The Blog Editor position of the ACRL DVC Board is now open!
I, Megan Donnelly, previously Research Librarian/Instructor at Millersville University, have filled the position for the past year. I am leaving the position because I accepted the position of Teaching and Outreach Librarian at the Claremont Colleges Services, located in Claremont, CA. As an early career librarian, serving on this board not only looked great on my resume while I was interviewing but this experience also gave me an opportunity to network with other librarians in the region. I was able to meet new librarians and learn about their institutions while also building an understanding of how serving on a board works. I was also able to use my blogging experience on the board to publish a guest post for the ACRLog’s FYAL (First Year Academic Librarian) Series. Serving on the board has been a great experience for me and I highly recommend getting involved with ACRL DVC.
The Blog Editor attends virtual monthly board meetings and one in-person meeting per year and writes blog posts that advertise and recap chapter events and programs, present meeting minutes, and explore other areas of interest to librarians. This position also posts to Twitter and live Tweets from programs.
If you would like to be ACRL DVC’s new Blog Editor, please write 180 words presenting any relevant experience you have and why you’d like the position and send it to ACRL DVC President, Stefani Gomez at acrlpa.dvc@gmail.com.
March meeting minutes were approved and Megan will post to blog
Financial Report – Adam
There is still an outstanding check re:Emma
Tax Status
The attorney is out of the office until May 6. Adam is finishing up the final steps of the tax filing. May 6 is the deadline.
Jess emailed Ellie re: conflict of interest. Didn’t hear back
Program updates
We received full PaLA grant! – $3,410.00
This notice needs to be on all marketing materials: “This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, Governor, through the College and Research Division (http://crdpala.org/) of PaLA. Show your appreciation by becoming a member of PaLA! And if you are a member – thank you!”
IRS form for speaker fees to ACRL
Follow up report, final budget, and receipts – need to send out event evaluation promptly to include in report.
64 attendees!
Jess has updated the caterers with new numbers. No payment has been sent yet to ACRL for roadshow fees. We need to have a final report and budget receipt to PaLA.
Roles day of event
Elections completed
VP – Jasmine Woodson, Lehigh
Director at Large – Jessica Brangiel, Swarthmore
Secretary – Meaghan Moody, Penn
Fall 2019 Program Planning Committee confirmations:
Aimee Gee
Steven Bell
Jess Denke
Stefani Gomez
Meaghan Moody – Fall 2018 volunteer
Greg Laynor – Fall 2018 volunteer
Marc Meola – Fall 2018 volunteer
Blog Update
Megan will post presentation recaps after the program to the blog
Thinking about a social event outside of the city so more folks can attend however need volunteers who are based outside of the city to help plan
Idea for an event around The Public movie?
Mentor Program update & Resume review update
We have six resumes in for review so far
Board has agreed to update membership fees to $15 for ACRL national members and to $20 for non ACRL national members as of July 1. The chapter will offer free membership to students and first year librarians.
Next board meeting: June 18, 2019 10 AM – noon at the Tredyffrin Public Library (582 Upper Gulph Rd. Strafford, PA 19087)
Scholarly Communication: From Understanding to Engagement
ACRL Delaware Valley Chapter Spring 2019 Program
April 26, 2019 at Penn State Great Valley
Session Reports
On a spring morning, librarians gathered at the Penn State Great Valley campus to engage in the interactive ACRL National, Scholarly Communications RoadShow. The workshop was led by two expert presenters, Carla Myers, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Scholarly Communications of Miami University Libraries, and Will Cross, Director of the Copyright and Digital Scholarship Center of North Carolina State University. The workshop started with an introduction to the field of scholarly communications and copyright.
Afterwards, lunch commenced! When lunch was finished, the business meeting was held. President Jess Denke and Vice President Stefani Gomez discussed opportunities for members to participate in chapter activities including the mentoring program, resume review, social committee, board, and new Open Scholarship/OER learning community. The mentorship relationships that have been established by the chapter over the past year are going well. The resume review is ongoing. Jess also announced a $5 increase in membership dues annually and provided opportunity for comment from attendees. This increase is an attempt to provide financial stability to the chapter while increasing equitable access to membership. This year the chapter has extended free membership to students and first-year librarians.
In the afternoon, the presenters focused deeply on OER and accessibility. Presenters prompted discussion and facilitated interactive learning activities throughout the day. If you would like to take a look at live tweets from attendees, follow the hashtag #acrldvcspring19 on Twitter.
Here are brief summaries of what was shared during the workshop with links to the presenters’ slides.
Workshop leaders introducing themselves to the audience.
Introduction
Will started the day framing the big issues surrounding scholarly communication in the field. He began by stating that scholarly communication should be a part in every job description because it is something that all librarians do in some way, shape or form. All areas of library work fit into scholarly communication from acquisition and content licensing to discovery and access for all. He explained that scholarly communication can be thought of as a system of interconnected systems starting with a research idea, moving into the creation of a research project, formulating ideas and findings that can be shared for replication and testing and then resulting in a final published format to again be shared and made discover-able to the larger community.
Will Cross introducing scholarly communications.
Will highlighted the fact that throughout the scholarly communication process we see various pressures applied to those engaged in scholarly communication. For example, “prestige publishing”or publishing in the “right” journals is a form of social pressure faculty encounter when up for tenure review. These “prestige” publications also exert economic pressures on library budgets struggling to afford subscriptions to these high priced publications and on researchers who may not have access through a library and are faced with expensive article charges. Additional pressures within the scholarly communication process include both technological and policy related. Scholarly publications have been slow to change from the print model which was time consuming and priced according to physical publication requirements. The digital world has made the production, reproduction, and publication process much quicker and easier but more difficult for traditional publishers to wrangle. This leads us to the questions: “Are the prestige journals still needed if research results can be published much quicker and easier to GitHub for example? ” and “How do researchers meet scholarly communication policy pressures – for example open access mandates? “. These are all issues researchers, publishers and librarians are grappling when it comes to dealing with scholarly communications. These same pressures also present opportunities for change within the scholarly communication system. New publishing models have come about and in some cases expanded standards for tenure review (i.e. the acceptance of blog postings as published works.)
In the morning, Carla talked in depth about issues of copyright. First, she reviewed the basics of copyright. Carla covered what is copyrightable and not copyrightable; what rights are granted to copyright owners; who owns copyright; how long copyright lasts; and a whole host of exceptions, including Fair Use. She also discussed licensing works and different types of licenses, as well as publication agreements.
Carla Myers talking about copyright and the role it plays in scholarly communication.
Accessibility
In the afternoon, Carla spoke in depth about the need for accessible content and systems for our patrons who are living with disabilities or may need assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to utilize library materials. She touched on the following points:
We are all responsible for accessibility in scholarly communication.
Content that has accessibility baked in, also known as universal design, is better for everyone.
If accessibility is part of the content creation process then there is little need for time consuming and expensive remediation processes.
An analogy to curb cuts is often made when explaining the benefit of universal design. While originally implemented to accommodate wheelchairs, curb cuts are beneficial to many different people including those pushing strollers or shopping carts or those riding bikes.
Accessible content can be utilized by screen readers for those with low or no vision but also by patrons who prefer listening to content or those in need of a temporary accommodation, for example someone suffering from a concussion.
Video captions are useful not just to those who are hearing impaired but to those who learn better visually or in cases of those learning a new language captions can prove to be invaluable learning tool.
Standards to be aware of include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – WCAG 2.0, section 508 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
In the afternoon, Will led attendees in a discussion on Open Education Resources (OER)—from textbooks to isolated resources—such as single exercises—to entire open courses. Will defined OER as free, educational resources but those still requiring permission to use them—like any copyrighted materials. This tied in nicely with Carla’s discussion of various licensing agreements, including Creative Commons licenses. Will discussed the advantages of open education resources, as well as potential barriers (and incentives) to their use and creation.
ACRL DVC offers a resume review service in the spring. The service is open to students and practicing librarians and there is no need to be members. Two volunteers will review each resume and cover letter for participant and respond with feedback. Please send your documents to dvcmentoring@gmail.com by May 20, 2019. Feel free to share this information with all those you think might benefit.
Attendees: Adam, Stephanie, Elise, Stefani, Jess, Nancy, Megan, Karen, Sarah
February meeting minutes were reviewed and approved. Megan will post to the blog after the meeting.
If you did not send Jess your conflict of interest form, please do so, Jess sending then to Ellie.
Financial report – Adam
Tax forms completed
Currently there is additional money in our account from registrations
Tax Status, taxes are being together and application is pending.
Program updates
No word on grant from PaLA
42 attendees currently registered
Outreach Round 2 underway
Discussion of tasks to be done the day of: Spreadsheet exists with things that need to be done, from last years programs.
Jess and Stefani: chapter meeting, need to talk about membership dues, new board members, reports, mentoring program, resume review, groups meeting after the program, social events, other work we have been doing, financial update, website.
Adam : nametags, collecting money from attendees who have not paid when they sign in.
Staff the table/sign in: Stefani, Leslie,
Resume review: Stefani will decide when and how to advertise. There is a resume review flyer and also language on the blog.
Fall 2019 program planning committee:
Jess will send out email to Fall 2018 committee and those who volunteered at the Fall 2018 program to gauge interest for planning Fall 2019
The new VP will be encouraged to join the committee.
Wait until April to finalize committee.
It would be helpful to include someone from host institution on planning committee.
List these committees on our website, Jess send list to Karen to put on website. Put this under volunteer opportunities.
Elections update – Nancy, Stefani, Karen, Adam
Ballot was emailed to chapter members – last day to vote is 3/28 (board members can vote too!) Ballot will go out again 3/27.
Candidates will be notified of election results 4/2
Announcement of election results will go out 4/8 (email and blog post)
New members will be announced at spring program during Chapter meeting
Blog Update – Megan
Posted about access PA
Planning Meet the Board post
Web update – Karen
Social Committee update – Elise
12 people at first social event on Thursday, 3/14
The committee will follow up with email, including information on Spring program
Looking to plan something outside of the city, need volunteers who live/work outside Philadelphia to assist with that. Current social committee lives/works in Philly.
Future ideas
Is there a way to plan an event that is part social and part professional development
Adam, Elise, Jess talk about planning meet up at ACRL Conference in Cleveland.
Mentorship Program update – Stefani
Sent survey on program, received 2 responses
Discussion on how to make the program more relevant and useful, especially in the type of library work people are doing.
Potentially forming interest groups.
Promote the mentoring program to groups outside ACRL DVC, but do they need to be members?
Discussion for future board.
Archives update – Leslie going through records, reorganizing and processing. Still collecting physical records
Next board meeting: Wednesday April 17, 2019 noon-1:30
The Nominating Committee would like to thank everyone who voted in this year’s ACRL Delaware Valley Chapter board election. We would also like to express gratitude to all the candidates. Our chapter would not be a success without dedicated members willing to serve as leaders to support and strengthen our professional community.
I’m happy to be writing today in support of your attendance at upcoming ACRL roadshow – Scholarly Communication: From Understanding to Engagement. We are so excited to be able to host this workshop locally, and I truly believe it is going to be a unique deep dive into issues of scholarly communications, particularly accessibility and Open Educational Resources. Both workshop facilitators bring their unique experience and expertise to us:
Carla Myers
Carla Myers serves as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Scholarly Communications for the Miami University Libraries. Her professional presentations and publications focus on fair use, copyright in the classroom, and library copyright issues.
Will Cross
Will Cross is the Director of the Copyright & Digital Scholarship Center in the NCSU Libraries, an instructor in the UNC SILS, a Mozilla Open Leader, and an OER Research Fellow. Trained as a lawyer and librarian, he guides policy, speaks, and writes on open culture and navigating legal uncertainty. His current research is centered around three IMLS-funded projects focused using OER and open pedagogy to teach copyright and scholarly communication.
Carla and Will are highly invested in making this workshop beneficial to attendees – they are flexible and ready to do a deep dive and answer questions that are directly applicable to your work. They will share with us the way that they use design thinking to center the user in creative, collaborative projects.
Following the program, attendees will also have the opportunity to join a DVC scholarly communications working group, where the conversations, support, and growth will continue.
Start your conference off right with a DVC meetup! Join us for a night of conversation, drinks, and fun at Punch Bowl Social in Cleveland on Wednesday, April 10th. Catch up with some local friends, play a board game (for free!), and bring your coins for the vintage arcade. You might even want to play a game of mini golf, ping pong, or bowling ($10-$12/hour).
We will be meeting at the Golf Bar at 7 PM. Feel free to bring friends!
January meeting minutes were reviewed and approved. Megan will post to the blog after the meeting.
Financial report (Adam)
Work continues on the chapter’s tax status. We owe $600 in fees to the IRS. Member Ellie Goldberg has offered a $300 donation to cover half of this cost.
Law firm that Adam is working with has provided a conflict of interest statement that it was suggested all board members sign.
A motion was made and seconded for all board members to sign the conflict of interest statement annually. Motion approved.
New board members will be provided a copy to sign at the annual transition meeting
Program updates
Based on poll of board we did increase the program cost to attendees (this will help us cover costs)
$40 for members
$50 for nonmembers
Free for student, low income
Program to be held at Penn State Great Valley
Caterer selected and reserved
Menu: Breakfast – assorted bagels w/ cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, and preserves; coffee, tea, and water. Lunch – assorted sandwiches and wraps (to include roasted veggie wrap and caprese sandwiches) w/ house salad with balsamic dressing and creamy peppercorn ranch dressing; seasonal pasta salad; chips; assorted dessert tray; water, soda, iced tea and lemonade. Snack – homemade flour tortilla chips with hummus and spinach tomato dip. Refill of coffee service.
Dietary restrictions were not asked about on initial registration/communication. Adam will follow up with folks who have already registered and will update the registration form asking registrants about dietary needs.
Jess has submitted a grant application to PaLA for $3410. We should know soon if we get the grant. The ACRL DVC member rate for program registration will be extended to PaLA members.
We need to continue to do outreach to boost program registrations. Would like to see 80 registrants. Jessica will post another message to the membership list in March and again in April (twice) encouraging members to register. All board members to post again to designated lists in March/April. Reach out to faculty or groups who may be interested in the scholarly communications theme.
Web update
the blog and the website will “talk to each other,” though the update is slow.
Blog update
Megan has been tweeting with every blog post. Continues to post meet the board member posts and will post about the upcoming social event.
Social committee update
March 14th to host happy hour at Strange Love in center city. Representative from Books through Bars will attend to discuss their program and opportunities to get involved. This event will also be a fundraiser for Books through Bars. Attendees can make a donation or bring a book to the event. Elise will write up a blurb and Jessica will post to the membership list. It will also be tweeted. This could be a good opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet face to face.
Elections
Committee members include: Stefani, Karen, Adam, and Nancy
We are on track for the March election dates.
Candidates have been identified for the open positions of Vice President, Secretary and Director at Large. Nancy to follow up with folks for bios.
Mentorship Program update
A google form to be sent out soon for feedback.
Membership fees
We discussed raising membership fees. Interesting discussion on the ACRL Chapter list about what other chapters charge their members. Some chapters are part of state associations others like DVC are not. ACRL New England charges $20 for membership fees. Are we comfortable raising to that rate?
At the April business meeting held during the spring program we will discuss with members and send out information ahead of time for feedback/input on the decision to raise membership rates
Plan to keep student membership free and they can join at any time.
The 2019 PA Forward Information Literacy Summit is scheduled to take place Monday, July 15, 2019. The event will be hosted at the Central Penn Conference Center in Enola, PA. Additional information regarding sessions and registration details will be forthcoming. Please save the date on your calendars. Information will be available at https://www.palibraries.org/members/group.aspx?id=141126.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s summit!
