Friends of the UNCG Libraries

Erin Lawrimore, photo by Franklin Graves University Archivist Erin Lawrimore has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Society of American Archivists' newly formed Committee on Public Awareness.  According to its charge, "The Committee provides strategic information and advice to the SAA Council to enhance SAA’s capacity to promote the value of archives and archivists to institutions, communities, and society.  The Committee recommends to the SAA Council the public awareness priorities on which SAA should focus its attention and resources, within the context of the Society’s mission and strategic plan.  In addition, the Committee works with staff and outside counsel to develop programs that promote the value and role(s) of archivists and archives nationwide....COPA generally is concerned with influencing opinions about the value of archivists and archives among the general public and stakeholder groups other than legislators and regulators (e.g., archives users,

Reference Librarian and Diversity Coordinator Gerald Holmes was honored recently with a special Outstanding Service Award by the African American Studies Program at UNCG. In citing him for the award, which is not given on a regular basis, Director of African American Studies Tara Green noted that in addition to his primary responsibilities as a reference librarian and library liaison, Gerald serves on a variety of committees and organizations including the UNCG Black Faculty and Staff Association, and Chancellor Brady’s Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  Gerald served as part of the team to aid in the re-accreditation of the Department of Library and Information Studies by the American Library Association and has been cited by Dr. Perrin as a faculty member who has an “above and beyond commitment” to Student Affairs. Gerald currently serves as the advisor to Mu Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, and is also a life member of the Greensboro Alumni Chapter of Kappa

John May, a member of the Jackson Society, has been a long-time supporter of the University Libraries at UNCG.   He knows their value first-hand.   Using and working in Jackson Library on a daily basis, he wrote a novel, Poe and Fanny , published to excellent reviews by Algonquin Books in 2004. Shannon Ravenel, the legendary editor at Algonquin, mentored John in the preparation of his book for publication. John later said of his experience, “I spent many happy days writing Poe and Fanny , and I did it all in the UNCG Library.   For two years, I spent my mornings reading and researching, and my afternoons writing.   I loved it.   Those were vital years.”   He continues, “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the Jackson Library.   I was always welcomed.   I was always at home there.   I was always at my most creative there.” John, who founded Bonaventure Company, also served as Chair of the Friends of the UNCG Libraries from 2002-2004, and later served on the Libraries’ S