FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY
In This Issue .
“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
~Albert Schweitzer
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
We hope you join us for the many exciting events, programs and services this academic year. I am excited to share the ways in which our library continues to champion student success through an array of dedicated services and resources. This issue of the University Library newsletter is all about the services the library provides to our stakeholders: students, faculty, staff and the greater Southwest Florida community. I invite you to explore these pages to see how our service-centric model supports our students’ academic success.
A few examples of library initiatives include: 1) acceleration of our #textbookbroke initiative that ensures students’ access to course materials from the first day of class and working with faculty members to reduce the cost of course materials; 2) establishing a special study room equipped with toys and books for small children, allowing our student parents to study with their children in the library; and 3) our library student ambassador program forging relationships with fellow students by connecting peer-to-peer through campus events.
Photography
Michelle Cardenas
James Greco
Contributors
Anna Karras
Katie Souza
The library also recognizes the significance of faculty research, scholarship and creative activity. One of our newest services supports faculty conducting systematic reviews. Faculty can work with subject librarians to manage the information gathering and review process, ensuring comprehensive, relevant results. Our data services librarian has created an online research data repository designed to house faculty datasets and to expand both the faculty and student research impact by making their work more visible.
We continue to enhance our creative technologies spaces including additional equipment in the makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters and scanners and the video production studio with a one button studio, which makes anyone a film producer with the touch of a button.
Finally, we extend our programming to the greater Southwest Florida community with an invitation to attend our Scholar Series and visit our University Archives and Special Collections. In this issue we celebrate the connections of community members and FGCU students and faculty attending the library-hosted solar eclipse event on the library lawn last April.
We are always looking for diverse and creative new ways to serve our stakeholders. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Fall 2024 Scholar Series Schedule:
Scholar Series Continues to Deliver Outstanding and Informative Lectures
Since spring 2022, the library has hosted the Scholar Series to showcase faculty research that is both timely and diverse in disciplines.
These presentations are wonderful opportunities to learn more about the faculty scholarship taking place on campus. Participants have the ability to learn not only the results of faculty research, but often their process and how they obtained their findings. Students may also be encouraged to partake in similar research.
Our fall lineup of speakers will present at the Data Visualization Wall area on the first floor of Library West. Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are welcome to attend on the last Wednesday of every month. A complimentary lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with the talk beginning at 11:45 a.m. and concluding at about 12:45 p.m.
Hasan Aydin, Ph.D., speaks about the civil rights atrocities being committed in Turkey.
August 28
Win Everham, Ph.D., Professor of Ecology and Environmental Studies
“Picayune Strand Restoration Project: It Could Have Been Cape Coral South”
September 25
Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Music Therapy
“What Makes a Music Therapist?
An Examination of Therapist Behaviors”
Freshman Bianca Chavannes discusses her project on missing and murdered indigenous women.
October 30
Heather Walsh Haney, Ph.D., Professor of Forensic Anthropology
“A Florida Forensic Anthropologist’s Skeletal Stories”
November 20
Nora Demers, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
“Evidence of Hormone-altering Chemicals in Southwest Florida”
Scholar Series Student Edition
Last semester, we had the honor to host the first ever FGCU Scholar Series: Student Edition. Seven students in the Zuni Pueblo Honors Humanities course had the opportunity to share their findings from their course inquiry projects.
The students conducted research related to their major/career path on their spring break service-learning trip in Zuni, New Mexico.
Debra Giambo, Ph.D., professor of the course, reached out to the library inquiring about an opportunity for her students to present their inquiry projects.
Their display of scholarly skills and diverse research to the campus and the larger community was momentous. More presentations showcasing student research are forthcoming.
FGCU Library Strives to Bring ACCESS to Affordable Course Materials
The price tag for a college education is rising rapidly. According to EducationData.org the out-of-pocket price for textbooks has ballooned. They report that students pay on average $1,200 a year for course materials. They also highlight that 20% of students fail classes due to textbook costs.
FGCU library is working hard to give students a break on course material costs with a multifaceted approach.
First, the library has collected more than 2,000 textbooks. Selecting the most expensive and high enrollment classes first, the library offers them for checkout in twohour intervals. In addition, the library invested in a high-speed scanner that allows students to take portions of books away with them digitally, all for free.
Next, library faculty have partnered with Pressbooks, an open-source application that allows instructors to assemble their own course materials, which are free to students.
Thirdly, the library has purchased software that allows faculty to build open access course materials in Canvas, the tool faculty and students use to digitally connect and deliver syllabi, course readings and assignments. Librarians support faculty with workshops and one-on-one assistance with the latter two.
A New Data Catalog Creates International Connections for FGCU Scholars
Since Hansen Zhang, Ph.D., began his position as data librarian in January 2023, he has been working to create the university’s first ever data repository. This will house research data from FGCU scholars across disciplines and departments.
The creation of this data catalog is for the benefit of all FGCU researchers. With it, anyone can find, share or publish data. This can aid our scholars in a variety of ways from expanding access to their data beyond the university to the potential for increased citations and collaborations with users in the international community.
The data catalog also gives FGCU scholars peace of mind, as the data is permanently stored in a secure and organized manner. This ensures that data will be available for future use.
The repository will grow as FGCU grows, and the possibility for future applications is exciting to consider.
Education is increasingly expensive. The FGCU Library is lessening the financial burden of textbooks by providing access to affordable course materials.
“Overall, a data-sharing repository supports the university’s mission to advance knowledge, foster innovation and contribute to societal progress by ensuring that valuable research data is accessible, preserved and utilized to its fullest potential.”
~ Hansen Zhang, Ph.D.
Susan Evans
Some collections that University Archives receives are the result of serendipity and being in the right place at the right time. The Susan Evans Papers are an excellent example of this. The material, donated by the Office of Board Relations, is a valuable collection of correspondence, memos, newspaper articles and photographs collected by Susan Evans.
On Oct. 1, 1993, Susan Evans became one of the first staff members hired to work at the new, 10th university of the Florida State University System. Evans served in several positions at FGCU, and she kept meticulous records of her time.
Last summer, archives student assistant Alejandra Velez began working on the collection with former archives student assistant Amy Enberg. Together, they worked to determine an organizational scheme for the collection, which covers more than two decades of material spanning many topics related to university development and events. Over the last year, the collection has received two additions, and it is expected to total over 40 linear feet.
From the Archives:
In Her Own Words
What started as a project to introduce Alejandra to archival processing has evolved into an in-depth experience. She has described it as “fun and frustrating.” She shared that it was frustrating to spend so much time sorting through the material and provide the high attention to detail that was required for the project but that it was fun to learn a different processing style, to work with different types of media like 35mm slides, VHS and cassette tapes and to make available a collection that will be used to understand the history of FGCU. By processing and arranging this collection, Alejandra honors Evans’ efforts to bring people together and to support this university in her own words.
Ellen
Peterson
Olivia Bechdel, an archival assistant pursuing her bachelor’s in environmental education, has been dedicating her time and skills in the archive to the Ellen Peterson Legacy Collection. The collection highlights Peterson, a community leader and activist with a focus on social justice and environmental conservation in Southwest Florida. In 2006, Peterson created the Happehatchee Center, Inc., a private nonprofit organization to preserve the lush five acres of “old Florida” on the banks of the Estero River.
The materials, donated by members of the Happehatchee Center in honor of Peterson, include the scrapbook and journal entries from her cross-country bike trip to promote environmental awareness, family photos, letters, awards, bumper stickers and flyers for the Happehatchee Center. These materials offer an authentic insight into Peterson’s life and her efforts to make lasting changes in the world.
In 2023, Olivia began to organize, describe and process the wide array of materials and make them globally accessible on the archive’s digital repository, DigitalFGCU. Olivia honors Peterson’s remarkable legacy and ensures that her work continues to inspire and educate future generations in her own words.
Photograph from the Susan Evans Papers
Artifacts from the Ellen Peterson Collection
FGCU Library’s
Un-ECLIPSE-able Moment
On April 8, the library partnered with The Whitaker Center to host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on the Library Lawn. Over 1,600 students, faculty, staff and community members attended the event. Solar eclipse glasses were purchased by the library and were available for checkout. The Whitaker Center brought a telescope to better view the eclipse, solar beads for bracelet making and other crafts.
The person behind this idea was our dean, Tracy Elliott. She envisioned over 1,000 people gathering on the lawn to view the eclipse for this historic event.
Several library departments collaborated to make the event possible.
A New Family Study Room Aids Students with Children
According to the Women’s Policy Institute, more than 20% of college students nationally are parents. We wanted to support these students by offering them a place to study while their children can be occupied and safe.
Therefore, the library collaborated with the Office of Innovative Education and Partnerships to create a new Family Study Room. The room has the same features as the other 35 study rooms in the library, with the addition of child-sized furniture, books and toys such as puzzles, an easel and foam mats.
Marketing & Outreach, Collection Strategy, Business Services and Customer Services came together to generate marketing for the event, research and purchase solar eclipse glasses and gather volunteers to work the event.
Without a doubt it was an incredibly successful event. Seeing the sea of so many people come out for an event the library created was very memorable.
Anyone caring for children is welcome to use the room, and a list of policies has been created. Unlike the other study rooms, the Family Study Room is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with up to two families allowed to use the room at a time.
The Family Study Room is in 109 Library West.
Tracy Elliott and President Aysegul Timur sport their eclipse glasses on the Library Lawn.
Evidence Synthesis Takes the Mystery out of Systematic Reviews
Scholarly research can sometimes be complicated. Fortunately, our library faculty has the expertise of two dedicated librarians at their disposal. Traci Mays (HHS librarian) and Kim Reycraft (STEM librarian) are adept at navigating the evidence synthesis and systematic review journey with sound methodology and purpose. Their qualifications and experience make them the best guides for these endeavors.
Evidence synthesis is a comprehensive process that goes beyond just finding and gathering information. It involves learning how to gather and appraise research evidence, navigating grey literature and a myriad of research practices. This service is not limited to specific disciplines; it is designed to benefit all, from the sciences to the arts, ensuring that everyone can harness the full potential of their research aspirations.
Mays and Reycraft developed this service to better support research at FGCU. In the past two years, they have hosted multiple workshops and created a digital guide. Their hands-on approach and willingness to usher researchers through the research life cycle, from choosing a synthesis type and crafting a living protocol to synthesizing gathered evidence, significantly impact teams’ ability to complete their projects.
“Kim and I developed this service with two primary goals: education and facilitation. Within two years, the Evidence Synthesis Service has partnered with 11+ research teams to produce quality reviews. We believe these partnerships will not only positively impact the scholarly expression of FGCU researchers but also play a role in establishing industry best practices.”
~ Traci Mays
The Makerspace Presents New Equipment and Plans for Fall
Open to all faculty, staff and students, the Makerspace allows individuals to be creative and innovative. Equipped with an array of machinery, project possibilities are endless. After moving to Library West 119 last August, a location nearly twice the size of its previous location, the Makerspace has been able to expand its equipment and services.
Recently, two new 3D printers and a new 3D scanner were added. The 3D printers are Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and are high-speed. They can produce 3D prints in nearly half the time of the old printers. The new 3D scanner is able to do product replication, preservation and item digitalization.
In the fall, the Makerspace will host in-person classes. Using the same design software as the machines, participants will be able to learn how to create designs for the 3D printers, Glowforge and Cricut.
For more information about the Makerspace, please visit: library.fgcu.edu/makerspace or contact Matthew Losey at mlosey@fgcu.edu.
Outreach Ambassadors Make the Library Shine
In 2015, when librarian Heather Snapp hired her first library outreach ambassadors, she knew it was going to be a successful venture. “The ambassador program was started so peers could help support their peers with library resources and develop and promote library events to engage their fellow students,” she says.
Outreach ambassadors are the face of the library. Outgoing and engaging, they strive to deliver the message to students that the library is a welcoming, friendly and helpful place. They do this by answering questions at the Information Desk, planning fun programs and getting out on campus to hand out library swag and tell their fellow students and others on campus about what the library has to offer.
For instance, to help students de-stress before finals, the ambassadors planned and presented a week’s worth of programs called “Mindfulness Week.” They put out coloring pages and puzzles and arranged yoga and origami classes.
Their impact is felt. Ambassador Tatyanah Cazeau says, “I believe, thanks to the events that are held in the library, it gives students who may be more reserved a chance to connect with others as well as give them a chance to share their creativity in a comfortable and encouraging space.”
The FGCU library currently employs seven library outreach ambassadors, and we are very lucky to have such a positive group. They make all the difference.
Gifts to the University Library
Giving to the University Library Fund is one of the most important ways to support the FGCU Library. These dedicated funds can be used to provide new equipment and support other services that the faculty and staff in the library provide.
Creative Commons — an interdisciplinary learning space. Students utilize these resources to create tangible versions of their ideas with a variety of technology and equipment including 3D printers, scanners, electronics kits, laser cutters and industrystandard audiovisual production software and hardware.
Research Commons — a collaborative space for research and instruction librarians to engage faculty and students when promoting the production of exciting research, scholarship and innovation. Services include: research support, funding search tools, publication assistance and next steps to establishing a scholarly identity.
University Archives and Special Collections — the preservation and promotion of collections especially relevant to Southwest Florida. Unique opportunities exist for exhibitions, collection acquisitions, gallery/reading room lighting and vault expansion.
Please consider making your gift today to support our efforts. Visit library.fgcu.edu/giving or contact either Rochelle Jackson at rjackson@fgcu.edu, 239.590.1099, or Tracy Elliott, Ph.D., at telliott@fgcu.edu, 239.590.7602.
Outreach ambassadors Josmir Espinal, Tatyanah Cazeau and Grace Gentle on the Library Lawn.
