RAMble, the University Libraries' blog

Library of Congress Classification Conversion Project Update

08/28/2024

Deirdre Childs

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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.

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We're Hiring | Social Sciences Librarian

We're Hiring! | Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Social Sciences Library LOCATION West Chester University, PA JOB TYPE Regular / Full-Time JOB NUMBER 25-47 DEPARTMENT Library Services OPENING DATE 11/12/2024 APPLY WCU Career Opportunities 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. 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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. ...

Seeking Members for new Library Student Advisory Board

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WC University Libraries Unveils New Strategic Plan

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Free Seeds - Sweet Dumpling (Cucurbita pepo)

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