RAMble, the University Libraries' blog - LibGuides at West Chester University of PA

It’s that time of the semester! Don’t forget to return any books you requested through Interlibrary loan before you sign off for summer! Books can be dropped off at the Library in person, in the bookdrop right outside our building or even mailed to us. If you need a pre-paid UPS label to return any books, just let us know! Email us at: illoan@wcupa.edu.

Recent Posts

Innovation Media Center: Hub For Creativity and Community

Innovation Media Center: Hub For Creativity and Community In 2022, the Innovation Media Center (IMC) team started planning for our next evolution focused on growth, collaboration, and hands-on learning. As part of that evolution, we crafted a new mission statement to guide our efforts: “The WCU Innovation Media Center seeks to create a learning environment that fosters exploration, innovation, and play. By encouraging self-directed learning, coordinating workshops, and facilitating collaborative projects, we support the WCU community in exploring new skills and developing critical thinking.” Now, in Fall 2025, we’re excited to share how that mission is coming to life through new programs, processes, and resources. Workshops & Events Based on feedback from an informal survey last semester, the IMC staff created new workshops and events for students this fall. The programs are meant to be accessible, fun, and educational—providing students with quick, hands-on opportunities to explore creativity and learn something new. Amanda Brooks, IMC Technician, shares: "I'm so excited to start doing regular workshops and craft events! We’ve done a lot of prep for this—interviews with other university makerspaces, field trips, and brainstorming sessions with the Student Library Ambassadors. I’m excited to see where the IMC goes from here." This semester’s workshops include: “Make-and-Take” craft series featuring projects like pressed flower bookmarks, paper & craft stick lanterns, and crepe paper wisteria. Introductory sessions on Canva, PowerPoint poster design, and how to use the Cricut for t-shirts and stickers. A collaborative community art project using coffee filters—perfect for welcoming new students and building connections. IMC Technician Shannon Santoso adds: "Based on student feedback from last semester, the majority expressed interest in a 'make-and-take' craft series and other topics that are now included in the workshops. Over the summer, we planned and reviewed different types of crafts that are quick to make, currently trending on social media, and visually appealing to students. We hope that this series will spark creativity while offering a brief get away from their studies." Click here to view the flyer and click here for more details including times. First event is Thursday, September 4. New Processes to Help You Work Smarter To improve efficiency and better serve our community, we’ve implemented the following updates: Comb-Binding Requests We’re now offering overnight turn-around for all comb-binding requests! Drop off your materials (up to 2” thick), and they’ll be ready for pick up the next business day. Cost is $1.00. New Cost-Center Form For any departmental requests covered by a cost center, please use our new form. It captures important details—like student rosters for class projects—to streamline the process. What’s New in the IMC? Board Games We’ve added several new board games to our collection—and launched a new webpage so you can browse the game collection. Whether you’re planning a chill weekend or a dorm game night, stop by and check one out! New Equipment: Yeti USB Microphone Ideal for podcasts, music recording, or voice-overs, our new Yeti Microphone is now available to borrow for up to 3 days. It's part of our growing collection of creative tools—just ask at the IMC desk to learn more. Browse all equipment the IMC offers for lending! Follow Along with #TuesdayTechTips We’ve launched a new Tuesday Tech Tips series on Instagram! Every week, we share helpful tech tips, tricks, and IMC updates. Follow us: @imc_ulib Visit Us in the IMC The Innovation Media Center is more than service desk — it's a community hub for creative exploration and lifelong learning. Whether you're attending a workshop, checking out gear, or just curious about what we offer, come by and say hello. We’d love to see what you create! ...

Business Librarian, Grace Liu, Featured in WCU Magazine

Business Librarian, Grace Liu, Featured in WCU Magazine The Spring 2025 issue of the West Chester University Magazine features University Libraries Business Librarian, Grace Liu. The Faculty Profile highlights Grace’s commitment to student success at WCU through the impactful grants, programs, and groups she leads. Read the full article. ...

Presser Music Library Temporary Closure Notice: HVAC Renovations Underway

We want to inform our valued patrons that the Presser Music Library will be temporarily closed June 2nd through June 29th due to essential renovations to the Swope Music Building’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. The FHG Library is open during this renovation, please visit us there! Physical music scores and books will be retrieved by staff and available for pick-up at FHG library. To request materials, use Library Search and select FHG as the pick-up location. Our digital library, including eBooks, scores, audio recordings, and research databases, will remain fully accessible at https://library.wcupa.edu/music. Click the image to watch 'How To Video - Getting print books and other physical items' This HVAC upgrade is part of WCU’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for all students and workers. While we understand this may cause some inconvenience, these improvements are necessary to ensure long-term health and comfort of our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance your library experience. Key Details: Closure Begins: June 2nd Estimated Reopening: June 30th Request materials: Search and place requests in our online library catalog. Returns: Drop-off returns at FHG Library which will remain open during the closure. Please see FHG library hours here. Contacts for Questions or Assistance: Library Help: 610-436-2946 Email: presserlibrary@wcupa.edu Stay connected with us on https://www.instagram.com/wcupressermusiclibrary/ for updates and reopening announcements. ...

Special Collections Celebrates Local Inventor William Chester Ruth

On March 25th, 2025, West Chester University’s Special Collections hosted Driven to Design: The Life of William Chester Ruth, honoring the life and legacy of the Chester County African American inventor and businessman. The program’s more than 60 attendees learned how Ruth’s groundbreaking designs helped advance agriculture and other industries during the first half of the twentieth century. The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Special Collection Librarian, Ron McColl, followed by a series of insightful presentations. Dr. tonya thames-taylor, associate professor of history at WCU, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "Slavery, Freedom, and Labor in Chester County," setting the historical context for Ruth’s achievements. Bruce Bomberger, the former curator of Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, shared how he rediscovered Ruth’s legacy, provided a detailed account of his research into Ruth’s life, highlighting his journey from a self-taught blacksmith to a successful inventor of national renown with multiple patents to his name. Bomberger emphasized how Ruth’s most notable inventions, including the automatic hay baler and self-lifting farm elevator, revolutionized local agriculture. The program culminated with a discussion featuring Ruth’s great-great-granddaughter, Cierra Johnson, a West Chester University graduate, as well as Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, Ruth’s granddaughter. They shared personal anecdotes and reflections on Ruth. Johnson explained that stories about her great-great-grandfather continue to inspire her and her family’s endeavors. Following the event, attendees viewed an exhibition showcasing items from the William Chester Ruth papers, which University Libraries Special Collections acquired last year. Highlights of the collection include photographs, marketing materials, business correspondence, patents applications, and blueprints. To learn more about William Chester Ruth, or to schedule an appointment to view his papers, contact Ron McColl at rmccoll@wcupa.edu or visit wcruthlegacy.org. ...

Remember to Return Your Interlibrary Loan Books

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