Special Collections News

Librarians and others from across the Atlantic Ocean came together virtually for a two-day symposium this December, engaging in a rich exchange of professional knowledge and ideas. Co-organized by the University of Georgia Libraries and the University of Liverpool Libraries, Museums, and Galleries, the symposium marked the latest milestone in the decade-long collaboration between these sister universities.

The symposium began with a report on the recently signed agreement naming Liverpool University Press as the exclusive distributor for UGA Press books in the United Kingdom and Europe, and a non-exclusive distributor for other parts of the world.

Visitors to the new Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in Athens can explore Georgia music, thanks to a new display installed Dec. 19 by the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries.

On a larger-than-life video board, The B-52s member and Athens resident Cindy Wilson welcomes visitors to peruse the memorabilia on display, representing more than 200 legendary artists, from Whisperin’ Bill Anderson to Run the Jewels. 

Display cases share memories of concerts, stories about the recording process, fan merchandise and interactions, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. For example, a cold medicine bottle Duane Allman used to make his distinctive slide guitar sounds is on display alongside the Gibson Les Paul he played while recording “Statesboro Blues.”

This article also appears on UGA Today at news.uga.edu/barrows-receive-first-dooley-friends-of-the-uga-libraries-award/.

A new award named after the University of Georgia’s legendary head football coach Vince Dooley and his wife Barbara honors those who share another passion with the beloved family — support for the UGA Libraries.

December deadlines are approaching for UGA Libraries services that will aid in instruction of your Spring 2025 classes.

Libraries Course Reserves

The UGA Libraries’ course reserves services help faculty to provide students with easy, no-cost access to readings and supplementary course materials personalized to class curricular needs whether through electronic materials that can be integrated into eLC or through physical items that can be held on reserve at one of our library locations.    

A University of Georgia Libraries project will enhance access for African American genealogists to learn more about their family histories, illuminating the stories of enslaved Georgians.

The “Finding Their Names” project will allow hundreds of historical records to be digitized, transcribed, and placed online with important details such as names, locations, and dates that help identify enslaved individuals and place their histories within reach of their descendants.

Spacing Out: Art and Topology Pop-up Museum at the UGA McBay Science Library is a special exhibition, coordinated by the UGA mathematics department in tandem with the UGA Arts Collaborative, showcasing an exciting variety of student artworks inspired by and demonstrating fascinating objects from the mathematical field of topology. The featured works include fabric arts, ceramics, laser-cut wooden sculpture, 3D animations, and more. Spacing Out, part of the month-long UGA Spotlight on the Arts Festival programming, will be on full display at the Shirley Mathis McBay Science Library from November 6 - December 1. The public is invited to an opening reception on Wednesday Nov. 6 at the Science Library Lobby from 5 to 7 pm.

This election season, the University of Georgia Libraries invites voters to learn more about the efforts over the past century to ensure their right to cast ballots.

The Russell Library for Political Research and Studies presents the exhibit Precious, Almost Sacred: Voting Rights in America, on display at the UGA Special Collections Libraries.

The University of Georgia Press (UGAP) has selected Liverpool University Press (LUP) as its exclusive distribution partner for the UK and Europe, and non-exclusive partner for the rest of the world outside of the Americas.  UGAP joins University of Michigan Press at the newly launched Liverpool Distribution Services, a new boutique sales, marketing and distribution service offered by LUP that aims to provide a genuine sense of transatlantic university press partnership.

UGAP Director Lisa Bayer said: “I have long admired Anthony Cond’s publishing acumen and the excellent reputation of Liverpool University Press. We are excited about this opportunity to distribute UGA Press books to a wider global audience.”

Spooky season wouldn’t be complete without watching a classic campy sci-fi show. This October, the local community can enjoy one of the 1950s B-movie bests for free while enjoying the fall weather.

UGA’s Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collections, one of the largest publicly accessibly media archives in the country, will host a screening of “The Brain from Planet Arous” on the lawn outside of the Special Collections Libraries. The event is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, with the film starting at 7 p.m.

Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs for the event, which will move indoors if the weather isn’t ideal. Whether outdoors or in, free popcorn will be provided for free. The event is open to anyone from the UGA and Athens community.