Baylor > Home > Contact Us

CONTACT US

Armstrong Browning Library
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97152
710 Speight Avenue
Waco, Texas 76798-7152

Main Number: 254.710.3566
Fax Number: 254.710.3552

Associate Professor Rita S. Patteson was appointed Director of the Armstrong Browning Library on September 1, 2009. This is merged with her duties as Librarian/Curator of Manuscripts, a position held since 1995. As Director, she is responsible for the overall operation of the Library but will continue to seek and purchase original materials for the collection and oversee their preparation for use. Other assignments include editing the scholarly journal, Studies in Browning and His Circle, and serving as liaison for updating the in-house and online databases for Browning research. She serves on two editorial boards: The Complete Works of Robert Browning (co-editor of volume 12, Ohio University Press, 2001) and The Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Pickering & Chatto, forthcoming 2009). Her career at the Library began in 1971 as administrative assistant to director Jack W. Herring, and she received her MLS (1995) from Texas Woman's University.
Telephone: 254.710.4967; Email: Rita Patteson

Associate Librarian Cynthia A. Burgess is the Librarian/Curator of Books and Printed Materials, a position she has held since 1995 after receiving her MLIS degree from the University of Texas. Joining the Library in 1988 under Roger Brooks, she was the chief tour guide of the collection and event coordinator for the building. As Curator, she works diligently to increase the print holdings of the collection, oversees the Library's reading room, and handles hundreds of reference questions. Recently her special project has been to serve as liaison between the donors and Willet Hauser Architectural Glass in the production of six stained glass windows in the Cox Reception Hall. Cynthia is an associate editor for The Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Pickering & Chatto, 2009).
Telephone: 254.710.4959; Email: Cynthia Burgess

Professor Avery T. Sharp, Librarian and Museum Coordinator, came to the Armstrong Browning Library in 2002 from his post as Music Librarian at Moody Library during Mairi Rennie's tenure as director. He supervises the public areas of the building, is editor of the annual library newsletter, and recently prepared a souvenir booklet of the Library, which is marketed through the ABL Gift Gallery. Avery received both his Ph.D. and MLS degrees from the University of Iowa.
Telephone: 254.710.4964; Email: Avery Sharp

Kathryn L. Brogdon is the Public Relations and Facilities Supervisor. Her duties include coordinating events scheduled in the Library and overseeing daily operations of the public areas of the building. She manages the Gift Gallery and supervises the work-study students assigned to the main floor of the Library. Often she gives extended tours to visiting school groups and senior adults and keeps the Library open for after-hour and special events. Kathryn holds a master's degree in Museum Studies from Baylor University, as well as an MA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Telephone: 254.710.4960; Email: Kathryn Brogdon

Christi Klempnauer, Administrative Coordinator for the Library and assistant to the director, started in this position in 2006 after serving as Assistant to the Curators for five years. She is currently finishing her bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development at Baylor University. She keeps the Library running smoothly by handling all the financial details; maintaining office records, mailing lists, and supplies; and has also revamped the ABL web site.
Telephone: 254.710.4968; Email: Christi Klempnauer

Melvin H. Schuetz, Assistant to the Curators, assists the Curators by supervising the Library Services area on the third floor. His primary responsibility for the circulation of library materials insures prompt and efficient service to patrons. His activities also include hiring, training, and supervising three student assistants; preparing the schedule for servicing the Library Services desk; and filling all ILL requests.
Telephone: 254.710.4314.

Library Hosts Martha Ervin, Gertrude Kousz, and Mary Rodriguez work half-days and greet visitors, students, and scholars and help keep the contents of the building secure.