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Florida State University Libraries Special Collections & Archives has acquired a collection of rare legal documents donated by independent Emmett Till researchers Kevin Murphy and Colleen FitzPatrick. The collection expands public access to historical records tied to one of the most significant civil rights cases in American history.

The acquisition consists of copies of records from the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant were tried for the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. Till’s murder and the subsequent trial became pivotal events in the Civil Rights Movement. The collection strengthens FSU’s extensive holdings in regional and Southern history.

“Preserving primary sources from pivotal moments in our nation’s history is at the very core of our mission. By making these rare courthouse records accessible digitally, FSU Libraries provides scholars and the public with resources to examine the legal landscape of the civil rights era and ensure these histories are never forgotten.”

— Katie McCormick, associate dean for Special Collections & Archives

Among the donated records are Circuit Court case files for each charge against Milam and Bryant, including records related to witnesses called to trial. The documents provide new resources for scholars studying the 1955 murder case.

“Preserving primary sources from pivotal moments in our nation’s history is at the very core of our mission,” said Katie McCormick, associate dean for Special Collections & Archives. “By making these rare courthouse records accessible digitally, FSU Libraries provides scholars and the public with resources to examine the legal landscape of the civil rights era and ensure these histories are never forgotten.”

Recovering the records from the Mississippi courthouse required extensive preparation, including the use of K95 masks, protective gloves and portable lighting.

In the courthouse basement, researchers found the Emmett Till documents in varying states of preservation. Some remained in relatively good condition within leather-bound volumes, while others showed significant deterioration from decades of exposure to moisture, mold and rodents.

“We experienced emotions that ran the gamut from exhilaration in finding them to such deep sadness that the records, in the state that we found them, served as a metaphor for the burying of truth and justice in one of the worst moments in American history,” Murphy said. “The entire experience was profoundly moving; to rub our fingers over the actual signatures of Mose Wright, Willie Reed, Mandy Bradley, et al in the State Witness Fee Book, brought us right back to those days of 1955.”

FitzPatrick and Murphy credited Tallahatchie County Circuit Court Clerk Daphane Neal and her assistant, Angie Clark, with helping facilitate their work in the Sumner Courthouse archives. The research team spent four days examining and digitizing records during visits in June and August 2025.

“Finding these records was both a technical challenge and a profound historical responsibility,” FitzPatrick said. “By digitizing this collection, we are preserving the tangible proof of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, making sure these voices are never silenced by time.”

FSU College of Communication and Information Professor Davis Houck, the Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies whose research helped establish FSU’s Emmett Till Archives, said the records “add to our understanding of decision making in how the case was both prosecuted and defended. From the voir dire process to prospective witnesses, their discovery of these extremely rare documents helps round out our understanding of this grave miscarriage of justice.”

The digitized collection is available to the public through the FSU Libraries digital repository. Visit the Emmett Till Trial Collection webpage to view the latest findings of this historic case.

For more information, visit the FSU Special Collections and Archives website or contact the department staff via email at lib-specialcollections@fsu.edu or by phone at 850-644-3271.

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Florida State University faculty are rethinking how students learn. At the university’s third annual Provost’s Showcase of Scholarly Teaching, educators across campus gathered and highlighted innovative approaches across a range of disciplines that unite research and creativity to craft learning experiences that help students develop the skills they need in their fields. From virtual reality simulations and AI-driven coursework to hands-on activities and authentic connection, faculty are using cutting-edge strategies to keep students engaged and learning. 

The event, hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) in collaboration with FSU Libraries, highlighted new approaches to student-centered teaching and learning. 

The 2026 showcase featured 31 poster presentations and 18 roundtable discussions, focusing on student success and new ways to enhance both classroom and online learning. 

“I recognize from my own experience as a researcher just how many hours it takes to put together such high-quality work” said FSU Provost Jim Clark. “It is exciting to think that our students are benefiting so much from the type of intelligence you are bringing to this work. This commitment is truly what makes Florida State University a very special place and why we are a top 25 institution.”

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Florida State University has joined a global movement of community-driven book sharing with the launch of its first on-campus Little Free Library. 

Part of a worldwide network of “take-a-book, share-a-book” kiosks, these small, weather-proof boxes act as neighborhood book exchanges where anyone may take a book or leave one for the next reader. This new installation, a collaborative effort between FSU Libraries and the FSU Student Union Board, hopes to build a sense of community and encourage leisure reading among students in a low-pressure, accessible way. 

“We are all about increasing access and connecting with students where they actually live and gather, and this little free library is a great extension of our mission because it creates a unique connection where you’re taking part in another person’s experience when you take a book,” said Crystal Matthews, FSU Libraries student engagement librarian. 

To celebrate the installation, the university held a grand opening ceremony on April 8 at the new home of the Little Free Library in the courtyard of the Askew Student Life Center. The event marked the library’s official addition to the Little Free Library world map, joining the existing location at the FSU Panama City Campus.

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Florida State University honored the creative and intellectual contributions of its faculty and staff Thursday during the 2026 FSU Authors Day.  

This year’s event recognized 130 books and compositions published by FSU faculty and staff over the past year, representing more than 50 areas and departments across the university. 

The event, a collaboration between the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement and FSU Libraries, turned the historic Beth Moor lounge into a gallery of academic achievement. Attendees spent the afternoon recognizing the collection of scholarly monographs, textbooks, poetry collections, art books, and one book for children.  

“The books on display reflect the remarkable depth and range of our academic community,” said FSU Provost Jim Clark. “They include groundbreaking research and thoughtful analysis, powerful creative works and essential textbooks. Each one represents years of dedication, curiosity and perseverance.” 

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The Florida State University Libraries is now home to the James and Betty Lou Joanos Collection, one of the most comprehensive personal records documenting the university’s evolution. 

Donated by Betty Lou in honor of her late husband, the Honorable James E. Joanos, the collection offers a window into FSU’s history. 

“The Joanos Collection is more than a set of memorabilia; it is a historical map of how Florida State evolved over seven decades,” said Carrie Cooper, dean of FSU Libraries. “By bringing these materials into our archives, we preserve our institutional history and the memory of a couple whose lives have touched generations of alumni at Florida State University.” 

Known across campus as “Mr. and Mrs. FSU,” James and Betty Lou Joanos defined their lives through their relationship with the university. Their story is one of a lifelong partnership rooted in Tallahassee, beginning with a first date during the Homecoming weekend as FSU students over 70 years ago.  

FSU Libraries figures prominently in their love story; it was in the original library in Dodd Hall — known today as the Werkmeister Reading Room — that James asked Betty Lou for that Homecoming date, which lasted the rest of their lives. 

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Florida State University recognized graduate student achievement and leadership at the Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence, sponsored by The Graduate School and the Congress of Graduate Students, on April 6 at the FSU Alumni Center.

The celebration honored graduate students who have earned external fellowships and grants and those who have excelled in teaching, mentorship, leadership, participation in public discourse, and research and creative activity. Faculty mentors were also recognized for their work with graduate students.

“Florida State has attracted some of the top graduate students from Florida, from around the United States and from around the world,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “Graduate students are central to undertaking FSU’s important missions of education, research and creative inquiry, and service.”

So far during the 2025-2026 academic year, FSU graduate students have won 135 national fellowships and grants, higher than last year’s near record of 131. That number is expected to grow and includes recognition and funding from the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Fulbright Program, the Florida Legislative and Gubernatorial Fellows programs and the McCain Global Leaders Program.

“Graduate funding opportunities are competitive by nature, and so it is a testament to the strength of FSU’s graduate programs and, most importantly, our graduate students, to have this number of externally funded students in a year,” said Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

The event kicked off Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, a national observance FSU celebrates with a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection.

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The Florida Book Awards, coordinated by Florida State University Libraries, have announced the 2025 award winners, recognizing outstanding literature by Florida authors and books that celebrate the state’s culture, history and creativity.

This year’s competition received more than 160 submissions across 11 categories. A panel of jurors honored 29 books with awards and selected two additional titles for honorable mention.

“As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Florida Book Awards, we are once again honored to recognize this year’s winning authors and titles,” said Keith Simmons, executive director of the Florida Book Awards. “Florida is a place I’m extremely proud to call home, and celebrating the creativity of Floridians never stops being special. I hope that anyone who has the chance will take the time to read these remarkable books.”

Among this year’s award recipients are “Once Upon A You” by Ryan G. Van Cleave, winner of the Gwen P. Reichert Gold Medal for Young Children’s Literature; “Art: An Interactive Guide” by Mifflin Lowe, winner of the Jean E. Lowrie Gold Medal for Older Children’s Literature; and “Just Freedom: Inside Florida’s Decades‑Long Voting Rights Battle” by Daniel Rivero, winner of the Phillip and Dana Zimmerman Gold Medal for Florida Nonfiction.

“Florida is a place I’m extremely proud to call home, and celebrating the creativity of Floridians never stops being special. I hope that anyone who has the chance will take the time to read these remarkable books.”

— Keith Simmons, executive director of the Florida Book Awards

In addition, River Selby, a Tallahassee‑based writer and graduate student, received the Gerald Ensley Developing Writer Award. Established in 2019, the award recognizes an emerging writer who demonstrates exceptional promise and the potential for continued literary achievement. Selby’s first book, “Hotshot: A Life on Fire,” is a memoir chronicling their experiences as a wildland firefighter.

The Ensley Award includes a $1,000 prize and a copy of Gerald Ensley’s books “We Found Paradise: Gerald Ensley on the History and Eccentricities of His Beloved Tallahassee” and “Write the Way You Would Talk,” a guide to interviewing and writing.

“Florida’s literary influence long predates the Florida Book Awards,” said Carrie Cooper, dean of University Libraries at FSU. “From trailblazers like Zora Neale Hurston to the contemporary writers shaping our future, Florida’s stories have always been vivid, essential and deeply rooted in our state’s culture. FSU Libraries is proud to celebrate and recognize these authors.”

Award recipients will be recognized at the Abitz Family Dinner on April 23 at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. The event will kick off a year‑long lead‑up to the program’s 20th anniversary, culminating with the celebration of the 2026 award winners at the 2027 Florida Book Awards Dinner.

The Abitz Family Dinner is open to the public, and attendees may reserve seats online.

Award‑winning titles are available through the Florida Book Awards’ partner, Midtown Reader. Several winning authors will also participate in book signings, conversations and presentations during the 2026 Word of South Festival.

For the full list of 2025 Florida Book Awards winners, visit floridabookawards.org. 

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Florida State University Libraries will transition to TIND Digital Archive as its new digital library platform after an extensive procurement review process.  

The move marks a significant upgrade for the FSU Digital Library, which provides faculty, students and the research community access to more than 125,000 cultural heritage items. 

The migration to TIND is designed to provide a more intuitive user environment while enhancing the discoverability of the university’s rapidly expanding digital collections. By leveraging TIND’s advanced management tools, FSU Libraries is prepared to better support long-term growth and streamline the digital experience for all users. 

“The FSU Digital Library is a research gateway to the unique collections stewarded by FSU and its partners,” said Katie McCormick, associate dean of Special Collections & Archives. “With the selection of TIND as our new platform, we’re excited to more seamlessly connect students, faculty and community members to these incredible collections.” 

Managed by the University Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives (SCA), the FSU Digital Library houses materials ranging from cuneiform tablets and handwritten manuscripts to current university publications. The repository includes contributions from internal partners like the Warren D. Allen Music Library and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Archives, as well as community partners such as the First Baptist Church of Tallahassee and the Havana (Florida) History and Heritage Society. 

The decision to partner with TIND follows a rigorous evaluation of the university’s current and future digital collections needs. The new platform offers specialized tools that allow for better organization and branding of specific collections. 

“During our review process, we were very impressed with TIND as an option for our cultural heritage materials in our repository,” said Krystal Thomas, director of Digital Archives for SCA. “It provides an excellent, user-friendly experience to access our materials, along with object-level and collection-specific tools that we and our partners see as opportunities to better organize, manage, and brand our collections for end users.” 

University Libraries will share updates regarding the migration process and the official launch date for the new platform in the coming months to the FSU Libraries Blog webpage. 

For more information about FSU Libraries, visit lib.fsu.edu. 

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Four Florida State University scholars have received the Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize from the Modern Language Association (MLA) for their partnership in developing “Paris World Capital,” an innovative course that invites students to critically examine Paris as a cultural and global icon while strengthening research and digital literacy skills. 

The national award was presented last month during the MLA’s annual convention in Toronto, Canada, and recognizes exemplary collaborations between faculty and academic librarians that integrate information literacy into coursework in literature, language or related fields. 

“This award celebrates a truly interdisciplinary effort that brings together expertise from across the university to deepen students’ engagement with one of the world’s most iconic cities,” said Reinier Leushuis, department chair and professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. “It reflects FSU’s commitment to innovative teaching that equips students with the critical thinking and research skills essential for success in a globalized and information‑rich world.” 

The initiative was led by Aimée Boutin, professor of French in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team from FSU Libraries, including Rachel Duke, research and engagement program director for Special Collections and Archives; Kelly Grove, STEM program director and GIS and Earth Sciences librarian; and Jonathan DaSo, arts and humanities program director and modern languages and linguistics librarian. 

Boutin, whose scholarship focuses on 19th‑century literature, urban studies and cultural history, designed the course to help students move beyond familiar images and stereotypes of Paris. Through an immersive, media‑rich approach, students explore how the city’s iconic status has been shaped by literature, history, monuments, tourism and digital platforms across time. 

“Most people’s image of Paris is constructed through media, including books, social media, websites and platforms like TripAdvisor, which makes it a powerful focus for digital literacy,” Boutin said. “The course combines practical information with critical thinking about how cities become global destinations while teaching students how to move beyond Google to find accurate, peer‑reviewed sources.” 

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While most people view walking as a simple means to get from point A to point B, a recent interdisciplinary lecture at Florida State University suggests that traveling on foot is an essential act that defines our relationship with the world.

Co-presented by the Milton S. Carothers Faculty Lecture Series and the Festival of the Creative Arts, “The Art of Walking” brought together scholars from across the university to discuss the practice of “flânerie,” or the art of urban strolling.

Held in the Bradley Reading Room of Robert Manning Strozier Library, the event offered a deep dive into how the simple act of walking shapes social identity and urban policy. FSU’s First Lady Dr. Jai Vartikar kicked off the afternoon’s program, welcoming attendees and highlighting the importance of the arts and humanities in sparking these interdisciplinary conversations.

“For 45 years, the Carothers Lecture Series has been a space for important conversations that bridge academic disciplines, bring people together and encourage us to think more broadly and to imagine more boldly. That spirit of collaboration is very much alive at FSU today.” 

— Dr. Jai Vartikar, First Lady of Florida State University

“For 45 years, the Carothers Lecture Series has been a space for important conversations that bridge academic disciplines, bring people together and encourage us to think more broadly and to imagine more boldly,” Vartikar said. “That spirit of collaboration is very much alive at FSU today.”

The conversation featured Aimée Boutin, a professor of French in the College of Arts and Sciences and Meaghan McSorley, an assistant professor of Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.

Boutin, an expert in 19th-century French studies, opened the lecture by exploring the history of the flâneur. She described the kaleidoscopic encounters of figures in French literature who wandered through Paris, treating the sights and sounds of the city as a “sensory feast.”

“The flâneur does not merely navigate space; they read the city like a living text, capturing the ephemeral beauty and social friction that define the urban experience,” Boutin said.

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Florida State University Libraries recently launched “Add to the Archive at Strozier,” a hands-on event designed to give students and campus community members a role in building the university’s permanent historical record.

A collaboration between Special Collections & Archives and the University Libraries’ Student Engagement team, the event invited attendees to contribute Polaroid portraits, original artworks and personal notes to be housed within FSU’s official archive collections.

“Add to the Archive reminds us that archives are not just about the past; they are about people,” said Student Engagement Librarian, Crystal Mathews. “By inviting students to see themselves as part of FSU’s historical record, we helped demystify what an archive is and affirmed that today’s student experiences matter. This collaboration captures FSU’s living history, one student voice at a time.”

“By inviting students to see themselves as part of FSU’s historical record, we helped demystify what an archive is and affirmed that today’s student experiences matter. This collaboration captures FSU’s living history, one student voice at a time.”

— Crystal Mathews, student engagement librarian

Unlike traditional archives that often rely on donated papers or administrative records, Add to the Archive at Strozier opened the door to real-time documentation, allowing participants to provide their own context and stories to accompany their physical contributions.

The concept originated with Student Engagement Coordinator Emily McClellan Lopez, who was moved by the frequent appearance of “unknown” labels on people in historical photographs.

“I always feel a little wistful when I see a person has been labeled ‘unknown,’” Lopez said. “The sociologist in me wonders who they were, where they came from and where they ended up.”

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