OXFORD,
\nMiss. – The J.D. Williams Library at the University of Mississippi has
\nbeen cited by the Mississippi Library Association for outstanding work
\nrelated to the first 2008 presidential debate, hosted at UM Sept. 26.<\/p>\n
During
\nan awards luncheon at its 2008 conference, the MLA gave special
\nrecognition to the library for its debate-related programming.
\n
“This unique project showcased the library’s services and special collections and the utilization of technology. It presented a once-in-a-lifetime event with national\/international implications,” said Marsha Case at the MLA meeting. (Case is assistant director for technical services at the Jackson\/Hinds Library System and MLA member.)<\/p>\n
“It is very gratifying that the awards committee decided to single out our programming,” said Leigh McWhite, UM political papers archivist and coordinator of the library’s debate-related activities. “Our library worked very hard to provide the campus community with a variety of resources and events which would tie in with the presidential debate.”<\/p>\n
Programming included an exhibit on presidents and Mississippi presidential elections, three Brown Bag Lunch programs, an invitation-only wine-and-cheese stewardship event, an online subject guide, an archival press packet and publication of a commemorative keepsake of presidential portraits from the archives’ collections.<\/p>\n
“The Presidential Debate provided a wonderful opportunity for the library to showcase our many historic resources in a wide variety of formats,” said Julia Rholes, dean of UM libraries. “We were delighted to be a part of this historic event and we were also very pleased to be honored by the Mississippi Library Association.”<\/p>\n