University Library News

Exhibits showcase faculty excellence, student creativity, community partnerships

The Library’s Library North 2nd floor gallery was an intersection of scholarship, culture, and creativity through a series of exhibits that highlight the diverse contributions of our academic communities. From showcasing the published works of our faculty to exploring culture through art and anthropology, these exhibits demonstrate the library’s commitment to being a place of discovery and connection.

Faculty Authors Celebration Recognizes Scholarship and Research

In April 2024, the Georgia State University Library hosted the Faculty Authors Celebration, a month-long exhibit highlighting faculty scholarly achievements. Featuring nearly 100 books published by active, retired, and emeriti faculty in 2022 and 2023, the display demonstrated the depth and variety of Georgia State’s academic contributions. Organized by the University Library Communications and presented in partnership with the Office of the Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the exhibit emphasized the vital role of faculty scholarship at GSU. Librarians support this work through research support, consultations, and other services.

The exhibit showcased publications spanning a broad range of subjects—from gerontology and criminal justice to the humanities and social sciences. This diverse selection not only reflects the wide-ranging expertise that Georgia State cultivates, but also underscores the depth and variety of the library’s holdings. By building a collection that represents multiple disciplines, the library ensures researchers, students and scholars have access to a rich array of resources supporting the institution’s continued growth in scholarship and innovation.

A highlight of the Faculty Authors Celebration was a reception held on April 15. This gathering was an opportunity for authors to connect with one another and librarians who play a crucial role in supporting research and scholarship at the university. The event was a catalyst for conversation and interdisciplinary collaborations around future research projects.

“We attempt to acquire a copy of every scholarly book published by university faculty to ensure their work is reflected in our collection,” says Laura Burtle, Associate Dean for Collections, Resource Acquisitions, Digital Library Services, & Scholarly Communications. “Exhibiting these works highlights the broad spectrum of research produced by our scholars, the many disciplines they work in, and the variety of publishers for their works..”

Looking ahead, the library aims to build on the momentum generated by the Faculty Authors celebration. Plans are already underway to expand this initiative into a larger event that includes book talks. ▪

Where Art Meets Science: The Library as a Place for Student Creativity and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

On the surface, the subjects of art and neuroscience may have little in common, but when we look deeper, we see that both are driven by a shared curiosity about how humans see and express themselves. During spring and summer 2024, the Georgia State University Library proudly hosted “Neural Impressions”, an exhibit highlighting the intertwining of art and neuroscience.

In what can be described as artistic reactions to scientific research, this exhibition of 20 Georgia State University artists, both students and faculty, represents the confluence of the visual arts and the many fields of neuroscience: neural imaging, microscopy, neuropathology, visual perception, psychedelic research, psychology, nutritional neuroscience, childhood development, anthrozoology and more. Through their unique visual expression, each artist emphasizes the interconnectedness of science, art, and lived experiences.

“Neural Impressions” was curated by students Adam Sprague and Hannah Lichtenstein. 

Hannah Lichtenstein is a Neuroscience PhD student at GSU and serves as the Brains & Behavior Creative Assistant. She is interested in working at the intersection of scientific research, artistic expression, and public science education. She was also recently awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Adam Sprague is a double major in studio art and art history at GSU’s Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design. In addition to his involvement with Brains & Behavior, he works with Underground Journal, Grey Matters, and the Drawing Und Painting Authority (DUPA) to create opportunities for GSU artists. His arts-based research was recently awarded first place for artistic display at the Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference.

“Our goal with ‘Neural Impressions’ was to break down the barriers between art and science. These two disciplines can enrich and inform one another, and they have more similarities than one would think,” says Lichtenstein. “Furthermore, curating this exhibit was an opportunity to foster interdisciplinary relationships between academic departments that are often isolated from one another,” says Sprague.

“I like to think of our university library as a crossroads where different individuals, viewpoints, and disciplines can come together,” says the library’s Associate Dean for Public Services Bryan Sinclair. “I love that our new exhibit space brings together the innovative spirit of our students, faculty, and staff, making the library a vibrant hub of academic success, creativity and collaboration.”

“Neural Impressions” also supports GSU’s 2023-2033 strategic plan. The exhibit highlights the scholarship of GSU students and faculty while creatively presenting the research in visually captivating ways uncommon for such collections.

The ArtSci Match Program, an initiative of the Brains & Behavior Program at Georgia State University, made “Neural Impressions” possible by pairing scientists across the neuroscience disciplines with artists at GSU. This collaboration, envisioned by Lichtenstein, allowed artists and scientists to exchange ideas about scientific research and artistic processes, resulting in poignant visual artwork inspired by the important research at GSU. ▪

Bridging Cultures: Pucará Bulls Exhibit Engages Community

In November 2023, the Georgia State University Library welcomed and hosted the traveling exhibit “Traveling Bulls of Pucara: Ambassador of the Peruvian Altiplano”. This exhibit was a collaborative effort between the Peruvian Consulate in Atlanta, the Georgia State University Office of International Initiatives, and the University Library.

The exhibit was housed in the second-floor gallery of Library North and curated by M.A. students and museum anthropology concentrators, Kat Duplessis and Caroline Covak, under the supervision of Dr. Nicola Sharratt.

The opening reception on November 6th featured remarks from several guests, including Yella Zanelli, Deputy Consul General of Peru, who delivered the opening and closing remarks; Jeff Steely, Dean of Libraries at Georgia State University, who provided welcoming remarks; Carrie Manning, Ph.D., from the Office of International Initiatives, and Giancarlo León Collazos, Consul General of Peru.

The exhibit showcased the library as a destination for cultural discovery and creativity, while also strengthening its role as a community partner. Hosting events such as this brings people together, builds connections and inspires cultural awareness across the university and beyond.

The Pucará Bulls, originating from the town of Pucará in Peru, are traditional ceramic figures placed on rooftops to symbolize protection, prosperity, and happiness. Their unique expressions, colors, and patterns reflect a rich cultural tradition and intricate craftsmanship from the Peruvian highlands. These artifacts represent more than artistic creations; they are ambassadors of Andean values and identity.

This exhibit exemplified the Library’s dedication to fostering cultural understanding and serving as a hub for academic and community engagement. By connecting students, faculty, and the broader community with international cultural artifacts, the Library continues to enrich the educational experience and promote global awareness. ▪

Download the 2023-2024 Impact Report

Our Impact Report highlights the library’s accomplishments and stories of how our work makes a difference for students, faculty, and the community. Discover how we’ve supported research, encouraged innovation, and created spaces that inspire learning and connection. Download your copy to explore the library’s impact this year.

Download a copy

Jump to an Impact story