Anthony said his team uses Wilson Library’s resources and equipment to digitize materials from 283 libraries' archives around North Carolina, at no cost to the consumer.
And the North Carolina Collection is not just for UNC students — Anthony said he wants to emphasize that Wilson Library’s resources are available for anyone to use.
Anthony's legacy
Lisa Gregory, program coordinator at the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center, said Anthony has always been passionate about his work.
“Bob has been modest about it, but he has been one of the driving forces behind the Center since it began 10 years ago,” she said. “He has always been extremely vocal about loving the work that we do and thinking that it's incredibly critical for the state.”
Anthony said his favorite part of working for the University was twofold: his colleagues and the resources. He said he was always amazed at the talents and skills of the campus community.
Gregory said one of the things that makes Anthony special is his vast knowledge of North Carolina and its history.
“People say he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the state — I would go further and say that it's in his DNA,” she said. “He knows more about North Carolina than probably anyone else I have ever met or could even possibly imagine exists.”
Gregory also said that Anthony’s work has elevated UNC’s status in the minds of people who research the state.
“Because of his efforts, UNC-Chapel Hill has this sort of, almost kind of mythic reputation about the breadth of their North Carolina Collection,” she said. “And not just the physical collection, but the knowledge that he has cultivated.”
But Anthony’s legacy goes beyond the UNC community. Elaine Westbrooks, vice provost for University Libraries, said the state of North Carolina will lose an exemplary employee when he retires.
“Few people are more versed in the history, culture and literature of the state than Bob,” she said. “He responds to all inquiries with generosity of spirit and gentle humor.”
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His consideration and kindness are some of the things his colleagues will miss the most about him. Gregory said Anthony would consistently “pop in” on his co-workers to have an in-person conversation.
“He is someone who places a lot of emphasis on face-to-face talking,” she said. “And I think I'm also going to miss having someone that I can go to with questions about North Carolina history who is so nonjudgmental.”
Anthony plans to stay in the Chapel Hill area after he retires, but he said he will miss the day-to-day contact with his co-workers.
“I can’t imagine ever leaving Chapel Hill,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be any happier.”
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