Curious about some of the unusual items that reside on the shelves at UTSA Libraries? From replica skulls to timeless records, UTSA Libraries has a fascinating mix of items made accessible for anyone’s curiosity and discovery.
Alpha
This book, that’s not even in the shape of a book but instead of a human’s head, uses vivid photography to illustrate the story of a solitary man (played by cult actor Udo Kier) who travels the globe and becomes one with the environments he inhabits.
Bone Clones
Skulls can make some people nervous and queasy but for others they’re fascinating to study. These bone clones include the cranium and jaw and are a collection of osteological replicas made from polyurethane resin and colored to completely imitate the original skulls from the hominid evolution.
The Codex Nuttall
Painted by Mixtec artists from what is now the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, this picture manuscript shows the works of ancient Mexico in a time just before the Spanish Conquest. These 86 full-color plates serve as a Book of Kings, with hieroglyphics narrating the history of the Mixtec rulers.
Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits
This timeless vinyl record is a greatest hits compilation album by musical legends Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. These 60s pop songs have plucked a chord for many over the decades with countless still singing along to Mrs. Robinson and The Sound of Silence whenever they come up on Pandora or an oldies radio station. The UTSA Libraries have a large collection of vinyl records for audiophiles that prefer to hear albums the way they were originally played.
Typewriter
For some the ambience of seeing a typewriter will take them back to a time when life was simpler and without iPhones and hashtags. But for others it’s an enigma. Once in awhile at the front desk, students have been known to approach a typewriter without fully knowing what it is. However, this hasn’t stopped the Libraries from keeping one readily available for check-out, because when you’re on a typewriter, you don’t have to worry about distractions like Facebook, FaceTime, software updates and low battery warnings. So go ahead and get off the grid, just keep the whiteout ready.
Puppets
Puppets! They’re available in the Curriculum and Instructional Materials area to inspire imagination, creativity and communication in children. There’s even resources available to instruct teachers on how to use them in the classroom. And to top it all off, some are even cute.
