My name is Amber McDonald and I am a Master of Library and Information Science student through Kent State University with a passion for books, history, and art. I decided to apply for an internship with the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives because when I was researching the degree I reached out to one of the Librarians, Rachel Makarowski, who gave me a tour and overview of the department. That experience played a significant factor in my decision to pursue a librarian career. 

My internship began in May 2024 in the Archives with the University Archivist, Jacky Johnson. I assisted with physically processing a picture collection, which I also created digital records for in ArchivesSpace, an information management application that is used for managing and providing access to archival materials.

Then I had the great opportunity to expand my internship into the fall of 2024, this time working in Special Collections with Rachel Makarowski, Special Collections Librarian, and Candace Pine, Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarian. One of my major projects for the semester was co-curating an exhibition, titled Art and Labor: Private Press Printing at Kelmscott and Roycroft. The exhibition featured William Morris and the Kelmscott Press, Elbert Hubbard and the Roycroft Print Shop, and other private presses.

Throughout the two semesters, I explored various responsibilities within the Archives and Special Collections department and learned about the variety of skills that are required in the field of librarianship. Although there is much more to learn, I believe I received an incredible foundation for the start of my career and I am grateful for the opportunities and encouragement of the faculty and staff here. 

My favorite parts of my experience here will have to be the installation of the Art & Labor exhibition, browsing (getting distracted by) the collections, and the classes I was able to attend that were led by the Librarians. One of the characteristics of the library field that appealed to me the most while researching the degree, and ultimately making the decision to pursue it, is the vast potential for learning and collaborating with others who are passionate about the materials and making them available for use, the depth of the field that encourages learning history to reveal the context and clarity of an item, and thinking from a library user’s perspective to make the collections more accessible. It is a field that combines academic and hands-on experiences. 

Based on my own personal interests and observations, librarianship requires efficient communication skills, strong organizational and collaborative skills, and the self-discipline to work independently with materials to ascertain their value through the context they provide and to relate that to the outside world. Going forward, I know I will be able to apply the skills I learned here to advance and grow throughout my librarian career. Some of those skills include being an effective communicator, and being reliable and approachable. These skills are versatile and valuable within the Special Collections and University Archives department since it can appear intimidating to visitors. I have learned to help alleviate any hesitation first-time visitors might feel, and make them feel comfortable with performing research in the archives. And when it comes to working with colleagues, having those skills helps make me a great teammate and creates a pleasant and productive working environment. I will be taking the knowledge and experience from this internship into the professional field with the hopes of making libraries better institutions for information and improving accessibility to that information.

I would like to personally thank everyone at the Library for their support, including William Modrow, Jacky Johnson, Candace Pine, Rachel Makarowski, Alia Levar Wegner, Eric Harrelson, and Sam Shoup.

Rachel Makarowski is the Special Collections Librarian in Miami University at Oxford, OH. Rachel has been a member of Association of College & Research Libraries for 8 years and is your ACRL Member of the Week for April 22, 2024.

Describe yourself in three words: Approachable, enthusiastic, collaborative.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)? Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Describe ACRL in three words: Interdisciplinary, community, practical.

What do you value about ACRL? The Rare Book and Manuscript Section of ACRL! RBMS is such a welcoming community and I always walk away from their annual conference inspired by all the attendees and presenters. It is so easy to find ways to get involved and to find mentors; I would not be where I am today without the amazing members of RBMS and ACRL. The community there is a large part of why I am so excited to be co-chairing the RBMS 2024 Annual Conference: Momentum. Also the staff support given by ACRL is such a lifesaver! Whether you are planning RBMS Annual or looking to host an ACRL webinar, the staff are there to help you every step of the way.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus? I do a little bit of anything and everything related to special collections and rare books! From instruction and outreach to cataloging to advancement work, there is always something to do and ways to connect the Miami community to our collections. The past couple of years I have also co-taught an undergraduate class titled “The Global Book Lab” where students learn the global history of the book through special collections items and hands-on experimentation. I work closely with the librarians both in my own department and throughout the university libraries to figure out new ways of improving the student experience and how to conceptualize and assess the work we do so that we can better advocate for ourselves to university administration. I also bring an unbridled (and potentially unhinged) enthusiasm for my work; rare books are so much fun, and my goal is to connect everyone on campus with a rare book that makes them think that too!

In your own words: Two things that I have learned in my time as a librarian are: find your community and always advocate for yourselves and each other. Higher academia is changing, as is the political landscape in which we inhabit. As a librarian, it has been a relief to work with my colleagues here at Miami and across the nation through organizations like ACRL and RBMS to figure out how to address all of these changes. Working with each other and forming these communities are how we will find the answers that work for all of our different situations and institutions. It’s so much less overwhelming when you can rely on each other! Also, advocate and know your individual and collective worth. Whether it is by speaking up in meetings, getting involved in professional organizations, or even by organizing/volunteering in a labor union on your campus, be brave and authentic in speaking up and standing for what you believe in. We will always be stronger standing in solidarity!

Throughout the years, we have posted about a number of collections or notable alum. On this very special day, the Walter Havighurst Special Collections and University Archives would like to pay tribute to a very special Miami University alum, Kenneth Grubb. While many come through our doors to access our resources, the story of how we were named has not been told enough.

Kenneth MacLeod Grubb was born on February 13, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois. During his academic career at Miami University, he would begin to live that message as he quickly got involved. He was initiated into Sigma Chi in 1928 and even played freshman football as a tackle and ran freshman track. He became Class President his sophomore year and was active in Student Senate. He was also a member of the Men’s Chorus and German Club. He left Miami during his junior year to study at the University of Chicago but returned for his senior year. He graduated in the Spring of 1931. During his senior year, he was awarded a fellowship to study in Germany. This fellowship was sponsored by the American Student Exchange and would give him the opportunity to study German literature at the University of Tubingen. His first-semester experience was documented in the March 21, 1933 issue of the Miami Student. Afterward, he served as a part-time professor of German at Miami University for the 1933-1934 academic year as he completed his M.A. in German. From 1934 to 1937, he was an instructor in German at the University of Chicago. He married then Elenore Scheel on February 13, 1937.

WWII affected many lives and Grubb’s was no exception. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942 as a 1st Lieutenant. He was discharged in 1946 as a Major. We have a collection of letters and telegrams he sent and received during his time of enlistment, along with diaries and scrapbooks. Upon returning home, he returned to work at Prentice-Hall as the Manager of the Foreign Division. In 1950, he was elected Vice-President of Prentice-Hall and was in charge of the Educational Division. In 1953, he was elected as President and Director of Allyn and Bacon, Inc.  At the 1964 Spring Commencement, he was presented with the Honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. He retired from Allyn and Bacon, Inc. in 1972.

During Grubb’s freshman year, the yearbook published this message for its students:

“Today to every student comes the privilege of associating with those who, going before, have explored the paths of truth. To every professor comes the opportunity of participating in the onward surge of youth, of discovering its potentialities, and of inspiring it to higher endeavor. Tomorrow these associations will become a vital part in the life of each student. Through their influence he will think clearly, speak wisely, live well. For him life will hold the ideal as well as the practical. Upon a foundation thus obtained he will build the towers of life’s achievements.”

Miami University Recensio, 1928

Unbeknownst to Grubb and Havighurst, they would truly find that professor-student friendship during Grubb’s senior year. Walter Havighurst was Grubb’s English professor. There was a connection that they had which can be seen in the letters written between them from 1968-1979. It was very apparent in the frequency, length, and contents of the letters that they encouraged each other and they were adding value to each other’s lives. These letters depicted the admiration Grubb had for Havighurst, which led to Grubb wanting to pay tribute to Havighurst by donating $50,000 in 1972 to supply furniture to the Rare Books Room and naming the Special Collections Library after Havighurst. In a letter dated December 1, 1972, Grubb wrote to Havighurst:

“…And let me please say thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this possible. The University has grown in many ways because of you and no one is more deserving of honor than you Walter, and happy that many generations of students to come as well as those in the past, will know of your humanity, great kindness, and genuine scholarship. The “Walter Havighurst Special Collections Library” is a fitting testimonial to all the good things you are.

Our Best to you & Miami and will be with you!

As ever-

Ken”

Written by Kenneth M. Grubb to Walter Havighurst, December 1, 1972

On December 16, 1972, the Walter Havighurst Special Collections Library opened its doors under its new name for the first time.

On May 31, 1979, Grubb passed away in his home. Several months after Grubb’s death, Havighurst wrote to Elenore Grubb about his friendship with Grubb over the years.

“It was 50 years ago this fall that Ken came into my classroom. He sat in the front row, beside a window — a good place to stretch his legs and case the campus. Immediately I knew here was a big, hearty, casually friendly student whose presence I would enjoy. He didn’t have a studious look or manner (not much note-taking) but I soon found he had a lively, curious, absorbing mind, and that he quickly got the point I was reaching for. I tried not to put an A on any students’ first paper, but Ken’s was the best I had. He made A with me from the start.

Soon we were friends, exchanging all kinds of ideas — in my office, on the campus, in my rooms at Fisher Hall, and the Sig house. Although I knew when he went abroad I would keep track of him I didn’t yet realize that he would be a life-long friend. There were later meetings, in New York, in Boston, and here in Oxford, and each time I saw how he was growing in mind and heart and character. He was generously interesting in all my undertakings, and I took pride in his career. He made me feel I had some part in his accomplishment, and I think he knew how much he meant to me.

Whenever and wherever with him I have felt a fullness of life. That won’t change now. I’ve told him of my lasting friendship, that’s what it is — lasting…”

Excerpt of letter written by Walter Havighurst to Elenore Grubb, September, 2, 1979.

Our space is not only the home to many rare and unique items, but it is a tangible result of a friendship between a student and their former professor. The kindness and appreciation that was shown between Grubb and Havighurst demonstrate the stuff of what true friendships are made. To see the items cited in this post, please visit our reading room or contact our staff members.

In recognition of Preservation Week (April 30-May 6), new Preservation and Conservation Librarian Eric Harrelson explains what preservation, archives and special collections mean to him.

Charles Merewether said in his introduction to the 2006 collection of writings about the role and significance of archives in contemporary art titled The Archive, that archives are “the foundation from which history is written.”  This quote stuck with me. It may be a little self important, but the sentiment is true, at least in my opinion. Without archives and special collections, history begins to fade, the edges become soft, and the facts start to disappear, replaced by vague notions, outdated opinions, or deliberate falsehoods.  In the simplest terms, the archive is where primary sources are held. These primary sources may be documents full of serious, quantitative information, such as letters, decrees, or policy statements from rulers and important figures in a given society. But, it can also contain artifacts of a more mundane nature.  Everyday objects that were part of a regular person’s daily routine that shed light on what their lives were actually like.

It is not unusual for many of us to think of history as a series of dry facts: wars, dates, length of empires, etc. Significant cultural events that encompassed decades, even centuries reduced to a few ticks on a timeline, quickly mentioned in a semester-long sprint to the exam finish line then filed away in our brains, unused, and eventually forgotten.   In the archive, however, history is preserved in all of its rich and multifaceted glory.  Timelines and wars are all well and good, but history is more than just queens, generals, trade routes and military campaigns. 

History is about life and living, how our predecessors worked, fought, learned, wrote, made art, loved, and died across the centuries.  While we can never meet those people or experience what they experienced first hand, we can interact with what they left behind. Recipes for their food, explanations of how they made their clothing, tools they used, what their housing looked like, how they spent their summers, their winters, their holidays. These everyday remnants let us see just how clever, resourceful, creative, and intelligent our ancestors really were. It can be tempting to fall into the mindset that we are somehow more evolved than our ancestors, to think that we are fundamentally different from them. Smarter, more capable, more enlightened. But, that simply isn’t the case. Biologically, we are virtually identical to the people that hunted in nomadic familial communities, first domesticated animals, and built the Roman Aqueducts.  It is easy to forget that fact when we look at all the incredible advances we have made and seemingly impossible technologies we have created over the years. I believe that it is important to maintain a connection to those who have come before us, and archives and special collections help us accomplish this.

I was drawn to this profession because of that connection to history, and because of the love I have for old and broken things.  I enjoy taking an everyday object that has been used and abused over the years, one that most folks would likely send to the landfill and giving it some love and attention.  Whether that object be a piece of furniture, an old machine, or an article of clothing, bringing that object back from the dead gives me not only satisfaction, but allows me to feel a connection to whomever owned it before I did. I believe that preserving and experiencing everyday objects from the past connects us in a more profound way to our history and our ancestors than simply looking at a picture, or reading about figures and dates in a classroom history book.

In order to maintain this connection, we need to maintain access to primary sources, whatever form they may take. As a Preservation Librarian, it is my duty to ensure that these objects and the information they contain remains usable and accessible.  How that looks is different for every object.  Some are high circulation books or other written materials, and those need to be repaired when they incur damage, reinforced when they show wear, or upgraded to prevent damage that is likely to occur from heavy circulation.  Some objects may be unique, very old, fragile, and irreplaceable.  These items need to be treated with a delicate touch, and are not intended for heavy use.  The goal is to ensure no further damage occurs, and the integrity of the item is preserved for as long as possible.  There are some objects that are, unfortunately, damaged beyond reasonable repair, but that also contain useful information that is peculiar and warrants preservation.  In these cases, the object is often digitized, and the resulting images can preserve the information contained within the object as well as give a visual record of the object.  This way while a researcher may not be able to access the object itself, they can have the next best thing.

Ultimately, archives are here to provide access to primary sources, information that is not readily available elsewhere.  The role of the Preservation Librarian is to ensure that the information remains accessible.  In archives and special collections, we are the stewards of the past, and as Merewether says, we provide “the foundation from which history is written.”

For more information on Preservation Week presented by Core and the ALA, visit  https://preservationweek.org/ And for more information about what the Walter Havighurst Archive and Special Collections has to offer, visit https://spec.lib.miamioh.edu/home/collections/ or stop by King Library, on the 3rd floor, room 321.