Participants Wanted for University Archives Usability Study

Posted on by Jameatris Rimkus

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

Posted on by Rory Grennan

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

Posted on by Rory Grennan

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” →

Smallpox Outbreak, 1938

Posted on by Angela Jordan

This post is part five of the exhibit “Epidemic! Disease on Campus, 1918-1938.”

 

Smallpox Notice
February 25, 1938
Record Series 33/1/806

In late February of 1938,  cities and towns across the state of Illinois showed a marked increase in diagnosed smallpox cases.  Ten victims appeared in the Twin Cities and the Director of the State Department of Health A.C. Baxter indicated an impending epidemic for Champaign-Urbana as a result of the new cases.  Upon Baxter’s advice, President A.C. Willard directed that all students, faculty, and staff receive vaccination or remain away from campus for 16 days.  Notices like the poster located to the right were placed throughout campus. Continue reading “Smallpox Outbreak, 1938” →

Tuberculosis Robs, Public Health Protects

Posted on by Angela Jordan

This post is part four of the exhibit “Epidemic! Disease on Campus, 1918-1938.”

Despite the progress made controlling tuberculosis in the early 20th century, it was still the leading cause of death of adolescents and young adults through the 1930s.  Champaign County documented 500 cases of tuberculosis and 75 deaths from tuberculosis in 1920 alone.[1] Continue reading “Tuberculosis Robs, Public Health Protects” →