Shannon Cary
MU Libraries Integral to Research on Kafka
![](https://library.missouri.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2024/01/MU-Libraries-Integral-to-Research-on-Kafka_COS.png)
Assisted by the MU Libraries, humanities researcher Carsten Strathausen is constructing a comprehensive visual database encompassing all adaptations of Franz Kafka’s “The Trial.” This resource aims to serve scholars and students for years to come.
Research Librarian Anne Barker consulted with Carsten on the project by identifying and acquiring materials, suggesting strategies for gathering data, and pointing him to other library staff who could assist. Seth Huber, head of cataloging acquisitions and collection development,
searched for and downloaded the catalog records of versions and translations of “The Trial.”
In addition, Steven Pryor, director of digital initiatives, developed a Python web-crawler to gather metadata on these resources and played a key role in organizing the dataset. He also helped to created an Excel sheet containing vital information to track advancements, which will be useful to continue these research endeavors.
The Interlibrary Loan team played a crucial role in acquiring numerous adaptations of “The Trial” from around the globe, including artworks, films, graphic novels and more. Ivy Hui, head of the ILL Borrowing/Requesting Unit, and her dedicated team maintained regular communication with Dr. Strathausen, updating him on their progress in locating these elusive adaptations of Kafka’s text.
Dr. Stathausen is continuing his work with a grant from the MU Center for the Humanities and is organizing an international symposium on “Digital Kafka” that will take place this fall at Georgetown University.
For more information on this project and an interview with Dr. Strathausen, visit Research, Innovation and Impact.
The Roman Empire Book Display
![](https://library.missouri.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2024/01/december-displays-1.png)
What is your Roman Empire? If the answer is the Roman Empire, we’ve got the books for you! You can find some of our books on the Roman Empire on display in the Ellis Library colonnade. Feel free to check one out today!
Cozy Comforts Book Display
![](https://library.missouri.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2024/01/december-displays.png)
What makes you feel cozy? It’s time to break out those cozy comforts and slow down for winter break. Learn how to cook comforting meals, crochet some granny squares, meditate or improve your sleep. Here is the full cozy reads book list with links to the e-books.
Library Management Team Information and Action Items 11/28/2023
Members of Journalism Librarian Search Committee
The search committee for the Journalism Librarian has been formed. Those serving are:
Search Committee:
– Vera Elwood, Chair, Head of Journalism Library
– Chris Pryor, Director for Health Sciences Library and Associate University Librarian for the Specialized Libraries
– Liz Brixey, Journalism School faculty representative
– Peter Kouba, Journalism Library staff representative
– Taira Meadowcroft, Specialized Library faculty representative
Kelli Hansen Publishes Chapter on Comic Books in Libraries
“The Scarcity of Comic Books in American Research Libraries.” In Brian Flota and Kate Morris (Ed.), Comic Books, Special Collections, and Academic Libraries. Association of College and Research Libraries.
New Muse Posts
Sorry, I’m a week late on posting these. -Shannon
In the News
“Adapting Kafka”
Research, Innovation and Impact Newsletter, December 7, 2023