Dear Deans, Chairs, and Faculty Library Liaisons,
We made it to May! As the semester draws to a close, I want to take a moment to highlight the ways the campus library continues to support students and faculty during this busy time along with preparations for the upcoming break.
Faculty and Staff Art Show
This is our 4th year of hosting the UCO Faculty/Staff Art Show! You are invited to submit your 2D artwork to be included in a summer exhibition on the library’s 1st floor. The deadline for submission is May 16th with installation occurring in the second week of June. Contact Will Long with any questions.
Summer Renovations at the Library – Plan Ahead!
Accessing Library Collections
We wanted to make you aware of renovations scheduled in the library this summer, so you can plan ahead for any physical materials you may need. Construction preparation will begin on May 12, and the project is expected to last 10 – 12 weeks. Work will be contained to the south sides of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. While work is being done on a specific floor, the south side of that floor will be closed, and patrons and staff will not be able to access the area including any collection materials. If you or a student need materials that are inaccessible, please enter an ILL request instead and/or talk to staff at the Information Desk for up-to-date information on when the area might be accessible again.
As we receive updates from the project managers, we will post information regarding floor closure dates. Thank you for your patience and understanding, as we work to improve the library.
Accessing Special Collections and Archives
Additionally, due to light renovations and space improvements, the Special Collections Reading Room (LIB 215) will be closed to the public during intersession (May 12-30). We will continue to provide virtual research assistance during that time.
Summer Hours
Finally, library hours will vary from the usual semester hours during intersession and summer sessions. Please check the library hours for current information.
Retiring Staff and Faculty
The Friends of the Library invites retiring staff and faculty to donate books and other items. You can contact Jeffrey Musslewhite with any questions about potential donations. Library staff can assist in picking up donations from your office or other metro location.
Family Barbecue Recipe
My mother grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. Frequently, their church would do a Sunday barbecue at the firehouse as a fundraiser. The region’s barbecued chicken is unique though in that it is an oil, egg, and vinegar base instead of a tomato base. That’s what I grew up on, so I’ve always preferred that style barbecue to anything else. Now my family loves it as well. You can learn more about the region and see regional recipes, including the Cornell style of barbecue. Our family uses white vinegar instead of the traditional cider vinegar. Our recipe calls for 2/3 cup oil, 1 1/3 cups white vinegar, 3 tablespoons of salt (yes, tablespoons!), 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning. Blend it all together and baste frequently! Do watch the grill carefully as the oil and vinegar tend to catch pieces on fire if the flame is too high. Let me know if you’ve tried it and what you think!
Wishing you a productive end to the semester and a restful break! The Chat will resume in the fall with all the library news you need to start another semester!
Thanks,
Risa Jensen-Jones (she/they)
Director of Research and User Engagement
Max Chambers Library
University of Central Oklahoma
405-974-5311
rjensenjones@uco.edu