UD Curriculum Materials Center

Since opening its doors in July of 1966, the Curriculum Materials Center has aimed at providing timely and useful materials for practicing and pre-service teachers. The Center was moved to the first floor former student dining area during the renovation of Chaminade Hall in 1966. On July 20th, 1977, the Curriculum Materials Center was renamed in honor of Brother Louis Faerber, the Dean of Educatio

n. Brother Faerber foresaw the need for students to grow in professional competence and to enhance their creativity through the use of textbooks and other teaching materials. With the increasing development of innovative methods of teaching, particularly the multi-text approach, a wide variety of textbooks found their way to the Center. Over the course of the past half century, the Curriculum Materials Center has expanded to accommodate students in teaching areas such as early childhood and special education. Keeping abreast of the times is a continuous occupation of those involved in the functioning of the Center. New textbooks, classroom support materials, technology, and assessment tools are regularly examined and procured for the Center. TIMELINE:

1955
The “Education Library”, a small collection of books, is housed in unused space on the second floor of Chaminade Hall. The library is overseen by Sr. Mary Pelagia, Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart, until 1965.

1965-66
Sr. Julia Agnes serves as interim Director of the Center.

1966
Thanks to vision and long range plan of Br. Faerber, S.M., (Education Dean 1958-65), the collection is moved to permanent and much expanded space in Chaminade Hall’s former dining area.

1966
Sr. Catherine Rudolph (Sr. Francis Joseph) is hired as first full-time director by Br. Panzer, S. M., (Education Dean 1965-72). Among the innovations introduced during her tenure (1966-1985) is a new system for cataloging non-print materials. The quality and quantity of the Center’s collection also improve.

1967
Four audio-visual carrels are added to the CMC so students can listen to and view sound filmstrips, cassettes, records, and film loops.

1972
Support for the Curriculum Materials Center continues under Dr. Ellis Joseph, Education Dean.

1977
On July 20 the Center is dedicated to Brother Louis J. Faerber and named in his honor. An oil portrait by Robert J. Smith is also dedicated at this time.

1979
Audio-visual carrels are moved to the School of Education Media Center in Chaminade 102 in order to make room in the Center for 565 Theses and Dissertations.

1985-1990
Computer technology is introduced by Dr. Peggy Leahy (CMC Director 1985-1990). Collection now includes live animals for circulation. Services expand to include local practitioners.

1990-2013
Collection continues to grow and thrive under leadership of Director Ann Raney who focuses on improving cataloging and circulation software, making sure funding is adequate to meet technology needs, and keeping the collection updated.