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Spring 2007 Ex Libris, Spring 2007 West Virginia University. Library.

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This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the WVU Libraries at The Research Repository @ WVU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ex Libris: The WVU Libraries Magazine by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Newsletter of the West Virginia University Libraries Spring 2007 www.libraries.wvu.edu Knotts Memorabilia Finds Home at WVU

he Reluctant Astronaut has touched “West Virginia University was down in the West Virginia University a large presence in Don's life from T Libraries. the time he was born,” The West Virginia and Regional History Yarborough-Knotts said. “He Collection recently received some unique memorabilia always knew he would be a from a famous alumnus – the late actor and Morgantown student there.” native Don Knotts. The WVRHC is now home to movie She said Knotts enjoyed and television scripts, awards, an original poem, and the sharing stories about spending manuscript and cassette recordings from the actor’s time on campus while growing autobiography. up in Morgantown. “Don Knotts was one of the University’s most One of his favorite stories illustrious graduates and one of the state’s most involved sneaking into prominent native sons,” said John Cuthbert, WVRHC Mountaineer football games with Curator. “We are very thankful to receive these items, friends. One particular Saturday, and we hope it is the beginning of many future Knotts got caught and was installments of Don Knotts memorabilia.” carried out of the old Stadium. Knotts began talking to representatives from the He found another way back in West Virginia University Libraries in late 2005 and and was again caught and tossed donated a group of his personal scripts to the Libraries out of the game. The process in January 2006, just one month before he passed away. continued multiple times and In late February of this year, his widow, Francey attracted the attention of Yarborough-Knotts, contacted the Libraries about spectators. donating more memorabilia. “The whole crowd got “As I've been looking through many of his items, I caught into it. They were wanted them to be in a safe place where they would be cheering and laughing. It was a Scripts from some of Don Knotts’ best movies are now part of the appreciated,” Yarborough-Knotts said. “I remembered big scene,” Yarborough-Knotts West Virginia and Regional History Collection. how happy Don was to be donating these items to WVU said. “Don got a thrill out of The strange looks were fine by Knotts. He loved and how connected he was to Morgantown, and I that. He talked about that a lot.” making people laugh, whether intentionally or not, and wanted to follow his lead by sending other special items Knotts was a born entertainer with an active he sought out every attempt to play a prank or tell a to the school.” imagination. As a kid, he would make up a variety of joke. Best known for his portrayal of Barney Fife on the games for his neighborhood pals. Sometimes they would Knotts took advantage of a Mountaineer tradition 1960s television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, Knotts use a tin can someone found and play kick-the-can. requiring freshmen to yell “Beat the hell out of Pitt” was born and raised in Morgantown and graduated from Other times the fun was fueled only by imagination. when an upperclassman would flash a thumbs-up Morgantown High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree “One time, he was by himself and pretended he was gesture. While still a senior at Morgantown High School, in communication studies from WVU in 1948. At the playing a football game, even though he didn't have a he often got a kick out of seeking out beanie-wearing time, there was no College of Creative Arts or WVU football,” Yarborough-Knotts said. “He got so carried theater degree, so students majored in other disciplines away that when he stopped, he noticed a couple of Continued on page 5… while acting in school productions. people had stopped and were staring at him oddly.” Students Make New Health Sciences Library Home

orey Bozic has discovered the perfect place Settling into a comfortable lounge chair with her to study. When the time comes to crack laptop to search through the Libraries’ digital resources, open his books, the nursing student heads she too has found the perfect place to study. When she C to a comfortable chair in a quiet, well- wants a refreshing break from her work, all she has to lighted corner of the new Health Sciences do is look up from the computer screen. Library and Learning Center. The glass wall stretching along the library’s front “It’s refreshing to walk through the doors,” Bozic floods the library with natural light and offers a said. “The new library has a soothing environment that panoramic view of the mountains to the west of I think facilitates my ability to learn.” Morgantown with the Coliseum standing in the The Health Sciences Library and Learning Center, foreground. built at the main entrance to the Robert C. Byrd Health Behind her are the library entrance and a large Sciences Center, began welcoming students at the start atrium containing the landmark pylons that have of the spring semester. The state-of-the-art facility welcomed visitors to the HSC since 1963. Rather than The new Health Sciences Library offers plenty boasts a 27,000-square-foot library, two new computer- moving the monolithic marble structures, architects of comfortable spots for students to settle in based learning classrooms, three new lecture halls, and chose to wrap the new construction around the pylons. and focus on their studies. Alexis Lilly, an a renovated auditorium. “The new library is so much more open. They made occupational therapy student, uses the Library Occupational therapy student Alexis Lilly it a lot more attractive,” Lilly said. “You want to come and Learning Center’s wireless Internet appreciates the facelift. Continued on page 5… connection to do research. Wise Library Named Literary Landmark national library organization has prestigious Bread Loaf Publication Award for Time is designated the Charles C. Wise, Jr. Our House. A Library as a Literary Landmark. Her works appeared in periodicals from Harpers Friends of Libraries U.S.A. added the and Atlantic Monthly to Good Housekeeping and Wise Library to its Literary Landmark Registry because Saturday Review. of the library’s connection to Dr. Louise McNeill Pease, Pease was a product of the rural Mountain State Poet Laureate of West Virginia from 1977 to 1993. The that she lovingly described in her poetry and prose. In presentation came during the West Virginia Library 1930, the 19-year-old Pocahontas County native began Association’s Annual Conference held last fall in teaching in one-room schools. She went on to teach Huntington. English at WVU from 1948 to 1953 and then to earn a “People everywhere delight in the beautiful writings Ph.D. in history from WVU in 1959. of Louise McNeill Pease. I applaud the West Virginia The University recognized her life and University Libraries for their commitment to preserving accomplishments by inducting her into the Academy of a piece of our nation’s rich literary history,” said Sally Distinguished Alumni in February 1989 and by awarding Reed, Executive Director of Friends of Libraries U.S.A. her an Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities in May Wise Library joins about 100 institutions, buildings, 1989. and communities from across the nation on the Literary Pease was a prolific poet whose works were Landmark Registry. It is the first academic library in published from 1931 to 1994. Martha Yancey, Head of Circulation at the West Virginia to receive the distinction. In 1985, she was named West Virginian of the Year. Evansdale Library and WVLA President; “It’s an honor for the Wise Library to be designated In 1977, Governor John D. Rockefeller appointed Pease Frances O’Brien, Dean of the WVU Libraries; as a Literary Landmark because of its connection to Poet Laureate, a post that she held until her death in Penny Pugh, Head of Reference for the Louise McNeill Pease,” Provost Gerald E. Lang said. 1993. The State of West Virginia has named only six Downtown Campus Library; and Harold M. “I’m proud that Dr. Pease once served on the WVU individuals as Poet Laureate. faculty and that I took part in her induction into the “Louise McNeill Pease’s poetry is meaningful to so Forbes, Curator of Rare Books, display a Academy of Distinguished Alumni.” many West Virginians. We are honored to receive the plaque that designates the Charles C. Wise, Jr. Pease’s writings and papers are housed in the West Literary Landmark designation and to share her literary Library as a Literary Landmark. The plaque Virginia and Regional History Collection, which is heritage,” Libraries Dean Frances O’Brien said. was presented during the West Virginia Library located in the Wise Library. They were donated to WVU O’Brien worked with Penny Pugh, Head of Association Annual Conference. by her son, Douglas Pease, of Connecticut. Reference for the Downtown Campus Library, and Pease, who typically wrote under her maiden name, Harold Forbes, Curator of Rare Books, to compile remains beloved for her depiction of West Virginia information from the West Virginia and Regional History use,” O’Brien said. “Our collections contain books, during a simpler time. Her works include Gauley Collection about Pease and her works for the manuscripts, music, and photographs that are Mountain, Elderberry Flood, Milkweed Ladies, and designation application process. important for students and scholars. We are proud to Paradox Hill, which won the West Virginia Library “The WVU Libraries preserve the documentation of make Louise McNeill Pease's poetry available as a Association Annual Book Award. Pease also earned the West Virginia history and culture, and we promote its glimpse into the life and lore of our state.” Asimov Collection Attracts New Donors

he size of an already out-of-this-world arrived, contains nearly 200 books and two games. The Many of the books are first editions or scarce collection in the WVU Libraries’ Rare remainder will follow later. printings that will go to the Rare Books Room. For the Books Room has rocketed to another level. Asimov, a prolific writer of both science and science rest of the books, when titles duplicate existing holdings, T An avid book collector has donated nearly fiction, is probably best known for his short story I, the newer edition will take a place on the shelf in the 200 books to the Libraries’ Isaac Asimov Robot and his trilogy Foundation. WVU’s Asimov Robinson Room along with the literature collection. Collection and more are on the way. Collection began in 2002 when alumnus Larry Shaver The plans please Patterson, who was able to make Carlos Patterson, a resident of Sacramento, Calif., donated his Asimov collection containing more than the cross-country trip to view the collection. He chose to donate his collection to WVU after learning 600 books, games, audio recordings, videos, and wall combined the stop with a visit with his son, an Air about the Asimov Collection through an Internet charts to the WVU Libraries. Force Academy graduate stationed in Fairborn, Ohio. search. He said WVU stood out among other institutions Since then, several other collectors have donated “I was impressed, and I’m happy to see a collection because of its digital exhibit honoring the collection of rare books and portions of their collections to the WVU where not only the whole collection is being one of the 20th century's most prolific authors. Libraries. However, Patterson’s gift comes in second maintained, but it’s being made available to the public,” “I wanted to donate the books to someone who only to Shaver’s original contribution. Patterson said. “I like that people have the opportunity would be interested in them,” Patterson said. “I saw “Mr. Patterson’s donation makes our collection of not just to study the rare books but also have an your Web site, and I decided to pursue giving the books rare Asimov books more complete. It also adds a lot opportunity to read a book.” to WVU.” The WVU Libraries will receive Patterson’s more titles to our circulating collections,” said Harold To view the digital Asimov Exhibit, go to collection in two parts. The first, which has already M. Forbes, Rare Books Room Curator. http://www.libraries.wvu.edu/exhibits/asimov/. Libraries Add Self-Checkout Units

rips to the library may now be a little the transaction. When finished, the station prints a date- The self-checkout stations, which debuted in fall quicker for some students. New self- due receipt. Retrieving and keeping the receipt is 2006, have slowly been gaining users as word of the checkout stations at the Downtown important because a due date will not be stamped inside service spreads. Mary Strife, Evansdale Library Director T Campus and Evansdale libraries allow users the book. Burger actually prefers the receipt because he and circulation policy committee chair, expects to see to avoid long lines when checking out can post it in his room as a reminder for when the book more students use the machines as finals week draws materials. is due. closer and students’ schedules become more hectic. This new option, 3M’s SelfCheck, is similar to using “It’s a nice alternative for those days when the lines a self-checkout at the grocery store. Simply touch the are two or three people deep and you just need to check screen and animated instructions guide you through the out a book. This is a fast way to get it done and go,” process. Strife said. “It’s very convenient. You can just walk up and you’re done,” said Harry Burger, a wildlife and fisheries resources senior. West Virginia University Libraries Jessica Lewis, a psychology senior, especially likes the independence the system offers. Visiting Committee “I just like to do things on my own,” Lewis said. Diane Hackney-Oliver, Charleston “It’s great if you’re in a hurry.” Vaughn L. Kiger, Morgantown Upon touching the screen, the user is prompted to Hubert E. Martin, Morgantown swipe his WVU ID card and to pass the selected book’s barcode under the scanner’s red beam. A clicking noise Brooks F. McCabe Jr., Charleston Jessica Lewis, a psychology senior, scans means the process is complete. R. Samuel Oliver Jr., Charleston The user can either check out another book or end a book she is borrowing at Evansdale John E. Stealey III, Shepherdstown – Chairman Library’s new self-checkout station. Richard R. Strother, Washington, D.C. 2 Newsletter of the West Virginia University Libraries

Wilkinson Named Library Instruction Director arroll Wetzel Wilkinson has been appointed Literacy; and Gender and the Research Process, a achieve them.” Director of Instruction and Information course which Wilkinson developed and teaches. Wilkinson received Literacy for the WVU Libraries. Teaching a class on information literacy gave her bachelor’s in music C In the post, Wilkinson, the former Wilkinson insight into students’ previous experience from Wells College and Head of Access Services for the Downtown Campus with research. She watched students begin the semester her M.L.S. from Library, will oversee courses being taught by the unaware of the depth of resources available to them on Rutgers University Libraries and develop curriculum for future classes. She campus and through the invisible Web and then and completed also hopes to work with interested faculty to integrate suddenly have their eyes opened to the wealth of additional graduate the intellectual principles of information literacy into research possibilities. study at the their teaching. “That understanding lays the foundation for University of Illinois “Carroll brings a strong interest in teaching and qualitative and quantitative research methods later. It and WVU. She came information literacy to this program,” WVU Libraries gives students experience with discovery, with to WVU in 1979 to Dean Frances O’Brien said. “She also has a track record empowerment,” Wilkinson said. “They are able to do serve as a reference of collaborative efforts that bring different people research their own way on a subject they’re interested librarian and together. She will be able to lead us in providing library in.” Appalachian Carroll Wilkinson instruction to WVU students in meaningful new ways.” Improving research habits meshes with WVU’s 2010 bibliographer. O’Brien praised the existing library instruction Strategic Plan to enhance students’ learning experience. Among other program but pointed to national studies showing that Stepping up to the challenge, Wilkinson expects to publications, she is the author of Stronger Students, students are relying less on traditional guides to spend the next few months working with other Better Research. It’s available at: information like reference books and library catalogs. librarians, faculty, and students to determine what http://www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/womensstudies/fc/fc “Students still need to learn how to find what they courses should compose the Libraries’ line up and wilkinson.htm want, but we are going to have to change how we designing the curriculum. Along with directing Access Services for the present those lessons,” O’Brien said. “I think there is wonderful potential here,” Downtown Campus Library, she was also in charge of Currently, librarians teach three classes: Wilkinson said. “We just need some clear, focused, the Libraries’ book depository. Wilkinson will remain Introduction to Library Research; Film and Media system-wide goals and good hard work together to the Women’s Studies bibliographer. Schein Named Associate Curator of West Virginia Collection

he West Schein has already hit the ground running to begin Skimming through the pages, readers are taken Virginia an extensive overhaul of the PEC, which is popular back to a time when a more stringent mode of conduct and among historians and others researching the Mountain controlled society. According to this document, T Regional State. frequenting taverns or places of “mere idle amusement,” History “Books and journals have their value, but smoking on campus, and gambling would result in Collection has sometimes these pamphlet-type materials give the most punishment. However, tuition was only $8 a term and welcomed a 33-year in-depth, scholarly treatment of the history of a there was no summer school. veteran of the WVU particular point of interest in West Virginia,” Schein “I’m excited to have this opportunity to contribute Libraries as an said. “It’s a real treasure trove of resources that has to making our rare and valuable West Virginia resources associate curator. been hidden because these items are not in our available to scholarly and research communities In her new Mountainlynx catalog.” worldwide through the Internet,” Schein said. post, Schein is in Currently, to find an item in the PEC, one must Prior to her appointment as associate curator in the Anna Schein charge of the Printed search through an outdated paper catalog. The last new WVRHC, Schein served as Head of the Libraries’ Ephemera entry to the catalog was more than a decade ago. Periodicals Department for more than two decades. She Collection (PEC), Schein’s goal is to create an electronic finding aid came to WVU in 1974 as a Cataloging Librarian in the which is estimated to contain more than 100,000 items, for the WVRHC web site to guide users. Most items will Cataloging Department. from pamphlets, brochures, and isolated periodicals to have a unique listing in this new database. Schein received her bachelor’s in library science news clippings, event programs, advertisements, menus, Schein will also select about 600 of the most from WVU in 1971, her master’s of library information and more. valuable pieces to be scanned and digitized to be viewed science from the University of Kentucky in 1974, and a “The Libraries have a wealth of special collections, online. Along with increasing access to this group of second master’s in Foreign Languages from WVU in archives, and manuscripts that require professional historic materials, digitization also preserves the 1994. attention before students and faculty can access them. originals. Often, a 100-year-old pamphlet housed in the Her scholarly publications include White Pine Spirit Anna’s expertise in technical services will be a valuable WVRHC is the only surviving copy. of Peace: the WVU Peace Tree, edited by Anna Schein resource for the West Virginia and Regional History One especially interesting booklet is titled (2005), and Treaty of Canandaigua 1794: 200 Years of Collection as it strives to increase access to its rich and Regulations for the Government of West Virginia Treaty Relations between the Iroquois Confederacy and extensive holdings,” said Frances O’Brien, Dean of the Agricultural College and dates back to the first year of the United States, edited by G. Peter Jemison and Anna WVU Libraries. the institution which was to become WVU. M. Schein (2000). National Association Recognizes Arnold

he Medical Library Association has named secretary for the organization. She has also published achievements.” Susan Arnold, Interim Director of the book reviews, presented poster sessions at conferences, Arnold received Heath Science Library, to its prestigious and set continuing education as a priority. her bachelor’s of T Academy of Health Information Along with focusing on the library field, Arnold, a science in Dietetics Professionals. registered dietitian before joining the WVU Libraries from West Virginia The honor recognizes medical librarians based on faculty, maintains her RD status through continuing Wesleyan College, their involvement in the field and professional education in that field. As an RD, she is required to master’s of science organizations and their efforts in continuing education. obtain 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years. in Human Nutrition “It’s a sense of accomplishment,” Arnold said. “I “Lifelong learning is important because things & Foods from think it lends a sense of credibility to my work as a change so much, both in the field of medicine and with Virginia Tech, and medical librarian.” technology and electronic resources. There are always master’s of Library AHIP has three levels of membership: member, new databases and new tools to help you find and & Information senior member, and distinguished member. The organize information,” Arnold said. “With the electronic Science from the Susan Arnold organization welcomed Arnold at the senior level. world expanding as much as it is, I believe in taking University of South To be eligible for membership to AHIP, one must have advantage of opportunities to keep updated.” Carolina. first clocked five or more years as a medical librarian. A WVU Libraries Dean Frances O’Brien called the She came to the WVU Hospitals in 1988 as a points system then grades prospective members based honor well-deserved. clinical nutrition manager and dietetic internship on criteria such as serving in a professional “We know that Susan has made outstanding director. In 2001, she joined the staff of the WVU organization, presenting non-work-related lectures, contributions to the WVU Libraries. Her leadership in Libraries as an information services librarian at the publishing articles, and pursuing continuing education the Health Sciences Library, her dedication to Health Sciences Library. Three years later, she was opportunities. improving services to library users, and her named interim director of the Health Sciences Library. Among her achievements considered, Arnold has collaborative work with other campus units have all Arnold joins two other WVU faculty already been active in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Medical advanced the goals of the libraries,” O’Brien said. “It is installed in AHIP: Jean Seibert, a distinguished member; Library Association since 2001, serving a term as nice to see Susan receive wider recognition for her and Virginia Bender, a senior member. 3 Newsletter of the West Virginia University Libraries

Traveling Medical Exhibit Inspires Students

aarni Hancock has a unique team of role Kilmichael, Miss. Poe returned to replace the town’s the HSTA program. HSTA is a community-based models to guide her in her career path. The only doctor, who was retiring. Poe opened a clinic there program designed to encourage minority and under- McDowell County native and West Virginia and sees more than 250 patients every week. Her represented high school students to pursue careers in L University graduate student draws inspiration responsibilities also include serving as the medical health care. from a former U.S. surgeon general, a rural director for the local nursing home and overseeing The chief goal of the session was to acquaint high Mississippi doctor, and WVU’s first female residents of the community’s home for mentally school students with people who share their medical student. challenged youth. backgrounds and have achieved their academic and Hancock met these pioneers through the Changing career goals. the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America's Women “It showed them it can be done,” Chester said. Physicians exhibit on display at the WVU Robert C. “Each one of them got up and said: ‘I am like you. You Byrd Health Sciences Center during the fall semester. can do it.’” The exhibit and a series of related programs introduced The message found receptive ears. Chester received her and other visitors to women, from the mid-1800s to a flood of positive comments about the teleconference. today, who faced daunting barriers to practice medicine “The doctors and other people speaking said some and made great advancements in their field. things that inspired me and helped me think about what “It’s important to have something visual so that I want to do,” a student responded on an event students, prospective students, and parents can see,” evaluation form. Hancock said. “A lot of times you hear about what Another remarked: “I’ve known for a while that I’ve women are doing, but until you actually see how far wanted to be a doctor, but this just encouraged me even women have come and what roles they have played in more.” medicine, a lot of it goes unnoticed.” These students could also turn to the past for Multiple success stories unfolded across the large encouragement. As part of the Changing the Face of graphic panels of the Changing the Face of Medicine Medicine program, Howe delivered a lecture on two exhibit. A montage of photographs and brief biographies medical pioneers in West Virginia: Drs. Eliza Hughes and told of women who made advancements in the medical Exhibit Curator Manon Parry of the National Harriet Jones. field, such as Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to Hughes was the first woman in what is now West receive an M.D. degree from an American medical Library of Medicine leads the audience through Virginia to get a medical degree. Hughes practiced school; Dr. Mary Walker, the first woman awarded the the traveling display. medicine in Wheeling after graduating from the Penn Congressional Medal of Honor for her work as a surgeon Medical University of Philadelphia in 1860. during the Civil War; and Dr. Antonio Novello, the In 1886, Jones, a Terra Alta native, became the first nation’s first Hispanic surgeon general. That dedication to her roots inspires Hancock, who female to be licensed as a physician in West Virginia. Created by the National Library of Medicine at the believes that rural communities are often left behind. She established a practice in Wheeling, served as National Institute of Health and the American Library New doctors face quite a dilemma upon graduating from assistant superintendent of the West Virginia Hospital Association, the traveling display is currently on a five- medical school. Because their medical training opens for the Insane, which was renamed Weston State year, 60-stop tour of the nation. the doors to a world of opportunities, settling in a small Hospital, and eventually opened a women’s hospital in Over the past year, Carroll Wilkinson, Director of Appalachian town is not as glamorous as joining a Wheeling. Jones was also active in many women’s rights Library Instruction and Information Literacy, worked practice in an urban setting. organizations and served in the West Virginia House of with a committee comprised of herself, Health Sciences “For her to grow up there and then to go back to Delegates. Library Interim Director Susan Arnold, and leaders from such a rural community, I think that was just Other Mountain State trailblazers included Drs. the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and the awesome,” Hancock said. Susan Dew Hoff and Pheobia G. Moore. WVU Center for Women’s Studies to create a series of On top of that, Hancock noted, Poe has overcome In 1889, Hoff became the first woman in West lectures and events to correlate with the main exhibit. the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated Virginia to be licensed as a doctor by examination. Programming launched in October 2006 with a field and being a minority. Rather than attending medical school, Hoff studied keynote address delivered by Novello. “Dr. Poe’s doing a great job facing that adversity,” alongside her physician father and on her own. “I thought it was wonderful,” said Dr. Ann Chester, Hancock said. “Just to see her do it let’s me know that I In 1898, Moore made her mark as the first woman assistant vice president for social justice at the Robert can do it, too.” to study medicine at West Virginia University. After C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and a member of the Other students shared that sentiment. completing her medical degree at the Bennett Medical exhibit steering committee. “I thought it was a really Dr. Barbara Howe, a historian and director of WVU’s College in Chicago, she went on to serve the residents visual way to bring the history of the changing face of Center for Women’s Studies, heard a string of positive of Mannington and the surrounding region for nearly medicine to light.” reviews about the exhibit and speakers, but she was five decades. The stories inspired Hancock, who received her struck most by a conversation with a medical student “I personally feel that anytime you can tell West bachelor’s degree in Biology from WVU in 2003 and will and an occupational therapy student who were both Virginians about any of their history, it’s important, graduate in May with a master’s degree in Public Health enthused by Poe’s story. especially when you have people who are nationally and certification in Healthcare Administration. She will “They came up to me after Katrina Poe’s lecture famous or their history has been ignored,” Howe said. leave Morgantown with aspirations of making her own and said: ‘She’s who I want to be’,” Howe said. “If you Learning those stories from the past emboldens contributions to her community. can have one student who finds her role model, that to Hancock and fills her with a sense of pride. She said Hancock would like to follow in the footsteps of Dr. me is success.” hearing about someone else’s success through adversity Katina Poe, a rural Mississippi physician who delivered a The buzz also spread statewide. A teleconference makes her own dreams seem possible. lecture in conjunction with the exhibit. Her visit was involving WVU Health Sciences and Technology “Anytime someone accomplishes something great in the eighth Women’s Studies Residency in Honor of Academy (HSTA) participants was beamed out to 20 West Virginia, it puts us on the map for one and at the Judith Gold Stitzel. sites throughout West Virginia and viewed by almost same time it lets us know that you don’t have to come In 2005, Poe was named Country Doctor of the 400 high school students. Poe led the panel discussion from one of the bigger states or a bigger city to be a Year for her commitment to her hometown of with a team of current WVU students who benefit from leader,” Hancock said. WVU Plays Role in Marshall Movie est Virginia University played a role in archived more than 400 game films from about 1940- Bill Bissett, Director of Public Relations for helping Marshall University rebuild its 1970. Marshall University, saw the movie multiple times and football program after a plane crash took To secure a few minutes of vintage Mountaineer expected WVU fans to be touched by the camaraderie the lives of 75 football players, coaches, action, film producers worked with John Cuthbert, the sequence creates. W and community members in 1970. WVU Curator of the West Virginia and Regional History “The coaches and players of WVU helped Marshall again played a role in the retelling of the Collection; Randy Jenkins, Library Media Supervisor; in its darkest hour in rebuilding this football program,” saga in the 2006 movie We Are Marshall. and Shea Browning, Assistant General Council for WVU. Bissett said. “It definitely portrays Bobby Bowden and Charged with the task of training a team composed Rodney Adlington and Cheryl Clark, both from the West Virginia University in an excellent light.” mostly of new players, MU coaches Jack Lengyel and Library Systems Department, performed the technical Overall, Bissett believes the movie has a unifying Red Dawson turned to then WVU Football Coach Bobby work. theme that everyone in the Mountain State can Bowden for guidance. Cuthbert worked directly with Lengyel to find a appreciate. The pair made a trip to Morgantown to learn the portion of film showing the veer offense, while Browning “In this film, you really see West Virginians helping veer offense from Bowden. Lengyel and Dawson sat in and others read over a three-page section of script to West Virginians,” Bissett said. an office at the old Mountaineer Stadium and watched make sure WVU is depicted accurately. That part of the We Are Marshall is the second major motion black and white game films to study the plays. script earned the University’s approval. picture that the WVU Libraries have contributed to in As the encounter replays in the film, audiences view “WVU looks good in the movie. Basically, it shows about a three-year span. Spider-Man 2 contained a a clip of actual game footage of the Mountaineers. The us as the big guys helping out the little guys,” Browning reproduction of the Robert Lepper mural covering the footage was provided by the WVU Libraries, which have said. front wall of White Hall’s auditorium. 4 Newsletter of the West Virginia University Libraries

Knotts Memorabilia at WVU continued from page 1…

He obviously was right. He parlayed his talents and Former Gov. John D. Rockefeller presented Knotts with experiences at WVU into a stellar career that spanned the top honor of “Distinguished West Virginian” in 1982. more than five decades and greatly impacted television In addition, the Collection received an unpublished, and movies. A comic genius, he created and played autobiographical poem written by Knotts, titled The several hilarious characters, many of whom remain a Man, as well as two television scripts, The Man Who part of today’s popular culture. Came to Dinner, which was part of the Hallmark Hall of The world may never have met actor Jim Carrey if Fame Masterpiece Theatre, and The Don Knotts Nice, not for The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Carrey had told Clean, Decent, Wholesome Hour, a TV special from A manuscript and audio cassette tapes provide Knotts that he learned much about their craft by 1970. an intimate look into Don Knotts’ life. watching his classic movie and television shows. The Man Who Came to Dinner had a special place in Another admirer was comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Knotts’ heart because he also did a performance of the freshmen and making them shout that famous cheer. Although Seinfeld and Knotts never had the opportunity play at the University. However, not all of his jokes were winners. Some to meet, Jason Alexander, a Seinfeld co-star, told Knotts The scripts that Knotts personally sent to the WVU seemed to come straight from the Barney Fife playbook, stories about Seinfeld regularly doing Barney Fife Libraries were ones he used during the filming of movies such as the time he was walking to class at WVU and impersonations on the set of their television show. with Universal Studios and Walt Disney Productions. The asked the man fixing the Woodburn Hall clock if he had Yarborough-Knotts recalls Alexander telling Knotts: scripts, which have his signature and hand-written notes the time. “Jerry’s going to be so jealous that I met you.” on them, include: The Reluctant Astronaut (1966), The “Even though it was just a silly joke, it cracked him The WVU Libraries want future generations to be Love God (1968), The Shakiest Gun in the West (1967), up,” Yarborough-Knotts said. able to meet Morgantown’s favorite son. It is the goal of How to Frame a Figg (1970), and Herbie Goes to Monte Knotts developed his sense of humor by watching the West Virginia and Regional History Collection to help Carlo (1976). movies with friends and listening to radio shows with his preserve Knotts’ colorful memories of his hometown and “Many people and organizations approached Don mother. With help from his brothers, he would then put alma mater. about donating his scripts and other items. It was always it all into practice at the dinner table. Yarborough-Knotts gave the Collection two gems something he considered, but when WVU asked him if he They would spend their meals telling jokes and associated with Knotts’ autobiography, Barney Fife and would be willing to donate his scripts, he didn't hesitate funny stories and laughing. Their goal was to make their Other Characters I Have Known: the original typed to send his best ones,” Yarborough-Knotts said. mother laugh so much that she would have tears manuscript with hand-written notes from Knotts in the The WVU Libraries are developing plans to exhibit streaming down her face. margins and more than a dozen standard audio cassette the Don Knotts memorabilia in the near future, said “That’s all they had. That was really his refuge – recordings by Knotts. Dean of Libraries Frances O’Brien. humor and laughter,” Yarborough-Knotts said. “All he did “The tapes are fascinating because they tell Don’s “We look forward to sharing these Don Knotts throughout his life is to want to laugh.” story in his own words and voice – especially his memories with the WVU and Morgantown communities Knotts refined his skills during his four years at recollections about life growing up in Morgantown,” as well as the world,” O’Brien said. WVU. Yarborough-Knotts said Knotts spoke highly of a Cuthbert said. The memorabilia will be preserved so that writers drama professor who taught him a no-nonsense approach The recordings will be copied onto quarter-inch tape and researchers can go directly to the source of original to acting and encouraged him to never lose sight of the and digitized for preservation purposes, Cuthbert added. information. fact that he was above all an entertainer. Knotts was The Collection is also now home to awards Knotts “You can bet there will be plenty of writing about proud that his only training in his field came while a received over the years, including a 1994 plaque from Don Knotts in the future,” Cuthbert said. “If a person student at WVU. former Monongalia County Sheriff Joseph C. Bartolo. were planning to write something serious about Don “He felt that West Virginia was where he had learned The plaque reads, “Don Knotts Has Been Appointed Knotts, that person would be remiss not to listen to the to act and perform. By the time he left Morgantown, he Honorary Deputy Sheriff of Monongalia County.” audio cassettes and look at the materials we have in the felt he was ready for anything,” Yarborough-Knotts said. A framed certificate marks another prestigious title. West Virginia and Regional History Collection.”

Students Make New Library Home continued from page 1… here to study and to hang out and get work done.” the new library also means more Lauren Graham, a nursing student, was happy to convenience and more time to focus say good-bye to long, dreary study sessions in the old on class assignments rather than library where windows were few. traveling to another campus to use “The windows are nice because you don’t feel like the library. you’re stuck inside. It’s not too bad anymore,” Graham “I used to study downtown. But, said. now, it’s nice that I can be here where Graham and fellow nursing student Rachel Fidazzo my classes are,” said Madeline are now regular users of the library. Both used the old Lawther, an occupational therapy library and quickly became frustrated by the shortage of student. space and computers. Lawther isn’t alone. The library’s In contrast, computers and quiet study space gate count has risen to just over abound in the new library. There are 55 carrels with 15,000 for February, a 33 percent computers and another 50 computers are available in increase from the previous year. the two computer-based learning classrooms. The jump in usage, though, Also, a wireless Internet connection allows students comes as no surprise to Health to be mobile while doing online research. One can Sciences Library Interim Director spread out books and papers on a table in the library, Susan Arnold. She knew a student recharge with a mocha from the coffee shop in the demand existed and is pleased the atrium, find a secluded spot in the stacks to focus on his University responded with a great or her research, or meet with others in a group study facility. room. “It’s very gratifying to see people “It’s so much better. It’s a great place to study,” using the Library and Learning The landmark Pylons serve as a centerpiece for the new Health Fidazzo said. Center,” Arnold said. “We’re thrilled Sciences Library and Learning Center. For many students at the Health Sciences Center, to be in the new space.” 5 Newsletter of the West Virginia University Libraries Wise Library History Available as eBook on WVU Libraries Web Site

eaders who want to peruse the Renovations included restoration of newly published history of the 1930’s wood furniture but with a twist – data WVU Libraries can now flip ports enabling students to connect to the R through the pages online. Internet are hidden in the tops of antique the Newsletter of the WVU Libraries The WVU Libraries’ Web wooden reading tables in the Milano and Spring 2007 * West Virginia University Team has created an eBook version of The Robinson Reading Rooms. Charles C. Wise Library: A Retrospective by In the digital format, the 32-page book WVU Law student Luke Boso. The digital is easy to click through using Adobe Acrobat Frances O’Brien/Dean book is available through Mountainlynx or at Reader and has beautiful black and white Myra N. Lowe/Associate Dean www.libraries.wvu.edu/history/wise.pdf. and color photos on 8” x 8” pages. The book, published in 2006, presents John Cuthbert/Curator, West Virginia and Regional History Collection the fascinating story of a “tremendous Mary Strife/Director, Evansdale Library setting for learning” and contains beautiful photographs documenting the Library’s Susan Arnold/Interim Director, Health Sciences Library growth from 1931 to 2006. The author, a In Memoriam Monte Maxwell/Development Representative Morgantown native, earned a degree in Linda L. Wright, a dedicated WVU English at WVU. Libraries employee since 1998, passed is published by WVU Libraries In this reverent tribute, Boso compiles away on October 4, 2006. P.O. Box 6069 information from 53 sources, ranging from Martha Yancey, Head of Circulation Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 the Daily Athenaeum articles published in at Evansdale Library, said Wright (304) 293-5040 1930 to interviews in 2004 with librarians displayed a strong work ethic and was www.libraries.wvu.edu and Provost Gerald Lang after the latest always the first person to volunteer when www.libraries.wvu.edu/exlibris a need arose. renovation was completed. The book www.libraries.wvu.edu/friends features interesting facts, such as the cost of Wright was known for being a skilled the historic library buildings and their quilter, who made quilts for family and friends as well as for many good causes. capacities. For example, the original library In 2005, she donated to the West Virginia in Stewart Hall cost $116,000 and was built Library Association a quilt bearing a to house 20,000 volumes and 150 readers. detailed map of West Virginia. The Wise Library, originally costing Wright is survived by her husband of $450,000, was rededicated in October 2003 26 years, Kenneth N. Wright, and her son,

after the extensive renovation project. Kenneth N. Wright II.

Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 WV Morgantown,

P.O. Box 6069 Box P.O.

WVU Libraries WVU

Morgantown, WV Morgantown,

Dean’s Office Dean’s

Permit No. 34 No. Permit

PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. Non-Profit Org. Non-Profit