The following collections in the Special and Area Studies Department have been recently processed, expanded or revised at the University of Florida. Commemorative – Capsule with signatures of launch crew for Gemini Team, 1960s (H. H. Luetjen Papers, MSS 0687) Cordel Literature Collection, 1930-2018 A collection of “cordel…
By Jessica Garcete, Communications Intern The University of Florida Libraries’ Information Literacy Scholars Program started small. It was meant to be a simple way to give Innovation Academy students something to do during the fall semester. But the need behind it was bigger than a simple tour. Innovation Academy…
The Humans of the Libraries photo story celebrates the Smathers centennial student employee class of 2025. We are so proud of their accomplishments and the energy they have brought to our branches. Jess Garcete, Communications intern, graduates with a bachelor’s in Journalism. This summer she will be in Indiana for…
For Jennie Balchunas, dental hygiene and library sciences are like a toothbrush and toothpaste: a perfect match. A self-proclaimed zebra in a horse pen, Balchunas is a trained dental hygienist and librarian! “It really helps me to build rapport, understand the terminology and know what information my clinicians need…
By Alex Avelino, Director of Marketing and Communications At the UF Libraries, any library employee can propose a topic for an exhibit. Even if it has nothing to do with their job. Nothing but a personal passion or pursuit. For me, it was Stephen King. Before this exhibit, I…
Rachael Elrod, Ed.D., Associate Chair of the Departmental Libraries & Director of the Education Library received the Education and Behavioral Sciences Section (EBSS) Distinguished Education and Behavioral Sciences Librarian Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries. This award honors an academic librarian who has made an outstanding contribution as…
By Hunter Zbarsky, Libraries Communications Intern What started as a small conference in Gainesville has grown into an international academic symposium, connecting scholars across the globe and led to three University of Florida librarians being recognized for their innovation and commitment. In 2024 and 2025, Melissa Jerome, Hélène Huet and Sarah Tew of the UF Libraries received an internal Employee Excellence Award…
By Emma Paoleschi, UF Libraries Communications Intern At the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida, students often pass by exhibitions while studying, walking to class, or grabbing coffee. But behind those carefully designed displays is a meticulous process of storytelling, collaboration, and research. Much of that work…
When the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) sent a senior delegation to Latin America in January 2026, one seat at the table belonged to the Libraries. Dr. Javi Rudolph traveled alongside Associate Provosts and Deans Dr. Marta Wayne (International Center) and Dr. Nicole Stedman (Graduate School), and Dr.
The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida will welcome best-selling author, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, and former Washington Post journalist Mr. Rick Atkinson as the 2026 Michael Gannon Lecture Speaker. Mr. Atkinson will deliver his lecture on the subject of World War II on Tuesday, March 31…
