Get Research Help: Education Librarian Trish Lenkowski

04/16/2020

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FHG Library Second Floor Getting an Update!

FHG Space Refresh Winter break will be a busy time on the second floor (east side) of FHG library. With the help of a generous donor, the area to the left of the help desk will be revitalized into an engaging student space. During that time, the space will be unavailable for studying or computer use. Activity will begin on Monday December 15 with the removal of computers. See the timeline below for more details. Timeline Date Activity December 15 Computers Removed December 16 - 18 Space Cleared and Demo December 19 - January 12 Construction January 13 Space Cleaned Week of January 26 Furniture Installation Floor Plan, Furniture, and Finishes ...

Grace Liu Develops Leadership Collection

University Libraries Leadership Collection The Leadership Collection at the F.H.G. Library is a curated collection developed by Grace Liu, Associate Professor and Business Librarian. The idea emerged from her research on college student retention and success, which revealed a critical need for leadership development and resource support on campus. Reflecting on the role university libraries can play in student success, she began exploring how libraries can support not only academic achievement but also leadership development and personal growth throughout the campus community. Her research found that nearly 30 courses at West Chester University already incorporate a leadership component. These range from the undergraduate-level HON 110: Civic Engagement and Theories of Leadership to advanced graduate courses such as EDD 753: Professional and Community Leadership. Departments as diverse as Education, the Honors College, Business, Communication, Nursing, and Military Science all integrate leadership into their curricula. Recognizing this breadth, Grace identified an opportunity: the library could serve as a central hub for leadership learning and collaboration and help cultivate a culture of leadership across campus. It can start with building a strong leadership collection. Building the Collection In 2024, as a summer project, Grace started the research and development of the Leadership Collection. Rather than gathering books with "leadership" in the title or subject heading, she adopted a broader, more intentional approach by asking: What skills, competencies, character traits, and qualities are essential for flourishing as a leader? The result is a more well-rounded collection of more than 120 titles that address leaders’ quality, traits, skills, competencies, and well-being. To ensure the collection reflects the needs of the campus community, Grace sought recommendations from faculty who teach leadership courses. The collection reflected the recommendations from Professor Zachary Wooten, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies in the Honors College, and Professor Kelly Fisher from the Management Department, among others. Collection Topics The Leadership Collection is intentionally interdisciplinary, highlighting the many dimensions of effective leadership. Titles span areas such as: General Leadership Foundations – Core leadership principles, practices, and theories Emotional Intelligence and Leading Teams – Building trust, managing conflict, and leading diverse groups Networking and Relationship Building – Expanding influence and cultivating meaningful professional connections Productivity, Time Management, and Habits – Developing practical skills for productivity and building good habits Growth Mindset, Grit, and Resilience – Developing perseverance, adaptability, and navigating uncertainty and change Judgment, Ethics, and Critical Thinking – Leading with integrity, fairness, and sound reasoning Purpose, Meaning, and Values – Connecting leadership to purpose, meaning, and personal values Mental Health and Wellbeing – Managing stress, burnout, and self-care as a leader Self-Awareness and Human Flourishing – Exploring personal growth and building character Together, these themes reflect a vision of leadership that is holistic, inclusive, and deeply connected to human flourishing. Collaboration Across the Library Making the collection available required collaborative effort across the library. Grace partnered with Collection Strategist Librarian Anne Larrivee and Associate Dean Kerry Walton to integrate the new titles into the library's holdings. The Collections Steering Committee approved the project, while the Resource Services Unit managed the acquisition and processing of materials. The Leadership Collection is now fully integrated into the University Libraries Catalog and featured on the Libraries' Collections page, where students, faculty, and staff can easily discover and engage with the resources. Why It Matters The Leadership Collection is more than adding books to the shelves and making the resource available—it represents a commitment to building a diverse, relevant, and future-focused library collection that enables the library to serve as a center of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. By curating resources that address both external leadership skills and internal character development, the collection prepares students not only for academic success but also for personal and professional excellence. These collections are not just for students; faculty, staff, and administrators can all make good use of the collection for their personal and professional development. Hopefully, the collection can help cultivate leadership as both a skill set and a mindset that empowers every member of the campus community. An Invitation to Engage The Leadership Collection creates opportunities for programming, partnerships, and engagement. Faculty may incorporate these resources into their leadership courses. Staff may use them to enhance training and professional development initiatives. Student organizations may draw on them for workshop ideas and discussions. Students may enjoy the reading for self-improvement and personal growth. As the collection grows and adapts to emerging needs, it will continue to inspire learning and connection across the university. Cultivating leadership is central to a flourishing life and a thriving community—when students develop the skills to lead with integrity, resilience, and vision, they not only succeed individually but also strengthen our communities. With this in mind, the University Libraries invite all students, faculty, and staff to explore the Leadership Collection and enjoy an ongoing journey of reading, learning, and growth. ...

Empowering Learning Through Innovation: 3D Printing for Accessibility

The Innovation Media Center (IMC) recently had a pretty remarkable 3D print request submitted by a student, and it turned into an inspiring story we just had to share. Meet Nolan Rosenberg, a Special Education K–12 major who believes deeply in equitable access to education for all students. During his field experiences, Nolan observed how students with more severe and complex needs often struggle with everyday classroom tasks—from mixing ingredients to writing. Rather than accepting these challenges as barriers, Nolan began looking for solutions. After a visit to Temple University’s Assistive Technology Hub, he had a lightbulb moment: what if he could use 3D printing to design custom assistive tools for his students? Combining his passion for teaching with his background in OnShape, an online CAD software, Nolan set out to make it happen. His first design was a meaningful one—a tactile nameplate created for a student with a significant visual impairment. The nameplate features raised letters and textured bumps to help the student begin recognizing the distinct characteristics of each letter. While the student is not currently being taught braille, this personalized tool gives a new way to engage with literacy and begin developing tactile learning skills. We love seeing how creative minds like Nolan’s are using the library’s 3D printing services to make a difference. His project is a powerful example of how technology, compassion, and education can come together to create inclusive learning experiences. Interested in what you could make with 3D printing? Read about 3D printing options and cost in the IMC here. Make an appointment or visit the IMC Help Desk during available hours. Who knows, your next idea might just change someone’s world. ...

Staff Updates: New Beginnings and Exciting Transitions

We’re thrilled to share some exciting employee updates in University Libraries! In this feature, we are highlighting several staff members who are either joining us for the first time or stepping into new roles. Each member brings fresh energy, valuable experience, and a shared commitment to serving our campus community. Read on to learn more about these talented individuals and help us celebrate their new beginnings and continued growth at West Chester University Libraries! Rebecca Condliffe Library Assistant 1, Special Collections What interested you in your new role and what are you most looking forward to? I've just started my new role is the LA1 in Special Collections. My fascination with historical documents and objects makes this feel like a natural fit. Whenever I travel, I try to seek out the "treasure" room of the local library - whether at the New York Public Library or the British Library. I feel like these items give a unique insight into the mindset of people who lived through world events. So, I'm very excited to be working in the heart of WCU's own "treasures"! Learning how to curate and preserve unique objects is one of the things I'm looking forward to in my new role. I want to discover voices and stories from the past which can illuminate our present-day circumstances. I'm also hoping to uncover some gaps in our collections which might point to groups that have been silenced or overlooked, to grant them their rightful space. And I'm eager to work with Ron, Taylor and the talented student workers, of course! What's something about University Libraries that kept you here? It's a cliché but I honestly feel that the best thing about UL is the people - the students are so upbeat and unfailingly friendly. A highlight for me over the last few years has been when I meet a student who is new to the library, and I can be the first to show them everything that we have to offer! Is there something about your summer you'd like to share? In January we took a "trip of a lifetime" to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand - so my summer plans were understandably more low key! Charlotte, my eldest daughter (and a recent WCU grad!) was busy working at the GSK labs while finishing her MS degree in Bioinformatics, while my younger daughter, Abigail, started at her new job in NYC at Bloomingdale's corporate offices. To fill the void in the house Simon and I foolishly adopted a pair of 8-week-old kittens! They are named Roger and Rafa (we're big tennis fans) and I can attest that they need constant monitoring! John Davis Library Assistant 1, Public Services Where are you joining us from? I’m situated in West Philly, though I spent much of my life in South Central PA. What are your areas of academic and/or library interest or expertise? I’ve gained experience in both academic and public library settings. A few library interests I’ve picked up include special collections, archives, and community engagement. I studied international relations in college, and some of my academic interests include political science, history, anthropology, and geology. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy outside of work? Last summer I took a cross-country road trip from Pennsylvania to California, stopping to check out national parks like New River Gorge, Mammoth Caves, Arches, and Zion. If you ever need camping recommendations around Moab, Utah, let me know! Leigh Dawson (she/her) Student Employment Program Library Technician, Public Services Adjunct Research Librarian What interested you in your new role, and what are you most looking forward to? Before beginning my journey in the library world, I spent 20 years as an educator and student teaching supervisor. My passion lies in helping learners build strong foundations while fostering resilience and personal growth. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on preparing students for success beyond graduation. In my new role, I’m excited to blend my teaching experience with my growing library expertise to continue supporting student development. One of my key goals is to expand and enrich our student employment program. I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the Libraries and our partner agencies to enhance the student employee experience. What’s something about the University Libraries that kept you here? The people! I have the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated and thoughtful people. Over the last 3 years, I have found a kind of home here in the Libraries. And you all are amazing! I look forward to spending more time with you, volunteering, working on committees, reading books, solving problems, and spreading joy. Is there something about your summer you’d like to share? This summer flew by! Our youngest turned 13, so we have 4 teenagers for the next 9 months when our oldest turns 20. They kept busy with jobs, sports, and various activities, but we were fortunate to carve out time for family trips to Oregon and Wisconsin. Both trips provided much-needed time to reconnect, visit with extended family, and relax. Julia Doelling, MSIS (she/her) Digital Initiatives Librarian, Assistant Professor Where are you joining us from? I'm coming from Austin, Texas where I was previously working at The University of Texas libraries. What are your areas of academic and/or library interest or expertise? Broadly, I'm interested in digital collections and digital humanities! More specifically, I'm interested in ways that online collections can be made more usable, particularly through browsability, and interactivity. I'm also interested in making digital scholarship (anything from working with digital collections to tools to digital literacy) seem more approachable to audiences who may find the topic intimidating through workshops, instruction, or just easier to navigate collections. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I've recently picked up crochet again and am currently working on a blanket! I also enjoy cooking, reading, and pottery. Evan Gerstenkorn Library Assistant 1, Public Services Where are you joining us from? I am a recent WCU graduate (Spring 2025) living in West Chester, PA. I also work part-time as a Library Assistant at the West Chester Public Library. What are your areas of academic and/or library interest or expertise? Beyond starting my graduate degree program at Rutgers University this fall for Library & Information Science, I am currently interested in queer studies, Native American studies/literature, science fiction, artificial intelligence, and intellectual freedom. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy outside of work? I am a huge Star Wars fan - movies, tv shows, books, comics - I enjoy it all! Hunter King (he/him) Library Technician | Interlibrary Loan What interested you in your new role, and what are you most looking forward to? What interested me the most was the opportunity to learn something new and to serve the WCU community in way that I hoped would allow me to make a more immediate impact on supporting research and student success campus wide. I’ve been a huge fan of the ILL service, often borrowing multiple books at a time on any number of subjects that may interest me. Although I will miss working at the Presser Music Library, I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of another great team in the Interlibrary Loan department. What’s something about the University Libraries that kept you here? I love the culture and the people! Not only at in the University Libraries, but all over campus. I feel like the work that we do here is important, and that we are making a difference in young people’s lives. I Love working at WCU and I can’t wait to see my daughter’s enrolled here eventually. Is there something about your summer you’d like to share? It went SO fast! It’s been great working with Annette, Callie, and Mina here in the ILL office. They’ve been so welcoming and helpful to me as I transition into this new role. Thank you all so much! I really appreciate it! Taylor Schuler (she/they) Special Collections Technician Where are you joining us from? I live in West Philly now after having just moved from Houston, Texas this summer where I lived for the last four years. I've also lived in Florida and New York, though I'm excited to make PA my new home. What are your areas of academic and/or library interest or expertise? I hold a BFA in Theatre Arts: Acting from Adelphi University and will complete my MLS with an Archives and Records Management concentration from North Carolina Central University this fall. I've worked in libraries and archives since 2016, with experience in public libraries, university archives, and museums. Most recently, I was the Library and Archival Manager at a county historical museum in Angleton, Texas. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy outside of work? In my personal life, I enjoy spending time at home watching reality TV with my husband, Isaiah, and my "zoo" of two tuxedo cats, a miniature lop rabbit, a Kenyan sand boa, a White's tree frog, and a betta fish." Jennifer Slagus, PhD, MLIS (they/them) Social Sciences Librarian, Assistant Professor Where are you joining us from? I’m joining from University of South Florida Libraries where I was a Visiting Assistant Librarian supporting the humanities and social sciences. What are your areas of academic and/or library interest or expertise? My research focuses on the social, cultural, and political contexts of neurodivergent representation in twenty-first century middle grade literature (for 8-12-year-old readers). I use critical neurodiversity studies frameworks to interrogate representation and the book publishing industry’s part in its creation. I’m also interested in archival research, using games-based pedagogy to teach information literacy, and understanding the intersection between autistic and academic librarian burnout. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy outside of work? I’m multiply-neurodivergent (autistic with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and spatial-sequence synesthesia) and most of my hobbies include watching or playing tabletop/video games. ...

Get Research Help: Education Librarian Trish Lenkowski

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