1930-1961: Nancy T. Burge and Nancy Jane Day
The University has been offering library science courses since 1930 in a Library Science Department in the School of Education. These courses were principally oriented towards the preparation of school librarians and were offered at the undergraduate level, first as a minor and then later as a major.
1954: Nancy T. Burge Begins Teaching Library Science Courses
Nancy Burge began teaching undergraduate courses in Library Science in 1954 and continured teaching them after the establishment of the College of Librarianship. She was a tireless teacher and worker for the cause of library development in the state and strongly advocated for the establishment of professional education for librarians. She retired as Professor Emeritus in 1974. A press release was issued on the occasion of her retirement.
November 4, 1961 – Nancy Jane Day Notes an Increased Demand for Trained Librarians
Nancy Jane Day taught Library Science courses at Winthrop College from 1939 to 1943 and was Supervisor of Library Services for the SC Department of Education from 1943 to 1970. Her term as President of the South Carolina Library Association in 1961 gave her the opportunity to urge the establishment of graduate level education in the state.
In her President’s report to SCLA, Nancy Jane Day, urged the Recruiting Committee to double its efforts because of the increased demand for trained library personnel in the state resulting from the recent:
(1) adoption of state standards for elementary schools
(2) initiation of a procedure for certifying public librarians
(3) programs for strengthening college libraries in SC
Nancy Jane Day, President, South Carolina Library Association, 1960-1962
Over the next few years, Ms. Day continued to be a strong advocate of a graduate level library school in South Carolina instead of an expanded undergraduate program, as some were urging on the university.
Nancy Jane Day President’s Report
South Carolina Library Association
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
November 4, 1961
Nancy Jane Day
My report to you as president of the South Carolina Library Association shall be brief. It has, as usual, been a full year. The work of the Association, as you know, is carried on by the Executive Committee, other committees and sections.
Early during the year, Mrs. Alice DePass, Secretary, resigned and the Executive Committee, as authorized by the Constitution, appointed Miss Susie McKeown of Winthrop College secretary. We were sorry that Mrs. DePass felt that she would be unable to carry on the work of the secretary, but we fell particularly fortunate in having Miss McKeown serve with us this year.
Our Membership Committee has been active and there are now 348 members of the Association. As you know, Article III, Section I, or our Constitution states: “Any individual interested in the objectives of the Association may become a member with a right to vote, upon payment of annual dues.” Our Constitution also states in Article VII, Section I, that “the South Carolina Library Association shall be a contributing member of the American Library Association. The Association shall be affiliated with the American Library Association as a Chapter, and shall elect one of its members to serve as American Library Association Councilor for a term in accordance with the requirements of the American Library Association.” Our Constitution was examined by the American Library Association to see whether or not it was keeping with the policies of the American Library Association before we were voted Chapter Affiliation. Our Constitution places only restrictions of interest in objectives and payment of annual dues upon membership. Any individual interested in the objectives of the Association may become a member upon payment of dues. our objectives as stated in Article II is to “promote libraries and library service in South Carolina.” I am calling your attention to these Articles in order that you may know the only bases upon which members are accepted in the South Carolina Library Association.
“The South Carolina Librarian” under the leadership of Mr. Herbert Hucks, has kept our members well informed.
This year the Executive Committee appointed two sub-committees to study two areas which the committee felt needed study. The Association has never had a Budget Committee to prepare a proposed budget for the coming year. A committee was set up this year under the chairmanship of Miss Jane Wright, Treasurer, with Miss Jessie Ham, Vice President, President elect, and Mr. Mitchell Reames serving on the committee. We think such a budget places the Association in a better position for carrying out its purposes. As we become a stronger organization, it is increasingly important that we take a long look at our program of finance and do more planning in this area.
The other sub-committee appointed by the Executive Committee is the Handbook Committee. Mrs. Marguerite Thompson, immediate past President of the Association, is serving as chairman. This committee has been hard at work during the year and has made a tentative draft. The committee will continue work until the handbook can be completed. This will serve as a guide to the officers and other Executive Committee members in carrying out the work of the organization and in planning for the Annual Conference. Those serving with Mrs. Thompson are: Dr. Robert Tucker and Miss Carolyna Harper.
Our Recruiting Committee Chairman moved from South Carolina. Therefore, we have done little in the area of recruitment during the year. This is one of the most vital areas of the Association and needs to have great consideration given to it in the coming months and years. State Standards which have been adopted for elementary schools by the State Department of Education, certification of public librarians, and the strengthening of college libraries, increases the demand for trained personnel.
No Trustee Award is being made according to the report of the Trustee Committee.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Planning Committee in its 1960 report, a committee was appointed to study future site conferences. Miss Lois Barbare, Chairman of this committee, has made a report to the Executive Committee. Also, as suggested by the Planning Committee, the action of the Executive Committee has been made public through publication in the “South Carolina Librarian.” The proposal of the Planning Committee, that the Association prepare a check list and description of library services available in South Carolina for use in industrial research, was turned over to the college and university section for study. Mr. J. Mitchell Reames, Chairman of this section will report to you on their study. In order that librarians might become cognizant of South Carolina Elementary School Library Standards, and be prepared to help interpret them at the local level, these standards have been published in the “South Carolina Librarian,” and many copies have been distributed to individual librarians. The Planning Committee has proposed in its 1960 report that steps be taken to insure that South Carolina librarians would know the standards and could interpret them.
National Library Week, during April of this year, proved to be a successful one under the able leadership Mrs. Catherine Lewis, Executive Director, and Mr. S. L. Latimer, Jr., Chairman. The Executive Committee discussed the problems involved in the observance of National Library Week and plans were started earlier than usual this year to overcome some of the problems of previous years. Mrs. Betty Martin, School Library Supervisor of Greenville, was appointed Executive Director and Miss Jim Perry, Attorney of Greenville, Chairman, for National Library Week which will culminate in April 1962. These two have already held a meeting of a small Planning Committee and one of County Chairmen. Kits with information on school, public, and college libraries were given to the county Chairman. We are further ahead in plans than we have ever been before. This year we have been able to profit by the suggestions of former Executive Directors who have pointed up problems and pitfalls. At least one more meeting of the County Chairman is planned.
I would like to thank members of the Association, the Executive Committee, other committees, and sections for the fine support this year. With rare exceptions, when one of you was been asked to do a job you have done it. We are indebted to Miss Jessie Ham and the program committee for the work they have done in planning our convention program.
I wish to thank Miss Virginia Rugheimer, Chairman of the Local Arrangements committee, the members of Local Arrangements, Hospitality, Flower and Decorations, and Registration Committees; the Citadel and Charleston Library Society, and the Medical College of South Carolina for making our stay such a pleasant one….
April 17, 1967: Request Approved for Establishment of Library School
Dr. Thomas F. Jones, 23rd President of the University of South Carolina
The request of Dr. Thomas Jones, President of the University, for establishing a School of Library Science was approved by the Board of Trustees. Dr. Jones’s request had the endorsement of Dr. Cyril B. Busbee, State Superintendent of Education, Gov. Robert E. McNair, Solomon Blatt, Speaker of the S.C. House, and numerous other politicians of the state. The library school was one important part of Dr. Jones’ plans for expanded graduate education programs at USC.
Text of the letter from Solomon Blatt to Thomas F. Jones:
Dear Tom:
I have your letter and I am glad to note that you are attempting to establish a school of Social Workers and a school of Library Science. These schools are badly needed. If you want to get these schools then I suggest that you contact the State Department of Education and the officials of the Teacher’s Association and have these groups visit with the members of the House and Senate immediately and also appear with you before the Budget and Control Board and the Ways and Means Committee requesting that this money be appropriated. You should also have Dr. Rivers and a group of his directors visit with the Legislature and appear with you for the purpose of getting this school. They can be of more help than anyone else.
I hope you will not fall into the same trouble you were in last year when you failed to ask the Budget and Control Board for money for the libraries for the extension centers of the University. If you fail to do it and other institutions should get money for this purpose, then we will be in trouble and the funds will not be made available
for us. With old buildings it is always in line to ask for additional maintenance funds so the necessary repairs to the old buildings can be made and painting be done where needed.
Sincerely,
Solomon Blatt
University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, 1966-67
April 10, 1969 – $50,000 for Library Science
$50,000 approved for “Library Science” in General Assembly appropriations bill special Committee Report for the University.
The General Appropriations bill was reported out of the Senate Finance Committee without the special appropriations funds, which included start-up money for library science, asked for by President Tom Jones. During the debate on the bill, Senator Edgar Brown, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, appeared to be opposed to the special request of $50,000 for library science. At a critical moment during the debate, Senator James Mozingo, leaned over to Sen. Brown and said: “Oh, let him [Dr. Jones] have his money.” Then the bill passed.
Senators James Mozingo and Edgar Brown
Journal of the Senate
JOURNAL OF THE SENATE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1968
SECTION 26
Part I, Section 12 was considered.
Mr. MOZINGO proposed the following amendment which was later adopted:
Amend Part I, Section 12, page 25 of the printed Committee Report, University of South Carolina, by adding the following appropriation at the end thereof:
“Institute for Research on the Underprivileged, $50,000.00”
Amend Totals to conform.
Mr. MOZINGO argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment.
The amendment was adopted.
Messrs. TOOLE, BRISTOW and ZEIGLER proposed the following amendment which was adopted:
Amend Part I, Section 12, University of South Carolina, page 25, by inserting the figure “$50,000.00” opposite the item “Library Science” in column 6.
Amend totals to conform.
The amendment was adopted.
Part 1, Section 13 was considered.
Messrs. WADDELL, DENNIS, WORSHAM, GRICE, and CABELL proposed the following amendment which was adopted:
Amend Section 13, page 25 of the printed Committee Report by adding $50,000. under Column 6.
Amend total to conform.
Mr. WADDELL argued in favor of the adoption of the amendment.
The admendent was adopted.
May 2, 1968 – Undergraduate or Graduate Program?
Establishing a library school continued to be affected by differing perceptions in the state about whether it should be an undergraduate or graduate program. Dr. Jones was convinced that what was needed was a graduate level program but was willing to listen to the opinions of others. On this date he called together and met with library leaders in the state. They formed a new Statewide Standing Committee on Library Education.
Dr. George Curry, Assistant Dean of USC
Dr. William H. Patterson
Dean of the University
These University administrators had the central responsibility for carrying out the plans for establishing the library school during the years 1967–1970.
Letter from Thomas Jones to the Senate Finance Committee
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA, SC 29208
March 22, 1968
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
To all members, Senate Finance Committee
(Personal names and address used)
Gentlemen:
Of the total $16,518,250 University Appropriation requested for 1968-69, only $12,103,325 has so far been recommended.
The University is well aware that anticipated State Revenues are insufficient to meet the various budget requests and needs. It would therefore be wishful thinking on our part, or idle day-dreaming, to even suggest that the total $16,518,250 be appropriated – – much as the money is needed.
Accordingly, the University had pared its additional request down to three items, none of which is funded at this time. These three are described in the attached summary, in descending order of priority.
Library Science is acutely needed in South Carolina because of the absence of any program in the State and since verbal ability is such a problem with our young people. In-Service Training is a “must” if we are to raise the standards of our present grade-school teachers. Manpower Research is a vital element if we are to understand present labor sources and supply the ever-increasing industrial needs.
Since the Senate Finance Committee is not having hearings, we felt compelled to bring these items to your personal attention by means of this letter. Each of the three items, while relatively modest in dollar amount, has a tremendous potential for future dividends to the State. It is the University’s hope, therefore, that some means can be found to fund them in whole or in part.
Sincerely,
Thomas F. Jones
Enclosures
May 5, 1970 – Dean Hired for New Graduate Library School
After an extensive search, which took about two years, Dr. Wayne Yenawine, Director of Libraries at the University of Louisville, and a former dean at Syracuse University Library School, was appointed as Dean of the new graduate library school on this date. Ken Toombs, Director of USC Libraries, recommended Dean Yenawine for the job after his visit to the University of Louisville to see an automated circulation system in place there.
.
Dr. Wayne S. Yenawine (shown examining one of his favorite rare books)
Dr. Wayne S. Yenawine’s Acceptance Letter
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
May 4, 1970
THE LIBRARY
Dr. William H. Patterson
Provost
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Dear Dr. Patterson:
This will confirm our telephone conversation at which time I told you that I do accept the appointment as dean of the new library school and professor of library science. The terms you stipulate in your letter of April 7 are satisfactory and, by mutual agreement, our timing will be to admit the first class in September, 1972.
During our last discussion you proposed an alternative location for the new school and I checked it while I was there. I prefer a location in Davis College and hope that this can be arranged. I feel that Davis College is a more strategic location for making maximum use of the library science collection in the McKissick Library and for maximum contact with faculty in related disciplines. I am thinking particularly of the time when the new faculty will be hard at work structuring the curriculum and organizing the course content of the new curriculum. Davis College also has the advantage of giving us a base of operations from the beginning which will be expandable, in a sense, as the group of faculty grows.
My wife and I are enthusiastic about our new life in South Carolina and we have great hopes for the new graduate library school. I will need lots of help from President Jones, Dr. Davis and you, and I am happy to have had your assurances that I will have your support.
Sincerely,
Wayne S. Yenawine
Director of Libraries
September 1, 1970 – Dean Yenawine and Mrs. Placidia Bell Opened the Office in Davis College
The first year was clearly busy as Dean Yenawine and Mrs. Bell moved into Davis College.
A Statement of Plans for the Graduate Library School was distributed to other schools across the country by Dean Yenawine during Fall, 1970 and a personnel plan, called “The Geddes Report” analyzed library personnel needs in South Carolina.
Davis College is the home of the College of Library and Information Science and is located near the University of South Carolina’s historic “Horseshoe” and near Gibbes Green, which also has a bit of an interesting history.The building was built by King Lumber Company of Charlottesville, Virginia.1 under the auspices of Charles C. Wilson, the first University architect.2
In 1908 the legislature acceded to the trustees’ long-repeated request by appropriating $30,000 for a new classroom building at the corner east of Bull and north of Green. Completed in 1909 at a total cost of $34,273, it was named in honor of the late Professor R. Means Davis at formal exercises on January 12, 1910.4
Davis College was named for Professor R. Means Davis, a professor of History at the University. Edwin L. Green’s A History of the University of South Carolina says this of Means: The death of Professor R. Means Davis, March 13, 1904, was deeply lamented on the campus and throughout the State. His genial nature made him loved by all. He kept his office open at all hours and welcomed every student that came. To many he gave assistance not only in their studies but also in kindly advice, or even in instruction in shorthand or some other branch of practical knowledge…3
A 1910 picture (170K) appears to show a workman in the upper left hand window. This view is from the Gibbes Green side about where McKissick is today. Another, probably earlier photograph (172K) shows Davis College as well as a panorama of the Green.
“Davis College is on the left and the Green is the field taking up the bulk of this picture which was cut from an unidentified magazine. Directly in the center of the picture looking West is the President’s House, which was razed in order to build McKissick. Between Davis College and the President’s House is Bull Street, which went through the campus before the completion of McKissick in 1939. Also, parking seems to have been a bit more casual back then, doesn’t it?”
Statement of Plans and Geddes Report
STATEMENT OF PLANS
FOR THE GRADUATE LIBRARY SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
I arrived on campus September 1, 1970 and I will devote this academic year to recruiting a Faculty and identifying the information needs of our community, the Southeastern region and particularly South Carolina. During 1971/72, our Faculty will structure a curriculum and recruit students. Our timetable calls for enrollment of our first class in September 1972.
Ours will be a multi-purpose library school, limited for the present to the Master’s program. Hopefully the curriculum will be a vital, relevant one and that our graduates will be prepared to use information and modern technology to fulfill our community’s needs.
I am seeking candidates for our Faculty who believe that libraries are multi-media information centers and that the most important function of libraries today is the supply of information and information services, where they are needed in the community. I am looking for library educators who want to work closely with the Faculties of related disciplines in developing a curriculum through which we can prepare librarians not only for present library programs but also for library programs designed to reach the culturally different segments of the community. Our basic professional library education will integrate contemporary concepts (media, communication, systems, automation) as they relate to the variety of information needs, types of information centers, and functions required to implement information services.
Further I am seeking library educators who are concerned with the behavioral aspect to librarianship and who through research can discover what really does happen when a person reads, sees a documentary, listens to a tape, or uses a programmed unit of instruction. It may be that no one on our Faculty will teach courses as he has taught them before, but instead will contribute his special competencies and talents to a team effort. Our curriculum may not resemble the conventional Master’s program and may be strikingly different.
GEDDES REPORT
“A Study of Library Personnel Needs in South Carolina” was completed by Andrew Geddes, a New York consultant in February 1970. The study was done under the auspices of the University’s Division of Advanced Studies and Research.
The preface notes that in consulting “a number of prominent persons” in the field a “need existed for additional information which could come only from persons within the State concerned with library service programs within their own organizations.” Four different questionnaires, depending on the type of library, “were developed by Dr. H.W. Davis, Vice-President of the Division, and distributed to the various types of libraries in South Carolina.”
1517 surveys were mailed and 863 (57%) were returned. From the raw figures, the indications were that 759 positions would have to be filled by 1975 in the various kinds of libraries.
The report goes on to analyze other statistics and information gleaned from reading the comments. It is positive about the value of forming a library school in South Carolina.
September 1, 1971 – First Faculty Meeting
Photo made at end of the planning year when the faculty reported on its work. Shown (left to right) are: Robert Bell, Elspeth Pope, Dr. Jones, F. William Summers, Dean Yenawine.
Faculty Meeting Agenda
The purpose of the faculty meeting on November 18, 1971 was to:
- Identify the tasks which must be accomplished before May 1.
- To establish a PERT flow chart to show tentative dates for completion.
CURRICULUM
- Major Goals – November 24, 1971
- Specific Objectives – December 15, 1971
- Identification of subject areas – December 18, 1971
- Identification of other courses on campus which we could use e.g. computer – December 18, 1971
- Identification and description of specific courses – January 7, 1972
- Specialization (areas for students) – January 14, 1972
- Undergraduate program articulation core/prerequisites – January 18, 1972
CATALOGS - Writing of certain parts of the catalog – January 14, 1972
- Compilation of the catalog – February 5, 1972
- Editing and format of catalog – February 10, 1972
- Printing of the catalog (getting to printer and follow-up) – February 29, 1972
- Materials for professional journals – January 25, 1972
ADMISSIONS - Interview procedure – December 22, 1971
- Evaluation of credentials (format) – December 22, 1971
- Application forms – January 7, 1972
- Admission schedule (cut off date) – December 25, 1971
- Degree requirements – January 21, 1972
September 13, 1979 – Comments by Yenawine and Jones
Dean Yenawine:
I, as the guests here this afternoon, wondered whether the day would ever come, but it has. And I asked Dr. Jones, Dr. Davis, Dr. Guilds and Ken Toombs to meet today because these are the people that gave me the most support, moral and otherwise, last year while I was recruiting you all and I wanted you to have the chance to meet them and for you all to meet the group. I am sure we can identify them all, but for the sake of my faculty, this Dr. Davis, Dr. Davis is Vice-President for Graduate Advanced Studies and Research, Dr. Guilds, Vice-Provost, Ken Toombs is Director of Libraries and you all know Dr. Jones, President of the University. Nancy Burge is the one that has been responsible for curriculum in Library Science in the College of Education, Cam Moore is our Graduate Research Assistant with Orientation in Psychology; Bob Bell is our new faculty member finishing up his doctorate at Berkeley; Sue Hardin has been working with Nancy Burge in College of Education, teaching undergraduate curriculum; Jean Rhyne is our new Librarian for Library Science coming to us from the Knoxville Public Library System. Katherine Cveljo is finishing her doctorate at Case Western Research University and Skip Atkinson was member of the College of Education faculty last year but we recruited him for Library Science instead of Instructional Communications. Elspeth Pope is new on our faculty this year and finishing her doctorate at Pittsburgh. That’s Miss Virginia Patterson, my secretary, over there in the corner. This is Mr. Bill Summers, my Assistant Dean.
Now, since Dr. Jones has probably mastermind the reason we’re here, I thought he would like to say something on why a Graduate Library School or otherwise give us some advice on what we ought to do since we just got the School of Social Work going.
Dr. Jones:
Dean Yenawine, ladies and gentlemen, there’s so much to be talked about but let me say that it’s been a dream for quite a few years to have a school of Library Science here at the University. We’re in a relatively low verbal culture in South Carolina. We have to face that as one of the boundary conditions which we started.
We hope in ten years, twenty years, 100 years, whatever it might be to change that and the proper use of handling of resource materials will, I believe have a great deal to do with dissolving this regional handicap. Now, I don’t mean we’re alone in this handicap. If you go out to the Midwest in the farming area you’ll find young people who are raised up talking to tractors tend to have low verbal abilities from talking to tractors because tractors don’t talk back. You find it, of course, hard. . . .
January 8, 1972 – New Name for Graduate Library School
By decision of the faculty, the name of the school becomes the College of Librarianship. The college was previously informally named the Graduate Library School.
Various photos taken during the faculty planning year, 1971-1972. Includes two photos of the first faculty Christmas party, December, 1971.
March 1, 1972 – Minutes of Faculty Meeting
MINUTES OF FACULTY MEETING (Corrected Copy) March 1, 1972
All members of the faculty were present.
- Announcements
The Dean announced that Jim Williams, a faculty candidate would visit the campus March 9 & 10, 1972.
Dr. Atkinson announced that a reservation for the Orientation program had been made at Camp Kanuga, September 6-8, 1972.
The Dean announced that the Organizational Development Program for faculty would be held at the Litchfield Inn, March 15, 16, and 17th.
2. The Dean reported that following the second visit of Phyllis Van Orden and with faculty concurrence, he wished to offer her an appointment as Associate Professor. The faculty concurred in this recommendation.
3. Admissions, Recruitment and Placement – Miss Cveljo reported that the committee had approved a Supplemental Information For Admission which would be used along with the Graduate School application. The faculty approved this form with several minor changes.
4. The committee presented a preliminary statement of policies. In connection with approving this the faculty agreed that the degree to be offered by the College should be the Master of Librarianship.
5. The committee also presented a suggested interview schedule for assistance to the faculty in interviewing prospective students. The faculty adopted this schedule as an optional aid in interviewing.
6. The faculty also approved the following policies recommended by the committee:
a. Not more than 50 students will be admitted to the fall term with the expectation that approximately 40 full time students will be enrolled.
b. Interviews with prospective students will begin about March 20th.
c. All applications will be interviewed by at least 3 faculty members.
7. Mr. Bell presented a draft fact sheet to be used this spring with prospective students pending publication of the catalog, and asked the faculty to give him suggested changes.
8. Dr. Pope reported for the Curriculum Committee. She indicated that most of the material for the fundamentals course, i.e. objectives, content outline and suggested electives had been received and asked those faculty members not yet completing this material to do so –
The committee had discussed the problems of evaluating student performance in a single integrated course like the foundations program and recommended that the faculty adopt the policy of frequent evaluation throughout the program with feedback to the student on his progress.
July 6, 1972 – The Master’s Degree program in Library Science is approved by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education
Plans for the library school were based, in part, on the 1970 Geddes Report which had predicted that the state would need 955 librarians by 1975. The report apparently may have been prompted by a letter from Lawrence A. Allen, Dean of the University of Kentucky School of Library Science, and an advisor in the process of starting the library school, stated:
…what is definitely needed is a more comprehensive survey rather than an “off the cuff” statement that a library school is needed!
It appears that the approval for the University to offer the degree was behind the actual planning for the Library Science program. Dr. Thomas F. Jones, President of the University, received a chiding letter, dated April 17, 1972, from James A. Morris, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education that says:
It is our understanding that the University is proceeding with plans to begin operation of the new School of Library Science no later than 1972-1973. We respectfully call to your attention the fact that no program proposal has been yet been submitted to the Commission; an oversight that I am sure you will wish to rectify as soon as possible.
The proposal was submitted and approved in July.
Letter from Lawrence Allen
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
May 21, 1969
Estellene P. Walker
Director
South Carolina State Library Board
1001 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Dear Jackie:
Just a brief note before I take off into the wilds of the East and more woolly wilds of the West! Very pleased to have received your letter of May 7th and the very interesting — and I repeat very interesting — information. Yes, I was aware that Bob Lee was going to South Carolina. Indeed, suggested that he be one of the people whom Mr. Davis should consider relative to the development of a library school. Knowing, of course, full well, Bob Lee, being the kind of a guy that he is, would look to the situation very well and make recommendations much the same as we have been talking about all along.
I am so pleased that you were brought into the situation so that you could discuss with Bob Lee and Mr. Davis some of the reactions concerning the development of a library school. Of course, it may very well be that a school is needed in South Carolina — but, as you suggest, what is definitely needed is a more comprehensive survey rather than an “off the cuff” statement that a library school is needed! I do, indeed, hope that something is done about such a study because it would provide one of the firm bases upon which to develop the school.
In regard to Bob Lee, I am very pleased that you feel that he was interested in going to South Carolina to head up a Graduate Library School if it proves feasible. In my opinion, he is one of the top people in the country and would make a tremendous addition to South Carolina. And, I know the respect that he has for you. The two of you together would make a tremendous team. And, I really mean that!
You really did gather up some information when you managed to get Mr. Davis to admit that the University was under pressure from the State Department of Education to establish the Graduate Library School and that they could do nothing else. Yes, I am in agreement with you that this seems to be the truth.
Appreciate very much your keeping me posted about such things — and as other development occur would appreciate hearing from you again.
With all the best wishes — and I look forward to seeing you at ALA.
Sincerely yours,
Lawrence A. Allen,
Dean
Proposed Master of Librarianship Program
The proposal reads in part:
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COLLEGE OF LIBRARIANSHIP
Proposed Master of Librarianship Program
I. Background
The proposal to establish a Master’s degree program in Librarianship at the University of South Carolina emerged from long discussions of the need for such a program on the part of professional librarians in the State and from the investigation by the Division of Advanced Studies and Research for the need for such a program. In 1970 the Division published a Study of Library Personnel Needs in South Carolina which projected a great need for librarians in the State. It is indicative that without publicity, recruitment efforts or a visible program the College of Librarianship has received more than 250 inquiries and more than 50 students have indicated a desire to enroll in the initial class.
II. Purpose
The purpose of the program leading to the degree of Master of Librarianship is to provide students with the basic values, attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for the practice of librarianship. Graduates of the program will practice in school, public, academic, and a variety of special types of libraries. In addition it is anticipated that many graduates will function as information specialists in social service organizations.
III. Admission Requirements:
Admission to the program is based upon the following factors:
(1) Evidence that the student meets the general requirements of the Graduate School for admission to the University;
(2) Results of a personal interview with at least three (3) members of the faculty or where this is not practical with professional librarians selected by the faculty;
(3) Evidence of a strong desire to enter the library profession or if the applicant is already in library work evidence of a strong desire to improve the quality of library service.
IV. Program of Study:
The curriculum will be presented in the form of a required 12-hour course called the Professional Seminar, followed by a minimum of 18 hours of elective courses. The philosophy underlying our choice of one professional seminar, required of all students and to occupy the full term, is to enable the faculty to present the incoming student with a totally integrated view of the range of possibilities in our profession. The Professional Seminar will provide a common introduction to the field so that the freedom of choice offered by the electives which follow will be guided by a better understanding of the possibilities and actualities of the information profession.
Our approach is also designed to avoid a basic problem in library schools, which is a tendency to separate an educational program into distinct curricula for separate areas. Information science and media studies are an integral part of the profession. From the very beginning, the unity of the information profession will be stressed, and the faculty and other participants will join together to demonstrate the value of such an integrated approach.
Patterns of information flow in society will be reflected in presentation of the content of the Professional Seminar. It will cover both individual and mass communication, the generating of information from printing to electronic reproduction, how information is acquired, processed and stored by institutions, and how people with information needs may best be served.
After completing the Professional Seminar, the students will plan their own areas of specialization and interest with the aid of a faculty advisor chosen by the student. A wide range of courses can be offered by the present faculty, with the possibility of studying outside of the College of Librarianship if a course in another department will further the students career goals. The elective courses are divided as much as possible into one-credit modules, so that a student will have a wide range of choices, and may structure his program to serve his specific needs and goals. After the initial year the professional seminar will be offered in summer sessions for students who want to pursue the program on a part time basis.
The document then goes on to course descriptions. The first two such descriptions are included as samples:
Course Descriptions
| LIBR 701 | Professional Seminar In Librarianship Presents an integrated view of the information profession, information flow in society, individual and mass communication, generation of information. Processes of information acquisition, processing and storage. Identification of information needs. (credits – 12) |
| LIBR 703 | Ancient and Medieval Libraries. Preservation of literature from the earliest days of recorded civilization in Mesopotamia, through Pre-Hellenistic Greece, Alexandria, Pergamum, Rome and the Roman Empire, to the Renaissance. Consideration of availability of books and the way in which they are acquired. (1 credit) |
September 11, 1972: Pro Sem
The first class assembled in Room 218 for the first Professional Seminar (know affectionately as Pro Sem). This class meeting, however, had been preceded by a three-day retreat with faculty, students, and consultants from the Social Problems Research Institute, held Sept. 6-8 at the Kanuga Retreat Center in North Carolina. The retreat and the Professional Seminar were hallmarks of the “different kind” of educational experience and relationships with students that the College became noted for throughout library education.
Photo taken during first Pro Sem meeting, Fall 1972. Shown (left to right) are Elspeth Pope,
Kathlyn Moses, Nancy Burge, Linda Hayes, and Bill Summers.
Photos of student pictures for the first class, 1972-73.
The “strip” photos became famous as mug shots of students. However, they also reflected the deliberate intention of the faculty get to know everyone by name as soon as possible.
August 18, 1973 – The College’s First Graduates
The first graduating class from the College of Librarianship.
First degrees:
July 8, 1974 – The College becomes accredited
The college of librarianship became the 56th graduate program in the U.S. and the 10th accredited program in the Southeast.
A newspaper story about Dr. Elspeth Pope.
Printing and Type on View at Library
Examples of printing done by students of the College of Librarianship of the University of South Carolina are on display in the glass cases in the second floor lobby of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library.
The Pangloss Press is the property of Dr. Elspeth Pope, associate professor of the College of Librarianship at the University. It is a registered private press, and although it is a hobby with Dr. Pope, it is housed in the College of Librarianship and is used to teach a course in printing to future librarians.
A native of Canada, Dr. Pope holds library degrees from McGill University in Montreal, the University of Denver and the University of Pittsburgh. She teaches the technical services courses at the College of Librarianship.
While teaching at the library school at the State University of New York at Geneseo, Dr. Pope learned the art of setting type and operating a hand press from Robert Bretz, owner of the Gaudeamus Press. Later, when she moved to Pittsburgh, she took with her a small platen press and an assortment of moveable type.
It was in Pittsburgh, in partnership with Dr. Jay Daily of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, that the press acquired it’s name. Dr. Daily and Dr. Pope agreed with “Candide’s” hero Pangloss, that the best of all possible worlds for them was being able to teach library science and print interesting books.
Over the years, two more small type presses and more and more type and printing equipment were added. The students at the South Carolina college now are able to design small pieces which they set, print, and bind in simple covers.
“While it is true that librarians will not be called upon in the future to print their own books, such a course in printing is valuable because students learn to appreciate the importance of form, design, illustrations, and the variety and quality of paper that all makes up a book,” Dr. Pope said. “And many students continue to use the Pangloss Press even after the course requirements have been completed.”
The exhibit will be open to the public at no charge during regular library hours through Nov. 18.
Gamecock interview with Dr. Wayne Yenawine
Search for Academic Excellence
The following interview is the third in a series of 10 articles highlighting prominent schools and departments within USC. Dr. Wayne Yenawine, Dean of the College of Librarianship talks about his school and its advancements.
By Bob Baker, Editor-in-Chief
Q. Dean Yenawine, the College of Librarianship is a relatively new college at the University. Could you please tell me when it was established and for what purpose?
A. I came to USC in 1970 and was given a year to recruit a faculty for the College. At that time, we in the faculty spent another year developing curricula for the students. In September 1972 we opened to our first students, and in the summer of 1973 graduated our first class. The college itself I guess you could say grew out of the old library curriculum in the education department, which was established in 1956 for the sole purpose of training librarians for the public schools. now we are a graduate school, with the exception of two courses, and we are considered a multi-purpose college. We not only train librarians for the public schools, but for specialized areas as well. Much of the reasoning behind the establishment of this school, was that during Thomas Jones’ administration, the University realized that the state had a need for the establishment of centers for specialized training. out of this idea, of course, came this school, those of nursing, social work, public health, and medicine. Before 1972, those seeking to upgrade their basic undergraduate education through the masters degree had to go out of state to get degrees. the present school provides a needed opportunity for in-state people to upgrade their education. And, we have been fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since June 1974.
Q. What is the basic function of the College?
A. We want to provide a graduate library education for those students either entering the profession, or those who are now practicing who want a masters degree to upgrade their status.
Q. Are there any plans for developing an undergraduate curriculum in library science?
A. Right now there are no plans for development o f such a program. The masters program we have now replaces the undergraduate curriculum which was established in 1956. It had been replaced as the University changed its purpose from granting public school library education to preparing librarians for all kinds of professional work.
Q. What kind of direction does the College hope to take in the next five years?
A. Now that our two principal emphases of developing a masters program and granting credit for only summer work have been accomplished, we are making an effort to head in two more areas. We are interested in establishing a program of continuing education in library education, and we are also interested in developing a sixth year program to those who have already earned their masters but who are looking for specialization.
Q. The College is housed in the old Davis College. Do you ever see a time when you might need a building of your own?
A. There will be no such moves until we exhaust the available space in the existing building. Of course, as soon as the social sciences building is completed, the history faculty who are on the second floor will be moving and we will be taking over those offices. Once we get that area now occupied by the history department, our special seminars in the core courses will be able to house 80 students as compared to the present 50.
With that additional space, we will also need to expand our materials lab such that we will be able to more adequately work with children and young adults.
Q. Just where do you think USC’s library school is in reference to other library schools in the nation?
A. Today there are some 60 odd schools accredited by the ALA, and we are of them after only a couple of years of existence.There are 12 graduate library schools which offer the doctorate, but the are in a class by themselves with the additional faculty and funds available for doctoral programs. With those other 40 plus schools which offer masters degree and or 6-year programs, we compare very favorably. In fact, the ALA was so impressed with our program when their accrediting team visited the University last summer that they have recommended that other schools follow and study our development. We will not be offering any doctoral programs in the foreseeable future because of the expense factor. Doctoral programs are a very expensive means to education. Besides, both UNC at Chapel Hill and Florida State already have programs so it would be kind of foolish for us to design our own. I think that the question of developing another doctoral program in this region is a rather moot one.
Q. Do you have any personal dreams for the USC College of Librarianship?
A. My dream was to get the school started. I was here for a year trying to get it off the ground by myself, and I think it has come along amazingly well.
July 1, 1976 – Bill Summers becomes new Dean
Bill Summers replaces Wayne Yenawine as Dean of the College.
Gamecock article announcing new dean
Summers named dean for librarianship
F. William Summers, professor and assistant dean of the College of Librarianship, will become dean of the college July 1, replacing the retiring Wayne. S. Yenawine.Summers joined the University in 1971 as a member of the planning group that designed the new masters’ degree program in librarianship and has been with the college since its founding.He has been widely sought after as a consultant in the design of library systems and this past summer was one of 50 persons from five countries chosen to advise the Shah of Iran on the development of a new state library. Summers is a member of the governing council of the American Library Association.Summers, who earned his doctoral degree at Rutgers University, has served as state librarian for the Florida State Library, as a director of the Cocoa (Fla.) Public Library, as senior librarian at the Linden (N.J.) Public Library and as professional assistant to the Jacksonville Public Library.Yenawine, formerly dean of the School of Library Science at Syracuse University, came to USC as the dean of the new college, establishing and directing the first masters’ degree program for librarianship in South Carolina.
Fall 1977 – Student Association is Born
The student organization, Professional Association of Library Students (PALS) is established. In 1990, by student decision, PALS is renamed the Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA)
The annual Halloween Party, usually planned by students but held at Elspeth Pope’s house, showed both faculty and students in their…well, most relaxed and natural behavior.
Vol. 1, No. 1. of The Back Fence, the student
association newsletter
Welcome back to all returning students and welcome to all new students. This is the first isssue of the student newsletter. The format, policies, publication dates, etc haven’t been frozen in tradition. The editorial section and letters to the editor will appear in a section entitled “It all depends”. We look forward to your participation and your comments. It is hoped that this endeavor will become a permanent fixture in Davis College performing a useful purpose for the college, students and alumni. We encourage your involvement.
This newsletter evolved from a meeting of the newly formed student association. at Davis College, which is actually an umbrella organization for four professional groups of which students can be a member. They are: ALA, ASIS, SLA, and AECT. Students belonging to our association here can belong to any or all of the professional organizations. On November 9, 1977, elections were held to elect officers. Those elected were: Debbie Bowdler, President; Bob Stout, vice-president; Becky Holsinger, secretary; and Michael Klepper, treasurer. Already plans are being made to become a chartered organization on campus so that we will be eligible for university funding. Various projects are also underway, such as a trip to Atlanta in April to visit several large libraries. Also, a contest is being sponsored to select a special T-shirt desing and slogan for Davis College stuents.
The student organization has penned the name “PALS” for Professional Association of Library Students. We urge you to join – this could be a valuable part of your education.
Adult & Media Lab Hours-Spring ’78
9:00 -9:00——-Monday and Wednesday 8:30-9:00—Tuesday and Thursday
9:00-5:00—-Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday
*The Media lab will not be open on Tuesdays and Thursday form 3:30 to 5:00 The Reference lab will not be open until 9:00 on these days.
May 20, 1978 – The First Alumni Day
The first Alumni Day for the College is held on the Horseshoe. Here was the schedule:
Cover of the first student handbook issued by the College. Edited by Virginia Patterson, Administrative Assistant, Fall 1977.
Cover page of
Feedback, the first Alumni newsletter of the college, issued Fall, 1978. Note story about the first Alumni Day.
| First Alumni Day Report Approximately 90 of the College’s 360 alumni turned out to participate in the first Alumni Day on May 20. Response to the program on career development led by Margaret Myers, Director of the A.L.A. Office for Library Personnel Relations was excellent.At the luncheon, Alumni heard a report on the progress of the college and enthusiastically endorsed the idea of forming an alumni organization for the College. To initiate the organization a steering committee representative of the alumni has been formed which will develop proposals to be put before the alumni by mail in the fall.At the late afternoon cocktail hour held at the Alumni House on campus, alumni continued the visiting and renewing of friendships which had gone on all day long. Plans are already underway for the second Alumni Day and the date has been set. Mark May 5, 1979 on your calendars and plan to attend! ALUMNI RELATIONS AT SCLA AND SELA Fall will provide two opportunities for Alumni reunions at professional meetings. At the South Carolina Library Association Conference and Alumni Drop-In will be held on Friday, Oct. 13 at the Carolina Inn from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the U.S.C. Suite. Additionally, Alumni attending the meeting only for the day may use the suite to relax, change clothes and leave items they do not wish to carry. A number of alumni | have agreed to keep the suite open by staying an hour throughout the day. Additional volunteers are needed so if you can staff the suite for an hour during the day, please call Virginia Patterson at 771-3858 and indicate when you can help.Alumni attending the joint S.E.L.A/S.W.L.A conference in New Orleans on October 5-8 are invited to attend a drop-in in Bill Summer’s room from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CHAI KIM SHUFFLES OFF TO BUFFALO Chai Kim has accepted a position as Associate Professor at the School of Library and Information Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo and left Columbia following the second summer session to take up his new duties. In commenting upon his resignation, Dean Summers said, “While we can all understand and sympathize with the personal circumstances which lead Chai to relocate, there is no denying that his departure is a loss to the faculty. He has set high standards for himself and for his students and we shall miss him greatly.”A number of alumni have asked about the Scholarship in memory of Bong Hi. Donations may be sent to the Bong Hi Kim Memorial Scholarship, USC Educational Foundation, Columbia, S.C. 29208. PROFESSOR ROBERT WILLIAMS JOINS FACULTY Professor Robert Williams has joined the faculty for the fall semester.. |
September 2, 1982 – First Televised Class of LIBR J703
First televised class session of LIBR J703, taught by Dan Barron and Linda Lucas (now Walling). Broadcast statewide through closed circuit system operated by Telecommunications Instruction Office of USC. Earlier this year, beginning in January, Pam Barron and Jennifer Burley’s Jump Over the Moon: Sharing Literature with Young Children, began broadcast over SCETV and was made available for course credit in the College.
Copy of course description for LIBR J703, taught by Dan Barron.
Brochure for Jump Over The Moon: Sharing Literature with Young Children
Pam Barron and Jennifer Burley, authors of Jump Over the Moon, and Rick Sebak, television host for the program, shown with examples of the books discussed on the program.
January 8, 1984 – Faculty, Staff and Students Return to Renovated Davis College
Faculty and students return to a greatly renovated and improved Davis College. Both had spent 18 months at the Booker T. Washington (former high school) building while Davis College was being renovated. For some alumni, Booker T. is the “old home place” but most think of Davis, whether old or new, as home.
Students in front of the College sign at Booker T.
July 1, 1986 – Fred Roper Appointed Dean
Fred Roper is appointed as the third Dean of the College. John Olsgaard served as Acting Dean, July 1, 1985 to June 30, 1986.
April 3-4, 1987 – First Celebration of A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen
The A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen Storytelling Festival, a celebration of stories, was first held on April 3 and 4, 1987 and continues in the spring of each year. Baker’s Dozen is a highly successful joint program, which CLIS co-sponsors with Richland County Public Library and the S.C. State Library.
Fall 1989 – Degree Changed from M.L. to M.L.I.S.
The degree of Master of Librarianship (ML) is changed to Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).
By vote of the faculty and approval of the University, the name of the College had been changed to Library and Information Science in 1983.
Photo of Barbara and Lester Reed -Barbara’s diploma is shown above.
Fall 1991 – Continuing Education Program (Panning for Gold) Begins
In the mid-1980’s the College had developed a small continuing education program but it was discontinued when funds were cut. Dr. Helen Callison developed this first program. The new continuing education program, a greaty expanded effort, began in the Fall of 1991. Dr. Marsha Turner was responsible for coordinating it and named it “Panning for Gold,” a reflection of the content of the program and the soon to be well identified gold pamphlet listing offerings. The first year’s program had over 30 workshops.
Chris Billinsky and Liz Qunell soon became well known for their “Dealing With DOS” workshops.
Pat Morris also became well known (notorious?) for her preservation workshops, which included wetting down books and then learning how to save them.
The problem was that students kept coming by and turning off the sprinkler! Surely librarians would not deliberately ruin books?
Fall 1992 – The CLIS program is available in West Virginia and Georgia
Publicity literature advertising the program in West Virginia and Georgia.
April 2-3, 1993 – Information Access Conferences Begin
Memo Proposing the “conference on databases.”
April 29
TO: Marsha, Chris, Liz
From: Bob
Subject: Some thoughts on the CE conference on databases
Herewith some thoughts on the CE conference on databases that we discussed earlier and I promised to do some tentative organizing:
Title: Database Searching in Libraries and Information Centers: The State of the Art and Future Directions
Thematic considerations: My idea was that the conference would examine the state of the art in terms of what is currently happening regarding how libraries and information centers (of all types) are using bibliographic and non-bibliographic databases and what is likely to happen in the next 10 years. That is, there seems to be at least 4 major directions that folks are going: (1 the very current (and accelerating) trend towards CD-ROM databases and the use of them via networks; (2 the continuing (but possibly weaking or, at least, complementary) use of remote online databases; (3 the trend (probably still small but I don’t know for sure) towards purchasing and mounting system-wide or state-wide databases that are available to a wide variety of libraries (sometimes for use fees and sometimes for member fees); (4 the use of the Internet (or the NREN) for searching databases that are mounted on hosts that are willing to maintain them (universities, government agencies, etc.).
Conference agenda:Carol Tenopir to start off the conference by doing a keynote address to overview all of these issues, problems, etc. and talk about her predictions for the future
A speaker to overview the current state of CD-ROM use in libs; quantity of databases, quality, gaps, etc. and some predictions about the future; suggest here we get someone from one of the largest producers of CD-ROM products for libs (Silver Platter VP? UMI?
A speaker to overview the current state of the remote online database market and make predictions about the future; again, suggest we get someone from DIALOG or BRS or LEXIS/NEXUS
A speaker to overview the current state of the art on locally mounted databases (where they are, how they are working, problems, costs, etc.) and make predictions about the future; suggest we get someone from the Illinois State Library network (where, I hear, they are doing some neat things; I think Patrick knows this guy)
A speaker to overview what is currently happening regarding use of the Internet to search databases (how many, problems, cost, responsibility of creator, etc.) and the likely future of this method for access by libraries and info centers; suggest we get someone who is thoroughly involved in this area (such as the PACS-L coordinator)
Suggest we give each of the above speakers (except Carol, who would have 45 minutes) 30 minutes and then allow 15 minutes for questions after each one. This will take up about 4 hours — all morning.
Feed em lunch
What to do now?
Here, how practical do we want to get? Or, do we want to now go on and address specific issues related to the above types of access? If the latter, then I suggest we get speakers on the following issues:
- information policy issues: Chuck McClure would be good here
- industry concerns: get a speaker from IIA
- type of library concerns (speaker for each type of library?)
- technical issues (which ones: networks, database construction, etc.)
- searching issues (retrieval concerns, end user searching, etc.)
Or: if we go practical, you could deal with the following issues:
detailed sessions on fancy uses of CD-ROM (downloading, packaging info from several databases
search strategies, etc.)
same thing on remote online searching, setting up a local/state-wide network, and use of Internet/NREN
detailed sessions on setting up local networks within a library/info center for CD-ROM stations
detailed session on how to set up an instruction program for end-user searching.
I think all of these things are possible. We could do the minimal version and have only one day; we could also easily have enough for two days; or you could allow attendants to register for one or both days. If we do a 2 day session then I would recommend we have a night meeting that is the major program and have Carol Tenopir do a keynote address after dinner that night.
What would we have to charge to make a little money? Depends on expenses for outside speakers. I suggest a $75 per day fee and feed them lunch each day.
When to do this? Suggest late March/early April when things look really good around here. I think we could get folks from at least 4-5 states to come if we marketed pretty thoroughly
In 1990, a group of faculty began meeting to discuss various things that could be done to promote and develop special libraries and information science. This SLIS committee examined a number of alternatives for curriculum development, enhancement of technology, and development of some type of program that would be beneficial to the entire state and to the Southeast. Out of these discussions, the idea of a regional conference on issues relating to access to information emerged. Development of the first IAC followed.
April 18, 1994 – MidNet Receives $100,000 grant for Start-Up
. 
Community networks had been established in a few communities around the country as of 1994 but none existed in South Carolina. Dr. Dan Barron and Dr. Stephen Bajjaly became interested in getting one established for the Midlands area of the state. They enlisted the cooperation and participation of SCETV, the Richland County Public Library, and the USC Libraries and wrote a grant proposal in response to a Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) request for proposals. The grant was made on April 18, 1994, and was one of the 12 funded in all of the U.S.! MidNet went online in February 1995 and by 1996 had over 6,000 subscribers.
Midnet has a big kick-off reception at the Richland County Public Library.
August 12, 1995 – Georgia and West Virginia Distance Education Students Graduate
Even though the College had been offering televised distance education courses in South Carolina since 1982, the program for Georgia and West Virginia students was its first venture outside the state. Classes began in Fall, 1992 and over 150 students were enrolled. Every course offered had at least two onsites in each state, and these were times of learning, fun, and exploring. Graduation of these students took place over a period of one year but the BIG PARTY celebrating completion was held on August 12, 1995 in Columbia.
Scenes from onsite classes
The blue polka dot bow tie was the trademark of brilliant lectures and all faculty wore it to prove this.
Here, Dan Barron models it at the College’s traveling information booth.
Onsite scenes from South Charleston, WV, Clarksburg, WV, and Eastman, GA:
Official Graduation Songs
To the tune of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” by Paul Henning
MLIS Calypso
J.D. Waggoner, Class of ’94
Come and listen to the story ’bout a deal that’s new
Instead of going to classes, the school comes to you.
It’s all about computers and satellite TV
And that’s how we got to USC…
Grad school, that is….South Carolina/Distance Ed
It’s the fall of ’92 and we’re sitting in our seats
The reception’s okay and the system works neat.
We’re readin’ and we’re writin’ just as hard as you please
So we can all earn our Masters Degrees!
Library, that is…ALA….Lifelong learnin’
With each new class another challenge came
We worked real hard just to stay in the game.
Statistics, media, services and grants
And surfin’ the Net by the seat of our pants!
Email, that is…Modems….TCP/IP
Now it’s graduation time and we’ve made it through
Time to grab that sheepskin and to say “Thank you”
To the teachers and advisors who filled our head
And let’s not forget two fellows named Fred!
Roper, that is….Glazer, too!
Well now it’s time to say good-bye to you and all our kin,
An we would like to thank you all for kindly droppin’ in.
You’re all invited back again to this locality
If ever you decide to get your Ph.D.
You all come back now, hear!
For USC’s CLIS class of ’95 -8/12/95- Julie and Jerry Speigler
‘ROADKILL SODEE POP’ [Go-Mart, Inc.-WV] is to remind us:
DON’T BE A ROADKILL ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY!
Library school, how tough can it be, we’ll start with Dr. Dan, You say you want what? And want it by when? I think they’re serious, man.Then comes the spring, with Dr. Bob, with charts and curves mystic, I don’t care, if you deny it again, this class is statistics.
But wait this one, she always smiles, you seem so sweet Ms. Pat,If you believe, my intellect if free, why can’t my answer be that? Next at bat it’s Dr. Chuck, with his ODAPCOSRIU chant, I know LSCA, even ALA, but what is this SOB grant?
Then Lois came, with Technical skills, and precision like a clock, The collection developed, by OCLC, all safe in the disaster box. Oh Linda, Linda, can it really be true, these Academics you describe, Where faculty wait, for librarians to serve, I think I’d rather die.
Computers, Chris? How could they miss? I guess there’ll be no rest, History of, and Dialog, hype your media or your text. Ah, Miss Ellen, and her CR too, only she could show us how, With a little MARC, a delimiter or two, to catalog a musical cow.
Wait Liz, no, not computers again, is this what we deserve? Dialog again, telnet your gopher, four attempts to subscribe to the listserv. Children’s books, some without words, in others we talk to raccoons, But really, Pam, ‘cept for “George and Martha,” they can all Jump Over the Moon.
TW3, Kenny Rogers career, the name of an old Irish elf, Dr. Linda thinks, it’s a Treasure Hunt, but she’s just kidding herself. Now Pat, you know they’re young adults, you must know what I mean, They’re not reading Myers or Hinton, or Peck, they’re into “Playboy” Magazine.
“Libraries, Libraries,” South Carolina’s rebel yell, Once again, we mountaineers are free, for we made our way through hell!
August 10, 1995
Graduation Photos
The BIG PARTY celebrating graduation went on and on… rom steak at Quincy’s… to graduation… to reception and hootenanny!
August 2 – Maine Education Students Graduate
Word of the College’s distance education program in Georgia and West Virginia spread rapidly around the country. Officials of the University of Maine System and the Maine State Library contacted the College for details, came for a visit, and were soon saying “y’all come” (well, something like that, anyway). Little did they know that we thought that meant all of us! The entire faculty went up for an orientation (to learn to say “pak the caa ova theah…”) when classes began in Fall, 1994.
Even though a number of students did come for the “official” graduation ceremonies in Columbia, most chose to come to the CONVOCATION PARTY, held at the Colby College chapel on August 2, 1997.
Graduating students, led by Pat Feehan (principal organizer of the convocation party) and a bagpiper led the formalities. The party afterwards featured cake and “roasted” faculty.