News from the Mardigian Library

Fantasy author to discuss debut novel

Join the Mardigian Library in welcoming fantasy author Saladin Ahmed to campus to discuss his highly anticipated debut novel “Throne of the Crescent Moon.” He will bring his story to life through a discussion of its images of Arab folklore.

Ahmed’s works have been nominated for Nebula, Harper’s Pen, and John W. Campbell awards. His writings have appeared in numerous literary magazines and anthologies, and have been translated into five languages.

The book discussion will be held on Thursday, April 12, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the 2^nd floor of the Mardigian Library. Ahmed will be selling and signing his debut novel at this event. Light refreshments will be served.

Free trial of directories from CQ Press

The Mardigian Library has received a free trial subscription from CQ Press to four directories of U.S. government officials and employees:

Congressional Staff Directory
Federal Regulatory Directory
Homeland Security Staff Directory
Judicial Staff Directory

Dates available:  through April 5, 2012

If you are interested in any of these resources, please go to the library’s website, click on the “Faculty Services” link, click on the “Trial Databases” link at the bottom of the left-hand column (or go directly to http://library.umd.umich.edu/secure/facstaff/trials.php), and sign in with your User name and UM-Dearborn password.

We encourage you to try these four CQ Press directories and give us some feedback. A positive review does not guarantee that we will have funds to acquire the database, but it could help us determine whether we should pursue the database when funds are available. You may send your feedback to: [email protected].

Muslim graves of southeast Michigan

A selection of 41 photographs taken by Dr. Ronald R. Stockton, Professor of Social Sciences, is on display on the second floor of the Mardigian Library from March 12 through May 6, 2012. Professor Stockton took 1,000 photographs of Muslim gravestones in southeast Michigan during his research. He identified over 20 separate cemeteries and cemetery sections where Muslims are buried.

Far from uniform, Muslim gravestones represent a diverse mosaic of ethnic and religious sub-communities and traditions from around the world. The sparkling images of the stones illustrate the many ways people express their final sentiments about who they were and how they want to be remembered. Some of the stones emphasize faith in God. Others emphasize national or ethnic heritage, hobbies, clubs, affiliations, happy marriages, or proud military service. You will be amazed at the wide range of diversity represented by the gravestones of individuals from over 26 different countries and former countries.

Remembering a beloved colleague

Many of you will remember librarian Janet Yanosko Elkins who passed away December 24, 2008 after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Janet joined the Mardigian Library in 1999 and was the Systems Librarian from 2001 until her passing. Family members, friends, and coworkers raised funds to create a memorial that would embody Elkins’s dedication to our students, and impart a sense of her warm, fun-loving personality. After considering several options, a piece of stained glass artwork was commissioned for the library’s lobby. Vera Sattler, the artist who created the other memorial stained glass piece in the library, was asked if she would create a memorial for Elkins. Ms. Sattler agreed and, after meeting with Elkin’s family to finalize the design, the project began. Little did anyone realize that the project would take three years to complete!

Janet loved penguins, enjoying their funny shape and waddle, as well as appreciating the community spirit and supportive social behavior penguins exhibit within their colony. The penguin design created by Ms. Sattler symbolizes the care and support provided by the university community to our students. Library staff is currently working with the family and artist to name the artwork.

The artwork is approximately 5 ft. x 8 ½ ft. and comprised of about 250 pieces of hand painted copper enamel. Each piece was first cut from a heavy sheet of copper, annealed, and surgically cleaned. The artist then created the design on the copper, using enamel paint. The paint consists of finely ground glass mixed with the proper oxides, which had to be fused onto the sheet copper at very high temperatures. For a piece of this scale, only one color at a time can be added before the piece is fired in a kiln. Many layers of paint were needed to create the desired effect, and some of the pieces in this work were fired over 18 times. It was a lengthy process, involving hard, physical work.

Vera Sattler is a well-known stained glass artist who worked in the Detroit area for many years. She completed a three year apprenticeship in West Berlin (1946 – 1949), studying design and painting of stained glass windows. She later immigrated to the United States, settled in Detroit, and worked for the now closed Detroit Stained Glass Works. In addition to completing major glass commissions for religious and public buildings, Ms. Sattler also created pieces for many private collectors and interior designers. Her work has been included in numerous exhibitions, galleries, and museums, including the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The finished artwork is truly amazing and you must see it to fully appreciate the beauty and the work that went into creating it. Stop by the lobby and take a look!