Library Notes

The Ozarks Studies Institute, an ongoing initiative of the Missouri State University Libraries, is publishing a new book on float fishing. Authored by local writer Tom Koob with cartographic specialist Curtis Copeland, the book charts the history of a unique Ozarks past time from its origins through the decline of the sport and industry. The book is in production currently and is expected to be available for purchase in late summer or in the fall of 2024. This spring, the…

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The spring issue of OzarksWatch Magazine will be back from the printer soon, ready for distribution to subscribers and sales to the general public. The theme of this issue is Ozarks Treasures. As Susan Croce Kelly notes in her managing editor’s overview, “Almost from the time that Hernando de Soto trekked across the southern Ozarks, there have been stories of treasures hidden in our Ozark hills, secreted in caves, or buried deep in the woods. All those stories of Spanish…

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The next phase of the Ozark Jubilee Digitization Project is underway. Newly processed episodes are being uploaded to the dedicated YouTube channel of the MSU Libraries. As of today, 130 segments ( approximately 30 minutes each) have been uploaded and are available free of charge to all.  Thanks to the persistence and perspicacity of Wayne Glenn, the Old Record Collector, and the hard work and technical expertise of Craig Amason, another batch of Ozark Jubilee recordings is being uploaded to…

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This afternoon, April 18, 2024, beginning at 4:00, Kitty Ledbetter will speak about the life of Si Siman, music mogul, entertainment director, and executive producer of the Ozark Jubilee. This talk will concentrate particularly on Si’s relationship with Chet Atkins.  The event will be held in the Ozarks Room on the Third Level of Duane G. Meyer Library on the main Springfield campus of Missouri State University. The event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.  Ledbetter’s…

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Dr. Grace Jackson-Brown announces her retirement from Missouri State University (MSU) Libraries after sixteen years of service. Before coming to MSU, Grace served sixteen years with Indiana University Libraries where she was a tenured Associate Professor. She served at IU as a Reference Librarian for graduate students and faculty in the, presently named, Herman B Wells Library, and as a branch head librarian for both IU’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Library and former Weil Journalism Library. Dr. Jackson-Brown started as…

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Tom Peters, Dean of Library Services at Missouri State University in Springfield, announced today that he plans to retire at the end of December 2024.  Peters will have served the university and the region for over twelve years, beginning in August 2012. During his time at MSU, several major things have been accomplished:   First FOLIO: In the spring of 2020, during the first months of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Missouri State University Library became the first library in the world…

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The Missouri State University Libraries joined academic colleges and university organizations on Saturday, April 6, 2024 for the Spring Showcase. The event, organized by the Office of Admissions, gave students an opportunity to meet faculty, tour campus, and learn more about the application process, financial aid, and scholarships. We enjoyed talking to participants and other academic colleges and departments about the different resources available in the Library. Special Collections and Archives were excited to share examples of primary resources, the…

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As of next week, OzarksWatch Magazine, a publication of the Ozarks Studies Institute, will be indexed in UlrichsWeb. UlrichsWeb is an easily searchable database affiliated with ProQuest that provides detailed information on more than 300,000 periodicals of all sorts. This weekend, UlrichsWeb will do its weekly cache refresh, after which OzarksWatch will become discoverable by many more library users worldwide.

The Missouri A&OER Conference (Affordable & Open Education Resources) was another success! The 5th annual conference was organized by the Missouri A&OER Conference Planning Committee, chaired by MSU faculty librarian, Tracy Stout.  This year’s theme was ‘OER: A Student-Focused Innovation’ with presentations centering on faculty experiences with adopting or adapting OER, creative uses for OER in the classroom, the impact of OER on student outcomes, and incorporating open pedagogy into courses. Highlights from the virtual conference include a keynote by…

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Susan Croce Kelly, Managing Editor of OzarksWatch Magazine, a publication of the Ozarks Studies Institute, an ongoing initiative of the Missouri State University Libraries, has been awarded the History Award from the national DAR, the Daughters of the American Republic. The honor was conferred on her during this week’s regular meeting of the Rachel Donelson Chapter of the DAR.  Ms. Kelly has had an amazing career. Three publications related to regional and national history deserve mention: Route 66: The Highway…

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