We often think of books as sacrosanct – and as a librarian, I have to agree! Many people can't abide writing in, dog-earing, or otherwise defacing a book. But there are cases where changing the structure of a book can be a creative rather than a destructive endeavor. Enter the altered book.

What is an altered book? Altered books are "a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into a different form," thereby changing both its functionality and its meaning. These alterations can be, according to book artist Barbara Pearman "as simple as adding a drawing or text to a page, or as complex as creating an intricate book sculpture." Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to catalog two altered books for Special Collections. While they were very different from one another, each presented a similar cataloging challenge, and a similar opportunity to reflect on the meaning of printed books.

Read the full blog post on the Special Collections blog!

The Spring semester is half way over. Time to lock in and finish strong. Managing your time, staying motivated, and holding yourself accountable can be hard, especially with Spring fever and Summer right around the corner. 

Book an Academic Skills Meeting with us today and cross that Spring semester finish line! Academic Skills Meetings can help you further develop skills and academic strategies so you feel in control of your semester and to support you throughout your academic career.

In an Academic Skills Meeting you can:

• Get support with academic accountability by goal-setting, progress tracking, and follow-through.
• Learn how to manage your time and build a study schedule.
• Pick up tips for staying motivated in your courses.
• Embrace your learning style and find the best strategies that help you specifically stay on track!

To schedule an Academic Skills Meeting, head on over to TracCloud and click on "Academic Skills Meeting".

Meet one-on-one with a peer today!

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC.

For the full schedule of events, see:

urcad.umbc.edu

ALEX. BROWN CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRESENTERS

Sara Abbas | Intelligent Fault Detection and Risk Management for Autonomous Spacecraft Operations | Mentor: Anthony Campbell | Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

RAC Arena, 10-11am Poster #3

Lehbah Amin, Farell Kimble, Samira Ali | Perceptions of Fairness in AI-Driven Screening Systems Among Undergraduate Students | Mentor: Edward Dillon | Information Systems

RAC Arena, 10-11am Poster #9

Jada Iwuoha | The Campus Connect: A Centralized Digital Marketplace for Student Entrepreneurship and Campus-Based Services | Mentor: Kevin Fulmer | Interdisciplinary Studies

RAC Arena, 2-3pm Poster #34

Debbie- B.A. INDS 

What is a Woolie?

Woolies are ambassadors for UMBC who help facilitate a smooth transition for new students at UMBC, acting as guides, mentors, and a resource during one of the most important transitions of a student's life. If you love UMBC and want to make a real difference for the incoming class, this is your opportunity.

What You'll Do

As a Woolie, you'll develop relationships with and encourage a group of new students to engage with events, serve as a resource throughout the first six weeks of the fall semester, and participate in training around topics relevant to welcoming new students to campus.

Day-to-day, that looks like:

• Playing icebreakers and creating community through small group time
• Encouraging attendance at events like Commons Takeover, Involvement Fest, Big Breakfast and Bingo, and more
• Being a guide to the culture and nuance of UMBC

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a diverse group of students who have a desire and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds, excellent communication skills, leadership potential, and a genuine desire to serve the UMBC community.

You're eligible if you: Are a current undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester at UMBC and are in good judicial and academic standing (minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA).

The Commitment

• Three (3) one hour virtual sessions: various times over summer
• Virtual outreach to new students : early August
• In-person training: August 19–22, 2026
• In Person Program: August 23 through September 1
• Weekly virtual outreach during the first 6 weeks of the fall semester
• Two hours of event support in September or October.

What You Get

Woolies receive a $750 stipend, all work-related meals during in-person training and program core dates, early move-in to fall housing with all early move-in fees waived (for on-campus residents), and free Welcome, Retrievers! apparel.

How to Apply

Applications open March 2 and close March 27 at 11:59 PM.