Purdue News
Purdue News
Dorothy Ann Washington began her new job Monday (1/13). She comes to Purdue from Temple University, where she has completed her coursework for a master's degree in African-American studies. She earned a master's degree in library science from Florida State University in 1981. From 1982 to 1995, she served as a librarian for various organizations including Makerere University in Uganda and the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
"I have a keen interest in African-American studies, and this position will provide the opportunity for me to combine my areas of interest," Washington said. "After working in the New York Public Library, I desired to return to a university setting that will allow me to work directly with students and faculty. Also with the new facility, this job will allow me to gain experience in the planning of a new library."
Purdue is in the midst of a campaign to raise $3 million to finance construction of a new Black Cultural Center. The two-story, 18,000-square-foot structure will be almost twice the size of the current center, which was dedicated in December 1970. Purdue has contributed the land and $1 million toward the construction.
"The value of libraries is an essential part of the learning experience," Washington said. "I believe the library within the Black Cultural Center promotes and encourages the entire campus community to learn about the African-American experience. I hope that the Black Cultural Center library will maintain an atmosphere in which our students can become independent, self-directed and lifelong learners."
Renee Thomas, director of the center, said the decision to hire Washington was based on a clear recognition of her leadership abilities and professional competence.
The center's library specializes in materials related to the historical, sociological, political and cultural aspects of the lives of African-Americans.
The library contains more than 6,000 books and subscribes to more than 40 popular magazines, scholarly journals and newspapers. The Black Cultural Center works in cooperation with the universitywide library system to provide information to patrons. The library also has a six-station computer lab available for word processing, Internet access or on-line Purdue library access.
The center serves about 35,000 people each year through its performing arts ensembles, speaker series, tours and other programs.
CONTACTS: Thomas, (765) 494-3091; e-mail, rathomas@hfs.purdue.edu
Washington, (765) 494-3093
jmw/Washington.bcc/no
