Taking a Bite of History
Grant from IU Parents Fund Highlights Decades of Student Life
Dozens of framed, poster-sized images of IU students, like this 1958 watermelon-eating contest, will soon hang on the walls of the west tower of the Herman B Wells Library, thanks to a grant from the IU Parents Fund.
“The photos show the long tradition of student engagement at IU,” says Diane Dallis, interim associate dean for public services, “and we hope they instill a sense of community. We want students to think: ‘This community has been building for years, and I’m a part of it.’”
A Parents Fund grant also allowed the IUB Libraries to purchase 11 20-inch LCD monitors on which students can view documentary and feature films. The monitors replace decades-old equipment and provide the viewing experience today’s students expect. Funds also purchased two multiregional players, which can play international DVDs and cassettes not compatible with standard U.S. equipment.
Although the Media Services Department in the Wells Library loans approximately 65,000 items a year and streams about 80 films for online access, copyright restrictions and the prohibitive expense of licensing agreements require that a significant part of the collection remains in the building for on-site viewing.
“Students now have the right equipment to view our wonderful collection of films, whether to fulfill a class assignment, to support their own research interests, or simply to enjoy as entertainment,” says Monique Threatt, media services librarian. “They benefit from a friendly environment with functional new monitors. We’re forever grateful to the Parents Fund.”
Copyright © 2009 The Trustees of Indiana University