LibraryLinks Spring 2007
What’s So Funny in the Libraries?
By Marcy Strong
In celebration of the Department of Romance Languages & Literatures’ March conference, What’s So Funny? Humor & Laughter in Literature and Film, the Libraries created an exhibit that highlights the diverse collection of library materials related to humor, satire, and cartoons. Selections from the Allan Rogg collection (which holds books relating to film-making, popular culture, directors, actors, and writers) are included.
This lively exhibit is located in three areas of the Libraries. The mezzanine level of Bartle showcases humor and wit in both American and world literature, as well as comedy in American and foreign films. The exhibit uses recent book acquisitions and examples from the growing collection of DVDs and videos. Humor in culture, gender and politics is also explored in selections from the Libraries’ circulating collection.
Special Collections is not to be missed, as materials related to political humor and satire and Italian wit and humor from the 16th through 19th centuries are on display. Other highlights include the Libraries’ extensive collection of R. Crumb art and selections from the works of local cartoonist Johnny Hart.
Finally, the Science Library has its own funny side with displays on healing and humor and the psychology of laughter. These exhibits explore humor as it relates to pain relief, immunity enhancements and social bonding, using materials from the Libraries’ collection. Be sure to check out the display on the physics of superheroes, which demonstrates how superhero powers can be explained by physics.
What’s So Funny? Humor & Laughter in Literature and Film will run through the end of June.
From the Allan Rogg Collection