KU Libraries celebrate 150 years in the Federal Depository Library Program

The University of Kansas Libraries are honored to celebrate 150 years in the U.S. Government Publishing Office Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The FDLP ensures the public has free access to federal documents in participating libraries across the nation. KU Libraries were designated a Federal Depository Library in 1869 and a Regional Depository Library in 1976.

"This rich trove of openly available information supports a tremendous variety of research by scholars at KU and throughout Kansas," said Kevin L. Smith, dean of libraries. "Our government information librarians provide expert assistance to scholars, students, and all those who seek to navigate the vast amounts of information."

To commemorate this anniversary, an exhibition highlighting the expansive collection of government information is now on display in the Haricombe Gallery at Watson Library. "For the People: KU Libraries celebrate 150 years of publicly accessible government information" is a transdisciplinary exhibit showcasing research and creative work that explores the intrinsic value of government resources. The exhibit will be on display through August 2019.

Learn more and access government documents...

KU Libraries now offer new systematic review services. As a method of research that attempts to collect and analyze all prior studies relevant to a specific topic, systematic reviews have been proven to produce more reliable findings for research questions.

Amalia Monroe-Gulick, social sciences and collection assessment librarian, and Michael Peper, head of the Center for Faculty and Staff Initiatives and Engagement, are partnering with campus researchers to conduct review projects. Librarians have worked on research topics ranging from the behavioral economics of nicotine products to community participation among individuals with disabilities.

"Working with KU librarians on our research project provided us with a level of sophistication in our search procedures that could never have been achieved through a team of scientists alone," said Derek Reed, associate professor, department of Applied Behavioral Science. "The librarians reviewed and refined our search parameters, provided feedback on journals and databases, and compared our search findings and documentation to their own to ensure reliability. It was an incredible collaboration that resulted in a thorough and unbiased review of the extant literature."

From single meeting consultations to becoming part of a review team, trained librarians provide value to any systematic review project.

"Librarians make searches more comprehensive and precise and are also experts in documenting search procedures and managing citations," said Peper. "Overall, we increase the reliability and transparency of review studies and reduce bias."

Learn more and request a consultation...

Textbook Heroes initiative to recognize KU instructors
championing textbook affordability

A new initiative sponsored by KU Libraries and its Shulenburger Office of Scholarly Communication & Copyright will spotlight KU faculty, staff, instructors, and students who advocate for improved textbook affordability. Textbook Heroes are identified among those who have adapted, adopted, created, or advocated for the use of open educational resources (OER) and other low-cost materials in classes at KU.

The first three featured campus champions are Drew Vartia, assistant teaching professor, department of Chemistry; Amy Rossomondo, associate professor of Spanish; and Peter Bobkowski, associate professor, William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Learn more about OER efforts...

The University of Kansas Libraries are accepting applications for the fourth annual Research Sprints, a program offering faculty and unclassified staff the chance to work intensively with a team of expert librarians for one week on a research or instruction project.

In the spirit of advancing greater access to research and education, the 2019 Sprints will focus on open access and will award a $1,000 stipend to recipients. Applications are due March 8.