Pennsylvania Libraries: Research & Practice

Noteworthy: News Briefs from PA Libraries

Annie Jansen — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In the PaLRaP Spotlight: Erica Getts

Stephanie Campbell — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Interview with Erica Getts

Pride+: Utilizing Collections to Improve LGBTQIA+ Representation and Services

Teresa Slobuski — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Historically, LGBTQIA+ individuals have been excluded from mainstream society and thus library collections. At this time in particular, collections reflecting LGBTQIA+ experiences are under attack. This article will provide a case study for how one undergraduate academic library is seeking to mitigate this damage. By analyzing the systemic problems in supporting LGBTQIA+ collections, a variety of difficulties are revealed. One solution to overcome them is to create a stand-alone collection of LGBTQIA+ materials which is what Vairo Library at Penn State Brandywine decided to do. Through restorative collection practices that consider access and preservation of LGBTQIA+ works, new opportunities for engagement also become available and are discussed.

Data Visualization for Collection Analysis

Sylvia Orner — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Due to the increasingly digital nature of library resources and collections, it is sometimes difficult to envision a library’s unified holdings and to understand how they have changed over time. Conducting a collection analysis and applying data visualization techniques can be an excellent way to get a top-down view of the collection as a whole. This article outlines the author’s process for a collection analysis of the Weinberg Memorial Library’s entire catalog of print and electronic resources. It explores the rationale behind some key collection analysis decisions and discusses approaches for data extraction and clean-up as well as visualization using the Tableau software.

Danielle Skaggs — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Library Writing Groups

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Writing groups in academic libraries and clinical health settings can support faculty in research and scholarship requirements. Faculty in these settings typically have scheduled, location-fixed obligations. Writing groups can provide focused time or other support for research, writing, and creative activities. These groups can foster collaboration within and beyond their units by presenting opportunities to find co-authors or draw on expertise and resources from specialists across their institution. Literature in librarianship and health sciences provides guidance for creating and operating writing groups. Two studies of best practice and research supports were synthesized to create an evaluation tool for group formation and assessment. This was then applied to published case studies in the two fields and to the authors' own writing group. That criteria was used to evaluate the group and identify areas of improvement, such as utilizing colleagues’ expertise.

Pennsylvania Libraries: Research & Practice

Noteworthy: News Briefs from PA Libraries

In the PaLRaP Spotlight: Erica Getts

Pride+: Utilizing Collections to Improve LGBTQIA+ Representation and Services

Data Visualization for Collection Analysis

Table of Contents

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Library Writing Groups