GRAMBLING, La. – Adrienne C. Webber, dean of Grambling State University’s University Digital Library and Learning Commons, and Felicia Burse, program assistant in the Department of Computer Science and Digital Technologies and an archivist, participated in a weeklong professional development program hosted by Harvard Library from June 21-27, 2026, in support of the HBCU Digital Library Trust.
The program brought together seven HBCU archivists and librarians for immersive training developed in partnership with the HBCU Library Alliance and the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions focused on preservation and conservation, archival processing, preparing collections for digitization, practical approaches to archival management, and the use of digital and original materials in teaching, research, and outreach.
“Opportunities like this strengthen the professional capacity of our faculty and staff while advancing Grambling State University’s commitment to academic excellence, research support, and preservation of institutional history,” said Dr. Connie Walton, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dean Webber and Ms. Burse’s participation positions the University to continue expanding access to important archival materials and supporting the teaching, scholarship, and public engagement that grow from those collections.
The HBCU Digital Library Trust supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities in preserving and digitizing archival materials that document African American history, education, culture, and institutional life. The Harvard Library visit was designed to help participants return to their home institutions prepared to lead local archival efforts and contribute to broader collaboration across the HBCU library community.
For Grambling State, the experience supports ongoing work in the University Digital Library and Learning Commons to expand access to historical materials and strengthen the stewardship of University collections.
“This opportunity provided practical training and meaningful collaboration with colleagues who are doing important archival work across the HBCU community,” Webber said. “At Grambling State, we are committed to caring for our collections in ways that support scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. The knowledge gained through this program will help us continue building capacity for that work.”
Webber also extended appreciation to the organizations that helped make the program possible.
“As dean of the Grambling State University Digital Library and Learning Commons, I extend sincere appreciation to the HBCU Library Alliance and Harvard Library for creating this meaningful professional opportunity,” Webber said. “On behalf of Grambling State University and the other participating institutions, thank you for your commitment to strengthening HBCUs and cultivating a collaborative community of practitioners who share knowledge, experiences, and best practices across diverse library types.”
The training also emphasized the role of HBCU archives as active resources for instruction, scholarship, and community connection. Participants explored strategies for preparing materials for digitization while ensuring that collections remain accessible, useful, and connected to the institutions and communities they represent.
As Grambling State University marks 125 years of academic excellence, the University continues to advance work that honors its history, supports research, and expands access to the records and materials that help tell the Grambling State story.
