2018

The Archives and Special Collections finding aids have a new look!

The Northeastern University Library Archives and Special Collections has over 300 processed collections, so it can be an understandably overwhelming place to know where and how to search through all of these materials. Luckily, each collection comes with a finding aid that provides historical and biographical information on the collection and an inventory of materials in the collection. These finding aids have recently moved to a new platform that allows for a more efficient and user-friendly way for both old and new patrons of the archives to find what they are looking for. To begin your search, visit the Archives Catalog homepage at https://archivesspace.library.northeastern.edu/. If you know what you are looking for, you can put it in the search bar and begin your search. If you are unsure of where to start, there are links that allow you to browse the collections.*Search tip* When searching by a person’s name or by a phrase, use quotation marks around the terms in order to find that specific phrase. You will then be redirected to the page with the results of your search. From this page, you can add filters such as type, subject, names, and year in order to find exactly what you are looking for. When you find a collection that you are interested in, you can click on the collection name to look further into the collection. Each collection has a description on either the person or organization, as well as the types of materials within the collection. On the right side is a menu with the series and sub-series and a full folder inventory of materials. If you need to do another search, you can click on the magnifying glass at the top of the page, or on the Archives and Special Collections link in the top right corner and you will be able to start your search process over. If you are already on the Archives and Special Collections homepage, you can use the search bar in the middle of the page. Simply type in your search term and you will be redirected to the Archives Catalog page. So take a look and see what we have to offer and we look forward to seeing you down in the archives! If you have any questions, email us at archives@northeastern.edu and we will be happy to help in any way we can!  

Meet Evie Cordell, Our *First* First Year Experience Librarian!

In May, Snell Library welcomed our first-ever First Year Experience and Undergraduate Engagement Librarian, Evie Cordell. Evie works with the First Year Writing Program, General Studies Program, Explore Northeastern, and many other programs that support first year students at Northeastern. Over the course of the summer and these first weeks of fall, Evie has organized library tours, welcome sessions, and scavenger hunts. If you’re a new student in the College of Engineering, you’ve probably met Evie as part of your library research workshop. Evie is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BA, Religious Studies), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MA in Library and Information Science). She’s mom to five kids, author of the children’s book Two Girls Want a Puppy, and speaks German pretty fluently. Say hello to Evie at the Research Help desk in the lobby of Snell Library–if you haven’t already met her at a library orientation! You can follow Evie on Twitter at eviedc or email her at e.cordell@northeastern.edu. Why did you decide to become a librarian? I became a librarian because I like helping people find information. I believe that everyone has the right to access information reguardless of race, religion, or economic standing. I believe that libraries and librarians hold unique positions in our society to not only ensure that people have access to information but to also level the playing field. Plus librarians are the coolest. Seriously, I get to wear funky outfits and I get to teach students about the library and how to use its resources. Librarians don’t know everything but we can find almost everything. What’s been the most fun for you as you get to know Snell Library and Northeastern’s undergraduates? I have really enjoyed getting to work with not only the first years in the various programs I work with but also getting to know the professors, instructors, and TAs. I’ve also had many second years that have done the library orientation, whether they were in person or scavenger hunts, tell me that they didn’t know about half the services Snell Library offers. I’m glad that I get to teach them something new. What’s the most important thing new students need to know about the library? Come talk to the librarians. Visit us at the Research Help Desk. Make appointments with us. We’re here to help you. You’re probably already in the library why not use the services we have. Bonus if you come talk to me I always have candy at my desk also those elusive Snell Library Husky stickers.

3 Minute Thesis with GWISE: October 16th

Exciting news! We’ve been working with GWISE to bring the 3 Minute Thesis competition to Snell Library this year.

Infographic for Northeastern's 3 Minute Thesis competition on Tuesday, Oct. 16th, 11 am - 1 pm, 90 Snell Library  

3MT challenges graduate students to distill their work for a non-technical audience, using just 3 minutes and a single PowerPoint slide. 

Check out this video of competitor Maria Gibbs from Notre Dame to see an example of a winning 3MT talk.

Prizes this year include gift cards, a guest appearance on the What’s New podcast, and credit in the 3D Printing Studio – not to mention bragging rights!

The deadline to present has passed, but you can still attend and cheer on the presenters.  More details in the graphic above and at the RSVP link.

The Library’s Audio Workshop Series Starts October 4th.  Sign Up Today!

                                                                     Audio Engineering is a wonderful skill to learn, whether you are a musician, budding sound engineer, or creative adventurer. Attend the Snell Library Recording Studio’s Audio Engineering series to learn the basics in a small group setting. No experience is necessary. Over the course of seven weeks, beginning on October 4th, I will teach you the foundations–everything from critical listening, to mixing music, to understanding a wide range of tools and techniques. You can attend one or all. I am Zac Kerwin, the Recording Studio’s co-op. I’m a third year Music Industry student, and the Head of Green Line Records’ Recording Department. I have had a passion for music my whole life, and have been recording, mixing, and mastering music since I was in high school. I’ve learned a lot through my time working here, and with Green Line, and I can’t wait to share everything I know with everyone at these workshops. I look forward to meeting and teaching you all! Workshops meet from 12-1pm and 6-7pm on Thursdays. The first few are full, and the rest are filling up quickly. If you can’t find a spot, make sure to sign up for the waitlist though, as you might get a spot if someone cancels! Register here:   http://northeastern.libcal.com If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at e.kerwin@northeastern.edu Visit our website at: http://library.northeastern.edu/services/recording-studios   See you soon! Zac Kerwin    

Northeastern Archives and Special Collections Featured in Harvard Graduate School of Design Exhibit

Materials from the Northeastern University Libraries Archives and Special Collections are featured in an exhibit at the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Druker Design Gallery that is a culmination of a four-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon foundation: “Urban Intermedia: City, Archive, and Narrative.” The exhibit, entitled “Race and Space in Boston Archives” runs until October 14th and features items from the records of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción as well as materials from other Boston area archives and special collections.          The Northeastern University Libraries Archives and Special Collections approached contributing to the call of materials related to “race and space” by curating materials that provided evidence of successful community action against urban renewal in Boston. Our selections emphasized the work of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA, Puerto Rican Tenants in Action) of the South End. They created their own neighborhood renewal plan to avoid developments which would have would have displaced current residents. IBA’s records tell the long story of activism to shift the outcome of urban renewal from displacement to community-based development.   Visitors looking to view Boston archival material featured in the exhibit can find a long tabletop where the archival images are projected. The table is intended for both display and impromptu conversations and engagement. Stools surround the table for seated discussions, and visitors are invited to bring their own laptop to contribute their own material for projected display. For more information on the exhibit visit: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/exhibition/urban-intermedia-city-archive-narrative/ To read more about the records of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción visit: https://latinohistory.library.northeastern.edu/