University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

Much like study abroad is an immersive experience for students to learn new cultures and customs, exhibits can do the same using UD’s unique collections. The University of Dayton Libraries always have at least one exhibit to view at any given time, providing students an immersive experience with new collections, art, artifacts and stories. 

Welcoming to All

Students of all majors visit our exhibits, typically through a classroom tour, a housing point event or seeing a poster and needing a study break. The tours and events are engaging and related to students’ interests and experiences. They offer time for reflection on exhibit themes and hands-on exploration of the display. This work pays off, as we’ve read student feedback that reflects our goals being met: 

“I admire Erma Bombeck's story because she stood up for what she believed in and used her talents to further her calling and purpose of fighting for these rights. This relates to vocation because her career was bigger than a job; it was for a reason, and it worked for the common good.” — A student majoring in marketing reflects on vocation after visiting Beyond the Byline: Erma Bombeck’s Story.

Student Creators, Curators

With two galleries and multiple display area opportunities, the Libraries constantly develop content for learners and visitors. In recent years, student curators have transformed the way we approach exhibits to keep them engaging from start to finish. Some of the best learning happens ahead of an exhibit, with students learning how to interpret objects in our collections and tell stories with their findings.

The Marian Library’s spring 2024 exhibit Mary in Catholic Education was a collaborative effort between teacher education students and Marian Library faculty and staff. Students selected materials from Marian Library collections such as Marian-themed comic books, storybooks, holy cards and a prayer book for girls. The students then designed displays and wrote interpretive text and object labels, just like a professional exhibit curation team. One student shared their thoughts on this distinctive learning experience: 

"The experience this semester of being able to have class visits in the library and studying all the different materials they had on Catholic culture has broadened my understanding of what it means to be literate."

Mary in Catholic Education also offered a student chalk artist the cocurricular experience of interpreting the exhibit and contributing her creative gifts. Even President Eric F. Spina stopped by the exhibit and shared his reflection. Libraries faculty and staff create and facilitate these experiences within the classroom setting so our collections are seamlessly incorporated into the UD learning experience.  

Community-Centered

Willis Bing Davis is an internationally recognized artist, educator and community activist. Two exhibits on campus this fall showcase the significance of his life’s work to the Dayton, African American and artistic communities. In 2023, the Davis family made the decision to make the University of Dayton the repository of Davis’ papers, artifacts and memorabilia. Spina wrote in his blog, “What an extraordinary gift and what an honor for UD!” 

The Willis Bing Davis archive represents more than a collection of documents; it's a platform to communicate the transformative power of art, the importance of cultural exchange and the enduring legacy of one man's remarkable vision. University Archives is committed to ensuring access to this collection for researchers, visitors and the campus community.

Your gift of any size makes it possible for the Libraries to create exhibits and programs. A priority is to enhance our collections related to religious diversity; $5,000 to the Libraries Excellence Fund will help us accomplish that. Your support will enhance our offerings for many Flyers to come. 

Explore more about our award-winning libraries by visiting our new academic excellence page: Your UD Libraries.

— Katy Kelly is a professor in the University Libraries and assistant dean of strategic communication and outreach.