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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. PostAGE Central University Libraries PAID Southern Methodist University SOUTHERN METHODIst PO Box 750135 UNIVERSITY Dallas, Texas 75275-0135 Central University Libraries 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT That Was the Year That Was: Part* 2 I remarked in last year’s column that it seemed as though Central University Libraries (CUL) was on the cusp of momentous changes, and so it is. The celebration of SMU’s Year of the Library – which included a library theme woven through Homecoming and other campus traditions – segued into a newsworthy spring. This was another banner year that saw usage of our facilities and services grow substantially. The numbers are impressive: Dean Gillian M. McCombs atop Central University Libraries’ Homecoming float. there has been a 40.5 percent increase in study room bookings over the last two years, a 15 percent increase in the total number of e-journal full-text article down- loads, and a 16 percent increase in the total number of database searches. CONTENTS Some extraordinary collections came our way, such as the George W. Cook 2-3 Cook Collection Builds on DeGolyer’s Strengths Dallas/Texas Image Collection, comprising more than 2,000 photographs and 3 Stage Set for Fondren Library Center Renovation 12,000 postcards, received through a bequest (see page 2). In addition to 4 Shedding New Light on Jerry Bywaters the collection itself, which has been appraised at just under $700,000, Mr. Cook Hamon Arts Library Turns 25 Next Year also provided the DeGolyer with a residual interest in his estate amounting 5 Presenting the 2014 Godbey Lecture Series Author Awards to over a million dollars for an endowment and other funds to support the Kay Bailey Hutchison Honored at Tables of Content processing, growth and use of the collection. It is a landmark gift, and 6 CUL’s History-making E-book Loan one which we are truly honored to receive. Collections FYI: DeForrest Judd Several important affiliations yielded exciting results. Through our relatively 7 Board Profile: Larrie Weil new relationship with the Greater Western Library Alliance, CUL participated Weil Award Winner Kyle Lemons ’14 in a radical new technology for e-book loans – Occam’s Reader – and 8 A Treasure Trove of WWII Documents made history by creating the first loan (see page 6). Meanwhile, thanks to a Reviewing SMU’s Literary Past, Present and Future partnership with Dedman College and others, digital versions of the Early 9 CUL Co-Hosts Scholarly Communication Road Show American newspapers, Oxford bibliographies and Early American imprints have been Collections FYI: Bob Hope acquired. SMU also has rejoined the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), providing access 10-11 CUL Achievements to CRL’s collection of 5 million items and significant digital resources. 11 Collections FYI: Carl Nebel The libraries’ connection to all corners of the University community was reinforced CUL’s community 12 Friends of the SMU Libraries Grants Staff Recognized for Service to SMU with a new alumni benefit. Rolled out in summer 2013, the library portal provides a subset programming drew record 13 Selected Statistics of online resources as well as a raft of other services that alumni can access wherever they happen to be in the world. crowds. Hundreds 14-17 Donors to the Central University Libraries gathered to hear and 17 Library Awards CUL garnered recognition and acknowledgement at the national and state levels in a variety Adding Spice to the CUL Cookout of ways (see page 8). For example, the Norwick Center for Digital Services (nCDS) was in meet renowned writers 18-19 Donors to Friends of the SMU Libraries the spotlight when the staff hosted a group from the Library of Congress that came to learn and cultural icons 19 Officers and Directors, Friends of the SMU Libraries more about the digitization center. The nCDS also received another TexTreasures grant of $20,000 from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, this time to digitize 20 SMU Libraries Executive Board such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Council of Library Directors 1,000 non-oil-related Texas images from the Robert Yarnall Richie Photograph Collection. Sue Monk Kidd and CUL Leadership Team Operationally, CUL – like all other units on campus – participated in the directive to return CUL Management Team Jane Pauley – part of the operating funds to the University. Three longtime staff members in the library retired, 21 Let Us Know What You Think and the reading room in the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man was closed with collec- Authors LIVE! series A sampling of the rare and historically significant materials preserved in Central tions either merged or weeded as appropriate. CUL staff are contributing at all levels to the University Libraries’ diverse collections is shown here, on the cover and throughout this co-sponsored by Friends annual report. See more materials online at http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/all/cul/. University-wide review by Bain & Company consultants as part of Operational Excellence for the Second Century (OE2C). SMU President R. Gerald Turner launched the OE2C of the SMU Libraries. initiative in the spring “to enable maximum resources to support our core academic mission.” Likewise, an unforgettable Meanwhile, both planning and fundraising for the Fondren Library Center renovation lecture by Lincoln proceeded apace (see page 3). collector Judge Frank As we prepare our collections and facilities to begin the staging for the much anticipated renovation, we can look back on an extraordinary period of accomplishment and celebration. J. Williams filled I am grateful to our staff for rising to the occasion for a memorable 18-month-long year! Dallas Hall’s McCord Gillian M. McCombs Auditorium. Dean and Director, Central University Libraries * That Was The Week That Was (TW3) – satirical TV comedy programme on BBC television, 1962-63, presented by David Frost. As big as Dallas Fondren renovation plans move forward George W. Cook gift brings rare historical materials and collection support to DeGolyer with eye toward 2016 dedication In February 2014, through a charitable for documenting the history of Dallas and the state. He was “Altogether, it is a fine bequest from the estate of the late especially interested in social history and in people from all George W. Cook (1949-2012), DeGolyer walks of life, not just the elites.” tribute to a man who Library became the home of what will Chronologically, the collection appears to range from a had a single-minded be known as the George W. Cook promissory note signed by Davy Crockett in Tennessee in Dallas/Texas Image Collection. devotion to collecting 1829 to memorabilia from 20th-century Dallas, Martin says. For most of his life, Cook was a Among the first items from the collection to be displayed and preserving collector. A boyhood fascination with publicly are a serving tray and matchbooks from Sivil’s Drive In historical materials – stamps and coins continued into adulthood Restaurant – a Dallas institution from 1940 until it closed but was eclipsed by a passion for materials relating in 1967 – and a Life magazine cover dated February 26, 1940, and wanting them to his hometown of Dallas and the Lone Star State. After depicting a Sivil’s “curb girl.” The items are featured in The collaborative learning style preferred by many students and professors to be used by others, in factors into the Fondren Library Center renovation plan. retiring from a relatively brief career in banking and investments, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Part 2,” exhibited in Fondren Library teaching, in research, he ordered his life around amassing Dallas and Texas primary Center through September 22. As the culmination of SMU’s centennial celebration nears, Central University sources, says Russell L. Martin, III ’78, ’86, director of DeGolyer and in publications.” Libraries moves forward with a bold vision for its second century. A revised Library, who was instrumental in securing the collection budget and plans for the renovation of Fondren Library Center received a for SMU. green light in May from Thomas E. Barry, SMU vice president for executive “There are probably 20,000 items altogether, which we are affairs, and the Oversight Committee. beginning to process,” Martin says. “He was omnivorous – “We now have our marching orders and started work immediately with SMU collecting everything from relics of downtown buildings to project manager Dennis Sewell to break ground in spring 2015 and com- advertising blotters, pencils, matchbooks and yardsticks. plete the project for a spring 2016 dedication,” says Gillian M. McCombs, Anything and everything tied to Dallas history was interesting Dean and Director of Central University Libraries. to him. But probably his most concentrated attention was At the heart of the plan lies the user experience. The refocused design focused on early Dallas and Texas photographs and postcards.” Matchbooks touting Dallas emphasizes functionality and safety while adhering to a $17 million budget businesses and the Texas that takes into account rising construction costs. In addition to the collection, which has been appraised at Centennial in 1936. just under $700,000, Cook gave the DeGolyer a residual interest Friends of the SMU Libraries recently boosted the fundraising efforts with a in his estate (see page 1). pledge of $100,000 over the next five years. The announcement of the first $20,000 allocation was made in April (see page 12). “We’ll use some of George’s funds for housing and processing the collection, and we hope also to offer fellowships for research In the modified design, DeGolyer Library remains in Fondren Library West, but staff offices will be located on the third floor and the west stacks will be in the collection,” he says. “But the greatest gift is that we’ll be Upper left: An imposing wooden horse’s head carving that once re-allocated to special collections.