News & Blog

The UCF Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives is pleased to announce the Beyond the Books: History of the UCF’s Library exhibit, which looks at the history of the University of Central Florida’s John C. Hitt Library including major renovations – both past and future – along with a selection of library resources.

When the University of Central Florida (then Florida Technological University) opened in 1968, the library was the only completed academic building on campus. As the student body grew, so did the campus. As campus grew, the library was renovated to better suit the needs of students. The first major renovation occurred in 1982-1984 and included money for the acquisition of artwork. With the addition of new UCF campuses, partnerships, and online learning, the library expanded resources for students needing to access materials remotely. The materials in this exhibit are from UCF Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives.

The exhibit was curated by Elisabeth Jimenez, Special Collections & University Archives employee, and runs from November 2019 to January 2020. The exhibit is in the Special Collections & University Archives’ exhibit space located on the 5th floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

Hey Knights!

This month UCF Libraries is hosting National Novel Writing Month events. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a month-long writing challenge that began in 1999 and the goal of the challenge is to write 50,000 words by the end of November. NaNoWriMo is all inclusive, meaning that it’s open to anyone who wants to write a novel – including you.

On Wednesday November 20th stop by Room 223 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm for an author rights workshop with our scholarly communications librarian Sarah Norris. This workshop will provide you with some of the tools you need to understand and maintain your rights as they relate to you and your written work. You’ll also be able to learn more about copyright and licensing related to publishing and author resources.

Computer labs 235A and 235C will be open to writers for general use on Saturday November 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 9am to 7pm. If you are looking for a quieter space to crank out some words, stop by room 511 on November 9th between 10am and 2pm, or November 16th and 23rd between 2pm and 5pm. You can find more information and resources on our NaNoWriMo LibGuide.

Keep an eye out on our social media for more NaNoWriMo events and write-ins. Good Luck and write on!

November in the United States is Native American Heritage Month, also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It celebrates the rich history and diversity of America’s native peoples and educates the public about historical and current challenges they face. Native American Heritage Month was first declared by presidential proclamation in 1990 which urged the United States to learn more about their first nations.

Join the UCF Libraries as we celebrate diverse voices and subjects with these suggestions. Click on the link below to see the full list, descriptions, and catalog links for the featured Native American Heritage titles suggested by UCF Library employees. These 16 books plus many more are also on display on the 2nd (main) floor of the John C. Hitt Library next to the bank of two elevators.

Featured Bookshelf: Native American Heritage

Thank you to all the students who submitted stories for the 3rd Annual Knight Terror short story contest! They were fantastically creepy (and we’re all scared of the 1st floor now).

1st place winner receiving a Libraries coffee mug and construction ducky is Lindsey Wright with Laughing in the Face of Death.

2nd place winner receiving a UCF Libraries water bottle and Pegasus sticker is Carissa Barton with Tea Party.

Congratulations to both Lindsey and Carissa!

Special thanks to our judges: Amy Dovydaitis (CMC), Seth Dwyer (Circulation), Emma Gisclair (CMC), and Jada Reyes (Libraries Student Ambassador)

Join the UCF Libraries and the UCF Department of Anthropology in celebrating Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.  This is a traditional Mexican holiday when families and friends gather to honor and remember those that have died.  Typically on Day of the Dead, elaborate altars are created and offerings are made to aid loved ones on their spiritual journey.

Friday, November 1

11:00 am- 1:00pm, main floor
Dia de los Muertos Craft Table – color calaveras (skulls), and make marigolds and papel picado, which are often used to decorate altars honoring the deceased

1:30pm – 3:00pm, Library 223
Documentary film screening with introduction and discussion by Anthropology professor Dr. Beatriz Reyes-Foster

Days of the Dead: living tradition
With the arrival of the conquistadors, many ancient Mesoamerican rituals were absorbed into Christian holidays. This program examines a collection of sacred, social, and artistic traditions that survived European assimilation and now compose one of Mexico’s most important annual festivals. The film follows the travels and experiences of a young Purepecha artisan, her grandmother, and their family during the weeks leading up to the Days of the Dead. As these struggling craftspeople market their wares, study new techniques, and prepare for their deceased patriarch’s spiritual return, viewers will see a wide variety of folk art practices-from pottery painting to flower decoration to papier-mache skeleton sculpture-coalesce into a momentous cultural event.

For more information about Día de los Muertos events in the library and related UCF resources visit: guides.ucf.edu/dayofthedead