Innovating together: New SMU Libraries cohorts advance AI-ready teaching and research

SMU Libraries is launching two new, forward-thinking cohort programs designed to help faculty understand, evaluate, and meaningfully integrate AI tools into both research and the classroom. These initiatives respond to one important question: How do we teach, research, and apply integrity in the age of AI? By bringing together faculty and librarians in collaborative, discipline-informed…Continue Reading Innovating together: New SMU Libraries cohorts advance AI-ready teaching and research

Wildcatters and Landmen in Texas

Striking it rich: How Texas’s oil boom shaped DeGolyer Library Texas’s first successful oil well was drilled by the Melrose Petroleum Oil Company in Nacogdoches County in 1866, but the monumental 1901 discovery of Spindletop in Jefferson County kickstarted the Texas oil industry. The success of Spindletop led to boomtowns all over Texas where wildcatters,…Continue Reading Wildcatters and Landmen in Texas

Rees-Jones Collection captures key moments in New Mexico history

Crucial insight into the history of the West As the Rees-Jones Library of the American West continues to expand its holdings and prepare for future researchers, archivists are carefully processing significant manuscripts and special collection materials. Among these treasures, Rees-Jones archivist Christina Wood has encountered a remarkable letter by Joaquín Gómez de la Cortina, dated…Continue Reading Rees-Jones Collection captures key moments in New Mexico history

“Writers deserve better”: Laura Wilson’s portraits come to life at Fondren Library

“We’ve all seen writers on the dust jackets of their books. These portraits, it seemed to me, generally failed to convey either character or personality. Writers deserve better. I wanted to make compelling pictures that would stick in the mind’s eye.” – Laura Wilson Glimpse into the mind of a writer A new exhibition now on…Continue Reading “Writers deserve better”: Laura Wilson’s portraits come to life at Fondren Library

From rails to revolutions: New windows into the past in digital collections

What do a sugar railway in Cuba, U.S. soldiers hunting Pancho Villa, and a priest blessing a taxi in Mexico have in common? They’re all part of a fascinating array of newly digitized materials now available in SMU’s Digital Collections. These rare materials, held by DeGolyer and Bridwell and digitized by the Norwick Center for…Continue Reading From rails to revolutions: New windows into the past in digital collections

Innovating in Dallas: The Texas Instruments story

A Texas-sized legacy Dallas plays a vital role in the United States’ high-tech industry today, but its connection to electronics innovation began nearly a century ago. In the 1930s, a small company that made seismographic tools for the oil industry set roots in the city. This early venture eventually grew into Texas Instruments, a company…Continue Reading Innovating in Dallas: The Texas Instruments story

Book arts & printing in wintry Winnipeg

This piece is featured in the latest edition of The Bridwell Quarterly. Exploring the future of sustainable printing, binding, and book making in Canada During the week of February 10th, 2025, Bridwell Director Anthony Elia traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) to visit with book artists and printers and explore the city’s vibrant book arts culture…Continue Reading Book arts & printing in wintry Winnipeg

Reviewing Hamon’s striking new exhibit

A transformational reimagining The scale of Jer’Lisa Devezin’s works in her exhibition, Texturized, is striking. Cowrie Shells 1-3, 2024, comprised of three bowl-sized, stoneware cowrie shells, has a seductive, soft gray glaze that pulls the viewer in and invites the viewer’s touch. The dark void of their wedged-shaped opening is reminiscent of Lee Bontecou’s canvas…Continue Reading Reviewing Hamon’s striking new exhibit

Revitalizing student spaces at Fondren Library

Students welcomed to campus with updated spaces Students returning to Fondren Library this fall found more than just their favorite study spots — they discovered newly updated spaces designed to better support the many ways they like to learn and work.  In the Prothro Learning Commons, the pre-existing setup offered plenty of study tables, but…Continue Reading Revitalizing student spaces at Fondren Library

Teaching in the time of AI: New initiative for SMU faculty

Guiding student learning At SMU, faculty members find a trusted partner in the Libraries — where resources, expertise, and support align to help them innovate in research and enhance their teaching. Dr. Constantin C. Icleanu, associate teaching professor of Spanish, partnered with SMU Libraries and librarian Rebecca Graff and applied to the Research Assignment Stipend…Continue Reading Teaching in the time of AI: New initiative for SMU faculty