Library News & Announcements

The Library had the pleasure of hosting Janet Wittine a senior from Lake Erie College and Walsh's own Brianna Birkle on May 24th to come to the library and test some of our older books for arsenic. Janet's capstone for Erie College, was Examining and pinpointing books that contain arsenic, as part of the Poison Book Project led by the University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum. To read more about the Poison Book Project, check out the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum website https://sites.udel.edu/poisonbookproject/ 

Why is there arsenic in books?

During the 19th century, arsenic-based pigments were commonly used in book bindings, with Scheele’s Green and Paris Green being particularly popular for their vibrant color.

How do you test for Arsenic?

Brianna and Janet used x-ray fluoroscopy, A non-destructive analytical device designed to be gently placed on the book’s cover to examine its composition. 

What happens to the arsenic books?

If testing reveals the presence of arsenic in the books, the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum recommend sealing them in clearly labeled zip-top polyethylene bags.

Are there really poisoned books in the Br. Edmond Drouin Library?

Of the 55 books tested, Brianna and Janet detected no traces of arsenic; however, elevated levels of lead were present. The graph below shows x-ray fluorescence data from the analysis of one of the books. While these findings do not pose an immediate threat to the collection, the majority of these books will be moved to Special Collections due to their age.

For more information on Janet and Brianna's previous collaboration please check out a recent article published by Walsh: https://www.walsh.edu/news/2025/03/brianna-birkle-artifact-conservation.html

Want to learn more about the danger of arsenic in books? 

Check out this page from the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum. https://sites.udel.edu/poisonbookproject/in-the-news/ 

The Brother Edmond Drouin Library is proud to offer Primo Research Assistant, an AI-powered tool designed to make academic research more intuitive and accessible. Embedded directly in the Primo Library Search interface, it helps users ask research questions in natural language, refine search strategies, and understand academic content—all while staying grounded in the library’s trusted resources.

How It Works: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

Primo Research Assistant uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), a method that combines:

• Retrieval: Searching the library’s curated collection in real time.
• Generation: Summarizing and explaining the retrieved content using AI.

This ensures that responses are both accurate and grounded in real sources—not speculative or web-based.

What’s Included—and What’s Not

Primo Research Assistant is limited to the Brother Edmond Drouin Library’s collection, which means:

Included:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• E-books and digital reference works
• Licensed databases and academic repositories

Not Included:

• Open web content (e.g., Wikipedia, blogs)
• AI-generated text without source backing
• Commercial or non-academic websites

This focus keeps your research credible, citable, and aligned with academic standards.

Why It Matters

By narrowing results to the library’s holdings, Primo Research Assistant supports:

• Students seeking trustworthy sources
• Faculty guiding research assignments
• Staff helping patrons navigate scholarly databases

Try it today in CavsSEARCH and experience a more focused, reliable way to explore your library.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Br. Edmond Drouin Library!

We are thrilled to announce that the Br. Edmond Drouin Library at Walsh University will be transitioning to a new Library Services Platform in June 2025. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative involving 86 OhioLINK institutions, with our migration wave's go-live date for essential functions set for late June.

What Does This Mean for Our Patrons?

The new Ex Libris Primo system is set to greatly enhance our library services, bringing numerous benefits to our patrons. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Improved Search Capabilities: With advanced search functionalities, finding the resources you need will be quicker and more efficient.
• Improved User Interface: The new, intuitive interface will make navigating the library's offerings simpler and more enjoyable.
• Integrated Services: Access a wide range of web based services and resources, all conveniently located in one place.
• Mobile Accessibility: Seamlessly access library services from your mobile devices, ensuring you can stay connected wherever you are.

These enhancements aim to streamline your overall online library experience. 

Preparing for the Transition

Our library staff has been working tirelessly to upskill and prepare for the implementation of the new Ex Libris Alma/Primo system. Over the course of the past twelve months our library staff has been involved in the following activities: 

• Data Migration: More than just transferring data, this process includes thorough data verification, system configuration, and the development of new workflows to ensure a seamless transition.
• Upskilling: Investing significant time and effort into training to master the new system's functionalities.
• Ongoing Development: After the go-live date, we will continue to roll out new features and services, as well as fine-tune settings within the system.

A Year of Transition

We anticipate that the 2025-2026 academic year will be a year of transition as we reach a "steady state" in the new system. Your feedback and support will be invaluable during this period as we strive to enhance our services and continue to support your academic journey.

Take a Sneak Peak at the New System Under Construction

Below are just a few screen captures from the Br. Edmond Drouin Library's Primo instance. Over the next three months, we will see the final data migration from our current system, integrate additional systems, and make further configurations. These steps will prepare us for the public launch in June.

Take a Break Before Finals at the Library!

Feeling the pressure before finals? Come unwind with us at the library from April 22-25 for a fun, stress-free break between your studies!

What's Happening:

• 

  Scrabble – Challenge a friend or make a new one!

• New York Memo Game – Test your memory with a fun twist!

• I Should Have Known That – Show off your trivia knowledge!

• Coloring – Relax and get creative with coloring sheets.

• Sweet Treats – Enjoy delicious treats donated just for you!

Please join us in the Brother Edmond Drouin Library for our 2025 Bring Your Own Bag Book Sale that runs from February 10th through the 21st. Fill your bag with books for just $1! 

Bring Your Own Bag and Fill It for $1.00 

Now Through February 21st!