Participants Wanted for University Archives Usability Study

The University of Illinois Archives is seeking research participants to take part in a usability study focused on gathering information concerning ways in which users navigate and interact with the University of Illinois Archives website.

As a participant in this study, you will be asked to complete a small number of tasks using the University Archives website. Each usability test will be completed in the University of Illinois Library’s usability lab (Room 306 Main Library). Your screen movements and vocalized reactions will be recorded and transmitted to a remote computer for observation by members of the research team. The entire test will take no more than 60 minutes to complete, and no follow-up sessions are planned. If you are interested in participating in our study please contact Jameatris Rimkus, Archivist for Reference & User Engagement at jyjohnso@illinois.edu by August 30, 2013.

University of Illinois Fun Facts

Welcome, Archives blog enthusiasts and Urbana Sweetcorn Festival attendees! Below are the questions printed on the rally fans given away by the University Archives at the Festival this year, along with links to the answers. Enjoy!

Corn Maidens
Corn Maidens at the May Fete, 1915
Found in RS 39/2/20, ACT-7, May Fetes 1915

Continue reading “University of Illinois Fun Facts”

Getting the Hat Right: The Untold Origin of Smokey Bear

Aside from records related to the University and surrounding communities, the University of Illinois Archives is also custodian of the records of many outside associations. Among these are the records of the Ad Council, a long-running non-profit organization that works with advertising agencies, media companies, and private businesses to produce and distribute public service advertising. The Ad Council is directly or indirectly responsible for many memorable public service campaigns in print, radio, and television media. The longest-running of these is their Forest Fire Prevention campaign, featuring the well-known spokescharacter Smokey Bear.  But do you know how this public safety icon came to be? Continue reading “Getting the Hat Right: The Untold Origin of Smokey Bear”