University News
WIU Libraries Donate Music Materials to Tulane
February 26, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans three years ago, thousands of people lost their homes and all their belongings. While the rebuilding continues, it becomes more evident that the damage extends beyond homes and businesses; historical documents and countless collections were also swept away.
Western Illinois University Libraries have made public service and outreach a central part of its mission, and as such, the Libraries recently assisted Tulane University in its ongoing efforts to rebuild library collections damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
According to Jeffrey Darensbourg, University Libraries marketing and outreach librarian, during the storm the nearly century-old Maxwell Music Library at Tulane was flooded with several feet of water, ruining its collections. Rod Sharpe, director of the WIU Music Library, answered a call for materials which was issued in 2007 through the Music Library Association to help rebuild Tulane's music collections. Sharpe responded to the call for assistance, sending classical musical scores, books and recordings to Tulane.
"My friends at Tulane went through a horrible ordeal due to the storm," Darensbourg, a Louisiana native who was living in state at the time of the storm, said. "Many thanks are extended to Rod for his work on their behalf."
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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