New Libraries Lecture Series to highlight KU scholarship

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Libraries has announced inaugural speakers for the newly created Libraries Lecture Series. The series highlights the breadth of interdisciplinary research and creative work found on an expansive range of topics across campus.

“This new speaker series contributes to the campus culture of engaged scholarship by exploring the KU community’s use of our vast collections in the creation of internationally recognized research,” said Sarah Goodwin Thiel, head of KU Libraries’ Center for Community & Affiliate Initiatives. “We are confident that the new series will serve to raise the profile of interdisciplinary scholarship within and beyond the university.”

The spring 2014 series features eminent KU scholars, including Don Worster, Anne Hedeman, Tim Miller and Lua Kamal Yuille.

The lectures are free, open to the public, and begin at 10 a.m. on the dates and locations specified below. Refreshments will be provided.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History Donald Worster – Feb. 6
Watson Three West

Dust Bowl scholar Donald Worster’s research examining environmental history is featured in the current exhibition in the Library Gallery, "Robbing the Soil." The exhibit examines the influence of humanity in nature and changing perceptions of the natural world and features research and presentations by KU scholars, as well as collection materials from the KU Libraries. The exhibition and lecture aligns with the KU Common Book, "The Worst Hard Time."

Distinguished Professor of Art History Anne Hedeman – Feb. 27

Watson Three West

Medieval art scholar Anne Hedeman has conducted research internationally in addition to her work at KU, including membership as part of a laboratory of scholars at the University of Paris. In 2011, she was the recipient of a renowned fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Her book in progress, "Visual Translation and the First French Humanists," examines the dynamic between text and image in illuminated manuscripts created in late medieval France.

Professor of Religious Studies Timothy Miller – March 12

Watson Three West

Religious historian Timothy Miller has been recognized as a distinguished scholar by the Communal Studies Association. The primary focus of his research pertains to the history and practices of intentional communities as well as new and alternative religious movements in the United States. Miller is also the ongoing coordinator for the Religion in Kansas Oral History Project.

Associate Professor of Law Lua Kámal Yuille – April 3

Watson Three West

Prior to joining KU Law faculty in 2013, Lua Yuille was a William H. Hastie Fellow at the University of Wisconsin School of Law. She received her degree at Columbia University, where she was one of two undergraduates selected for the Advanced Interdisciplinary Legal Education program. Her primary areas of research and teaching include immigration law and property theory. This event coincides with the upcoming Library Gallery exhibiton “Lasting Impact: Brown v. the Board of Education.”