Between the Pages

I think most folks know the difference between a library and a museum. The parts that get lost in the middle are the archives. And at Texas Tech, that matters. Our University Libraries are not just an academic library with a campus zip code. We are an academic library built to support teaching, learning and research. That means helping students, faculty and researchers find evidence, not just information.

A fundamental distinction exists between museums and archives; while museums utilize artifacts to interpret history for the public, archives function as repositories for the primary documentation that constitutes the historical record itself. If a museum shows you the boot, an archive keeps the letter, ledger, photograph and report that tells you who wore the boot, where they went and why the dust on that boot still matters.

This is why the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library matters so much. It holds thousands of collections and more than 5,000 hours of oral history interviews, along with diaries from the 1800s. Collections also consist of ranch and business records, photographs, maps, rare books and the official records of Texas Tech University itself. The University Archives document the memories of the institution. Some of those boxes may not look flashy- old meeting minutes and internal reports are not exactly beach reading, but they can explain how our university changed, how students lived and how this region has grown.

Again, these are primary sources, not someone’s retelling of stories years later. They are the evidence itself. They let a student hear a witness, read a decision, study a photograph and weigh facts firsthand. In a world full of noise, that is a gift.

The truth is, places like this do more than store old paper. They protect the raw record of who we have been and make it available for who comes next. They serve the university and the public. If we want future generations to know more than rumors and half-remembered stories, this work matters a lot! Around here, we know the wind can scatter things in a hurry. The Southwest Collection helps make sure our history does not blow away with it.

Brad Davis

Associate Director of Development

Seth Porter, Ph.D., will become the new dean of the University Libraries beginning Aug. 3. Porter previously served as dean of the Kraemer Family Library & Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Read more about Dr. Porter.

Earnstein Dukes, current dean, decided in August to return to her faculty role at the conclusion of the 2026 academic year. She has served in various roles within the University Libraries for the past 24 years, including serving as dean since August 1, 2020.

“Dean Dukes’ dedication for more than two decades to our students, faculty and academic mission has left a lasting impact, and I am grateful for her many contributions,” Texas Tech University Provost Ron Hendrick said.

A video highlighting students using the Crossroads Recording Studio at the University Library.

The Library Makerspace celebrated a decade of making, learning and creating through 3D printing, virtual reality and emerging technologies with an open house on March 10. The campus community was invited for refreshments and tours of the Makerspace.

Makerspace launched in 2016 and featured 3D printers and doodling pens. Since then, the space has expanded to include a Virtual Reality Lab; expanded 3D scanning and printing equipment; engraving tools; resources for textile projects such as knitting, sewing and crocheting; and much more. "Make" workshops are offered both online and face to face on a variety of topics such as gaming, using Illustrator, sewing and more.

Thanks to student requests and Student Government Association efforts, University Library access now extends to 24 hours a day Sundays through Thursdays.

At midnight Sundays through Thursdays, the interior of the Library closes, and all patrons relocate to the Croslin Room. During these extended hours, students continue to have access to:

• Comfortable study space
• Wireless connection
• Online chat support
• WEPA printing and scanning services

The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library (SWC/SCL) hosted an opening reception for the exhibit “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m a Cook” honoring Christopher B. “Stubb” Stubblefield April 8.

The original Stubb’s Bar-B-Q opened in 1968 at 108 E. Broadway in Lubbock, now the location of Terry Allen’s memorial statue of Stubblefield, who died in 1995. The restaurant became the heart of a popular music scene featuring “Sunday Night Jams,” said Katelin Dixon, curator of the Terry and Jo Harvey Allen Collection, which also contributed items to the exhibit.

“The Stubb exhibit showcases some of our Southwest Music Archive’s greatest treasures,” said Robert Weaver, associate archivist, noting that musicians such as Terry Allen, Joe Ely, Jesse “Guitar” Taylor, the Maines Brothers, Johnny Cash, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others performed at the restaurant.

The exhibit was in conjunction with the 2026 Lubbock Lights Concert “Barbecue Beyond the Grave: A Celebration of Christopher B. ‘Stubb’ Stubblefield” performed April 9 in the Texas Tech Student Union Building’s Allen Theatre.

The exhibit “Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m a Cook” will be on display at the SWC/SCL through the summer.

(Graphic courtesy of TTU Office of Advancement)

From March 24–25, 2026, Texas Tech University celebrated a record-breaking fourth annual Day of Giving, fueled by donor generosity. Within this university-wide effort, the University Libraries championed two distinct yet equally vital missions:

• The University Library focused on reimagining our spaces. By updating our study areas, our students can focus on extensive research, multi- discipline collaboration and community connections. A modern and welcoming environment is crucial for student success. Welcoming spaces are not just a convenience – they aid in student success and academic excellence.
  
  
• The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library (SWC) asked donors to help with the preservation of priceless and one-of-a-kind collections. Preserving items from our past impacts informed decision-making, accountability and a deeper understanding of identity and progress over time.
  
  

The impact of Day of Giving is felt throughout the university. Thank you to all who participated!

For the fourth year running, H-E-B has fueled our Texas Tech students through the stress of finals week. By providing essential snacks and drinks, they bring much-needed relief for our students’ 24/7 study sessions. The Fuel for Finals event is the highlight of the Libraries’ end-of-semester support.

The University Libraries’ commitment to excellence is made possible through this incredible partnership. Thank you, H-E-B, for your unwavering support of our Red Raiders!

Thanks to the Library’s partnerships with H-E-B and other donors, coffee and pastries were provided on Sunday during spring finals, giving students an afternoon study break.

South Plains Obedience Training Club volunteers brought their furry friends to visit students who were studying in the University Library during spring finals.

Virtual reality is becoming a powerful tool for teaching students, enhancing practical skills, expanding possibilities and improving learning outcomes.

Helen Jones Foundation – cutting-edge technology

The Helen Jones Foundation remains a steadfast advocate for the Texas Tech University Libraries. Thanks to the Foundation’s generous grant, students are stepping into the future of learning. By funding Meta headsets, smart glasses and haptic technology, the Helen Jones Foundation provides hands-on experiences and equips students for successful careers after graduation. The impact is felt throughout Texas Tech University.

Todd and Linda Smith – VR for public speaking

Todd and Linda Smith have been constant supporters of the Libraries. Through their generosity, the Libraries have been able to provide students with additional real-life experiences.

The Smiths are empowering the next generation of communicators at Texas Tech. Their investment in Meta Quest VR public speaking software allows students to practice in a virtual space, enabling them to build their skills and conquer their fears. This immersive experience builds students’ confidence, thus preparing them for their future endeavors and helping them to succeed.

The Texas Tech University Libraries is one of the most utilized and important resources on campus. The University Libraries provides students with access to knowledge and information that they would not otherwise have. It is also a place where students can come to study, relax and escape the stresses of university life.

As the cost of tuition has risen over the past two decades and the economy fluctuates, the University Libraries and the university itself are increasingly relying on alumni donations to maintain operations and to provide excellence to our students. For many alumni, monthly giving is the most effective way to show their support, and monthly pledges are an easy and convenient way for alumni to continuously support the Libraries. Even a small monthly pledge can make a huge difference to our students.

Your monthly pledge to the University Libraries provides a reliable and consistent source of funding that allows Tech to maintain high standards of excellence and continue to offer the world-class education that you received when you were a student here. In addition, your monthly gift allows us to plan ahead and make long-term investments in our research resources, technologies and study areas.

Please make a commitment to give today and help us to continue to shape the future of the Texas Tech University Libraries and Texas Tech University. The University Libraries are a vital part of the university experience, and your donation will make a difference in the lives of countless students.

It's easy to make a monthly pledge to the University Libraries! Just follow the following directions:

Online Pledge Instructions:

• Visit https://bit.ly/ttulibrarygifts
• Select one of the University Libraries designations, example “Southwest Collection Fund for Excellence.”
• Type in your Gift Amount in the specified box. (If you choose to make a recurring gift (pledge), this is the amount that will be charged each period.)
• If you want to make a recurring gift and not a one-time donation, check the Recurring Gift box.
• From this window, select the Frequency of Gift. Choose your payment date from the options (the current date, the 1st of the month, or the 15th of the month). Choose your gift frequency (either monthly, quarterly, twice a year, or yearly)
• After this, you have the option to specify if you would like to receive notifications regarding when each payment will be sent (before being charged).
• From here, you enter your personal information and specify whether your gift is a tribute, joint gift, or part of a company match program, and click on the Next button.

If you would prefer help to walk you through the process, or if you have any further questions, please reach out to Krystal Baker (krystal.baker@ttu.edu or 806-834-4317) or to me.

Thank you in advance for your support of Texas Tech University and the University Libraries!

Strive for Honor,

Brad Davis

brad.davis@ttu.edu

806-834-8225 office

Editor: Julie Barnett

Digital Media: Ryan Burns, Marcos Rubio & Leslie Jensen

Contributors: Krystal Baker & Brad Davis

Designers: Katie Miller & Leslie Jensen