Travel Grant Reports: Tatiana Pashkova-Balkenhol

Tatiana Pashkova-Balkenhol was a recipient of an ACRL DVC’s travel grant. She attended the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Biennial Conference in Arlington, VA. Below are a few words from Tatiana about the conference and what she learned:

“This international conference attracts faculty, administrators, and many others who are interested in implementing undergraduate research initiatives at their institutions. The conference theme, “Creating Collaborative Connections in and through Undergraduate Research,” permeated through presentations, panel discussions, workshops, poster sessions, and keynotes.”

“I attended the session that featured a partnership between a librarian and a faculty member who worked together on engaging undergraduate students in writing and publishing book reviews. In addition to identifying opportunities and challenges for working with undergraduates on composing, editing, and publishing book reviews, the presenters also discussed the process of guiding students on how to enter scholarly conversations around books they were reviewing. At the end of their presentation, the speakers posed a number of questions for attendees to ponder while adopting the book review project at their own institutions.”

“The session that I co-presented with an English faculty member also highlighted an interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at capturing and showcasing undergraduate research. Particularly, we discussed why and how we developed a conference proceedings student journal with a team of students.”

“As a result of participating at the CUR conference, I am taking away a much broader definition of undergraduate research as an accessible, diverse, and inclusive initiative that can take many forms at different institutions and can be enhanced by interdisciplinary partnerships.”

Read Tatiana’s full report here: CUR conference report

Stay tuned for more travel grant reports from the recipients!

Travel Grant Reports: Carol Howe

Carol Howe was a recipient of an ACRL DVC’s travel grant. She attended the 2018 Special Libraries Association conference. Below are a few words from Carol about the conference and what she learned:

“I started by attending a half day workshop on finding and using chemical information. This was amazing! Two experts presented to just a handful of attendees, so the presentation was very personalized. We learned about the types of literature used by chemists; basic and advanced strategies for finding chemical information; how to respond to different types of questions; the basics of substructure, sequence, and reaction searching; and the types of questions that chemists typically ask. It was well worth the additional cost of attending a pre-conference workshop!”

“During the Astronomy Roundtable, attendees learned about efforts to produce a Unified Astronomy Thesaurus. Experts currently use a variety of astronomy subject headings, but this would be a way to standardize the language. Astronomers are encouraged to join the conversation. ”

“Finally, I attended a session on science communication. The presenter encouraged future, popular science writers to think about these things: Who are you trying to reach? What’s your ‘take home’ message? What type of communication is best suited when writing for the public?”

Read Carol’s full report here: 2018SLA_ConferenceReport_CarolHowe

Stay tuned for more travel grant reports from the recipients!

Fall 2018 Student Stipend – Apply Now!

Librarians have the opportunity and responsibility to use their institutional membership to advocate for their communities. In an attempt to inspire local academic librarians our fall program is centered on the advocacy work already being down in the Delaware Valley Region. Every year, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the ACRL awards a stipend to support future academic librarians. This year the organization would like to help support the library studies of an individual that is focused on helping to create a more
equitable society. A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in an ALA-accredited program to help offset the cost of educational expenses.

To apply, please submit a 250 word essay describing your interest in advocacy and activism in librarianship. Eligible applicants must attend school, work, or reside in the chapter’s service area.

Word Count: 250

Deadline: Monday, October 16, 2018

Please send submission to dvcmentoring@gmail.com

Fall Program Registration is Open – Please Join Us!

event schedule

All are invited to attend the fall 2018 program of the ACRL Delaware Valley Chapter.

Program Description

This program seeks to provide insight into the activism and advocacy work being done in libraries in higher education across the Delaware Valley region and into the methods and lessons of prominent librarian activists.  In times of inequity, discrimination, and social injustice, libraries have the opportunity to be institutions of resistance, understanding, and hope.  This program will include a panel presentation, chapter meeting, lightning round presentations, and unconference-style round table discussions.  Participants will have an opportunity to share their own work and will be inspired by the work of their peers to apply methods of activism to create more equitable, inclusive, and diverse library services.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Registration.

Directions and parking information. 

Travel Grant Reports: Karen Sheldon

Karen Sheldon was a recipient of an ACRL DVC’s travel grant. She attended the annual NASIG conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Below are a few words from Karen about the conference and what she learned:

“From June 8th through 11th, I attended the 33rd annual NASIG conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Transforming the Information Community.’ The conference included not only many valuable workshops, but also many structured opportunities to interact informally including dine arounds, bingo night, and ice cream socials.”

“The advent of folio suggests changes in the electronic resource management market, moving from platform fees with included support to open access platforms with support fees. An interesting feature will be the Codex app, a cross search across to find orders, loans, instances, and other information related to the record. Folio could reduce library spending on platform fees while offering a more integrated solution. ”

“An important lesson related to consortia contracts found that contracts must specify the rights for individual titles to be useful. I have begun tracking perpetual access for my library and will take their lessons into account. I am submitting requests to vendors, asking for clarification on perpetual access rights in instances where licensing is unavailable or unclear.”

Read Karen’s full report here: NASIG2018_ConferenceReport_KarenSheldon

Stay tuned for more travel grant reports from the recipients!

ACRL DVC Board Meeting Minutes – August 8, 2018

ACRL DVC Board Meeting Minutes

August 8, 2018

Attending: Jess Denke, Karen Sheldon, Adam Mizelle, Jessica Brangiel, Megan Donnelly , Stefani Gomez, Nancy Bellafante

We have set board meetings to occur the third Wednesday of the month from 12-1:30pm.   Next meeting will be September 19, 2018.

May meeting minutes were approved and can be posted to the blog.  

Jessica Brangiel will continue in the ACRL Chapter’s Council rep position for the 2018/2019 year.   

Christina Steffy is representing ACRL DVC as part of the PAForward Information Literacy Team.   She provided an update to the board on the work she’s done so far:

    • 5 sessions at the PaLA annual conference (October 14-17)  will be sponsored by PA Forward
    • Information Literacy team (and libraries participating in star library program) will have a poster displayed at Capitol Hill during the press conference and poster session on Wednesday, October 17
    • Brandi Hunter Davenport will be presenting to a library organization in MD interested in learning about the PA Forward program in general and specifically about information literacy
    • Information Literacy team is developing and Information Literacy toolkit which includes a press release for information literacy month and resources for patrons of all ages and in all types of libraries
    • PA Forward Information Literacy Summit 2019 – can’t have at PSU main campus in 2019 due to library renovations. Looking at venues for 2019. Will likely be back at PSU after renovations completed.

Financial Report from Adam:

  • Bills from the spring program are in the process of being paid.   
  • Adam is working on getting the PayPal account transferred to his name.
  • Payment will be sent soon to Drexel to secure the space for the fall program.
  • We are continuing to reimburse travel grant award recipients as they complete their conference attendance.   
  • Adam has drafted a budget for the fall program and is reviewing with Jess.
  • Membership renewals are coming in.   Question was raised about raising membership fees – feedback from other chapters has been our dues are very low in comparison.  Perhaps we would rather increase fundraising than increase membership dues? The board will continue to discuss.

Leslie is archiving financial information in the Google Drive.   Jess will follow up further for an update.

Nancy discussed reimbursements from ACRL National.  We have $832.46 in reimbursement funds. The Drexel facility fee ($200) can be reimbursed with these funds.  Also discussed using the funds for swag (Nancy to investigate further) and future social gatherings.

Megan has made updates to the blog.  She is following up with the travel grant recipients for blog content about the conferences they have attended with their ACRL DVC grants.  Additional content to be added in the upcoming weeks/months include an update on the Fall program, board member profiles, meeting minutes and an announcement on the ACRL value of academic libraries funding.  

Karen is working on the website.  There are some formatting challenges. Karen spoke further with Kristina Carol (former webmaster) for more information.  

  • Additional changes include “announcements” to “blog feed”
  • Renew your membership – update Adam as Treasurer

Fall Program planning update:

    • October 26th 10 AM to 3:30 PM @ Drexel Learning Terrace
    • Panel of organizers/librarians for afternoon session
    • Try to get corporate sponsor to cover the food.
      • Vendors with collections for social justice. – AltPress Watch (Proquest)
      • Altpress.org
      • Thomas Reuters is local.
    • Send out Save the Date/Call for proposals again.
  • Announcements:
    • Incorporation papers from Nancy/Adam for catering

Meet the Board: Jessica Brangiel, ACRL DVC Secretary

Editor’s Note: This year, we will be posting a new series called “Meet the Board”. This series will introduce the board members to the ACRL DVC community. Thanks to Jessica Brangiel for kicking off this series!

Jessica Brangiel, Electronic Resources Management Librarian

Swathmore College

McCabe Library

ACRL Board Member Role: Secretary

What are your research interests? – There are so many interesting areas of the library profession.   Over the past few years I’ve become very involved in work and research around accessibility and specifically accessible course materials.   

What do you enjoy most about your job? – No day is the same in my job.   That makes it both exciting and at times exhausting but never dull!

What are some of your personal hobbies or interests? – I’m a big reader and love to cook though I’m happy to let some else do the cleanup.   

An additional statement from Jessica – I have really enjoyed getting to know my colleagues through ACRL DVC. It is a great group of people and I encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved to reach out. There is always room for participation at any level.

 

An Update from President Jess Denke

Happy Fall 2018 everyone!

I’m excited to say hello as I begin my year as DVC President.   Change provides opportunity for reflection, and so my thoughts go towards all the accomplishments of the past year.  In the 2017-2018 year, we held two successful programs on news literacy and library partnerships, we awarded $3,000 in scholarships to members to support their professional development, and we provided mentorship opportunities for students and librarians.  In effect, we continued to build community for you – our esteemed network of library workers in the Delaware Valley.

I’m thankful for all of the people I have met this past year and the new relationships that I’ve formed.  Each interaction reminds me of the value of the work of a local chapter of our professional organization.   Through our community we provide professional development, support one another during challenges and change, and build our ability to consider different perspectives and challenge our own lens.

Our upcoming fall program supports each of these endeavors.  Librarians as Advocates: Leading Activism on Your Campus and Beyond will be a day devoted to identifying our work as librarians as that which resists systems of oppression and supports those marginalized in our society. Library work has at its core the values inherent in access of information to all – equity, diversity, inclusion, and freedom.  However, sometimes these values are lost in the day-to-day business of running a library.  Join us on October 26th to be reinvigorated in the action of library work towards a better future for all.  We are currently accepting submissions for lightning round proposals, we are in the process of assembling an amazing panel of librarian activists and community organizers, and we are planning an afternoon of roundtable dialogue.  Stay tuned for registration information, which will be shared in the near future!

Libraries and librarians are well-positioned to make a difference in the lives of those who need us most.    Together we are stronger and can achieve more.  Please join me in building professional relationships; your participation will make us a more prepared, effective community of action.

-Jess Denke

2018-19 Value of Academic Library Travel Scholarships Applications – Due August 31

2018-19 Value of Academic Library Travel Scholarships Applications – Due August 31

Applications for the current round of the Value of Academic Libraries Travel Scholarships are due August 31. The ACRL Board of Directors has allocated $10,000 in fiscal year 2019 to offer travel scholarships of up to $2,000 each for librarians presenting on their work demonstrating the impact of academic libraries in the broader landscape of higher education.

This program is one of several developed by ACRL’s Value of Academic Libraries Committee to support librarians in their efforts to communicate to our partners in higher education including administrators, scholars, and teachers working in all disciplines. These travel scholarships support the community in taking up a recommendation from the ACRL report Academic Library Impact: Improving Practice and Essential Areas to Research (prepared by OCLC Research and released in September 2017 for download or purchase) that academic librarians effectively communicate their contributions both up to institutional stakeholders and out to other departments.

ACRL invites practicing librarians and information professionals to apply for funding to present their work at higher education conferences or disciplinary conferences where they will reach audiences outside the library field. The presentations may be based on practice-based work or formal research projects. Two rounds of applications will be reviewed in the coming year. The first are due August 31, 2018. The second round of applications will be due February 15, 2019.

Complete details on the Value of Academic Libraries Travel Scholarships, including how to apply, are available on the ACRL website.

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing more than 10,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning and transforming scholarship. ACRL is on the web at acrl.org, Facebook at facebook.com/ala.acrl, and Twitter at @ala_acrl.

Transition Board Meeting Minutes – May 2018

ACRL DVC Transition Board Meeting

May 25, 2018

In Attendance:

Jess Denke, Nancy Bellafante, Stefani Gomez, Jessica Brangiel, Adam Mizelle, Ellie Goldberg, Elise Ferer, Leslie O’Neill, Megan Donnelly, Karen Sheldon, Penny Lochner, Martha Stevenson.

Welcome to new board members:

Stefani Gomez (incoming VP), Adam Mizelle (incoming Treasurer), Elise Ferer (incoming Director at Large), Megan Donnelly (incoming Blog Editor) , and Karen Sheldon (incoming Webmaster).

Thank you to members rotating off – Martha Stevenson, Penny Lochner, Paul Proces, Ellie Goldberg.

April minutes reviewed and corrected. Ready to be posted to the blog.

Archives for 2017/2018:

  • Leslie has been reorganizing 4 boxes of documents.
  • The board will continue to discuss partnering with a larger institution for archiving of the website

New board member handoff:

  • Jess has reached out to all new board members, handoff off of materials has been taking place and training will continue as needed.

Website Platform:

  • Wild Apricot (platform for website, membership list and blog).
  • Fees are increasing, our renewal is in October.
  • We have the money to absorb the increase in annual fee and will remain with the Wild Apricot platform for now for ease of emailing members, program registration etc.

Financial Update:

  • Ellie has met with the pro bono attorneys from Dechert who are assisting with the renewal of the 501c3 status for the chapter. Ellie will see this process through completion before passing off to Adam.
  • The board discussed future responsibility for renewal of 501c3 status.
  • Motion made and passed to add this responsibility to the treasurer and past president positions to work together for annual 501c3 renewal.
  • The chapter currently has $9458 in assets.
  • The invoice for catering from the spring program just came in. Ellie is waiting on the receipt.
  • ACRL national will reimburse the chapter for the keynote speaker travel and hotel costs from the spring program.
  • A small profit was made from the spring program which will be used to fund future stipends for chapter programs.

New Gmail account

  • acrlpa.dvc@gmail.com to be used for general communication.

Spring Program Feedback:

  • We had 54 registrants and 41 attendees.
  • Space was a bit small and layout was awkward for food lines.
  • For future programs light breakfast is suggested.
  • Need more vegetarian options for lunch, add a field to the registration form asking about dietary restrictions to get a count of gluten free and vegetarian requests.
  • Ask speakers to bring or provide ahead of time paper copies of presentations and speaker notes in case of technical difficulties.

Website Updates & Blog Updates:

  • Karen has made updates to chapter officer information on the website.
  • There is some confusion in the navigation between the website and blog. Suggestion to look at reorganizing the website – Karen to investigate further.
  • Perhaps we can make the colors on the blog and website match?
  • Suggestion to send out twice a year updates to the membership list on recent blog posts.

Mentor Program:

  • Guidelines for the mentor program are on the website. They should be reviewed and updated if needed.
  • Does a final email need to go out to participants asking for feedback?

Fall Program 2018:

  • We have a committee of members planning the fall program (currently 6 members, more are welcome) have met twice already.
  • Possible themes include the librarian/library as advocate (social justice initiatives across broad areas to draw in wide variety of speakers).
  • Format to be panel in the morning with an unconference in the afternoon.
  • Possible locations – Drexel or Delaware Valley University (Doylestown), board discussed cost for members to travel to the city for programs (parking etc.)
  • Goal is to provide more stipends for members to attend chapter programs.
  • Looking at mid October dates.

PA Forward and Information Literacy Team:

  • Nancy was contacted from this group seeking a board member to join – more detail needed – what is the time commitment, responsibilities etc.

Summer programming:

  • We have one more free webinar opportunity from ACRL national. If interested in hosting the webinar get in touch with Nancy/Jess.

Next meeting:

  • We will discuss ideas and projects for the upcoming 2018/19 year.

Action Items:

  • Anyone with outstanding items for the 17/18 archives please send to Leslie.
  • Ellie will submit financial statements to Google Drive for 17/18.
  • Jess to create a master calendar to stay on top of due dates (for example renewal of 501c3 status).
  • All board members check contact information on the website and get back to Karen with any updates.
  • All board members review position descriptions on the website for future meeting discussion.
  • Investigate further the official ACRL logo, what can we use on our site (Nancy?).
  • Jess and Stefani will review the mentor program guidelines further.