University of Minnesota Libraries

Craftsmanship drew UMN Psychology senior Amanda Lossef to the Health Science Library’s Makerspace and Virtual Reality Studio, where she’s worked for the past year. She introduces students to the various tools and resources in each space, answers questions, and troubleshoots problems and equipment malfunctions.

“There’ll often be someone who walks in for the first time, and I get to welcome them in and give them a tour. And I’m always excited when people come in again, and I see their progress and growth. That’s my favorite part,” Lossef said.

💛 https://ow.ly/qcka50Z6kbm

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries. ⁠
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Projects include custom enclosures that will ensure the long-term preservation of rare and unique historical East Asian texts, a pilot project that will use 3D scanning and printing technologies to create replicas of 15 Japanese pharmaceutical woodblocks, and efforts to develop international standards for the digitization of moveable books. Each of these projects tell the story of the global reach and impact of this renowned collection, and the expertise that makes the collection shine. ⁠

Three new initiatives center innovation at the Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine - UMN Libraries News & Events The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries.

The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries. ⁠
⁠
Projects include custom enclosures that will ensure the long-term preservation of rare and unique historical East Asian texts, a pilot project that will use 3D scanning and printing technologies to create replicas of 15 Japanese pharmaceutical woodblocks, and efforts to develop international standards for the digitization of moveable books. Each of these projects tell the story of the global reach and impact of this renowned collection, and the expertise that makes the collection shine.
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Three new initiatives center innovation at the Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine - UMN Libraries News & Events The Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine has partnered with colleagues across the Libraries and the University to advance three strategic initiatives, thanks to internal funding from the Libraries.

As part of the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson's founding of Black History Week in 1926, join the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life for the opening of a new community exhibit, 100 Years of Black Freedom. Through literature, archival imagery, and live performance, the exhibit highlights Black Freedom Tradition across generations.

There will be an exhibit opening and live performance on June 20 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). The exhibit will be on display at UROC through Aug. 20.

The Givens Foundation For African American Literature

Celebrate a century of Black history and storytelling at UROC. As part of the 100th anniversary of Carter G. Woodson’s Black History Week, The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is presenting a special community exhibit featuring the Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life. Through literature, archival imagery, and live performance, the exhibit highlights Black Freedom Tradition across generations. Stop by UROC for the opening exhibit and live performance on June 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The exhibit will be on display at UROC through August 20, 2026. Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

This summer, all UMN Civil Service and P&A staff are invited to participate in One Read. The featured book is "Dear Committee Members," a novel by Julie Schumacher, UMN Regents Professor of Creative Writing and English. Read the novel at your own pace, and then join Julie in conversation with Civil Service Chair-Elect Daryl Richard Lawrence for a webinar on Aug. 20. Program participants who attend the webinar can receive 1,000 Wellbeing Points. ⁠
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See more info, including information about where to find the book and discussion questions, at the link in bio or at z.umn.edu/OneRead26.

Wilson Library is OPEN during construction! Follow pedestrian detour signs around Rarig Center to access the front entrance. Construction work is expected to run through the summer.⁠ (Note that the specific route is subject to change; stay tuned for updates, and be sure to keep following the signs!)
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Stay cool this summer, Gophers ☀️

Tomorrow, join us at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud for a community conversation uncovering how racial covenants were not just an urban phenomenon. We’ll watch a locally produced docuseries on racial covenants in Central Minnesota, and afterwards, you can help us continue to build our map. Please bring a laptop or other device to participate in a community mapping session focused on Stearns County deeds.

This event is co-sponsored by the Great River Covenants Project, Stearns History Museum, and St. Cloud State University.

Congratulations to Nancy Sims, recipient of the 2026 University of Minnesota President's Award for Outstanding Service! Established in 1997, this award recognizes faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments, and service units.⁠
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Nancy expresses her appreciation for colleagues in P&A Senate for the nomination. She donated the monetary part of her award to the GoFundMe for Edwin Toalombo, the UMN first-year student detained by ICE in January.⁠
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(Photo/Merry Rendahl)

All UMN Libraries locations are closed on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day! We will re-open on Tuesday, May 26. Check lib.umn.edu for more information about hours.⁠
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Looking to kickstart Project Starpath, our summer reading challenge? Access tons of free reading materials from anywhere in the universe with the Libby app (.app). Just download the app from your app store and log in with your UMN ID and password to get started!⁠ See z.umn.edu/read2026 for more.