The McGoogan Health Sciences Library in Wittson Hall on the Omaha campus has been closed after a water pipe broke during maintenance. At this time, due to the presence of water, Wittson Hall’s fifth and sixth floors are closed. Remediation teams are enroute to begin repairs and cleanup. The library will be closed until further notice. For questions or concerns, reach out to askus@unmc.edu.
McGoogan News
New Exhibit – From Colony to Country: Medicine in America’s Founding Era
Written By: Erin Torell
On June 22, a new exhibition opened at the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “From Colony to Country: Medicine in America’s Founding Era” examines different topics related to health, illness, and healthcare during the colonial period, the Revolutionary War, and the early American republic. Discover how “heroic” medical practices dominated the era, characterized by harsh, often poisonous medications and a reliance on bloodletting. Learn about the health difficulties of the colonies’ last monarch King George III and the country’s first president George Washington.
The exhibit, located on level 8 of the library, will rotate every two months, highlighting different topics through rare books and artifacts. Stop by regularly to learn more and view new objects on display. The exhibit is also available online.
June 22-August 24
“From Forest to Physick: Nature as Cure and Threat in Early America”
The American climate, terrain, and flora presented new challenges to colonists and early Americans. Different than Europe, North America demanded that Americans adapt. Building upon a botanical and medicinal knowledge of European plants, Americans developed medications based upon plants from their new environment. The basis of medical treatment, cataloging plants, and distributing recipes in books, for medical personnel and domestic caregivers, allowed for the dissemination of healthcare knowledge. View McGoogan Library rare books on the medicinal properties of plants and artifacts used by apothecaries such as scales and preserved medicinal botanicals.
Meet Our Newest Librarian
Hannah Winchester is excited to join her colleagues as the new Education and Research Services Librarian and liaison to the College of Medicine. Hannah holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Her undergraduate background was in liberal arts, with a focus on economics and gender studies. However, Hannah knew from the start that she wanted to be an academic librarian. The transition to health sciences was a welcome surprise!
While not originally from Omaha, Hannah quickly found her footing in its academic community and hopes to offer others the same sense of welcome and support. She completed a reference and instruction practicum at the UNO’s Criss Library and then spent several years as the Research and Instruction Librarian at the College of Saint Mary (CSM). CSM is where she expanded her knowledge about health sciences librarianship, supporting undergraduate and graduate students across a range of liberal arts and health science programs, including nursing and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. McGoogan Library is a natural next step in her career.
Outside of work, Hannah spends time with her two boys and two cats, who all keep things interesting. She enjoys reading, art projects, and lots of puzzles and word games. She has lived in seven states and Japan but considers herself to be from Hawaii and Colorado based on where she grew up.
Please join us in welcoming Hannah!
New technology added to library study and conference rooms
The library is rolling out new technology upgrades to study rooms, classrooms, and conference rooms over the next four weeks. New features include updated USB-C docking stations, simplified power and connection options, and new monitors. You will see “New technology installed” signs on rooms as the updates are completed. If you wish to reserve a room with a specific type of technology available, you can limit your search via the EMS room reservation system.
Upgraded Spaces Planned
24” monitors with USB-C laptop connections:
- 6018, 6067, 6071, 6072, 7003, 7010, 7011, 7053, 7054, 7055
Docking stations with USB-C connections and large mounted displays
- 6013, 6016, 6021, 6022, 6023, 6024, 6065, 7008, 7017, 7018, 7046, 7049
Advanced conferencing technology
Docking stations with USB-C access to room cameras, microphones, and displays:
- Classrooms 6032, 6033
- Conference Rooms 6035, 6036
Questions or need help finding the right room? Contact AskUs@unmc.edu for assistance.
Meet Our Newest Team Member
McGoogan Library recently welcomed their newest team member, Library IT Systems Coordinator, Beau Billings.
As part of his role, Beau will be managing the Jim and Karen Linder Maker Studio on the 6th floor of the library, assisting users with their creative endeavors.
After doing graphic design for nearly a decade, Beau changed careers a few years ago to align with his passions for technology and helping people. As a former graphic designer turned IT guy with two bachelor’s degrees, one in Marketing and another in Information Technology, he is excited to bring his knowledge, experience and creativity together for this role at McGoogan Library.
“My favorite part of working in IT was getting to help people. Some days I would miss the creativity that came with being a graphic designer though. So honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I get to be creative again while also using my tech background to help others.”
In his life outside of work, Beau enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, watching movies and going for the occasional run.
To learn more about the Maker Studio or schedule your tour, email Beau at bbillings@unmc.edu