Library exhibits 'Insect Societies and Their Influence on Human Societies'

8:31 a.m., Sept. 3, 2014--The University of Delaware Library has announced a new exhibition, “Insect Societies and Their Influence on Human Societies,” which will be on view through Dec. 19 in the Information Room on the first floor in the Morris Library.

Insects are among the most diverse groups of animals on Earth. Their numbers include over a million described species representing more than half of all known living organisms. 

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Now, and throughout history, humans have had a mixed and uneasy relationship with these creatures, but insects can take on an importance in human society that is larger than perceived in casual observation.

There has been much written describing insects as organisms, as noxious pests, as social societies, and as beneficial contributors to nature and human endeavors. Insect individuals and societies have also served as influences on a variety of disciplines outside of pure science, from psychological models of group behavior to inspiration for writers of fiction and poetry. 

There are numerous contemporary publications and videos on this class of animals, as well as a large body of historical material and early books dating back to the beginning of the study of natural history.

To showcase just a few of the materials in the University of Delaware Library on the world of insects, the exhibition “Insect Societies and Their Influence on Human Societies” will feature selected books, children’s books, and videos from the collections in Morris Library. 

Groupings will include information on insect biology/insect behavior, insects in their roles as enemies and friends to human societies, and insects as metaphor for a variety of concepts in the social sciences and humanities. These small creatures have a surprising influence on the creative work of more than a few writers and scholars.

“Insect Societies and Their Influence on Human Societies” will be on display in the first floor exhibition cases in the information room of Morris Library through Dec. 19.

The curator of the exhibition is Frederick Getze, associate librarian, Reference and Instructional Services Department. An online version of the exhibition will be available.