Effects of stream permanence on stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) community structure at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) are often associated with inhabiting cold perennial streams, but many species also inhabit intermittent streams that experience reduced or lack of flow during summer and autumn. In this study, the influence of stream permanence on stonefly assemblage composition and spatial distribution at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA, was addressed, based on a 14 month sampling regime from the fullest range of stream sizes and habitable flow regions available. Adult stoneflies were collected monthly from 43 sites at the Park plus an additional two sites at the near-adjacent Western Kentucky University Green River Preserve. Collections were done from December 2018–November 2019 using a standard timed protocol with beating sheets for adults and once in December 2019–January 2020 for larvae. Stream sites were assigned one of five category types: perennial spring runs, perennial spring seeps, upland perennial streams, perennial riverine and summer dry runs. In total, 34 species were collected. The most prominent difference in stonefly community structure was between spring runs, spring seeps and summer dry streams vs. upland perennial streams. Approximately 88% of species collected had univoltine-fast life cycles and 79% likely had an extended period of egg or larval diapause. Due to the predominance of small upland perennial and summer dry streams, species commonly typically found in larger lotic systems are fundamentally filtered out of the region due to the lack of available habitats. Species able to survive in intermittent habitats do so by life history adaptations including to survive desiccation as larvae or eggs.

The ELALC-SEK Project: Developing English language library classrooms to support literacy learning in the early childhood and primary English language programs at a multilingual Spanish school

Two consultants from Western Kentucky University developed a proposal for and then assisted with the implementation of English Language Arts Library Classrooms in a private Spanish school near Barcelona, Spain. The intent of the project was to enhance the English instruction in the primary grades program at the school. The project involved field observations and a literature review of school libraries in Spain, proposal development, technical assistance, and training in library organization, administration and collection development.

A Public–Private Networking and Partnership Model: The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science

This article profiles public–private partnerships and networks established by the public, residential, STEM-focused Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. Authors discuss relationships and partnerships cultivated to extend student learning opportunities beyond what public support provides. The article focuses first on key partnerships that were imagined when the program was created, profiling how these relationships have evolved in the program’s first 12 years. These foundational partnerships include the program’s integration with Western Kentucky University and a model designed to partner with every school district in the state. The authors then take a wider view of program partnerships, spotlighting relationships within the program’s portfolio of philanthropic networking, external funding, and corporate partnerships. The network of partnerships profiled includes strategies to endow summer internship programs, need-based scholarship funding, and to provide a rounded arts education in a STEM-focused learning environment.

On Collaboration: Government Documents and Political Collections in Libraries and Museums

Government documents librarians, special collections librarians and museum curators should collaborate. When they do, researchers and students benefit. While government documents tend to report the beginning and the end of the political process, political ephemera, artifacts and manuscripts provide a deeper understanding of what happens in between. Knowledge of readily available political collections equips information specialists to better serve users. Our survey reveals several U.S. academic institutions that provide online access to significant political collections. A close examination of the Rather-Westerman Political Collection at Western Kentucky University demonstrates how some university-held political collections are created, utilized and further developed.