Kuwaiti Comics Arrive on Time, but the Baklava is Late: Middle East and Muslim Studies-Related Programming at a US Academic Library Deborah J. Margolis Michigan State University Librarian for Anthropology, Jewish Studies, Muslim Studies, Middle East Area Studies Middle East Librarians Association October 8, 2013

Building Relationships with the Community Quran burned near Islamic Center in our town (9/10) Library responds with small exhibit & libguide libguides.lib.msu.edu/quranexhibit libguides.lib.msu.edu/quranexhibit

Building Relationships with Liaison Area Library infrastructure for public programs: PR, Facilities & AV support Requests for prayer room

Join Wider Initiatives Campus initiative: 10 Years After 9/11 Library event: film and community dialogue Film and dialogue materials provided by national org

NEH/ALA Muslim Journeys Community-Wide Programming muslimjourneys Program content: Faculty Partner: Public Libraries Partner: Humanities Council Film Screenings: Public Performance Rights

Wham! Bam! Islam! event MSU Libraries Comic Art Collection Collect The 99 from Kuwait Display at event Promote collections in event intro Co-sponsors Choosing a date Accommodations/Disabilities Refreshments & Volunteers

Next up: Lets Talk About It Series of 5 scholar-led book discussion programs Co-sponsorship from Islamic Center & Clergy Association Program evaluation

Is public programming worth it? Time Cost Mission of organization & library + Relationships with faculty + Relationships with community + Library as place + Librarian as connector