Exploring Civic Season Through Film: A Curated Playlist from HSHSL

Selection of film thumbnail images from the AVON database:  Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom; The American Revolution: Voices: American Historia; and Citizen Nation.
A selection of titles from the AVON databasse

Each year from Juneteenth (June 19) through Independence Day (July 4), Civic Season invites us to reflect on the American story (including its histories, tensions, and possibilities) and consider our role in shaping what comes next.

At HSHSL, we’re supporting Civic Season by sharing a curated streaming playlist of films and documentaries available through Academic Video Online (AVON).

🎆 Explore our Civic Season playlist here


This playlist includes a range of powerful works, including:

  • Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
  • Ken Burns’s The American Revolution
  • Making Black America
  • American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos

These films and docuseries explore themes of freedom, civic identity, social justice, and the diverse experiences that shape the American narrative.


All titles in this playlist are available to UMB students, faculty, and staff through HSHSL’s subscription to AVON. Here’s how you can watch:

  • Stream films directly in your browser
  • Log in with your UMB credentials if prompted (especially off campus)
  • Use for personal learning, teaching, or group discussion

We invite you to explore the playlist and reflect on how these stories inform our understanding of civic life, both past and present.

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Build More Competitive Grant Applications With HSHSL Expertise

HSHSL building with pink roses. Photo by Emily Hurst.

Did you know the HSHSL offers tools and services to support every stage of the grant lifecycle? From identifying funding opportunities with the Pivot-RP database to strengthening proposals through expert literature searches and comprehensive evidence synthesis, our services are designed to enhance the quality and impact of your work.

We also provide guidance on data management and sharing plans, create clear and compelling data visualizations, and advise on publishing strategies. In addition, our librarians bring a wide range of expertise and can serve as active collaborators on research projects.

Whether you are preparing your first application or advancing an established research program, the library is your partner in building stronger, more competitive grants. For more information, visit our new Grant Support page.

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HSHSL Closed for Juneteenth

Juneteenth image of three hearts: red, black and green on a yellow background.

The HSHSL building will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. We honor this important day and recognize its significance in our nation’s history.

Summer hours will resume on Saturday, June 20.

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First Floor Recarpeting Update

A view of the HSHSL's first floor with new carpeting. Caution tape extends across the floor as the project is ongoing.

Our first-floor recarpeting project is taking a little longer than expected, and we appreciate your continued patience as we finish the work.

The library’s temporary 8 a.m. opening time and first-floor closure will remain in effect until the project is complete.

All other temporary service locations remain the same:
• Information Services and poster printing: Second floor
• Public computers and printing: Floors 2 and 4
• Study space and seating: Upper floors

The good news? The refreshed space is already getting compliments, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back once the finishing touches are complete.

Thank you for your flexibility while we complete this final stretch.

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HSHSL Building Access Update for Friday, June 12

HSHSL building with pink roses. Photo by Emily Hurst.

On Friday, June 12, the HSHSL building will be placed on card reader access due to the Board of Regents meeting.

This temporary change in access will help ensure the safety and security of HSHSL employees, building tenants and library users during the event. Please make sure to have your UMID with you.

As a reminder, do not prop doors open or allow unauthorized persons to enter behind you. If you need assistance, please contact UMB Police and Public Safety at 410-706-6882 (non-emergency) or 410-706-3333 (emergency).

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Outside/Inside: Immigration, Migration, and Health Care in the United States

Outside - Inside: Immigration, Migration, and Health Care in the United States. Logo for a traveling exhibit from the National Library of Medicine.

“Outside/Inside: Immigration, Migration, and Health Care in the United States” is a travelling exhibit by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). It explores the history of immigrant and migrant health care over the last 130 years, highlighting struggles for health equity, medical stigmatization, and the social reforms led by immigrant communities. The Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) will host the NLM exhibit June 17 – July 11, 2026.

Black and white snapshot of a  large immigrant family, provided by the National Library of Medicine to compliment their traveling exhibit, Outside/Inside.

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Navigating Data Management and Sharing Requirements – How the HSHSL Can Help

Librarians are available for consultations on NIH Data Management and Sharing Plans.

The NIH has introduced a new, streamlined format for Data Management and Sharing Plans, effective for applications submitted on or after May 25, 2026. Updated guidance is available on the HSHSL website and in DMPTool (log in with your UMID). 

Request a consult with a librarian to review plans, help you choose a repository, or answer questions related to data management and sharing.  

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Advice for New Grads

UMB School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony 2024

The HSHSL sends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2026! As you prepare to take on new challenges, we want to remind you of the support and resources available to you beyond graduation.

  • Paid Journals and Databases: Alumni can access HSHSL’s electronic resources off campus for 4 months after graduation. After that time, alumni are still welcome to visit the Library to use the resources onsite.
  • Free Journals and Databases: Once your electronic access expires, you will still have access to public databases for literature, drug information, and more. We have compiled a selection of these resources on our Open Access Resources for Health Sciences Research and Practice guide. Additionally, be sure to investigate what resources you have through your new workplace and any professional organizations of which you are a member.

The HSHSL wishes you all the best in your future endeavors! Please contact the Information Services Desk if you have any questions.

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HSHSL Closed May 23-25 for the Memorial Day Weekend & Holiday

HSHSL building with pink roses. Photo by Emily Hurst.

The HSHSL building will be closed Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

We will reopen with our regular summer hours on Tuesday, May 26.

While the building is closed, most library resources will remain available through the HSHSL website, including journals, databases and research guides. If you have questions during the break, email hshsl@umaryland.edu and we will reply when the library reopens.

Please note that downtown Baltimore may be especially busy this weekend due to Artscape events taking place Saturday and Sunday.

We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.

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Catch Up With HSHSL in the Latest Connective Issues

This edition of HSHSL’s “Connective Issues” newsletter includes a farewell message from Dean Emily J. Hurst as she prepares to pursue new opportunities beyond HSHSL. You’ll also find updates on first-floor recarpeting and fifth-floor weeding efforts, news about our new oral history grant, and practical advice for recent graduates.

Read the latest issue for more news and updates from across the library.

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