Washington University Libraries

Thousands of photographers, videographers and writers will descend on Washington University in St. Louis Oct. 9 to cover the presidential debate. But in mid-20th-century America, another sort of journalist was part of the media mix — the illustrator. The Douglas B. Dowd Modern Graphic History Library features hundreds of images of politicians, the electoral process and American voters.

Rudolph Clay, of Washington University Libraries, has been elected to a two-year term on the Black Caucus of the American Library Association executive board.

B​radley H. Short, Washington University in St. Louis’ music librarian and head of departmental libraries, has been promoted to associate university librarian.

The National Digital Stewardship Alliance has awarded “Documenting Ferguson,” an initiative of Washington University Libraries,​ a 2015 Innovation Award​.

Washington University in St. Louis faculty on the Danforth Campus are invited to complete a survey about resources and services offered by Washington University Libraries. The survey will help the libraries better develop, enhance and deliver the collections and services designed to meet the current and future needs of the campus community​.

Washington University in St. Louis and the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES) have announced plans to create the Newman Numismatic Portal, an online research tool that will become the ultimate go-to resource for the study of coins and currency. A commitment of $2 million from EPNNES will support the project.

As part of Washington University Libraries’ ongoing commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer, the Washington University Film & Media Archive will host a Q&A with actor Richard Beymer and a free screening of his film, “A Regular Bouquet.” The event takes place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Steinberg Auditorium on the Danforth Campus.

​​The community is invited to submit photos, videos, stories and other content to a digital archive at Washington University Libraries called “Documenting Ferguson.” Free and accessible to all, the online collection will serve as a lasting source of information regarding the Aug. 9 death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and the ensuing protests and unrest.​

​The Washington University Libraries have received a $50,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The grant will allow the library system, led by University Librarian Jeffrey Trzeciak, to implement Hydra, a powerful open-source software system that facilitates collaboration among institutions that want to share their digital collections and link them to related materials held elsewhere.

Washington University Libraries has created a fully searchable digital resource that brings invaluable oral history about the Great Depression within reach. Authors Maya Angelou and Gore Vidal, longtime New York Times political reporter Warren Moscow and the grandson of Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt are among those interviewed.