Apologies for duplication ; this message is being posted to several listserves.
Hello Colleagues in academic libraries in institutions that all have a “Center for the Humanities” on your campus.
Our Library is in the midst of strategic planning and our college has received a Mellon Planning Grant with the goal to “revitalize the humanities” on the Colby College Campus. The College is looking at possible options and models for creating a Center for the Humanities at Colby. The Steering Committee for this initiative is comprised totally of teaching faculty ; there is no library representation.
Since the Library is part of the Humanities Division, our director has identified as a strategic goal to be a part of the engaging with the Humanities Initiative at the College, and I am the team leader for identifying specific strategies to accomplish this goal.
For those of you that already have a Center for the Humanities on your campus, how does your Library engage with your Center’s activities. Does the Library have a defined role that is part of the Center.
Is your “Center” located in the Library, or does your Library provide spaces for meetings, exhibits, etc. What kinds of faculty/library collaboration with your Humanities people might you site as examples or models of “engagement”.
Promoting collections, databases, special collections, etc. is already on the board. Offering library spaces for events is one suggestion. Virtual library exhibits has been suggested.
Any other creative suggestions from the field?
Respond directly to me:
Margaret Ericson, Art and Music Librarian
Colby College
Waterville, Maine
208-850-5662