Beth M. Whittaker

Beth Whittaker
  • Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections
  • Director of Spencer Research Library
  • Librarian

Contact Info

785-864-4275
Spencer Research Library, 338

Biography —

Beth M. Whittaker has led Spencer Research Library for over a decade and administered special collections, archives, conservation, and international area studies initiatives. Beth has written and presented widely on a variety of topics related to special collections, cataloging, and cultural heritage, and she continues to explore the realities of special collections libraries in the 21st century in her research and publications.

Selected Publications —

Thomas, L., Whittaker, B. (2016). New Directions for Special Collections: An Anthology of Practice. Libraries Unlimited.
Whittaker, B. (2015). Editing RBM. RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Cultural Heritage - Issue 1 | Volume 16. https://doi.org/10.5860/RBM.16.1.436.
Carter, L., Whittaker, B. (2015). Area Studies and Special Collections: Shared Challenges, Shared Strength. Portal - Issue 2 | Volume 15. https://doi.org/10.1353/PLA.2015.0017.
, Whittaker, B. (2012). Vivat Liber: Reflections marking the occasion of Alexandra Mason's retirement from the Kenneth Spencer Research Library. University of Kansas Libraries.
Whittaker, B., Thomas, L. (2009). Special Collections 2.0: Using New Technologies to Collect, Describe, Promote and Preserve Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archival Collections. Libraries Unlimited.
Whittaker, B. (2008). Using Circulation Systems for Special Collections: Tracking Usage, Promoting the Collection, and Addressing the Backlogs. College and Research Libraries - Issue 1 | Volume 69. https://doi.org/10.5860/CRL.69.1.28.
Whittaker, B. (2007). DACS and RDA. Library Resources and Technical Services - Issue 2 | Volume 51. https://doi.org/10.5860/LRTS.51N2.98.
Whittaker, B. (2007). DACS & RDA: Insights and Questions from the New Archival Descriptive Standard. Library Resources & Technical Services - Volume 51.
Whittaker, B. (2006). ?Get It, Catalog It, Promote It?: New Challenges to Providing Access to Special Collections. RBM: A Journal of Rare Books, Manuscripts and Cultural Heritage - Issue 2 | Volume 7. https://doi.org/NODOI-7/2/121.

Selected Presentations —

Does Distinctive Mean Diverse?: Exploring the Convergence of Special and Area Studies Collections - Rare Books and Manuscripts Conference. Location: New Orleans, LA. (6-20-2018).
Recovering Library Services, Spaces, and Collections - 20th Annual Master Property Program Loss Control Workshop. Location: St. Louis, MO. (3-08-2018).
Telling the Story of Our Collections through Space and Permanent Exhibits - Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (Association of College and Research Libraries) Conference. Location: Iowa City, IA. (6-22-2017).
Speaking Volumes: Conveying Meaning Through Collections - Kansas Museums Association Conference. Location: Leavenworth, KS. (11-02-2016).
Common Sense, Charm, and a Glass of Wine: Successfully Navigating Donor Relations in Special Collections. - 57th Rare Books and Manuscripts Section Conference. Location: Coral Gables, FL. (6-24-2016).
Exhibit Design to Engage Students in Recovering History. - Missouri Association for Museums and Archives Annual Meeting. Location: Columbia, MO. (10-23-2015).
Stories from the Spencer - Aldus Society. Location: Columbus, OH. (5-14-2015).
Panel, 2014 Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA/ALA) Career Institute. (1-24-2014).
Web 2.0 and Special Collections - Co-moderator, discussion group, 50th Annual RBMS Preconference. Location: Charlottesville, VA. (6-18-2009).
Combined Cataloging: Archives and Objects Collections - Presentation, Society of Ohio Archivists conference. Location: Dublin, OH. (5-08-2008).
Where Does Special Collections Cataloging Belong? The Pros and Cons of Alternative Reporting Structures in Academic and Research Libraries - Seminar moderator and presentation, 48th Annual RBMS Preconference. Location: Baltimore, MD. (6-20-2007).
Tracking Use of Special Collections Materials - Presentation, 14th Annual Innovative Users’ Group Conference. Location: Denver, CO. (5-21-2006).