Daily Archives: September 19, 2016

Services and Solutions staff transitions to University Libraries from ITS

Penn State University Libraries and Penn State’s Office of the Vice Provost for Information Technology recently agreed to transfer the development team from Services and Solutions (SaS) and their existing roles this fall to the University Libraries. SaS employees worked alongside Libraries Technology staff previously under the former department name Digital Library Technologies, and this realignment will streamline support of this work, including, but not limited to, information domain and data repository services and the integration of library-specific applications.

As part of this alignment of services, nine Penn State employees and one currently vacant position will move from SaS to the Libraries. Dan Coughlin, director of the team, will report directly to Karen Estlund, University Libraries associate dean for Technology and Digital Strategies.

The SaS team provides support for ScholarSphere, ArchiveSphere, the eTD systems, Activity Insight including development and client support, plus operational expertise to run these systems and databases. A primary goal as part of this move is to align the services provided by the University Libraries with the information domain experts and library-specific and complementary systems.

Estlund will discuss the transition in more detail at an upcoming Libraries Tech Forum.

The entire news article about the transition is available on Penn State News.

Rotations established for Diversity Librarian Residents

The four-month rotations for the Diversity Librarian Residents have been established. Both residents, Alia Gant and Jose Guerrero, have already started their first rotation. Alia will work in Library Learning Services and Jose will work in the Special Collections Library through December 31. For the spring (January 1 – April 30, 2017), Alia will work in Library Assessment and Jose will work in Library Learning Services. Finally, for the summer (May 1 – August 31, 2017), Alia will work in the Social Sciences Library and Jose will work in Cataloging.

The goal in this first year is for them to learn about University Libraries and decide where they want to spend their second and third year immersive experience(s). They will shadow colleagues in these departments, provide front-line services, contribute to departmental and UL-wide projects, and contribute to each department’s work to create inclusive services and an inclusive work environment.

Please feel free to get in contact with Alia, Jose, or myself if you have any ideas for projects on which you would like to partner with either of them.

– submitted by Joe Salem

Fall blog series: What it means to be an embedded librarian

by Torrie Raish, World Campus and Penn State Online librarian

As part of the strategic goal for the World Campus and the Libraries to increase instruction and a librarian presence in World Campus courses, I created an embedded librarian program. The drive behind this program comes from the ACRL standards for distance learners that emphasize equivalent access to library instruction, services, and resources. Through this program, I reach out to various programs and departments on campus to see if they have higher-level World Campus courses that expect students to conduct research outside of the materials assigned in class. This program has received great interest and feedback from numerous departments on campus.

A systematic effort to have librarians not only involved with developing materials for courses or holding research consultations, but to actually have an active role while the course was being delivered, did not exist prior to this program. The recently created librarian role in Canvas is intended to have the librarian with a place within the learning management system and to have the student easily identify who to contact for library-related questions. A course for librarians will be available starting spring 2017 to develop and improve their professional development with online learning.

Over the remainder of the fall 2016 semester you will see reflections from librarians who are embedded, program directors who believed in the program, and faculty who are working with a librarian in this role. I am also embedded in a course, EM SC 302, and wanted to be the first to give my reflections.

Being embedded in an online course is different than delivering a face-to-face instructional session. While you are still interacting with students, it often extends beyond a traditional session, and changes the way you communicate with students. You change from being the one delivering the main points of the lesson for that day to serving as a support for students through managing discussion boards or creating videos for the courses. Being embedded in an online course also is different because you will be working closely with an instructional designer and the faculty member rather than only a faculty member. Being embedded gives you the opportunity to see student development over time and come away with more thorough assessments about what students are understanding when it comes to components of information literacy.

I have really enjoyed being embedded so far. Getting the chance to design learning objects for the students and then assess their work in response to extended interactions with information literacy concepts has been quite informative. I encourage all of you to look into taking the asynchronous class I am creating and then think about giving being an embedded librarian in Canvas a shot!

Green Tips: Office recycling best practices and reminders

by Len White for the University Libraries Green Team

The Penn State University Libraries Green Team was created to provide leadership for “green” initiatives and to promote environmental sustainability in the University Libraries. Recent initiatives include Cleanup Day, recycling efforts, reducing waste at University Libraries events, offering green options for supplies orders, and outreach efforts to Libraries departments and other University green committees and groups.

This month’s Green Tip focuses on best practices for recycling University property or offering personal items through “opportunity” emails.

University Property:
Office supplies and furnishings that are no longer needed can be offered to other Libraries departments through the Libraries’ listservs. As these are not personal items, they can be offered without an “Opportunity” tag in the subject. A reminder should be noted within the body of the text that these items are University property and are to be reused somewhere within the Libraries. A thorough description of furniture and fixtures with dimensions, condition, color, and even a picture, is your best way to find your item a perfect new home.

Shipping cost may be incurred by a department interested in larger offerings (too big to be sent via interoffice mail), especially if they have to move between buildings/campuses.

If items are not claimed within a reasonable timeframe, or they need to be removed right away, please contact Facilities via the Help Desk for disposal through *Lion Surplus.

Personal Items:
If you’ve been in the Libraries for any length of time, you more than most likely have seen the “Opportunity” emails from other employees. You can get some great deals on some interesting things, but in case you would prefer not to receive these emails, “opportunity” is always the first word in the subject line. This is done so that anyone not wanting to receive these emails can easily filter them to a junk folder. Personal furnishings, decorations, small appliances, and electronics are to be taken back home when they are no longer needed or must be disposed of. As always, personal recycling to include batteries, CFL light bulbs, electronics, and small appliances are not to be brought into work for disposal. These items should be disposed of through your local municipality’s recycling locations. Find a recycling center near you by checking this website!

*Lion Surplus:
Lion Surplus is a store that handles the removal of University-owned equipment in environmentally responsible ways, such as sales, bids, and auctions. The store is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Store inventory constantly changes and includes a wide variety of items. Lion Surplus routinely carries desks, chairs, cabinets, computer hardware, desk accessories, office equipment, electronics, scientific equipment, and much more.

Lion Surplus also hosts several auctions each year and routinely places items on eBay, LabX, and GovDeals.com.

Lion Surplus is located at the corner of Services Road and Big Hollow Road, and can be found on Google Maps linked at the bottom right of its Contact Us page. Payment methods accepted include cash, personal checks, credit and debit cards.

Hours
Monday-Friday
6:30 a.m.-5 p. m.
Closed weekends and University holidays

LHR News: Next HR Forum scheduled for Sept. 27

The Libraries’ next regular Human Resources (HR) Forum is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in Foster Auditorium. It will be available for participation via MediaSite Live for those who may not be able to join us in person. Participation is open to all.

The purpose of the HR Forum is to provide a regular opportunity for Libraries Human Resources to communicate new initiatives, changes, updates, etc., and provide an opportunity for questions, answers, and discussion. Important information will continue to be communicated in a variety of formats.

The agenda for this meeting includes:

  • Voluntary Retirement Program
  • 2016 Salary Increases
  • Human Resources Transformation Overview.

USTEAC Library Professional Development Series — Week 9

The User Services Training Employee Advisory Council (USTEAC) recommended a series of Lynda.com training videos for overall Library Professional Development (LPD). The training videos selected cover topics applicable to all employees regardless of position or location.

Over the course of the last eight weeks, employees could view the highlighted videos or modules and use what they have learned! The full list of videos may be viewed at any time.

This week’s video is on information literacy, an essential skill for navigating in the information age.

Week 9
Information Literacy
View this video and further explore: What is information literacy? As you have time view the remainder of this course and increase your understanding of information literacy.

Tech Tip: Videoconferencing options at the Libraries

by Ryan Johnson, I-Tech

image of comparison between options for Bluejeans vs. Zoom software

Do you want to know more about what options are available to use for videoconferencing at the Libraries including Zoom and BlueJeans? How to get started? Need to know what equipment you need to use?

The following staff site training page will get you started with:

  • Basic room setups
  • Getting started with Zoom, BlueJeans, and Adobe Connect
  • Training resources available for each product

Visit Video Conferencing Options at the Libraries to learn more!

LHR News: Sept. 19

Full-time:
Mark Mattson – Global Partnerships and Outreach Librarian

Part-time:
— at University Park:
Lia Rodriguez – Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
Michael Dolan – Cataloging and Metadata Services
Amber Ebersole – Commons Services
Daniella Espinoza – Commons Services
Seth Godfrey – Commons Services
Shuvanon Shahid – Commons Services
Xin Sun – Commons Services
Kristian Tienda-Langa – News and Microforms Library
Elise Grovanz – Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library
Gokula Krishnakumar Kalyan Kumar – Special Collections Library

— at Commonwealth Campus Libraries:
Abigail Bosley – Penn State Abington
Gabrielle Heidler – Penn State Altoona
Conner Hileman – Penn State Altoona
Nicholas Finch – Penn State Beaver
Dimetres Moore – Penn State Beaver
Rachel Hayes – Penn State Berks
Andrea Burroughs – Penn State Greater Allegheny
Kate Harper – Penn State Harrisburg
Kayla Wagaman – Penn State Mont Alto

Events: Sept. 19

Fall 2016

Through Wednesday, Nov. 30: “Penn State Wilkes-Barre, 100 Years: 1916-2016” exhibit, Friedman Gallery, Academic Commons, Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus, Lehman.

Through Friday, Dec. 16: “Expanding Horizons: Penn Staters in the Olympics” exhibit, Special Collections Library, 104 Paterno Library, University Park.

Through Friday, Dec. 16: “Japanimation: Exploring Anime” exhibit, Sidewater Commons and central entrance, Pattee Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Coffee with Carmen and pastry decorating, presented by Ann Thompson and Linda Struble, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Greater Allegheny Open House, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., J. Clarence Kelly Library, Penn State Greater Allegheny, McKeesport.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Margarita Engle accepts the Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Children’s Poetry, 4-5 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Space planning brown bag session, noon-1 p.m., Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Building evacuation training for University Park, 3-4 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Thursday, Sept. 22: Recognition of University Libraries colleagues with 25 years of service, 2-3 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

Friday, Sept. 23: African Feminist Initiative Conference panel discussion, featuring Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Mary Hames, and Margo Okazawa-Rey, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Monday, Sept. 26: Faculty Lecture Series: Intellectual freedom: what is it and why is it important?, 7 p.m., presented by Matt Ciszek, Sharon Hall, Room 105, Sharon.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Discovery Day Webinar Series: Office Yoga, 10-11 a.m., presented by Rebecca Peterson, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: LHR Forum, 2-3:30 p.m., presented by Rob Harris and members of LHR, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Sept. 28: Shenango Library Open House , 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Lartz Memorial Library, Sharon.

Thursday, Sept. 29: Occupant safety, a panel discussion , 3-4:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Friday, Sept. 30: University Libraries Donor Reception and Celebration, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Paterno Family Reading Room, 201 Pattee Library, University Park.

Monday, Oct. 3: Meditation techniques lecture, 12:20-1:10 p.m., Hazleton Library, L-12, Hazleton.

Tuesday, Oct. 4: Disability Awareness Month Event: Working with patrons with disabilities, Carmen Gass, Libraries’ User Services Training Coordinator, 10 a.m.-noon, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Thursday, Oct. 6: Nick Sousanis will give a talk after accepting the Lynd Ward Prize for his graphic novel “Unflattening,” 4-5 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library.

Wednesday, Oct. 12: Getting to know GIS: GIS literacy, 3:30-5 p.m., Donald W. Hamer Maps Library, W13 Pattee Library, University Park, and on Adobe Connect.

Thursday, Oct. 13: Disability Awareness Month Event: Disability in the workplace, 6-7:30 p.m., presentation by Taryn Williams, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of
Labor, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Sunday, Oct.16: Penn State Parents Weekend events, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pattee and Paterno Libraries Open House featuring a gallery talk, book discussion and tours, University Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Tech Update, by Libraries I-Tech staff, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Discovery Day Webinar Series: What the Library Can Do for You, presented by Liz Long and Megan Gilpin, 1-2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Team Library, 2-3:30 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: David DeNotaris speaks about employment opportunities for people with disabilities, 6:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Oct. 19: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Oct. 19: Promotion and tenure recognition event, 4-6:30 p.m., Paterno Reading Room, University Park.

Wednesday, Oct. 26: Dean’s Forum, 10-11 a.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Oct. 26: Penn State Beaver Library Open House, noon-1:30 p.m., Beaver campus library.

Thursday, Oct. 27: Penn State Hazleton Library Game Night, 7-10 p.m., Hazleton campus library.

Friday, Oct. 28: Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Morrison Gallery, Penn State Harrisburg Library.

Wednesday, Nov. 2: Supervisor: Helping new librarians find success and satisfaction in the academic library, 2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Nov. 2: Archaeological Institute of America Public Lecture, 5:30-7 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Thursday, Nov. 3: Librarians: Helping new librarians find success and satisfaction in the academic library, 2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Nov. 8: Library Learning Services: Exhibition information literacy class, 10 a.m., 140 Pattee Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Nov. 8: Meditation techniques lecture, 12:20-1:10 p.m., Hazleton Library, L-12, Hazleton.

Thursday, Nov. 10: Beating Burnout, 10 a.m.,Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Friday, Nov. 11: Coffee with Carmen, with special guests Dean Barbara Dewey and Associate Dean Anne Langley, noon-1 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, University Park.

Tuesday, Nov. 15: International Education Week presentation, featuring either Ron Redwing or Vickie Sanchez as speaker, 2-3 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Nov. 16: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Thursday, Nov. 17: Team Library, 2-3:30 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

Friday, Nov. 18: International Education Week presentation, featuring speakers Sarah Shear and Madison Miller, 10 a.m.-noon., Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

Sunday-Saturday, Nov. 20-26: Thanksgiving holiday, no classes.

Wednesday, Dec. 7: Meditation techniques lecture, 12:20-1:10 p.m., Hazleton Library, L-12, Hazleton.

Friday, Dec. 9: Last day of fall classes.

Sunday-Tuesday, Dec. 11-13: DeStress Fest, 3-8 p.m., University Park library locations.

Monday-Friday, Dec. 12-16: Final exams.

Wednesday, Dec. 14: Tech Update, by Libraries I-Tech staff, 1-2:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and MediaSite Live.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Fall Commencement, University Park and several Commonwealth Campus locations.

Wednesday, Dec. 21: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Please submit event information to Public Relations and Marketing via the Library News submission form.