Category: Q&A

University libraries lend to all state residents

University libraries have traditionally been reserved for students and faculty. However, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has expanded access to its resources, now allowing the broader community to utilize its collections. We spoke with Tara Lynn Fulton, Dean of the UNH Library, to delve into the reasons behind this decision, the response from the community and the implications for academic libraries in the future. New Hampshire residents (18 years old and older) can obtain library cards from USNH campuses with valid identification and proof of residency. Visit library.unh.edu.

Why did you decide to start offering free borrowing to New Hampshire residents?

First, to offer some broader context: We have public libraries in communities across the state. … If someone requires more in-depth research that their local library can’t fulfill, these libraries offer interlibrary loans. We’ve always participated in this, lending materials. Each of our libraries also traditionally had a small regional group that could obtain library cards. This isn’t a new initiative; most people have relied on their public libraries. But for individuals like writers or high school students involved in advanced research, it’s been a beneficial service. Our primary mission is to serve the campus: our students and faculty. Historically, this meant physical collections like print books, DVDs, and other materials. As the digital era has progressed, more of our collections have transitioned to e-books and digital media. During the Covid era, with a shift to remote learning, our faculty leaned heavily into these electronic resources, and the need for physical materials lessened. This made me wonder: Why not open up our resources more widely? I brought this up with other library directors from the University System of New Hampshire, and they were all on board. Hence, the initiative evolved.

Have you seen an uptick in borrowers?

Several people got cards as soon as the news spread. It’s not a vast number, but for those who wanted it, it’s been valuable. I’ve seen a few people walking around in the library. One individual mentioned how they appreciated the chance to check out materials and were also grateful to know they’re welcome in our building. This offering has reinforced to the community that our facilities are open and available for their use.

What distinguishes your library’s materials from those in a typical town library?

Our library’s core focus is to serve the university by providing materials that support higher education. While town libraries offer a general assortment of classic literature and popular reads, our collection delves deeper, especially into areas like English literature and American literature. The depth varies based on campus programs; for instance, the Durham campus emphasizes science, so we have a substantial array of historical physics materials. We have extensive collections, including non-circulating special ones, such as an in-depth history of New Hampshire, invaluable for researchers or authors seeking historical accuracy. Campuses like Keene and Plymouth, historically centered on teacher education, provide resources beneficial for educators, such as specialized teaching methods for specific grades.

Is there a plan to digitize the special collections, extending their accessibility?

We’re taking progressive steps to digitize, ensuring we adhere to copyright constraints. A notable accomplishment from the past year is digitizing New Hampshire’s town reports in their entirety, which has been well-received. Most of our digitized collections can be browsed on our website.

Do you think other universities might adopt a similar approach, opening their libraries to local residents?

This might differ from state to state. New Hampshire’s tight-knit nature promotes a strong bond between universities and communities. Our effort seems like a logical progression in this partnership. While I’m unaware of similar endeavors in other states, the global trend moving away from print materials might inspire similar initiatives. We’d be delighted to be trailblazers in this movement.

Featured photo: UNH system libraries are located in Manchester, Durham, Keene and Plymouth. Courtesy graphic.

Wildflower Festival celebrates pollinators

The inaugural Wildflower Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 19, at Keyes Field on Elm Street, Milford, aims to bring together art, music and nature while highlighting the importance of pollinators and urban green spaces. Event organizer Griff Comtois discussed the festival’s origins, mission and planned activities. See Eventbrite for details and tickets.

Tell us about the festival and its activities.

There’s going to be an art market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The venue is this large wooden and stone amphitheater near a river. There’s a field in front of it. In the field and the parking lot, there will be around 30 art vendors and a food truck. The food truck The Sleazy Vegan will be selling all vegan food. We’ll also have burgers and hot dogs available. During this time, people can come, walk around, see the artists and just hang out. From 6 to 9 p.m., we have a concert. This requires tickets for entry. We’ll have three bands playing, all local to New Hampshire, from the Seacoast area and down to southern New Hampshire. The bands are Sneaky Miles, Watson Park and Five Feet. Also, during the day, the New Hampshire Beekeepers Association will be there. They’ll have an educational booth about pollinators and will bring observation hives.

What inspired this initiative, and what is the mission behind it?

There are two primary sources of inspiration. First, I’ve always been a big fan of the outdoors. Recently, my interest in urban development grew, especially in integrating nature into urban settings. I believe in creating spaces where people can connect with nature, enjoy their surroundings and just relax. … Art and music, to me, are closely linked. They’re ways for people to express themselves and understand the world. Nature ties into this as well, being a part of the world we live in. Many, especially myself, draw inspiration from nature. Second, I love concerts and festivals. A few years ago, our town built a new amphitheater. While some events have taken place there, I hadn’t seen any major festivals. I felt it would be an ideal location for such an event and believed it would be great for our community, bringing everyone together. Over time, this evolved into a mission to enhance the parks where the events take place.

Why dedicate the proceeds to pollinator gardens and pollinator hotels?

Native plants play a vital role in our cities, and supporting pollinators is crucial for producing food and maintaining a vibrant ecosystem. By enhancing the gardens in the park, we not only provide visitors with a beautiful view but also offer an educational opportunity. It’s essential for everyone to understand the significance of pollinators.

After the festival, how can people continue to support the initiative?

Depending on the funds we gather from the festival, we might need to host more fundraisers to reach our targets. Apart from that, I’m likely to need some volunteer help for the garden installations. I’ve been in touch with Petals in the Pines [a local pollinator garden and conservancy]. They provided some advice about the criteria to make a garden officially recognized as pollinator-friendly. I’m planning at least one major garden installation, followed by a few of the pollinator hotels. Depending on the money we have or continue to raise, we’ll determine the scale. We’ve also identified a location that could potentially be turned into a full wildflower meadow.

What insights about the natural world do you hope attendees gain from the festival?

I hope that they get a glimpse into the intricacies of even the smallest elements of nature, like a garden or the plants they pass by daily. … Beyond bees, there are hundreds of pollinating insects playing their role in these mini ecosystems. It’s fascinating to see how much effort goes into sustaining such small entities.

Wildflower Festival
Where: Keyes Field, Elm Street in Milford
When: Saturday, Aug. 19
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — free Arts Market with more than 20 vendors
6 to 9 p.m. — Ticketed concert with Watson Park, Five Feet and Sneaky Miles; tickets cost $14.98 plus fees for general admission, $5 plus fees for children ages 2 to 10.
Find tickets on EventBrite.com