Carolyn Mountain
and Susan Magee
Daily Lobo Guest Columnists
The General Library is hosting the spring 2003 "Open Doors: Regional Scholars and Writers Series," at Zimmerman Library's Willard Reading Room on Wednesday, March 12 at 3 p.m.
Our speaker is Thomas E. Ch†vez, executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, who is always a compelling speaker.
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Have you ever wondered about the curious alliances and liaisons that have existed over the course of time? Perhaps it comes to mind more immediately in today's political climate, but a fascinating and little known chapter in United States history underscores the impact that such an alliance can have.
Ch†vez will be exploring the alliance formed between Spain and France as part of his presentation Wednesday afternoon. The American Revolution, as seen from the Spanish experience, reveals an abundance of previously unknown material, including the revelation that the French blockade at Yorktown was financed by Spain, which resulted in the British surrender.
The alliance of Spain and France and its significant impact on the American Revolution, along with the broader perspective of a world-wide war extending as far as India, has been carefully researched by Ch†vez in the Archivo General de Indias de Sevilla in Spain, as well as other archives.
Ch†vez is a noted author, a Fulbright fellow and public servant who will discuss his latest book, Spain and the Independence of the United States: an Intrinsic Gift, published by the University of New Mexico Press. Ch†vez received his doctorate in history from UNM and was director of the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe for 21 years.
The "Open Doors: Regional Scholars and Writers Series" is an ongoing series of one or two events each semester that is designed to support the rich literary expression of our region. It is sponsored by the General Library's Division of Iberian & Latin American Resources & Services (DILARES) and the Center for Southwest Research.
Another development within the General Library is the upcoming survey to evaluate how the library is serving its constituencies. Over the last few months we've shared information with you regarding the LibQUALl+ survey in which the UNM General Library has participated for the past two years.
We've mentioned the areas that the participants thought needed work and how we've responded with projects like shelf reading the Zimmerman collection and updating our signage.
From April 1-15, the Health Sciences Library and Infomatics Center will join the General Library as we again participate in the LibQUAL+ survey. If you are among those students who use the library and are chosen to participate, you will receive an email with a URL to the survey site.
Your participation is important and we will do our best to address any concerns you reveal in your responses.
