RAMble, the University Libraries' blog

Driven to Design: The Life of African American Inventor and Businessman William Chester Ruth

From the 1920s until his death in 1971, William Chester Ruth, a African American inventor, entrepreneur, and minister from Chester County, built and sold his patented farm equipment and other machinery throughout the United States. In 2024, the William Chester Ruth Legacy Project, which honors the achievements of this ingenious and courageous businessman, donated his papers to WCU’s Special Collections. On March 25th, we will share items from this fascinating collection, hear Ruth’s inspiring life story, and learn from Ruth’s own family members how they continue his legacy today.

Join us for this special celebration of a true Chester County pioneer!

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 25th
🕓 Time: 2-3:30 PM
📍 Location: University Libraries Special Collections | 6th Floor of FHG Library
🤩 What: A Deep Dive into the Life and Memory of William C. Ruth
🥨Food & Drink: Light refreshments 
🎟️ RamConnect: https://cglink.me/2f3/r2265367

Help University Libraries support our Golden Rams on the WCU Day of Giving Friday, March 7, 2025!  West Chester University Libraries is at the heart of student success, providing essential resources, innovative study spaces, and programs that empower our community. Become a Friend of the Libraries and support our mission to serve students, faculty, staff and the community.  This Day of Giving, your gift helps us to: 

•  Provide students with skills for academic and career success and life-long learning 

• Develop dynamic spaces that inspire creativity, learning, and engagement 

• Increase access to books, journals, and digital resources 

 Every gift—big or small—fuels student success. Join us in making a difference today! 💛🐏  

To give the gift of supporting our Golden Rams in succeeding at WCU, visit our Day of Giving page.

This year, there is a matching gift challenge: $1 per $1 donated up to $1,000! A donation of $50 or more will enroll you in the Friends of the Libraries program. 

We're Hiring! | Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Digital Initiatives Librarian

Position Summary

 

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community of educators whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University (WCU) Libraries invites applicants for the position of Digital Initiatives Librarian. This is a Full-Time, 9-month, Tenure Track, Assistant Professor position. The position begins in August 2025.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The mission of the University Libraries (UL) is to empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community. As a vital service point for the University’s academic programs, the University Libraries contribute to WCU’s core mission of student success. The faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources. Learn more about West Chester University’s Libraries.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who will develop innovative strategies to advance the University Libraries’ digital teaching and support digital scholarship across campus, while also showcasing our unique digital collections. The faculty position will provide guidance and inspiration for a team dedicated to enhancing the University Libraries’ reputation as a campus leader in digital learning. The Digital Initiatives Librarian will be expected to develop responsive collections, deliver inclusive instruction, provide research support, and make scholarly contributions to the profession. The faculty member will collaborate with other University Libraries faculty and staff to ensure student success. May work some evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee the conception, development, and implementation of digital projects
• Support in the acquisition of born-digital content, web-archiving, and other digital collecting initiatives
• Develop the vision for digital content hosting and sharing across a variety of platforms, including policies, workflows, procedures, and the selection and maintenance of various CMS
• Develop the vision for digital asset management and preservation, including policies, workflows, procedures, and selection and maintenance of the libraries’ dedicated server spaces and DAMS
• Participate, establish, and/or lead various teams to advance the University Libraries’ digital initiatives
• Partner, collaborate, and share content with consortia and external digital platforms to increase exposure of collections
• Promote and market the UL’s digital collections and scholarship services on campus and beyond
• Provide course instruction in digital literacy, digital humanities tools, and best practices in digital scholarship; and deliver general information literacy course instruction as needed
• Select the digital scholarship tools the UL will host, promote, teach, and support for scholarly purposes
• Instruct faculty and other members of the campus community on the use of various digital tools and practices, and collaborate with librarians and classroom faculty to incorporate digital collections into courses
• Provide in-person and virtual research consultations for students and faculty during designated shifts at the research help desk
• Participate in library and university governance (shared governance) 
• Engage in scholarship that includes research, scholarly, and/or creative activities to meet requirements for tenure and promotion
• Perform other duties as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

• Master’s degree in Library Science or closely related degree from an accredited American Library Association program
• At least 2 years professional experience working with digital collections and scholarship in an academic library or similar research environment
• At least 2 years teaching experience in an academic library or similar research environment
• Knowledge of library and archives metadata standards, systems interoperability, born-digital stewardship, and user experience design
• Knowledge of copyright and intellectual property rules and regulations in a digital environment
• Experience managing DAMs and CMS applications and/or software such as CONTENTdm, bepress, Islandora, Omeka, etc
• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive workplace
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Second advanced degree or additional graduate coursework; and/or
• Experience developing and implementing strategies and workflows in a collaborative environment while managing competing priorities; and/or
• Familiarity with a variety of instructional and library software/technology/applications such as learning management systems, LibGuides, SpringShare applications, Primo, Alma, etc.; and/or
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in a collegial academic setting; and/or 
• Experience providing reference and research services in person and/or virtually to students and faculty; and/or

• Record of professional service, scholarship, publication, and/or presentations at a national level

   

Special Instructions

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
 
Review of application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered as a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vita
• List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address)
• Diversity statement (See below)

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, therapy setting, and/or research environments? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students in which you have participated? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?

 

• Official transcripts will be required prior to hire.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

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We're Hiring! | Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Social Sciences Library

Position Summary

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community of educators whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University (WCU) Libraries invites applicants for the position of Social Sciences Librarian. This is a Full-Time, 9-month, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor position. The position begins in August 2025.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The mission of the University Libraries is to empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community. As an active member in the University’s academic programs, the libraries are a major contributor to WCU’s core mission of student success. The faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources. Learn more about West Chester University’s Libraries.

The Social Sciences Librarian will be expected to develop responsive collections, teach inclusive instruction, provide research support, and make scholarly contributions to the profession. This faculty position involves responding to the scholarly and curricular needs of their assigned social science departments and identifying opportunities for engagement and collaboration. The ideal candidate is people-centered and thrives in collaborative environments. The faculty member will collaborate with other university faculty and staff to ensure student success. May work some evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities include:
 

• Serve as a subject specialist to social sciences departments, including but not limited to Psychology, Political Science, and Social Work. Other areas, within specialization, may be assigned based on needs
• Create effective ongoing channels of communication with departments to become aware of user needs, curricular trends, and identify opportunities for collaboration
• Serve as a participating member of the University Libraries instruction program and teach using dynamic and inclusive pedagogical methods
• Create accessible learning objects such as slides, tutorials, videos, research guides, and worksheets
• Provide in-person and virtual research consultations to students and faculty, as well as in-person drop-in, chat, email, and telephone research assistance and reference services from designated shifts on the Research Help Desk. May work some evening and weekend hours
• Develop, curate, and manage relevant collections that meet the research and curricular needs of students and faculty within assigned areas
• Grow professionally and adapt to change by staying aware of current trends, developments, and best practices within librarianship and assigned social science areas
• Engage in scholarship that includes research, scholarly, and/or creative activities. This is necessary for tenure and promotion
• Serve the Libraries, University, the community, and the greater library profession through participation in various committees, conference attendance, engagements, and similar activities
• Participate in library and university shared governance
• Support faculty and students with values grounded in the University mission, vision, and values including diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging
• Perform other duties as assigned

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

• Master’s degree in a Library Science program or closely related degree from an accredited American Library Association program
• At least 2 years of working experience in an academic library, research environment, or social sciences field; working independently and collaboratively with others
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents
• Experience teaching and familiarity with core principles of information literacy
• Demonstrated experience advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

 

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Academic degree or coursework in the social sciences; and/or
• Experience as a social science librarian, or work within a related field; and/or
• Demonstrated project management skills, leadership, and initiative; and/or
• Familiarity with a variety of instructional and library software/technology/applications such as learning management systems, SpringShare applications, Primo, Alma, etc.; and/or
• Experience using a wide range of social science information/data resources and databases; and/or
• Familiarity with social science research methods and scholarly publishing trends; and/or
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in a collegial academic setting; and/or
• Experience developing, curating, and assessing library collections especially related to the social sciences; and/or
• Experience providing reference and research services in-person and virtually to students and faculty; and/or
• Record of professional service, scholarship, publication, and/or presentations at a national level

 

 

Special Instructions

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
 
Review of application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered as a finalist.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vita
• List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address).
• Diversity statement (See below)

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
West Chester University has joined EAB’s Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following: (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, therapy setting, and/or research environments? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and/or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students in which you have participated? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?

Official transcripts will be required prior to hire.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

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We’re looking to bring together a diverse group of students to discuss and provide input on library services, events, spaces, and resources.

If you are interested in:

 Promoting library resources, events, and services: ​serve as The Libraries’ hype-team!​

 Helping support library events​

 Providing critical feedback​

 Connecting with the broader community

Complete this interest form by Friday November 15th to become a member of the Library Student Advisory Board.

WC University Libraries Unveils New Strategic Plan

At West Chester University (WCU), our mission is clear: we are “a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.” The University Libraries play an integral role in fulfilling this mission by providing essential resources, fostering a sense of community, and championing student success.

Today, we are excited to introduce our new strategic plan, which lays out a vision for the next three years (2024-2027). This plan was developed through a collaborative process that brought together the voices and expertise of library faculty and staff across all departments. We aimed to create an action plan that reflects our collective priorities and positions University Libraries to lead and support student success at WCU.

Four Key Goals Guiding Our Future

The new strategic plan focuses on four main goals:

1. Enhancing Learning and Knowledge Generation - We are committed to creating spaces and providing resources that empower students and faculty to explore, learn, and generate new knowledge.
2. Fostering Community and Belonging - University Libraries serve as more than just a place to study; we are a community hub. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
3. Reducing Equity Gaps and Improving Access - Ensuring equitable access to library resources is a top priority. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and making our services accessible to all.
4. Increasing Organizational Effectiveness - To support our mission, we strive to cultivate professional growth, foster effective collaboration, and be recognized for contributing to a thriving WCU campus.

A Collective Effort, a Shared Vision

The process of developing this strategic plan was inclusive and thorough. As noted by the Dean of Libraries, “We came together as a community to develop this plan, with near full engagement across all library employees. The point of the process was to listen, ensure the breadth of our voices and expertise could be heard, and to develop an integrated action plan to grow in areas we collectively prioritize to ensure excellence as an academic library.”

The strategic plan is intentionally broad yet flexible, allowing each library department to define its role and prioritize actions that align with our goals. While aspirational, the plan is grounded in practicality, as we will develop annual action plans that balance our ideals with realistic expectations.

Looking Ahead

Every member of the University Libraries will play a part in bringing this plan to life. We are deeply proud of this strategic roadmap and are committed to working together to achieve our goals over the next three years. We are ready to shape a brighter future for our university community through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision.

WC University Libraries is your place for CONNECTION, COLLECTIONS, and COMMUNITY.

For more details, visit our strategic plan landing page: WCU University Libraries Strategic Plan.

Welcome in Fall with the WCU University Libraries 

Free Seeds - Sweet Dumpling (Cucurbita pepo)

The WCU University Libraries is happy to provide our students with free seed packets. 
Welcome to the spookiness of fall!

To Seed: Start by planting 2-3 seeds 1” deep and 24" apart from other plants and 6” in a row apart. Plant in rich, loamy soil (pH of 5.8-6.8). For the best outcome, plant at 60-95°F (best August); the squash loves warm soil and is sensitive to frost. Ensure your squash plant gets to at least 8 hours of full sun daily. The seeds will germinate between 7-14 days, and it is best to sow directly into the soil rather than transplanting.

Look & Taste: The mature squash grows from its vine above ground. The vine can grow roughly 6 feet long and 12-25 inches tall. The fruits of Sweet Dumpling are around 4 inches in diameter, have ivory skin, and are painted with dark green spots and stripes. Sweet dumpling's inner flesh is golden yellow to light orange and tastes sweet, much like sweet potato. 

Harvesting & Storage: Harvest after 110 days. Each vine yields from 8-10 fruits per vine. After harvesting, the squash leaves will wilt with the first frost; these squashes are annual plants that will return the following year with proper soil. You can store the squash in the fridge or at room temperature.

We purchased our seeds from True Leaf Market. True Leaf Market has been in business since 1972 and proudly supports home and professional growers in the seed industry. They have a lustrous variety of seeds from premium brands such as Mountain Valley Seeds, Sustainable Seeds, Kitazawa Seeds, and Handy Pantry. As an independent non-GMO seed company, they proudly support anyone who wishes to grow. 

Try your freshly grown Sweet Dumpling Squash with this recipe!

Hearty Sweet Dumpling Bone Broth Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes                Cook Time: 40 minutes               Serves: 4-8 people 

Ingredients 

2 Sweet Dumpling squash (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
1 lb ground spicy sausage 
1 lb Gnocchi 
1 can Cannellini Beans (rinsed)
1 can roasted tomatoes (diced) 
2 sweet peppers (chopped) 
3 green onions (chopped) 
1 cup onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced) 
2 tbsp unsalted butter 
handful of kale
8 cups bone broth
2 bay leaf  
pinch of salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Preparation

Start by washing your produce clean. Rinse your beans and set aside. 

Prep your Mise en place. Peel your Sweet Dumpling with a potato peeler, cut through the center of the squash to remove the seeds, and chop it into 1” pieces. Rough chop your sweet peppers. Then, peel and dice your onions, slice your garlic, and set aside. 

Cooking

Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a stockpot and set over medium heat. Add your onions and peppers; cook for about 2 minutes, just before the onions are translucent. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the spicy sausage and cook for 10 minutes, or until browned and almost cooked through. Break down the sausage into pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and green onion whites and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the gnocchi to the pot and brown in the sausage fat for 2 minutes, or until browned. Remove the gnocchi and set aside with the sausage. 

Melt the remaining butter in the stockpot, still on medium heat, and add the squash. Cook the squash for 2 minutes, slightly softening it to al dente. Add your bone broth and bay leaves, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer with the lid on for 13-15 minutes or until the squash is tender. Remove bay leaves. 

Remove from heat and pull out a few chunks of squash (8 chunks). Add your squash chunks and 1/3 cup of the broth in a medium bowl, and blend with an immersion blender (or you can use a traditional blender) until smooth. 

Return the sausage, gnocchi, and squash puree to the pot. Heat over medium heat, then add the beans and tomatoes. Add your kale on top and cook for 3-5 minutes with the lid on.  Ready when the kale has wilted.

Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the green onion greens and enjoy your delicious, homemade, hearty, 
sweet dumpling soup. 

FHG Library IMLS Grant Project will Enhance College Students' Career Information Literacy and Career Research Competencies

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) “National Leadership Grants for Libraries” program has awarded a $249,975 grant to West Chester University (WCU). The grant will support a project led by Grace Liu, Associate Professor and Business Librarian at WCU FHG Library and Dr. Jennifer Bozeman, Associate Professor at the College of Business & Public Management. The team will work with colleagues at WCU Twardowski Career Development Center, business librarian partners from Indiana University - Bloomington, Western Michigan University, and Delaware County Community College, as well as consultants from WCU and beyond. Together, they will develop a CareerLit Learning Module Series for college students to advance their career information literacy and career research competencies. This project seeks to transform the ways that libraries serve the nation through a substantive, learning-centered collaboration model between libraries, career centers, and colleges. Details of the project proposals can be found at LG-256588-OLS-24 | Institute of Museum and Library Services (imls.gov). 

University Libraries is converting our call number system from Dewey Decimal to Library of Congress (LCC) classification system. LCC is widely used in research libraries and benefits student success and faculty research:

• Improves browsing and finding related materials as disciplines and subjects are shelved together
• Expands knowledge of discipline connections
• Call numbers are less complex and easier to read
• Classification of emerging fields keeps collection current

Over the summer, new books started receiving an LC call number and are shelved on the third floor of FHG Library, separately from books with Dewey call numbers. The current collection is being converted systematically, and books will be moved with the LC collection. Please visit the project webpage for updates and more information, including tips on how to navigate the changes. Staff are always available to help! Please stop by the Library Help Desk for assistance.

University Libraries is converting our call number system from Dewey Decimal to Library of Congress (LC) classification system. LC is widely used in research libraries and benefits student success and faculty research:

• Improves browsing and finding related materials as disciplines and subjects are shelved together
• Expands knowledge of discipline connections
• Call numbers are less complex and easier to read
• Classification of emerging fields keeps collection current

Beginning July 2024, new books will receive an LC call number and will be shelved separately from books with Dewey call numbers. The current collection will be converted systematically, and books will be moved with the LC collection. Please visit the project webpage for updates and more information, including tips on how to navigate the changes. Staff are always available to help! Please stop by the Library Help Desk for assistance.