Towers
A Newsletter for Supporters of the University of Idaho Library
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Towers A Newsletter for Supporters of the University of Idaho Library
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Winter 1996
Editor: Stacy Kay Knutson, University of Idaho student
The Clifford M. Ott Photograph Collection
Winter 1996 Issue
The University of Idaho Library houses a collection of historical photographs donated by Clifford M. Ott in 1992. Mr. Ott was an avid amateur photographer who amassed over 10,000 slides, prints, and negatives spanning the years from 1883 to 1990. Ott compiled a selection from his collection into eleven albums containing a total of over 1,800 images of Moscow and surrounding Latah County. These scrap books contain photos as well as newspaper clippings, and historic footnotes. Clifford Ott used these scrapbooks, and other slides and negatives, to give talks to senior groups about Latah County history.
Clifford M. Ott was a Moscow resident for ninety years. He was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 1897. Mr. Ott's family relocated to Moscow in 1906. He attended school in Moscow until 1915. In 1916, Mr. Ott joined the Idaho National Guard, Company F in Lewiston. After service on the Arizona-Mexico border, his unit served in Washington State until it merged with the 116th Engineers and was dispatched to France where he served as a bayonet instructor.
He returned to Moscow in 1919, briefly working on the city survey crew. From 1920 to 1926, Clifford Ott farmed near Moscow. Then in 1927, he began working for the Washburn Wilson Seed Company as a warehouse foreman. After a 1945 fire, Mr. Ott was placed in charge of rebuilding the plant's processing and bean packaging machinery. During World War II, he helped produce C- and K- Rations at the seed company. Mr. Ott was made the manager of the Washburn Feed Store in 1952. He left the feed store in 1960 and went to work for the Idaho Department of Agriculture as a warehouse examiner. After retiring in 1967, he worked for the Aslin Finch Grain Company in Potlatch, Idaho. He remained at Aslin Finch until his second retirement in 1972. Mr. Ott continued to live in Moscow until his death on September 18, 1996, at the age of 99.
The photographs provide a careful documentary record of life, activities, and scenes in Moscow and nearby Latah County. Many of the images were copied from family photographs that would otherwise be inaccessible today. Researchers and students now have access to a remarkable historical record through Mr. Ott's generosity to the University of Idaho Library.
{Greg Schroeder, University of Idaho student, contributing writer.}
The Library-still the center of campus
Winter 1996 Issue
The library, long the heart of the campus community, is now considered the center of campus life by students. Since the opening of the "new" library in 1993 circulation (the number of books checked out) has increased over 50%, while reference questions have increased 81%. Students now meet in the "Fish Bowl" (the glass surrounded, student lounge area of the library) to work on group projects and study. Seats in the "Fish Bowl" are few and far between during the school day. The University of Idaho library has the distinction of being open the most hours of any academic library in the state of Idaho. The student lounge area of the library, by itself, stays open around the clock to meet student needs. Deep inside the library, a line usually forms to use the almost sixty computers on the first floor of the library. These computers, funded by student fees, link the students to information around the world, as well as allow students a chance to computerize their homework or check the availability of library books.
In earlier days, students congregated at the Administration building's "I-Bench." Today, students fill the library plaza with activity, so much so that the plaza is quickly becoming the best meeting spot on campus.
Finishing touches are being added to the plaza, at the north and east side of the library. Circular wall seats, planters, and new paths enhance the library's appearance. The wall seats are designed to encourage conversation and social interaction. The new landscaping also includes a staircase to accommodate the steep grade near the tower base. This staircase leads students from the University Classroom Center directly to the new library entrance. New plantings are covering the scars of the library remodeling project. With the completion of the plaza the library construction project, begun in 1989, is finally nearing an end.
From the Dean
Winter 1996 Issue
This has been a year of both challenges and optimism. The University and the Library have faced two consecutive budget hold-backs, but "dodged a bullet" through the defeat of the 1% Property Tax Limitation Initiative. The hold-backs have cost us 5% of our staffing at a time when library use continues to reach and exceed all-time highs.
On the optimistic side, we welcomed Bob Hoover as the new President of the University of Idaho. He has launched into his task with vigor and a clarity of vision, which emphasizes long-range strategic planning, the application of technology, and outreach, all goals with which the library is attuned. In his talks to constituencies, he remarks on the relative decline in state support, and the need to increase private giving to advance the mission of the university.
We are cognizant of this need as well. Your donations have provided furnishing for the new library, and income from our endowment has cushioned the relative decline in state support, and allowed us to purchase library materials critically needed by students and faculty. Although they may not be aware of their benefactors, we are, and we thank you.
Ron Force
A gift for future generations
Winter 1996 Issue
Over the years many donors have chosen to provide long-lasting support for the University of Idaho Library by donating to a permanent Library Associates' Endowment Fund. Year after year, the income generated by this endowment enables the library to acquire the rare and scholarly publications that enrich the research collection.
The Library Associates began this special development fund in 1965. The Endowment Fund is the result of many gifts from library supporters like you. When a gift is made to the Library Associates' Endowment Fund, it adds to the nearly $100,000 already invested. Each gift is placed with previous donations in a sound, income generating investment program designed and operated by the University of Idaho Foundation. This fund grew over 250% in the past ten years.
Last year the Library Associates' Endowment Fund generated almost $19,000; of that amount over $13,000 was reinvested in the endowment. The remainder, from dividends and interest, was placed in a fund to make future purchases for the library. Following are some of the research materials that were purchased by the Library Associates' Endowment Fund last year:
These are only a small sample of what the Endowment Fund has purchased recently. Contributions are a unique way to give to the library, in that the donations placed in the fund give year after year, making your gift last for future generations.
You can be part of this special endowment. Your donation to the Library Associates' endowment will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the rich resources that the University of Idaho Library provides. To support this special project just mail your donation to:
Library Associates Endowment
University of Idaho Library
Moscow, ID 83844-2351
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Spring 1996
Editor: Kindra Beitelspacher, University of Idaho student
The Laughlin Legacy
Spring 1996 Issue
Many buildings and rooms across the University of Idaho campus proudly bear the names of prominent supporters past and present. One such room is the Kyle and Marguerite Laughlin Reading Room in the Department of Special Collections and Archives in the University of Idaho Library.
The University honored the Laughlins for their many contributions to the library with this room naming when the new facility was completed in 1994.
Both the Laughlins were life members of the Library Associates, the "friends" of the library. Their giving to the University Library began in the 1950's. Over 700 books including many rare Western Americana were donated in the 1970's. In 1985, shortly after her husband's death, Marguerite Laughlin donated 27 cubic feet of her late husband's personal papers and photographs to the University of Idaho Library.
In December 1979, Warren Owens, then Dean of Instructional Services and Director of Libraries, reported that the University Library received "one of the most significant and impressive gifts in its history," the personal library of Kyle Laughlin, a long-time Moscow resident and prominent businessman.
The collection totaled 754 titles of predominantly Western Americana, with emphasis on the history, flora and fauna of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest; Native Americans, especially the Nez Perce; and western photographs. Highlights of the collection include: the first edition of Washington Irving's Astoria, 1836; 15 Vardis Fisher titles, of which 10 are first editions and 5 are autographed; the Thwaites edition (15 vols., 1904) of the Lewis and Clark journals; and the first edition of Alexander Ross' Fur Traders of the West, 1855.
Both UI graduates and teachers, the Laughlins married in 1933. They lived in Malad for a short time before returning to Moscow where they started in business. A ski shop within Ward Paint and Hardware, owned by Marguerite's father, gave way to a photo studio. Later, a partnership with Sam Haddock resulted in Haddock and Laughlin, a photography, television, appliance, and stereo shop. This business later became the Moscow TV Cable Company.
A strong supporter of both the Moscow Public Library and the University of Idaho Library, she was president of the Library Associates of the University of Idaho from 1972 to 1974. She was also a founding member of the Friends of the Moscow Public Library, Idaho Library Trustee of the Year in 1967, and President of the Idaho Library Association, 1974-1975. Active in civic affairs, she was a member of the Gritman Hospital Board, president of the Moscow-Parent Teacher Association, and chair of the Moscow Recreation Committee.
Although both of the Laughlins have passed away, their legacy lives on through their contributions to the library and the Reading Room that bears their name.
What's in a Name?
Spring 1996 Issue
Towers seemed to be a natural choice for the name of the library newsletter. The newly remodeled University of Idaho Library has brought a new landmark to campus, the library stair tower. It recalls both the nearby Memorial Gym tower and the massive Administration Building tower, which had been adopted by the Library Associates as a logo in the early 1960's.
Strategies for Survival through Computer Assisted Instruction
Spring 1996 Issue
Many English 104 students are not only using computers in the library to find information, but also to learn about doing library research. Faculty from the UI library and the English Department have collaborated in the development of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program entitled "Library Research: Strategies for Survival."
The program is targeted at English 104 students who are learning the process of writing a research paper, said Diane Prorak, one of the library faculty involved in developing the program. Students learn the steps, skills and tools needed to do library research through a graphical and interactive program that covers choosing and narrowing a topic, finding and evaluating information, and finally writing and proofreading.
"People have different learning styles, and this computer program helps meet some of those needs," Prorak said. The computer program allows each individual student to learn at their own pace, she added.
The CAI program teaches the basic organizational systems used in libraries, how to find books and periodical articles on a subject using Ida, the online catalog, and indexes, and how to determine if the library owns a periodical and find it in the library. Students must answer questions throughout the program and take a quiz at the end.
This past fall semester, CAI was implemented on an optional basis in the English 104 classes. Traditionally, students enrolled in freshman composition attended two library sessions in which they learned the physical arrangement of the library and how to use the catalogs. The CAI program came about because many English instructors were finding it difficult to devote two class sessions to library orientation. Many instructors have chosen to have one library orientation taught by a librarian and then have the students review with the CAI on their own.
Although the program doesn't allow for direct "hands on" library experience and some students don't learn as well from a computer, it is an excellent supplement to library orientation, Prorak said. "I don't see it completely replacing instruction by librarians," she added.
Many English 104 instructors are very enthusiastic about the CAI program and especially like offering it as a review, Prorak said. Students, for the most part, like the program, but several have commented that they would like more instruction time in the library. The program's effectiveness will continue to be evaluated in the spring semester.
While the program is targeted to English 104 students, others who need basic library instruction for writing a research paper can benefit from the program as well, Prorak added.
The development of the CAI program was done with support from a UI Teaching/Learning Grant and the UI Library using software called Authorware. It can be accessed from any campus lab with windows computers. From the Main Menu, choose Class software, the Letters and Science, English, and finally, Library English 104.
From the Dean
Spring 1996 Issue
With this issue of Towers, we celebrate the many friends who have supported the University of Idaho Library. Through this publications, we will continue to highlight the many accomplishments and aspirations of the University of Idaho Library, especially those made possible through the financial generosity of our dedicated associates.
The library and the way information is presented are ever undergoing changes. As all of you are aware, more and more information is being published in electronic format on CD-ROM, in multi-media, or distributed world-wide over the Internet. Although much information is now in electronic format, the book is certainly not obsolete, and we fully expect that libraries will continue to collect the majority of their information in print well into the next century.
Your gifts to the library have a tremendous impact on the quality of our collections and services. Contributions from donors to the library are making our transformation to the electronic age possible, as well as continuing our traditional collections. My sincerest thanks to all of you who have donated collections, funds, equipment and software to enrich the University of Idaho Library. Your gifts leave a special long-term legacy to the University for the students and researchers of today and those of tomorrow.
Come visit us this summer!
Ron Force
Almost 20 Tons of McClure Papers Donated to UI Library
Spring 1996 Issue
Nearly 20 tons of US Senator James McClure's congressional papers were donated to the University upon his retirement from the US Senate in 1990. After the arrangement, sorting and description of the materials began in 1991, the UI Library Special Collections and Archives is pleased to announce the availability of large portions of the McClure papers to researchers and scholars. The finding aid, including descriptions of the component parts and folder inventories, is now available on the World-Wide Web at the URL: <http://www.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Manuscripts/>.
The papers, which initially totalled more than 1500 cubic feet (approximately 20 tons), include correspondence with Idaho constituents, as well as communications with other political leaders, memoranda, photographs, government documents, and audio and video tape recordings.
James A. McClure was born Dec. 27, 1924 in Payette, ID. He served in the US Navy during WWII, earned a law degree from the University of Idaho in 1950, and subsequently returned to Payette where he was elected county prosecuting attorney and Payette city attorney. A conservative republican, McClure was sent to the Idaho State Senate for three terms, 1961-1966, and in the latter year was elected to the US Congress. In 1972, Idaho voters elected McClure to the US Senate and re-elected him in 1978 and 1984. His service in both the House and Senate reflected the public lands and natural resource issues of interest to his constituents.
McClure declined to run for re-election in 1990 and upon his retirement from the Senate he entered a partnership with his former legislative director and executive assistant, forming McClure, Gerard, & Neuenschwander, Inc., a Washington, DC lobbying firm. He and his wife, Louise, have returned to Idaho to live.
The McClure papers add to a growing body of documentation of Idaho's political leadership. Among the holdings of the University of Idaho Library are records of governors C.A. Bottolfsen, Barzilla Clark, and C. Ben Ross; US Senators and Representatives William Edgar Borah, Burton Lee French, James P. Pope, George L. Shoup, W.B. Heyburn, Gracie Pfost, Herman Welker, and Compton White; as well as papers of many state legislators, UI regents, presidents, and faculty.
Inside & Outside
Spring 1996 Issue
Change is an on-going occurrence at the UI Library to keep up with the needs of library users.
Inside the library, the student computer labs on the main floor will be expanded to double in size this summer. According to Kari Dickinson at Computer Services, 0 computers will be added to the existing 30 already in use at the library lab. approximately 7 of those new units will be Macintosh, and another printer will be added to the lab as well.
The library is one of the most popular computer labs on campus because it is a good location to study and do work, Dickinson said. "We are excited about the expansion, and hope it relieves some of the strain put on the library lab this year," she added.
/the expansion is part of Computer Services' goal to disperse computer labs throughout campus to meet the needs of the students. The project should be completed and ready for students to use when they return to class next fall.
Outside the library, landscaping of the Library Plaza is continuing. New bicycle racks, more powerful outdoor lights, and some planters with sitting benches have already been installed. Regrading between Renfrew Hall and the library has also created a direct, level route for wheelchairs.
By summer, the irrigation system and landscaping along the west side of the library will be installed to complete the Plaza along Rayburn Street. The next phase of the project will be directed toward the southwest portion of the Library Plaza which is currently gravel. large planters and sitting areas will be installed to beautify the campus and allow for students and visitors to lounge outdoors.
An Invitation
Become a member of the University of Idaho Library Associates by supporting its many programs and services with a financial contribution. There are many ways to contribute to the University of Idaho Library. You may wish to
For more information, please contact:
Library Associates
University of Idaho Library
P.O. Box 442351
Moscow, ID 83844-2351
(208)885-7951
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