{"id":4067,"date":"2026-05-13T18:10:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/?p=4067"},"modified":"2026-05-13T18:10:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:10:32","slug":"may-2026-volume-20-number-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/?p=4067","title":{"rendered":"May 2026 \u2013 Volume 20 \u2013 Number 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>#more, #more2 {display: none;}<\/style>\n<div id=\"this-issue\">\n  <div id=\"this-issue-body\">\n    <h3 class=\"title\">IN THIS ISSUE:<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"singlespace\">\n      <li><a href=\"#01\">Dean&#8217;s Message<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#02\">First Floor Recarpeting Begins May 18: What to Know<\/a><\/li>\n  \t  <li><a href=\"#03\">Advice for New Grads<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#04\">HSHSL Awarded Grant for Oral History Project<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#05\">Early Summer Hours<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#06\">NNLM Region 1 Funding Renewal and Upcoming Webinar<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#07\">Refreshing the Fifth Floor: A Progress Update on the Weeding Project<\/a><\/li>\n  \t  <li><a href=\"#08\">Employee News<\/a><\/li>\n  \t  <li><a href=\"#09\">Historical Collections Highlight: William Curtis\u2019s Aloes<\/a><\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"01\" name=\"01\"><\/a>Dean&#8217;s Message<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n\t<div class=\"alpha-shadow\" style=\"margin: 0 0 0 14px !important; float: right;\">\n      <div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/Emily-Hurst-Summer-Fest.jpg\" alt=\"Emily Hurst holding blue cotton candy next to a pink cotton candy machine, with a brick building visible through the window.\" width=\"167\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"clear: both; float: right; margin: 0 0 15px 15px; width: 180px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: right; padding-right: 8px;\"><strong>Emily Hurst<\/strong>, Associate Vice Provost and Dean, HSHSL<\/div>\n    <p>Moving into the summer months, this is one of the busiest  times on campus. It has been a pleasure to see so many students in the library  filling our spaces, preparing for exams and celebrating upcoming graduations  with fun photos. I am happy that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)  Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) has been a constant for so  many students over the years and proud of the role we play in supporting your  success.<\/p>\n    <p>As graduation  approaches, I know that many students will be moving on to begin their careers.  I hope that the experiences you had on campus and at the HSHSL will bring you  success. While <a href=\"https:\/\/answers.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/faq\/343851\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">access to UMB-licensed resources<\/a> will change after graduation, I encourage you to stay connected to  libraries and librarians wherever you go, as they remain valuable partners in  your professional growth.<\/p>\n    <p>For students, faculty, and staff who are looking forward to  vacation, I encourage you to explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/hshsl\/resources\/leisure.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kinnard  Leisure Reading Collection<\/a> for your next beach read or after-finals break. Lastly,  as your careers advance, please consider opportunities to support the HSHSL by  becoming a donor. With many options for giving, you can find the right one for  you on <a name=\"_Int_JHo8lcN1\">our<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/about\/supporting.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Give to the HSHSL  page<\/a>. Donors will receive a beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/hslupdates\/?p=6954\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HSHSL calendar<\/a> each year they contribute, along with invitations to upcoming happenings of  interest, such as speaker events and gallery receptions.<\/p>\n    <p>Looking ahead, I am excited to share that right after finals  the HSHSL will undergo some <a href=\"#02\">changes on the first floor<\/a>. New carpeting will be installed,  and some furnishings will be updated. Expect to see more open space and comfortable  seating. A minor update to the Kinnard Leisure Reading area will improve its  access and visibility. The iSpace footprint will shrink, but its services will  remain intact behind the scenes. We will also move our printing and copy  stations to make room for a family-friendly study room. Based on student feedback,  we determined that a designated space where students can study with their  children would offer much needed support to students balancing childcare with  coursework.<\/p>\n    <p>I close this message with an update I had hoped I would not  be making for many years. After careful consideration, I have recently accepted  an opportunity to serve as the director of Library Services at the University  of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) beginning June 29. This was a very difficult decision,  as I greatly value the time and relationships I have built at UMB. This new  role will allow me to continue in health sciences library leadership while being  closer to aging family members who need my support.<\/p>\n    <p>I have been in the Mid-Atlantic area for over a decade.  During my time on the East Coast, I have been active with the Mid-Atlantic  Chapter of the Medical Library Association (MAC\/MLA). It was during my time in graduate  school that I first became aware of the work of the librarians and staff at  UMB, HSHSL. Over the years I had the chance to meet and work with many of the  librarians from the HSHSL in different capacities. Former HSHSL leaders  impacted my career and helped me understand how to bring dynamic ideas to life  with the support of diverse perspectives. Former HSHSL leadership inspired me  to become a library director, and serving as the dean at the HSHSL was a dream  come true.<\/p>\n    <p>Over the past two and a half years, I had the great  pleasure of working with the team at the HSHSL. Together we made many changes,  and I am proud of all the things we accomplished. I know that the team at the  HSHSL is strong and will be able to continue to support the vision of a  collaborative library that is essential to the success of the university for  years to come. I am very sad to leave, but I look forward to learning about the  next new things that the future dean will bring to the HSHSL. Thank you for  allowing me to be part of this group and your lives. It has made a lasting  impact on me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I am pleased to  share that Alexa Mayo, assistant dean for Research and Information Services,  will return to the role of interim dean upon my departure. <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"02\" name=\"02\"><\/a>First Floor Recarpeting Begins May 18: What to Know<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n    <p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/02.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of an academic workspace with carpeted floors, display case, worktables, and innovation space signage.\" width=\"549px\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n    <p>The HSHSL will begin a major first-floor recarpeting project on May 18. Work is expected to continue through June 15.<\/p>\n    <p>To prepare for construction, some first-floor services and amenities will begin relocating <strong>starting Thursday, May 14<\/strong>. During this transition period, the first floor will remain open, but visitors may notice temporary service changes as equipment and services move to other areas of the building.<\/p>\n    <p>Beginning May 18, the entire first floor will be closed to the public as carpeting is replaced in phases, starting in staff spaces and moving toward the library entrance.<\/p>\n    <p><strong>How this may affect you<\/strong><\/p>\n    <p><strong>Library services<\/strong><\/p>\n    <ul type=\"disc\">\n      <li>From May 18 to June 15, the<strong> library building will open at 8 a.m.<\/strong> Early morning access through the Campus Center between 6 and 8 a.m. will be unavailable during the project.<\/li>\n      <li>The Information Services desk will temporarily move to <strong>Room 201C on the second floor<\/strong>, directly above its usual location. Visitors may use the       stairs or elevator to reach staff. <\/li>\n      <li><strong>Poster       printing services<\/strong> will continue from the temporary second-floor location. <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <p><strong>Spaces and amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n    <ul type=\"disc\">\n      <li>Printing and public computers are available on floors 2 and 4.<\/li>\n      <li>Seating and study space will be available on our upper floors. <\/li>\n      <li>Restrooms will remain open on all other floors, and a gender-neutral restroom is available in the Campus Center.<\/li>\n      <li>A clearly marked, accessible path from the building entrance to elevators and stairwells will remain open throughout the project.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <p><strong>Plan ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n    <p>Directional signage will be posted throughout the building,  and library staff will be available to help.<\/p>\n    <p>We appreciate your flexibility while we refresh  the first floor and look forward to welcoming you back into the updated space soon.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"03\" name=\"03\"><\/a>Advice for New Grads<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"article-text\">\n    <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume19_Number03\/02-1.jpg\" alt=\"Graduates wearing black caps and gowns with yellow stoles seated in an auditorium.\" width=\"549\" height=\"288\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n    <div style=\"clear: both; width: 549px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin-top: -20px;\">Photo by Matthew D\u2019Agostino \/ University of Maryland, Baltimore<\/div>\n  \t<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n  <p>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.<\/p>\n  <ul>\n    <li><strong>Paid Journals and Databases:<\/strong>&nbsp;Alumni  can access HSHSL&rsquo;s electronic resources off campus for<strong>&nbsp;4 months<\/strong>&nbsp;after  graduation. After that time, alumni are still welcome to visit the Library to  use the resources onsite. <\/li>\n    <li><strong>Free Journals and Databases:<\/strong>&nbsp;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/guides.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/c.php?g=1436301\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Open Access Resources  for Health Sciences Research and Practice<\/a> guide. Additionally, be sure to  investigate what resources you have through your new workplace and any  professional organizations of which you are a member.<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n  <p>The HSHSL wishes you all the best in your future  endeavors! Please contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/answers.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information  Services Desk<\/a>&nbsp;if you have any questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"04\" name=\"04\">HSHSL Awarded Grant for Oral History Project<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n    <p>The Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is  proud to announce that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has selected  &ldquo;Preserving UMB Voices: A Community Driven Oral History Initiative&rdquo; for full  funding through the <a href=\"https:\/\/elm.umaryland.edu\/elm-stories\/2026\/UMB-Awards-Three-Access-and-Engagement-Innovation-Grants.php?utm_source=The%20Elm%20Weekly%3A%20Week%20of%20April%2027%2C%202026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Access  &amp; Engagement Innovation Grant program<\/a>. The project was awarded $7,000  to launch a new, Universitywide effort to document and preserve the lived  experiences of UMB students, staff, faculty, and alumni.<\/p>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/04.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Tara Wink\" width=\"200\" border=\"0\" class=\"right\">\n\t\t<div style=\"clear: both; width: 200px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 0 20px 0; float: right; text-align: right;\">Tara Wink, MLS<\/div>\n\t\t<p>Led by Tara Wink, MLS, Historical Collections librarian, and  Dennis Nangle, MLS, assistant dean for Resource Development and Access, the  initiative will create a sustainable infrastructure for collecting, preserving,  and sharing oral histories across UMB. By elevating voices and stories that are  not always visible in traditional institutional records, the project aims to  broaden and strengthen the historical narrative of the University.<\/p>\n    <p>Reviewers praised the proposal for its strong  interprofessional collaboration and its focus on centering community  perspectives. The project brings together partners from several UMB schools,  Student Affairs, the Thurgood Marshall Law Library, the Medical Alumni  Association, as well as state-level partners at the Maryland State Archives and  Digital Maryland. <\/p>\n    <p>Over the coming year, the Oral History Working Group will  identify interviewees, develop shared guidelines and training, pilot  interviews, and launch a publicly accessible digital collection. The grant will  also support a student worker who will assist with logistics, transcription,  and metadata creation.<\/p>\n    <p>By building the capacity for participatory archiving and  fostering connections across units, &ldquo;Preserving UMB Voices&rdquo; directly supports  the UMB Strategic Plan&rsquo;s emphasis on belonging, engagement, and a thriving  university culture. This initiative ensures that UMB&rsquo;s living history,  including its people, their experiences, and their contributions, will be  preserved and shared for generations to come.<\/p>\n    <p>We look forward to sharing updates as this  exciting project develops. <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"05\" name=\"05\">Early Summer Hours<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"article-text\">\n    <p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume19_Number03\/03.jpg\" alt=\"Summer Hours\" title=\"Summer Hours\" width=\"549\" height=\"204\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n    <p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;\"><strong>Temporary access update (May 18\u2013June 15):<\/strong> Due to first-floor recarpeting, the library building will open at <strong>8 a.m. Monday through Friday<\/strong> during this period. Early morning access through the Campus Center between 6 and 8 a.m. will be unavailable.<\/p>\n\t<hr><br>\n\t<p><strong>Regular Semester Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n    <table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Monday \u2013 Thursday<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">8 a.m. \u2013 8 p.m.<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Friday<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">8 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Saturday<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">8 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Sunday<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">Closed<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n\t<\/table>\n    <br><br>\n    <p><strong>Exceptions to Regular Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n    <table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Memorial Day Weekend<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">May 23 \u2013 25<\/td>\n\t\t  <td style=\"padding:8px;\">Closed<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Juneteenth<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">June 19<\/td>\n\t\t  <td style=\"padding:8px;\">Closed<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\"><strong>Independence Day Weekend<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td style=\"padding:8px;\">July 3 \u2013 5<\/td>\n\t\t  <td style=\"padding:8px;\">Closed<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n\t<\/table>\n\t<br>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"06\" name=\"06\"><\/a>NNLM Region 1 Funding Renewal and Upcoming Webinar<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n\t<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/06.png\" alt=\"Stylized US map with NNLM and Network of the National Library of Medicine text.\" width=\"549\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n\t<p>The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM)  Region and the NNLM Web Services Office (NWSO), have received funding through  an administrative supplement that extends our work through April 30, 2027. This  continued support allows NNLM Region 1 to sustain and expand training,  outreach, and engagement opportunities for members and vested partners across  the region. The NNLM Web Services Office will also continue its critical role  in supporting NNLM Regional Offices and Centers by maintaining essential web  services and digital infrastructure for the network.<\/p>\n\t<p>As part of this ongoing funding and our training  initiatives, we invite you to join us for an upcoming webinar on May 28 at 1 p.m.  EST.<\/p>\n\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nnlm.gov\/training\/class\/region-one-insights-information-safety-and-trust\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Information Safety and Trust<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\t<p>This webinar will examine clinical and institutional  definitions of patient safety, explore the critical relationship between  safety, trust, and patient health behaviors, and introduce two models for  understanding positive safety and information marginalization within healthcare  settings.<\/p>\n\t<p>We look forward to continuing our support of members  and partners as we advance our shared work across NNLM Region 1 and the broader  NNLM network! <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"07\" name=\"07\"><\/a>Refreshing the Fifth Floor: A Progress Update on the Weeding Project<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n\t<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/07.jpg\" alt=\"Several book carts with signs reading Weeded from 5th Floor Pending Deaccessioning are arranged in a library setting.\" width=\"549px\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n    <p>As the spring semester comes to a close and we celebrate the  accomplishments of our graduates, the Health Sciences and Human Services  Library continues behind\u2011the\u2011scenes work to ensure our physical  collections are well aligned with current and future needs. One such effort, the  fifth floor weeding and shifting project, is now well underway.<\/p>\n    <p>This project is part of HSHSL&rsquo;s broader strategy to refresh the  physical collection, improve discoverability, and make the stacks easier to  navigate. Over the past several weeks, HSHSL librarians and staff have been  carefully reviewing materials on the fifth floor, identifying items that are no  longer a good fit for the active collection, and planning responsible next  steps for retention, relocation, or withdrawal. As materials are withdrawn,  remaining items are shifted and redistributed to create space and improve  browsing.<\/p>\n    <p>If you&rsquo;ve noticed shelves that look partially empty or &ldquo;in  transition,&rdquo; that&rsquo;s by design. These temporary gaps are a key part of the  process, allowing the weeding team to accurately assess available space before  final shifts are completed. We appreciate your patience (and your restraint!)  in leaving shelves as\u2011is while  this work continues.<\/p>\n    <p>One of the most rewarding aspects of this project is how  collaborative it is. The effort brings together expertise from across HSHSL,  including metadata management, collection analysis, stacks management,  historical collections, facilities, and subject-matter expertise from the research  and education librarians. This cross\u2011departmental approach ensures that decisions are thoughtful, data\u2011informed, and responsive to how our  community uses the collection.<\/p>\n    <p>Importantly, access to materials remains available throughout the  project. If you have difficulty locating an item or need assistance, HSHSL  staff at the Information Services desk are always happy to help. While teams  are mindful that the fifth floor is designated as a quiet space, some  conversation is necessary to coordinate work. Ear plugs and headphones are  available at the service desk, and floors three and four may offer quieter  alternatives during active work periods.<\/p>\n    <p>Looking ahead, HSHSL plans to complete the first phase of this  weeding project by the end of the summer. Once we reach this milestone, we will  evaluate outcomes, plan next steps, and continue shaping a collection that is  both welcoming and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.<\/p>\n    <p>Thank you for your patience and support as we  invest in the long\u2011term stewardship of HSHSL&rsquo;s collections.  <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"08\" name=\"08\"><\/a>Employee News<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n\t<h3>Hightlights<\/h3>\n\t<p><strong>Dennis Nangle, MLS, <\/strong>was named as a co-editor of &ldquo;Developments,&rdquo; the newsletter  for the Collection Development Caucus of the Medical Library Association. <\/p>\n\t<p><strong>April Wright, MLS,<\/strong> was elected to the Nominating  Committee of the Medical Library Association for 2026-2027. <\/p>\n\t\t<hr>\n<h3>Publications<\/h3>\n\t<p><strong>Emily  Gorman, MLIS, Nicole Shelawala, M. Eng., MLIS, <\/strong>and <strong>Amy Yarnell, MLS, <\/strong>published &ldquo;Building  an interactive dashboard to visualize institutional open access publishing  trends&rdquo; in the <em>Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA), Vol. 114<\/em>,  No. 2, April 2026. \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5195\/jmla.2026.2340\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5195\/jmla.2026.2340<\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"article-title\" style=\"margin-top: 20px;\">\n  <h3><a id=\"09\" name=\"09\"><\/a>Historical Collections Highlight: William Curtis\u2019s Aloes<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n  <div class=\"article-text\">\n\t\t<p>With the summer months approaching and the days getting warmer, sun  exposure becomes more common. Even the most diligent will find themselves with  a sunburn, and many will reach for aloe to help ease the sting of the burn. The  medicinal use of aloe dates back to the fourth millennium BCE. An early record  of aloe use dates to circa 2200 BC on a Sumerian hieroglyphic tablet depicting  its use as a laxative. Today, aloe\u2014most commonly <em>Aloe vera<\/em> (<em>Aloe  barbadensis Miller<\/em>)\u2014 is still used to treat burns, cuts, and bites, as well  as digestive problems.<\/p>\n\t\t<p><strong>The Genus <em>Aloe<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/09-1.jpg\" alt=\"(Photograph) Photograph of a green aloe vera plant with thick, fleshy leaves featuring small white spots and serrated edges, growing in a textured light-colored pot filled with soil. The plant is positioned against a dark, blurred background, highlighting its vibrant color and healthy appearance.\" width=\"200\" border=\"0\" class=\"left\">\n\t\t<div style=\"clear: both; width: 200px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 0 20px 0; float: left; text-align: left;\">Photograph of Aloe houseplant taken by Tara Wink, Historical Collections librarian. April 2026.<\/div>\n\t\t<p><em>Aloe<\/em> is a genus of succulent plants that contains over 650 species. Most  species are native to southern and western Africa and islands in the Indian  Ocean. Aloe plants thrive in regions with low rainfall and warm climates and do  not tolerate cold weather, heavy frosts, or snowfall. While <em>Aloe vera<\/em> is  the most well-known species for burn treatment, several other species of aloe  have medicinal qualities that soothe burns and treat skin conditions. Aloe is  also commonly used in cosmetics, skin care products, and soap. Some species  have shown anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic  qualities in scientific studies, but findings remain inconclusive.<\/p>\n\t\t<p>A common attribute of the <em>Aloe<\/em> species is a circular arrangement  of thick, fleshy, and large green leaves with tubular yellow, orange, pink, or  red flowers. Plants may grow at ground level or develop stems with a shrub-like  appearance. Aloes are commonly cultivated in gardens, pots, and as houseplants.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\n    <span id=\"dots\"><p><strong>&#8230;<\/strong><\/p><\/span><span id=\"more\">\n\t\t<p><strong>William Curtis and his Botanical  Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<p>Because of its  medicinal qualities and stunning, unique flowers, the <em>Aloe<\/em> genus is  commonly featured in historical botanicals, which were used to train early pharmacists  in the use of plants for medicines,   tonics, and tinctures. Historical Collections at the HSHSL holds issues of <em>The  Botanical Magazine, or, Flower-garden Displayed, <\/em>an influential botanical  journal created by William Curtis. First published in London in 1787, the  journal continues today under the title <em>Curtis&rsquo;s Botanical Magazine<\/em>,  published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.<\/p>\n\t\t<p>The first thirty issues featured copper engraved,  hand-colored plates with descriptions of the plant&rsquo;s history, physical characteristics,  cultivation, and scientific classification. Curtis died in 1799, having  completed 13 volumes; volume 15 began a new title, <em>Curtis&rsquo;s Botanical  Magazine<\/em>, which honored its founder. Volumes 1 through 146 (1787-1920) have  been digitized through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307\">Biodiversity  Heritage Library<\/a>. <\/p>\n\t\t<p>William Curtis (1756-1799) was born in Alton Hampshire,  England. He was a pharmacist who developed an interest and reputation for his  work in botany and entomology. He was named director and instructor at the  Chelsea Physic Garden from 1771 to 1777. The genus <em>Curtisia<\/em> was named in  his honor.<\/p>\n\t\t<p>Historical  Collections received its holdings of <em>The Botanical Magazine<\/em> and <em>Curtis&rsquo;s  Botanical Magazine<\/em> from the estate of Dr. August Kach (Maryland College of  Pharmacy Class of 1882). The Maryland College of Pharmacy, founded in 1841, was  the predecessor to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. For over 50  years, Dr. Kach operated a drug  store in Baltimore at Fort Avenue and William Street ,  where he collected over 700 volumes of influential pharmacy texts. His wife,  Blanche A. Kach, donated his collection in 1941, forming a core component of  the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/hshsl\/resources\/historical\/pharmacy\/\">Pharmacy  Collection<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <p><strong>The <em>Aloe <\/em>Species in <em>Curtis&rsquo;s  Botanical Magazine<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n    <p>Botanical plates featuring aloe species appear  throughout <em>Curtis&rsquo;s Botanical Magazine<\/em>. Ironically, no depictions of the famous <em>Aloe  vera <\/em>species were discovered in the journal while researching this article.  The earliest images of aloe in <em>The Botanical Magazine <\/em>occur in Volume 13  (1799)<em>. <\/em>They are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/7353#page\/53\/mode\/1up\"><em>Aloe  retusa<\/em><\/a> (plate 455) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/7353#page\/58\/mode\/1up\"><em>Aloe  plicatilis<\/em><\/a> (plate 457)<em>;<\/em> however, both were reclassified outside  the <em>Aloe<\/em> genus as <em>Haworthia retusa<\/em> and <em>Kumara plicatilis<\/em>,  respectively. Both have similar characteristics to those in the <em>Aloe<\/em> genus  and have historically been used to treat skin burns and wounds.<\/p>\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/09-2.jpg\" alt=\"(Nos 455 and 457) Two botanical plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine. The left is a botanical illustration depicting a succulent plant with thick, pointed leaves arranged in a rosette and a tall, slender flowering stalk with small blossoms. The drawing includes handwritten notes indicating scientific documentation and classification from 1799. The right is a botanical illustration depicting a flowering plant with elongated, tubular orange and yellow flowers arranged along a central stalk and broad, gray-green leaves at the base. The artwork includes fine details such as shading and texture, with a small label, indicating a scientific or educational purpose.\" width=\"549\" border=\"0\">\n\t\t<div style=\"clear: both; width: 549px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 0 40px 0; text-align: left;\">Botanical Plates No. 455 and 457 from Curtis&#8217;s Botanical Magazine. Scans part of the Biodiversity Heritage Library, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307<\/a>. Volume 13, 1799<\/div>\n\t\t<p>The earliest depictions that remain classified within  the <em>Aloe<\/em> genus include<em> Aloe humilis <\/em>(plates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14312#page\/182\/mode\/1up\">757<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14313#page\/106\/mode\/1up\">828<\/a>) or &ldquo;spider aloe&rdquo; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14312#page\/201\/mode\/1up\"><em>Aloe  maculata<\/em><\/a> (plate 765) or &ldquo;soap&rdquo; or &ldquo;zebra aloe&rdquo;<em>, <\/em>published in Volumes  20 (1804) and 21 (1805). Spider aloe is reportedly as effective in treating  sunburn as the more well-known <em>Aloe vera<\/em>. While, soap aloe, as the name suggests,  is known to make soapy lather when mixed with water; it has demonstrated some antihistamine and anti-cancer properties  in scientific studies.<\/p>\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/09-3.jpg\" alt=\"(Nos 757, 765 and 828) Three botanical plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine.  The left is Botanical illustration depicting a flowering aloe plant with a tall central stalk bearing red and yellow tubular flowers. The drawing highlights detailed spiky leaves at the base and includes handwritten scientific notes and numbering in the background. The middle is a botanical illustration depicting a long, pointed leaf with a climbing vine featuring small, curved flowers and buds. The artwork uses muted green and red tones, with detailed shading and labeling indicating scientific study of plant species. The right is a botanical illustration depicting Aloe humilis with elongated, tubular reddish-brown flowers and spiky green leaves. The illustration includes a label with scientific name and publication details, highlighting plant's structure and flower arrangement.\" width=\"549\" border=\"0\">\n\t\t<div style=\"clear: both; width: 549px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 0 40px 0; text-align: left;\">Botanical Plates No. 757, 765, and 828 from Curtis&#8217;s Botanical Magazine. Scans part of the Biodiversity Heritage Library, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307<\/a>. Volumes 20-21, 1804-1805<\/div>\n\t\t<p>The final two <em>Aloe<\/em> illustrations in Historical Collection&rsquo;s  holdings of <em>Curtis&rsquo;s Botanical Magazine <\/em>are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14265#page\/41\/mode\/1up\"><em>Aloe marlothit<\/em><\/a> (plate 8484) in Volume 139 (1913) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/item\/14268#page\/90\/mode\/1up\"><em>Aloe  arborescens<\/em><\/a> (plate 8663) in Volume 142 (1916). <em>Aloe marlothit <\/em>is  known as &ldquo;mountain aloe&rdquo; and is a large plant with leaves growing as long as 5  feet. It can be used to promote skin health. <em>Aloe arborescens <\/em>or  &ldquo;candelabra aloe&rdquo; can grow up to 10 feet tall. Studies have shown that  candelabra aloe can help pain, allergies and asthma, fight infections and  fugus, and may help fight cancer.<\/p>\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/images\/volume20_Number03\/09-4.jpg\" alt=\"(Nos 8484 and 8663) Two botanical plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine. Left botanical illustration depicting a detailed cross-section of a flowering succulent plant with spiky green leaves and clusters of tubular flowers in orange, yellow, and purple hues. Includes labeled diagrams of flower parts on a beige background, highlighting structural components and reproductive features for scientific study. Right botanical illustration depicting a flowering aloe plant with a large green spiky leaf and a dense cluster of tubular red-orange flowers. Detailed sketches of flower parts are shown on the left side, highlighting botanical structure and morphology.\" width=\"549\" border=\"0\">\n\t\t<div style=\"clear: both; width: 549px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0 0 40px 0; text-align: left;\">Botanical Plates No. 8484 and 8663 from Curtis&#8217;s Botanical Magazine. Scans part of the Biodiversity Heritage Library, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.biodiversitylibrary.org\/bibliography\/307<\/a> . Volume 139, 1913, and Volume 142, 1916.<\/div>\n\t\t<p>As summer approaches and aloe remains a common remedy for sunburn, these  plants reflect a long history of medicinal use documented through centuries of  botanical scholarship. Beyond <em>Curtis&rsquo;s Botanical Magazine<\/em>, the  Historical Collections houses numerous botanical works, including volumes from  Dr. Kach&rsquo;s estate. For additional information or to view these materials,  please contact the Historical Collections Librarian and Archivist, <a href=\"mailto:twink@hshsl.umaryland.edu\">Tara Wink<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t  <\/span>\n    <button onclick=\"myFunction()\" id=\"myBtn\" style=\"padding:8px;\">Continue Reading<\/button><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script language=\"javascript\">\n  function myFunction() {\n  var dots = document.getElementById(\"dots\");\n  var moreText = document.getElementById(\"more\");\n  var btnText = document.getElementById(\"myBtn\");\n\n  if (dots.style.display === \"none\") {\n    dots.style.display = \"inline\";\n    btnText.innerHTML = \"Continue Reading\";\n    moreText.style.display = \"none\";\n  } else {\n    dots.style.display = \"none\";\n    btnText.innerHTML = \"Collapse\";\n    moreText.style.display = \"inline\";\n  }\n}<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong>IN THIS ISSUE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dean&#8217;s Message<\/li>\n<li>First Floor Recarpeting Begins May 18: What to Know<\/li>\n<li>Advice for New Grads<\/li>\n<li>HSHSL Awarded Grant for Oral History Project<\/li>\n<li>Early Summer Hours<\/li>\n<li>NNLM Region 1 Funding Renewal and Upcoming Webinar<\/li>\n<li>Refreshing the Fifth Floor: A Progress Update on the Weeding Project<\/li>\n<li>Employee News<\/li>\n<li>Historical Collections Highlight: William Curtis&#8217;s Aloes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-20"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4067"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4067"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4116,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4067\/revisions\/4116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www2.hshsl.umaryland.edu\/newsletter\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}