Using Social Justice to Explore the Unreal: Cartographic Literacy in Library Instruction

At the most basic level, a map is a representation of space. When teaching with maps it is essential to have a holistic understanding that maps are created by people as tools, they represent the ideas and views of their makers, are used to exert control and power, and act as snapshots of the period in which they were produced. This paper provides an overview of interdisciplinary instruction using a library’s map collection focused on imaginary and unreal locations. We address three points through a social justice lens: (1) maps as constructs and reinforcers of colonialism, (2) the importance of identifying who, why, and when a map was created, and (3) the subversive power of intellectual and allegorical mapping. Our work expands on previous efforts to teach cartographic literacy and social justice by introducing imaginary cartographies to a conversation focused on our tangible world. Embedding social justice theories into cartographic instruction embodies radical librarianship by empowering patrons to think critically about the space and place they occupy

Yours, Mine, Ours: A Study of a Successful Academic & Public Library Collaboration

This article studies the development of a collaboration between the Bryan + College Station Public Library System (BCSPLS) and Texas A&M University Libraries. Desiring to increase program attendance and add greater value to the local community, the BCSPLS approached the University Libraries to propose collaboration on a variety of events. The successes of the collaborative programs have met the goals of the public library while also increasing Texas A&M’s collection visibility and strengthening A&M’s ties to the public. The study argues that academic/public library collaborations benefit the participating institutions and add value to the local community

University Libraries GIS Support

Report on GIS Services offered at the Texas A&M University Libraries written during FY20

Con-vergence: Bringing Libraries and Popular Culture Conventions Together

Popular culture conventions (cons) can be powerful opportunities for library outreach, but they are underutilized or ignored as possibilities for many libraries. This article summarizes the results of a survey of libraries concerning their own con attendance/non-attendance as well as perceived benefits and actual barriers to attending. We also discuss our own experiences attending cons, including lessons learned and benefits gained by our own institution.Ope

The Largest GIS Day: How a 3-Hour Booth turned into a 3-Day Event

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) research and education are increasingly supported and promoted by academic libraries. GIS Day, an annual event celebrating GIS technologies and applications, provides an excellent outreach opportunity for librarians. GIS Day at Texas A&M University began as a small information booth in the library lobby and has become “the biggest GIS Day in the US” with broad participation and investment. It is now a three-day event hosted by the University Libraries. The event is a collaborative effort by the University Libraries, departments from three colleges – Architecture, Agrilife Sciences, and Geosciences – and administrative units such as Facilities Coordination and Transportation Services. In 2016, 35 events were held, including workshops, panelist sessions, career fair, and multiple competitions all with the purpose to educate attendees, build collaboration across campus, and provide networking opportunities between students and industry. Through event photos, participant feedback and data, and textual elements, this poster details the growth of GIS Day at Texas A&M, the important role the University Libraries plays, and lessons learned in planning a large, interdepartmental event

Classifying the Imaginary

This presentation was given at the 2018 annual meeting of the Western Association of Map Libraries, held at San Diego State University, Love Library and Library Addition, September 12 - 15, 2018

Classifying the Imaginary

This presentation was given at the 2018 annual meeting of the Western Association of Map Libraries, held at San Diego State University, Love Library and Library Addition, September 12 - 15, 2018

Finding our Bearings: Developing a Rare Maps Collection at Cushing Memorial Library & Archives

Presentation given at the 2021 Virgina Garrett Lectures Symposium on the History of Cartography at The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries\u27 Special Collections and Archives in October 2021