It’s National Library Week 2016 and the theme this year is Libraries Transform. All week long we’ll be sharing blog posts from students, faculty and staff that riff on this important theme. Check back this week to hear from:

  • Rachel Paul, University of Arkansas Libraries’ Performing Arts and Media department, shares how linked data transforms library catalog searching. Paul explains the pros and cons of the emerging technology BIBFRAME.
  • Olivia Caillouet, a student in the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, with a piece titled “Blackberries to Books: A Horticulture Perspective.” Caillouet reflects on how the Libraries positively impacted her university experience.
  • Amy Allen, University Archivist, traces the transformation of the library at the University of Arkansas – the first library contained just 137 books in 1872. Her post showcases photographs from the archives about how the physical space has transformed over time.
  • Dylan S. Milholen, also of the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, reflects on how changes the Libraries have made since he became a student provided advantages and perks to his studies.

And we’d love to hear from YOU, too! Share in the comments section how your library has helped you transform, whether in small ways that show up in how you spend your free time, to larger impacts in your work or research. The American Library Association (ALA) also has many other ideas about how you can participate here, including a twibbon for your twitter account.

“First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the ALA and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.” -ALA