Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2022 21 that at UNC Chapel Hill they affectionately referred to Historical Sets as simply "Heyer." Initially, the book was supposed to become a completed project aer two editions, but once the second went out of print, Heyer and the American Library Association received such an outpouring of interest for additional copies that Heyer's publishing contract was renewed for a third and final update. Heyer's community connections to UNT also ran deep, and her library colleagues clearly valued her for more than her professional competencies. For many years, Heyer was the face of the music library, and her skillful guidance in its formative years paved the way for its present-day success. It is therefore no coincidence that events celebrating the music library's twenty-five year anniversary overlapped with events honoring Heyer's retirement. Within the Heyer collection, it is sometimes difficult to tell which items are tied to general library events and which pertain specifically to Heyer's career — the two were practically inseparable in the minds of the UNT music community. Unquestionably the most memorable item that I came across during my research, a custom, Mardi-gras-esque bracelet commemorates Heyer's years of service and the music library's active years. e engraving on the back of the pendant reads: "Music Librarian, NTSU, 1940–1965." Although the quality and age of the accompanying photographs make it difficult to tell for certain, I believe that this picture, taken in 1965 at Heyer's retirement luncheon, captures the moment of the gi's exchange. Following her retirement from UNT, Heyer relocated to Fort Worth but continued her library work by assisting Texas Christian University, her Alma Mater, with its music collection development, much as she had done for UNT. Despite several decades of absence, in 1990 Heyer was again called to serve the UNT music library leading up to its fiieth anniversary celebration. She wrote a history of the library that appeared in a special fiieth anniversary booklet, and judging from the numerous outlines found among her papers, she was very involved in curating the exhibits that showcased the library's holdings. As with the twenty-five year anniversary celebrations, Heyer's name was front and center, even appearing above the library's on invitations. While many of Heyer's friendships stemmed from professional connections, she also found time to maintain outside interests. She was an avid hand weaver and an active member of the Contemporary Hand Weavers of Texas Association, even serving as their vice president for several years. Perhaps her most tangible contribution to this community was the Index that she complied in 1962. It served as a guide to all articles printed in the Contemporary Hand Weavers' newsletters between 1949 and 1961, its intent being to help new members quickly locate information relevant to their specific interests. e guide's formatting resembles the second edition of Historical Sets, which Heyer worked on concurrently. In this way, a touch of the professional crossed over to the personal. "Isolated Pioneer" may be a fitting title for Anna Harriet Heyer in some contexts, but it does not adequately summarize the profound impact of her life and work. Despite the distance, Heyer connected many librarians across the country as she worked to increase knowledge and circulation of musical materials. Whether local or national, Heyer was an integral and beloved member of many communities, sometimes blurring the line between personal and professional commitments. Heyer's thoughtful attention to individuals and dedication to realizing group goals are the threads that connect each of her relationships, demonstrating that her strength was truly one of numbers. Reference List Reference List Bradley, Carol June. 2007 "Anna Harriet Heyer, An Isolated Pioneer." Notes 63, no. 4 (June): 798–809. Heyer, Anna Harriet. 1969. Historical Sets, Collected Editions and Monuments of Music: A Guide to eir Contents. 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: American Library Association. Heyer, Anna Harriet. 1991. Interview with Richard Dickey. November 30, 1991. Transcript. University of North Texas Oral History Collection. University of North Texas at Denton, Texas. Collection Citation Collection Citation Heyer, Anna Harriet. 1951–1991. Correspondence and personal items. Anna Harriet Heyer Collection, 1930–2002 (Boxes 10– 12, 22, and 26). University of North Texas Special Collections (Music Library), Denton, Texas. Member Spotlight Read the full article with additional pictures here: https://blogs.library.unt.edu/music/2022/01/20/anna-harriet-heyer-curating-connection/ Marion Dittman congratulates Heyer on the Marion Dittman congratulates Heyer on the publication of the Historical Sets' second publication of the Historical Sets' second edition, dated April 22, 1969 (Box 12). edition, dated April 22, 1969 (Box 12). Letter from Columbia University's Letter from Columbia University's Catherine Miller dated Dec. 28, 1951. Catherine Miller dated Dec. 28, 1951.

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