Tag Archives: diversity

July 18 discussion focuses on benefits of Summer Academy programs

orange sun with triangular yellow rays with text below for Pennsylvania Summer Academy at Penn State

Shelly Faust-Jones and Karen Walsh-Emma, co-directors of the Summer Academy Program at Penn State, will host a discussion from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 to raise awareness about these unique programs offered on the University Park campus. The discussion, with a question and answer session to follow, will be held in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and will also be available on Mediasite Live at live.libraries.psu.edu. An archived recording of this event will be closed captioned and available following the discussion.

Summer Academy, hosted by Penn State, University Park, offers a multi-week, intensive program focused on enhancing independence skills for students transitioning to postsecondary education. The experience is available at no cost to eligible Pennsylvania students currently enrolled in high school and who anticipate attending a two- or four-year college or technical/trade school after graduation.

This discussion is co-sponsored by the University Libraries’ Accessibility and Diversity Committees in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

 Faust-Jones and Walsh-Emma, who work in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services within Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, will discuss how the Summer Academy Program was conceived; what is involved in putting this program together; what outcomes have been derived from the Summer Academy for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the past few years at University Park; and Penn State’s contributions to the programs.

The full Penn State News article is available to read online. For more information on the July 18 discussion event, or for questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, contact Emily Rimland, at 814-863-2480 or elf113@psu.edu in advance of the event.

University Libraries celebrates faculty and staff with 2017 awards

five women and one man standing for a photograph after receiving University Libraries awards

Barbara I. Dewey, dean of the University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, far right, presented five annual awards to employees for outstanding contributions toward success of Libraries’ operations, diversity and inclusion, and innovation. The winners, from left to right, were honored May 11: Ann Thompson, Margaret Knoll Spangler Oliver Award; Wendy Stodart, Shirley J. Davis Staff Excellence Award; John Shank, University Libraries Award; Jacqueline Peagler, University Libraries Diversity Award; and Karla Schmit, University Libraries Teaching Award.

Employees recognized for outstanding contributions toward success of operations, diversity and inclusion, and innovation

The Penn State University Libraries honored five staff members for their outstanding contributions toward the success of Libraries’ operations, diversity and inclusion, and innovation. Each spring, award recipients are chosen from a pool of applications submitted by the Libraries’ faculty and staff members, who use the nomination process to express their appreciation for the talent, dedication and character of their colleagues.

The 2017 award recipients were announced by Barbara I. Dewey, dean of the University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, at a ceremony on Thursday, May 11, in Foster Auditorium. The award recipients are:

  • Ann Thompson, information resources and services supervisor/manager for the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) Library, Margaret Knoll Spangler Oliver Award
  • Wendy Stodart, human resources generalist, Shirley J. Davis Staff Excellence Award
  • John Shank, head librarian, Thun Library, Penn State Berks, University Libraries Award
  • Jacqueline Peagler, monographs cataloger and training coordinator, Cataloging and Metadata Services, University Libraries Diversity Award
  • Karla Schmit, interim head, Education and Behavioral Sciences Library, and assistant director of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book, University Libraries Teaching Award

Ann Thompson, Margaret Knoll Spangler Oliver Award
Thompson was presented with the Margaret Knoll Spangler Oliver Award. In the nomination letter submitted by Nan Butkovich, head of the Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, she wrote that Thompson shows a “firm but fair demeanor characterized by a positive, courteous, cooperative attitude,” adding that she makes PAMS an “inclusive environment.” Another library colleague, Stephanie Movahedi-Lankarani, noted that “Ann’s positive attitude, her respect for the viewpoints and work of others, her impressive communication skills, and her commitment to professionalism are the hallmarks of all of Ann’s work.”

The Margaret Knoll Spangler Oliver Award was created in 1995 by sisters Eleanor Smith and Margaret Graham, and other family members of Oliver, as an endowment to honor her memory and her long service to Penn State Libraries. Oliver was a staff member from 1945 to 1965, and she remained active in library circles until her death in 1994. The award recognizes outstanding service by Libraries’ employees who demonstrate successful job performance by combining competence of skills, knowledge of subject matter, and successful interaction with others.

Wendy Stodart, Shirley J. Davis Staff Excellence Award
Two common themes were evident in Stodart’s nomination for the Shirley J. Davis Staff Excellence Award, as colleagues heralded her dependability and her calm, professional, patient and upbeat personality. Hired by Davis to work at the Libraries more than 30 years ago, Stodart was recognized by Nadine Dietrich in Lending Services for going “above and beyond the duties of her position.”

On behalf of the Commonwealth Campus Libraries Supervisors Action Team, Barbara Lessig nominated Stodart and stated that she has “consistently been outstanding in her professionalism and teamwork and her managerial skills are excellent.” Her human resources colleague Lindsey Harter noted that even during peak times of the semester, which are stressful for those responsible for ensuring staff coverage, she “supports the hiring process calmly, with excellent service as her top priority.”

John Shank, University Libraries Award
Shank was selected as the recipient of the University Libraries Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the University Libraries, based on professional contributions that affect the operations of the libraries, elevate respect among the University for the Libraries, reflect achievement in librarianship, and demonstrate leadership and innovation.

One of the first instructional design librarians in the United States, Shank is the founding director of The Center for Learning and Teaching at Penn State Berks. Instrumental in developing the Berks Educational Technology Grant Curriculum Program in 2002, he has directed more than 90 grant projects awarded to 60 faculty. This program initially impacted more than 100 courses and more than 3,500 students.

Some of his contributions to Penn State Berks and the field of library science were included in his nomination letter from Nancy Dewald, reference librarian at Penn State Berks. The creation of the Media Commons and Collaborations Commons in the Thun Library, career-building opportunities for students interested in library science, and the co-founding of the Blended Librarian online community to help other institutions develop instructional design librarian positions are just a few of Shank’s contributions that have impacted students, faculty and the world.

Jacqueline Peagler, University Libraries Diversity Award
The University Libraries Diversity Award, created in 2012, recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment and contributions to enhance mutual respect for differing backgrounds and points of view. Peagler, a champion of the causes of diversity and climate in the University Libraries, was named the recipient of the 2017 award. Brent Stump, music/AV cataloger, nominated Peagler, recognizing her “tireless and focused dedication to diversity issues,” and acknowledged that “the Libraries’ reputation for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment would not be the same.”

With the Libraries since 1984, Peagler is one of the founding members of the University Libraries Diversity Committee and serves on both its Diversity Award Subcommittee and the Civility Committee. She has been a member of the University-wide Martin Luther King Jr. Week Planning Committee and has served on the University Staff Advisory Council, as well as functioning as the Libraries’ sexual harassment officer.

Karla Schmit, University Libraries Teaching Award
The recipient of the 2017 University Libraries Teaching Award was Karla Schmit, honoring an individual who has excelled in teaching and/or created an exemplary and innovative instruction program during the past year.

Schmit’s experiences as an elementary school teacher, a school librarian, professor and academic librarian span more than three decades. During the last academic year at Penn State, she led 29 classes supporting more than 600 students with the number growing past 6,000 over the last five years. Her breadth of teaching spans from first-year seminar students learning about the Libraries to doctoral candidates in special education.

“A gift not only to the students, but to the instructors on campus as well,” is how Schmit was described by Annette Gregerson, adding she “inspires trust and confidence in the way she teaches.”

University Libraries staff members Nancy Adams, Kendra Boileau, Binh Le, John Meier, and Lana Munip served as members of the award committee, chaired by Joe Fennewald and Martha Ney as vice chair.

This article may also be viewed online on Penn State News.

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Panel discussion offers information on guide dogs, sight loss resources

The Penn State University Libraries, in partnership with the State College Sight Loss Support Group of Central PA and the Happy Valley Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, will host a panel discussion to answer questions and provide information about service dogs on Tuesday, June 6. The panel discussion, set for 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, is free and open to the public. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided for this event.

Members of regional and Centre County organizations and resource groups, University contacts and other advocates will participate in the panel discussion with an open question and answer session to follow initial comments and presentations.

Some of the discussion topics covered in the June 6 panel discussion will include:

  •  Guide dog cost
  •  Guide dog training
  •  Other assistance animals
  •  Laws relating to animals in public buildings
  •  Blindness in other cultures

The panel discussion also can be accessed for listening or viewing on Mediasite Live at live.libraries.psu.edu as it occurs. The recorded program, available soon afterward, will include captions.

The State College Sight Loss Support Group offers a supportive atmosphere where individuals can adjust to loss of vision, learn what resources are available for assistance and develop strategies to regain independence. The Happy Valley Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind works as an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind to enable those who cannot see to live full and independent lives, just like people who can see.

For more information about the June 6 panel discussion at the University Libraries, including physical access and other special accommodations for this event, contact Emily Rimland at 814-863-7355 or elf113@psu.edu. An 8.5×11 promotional poster PDF is available for download or sharing with colleagues.

Reminder: Diversity Programming and Research Colloquium May 17

We hope you will be able to join us for the University Libraries’ Diversity Committee’s Annual Diversity Programing and Research Colloquium from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and Mediasite Live.

This event will share research, projects, and programs that build on the Libraries’ commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our presenters will examine a number of approaches that include working with our colleagues, collections, and community.

Schedule:
Each presenter will deliver a 15-minute presentation followed by a brief question and answer session.

1. Carmen Gass, 2:30-2:50 p.m.
Team Library: What exactly was it all about?

2. Emily Mross & Christina Reihman-Murphy, 2:50-3:10 p.m.
Commonality of Prayer Spaces in Libraries

3. Megan Mac Gregor, 3:10-3:30 p.m.
Libraries, Community Outreach, and LGBTQ History

4. Kimberli Kelmor, 3:30-3:50 p.m.
Measuring Diversity in Academic Law Library Collections

5. Elizabeth Hobart, 3:50-4:10 p.m.
Researching Racial Privilege: The Role of Library of Congress Subject
Headings in Finding Materials

6. Mark Mattson, 4:10-4:30 p.m.
The Many Faces of Intercultural Dialogue: Working with Other Campus Groups

– submitted by Jose Guerrero, Diversity Resident Librarian

Diversity Programming and Research Colloquium May 17

The University Libraries’ Diversity Committee is hosting its Annual Diversity Programing and Research Colloquium from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and Mediasite Live.

This event will share research, projects, and programs that build on the Libraries’ commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our presenters will examine a number of approaches that include working with our colleagues, collections, and community. We hope you will be able to join us!

Schedule:
Each presenter will deliver a 15-minute presentation followed by a brief question and answer session.

1. Carmen Gass, 2:30-2:50 p.m.
Team Library: What exactly was it all about?

2. Emily Mross & Christina Reihman-Murphy, 2:50-3:10 p.m.
Commonality of Prayer Spaces in Libraries

3. Megan Mac Gregor, 3:10-3:30 p.m.
Libraries, Community Outreach, and LGBTQ History

4. Kimberli Kelmor, 3:30-3:50 p.m.
Measuring Diversity in Academic Law Library Collections

5. Elizabeth Hobart, 3:50-4:10 p.m.
Researching Racial Privilege: The Role of Library of Congress Subject
Headings in Finding Materials

6. Mark Mattson, 4:10-4:30 p.m.
The Many Faces of Intercultural Dialogue: Working with Other Campus Groups

– submitted by Jose Guerrero, Diversity Resident Librarian

Campus and community invited to March 29 event “Many Faces of Intercultural Dialogue”

promotional graphic for intercultural dialogue event on March 29

Encouraging intercultural dialogues and conversations, the Penn State University Libraries joins three organizations, the Intensive English Communication Program (IECP), English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC), and Global Connections, for an event to showcase intercultural dialogues facilitated and supported by the three organizations, both on campus and in the community.

“The Many Faces of Intercultural Dialogue” will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 with 15 IECP international students and their Penn State student partners sharing posters about what they have learned about each other and their respective cultures during their conversation partner program. The event in the Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park, will also serve as a venue for EPPIC and Global Connections to present the many resources and opportunities available for the university and the community.

Each semester, through the IECP, international and domestic students are paired and together produce a poster that documents what they have learned about each other and themselves during six weeks of hourlong conversations about assigned cultural topics. The international students and domestic partners think about how to portray what they have learned in a short amount of time to a diverse audience.

Questions and feedback from these public poster sessions help the international students develop proficiencies and confidence in non-native spoken interactions while this rewarding experience also engages individuals seeking to develop a deeper intercultural awareness. Following the brief poster sessions, the students and visitors often continue their conversations, learning about their backgrounds as well as similarities and differences in traditions, families, food and holiday celebrations.

An 8.5×11 poster with information about “The Many Faces of Intercultural Dialogue” event is available as a downloadable PDF. The complete Penn State News article is available for reading online. For additional information on this event, or for questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, contact Mark Mattson, global partnerships and outreach librarian, at 814-863-2480 or mam1196@psu.edu in advance of the event.

 

 

‘Docunight’ features films with connections to Iran

promotional graphic for "Sohrab, A Journey" documentary about Iranian filmmaker Sohrab Shahid SalessDocunight, co-sponsored by the Penn State University Libraries and the Iranian Student Association, will present monthly documentary films about, around, or in Iran, or made by Iranians, the first Wednesday of every month in 2017. Screenings take place across several cities in North America.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library on the University Park campus, Docunight will feature “Sohrab, A Journey,” (2016), about filmmaker Sohrab Shahid Saless. Returning to Iran after studying cinema and living abroad, Saless makes a daring choice for his career path and becomes a pioneer in Iranian cinema. His features “A Simple Event” and “Still Life” are remembered today as the most important and most influential first examples of the formation of Iranian modern cinema. “Sohrab, A Journey,” directed by Omid Abdollahi, is in Persian with English subtitles.

Penn State Women’s Studies Graduate Organization offers free conference Feb. 24-25

decorative capital initials W, S, G and O to represent Women's Studies Graduate OrganizationThe 16th-annual Penn State Women’s Studies Graduate Organization conference offers opportunities for academics, students and activists to gather and exchange ideas in feminist scholarship, collaboration, creativity and teaching across disciplines Friday-Saturday, Feb. 24-25. The two-day program, “Feminism, Race, and the Anthropocene,” is sponsored in part by the Interinstitutional Center for Indigenous Knowledge (ICIK) and includes a pre-conference lecture and reception on Friday, Feb. 24, in the Willard Building on Penn State’s University Park campus. The sessions on Saturday, Feb. 25 will be held at the Penn Stater Conference Center. Registration for the conference is free.

This year’s conference focuses on feminism’s role in understanding and critically investigating the new geological age called the Anthropocene in an interdisciplinary and transnational context, giving special attention to questions of indigeneity and highlighting the contributions that academics and activists have made in understanding the intersectionality of injustice in relation to global climate change.

Keynote speaker, Zoe Todd, assistant professor of anthropology at Carleton University in Ottawa, conducts innovative research on feminism, indigeneity, and decolonialism in relationship to the Anthropocene.

Research presentations and projects from graduate and advanced undergraduate students in a variety of disciplines will be featured onsite at the conference venue.

The 2017 conference is sponsored by several departments and entities connected to Penn State, including the Interinstitutional Center for Indigenous Knowledge (ICIK).

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit the conference website.

More information about the conference and the full list of sponsors is available in the Penn State News article.

Dean’s Doings

by Barbara I. Dewey, dean, University Libraries and Scholarly Communications

I convened a Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA now instead of CIC) conference call to discuss recommendations from the recent report “A Vision for Next Generation Resource Delivery” prepared by the BTAA Discovery to the Delivery Project Action Committee. This report can be found, with two previous reports, at www.btaa.org/projects/library/reciprocal-borrowing/reports. Many thanks to Barbara Coopey and Zoe Chao who have contributed to one or more of these reports. Almost all of the BTAA libraries were represented and strategies were discussed to make progress on recommendations for a more seamless and efficient ILL experience for our users. Stay tuned for progress on this vision.

President Barron provided a presentation for Quality Advocates on Feb. 10 on the Penn State All In initiative which begun about four months ago. He updated attendees on the various activities already held and those planned to support the effort to embed diversity and inclusion into the fabric of Penn State. The University Libraries is very active in the All In initiative at our many locations. Check the All In calendar for events happening all over Penn State, including the Libraries.

I was pleased to be invited to the Penn State University Press Editorial Board meeting. The Editorial Board reviews publication proposals and consists of Press staff and faculty from around Penn State. Members discussed projects ranging from art history, history, rhetoric, race relations, and graphic novels.

Human Library: Listen to a story from a human to a human on Feb. 15

Penn State’s Human Library, hosted by the University Libraries, is set for Wednesday, Feb. 15 with several topics and timeslots for the “human books” still available for this first-time event. “Loan” sessions are 45 minutes each and start on the hour in Pattee Library and Paterno Library classrooms. View the most current list of sessions with openings here.

Take a look at two recent promotional pieces about Penn State’s Human Library as four of the “human books” introduced themselves in a promotional video and a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article by Bill Schackner featured the Human Library in advance of the event this week.

A reception will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, following the afternoon “loan” sessions.

If you are unable to sign up for any of the sessions, consider attending the “Bestsellers Panel” at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library. The discussion includes a synopsis of several books, moderated by WPSU personality Patty Satalia. For those who cannot attend the panel on the University Park campus, the live program and archive are available to all Penn State students, faculty and staff via MediaSite Live by logging in with a Penn State access ID.

The Penn State Human Library is sponsored by the University Libraries in cooperation with the Adult Learner Programs and Services, Center for Women Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, LGBTQA Student Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Penn State Hillel, Schreyer Honors College and the University Office of Global Programs.

For more information about the Human Library, the entire Penn State News story is available online.

University Libraries joins ACRL Diversity Alliance

logo for the Association of College and Research Libraries Diversity AllianceThe University Libraries recently became a charter member of the ACRL Diversity Alliance. As a member, Penn State has committed to a residency program that provides professional development and opportunity commensurate with a professional appointment. In addition to the residency program, member institutions will have the opportunity to collaborate to create multi-institutional opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusion in the field of librarianship and at each institution.

The ACRL Diversity Alliance grew out of the Diversity Alliance for Academic Librarianship, a consortium of four institutions; American University, the University of Iowa, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University. In response to interest by institutions including Penn State, the ACRL Board voted to support the Alliance at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando in June 2016.

University Libraries intends to be active within the Alliance. More information on the ACRL Diversity Alliance is available on the ACRL website.

– submitted by Joe Salem, associate dean

“All In at Penn State” initiative kicks off with Oct. 6 event

graphic image with four individuals and text "we are all in" across each image

On Oct. 6 the Penn State community will come together to kick off an ongoing University-wide initiative that brings students, faculty, and staff together to show their commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment — respectful of everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, abilities, background, veteran’s status, political beliefs, and all the ways we differ.

“All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion” will begin with a public event at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, in front of Old Main. The event will include remarks from President Eric Barron and Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst, along with music from the Essence of Joy choir; remarks by faculty member Susan Russell and undergraduate student Jin Brooke; and the announcement of a new “All In” Achievement Award to recognize a Penn State student, faculty, or staff member who has made a significant contribution to the yearlong celebration and whose life and work embody diversity, inclusion, and equity in all of its forms.

The Oct. 6 kick-off event will feature a unique multi-media presentation that will be shown across the front of Old Main and will highlight Penn State’s history, reflect on ways the University can foster dialogue and respect, and ask individuals “Are you all in?” — seeking acknowledgement that diversity, inclusion and equity must continue to be among the core values that drive Penn State’s future. The question also is meant to inspire action by community members to impact the world in positive and enduring ways through the creation of a welcoming and accepting environment.

Events will continue throughout the year, including National Coming Out Week Oct. 10-14; a First Amendment panel discussion Oct. 27 in the HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus; Military Appreciation Week Nov. 4-13; Black History Month in February; and more. The “All In” calendar is available online at http://equity.psu.edu/allin-calendar.

The full article is available on the Penn State News website.

WPSU’s Blockson documentary wins an Emmy


In a ceremony held on Saturday, Sept. 24, in Philadelphia, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter presented Emmy Awards in 78 different categories with WPSU winning for its documentary on the collection of Charles L. Blockson. “Holding History: The Collections of Charles L. Blockson,” co-written by Cole Cullen and Cherlaine Stanford and produced and directed by Stanford, won a 2016 Emmy Award in the Human Interest Program/Special category.

The original, short-form piece tells the story of Charles L. Blockson’s lifelong journey to unearth and preserve the history, culture, and contributions of people of African descent.

The Charles L. Blockson Collection of African-Americana and African Diaspora is one of the most requested collections for instruction in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at the Penn State University Libraries.

– submitted by Julie Porterfield, Special Collections

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

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award winner Engle to speak Sept. 20

promotional graphic for September 20 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award presentation

Margarita Engle, 2016 winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, will receive the national children’s poetry honor at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park. Following the award presentation, Engle will speak about her writing, specifically the use of historical works to communicate with children, and show photos from Cuba to illustrate scenes from her winning verse memoir, “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings.” The event also includes a book sale and author signing.

A Cuban-American author, Engle wrote “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings” about growing up as a child of two cultures during the Cold War. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, her book was released the same week the U.S. Embassy in Havana reopened after more than a half-century of hostile relations between the two nations.

The complete article about this upcoming event may be viewed on Penn State News.

Archivist named to diversity commemoration committee

Penn State President Eric Barron has appointed University Archivist Jackie Esposito to serve on a 19-member University committee to recommend plans for “a  comprehensive commemorative that celebrates Penn State’s history of and aspiration to diversity and inclusion.”

The committee, which convenes starting in August and is chaired by Marcus Whitehurst, Penn State’s vice provost for Educational Equity, has been charged to consider broad ideas that will recognize the University’s longstanding efforts as well as its future plans.

An announcement regarding the committee’s membership and charge notes, “In 2016, INSIGHT into Diversity also recognized Penn State as one of the first Diversity Champions in Higher Education.  Only nine other universities in the nation have been given this distinction.”

Diversity 2.0 with ARL’s Mark Puente

The public is invited to “Diversity 2.0: The New Imperative for Diversity and Inclusion in Academic Libraries,” by Mark Puente, on Monday, February 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m., in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, Penn State University Park. The program will also be streamed on MediaSite Live.

Mark Puente is the director of diversity and leadership programs at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The presentation is part of the Dean’s Diversity Forum, an annual event hosted by Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications.

For more information or if you anticipate needing accessibility accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Amber Hatch at alt16@psu.edu or 814-865-8869.

Dean’s News

By Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications

I recently returned from the American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting in Philadelphia. Many Penn Staters were active participants in the meetings, boards, and committee work. I chaired the ACRL New Publications Committee. This committee is actively seeking book proposals of interest to ACRL constituents. Lisa German and I also attended the ARL January 23 regional design meeting hosted by Temple University. The regional design meetings are part of ARL’s strategic planning process and are being held to create a collaborative space for discussion about the future of the academic library and its place in higher education. This was a timely meeting given Penn State’s active engagement in strategic planning. I also attended the ARL Diversity and Leadership Program lunch and reception. Participants in the 2014 ARL Leadership Symposium included the Diversity Scholars, fellows from the 2014 Career Enhancement Program, and the ARL/SAA Mosaic Program. Mark Puente, director of ARL’s Diversity and Leadership Programs was the event host. Mark will be our Dean’s Diversity Forum speaker on February 24, at 1:30 p.m., in Foster Auditorium and on Media Site. I hope you can attend!

I also wanted you to know that Michael Adewumi, vice president for Penn State Global Programs and I have invited Barbara Ford, director of the Mortenson Center for International Librarianship and professor, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, to Penn State to help us develop strategies to support Penn State’s Global Engagement Network and global initiatives in general. Professor Ford will be meeting on February 3rd with Penn State Global Programs staff and a number of our faculty.