May 2026, Volume 1
A Note from the Dean: Returning to FSU, Looking Ahead
It is a privilege to return to my alma mater as Dean of University Libraries. In my first few months, I’ve spent time listening and connecting with colleagues across Florida State University. It is clear that we are an institution passionate about student success, teaching, and research. These conversations are helping create a shared vision for FSU Libraries that strengthens our visibility and impact. We are more than collections and facilities, and the people who work here are behind the extraordinary services we provide.
In 2026, FSU Libraries are focused on creating a culture of assessment, promoting AI Literacy as a natural extension of information literacy, and being present and engaged with faculty, students, and each other. Recently, we hosted the FSU Faculty Writing Retreat co-sponsored by the Office of Research and Faculty Development and Advancement (FDA). Thanks to the more than 40 participants who came together for a productive three days of writing and community building.
We hope you enjoy LIBNews, a refreshed and expanded newsletter that will be archived on the FSU Libraries website and distributed regularly through the FSU Announcements.
Share Your Story: 175 Years of FSU
As part of the “175 Years in 175 Stories” initiative, FSU Libraries Special Collections & Archives is inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to share the memories that have shaped their connection to the university.
Whether it’s a favorite campus spot, a meaningful class, a proud accomplishment, or a personal story, each submission helps to paint a collective portrait of the Seminole experience. Stories can be heartfelt, humorous, or historical and may range from a short paragraph to longer reflections. Contributors are also encouraged to include photos or documents that help bring their stories to life.
Selected submissions will become part of a digital exhibit, preserving and sharing the many voices that define FSU’s legacy. Add your voice and share your story!
Featured Database for May 2026: TeachingBooks
Explore literature in a whole new way with TeachingBooks, this month’s featured database. Designed to support teaching, learning, and research, TeachingBooks brings books to life through rich multimedia content and curated resources focused on children’s and young adult literature.
TeachingBooks provides instructional materials, lesson plans, and book guides for thousands of titles, helping educators and students deepen their understanding of literature. Whether you’re exploring themes, analyzing characters, or discovering new authors, the platform offers tools to support meaningful engagement.
Explore LibGuides
Looking for help getting started with research, exploring career options, or trying out new tools? The librarians at FSU Libraries have created a set of guides to help.
AI Tools in Library Databases, Olivia Samimy, Social Science Librarian
FSU Libraries subscribes to specialized databases that give users access to subject-specific articles, data, and other resources. With the growing popularity of artificial intelligence tools, many databases are implementing AI tools and features to help users navigate databases and more easily find information. This guide will highlight some of the library databases that currently have AI add-ons and provide instructions on how to access and use these AI add-ons.
Wellness and Recovery Library at Strozier
Inspired by the Read to Recovery Program pioneered by the San Francisco Public Library, this newest collaboration with Student Government Association (SGA), Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness (CHAW), and FSU Libraries provides free-to-take wellness and addiction recovery literature at Strozier Library. Materials were selected by Libraries Access Services & Delivery (ASD) department and SGA under the advisement of CHAW and paid for using the newly established SGA & FSU Libraries Collaborative Collection Development Fund.
Discretely shelved on a new modest bookshelf placed on the second floor, the Wellness & Recovery Library also features informational pamphlets and promotional materials that connect library users directly to CHAW services and other related recovery, health, and wellness resources available on campus.
All materials are free to keep, no check out required.
Upcoming Workshops with FSU Libraries
May 27, 2026, 2:00 PM-3:15 PM
Data Visualization with Ggplot
An overview of the R package ggplot2. Topics will include: the grammar of graphics, aesthetic mappings, geometries, and themes.
June 10, 2026, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Introduction to Citation Management Using Zotero
Do you still do citations by hand? In this workshop, we will demonstrate how to use Zotero to collect, save, and organize citations and create citations and bibliographies with just a few clicks.
Looking for more? Visit FSU Libraries to discover upcoming events, workshops, and ways to get involved.
Edited by Zane Boyle, Communications Specialist, lib-news@fsu.edu
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