| October 2009
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What's Your StoryEach and every one of us has a story to tell that's all our own. Uniquely ours. Collectively, these individual stories help us understand who we are as a nation, and as citizens of the world. The ability to tell your story in a way that is compelling, entertaining and informative has been prized throughout history. In Dreams from My Father, Barack Obama does just that in telling the story of his incredible life; a young man's search for identity and the meaning of the American dream. Selected as the University of Washington's 2009 Common Book, Dreams from My Father was written before Obama began his political career and is a frank examination of what it means to be African-American from the perspective of someone with an international upbringing. The son of a black Kenyan father and white American mother, Obama's life has taken him from Hawaii to Harvard; from exotic Indonesia to inner-city Chicago. Initially intended to be a memoir about his intellectual accomplishments, Dreams from My Father instead evolves into Obama's search for understanding, reconciliation and purpose. While his story continues to unfold before the entire world, Dreams from My Father gives us rare insight into the people, places and events that shaped America's first black president. Follow in the footsteps of his extraordinary and historical journey - the next chapters of which are still being written. This month's Focus On... features a selection memoirs written by famous people, ordinary people, politicians, immigrants, insiders, outsiders, travelers, and more. Each one is as unique as the life lived and no two are alike. To explore more UW Libraries’ resources, search the UW-only library Catalog using keywords such as memoir or by searching for individual names. Suggested Library of Congress Subject Headings include Autobiography and Biography as a Literary Form. So, what's your story? The Common Book introduces freshmen to the process of academic inquiry. Through a common point of entry, students are challenged to discuss the themes, issues and topics introduced by the common book. Visit the UW's Common Book page to learn more about events and activities being offered in conjunction with Dreams from My Father.
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| September 2009
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National Hispanic Heritage MonthIn September of 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the week of September 15th to be National Hispanic Heritage Week. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15th, Mexico on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. In 1988 under President Ronald Reagan, the observance was expanded to span the 30-day period between September 15th and October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and traditions of those United States residents whose roots trace back to Spain, Mexico, Central America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean and South America.This display features a sampling of library materials about the Hispanic American experience in the United States and in the Pacific Northwest; Latino culture, history, and language; and works of literature and art. Our recommended reading list includes these featured items and other titles. To explore more UW Libraries’ resources, search the UW-only library Catalog using keywords or Library of Congress Subject Headings, such as: Hispanic Americans; American literature -- Hispanic American authors; American Literature -- Hispanic American Authors -- History And Criticism; and Hispanic American art; or by searching individual artist and author names. Links of interest: American Ethnic Studies research guide, Library of Congress Resources, U.S. Census Facts for Features.
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| August 2009
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Hurricane Katrina - Four Years LaterThe greatest amount of damage from the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina occurred along the Gulf Coast region to the east of New Orleans, and much of this area has been rebuilt. But, the "unnatural disaster" - the events which unfolded in New Orleans after the hurricane - have left that city still in need of rebuilding four years later. This month's exhibit features just few of the books in the UW Libraries' collections on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath as well as the history and culture of New Orleans.The city of New Orleans - its history and culture - are worth saving and restoring. Is four years too long to expect some progress and results at the federal, state, and local levels? Here in Seattle, we've been warned that our natural disaster is just a matter of time; when it does happen, do we want to be flung to the four corners of this country for four plus years waiting on our city to be rebuilt? For a list of the items featured on display click here. Other resources can be found at: http://guides.lib.washington.edu/focuson
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July 2009 Circled by snowy peaks, everchanging in her mood, Puget Sound is a sparkling gem of unusual scenic interest. (Text from postcard. approx. late 1940s) |
Northwest Travel PostcardsPostcards present a rich historical and visual record. They can be used to examine historical and aesthetic issues as well as serve as visual tidbits and pop culture touchstones. "As pieces of paper ephemera, postcards are frequently overlooked as sources of information or as a significant research tool, but their value is increasingly apparent. Postcards are not only illustrative, but, in quantity, they also serve as markers of popular taste and attitudes."* This display of postcards come from a time when Seattle was the "playland of America" and Portland, "the center of tourist travel of the pacific coast." By looking at postcards from the past we can imagine, we can see, our history. Special Collections has thousands of postcards depicting not only the Pacific Northwest but regions around the world. For more information on the extensive postcard collection in Special Collections, see "Greetings from the Country," a history of the postcard collection. The Tacoma Public Library also has a large postcard collection and database. To find out more about postcards check The Metropolitan Postcard Club of New York City, The Vintage Seattle Blog and this selective list of books available at the UW Libraries. *Quote from "Greetings from the Country,"
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| June 2009
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Summer ReadingHave you selected which book you will take to the pool or beach? What will you read while lounging in the grass or your favorite lawn chair? It’s time to create your summer reading list! The books on display all have three things in common:
There are many summer reading suggestions available online. Here are a few to get you started:
To find more books held in the UW Libraries, search the UW-only Catalog linked under the search box on the Libraries homepage.
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| May 2009
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Around the World in the Suzzallo and Allen LibrariesThe University of Washington has serious global ambitions. In honor of the centennial of the Jackson School of International Studies, the May 2009 Focus On display spotlights recent publications from the Suzzallo and Allen collections having to do with the literature, culture, politics and economics of various areas around the world. The majority of books in this display are in English, although in the UW Libraries as a whole, almost one-third of the cataloged titles are in a foreign language. Many of our international studies librarians create monthly lists of new titles in their area. And don't forget Government Publications (located on the ground floor, Suzzallo Library) as an important source of statistical and other information collected by international inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. For more information on international studies resources at the UW Libraries, visit the International Studies subject page.
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| March 2009
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Zines!A zine is a self-published, non-commercial publication covering anything from punk rock to politics to vegan cooking. Zines are inexpensive, beautiful, unique, and fun to read. They are enjoyed by teens and adults alike. In addition, they provide a forum for participation. By their very nature, as handmade, self-published, limited printings, zines are easy to create: It is possible to contribute to the conversation through one's own zine. Most importantly, by exploring every topic imaginable, zines provide insight and perspective that might not otherwise be recognized. Because they cannot compete with mainstream presses, zines may be hard to spot. Fortunately, the University of Washington Libraries has a small collection of its own and plenty of resources to help you start your own! More ZinesIf you are in Seattle and you want to browse more zines, you are in luck. The Zine Archive & Publishing Project at the Richard Hugo House, located on Capitol Hill, is estimated to be the largest archive of independent publications in the world. ZAAP is a library and workspace dedicated to promoting and preserving self-published writing and art. ZAPP's library contains over 17,000 zines, minicomix, chapbooks, newsletters, pamphlets, and other self-published and small press periodicals.
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| February 2009
The Warsaw Ghetto in 1942, viewed from just outside the Ghetto wall Polish Heroes—Those Who Rescued JewsA selection of books, photo albums, films, and other materials from the UW Libraries’ collections having to do with Poles who risked their own lives to assist Jews during the Holocaust. This display is held in conjunction with the visiting exhibit Polish Heroes—Those Who Rescued Jews on display in the Allen Library through February 14, 2009. To find more materials on this subject, search the UW online catalog for the following subject headings:
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| January 2009
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The Movies: Lights, Camera, Action!As the Golden Globe, People’s Choice and Academy Awards season begins, it’s time to focus on films. The Media Center in Odegaard Library has a great collection of feature films including all 100 of the American Film Institute’s Greatest Movies of All Times. Check out some favorites: The Apartment (#80), Sullivan’s Travels (#61), It Happened One Night (#46), To Kill a Mockingbird (#25), Sunset Boulevard (#16) and Citizen Kane (#1). See the Media Center’s webpage for more listings. The bookcase features biographies and autobiographies of film actors past and present. To research more about movies and filmmaking, use the resources listed on the Cinema Studies Subject Guide.
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