What's New

Libraries Host ARL Reception

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) held its annual membership meeting May 23-25 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis. The ARL’s membership includes the libraries of some 123 major North American research institutions.

As part of the conference, the Washington University Libraries hosted a reception on May 24 in Whispers Café, with approximately 150 library directors and guests attending. ARL members had an opportunity to tour the new Earth & Planetary Sciences and Art & Architecture libraries. Guests were also invited to explore the John M. Olin Library, where they could view an exhibit highlighting the Department of Special Collections. (The exhibit, titled “Celebrating Research,” features materials and artifacts from University Archives, Rare Books, Manuscripts, and the Film & Media Archive. It will run throughout the summer.) 

Several ARL members returned on May 25 for a tour of the Film & Media Archive at the West Campus Library. Shown here is a photo from the reception. (For more photos, see the webpage version of "What's New.")

It was an honor to host the ARL members and to have a chance to show off our collections, facilities, and staff!

(Above: Approximately 150 library directors and guests attended.)

Exhibition: Celebrating Research

A new exhibition highlighting the Department of Special Collections is currently on display in the Grand Staircase lobby and Ginkgo Reading Room in Olin Library. Entitled Celebrating Research, the exhibit features some of the many unique and outstanding books, manuscripts, media, and artifacts that enrich research at Washington University.

Among the items on display are handwritten drafts and notes by Samuel Clemens, Walt Whitman, Tennessee Williams, and Samuel Beckett; a rare and lavishly illustrated 1896 edition of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer; streetcar plans and photographs from the St. Louis Car Company; original magazine artwork by legendary illustrator Al Parker; ancient cuneiform tablets and Egyptian papyri; and historical letters documenting the founding and early development of Washington University.

Celebrating Research coincides with the publication of a new book by the same title, to be released this October by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) to commemorate its 75th anniversary. The book, and a companion website, will feature profiles on rare and unique collections at dozens of major academic libraries. The ARL’s membership includes the libraries of some 123 leading North American research institutions. For more on ARL, see their website: www.arl.org.

The exhibit will run throughout the summer.

Addition to Database: U.S. Serial Set

The Libraries have purchased the U.S. Serial Set Digital Collection, 1789-1969, which can now be searched on its own or as part of LexisNexis Congressional. Considered one of the most important sources for the study of American history, politics and sociology, the U.S. Serial Set gives the thinking behind the events to add context and insight into research studies. The collection begins in 1789 with the American State Papers and details Congressional business through 1969. It includes reports and documents either produced or ordered by congress, as well as presidential communications and treaty materials. Of particular importance to those who study law, the Serial Set contains Congressional legislative reports that provide insight into the legislative intent of laws enacted before 1969. More info.

Change in Database: Film and Television Literature Index

Film and Television Literature Index has been converted to Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text, which includes cover-to-cover indexing and abstracts for more than 270 publications (and selected coverage of more than 300), as well as full text for more than 70 journals and nearly 50 books. More info.

New Database: Chicago Tribune, Historical

Covering 1849 - 1985, it has full page and article images with searchable full text back to the first issue. More info.

New Database: SBRnet

SBRnet focuses on the sporting goods and sports marketing industry. It's mission is to provide a continuously updated resource featuring market research and industry news covering all facets of the industry…sports equipment sales, sports participation, sports broadcasting, sports sponsorship and sports marketing.

New Database: Global Market Information Database

From Euromonitor International, Global Market Information Database provides business intelligence on industries, countries and consumers. It offers integrated access to internationally comparable statistics, full-text market reports, insightful comment from expert industry and country analysts as well as thousands of sources of further information.

New Database: SocINDEX with Full Text

New database: SocINDEX with Full Text provides comprehensive coverage of sociology, encompassing all sub-disciplines and closely related areas of study. Access provided to WU by the Social Work Library. More info.