May 5, 2005
By Gail Matsunaga

Working in what is considered the academic heart of the campus – the Pollak Library – librarians and librarian staff members are exposed to a variety of disciplines through questions, research, class assignments and resources brought to them by students, faculty and staff members, and others every day.

Intrigued by the exposure to all of this information, Rachael Clemens, Rosemary McGill and Barbara Miller – members of the Technical Services Research Committee – developed a lecture series, Trends in Research.

"We wanted to bring together two faculty members from different departments, ask them to speak about their own research, research within their disciplines, some of their course curriculum or trends they see in research – really, an open-ended question. And then, see if any spontaneous cross-discipline sparks fly! We also wanted to give attendees an opportunity to engage in dialog with the speakers," said Clemens during the series' first session in March.

Although initially developed with library staff in mind, the series is open to students and faculty and staff members.

The inaugural program featured B.J. Snell, lecturer in nursing, whose area of expertise is midwifery, and Jochen Burgtorf, assistant professor of history, a specialist in medieval history.

"The midwifery program here is new, so I briefly covered our curriculum, number of students and integration of specialty within the graduate program in nursing," said Snell. "Many are not aware of the scope of midwifery practice and that midwives are an integrated part of the healthcare system, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention."

Burgtorf's presentation included his research "on the history of the crusades and the religious military orders – Templars and Hospitallers – which, especially in light of current confrontations in the Middle East, have much relevance beyond my ‘home' field of medieval history."

Regarding the relationship between the two areas, Snell said, "we had some interesting discussions about women and education related to Medieval times. Obviously, midwifery was more of an apprentice model historically, as women were not allowed to be included in formal education programs.

"There is quite a history of discrimination against and persecution of midwives historically."

Said Burgtorf, "the 12th-century crusading order of the Knights of St. John – also known as the Hospitallers – was originally dedicated to hospital and hospice work, and they employed a considerable number of midwives."

The next Trends in Research lecture will take place from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in Room 130 of the Pollak Library. Rebecca Dolhinow, assistant professor of women's studies, who studies women in U.S.-Mexico border communities, and Shari McMahon, professor of kinesiology and health science, whose research is in the social ecological approach in addressing various health problems, will be the featured speakers.

"It's a superb tool to encourage cross-disciplinary research and cooperation, and thus, is fully in line with our university's mission, goals and strategies," said Burgtorf of the new series.

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