Library News
Dr. Gary Boye Retires June 30
The University Libraries hosted a retirement session for Dr. Gary Boye who will be leaving the Music Library after 26 years of services. During her remarks, Associate Dean, Veronica Wells spoke about the many accomplishments of Dr. Boye, including but not limited to...
University Libraries participate with Libby Reads Global
: Join #LibbyReads July 9 and borrow ‘I See You’ve Called in Dead’ by John Kenney on the Libby App with no waitlists or holds!
“Razor-sharp, darkly comedic, and emotionally piercing…I See You’ve Called in Dead is a witty and heartwarming reminder of the bottomless despair, limitless absurdity, and undeniable joy of the human experience.” – Booklist
Bud Stanley, an obituary writer, is afraid to live. After his wife leaves him, Bud hits rock bottom, and in a drunken haze, accidentally publishes his own obituary—leading to a bureaucratic mix-up that makes him “officially” dead and temporarily unfireable. Given a second chance, Bud, with the help of his eccentric best friend, starts attending strangers’ funerals to learn a thing or two.
Learn more at https://libbylife.com/events/libby-reads-i-see-youve-called-in-dead
Kelly Burkett and Andrea Stevens complete the Crest Summit Series Leadership Development Program
Congrats to Kelly Burkett and Andrea Stevens for completing the Crest Summit Series Leadership Development Program, offered by App State's Human Resources. Crest builds the foundation of leadership by helping participants lead themselves first. Through an engaging...
Rebecca Shaw named Early Career Representative for MLA Board
Congrats to Rebecca Shaw who is now the Early Career Representative on the Music Library Association board. The Music Library Association is the professional association for music libraries and librarianship in the United States. Founded in 1931, it has an...
Kevin Garcia Bautista appointed Continuing Resources Specialist
We are pleased to announce Kevin Garcia Bautista will be the new Continuing Resources Specialist.
In this role, he will acquire and manage the University Libraries’ continuing resources, including journals, databases, standing orders, and e‑book packages. His first day will be June 16th and he will continue reporting to Georgie Donovan.
Kevin has been the Electronic Resources Technician since 2022. He graduated from App State with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations in 2020 and a Master of Arts in Media, Technology, & Learning Design this spring.
Thank you to the search committee for their great work: Griffin Anderson, Georgie Donovan (chair), Shannon McCluney, and Jason Wolfe.
University Libraries CeLIBration Awards
University Libraries CeLIBration Awards The University Libraries at Appalachian State University recently held their annual Library CeLIBration, a cherished event that honors and awards outstanding work and achievements by Library Personnel. These awards, are...
Kyle McFarland Named Business Librarian
We are pleased to announce that Kyle McFarland will be the new Business Librarian. His first day will be July 1st. In this position, Kyle will support the students and faculty of the Walker College of Business through instruction,...
University Libraries Summer Events Series
You are cordially invited to participate in our Summer Events Series sponsored by the University Libraries. All events are currently listed on the Library calendar on the website. Please find the registration information below: Please join us for a watercolor painting...
2026 Spring Graduates – Library Student Employees
We would like to congratulate all of our graduating senior student employees. Spring 2026 is one of the largest class of graduates we have had in a long time. We thank you for your hard work for the University Libraries. We will miss you all very much! Zach Jackson...
Kevin Garcia Bautista earns a Master of Arts in Media, Technology and Learning Design
Congratulations to Kevin Garcia Bautista in Resource and Acquisitions for earning a Master of Arts in Media, Technology and Learning Design from the Reich College of Education. We are proud of your accomplishments, Kevin!
Kevin Freeman and Jimena Vergara Sanz collaborate on class project
In 2023, Industrial Design faculty member Jimena Vergara Sanz approached Kevin Freeman about borrowing a 3D scanner from the library for use in her coursework. While the scanner could not be loaned out, Freeman immediately offered to handle the scanning in-house. This...
Finals Fest Recap
The University Libraries hosted Library Finals Fest April 27 – May 5, 2026 to help our students destress and take time to have fun during finals week. The Libraries offered over 40 events at our 3 campus libraries and hosted well over 200 students who eagerly awaited...
Russell Paige named Student Employee Supervisor of the Year
Please join us in congratulating Russell Paige for being selected as the 2026-2027 Supervisor of the Year by the Office of Student Employment. Russell supervises 12 students during the evening and night shifts for the Access and Public Services division. Russell...
2026-2027 Library Student Employee Scholarship Awards
The University Libraries awarded 31 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. The selection committee, consisting of Diana Beasley, Kelly Burkett, Martha Marking, Scott Rice and Lynn Patterson, Ex Officio, reported a record number of excellent applications. The...
Dianna Johnson Retires June 1
After almost 39 years, Dianna Johnson will retire from the University Libraries. Her retirement date is June 1st. Her work with interlibrary loan and document delivery has ensured faculty and students are able to acquire the books, articles, primary sources, scores,...
Student Library Advisory Board Spring 2026
The Student Library Advisory Board had another successful semester. Working closely with Dean Sue Polanka, Librarian Breanne Crumpton, and Executive Assistant to the Dean, Kelly Burkett, the group tackled and completed many successful projects. The group continued...
Preserving Stories, Empowering Students: The Impact of the Oral History Program
Every story matters—and thanks to donor support, the Digital Initiatives and Special Collections Oral History Program is ensuring that the voices of our region and university community are preserved for generations to come. Over the past year, the program has...
ADM Showcase VIP reception on Saturday, April 25
The University Libraries and the College of Fine and Applied Arts welcomed Council members, friends and donors to the second annual Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase VIP reception on Saturday, April 25. The event debuted last year as a collaborative effort...
National Library Week Recap
This year's National Library Week theme is "Find Your Joy" with Mychal Threets as Honorary Chair. There are so many incredible and fun ways of enjoying the library, and we're excited to share some of what we did with the students, faculty, and staff next week. The...
Development Officer Tracey Ford Retires May 1
Tracey Ford, Director of Development for the University Libraries, retired effective May 1 after 35 years of dedicated service. Tracey helped raised money for the Belk Library and Information Commons, the Children's Literature Symposium and student scholarships....