bibliophile, spring 2012

1425 Jayhawk Blvd.Lawrence, KS 66045

Gifts from former dean and current advocate will support future librarians, Kansas historyBY SARAH KANNING

The University of Kansas Libraries have benefited from William J. (Bill) Crowe’s passion and expertise for more than two decades, formerly as a dean and most recently as a member of the Board of Advocates and chair of the Libraries’ capital campaign committee. Crowe’s two recent gifts to the University of Kansas Endowment Association, which total $300,000, give the Libraries needed resources to inspire new generations to pursue careers in the rapidly transforming field of librarianship and preserve and promote Kansas history.

The Raymond W. and Dorothy J. Sanders Library Scholars Fund provides scholarships for KU students on the

Lawrence campus who are working with a librarian mentor at KU Libraries, to help students learn about the evolving practice of librarianship and encourage librarians to serve as mentors to students. The $250,000 endowed fund is named for the parents of Bill’s late wife, Nancy P. Sanders. The first Sanders Scholar, Stuart Roberts, was named in 2011.

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(CONTINUED ON INSIDE FLAP)

MAJOR GIFTS

A University of Kansas Libraries publication for friends and benefactors

SPRING 2012

Bill Crowe, former dean of KU Libraries. Photo by Sarah Kanning.

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IN T

OU

CH

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A new gift from Dr. Charles Stansifer, KU professor emeritus and longtime advocate and supporter of the University of Kansas Libraries, will ensure that the collections he helped to establish will continue to grow and flourish.

The gift of $100,000, made to KU Endowment in October, established the Charles Stansifer Fund for Literature on Latin America at KU Libraries. It will be administered as an endowed fund; KU Libraries will use annual proceeds from the fund to support Latin American collections.

The newly-created fund is the culmination of a long history of support for KU Libraries from Stansifer, professor emeritus of history and a former director of the KU Center of Latin American Studies. He had previously donated his personal collection and papers, including items from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay and other Central

Endowed gift from KU professor emeritus will continue his contributions to Latin America collectionsBY REBECCA SMITH

Brad Allen, a KU alumnus and former Libraries student employee, has just been hired as the new director of Lawrence Public Library. Allen said he is eager to return to Lawrence, and excited about the potential of Lawrence Public Libraries and KU Libraries working together.

“What we do is different and complementary,” Allen said. “We can potentially share resources and deliver services more efficiently for both. KU is such a big part of so many people’s lives in the Lawrence community. I’m looking for innovative and fun ways for us to partner.”

His goals for Lawrence Public Library focus on the community. “I see Lawrence as a place where people want to come together and share stories as a community,” Allen said. “We want to provide them with spaces where they can create and share ideas out into the digital world, too, and I think we can do that with the new building project.”

“We also need to make sure that a lot of people aren’t being left behind because they can’t afford the resources at their house,” Allen said. “It’s our job to provide resources, and provide help where we can, to help people develop the new skills they need in this new economy.” Investing in children’s collections is another priority for Allen.

Allen has a longstanding love of libraries—and a long history of library work. He worked for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library one summer in high school “shelving DVDs and stuff,” and at KU, he spent his junior year working for KU Libraries in the marking department, embossing the spines of books with a hot metal brand. Not the most glamorous jobs, maybe, but he already suspected that librarianship was the right path for him.

He spent much of his free time at KU making music, playing guitar and bass for a popular local band, Vitreous Humor, which played KU’s Day on the Hill festival in 1994. After completing his undergraduate degree at KU, Allen said, “I discovered that a bachelor’s in American studies and psychology can be hard to parlay into a job. And I wanted to find something that would suit my strengths and make some small difference in the world.” So he earned a master’s of library science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Since then, Allen has worked for 10 years in public libraries, including the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Allen began his new job as director of Lawrence Public Libraries on May 1. v

and South American countries. Stansifer’s collection, built over more than five decades, contains thousands of items.

In addition, during his frequent travels to Latin America, Stansifer helped acquire several unique and notable collections for KU Libraries, including the Lines Collection, the Casement Collection, the Zuñiga Montúfar Collection and the Flores Andino Collection. He has also served on KU Libraries’ Board of Advocates since 2008.

Brad Allen returns to Lawrence as the new director of the Lawrence Public LibraryBY SARAH KANNING

• Brad Allen returns as newdirector of Lawrence Public Library• Sanders Scholar ends fellowship

• Gift to Art & Architecture Library documents contemporary Japanese prints

• Street photographer Gary Mark Smith donates collection• Our partner at KU Endowment: Debbie McCord

IN THIS ISSUE:

Debbie McCord, the development director for KU Libraries, has deep roots at KU, beginning 16 years ago at the KU School of Social Welfare, where she managed their events and alumni relations. Since then, she has moved to KU Endowment, where she now cultivates and stewards major gifts for the Libraries and the School of Social Welfare.

In her work, McCord has learned that supporters are passionate about the Libraries and want to be supportive and to be a part of continuing a legacy of excellence. “It has been eye-opening and exciting to realize just how many lives the Libraries have touched over the years,” said McCord.

A chat with McCord might range from libraries and books (her favorite is “Gone with the Wind” because “you can’t go wrong with a classic”) to cooking and running, her two favorite hobbies. She might even be convinced to share stories about her family, which includes her husband, two daughters and two grandchildren, or their summer travels to Colorado.

Learn more about Debbie McCord at www.kuendowment.org, or by contacting her at [email protected] or 785-832-7372. v

Our partner at KU Endowment:Debbie McCordBY SARAH KANNING

Preserving Family History Saturday, June 2, 2012 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.Watson Library | Lawrence, Kansas

KU Conservator Whitney Baker and Curator of Collections Sherry Williams share their expertise maintaining historic collections and offer ideas for preserving your family heirloom photos, papers and news clippings.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

For additional event details, visit www.lib.ku.edu/events.

JUNE 2 LAWRENCE

Debbie McCord.Photo by Lisa Schiller.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF BIBLIOPHILE?

Visit Bibliophile online at www.issuu.com/kulibraries.Questions? Comments? E-mail us at [email protected] or send your letter to: Bibliophile; 502 Watson Library; 1425 Jayhawk Blvd.; Lawrence, KS 66045.

Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a comprehensive campaign to advance KU and the University of Kansas Hospital, launched its public phase April 28. The campaign seeks to raise $1.2 billion by its conclusion in June 2016. Since July 1, 2008, the campaign’s “quiet phase” has raised $612 million toward the goal.

This campaign represents an unprecedented effort to realize the aspirations that guide the evolution of the university. The ultimate goal is to secure a leading position among the top tier of public research universities and academic medical centers in America.

To that end, Far Above seeks support to educate future leaders, advance medicine, accelerate discovery and drive economic growth. Campaign priorities were established through extensive consultation with leaders throughout the university and hospital. Broad goals include: student support – $400 million, program support – $325 million, faculty support – $300 million and facilities/environment support – $175 million.

KU Libraries represent a key priority for the campaign, as they advance inquiry and nurture collections that attract scholars to KU from around the world. For more information, please visit www.kuendowment.org/farabove_libraries. v

“My colleagues and I are humbled by Charley’s generous gift, and by his long support of our work and our collections,” said Lorraine Haricombe, dean of KU Libraries. “With his gifts and his unstinting efforts on our behalf, spanning nearly five decades, he has helped us create truly world-class collections in Latin American literature here at KU.”

The gift will count toward Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a comprehensive campaign which held its public kick-off in April 2012.

Since 1979, Stansifer has provided philanthropic support to KU valued at more than $400,000. His gifts of more than

Latin America collections$250,000 to KU Endowment have supported various areas across the university, including student travel grants to and from Paraguay and scholarships for Latin American research through KU’s Department of History and the Center of Latin American Studies. In addition, he has also provided a collection to KU Libraries with an estimated value of more than $100,000.

The fund will be managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university. v

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT)

Brad Allen at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, August 2011. The photo was taken by his wife, Erin Bennett, on their first European vacation last summer.

Bibliophile is published in print and online semi-annually by the University of Kansas Libraries for alumni, friends and benefactors. Printing is paid for with private contributions.

Dean of Libraries - lorraine j. haricombe | Editor - Rebecca SmithContent - Sarah Kanning and Dylan DerryberryDesign and production - Courtney Foat and Claire Dooley

A recent gift of library materials on contemporary Japanese prints from Ted and Sumie Childers of LaMesa, California, is a timely addition to the collection at Murphy Art & Architecture Library at KU.

Seventeen boxes of books, exhibition catalogs and journal issues arrived last fall, just as Dr. Sherry Fowler, associate professor of Japanese art in the Samuel H. Kress Department of Art History, prepared to teach a fall lecture course and then a spring graduate seminar on Japanese prints. The materials include items in both English and Japanese.

Susan Craig, art librarian for KU Libraries and head of the Art & Architecture Library, said Fowler “had a chance to review the collection before it was processed and declared that it had some real gems,” which would be of immediate use to the students in her classes. “Many of these publications are from museums that do not distribute their publications through the regular book trade,” Craig explained, “so normally only visitors to those museums would get to hear about and purchase them.”

Childers says of his gift, “I got hooked on contemporary Japanese prints in the late 60’s and started collecting in earnest

A gift to Murphy Art & Architecture Library documents contemporary Japanese printsBY SARAH KANNING

Gift from former deanSanders Scholar ends fellowship, grateful for experienceBY DYLAN DERRYBERRY some years later. I subscribed to some Japanese language journals—

good pictures fortunately, as I do not read much Japanese—and bought a number of books, museum catalogs and other related materials as the opportunity presented itself.” Craig reviewed the materials and selected items appropriate for the library.

“I graduated in the class of ’62 and a half (flunked a lot of Spanish), and got interested in the KU art museums one spring morning when I wandered into Spooner Hall,” Childers said. “Bergman’s movie ‘The Seventh Seal’ was the current rave among the literate/academic classes, and the gallery had an exhibit of etchings depicting ‘The Dance of Death.’ So I got the idea that works on paper were ‘art.’”

Childers has not only donated publications to KU Libraries, but has also given Japanese prints to the Spencer Museum of Art.

Murphy Art & Architecture Library, located on the first floor of Spencer Art Museum, has one of the finest art library collections in the Midwest, and offers knowledgeable, in-depth consultation to the KU community and visitors. Learn more at www.lib.ku.edu/artlib. v

After nearly two years, Stuart Roberts, the first Sanders Scholar, has ended his time with KU Libraries.

The Sanders Library Scholars Fund was established by former library dean Bill Crowe, and by his late wife, Nancy Sanders, in memory of Nancy’s parents, R.W. and Dorothy J. Sanders (see front). The fund was designed to provide scholarships for students at the University of Kansas interested in working with a librarian mentor at KU Libraries.

Crowe explained there are often misconceptions as to what librarianship entails. He created the scholarship to expose selected students to some of the interesting roles of librarians, including many that take place behind the scenes, which proved beneficial for its first recipient.

“The Sanders program enabled me to explore and engage with the varied facets of librarianship, while allowing me to apply and exercise my personal passions and interests,” Roberts said. “It’s such a unique program, and as a platform for students interested in librarianship, it is invaluable. I look forward to seeing how the program develops and the range of talent that will benefit from the experience.”

Roberts, who grew up in Lawrence, graduated in December with a degree in English and classics and plans to relocate to New York to pursue opportunities in book and magazine publishing. The Sanders Scholars program gave Roberts the opportunity to work as an editorial assistant to Beth Whittaker, head of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Roberts’ work included support for the publication “RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Cultural Heritage,” editing texts related to the Vivat Liber event in honor of Sandy Mason and other library projects.

“We are grateful for the chance to work with Stuart,” Whittaker said. “We are confident he has gained experience, perspective and increased passion through his employment as the Sanders Scholar.” v

P.O. Box 928Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

1-800-444-4201www.kuendowment.org

Gift InformationI/We would like to

make a gift of :

$______ in support of

KU Libraries

Giving OptionsPlease make check payable to: KU EndowmentCheck the appropriate credit card:

q Visa q Mastercard q Discover q American Express

Credit Card # _________________________________

Exp. Date _____ _____

Signature _____________________________________

Give securely online: www.kuendowment.org/givenow

Matching GiftCompany______________________________________________

Spouse’s Company______________________________________________

Procedure: q Form enclosed q Other procedure initiatedYour gift to KU Endowment can be enhanced through employer matching gift programs. You may be eligible if you or your spouse are employed by, serve on a board for, or are retired from a matching gift company. Contact your personnel office to find out if your employer will match your gift for KU, or call KU Endowment’s Matching Gift Help Line at 1-888-653-6111.

100 percent of your gift will be used to benefit the area of your choice at the

University of Kansas.

Vosper Society giving level:

q Benefactor - $2,500+ q Friend - $100+

q Advocate - $1,000+ q KU Community -

q Donor - $500+

Gift is from:

Name ___________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Preferred e-mail ____________________________________________

Phone number _____________________________________________

any giving level AFFILIATION:

_________________________

Name(s) as they should appear on receipt

The Sanders-Crowe Library Fund for Kansas History supports KU Libraries’ efforts related to preserving and promoting knowledge of Kansas history. Proceeds from the $50,000 endowed gift can be used to acquire, process and preserve collections of library and archival materials related to Kansas history; promote awareness of related resources and services at KU Libraries; and hold related lectures, exhibits and other events. The gift is named in memory of Nancy Sanders (KU class of 1967), and to honor their daughter, Katherine M. Crowe (KU class of 2004).

“Bill’s commitment to service and his passion for librarianship, throughout his career and into his retirement, have been unparalleled,” said Lorraine Haricombe, dean of KU Libraries. “His contributions as a librarian, an administrator and a leader in the profession nationally have brought distinction to KU, and with this gift, he has created a valuable legacy for future scholars and librarians.”

A Bostonian by birth and education, Crowe spent the early years of his career with Boston Public Library, Indiana University Libraries, and Ohio State University. He was dean of libraries at KU from 1990-96, and then served as the vice chancellor of information services until 1999, when he became the Spencer librarian. In phased retirement, he became part-time special assistant to the dean of libraries at KU in 2007 before retiring in 2010. A member of the KU Libraries Board of Advocates, Crowe serves as the chair of the Libraries’ capital campaign committee. v

Nancy Sanders and Katherine Crowe, 2003.

“[Bill’s] contributions as a librarian, an administrator and a leader in the profession nationally have brought distinction to KU, and with this gift, he has created a valuable legacy for future scholars and librarians.” - Lorraine Haricombe

Internationally renowned street photographer Gary Mark Smith—who has shot photos of wars, revolution, peace, volcanic eruptions and most importantly, everyday people—has donated his collection to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas.

Smith, a KU alumnus, has made a career of shooting photos of candid moments on the streets of 66 countries on six continents since 1978. His photos have been displayed in museums and galleries, featured in books and will now be part of the Kansas Collection at Spencer Research Library. The donation includes everything from shots of the 1982-84 civil war in El Salvador to a 1997 volcanic eruption in the tiny Caribbean island nation of Montserrat and photos of street sweepers, police and poverty from around the world.

“It’s Gary’s life work. He’s given us his whole life story,” Sherry Williams, curator of collections at Spencer Research Library, said of the gift. “I think it’s a very compelling story, and he’s a great role model for students and researchers. I’m very, very happy to have this here in Spencer.”

The gift contains thousands of Smith’s photos. Smith also donated articles both authored by him and about him, his research notes from international photographic excursions and personal items such as his baby book and high school yearbook.

Even though he took a somewhat nontraditional approach to his career, Smith has received plenty of honors from the academic and photographic fields along the way. He was nominated for a William Randolph Hearst Award in 1983, donated work for the George Eastman House 2011 and 2012 History of Photography auctions in New York, and earned a master’s degree at Purdue University through a teaching fellowship. “I’m not an academic, but I’ve always said I work with academic purpose,” Smith said.

Smith’s work has covered daily moments in the lives of numerous cultures and historical moments such as the Russian revolution, fall of the Berlin Wall and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His artist’s statement in part describes street photography as a form in which “predominantly urban people can be studied and photographed in the wild going about the task of living out the commerce and leisure and bustle and sometimes grind of their everyday public lives.”

The collection will be cataloged at Spencer and available for research purposes. “I’m really humbled by all of this,” Smith said. “I’m not going to get used to the fact that I have a collection here at Spencer.” v

Acclaimed street photographer Gary Mark Smith donates collection to Kansas Collection at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library BY MIKE KRINGS


Images courtesy of the Gary Mark Smith Collection, Kenneth Spencer Research Library.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected], 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.






(CONTINUED INSIDE)


MAJOR GIFTS


SPRING 2012


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IN T

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CH






















IN THIS ISSUE:










JUNE 2 LAWRENCE















Bibliophile is published in print and online semi-annually by the University of Kansas Libraries for alumni, friends and benefactors. Printing is paid for with private contributions.

Dean of Libraries - lorraine j. haricombe | Editor - Rebecca SmithContent - Sarah Kanning and Dylan DerryberryDesign and production - Courtney Foat and Claire Dooley

A recent gift of library materials on contemporary Japanese prints from Ted and Sumie Childers of LaMesa, California, is a timely addition to the collection at Murphy Art & Architecture Library at KU.

Seventeen boxes of books, exhibition catalogs and journal issues arrived last fall, just as Dr. Sherry Fowler, associate professor of Japanese art in the Samuel H. Kress Department of Art History, prepared to teach a fall lecture course and then a spring graduate seminar on Japanese prints. The materials include items in both English and Japanese.

Susan Craig, art librarian for KU Libraries and head of the Art & Architecture Library, said Fowler “had a chance to review the collection before it was processed and declared that it had some real gems,” which would be of immediate use to the students in her classes. “Many of these publications are from museums that do not distribute their publications through the regular book trade,” Craig explained, “so normally only visitors to those museums would get to hear about and purchase them.”

Childers says of his gift, “I got hooked on contemporary Japanese prints in the late 60’s and started collecting in earnest

A gift to Murphy Art & Architecture Library documents contemporary Japanese printsBY SARAH KANNING

Gift from former deanSanders Scholar ends fellowship, grateful for experienceBY DYLAN DERRYBERRY some years later. I subscribed to some Japanese language journals—

good pictures fortunately, as I do not read much Japanese—and bought a number of books, museum catalogs and other related materials as the opportunity presented itself.” Craig reviewed the materials and selected items appropriate for the library.

“I graduated in the class of ’62 and a half (flunked a lot of Spanish), and got interested in the KU art museums one spring morning when I wandered into Spooner Hall,” Childers said. “Bergman’s movie ‘The Seventh Seal’ was the current rave among the literate/academic classes, and the gallery had an exhibit of etchings depicting ‘The Dance of Death.’ So I got the idea that works on paper were ‘art.’”

Childers has not only donated publications to KU Libraries, but has also given Japanese prints to the Spencer Museum of Art.

Murphy Art & Architecture Library, located on the first floor of Spencer Art Museum, has one of the finest art library collections in the Midwest, and offers knowledgeable, in-depth consultation to the KU community and visitors. Learn more at www.lib.ku.edu/artlib. v

After nearly two years, Stuart Roberts, the first Sanders Scholar, has ended his time with KU Libraries.

The Sanders Library Scholars Fund was established by former library dean Bill Crowe, and by his late wife, Nancy Sanders, in memory of Nancy’s parents, R.W. and Dorothy J. Sanders (see front). The fund was designed to provide scholarships for students at the University of Kansas interested in working with a librarian mentor at KU Libraries.

Crowe explained there are often misconceptions as to what librarianship entails. He created the scholarship to expose selected students to some of the interesting roles of librarians, including many that take place behind the scenes, which proved beneficial for its first recipient.

“The Sanders program enabled me to explore and engage with the varied facets of librarianship, while allowing me to apply and exercise my personal passions and interests,” Roberts said. “It’s such a unique program, and as a platform for students interested in librarianship, it is invaluable. I look forward to seeing how the program develops and the range of talent that will benefit from the experience.”

Roberts, who grew up in Lawrence, graduated in December with a degree in English and classics and plans to relocate to New York to pursue opportunities in book and magazine publishing. The Sanders Scholars program gave Roberts the opportunity to work as an editorial assistant to Beth Whittaker, head of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Roberts’ work included support for the publication “RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Cultural Heritage,” editing texts related to the Vivat Liber event in honor of Sandy Mason and other library projects.

“We are grateful for the chance to work with Stuart,” Whittaker said. “We are confident he has gained experience, perspective and increased passion through his employment as the Sanders Scholar.” v

P.O. Box 928Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

1-800-444-4201www.kuendowment.org

Gift InformationI/We would like to

make a gift of :

$______ in support of

KU Libraries

Giving OptionsPlease make check payable to: KU EndowmentCheck the appropriate credit card:

q Visa q Mastercard q Discover q American Express

Credit Card # _________________________________

Exp. Date _____ _____

Signature _____________________________________

Give securely online: www.kuendowment.org/givenow

Matching GiftCompany______________________________________________

Spouse’s Company______________________________________________

Procedure: q Form enclosed q Other procedure initiatedYour gift to KU Endowment can be enhanced through employer matching gift programs. You may be eligible if you or your spouse are employed by, serve on a board for, or are retired from a matching gift company. Contact your personnel office to find out if your employer will match your gift for KU, or call KU Endowment’s Matching Gift Help Line at 1-888-653-6111.

100 percent of your gift will be used to benefit the area of your choice at the

University of Kansas.

Vosper Society giving level:

q Benefactor - $2,500+ q Friend - $100+

q Advocate - $1,000+ q KU Community -

q Donor - $500+

Gift is from:

Name ___________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Preferred e-mail ____________________________________________

Phone number _____________________________________________

any giving level AFFILIATION:

_________________________

Name(s) as they should appear on receipt

The Sanders-Crowe Library Fund for Kansas History supports KU Libraries’ efforts related to preserving and promoting knowledge of Kansas history. Proceeds from the $50,000 endowed gift can be used to acquire, process and preserve collections of library and archival materials related to Kansas history; promote awareness of related resources and services at KU Libraries; and hold related lectures, exhibits and other events. The gift is named in memory of Nancy Sanders (KU class of 1967), and to honor their daughter, Katherine M. Crowe (KU class of 2004).

“Bill’s commitment to service and his passion for librarianship, throughout his career and into his retirement, have been unparalleled,” said Lorraine Haricombe, dean of KU Libraries. “His contributions as a librarian, an administrator and a leader in the profession nationally have brought distinction to KU, and with this gift, he has created a valuable legacy for future scholars and librarians.”

A Bostonian by birth and education, Crowe spent the early years of his career with Boston Public Library, Indiana University Libraries, and Ohio State University. He was dean of libraries at KU from 1990-96, and then served as the vice chancellor of information services until 1999, when he became the Spencer librarian. In phased retirement, he became part-time special assistant to the dean of libraries at KU in 2007 before retiring in 2010. A member of the KU Libraries Board of Advocates, Crowe serves as the chair of the Libraries’ capital campaign committee. v

Nancy Sanders and Katherine Crowe, 2003.

“[Bill’s] contributions as a librarian, an administrator and a leader in the profession nationally have brought distinction to KU, and with this gift, he has created a valuable legacy for future scholars and librarians.” - Lorraine Haricombe

Internationally renowned street photographer Gary Mark Smith—who has shot photos of wars, revolution, peace, volcanic eruptions and most importantly, everyday people—has donated his collection to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas.

Smith, a KU alumnus, has made a career of shooting photos of candid moments on the streets of 66 countries on six continents since 1978. His photos have been displayed in museums and galleries, featured in books and will now be part of the Kansas Collection at Spencer Research Library. The donation includes everything from shots of the 1982-84 civil war in El Salvador to a 1997 volcanic eruption in the tiny Caribbean island nation of Montserrat and photos of street sweepers, police and poverty from around the world.

“It’s Gary’s life work. He’s given us his whole life story,” Sherry Williams, curator of collections at Spencer Research Library, said of the gift. “I think it’s a very compelling story, and he’s a great role model for students and researchers. I’m very, very happy to have this here in Spencer.”

The gift contains thousands of Smith’s photos. Smith also donated articles both authored by him and about him, his research notes from international photographic excursions and personal items such as his baby book and high school yearbook.

Even though he took a somewhat nontraditional approach to his career, Smith has received plenty of honors from the academic and photographic fields along the way. He was nominated for a William Randolph Hearst Award in 1983, donated work for the George Eastman House 2011 and 2012 History of Photography auctions in New York, and earned a master’s degree at Purdue University through a teaching fellowship. “I’m not an academic, but I’ve always said I work with academic purpose,” Smith said.

Smith’s work has covered daily moments in the lives of numerous cultures and historical moments such as the Russian revolution, fall of the Berlin Wall and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His artist’s statement in part describes street photography as a form in which “predominantly urban people can be studied and photographed in the wild going about the task of living out the commerce and leisure and bustle and sometimes grind of their everyday public lives.”

The collection will be cataloged at Spencer and available for research purposes. “I’m really humbled by all of this,” Smith said. “I’m not going to get used to the fact that I have a collection here at Spencer.” v

Acclaimed street photographer Gary Mark Smith donates collection to Kansas Collection at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library BY MIKE KRINGS


Images courtesy of the Gary Mark Smith Collection, Kenneth Spencer Research Library.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected], 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.






(CONTINUED INSIDE)


MAJOR GIFTS


SPRING 2012


KEEP

IN T

OU

CH






















IN THIS ISSUE:










JUNE 2 LAWRENCE















bibliophile, spring 2012

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