

Michael Jackson Art Exhibit Opens • Recruiting Tomorrow’s Library Leaders • Celebrating Historic Mayor’s Legacy Michael Jackson Exhibit Opens: A Conversation with the Artist When people hear the name Michael of his uniqueness, his obedience, and his Jackson, everyone has a different rare ability to love in the face of hatred, perspective of what they think he was anger, and contempt.” like. This sense of familiarity of knowing What was your friendship like with Jackson? “MJ” is the result of his status as a global “What I experienced was a real person, not superstar who spent his lifetime in the public a fabrication or collection of imagined eye. Deeply ingrained in pop culture’s ideas. I cannot find the words to express collective consciousness, we have seen what this is like and do not believe I his face on countless magazine covers, would elaborate if I could, because I feel watched his dance moves in music videos, there is an opportunity for anyone seriously and listened to his distinctive voice on interested with pure motives to make the radio and our iPods. The level of their own discoveries. I feel honored fame Jackson reached is unquantifiable. and obliged to speak visually about him He was everywhere but always remained because that is my first language.” an enigma. The line between the artist and the man continues to be blurred What do you want viewers of your even after his death in June 2009. exhibit to discover? “Something they have not tapped into before. I hope that they examine whatever Artist Dr. Amalia Amaki’s work has been shown clues speak to them personally about throughout the world. Other Amaki series include mixed media quilts celebrating the lives of African the fact of him as a person – a human American singers. Photo credit: Oscar Daniel being – and not the idea of him as icon, megastar, or larger than life phenomenon incredible trees that will financially support because while he was these things and A Million Trees for Michael, a nonprofit more, a critical part of the “more” involves organization/project honoring his concerns his humanity, his sameness to us, and his for the Earth that I am closely affiliated right to be seen as such. Understanding with. Another project I’m undertaking is that, despite his complexities, appearances, a book related to his work, placing it in and seeming contradictions, there is a historical perspective.” man embedded in this narrative and its You recently generously donated books corresponding iconography that navigated to the AUC Woodruff Library from the a magnificent, spiritual life that, I believe, Paul R. Jones Collection of African now allows him to know unfettered peace.” American Art of which you are the Could you address what current projects former curator. What value do you on which you’re working? believe the collection holds for “I’m working on additional pieces for scholars and students? Dr. Amaki views one of two display cases featuring inclusion in the MJ: In Blue Terms, “Great archives are rapidly becoming the Michael Jackson materials loaned to the Library from Images and Impressions series. I’m also true treasure troves of our history and her personal collection. Photo credit: Oscar Daniel working on a second artist book about culture. Books, to me, remain invaluable In her photography and mixed media tangible sources of information and series MJ: In Blue Terms, Images and inspiration for students and scholars and Impressions currently on display at the I am extremely pleased that the Library AUC Woodruff Library, artist Dr. Amalia could become the caretaker of titles from Amaki seeks to lift the veil on the music the Paul R. Jones Archive given its clear icon and share a side of him few people mission and rich history.” know. Currently a professor of Modern MJ: In Blue Terms, Images and Impressions and Contemporary Art at the University of is on display through May 31, 2012 in the Alabama, Dr. Amaki previously taught at Woodruff Gallery on the lower level of the University of Delaware, North Georgia the Library. College and State University, and Spelman College. Her friendship with Jackson and her respect for his talent inform the series, and she recently spoke to the AUC Woodruff Library about her exhibit. What was the inspiration for your MJ: In Blue Terms, Images and Impressions series? Dr. Amaki embraces students who won prizes at Artist Speaks Series “I did the series to say thank you…to the Library’s opening celebration of her art exhibit. Dr. Amalia Amaki discusses her art exhibit initiate a dialogue about my appreciation Photo credit: Oscar Daniel celebrating Michael Jackson. Mellon Grant Supports Recruitment of Tomorrow’s Library Leaders Students at six Historically Black Colleges about librarianship and archives,” says and Universities are learning about all Hart. “The students have been fully the diverse career opportunities in the participating and sharing their internship field of librarianship and archives that experiences through blogging and formal await them. assessment.” The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Recruitment for interns for the second awarded a grant to the AUC Woodruff year of the “Recruiting Tomorrow’s Library to implement a two-year project Library Leaders” project will begin in to help address a projected serious fall 2012. For more information, contact national shortage of degreed librarians, Carolyn Hart at [email protected]. with a specific focus on improving diversity by increasing the number of underrepresented groups in the profession, Mellon interns listen intently during one of the particularly African Americans. The project, internship program’s instructional sessions. entitled “Recruiting Tomorrow’s Library Leaders,” builds on a previously Loretta Parham, CEO and Library Director Save the Date Mellon-funded consortial library of the AUC Woodruff Library. “We were Shakur Collection Conference internship program. pleased to receive the Mellon Foundation’s The AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library generous support in recruiting and “Recruiting Tomorrow’s Library Leaders” is and the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation nurturing the next generation of librarians.” targeted toward recruiting undergraduates present the Tupac Amaru Shakur and providing them with a hands-on Undergraduates from Clark Atlanta Collection Conference: “Hip Hop, immersive educational experience. University, Morehouse College, and Education, and Expanding the Archival Components of the project include Spelman College were competitively Imagination.” This two-day academic opportunities for mentoring, internships, selected for Mellon library internships, conference convenes scholars, educators, field experience, and a summer leadership as were students from Bennett College, and students to present papers on themes institute. The objective is to encourage Dillard University, and Johnson C. Smith related to the life and works of Tupac participants to pursue graduate studies in University, the participating partner Shakur, education, and Hip Hop library science and leadership positions institutions in the project. Carolyn Hart, culture more broadly. Submission in the profession. Assistant Director of Planning, Assessment deadline for abstracts is April 23, “We’re approaching a critical crossroads and Communications at the AUC Woodruff 2012. The conference will be held at that could determine the future of the Library is principal investigator on the the AUC Woodruff Library in Atlanta, library field. Effective leadership will be “Recruiting Tomorrow’s Library Leaders,” Georgia. Visit http://research.auctr. pivotal. Fortunately, the talent is out and Neely Terrell, a former Mellon library edu/ShakurConference or e-mail there, but the challenge is in reaching intern, is project coordinator. [email protected] for undergraduates and having them “The innovative curriculum developed more information. recognize the library profession as a viable by the Library staff has been the catalyst National Black Women’s Life and rewarding career option,” said for student engagement and excitement Balance and Wellness Conference The Second Annual National Black Women’s Life Balance and Wellness Conference will be held on July 13 through July 15, 2012 at the Atlanta University Center. The conference’s theme this year is “Without Apology: Free and Balanced.” Featured panels and presentations will explore work-life balance, healthy lifestyles, mothering, relationships, career development, and more. Presentation proposals are now being accepted. Registration is currently open; early-bird, student, and group rates are available. For more information, visit www.lifebalanceconference.com or e-mail lifebalanceconference@ The Mellon interns from the Atlanta University Center schools represent a diversity of undergraduate majors. Select interns will be embarking on a four-week summer field experience in librarianship and archives at gmail.com. prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution. Library Building Hours Event Celebrates Maynard Jackson’s Legacy Spring 2012 speakers – Jackson’s mentees – empowered Regular Library Hours us to promote the legacy of greatness set forth by him and others. Attendees, and Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM–Midnight* others, are welcome to research within the Friday 7:30 AM–6:00 PM* Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Saturday Noon–6:00 PM Sunday Noon–Midnight Records to learn more about his trailblazing administration.” *The Service Desk opens at 8:00 AM. Dr. Constance Carter, Mayor Jackson’s Archives Research Center Hours sister, and her family were in attendance, Archives Research Center access is by appointment along with several officials from the only and must be made one business day in advance. City of Atlanta. Several AUC alumni also attended and remarked how impressed Monday – Thursday 1:00–7:00 PM Head of Archives Research Center Andrea Jackson Friday 1:00–5:00 PM (far left) with the “Legacy Keepers” host committee. they were to see the transformation of Saturday Noon–5:00 PM Photo credit: Horace Henry the Library. Sunday CLOSED On February 15, 2012, approximately 200 Visit http://vimeo.com/37231467 to people visited the AUC Woodruff Library view the event video Legacy Keepers: A Summer 2012 for the event “Legacy Keepers: A Tribute Tribute to The People’s Mayor Maynard Regular Library Hours to Maynard Jackson” and to view The Jackson. Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM–10:00 PM* People’s Mayor: Maynard Jackson and Friday 7:30 AM–5:00 PM* the Politics of Transformation traveling Saturday Noon–6:00 PM exhibit. The event was hosted by an Hosting the Sunday 2:00–10:00 PM organization for young professionals. Traveling Exhibition *The Service Desk opens at 8:00 AM. Speakers Daniel Halpern, Rodney Strong, The People’s Mayor: Maynard Jackson and and Eugene McDuffy shared personal Archives Research Center Hours stories about their relationships with the Politics of Transformation traveling Monday – Thursday 2:00–6:00 PM Mayor Jackson and encouraged the next exhibition is currently available for loan Friday 1:00–5:00 PM leaders to be as bold and dynamic as to eligible schools and organizations. Saturday & Sunday CLOSED Jackson. Strong and Duffy, also recalled To request information on hosting their involvement in planning a 1973 Valid AUC ID is required for entry to the traveling exhibition, contact mock trial as Morehouse College freshmen the building. 404.978.2052 or [email protected]. at the time and working on Mayor Remote access to the AUC Woodruff Jackson’s campaign. The mock trial was { } Library website and its electronic hosted by UMBA (University Movement resources is available 24 hours per day, for Black Unity) and students and faculty 7 days per week. Visit www.auctr.edu. throughout the Atlanta University Center (AUC) participated to gauge which African American candidate they would support Atlanta University Center for mayor of Atlanta. Jackson won with more than 80 percent of the vote. The Robert W. Woodruff Library flyer was a part of the exhibit at AUC 111 James P. Brawley Drive, SW Woodruff Library, and is included in the Atlanta, GA 30314 Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Records archival collection, which is housed Phone: 404.978.2000 in the Library’s Archives Research Center. Fax: 404.577.5158 “Many of the young professionals in Copy and Print Center www.auctr.edu attendance at the ‘Legacy Keepers’ event From banners to brochures, the Copy and Print Top Shelf is published two times a year for Library patrons. were moved by the passion, determination, Center offers quality print services and solutions commitment, and leadership Mayor Maynard providing you with the competitive advantage CEO & Library Director: Loretta Parham in the classroom, the workplace, and the world. Communications Manager and Editor: Jackson brought forth to transform our great Nicholyn Hutchinson city of Atlanta,” said Andrea Jackson, 404.978.2111 [email protected] head of Archives Research Center. “The