Special Collections CLOSED on May 1

Posted on April 25, 2024 by specialcollections

Special Collections and Archives, along with the entire Dunbar Library, will be closed to the public on Wednesday, May 1, for a staff in-service training day.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!

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Special Collections Awarded $75,000 Grant from National Aviation Heritage Alliance

Posted on April 17, 2024 by specialcollections

We are thrilled to announce that Special Collections & Archives (SCA) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA)! The grant-funded project will upgrade SCA facilities, which will aid in the preservation and security of our collections and enhance the overall aesthetics of the reading room. 

The overall estimated cost of the project is $204,000. The additional money to round out project funds (and grant match) comes with the gracious support of the Wright State Friends of the Libraries Foundation, with the primary donor being the late Karen Pittman, who was a long-time SCA volunteer.

SCA is on the 4th floor of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library, and our collections storage area is surrounded by windows, as well as an open atrium on one side, exposing the area to light damage and temperature and humidity fluctuations.  This project will close in the collections storage area from the atrium with a glass wall; add UV filter film and window treatments to the new glass wall, as well as to existing windows and exhibit cases; and change fluorescent lighting to LED.  These improvements will help to control environmental conditions that accelerate the deterioration of archival material.

In addition, the front entry door to SCA will receive an upgrade.  The current wooden door has been in use for nearly 50 years.  A new door with swipe card access will better control entry into the space, improving security. 

Lastly, the furnishings in the reading room have been in use for nearly 25 years.  In addition to being a reading room, the space serves as a classroom and a special event space for the University and the community.  The space appears in advertisements, promotional videos, news stories, and documentaries; therefore, an upgrade to our furnishings will aid in our promotion and marketing.   All these upgrades fit into the overall plan for renovating SCA.

We are so excited for all the positive changes on the horizon, and we hope you are too!

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Job Posting: Archivist for Reference and Outreach

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Lisa Rickey

If you’re passionate about archives, history, and enjoy opportunities to collaborate across campus units and the Dayton community, and want to work with a great group of people, then we’re looking for you! Come join our team at Wright State University Libraries.

We’re hiring an Archivist for Reference and Outreach to manage reference services and coordinate departmental outreach activities for Special Collections and Archives. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to manage time and set priorities.

For detailed information and to apply for the position please visit – https://jobs.wright.edu/postings/19439

Wright State University: https://wright.edu

Wright State University is a national public university in Dayton, Ohio with more than 11,000 students. Offering 315 degree programs, the university is made up of five colleges, two schools, and a branch campus in Celina, Ohio. Named for the Wright brothers, Wright State University offers an exceptional, affordable education.

University Libraries: https://libraries.wright.edu

The University Libraries uphold the mission of Wright State University by providing exceptional research services and resources to facilitate faculty and student success and by fostering innovation and life‐long learning in our diverse community. Our staff support the values of service, people, learning, research, collaboration, and stewardship. Wright State is a founding member of OhioLINK, the Ohio Library and Information Network, which cooperatively and cost-effectively purchases print and digital scholarly resources for its members, over 120 Ohio academic libraries.

About the region: https://www.wright.edu/about/about-our-region

Located in Southwestern Ohio, Dayton is known as the crossroads of innovation. Dayton ranked No. 2 on Livability’s list of the Best Affordable Places to Live. “Dayton offers a rich assortment of things to do, from outdoor recreation that includes canoeing and ice skating to cultural amenities, like the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.”

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