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University Library eNews - Fall 2021

Featured: History Speaks

Contributed by Elizabeth Altman

Special Collections & Archives launched its online exhibit, Past / Personal: Examining Oral History Narratives, presenting a curated selection from oral histories of “individuals who lived through significant historical events, participated in social movements, or experienced cultural trends that have shaped modern sociocultural perspectives.” We asked the curators to give us an overview of the project.

Daily Sundial November 5, 1968

What's New: Campus Unrest Process Committee Recordings Collection

Contributed by David Morck

Since the days when CSUN was known as San Fernando Valley State College, the campus has been the birthplace of political movements and protest pushing toward a culture of inclusiveness and social justice for students, staff and faculty. One early flashpoint in the struggle for racial equity at CSUN has come to be known as the "November 4th Incident." Its aftermath led to the creation of new cultural studies departments, and in more recent days, to the renaming of the Oviatt Library to the University Library.

Outside CSUN University Library with Pear Blossoms

Library Spotlight: The University Library Reopens for Fall 2021

In a recent survey of CSUN students that asked what having the University Library reopening this fall means to them, one commentor summarized the other respondents’ sentiments:

It would mean that I could have a place away from home to study. During the pandemic, it was hard to concentrate at home. Having the option of a quiet area at the library would be a stress reliever for me. I would also get to feel like I am a part of my campus.

So, what is the Library doing to provide quiet study space, that sense of community, and access to resources and services this fall?

Yolanda and Jeff Heller

Thanks & Recognition: Yolanda and Jeff Heller

In February 2020, the University Library was honored to receive a considerable gift to enhance our collections. Among our beloved family of generous supporters, Yolanda and Jeff Heller have a special place in their hearts for education, as retired teachers and proud parents of a CSUN music graduate.

The Yolanda and Jeff Heller Endowment was established in memory of Yolanda’s late cousin, Raul E. Aragon, Jr., an alumnus of CSUN and the University’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Assistant Director. This thoughtful tribute supports books and materials for three University Library subjects: Music Performance and Composition, Child Abuse Studies, and Holocaust Studies.

Mike Villalobos

We Would Like You to Meet: Mike Villalobos, Circulation Services Lead

In the Library’s Guest Services department, Mike Villalobos is a champion for student success and access to resources. On staff with the Library since 2000, he loves his job and the opportunity to meet students from around the globe. During challenging pandemic times, Mike was steadfast in leading necessary pivots to ensure students’ needs were met under critical safety guidelines. Get to know Mike, a dedicated and courageous front-line staff member on our team.

Dean Mark Stover

Message from the Dean: Reopening the Library after the Apocalypse

After every natural disaster or pandemic there must be a transitional time of returning to “normal life.” When the 1994 Northridge earthquake occurred, it took years for the campus to recover, and I see the COVID-19 pandemic as being similar in some ways to the devastation wrought by a major earthquake. The 1994 earthquake lasted less than a minute, but its effects were felt for years afterward. The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for 18 months, but just like the earthquake, we will be experiencing “aftershocks” for the indefinite future.