Alkek Library News

Texas State’s Fifth Annual Archives Month Celebration

October is National Archives Month, and on Friday, October 1 the Wittliff Collections and University Archives at the Alkek Library will co-host a panel called “Know Your Audience: Tips for Successful Writing,” on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library. A catered, hors d’oeuvres reception will follow.

This year’s event is not just for archivists or librarians. Anyone interested in hearing expert advice on successful, professional writing will want to attend. Each panelist will give a short presentation about a specific type of writing, followed by a moderated discussion. There will also be time for questions and/or comments from audience members.

Dr. David B. Gracy II, editor of Libraries and the Cultural Record, will speak about scholarly writing; Kris Toma, co-editor of Southwestern Archivist, will cover newsletters; Pat Hawthorne, Director of Research and Learning, Alkek Library, will discuss press releases; and Anne Peters, Communications Coordinator, UT-San Antonio Libraries, will present on social media.

The panel starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Wittliff Collections on the library’s seventh floor, with the reception starting at 3:30. Both activities are free and open to the public. Panel attendance is not required to attend the reception. Guests are asked to RSVP to [email protected] or (512) 245-2313.

While in the Wittliff Collections be sure to take time to enjoy the fall exhibits: Cormac McCarthy: Selections from the Permanent Collection; Painted Light: Photoworks by Kate Breakey; and Revisiting Goodbye To a River: A 50-Year Anniversary. Also, on permanent display: The Lonesome Dove Collection and selections from the Wittliff’s music collections.

University Archives Moving to 5th Floor

The University Archives will soon have a new home on the 5th floor of the Alkek Library. Construction began the first week of July to create dedicated space for a reading room, office, work areas, and collection storage for frequently used materials.

Since the addition of staff positions to expand the role and scope of the University Archives over a year ago, University Archivist, Kris Toma, Archives Assistant, Audrey Flores and Student Assistant, Bethany Raynes, have been hard at work beginning the substantial task of identifying, sorting, and bringing order to materials related to university history. The University Archives is expected to evolve and grow over the next several years into a rich resource for university history as missing pieces from the university’s past are added to the collection. Archives staff will also be seeking materials to fill in gaps in collection holdings.

Upon its completion expected early this fall, the University Archives will open its doors to visitors and researchers. Research appointments are encouraged to allow staff to prepare material related to your request prior to your arrival. E-mail the University Archivist at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Kris Toma