2024-25 Sanders Scholars cohort to report on activity

A trio of library student assistants and their librarian mentors will discuss accomplishments and lessons learned as part of KU Libraries’ Sanders Scholars panel presentation on Tuesday, April 1 at 11 a.m. in Watson 455. Members of the KU community are invited to share in light refreshments and hear about the collaborative work.

Digital Humanities Librarian John McEwan mentored two Sanders Scholars while doing work on a project studying document seals. Elijah Kumin and Kaya Taylor will present their work in a talk titled, “Towards better search tools for medieval sigillographic collections.” Among other tasks, their work included creating 3D photographs of seals.

Kodjo Atiso, librarian for Africana and International Studies, has worked with Marshia Chitonga on a project aimed at creating a comprehensive resource for travelers planning a visit to the continent of Africa. Chitonga, a finance and pre-law major, has transcribed interviews and developed associated themes, created a lib guide and sourced relevant data for the project titled, “Towards the documentation of diasporic information needed for the motherland.”

The Sanders Scholars program was created through a gift from William J. Crowe and his wife Nancy P. Sanders, in memory of Nancy’s parents. The program provides an opportunity for selected students to learn about the evolving practice of librarianship and an opportunity for librarians to be recognized for and encouraged in their efforts to serve as mentors for students.  

“I have insights into new terrains and ideas on how to apply this newly gained knowledge,” said Carola Emkow, a master’s student in Latin American Studies, during last year’s presentation. “It was interesting to see the work of librarians, it definitely changed my view on what librarians do. Libraries are more than a house where books are kept, preserved, dusted off or administered. I was very happy about the experience.”

To participate in the Sanders Scholars program, interested library faculty propose a plan, submit a project proposal and draft student position descriptions during the summer months. Each award supports a student scholar to work up to 300 hours at a pay rate of $15 per hour, which could be used for a position of up to 15 hour per week for the duration of a semester, or a different arrangement as specified in the proposal.

Please join us to learn more about the experience on April 1.