UNCW Library History

Interview with Bertha B. Todd who was the first and last librarian at Williston High School. She discusses her career in education and librarianship in Wilmington, as well as her role in community service and race relations. Following integration and the closing of Williston, she transferred to Hoggard High. Mrs. Todd intervened to prevent riots during integration.

Ms. Betty Sue Westbrook, retired faculty member, discusses her career at Wilmington College and UNC-Wilmington as a librarian. She spent her library career as a cataloger. Ms. Westbrook began working at the college in 1965 and retired twenty years later. Topics discussed include: increasing library holdings to 50,000 volumes so that the library could be accredited as a 4-year college library; reclassification of the collection from Dewey Decimal system to Library of Congress system; and the important role and contributions of Helen Hagan, library director.

In this interview, Bill Pate discusses his extended history at UNCW, from his time as a student at Wilmington College in the late '60s to his twenty years as an instrumental part of UNCW's Computing and Information Systems. He addresses the development of computerized technology at UNCW from 1981 on, including the introduction of microcomputers into the academic departments, the automation of Randall Library, and implementing online registration. He also shares details concerning the budgetary concerns and interdepartmental relations of his department and the 1998 creation of the Information Technology Systems Division.

Ron Johnson was born in Lumberton, NC. He earned his undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and the week after graduation was hired to work at the library at ECU, but shortly after was drafted to go to Vietnam. After returning, he received his Masters of Library Science from Peabody College for Teachers, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hired to work in the library at Wilmington College. He talks about his years as acquisitions librarian, various faculty he worked with and library programs that have changed during his career.

Eugene ("Gene") Huguelet, retired Director of Library Services at UNCW's Randall Library from 1977 to 1996, shares professional reminiscences which include the formation of the Coastal Library Consortium and the automation and expansion of Randall Library. He also discusses his relationships with and memories of other well-known members of UNCW's faculty and staff, including Helen Hagan, Charles Cahill, and Dr. Randall himself.

Joanna Wright joined the staff of Randall Library in 1977. In this interview, Wright guides the listener through the implementation and evolution of internet access and use at UNCW's Randall Library. Wright was a leader in bringing internet use and website design to the library and the university.

Louise Jackson was born in Clover, South Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from Winthrop University and her Masters of Library Science from Emory University, where she was taught by Helen Hagan. In 1967, Hagan recruited Jackson to come and work with her at Wilmington College. In this interview, Jackson discusses the significant changes she saw in her years as UNCW reference librarian: the construction of the new building, the switch to automation, the emergence of computers as a research tool, and the growth of the university. She also talks of building the serials collection and experiencing the thrill of the hunt.