THE HARRY & JEANETTE WEINBERG MEMORIAL LIBRARY
update
SPRING 2012 • Vol.1 Issue 1
A Newsletter from The Weinberg Memorial Library FALL 2023
Thank You, Weinberg Memorial Library 30th Anniversary Donors! William Antognoli, M.D. Marie Armenio
Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library
Nicholas Kapelan & Marlene Kapelan
Linda Mlodzienski Neal Moran
Mary F. Galat
Maria Kayal & W. Jesse Kayal, M.D.
Deborah Gougeon, Ph. D. & Leonard Gougeon, Ph. D.
David Kemple, Ph.D. & Suzanne Kemple
Rebecca Beal, Ph.D. & James Wimsatt, Ph.D.
John Granahan & Elizabeth Granahan
Robert Kowalski
Meredeth Oliver
Charles E. Kratz, Jr. & William Varady
Lee Penyak, Ph.D.
Andrew Brown, D.D.S.
Stephanie Hill
Barbara Kreidler
The Lonergan Family Christopher Loretz &
Sheli Pratt-McHugh & Adam Pratt, Ph.D.
George Aulisio & Lindsay Aulisio
George Aulisio, Sr. & Julie Aulisio James Aulisio & Janice Aulisio Delight Balducci, Esq. & Joseph Balducci
Richard Bishop, Esq. & Faye Bishop James Calvey & Lisa Calvey
Gary Goodall
James Graham
Denise Gurz
Ann Hoffman & Robert Hoffman
Raymond Cantwell & Barbara Cantwell Paul Carroll
Joseph Cimini, Esq.
Thomas Cinti, Esq. & Michele Cinti
Richard Kazmierski
David Koruszko
1992 –2022
Edward D’Agostino Jill Dougherty
Patrick Dunn & Nadia Dunn Eileen Farrell Lyons & Dr. Mark Lyons Julie Ferguson
Nina Flanagan, Ph.D. & Edward Flanagan
Karen Noll
Adriana Nurkiewicz Annette Palutis
Salvatore Piccolo
Sidney Prejean, Esq. & Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. Bridget Rineer & David Carson Marissa Schneider & Nicholas Schneider
Rosemary Shaver, Ed.D.
Dominic Coccia & Rosemary Coccia
Joseph Cours & Eva Borsody Das
John Murazzi & Marthann Murazzi
Sidney Severe & Beverly Severe
Marleen Cloutier
Philip Condron & Joelyn Condron
Betsey Moylan
Sibio’s Restaurant
Mary Beth Holmes Brian Holste Frank X. Homer, Ph.D. James Houlihan & Mary Beth Houlihan Bradley Howell I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 81 Lucie Iuzzolino Ioannis Kallianiotis, Ph.D. Annette Kalwaytis
Catherine Loretz Joseph J. Loux Robert Lundy
Karen Maese & Timothy Maese Joseph Magnotta David Maher
John Sikorski & Susan Sikorski Marybeth Sprows
Joseph Strubeck & Mallory Strubeck
Stephanie Vazquez
Col. Raymond Waity & JoAnn Ferrara Waity
Matthew Mariyampillai, M.D.
Dr. Janet Weeks
Marquis Art & Frame
Sherman Wooden & Cindy Wooden
Ken Marquis
Edward McGarvey & Marycatherine McGarvey
Donna Witek
Caitlin Zuilkoski
From the Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library I am delighted to connect with you again
Brown Black Student Union. The movie series was a great way to
letter, a platform that allows us to share
we hope to host it again in February. We also invited alumna author
through our Information Update news-
celebrate Black History Month. The series was a great success, and
exciting updates from the vibrant commu-
Liz Alterman to speak in the Heritage Room. Liz has a successful
career as a writer. She is the author of He’ll Be Waiting (2021), The
nity of the Weinberg Memorial Library.
Perfect Neighborhood (2022), and Sad Sacked: A Memoir (2022).
Let me begin with a heartfelt thank you.
The response to our 30th Anniversary fund-
The students and audience members enjoyed hearing from Liz
and for that, we remain profoundly grateful.
hope to be able to bring in more alumni authors, from various
as she navigated the intriguing world of professional writing. I
raising has been overwhelmingly generous,
disciplines, so they can discuss their work with students and the
The donations received have gone directly toward enhancing
University community. We also hosted many other events, some
the Library experience for students and guests. They include new
of which you can read about in this issue.
furniture throughout the building, renovated lab space in our Pro
Over the summer, Scranton had the honor of hosting the
Deo room, new museum-quality exhibit cases in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, and estate gifts that will make a lasting
annual conference of the International Association of Master
is still interested in contributing to the 30th Anniversary can do so at
conference was in Scranton largely because of the vast collection
Penman, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH). The
impact on Library collections and services in perpetuity. Anyone that
of the McHugh Family Special Collections, which boasts an array
www.scranton.edu/WML30.
of historical penmanship collections and illuminated medieval
Donor support not only fueled the enhancement of our spaces
manuscripts. At the opening ceremony, Professor Michael Knies,
and services but allowed us to dedicate operational expenses
Special Collections Librarian, and Tom Costello, class of 1973,
to enhance the Library’s collections and technology. Collection
great-grandson of master penman P.W. Costello and longtime
enhancements include an upgrade from Academic Search Elite
McHugh Family Special Collections contributor, were honored.
and Business Source Elite to EBSCO’s higher-tier Premier pack-
Prof. Knies isn’t the only one leaving a mark on professional orga-
ages, which increases our holdings by 3,201 new journal and periodical titles. We were also able to utilize the Frank A. Cimini World
nizations. Prof. Sylvia Orner was elected 1st vice-president-legisla-
streaming media package provides access to more than 2,400
(PaLA). She will move into the president position in January 2024.
tive chair/president-elect of the Pennsylvania Library Association
Languages Collection fund to secure access to Kanopy Base. This
Prof. Sheli Pratt-McHugh, Prof. Marleen Cloutier, and Prof. Kate
films, including classic, contemporary, and educational films.
Cummings were appointed to the PaLA Conference Committee.
I am also thrilled to announce the implementation of our new
Prof. Kate Cummings also serves as director-at-large on the PaLA
integrated Library search, or Discovery Layer, now called Royal
Board, and Prof. Cloutier is vice chair/chair elect of the Technical
Search. The streamlined Royal Search unifies various collections
Services Roundtable. Prof. Ian O’Hara serves as member-at-large
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cles, and more from a single interface. The ability to do this has
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into a single search box so users can find books, e-books, arti-
tion backbone of the Library. The new ILS will streamline our
on PaLA’s College and Research Division Board. Melisa Gallo was
elected secretary/treasurer of the Northeast Chapter of the PaLA.
become standard for libraries and for student-aged researchers in
You can read about several other staff and faculty and how they
general. Library faculty will host workshops to lessen the learning
were recognized for their achievements later in this issue.
curve as users transition to this new search tool. I highly recom-
Over the summer, the Hope Horn Art Gallery became formally
mend attending a workshop if you’re available as the tool is highpowered and can widen the breadth and depth of one’s research.
associated with the Weinberg Memorial Library. I am pleased that
to a new Integrated Library System (ILS), which is the informa-
continue with added support from the Library. One new initiative
the fantastic exhibits and programs hosted by the art gallery will
During the 2023-2024 academic year we will be transitioning
is a long-term cataloging project of campus artworks. A comprehensive catalog of the artworks owned by the University will be
operations and provide greater control over how we present our
vital to their long-term preservation and presentation. This project
resources to our community, bolstering user convenience, and
will be ongoing and will take several years to complete. Catalog
ultimately, transforming the library experience. Once this migra-
records can be enhanced over time so records could evolve to
tion is complete, additional strategic updates will occur to Royal
include more details as new information about campus art comes
Search that will further enhance usability and findability.
to light. We expect to be able to share our digital catalog of artwork
Last academic year, we hosted several exciting programs. We
with the community even as we process campus artwork.
co-hosted a Black History Month Film Series with the Louis Stanley 2
Library faculty member as the Research &
Instruction Librarian for Student Success. Elin has experience focusing on student success initiatives, so she brings with her expertise and passion that will undeniably enrich our community.
In other news, I’m honored to share my new
role as the director of the Schemel Forum. The fall program is teeming with enriching content,
Book Bans and Censorship
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Professor Elin Woods, our new tenure-track
E
We are also excited to welcome Assistant
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Presented in partnership With the Schemel Forum
VE SA
October 30, 2023 • 6:00 p.m.
Join us for an insightful talk on book banning and censorship in the U.S., presented by Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the American Library
Association. Ms. Hall will address the history, implications, and current state of book censorship in the United States, showcasing the essential role of
libraries in safeguarding democratic values and free speech. Following the lecture, engage in further discussions over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
at a reception. Join us for this opportunity to explore the intersections of literature, censorship, and freedom while supporting a worthy cause.
and I invite you to explore it at www.scranton.
Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association,
mailing list yet, please call us to do so.
100 Most Influential People of 2023.
edu/schemelforum. If you haven’t joined our
One of the highlights of the fall will be
a collaboration between the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Schemel Forum. We’ve invited Tracie D. Hall, the ALA
author, curator, and advocate for the arts. She is one of Time magazine’s
Loyola Science Center, PNC Auditorium $40 per person • $10 remote only For additional information:
Executive Director and one of Time magazine’s
Brooke Leonard, 570.941.4740, brooke.leonard@scranton.edu
discuss the rise of book bans and censorship in
To pay by credit card please contact Brooke Leonard at 570.941.4740 or pay online at: scranton.edu/schemelforum
100 Most Influential People of 2023. Ms. Hall will the United States. The event will be followed by a reception.
Another major highlight is the Eighth Annual
Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture. This year, we will illuminate the history, culture, and economy of Denmark, with Ambassador Stig
P. Piras, deputy chief of mission, as our distinguished speaker. We’ll round off the event with a jazz performance and a reception. True to tradition, the Jay Nathan event will be open to the community and free of charge.
In conclusion, the Library is more than a
place; it’s a dynamic community brought to life by your engagement. We always strive to enrich this community and provide more ways for you
to connect, learn, and grow with us. So, here’s
to all that has been achieved and to the exciting journey that lies ahead.
Best regards,
George J. Aulisio,
Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library
In June 2023, the Library implemented EBSCO
Discovery Service (EDS), now called Royal Search, a
new resource discovery tool that will provide a single entry point for all of the Library’s collections. With Royal Search, users will now be able to search across all Library materials from books to e-books to journal
articles to streaming media all from one convenient
search box. With added filtering options for publication date, subject, publisher, source type, and more, users can easily find exactly what they are looking for whether it’s a scholarly research article or a book on the Library’s shelves.
The new Publication Finder allows users to easily search for e-books and
e-journals by title, and additional resources offer quick links to other highly used library services like EZBorrow and the A-Z Databases list.
The decision to adopt EDS was made in response to feedback from
faculty and students alike looking for a single, unified search experience. The
Library is excited to now be able to offer the Royal Search experience and hopes that it allows users to engage with Library collections in a new and more efficient way.
— Assistant Professor Sylvia Orner, Collections and Resource Management Librarian
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Thank you for your continued support.
A New WML Search Experience: Introducing EBSCO Discovery Service
Library Hosts International Penmanship Conference
International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting 74th annual conference
During July, the Heritage Room hosted five days of workshops as part of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting’s 74th annual conference held in Scranton. Workshop participants were able to examine and study material from the Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Company and other penmanship collections held by the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Zaner-Bloser Collection arrived in Scranton in 2010, after the company decided to donate its historical archives to the University following a Hope Horn Gallery exhibit of Scranton native and penmanship master P. W. Costello. Since then, Special Collections has added to the penmanship collections by purchase and donation, including the recent donation of the David Kaminski Penmanship Collection.
Prof. Michael Knies, Special Collections Librarian, and Tom Costello, class of 1973
Prof. Michael Knies, Special Collec tions Librarian, and Tom Costello, class of 1973, great-grandson of master penman P.W. Costello and longtime McHugh Family Special Collections contributor, were honored by IAMPETH at the opening ceremony of the conference for their contributions to the history and preservation of penmanship.
Work Study Celebration
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The Weinberg Library staff celebrated our
Left: Front Row: Julia Klotz, Nya Rowe, Julia Brown, Samantha Doughty, and Ciara Higgins. Back Row: Molly Rosario, Stephanie Panicali, Daniel Coates, Nora O’Connell.
many student workers on Friday, May 5, 2023.
This annual gathering celebrates the
achievements of our graduating work studies and recognizes the many contributions of our
Below: Graduating Work Study Students: Julia Klotz, Stephanie Panicali, Daniel Coates
underclassmen. It’s important to acknowledge
the efforts of these students who provide valuable assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of the Library and the satisfaction of
its patrons. Our staff appreciates all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Congratulations to the following Library work study graduates, and
kudos to all our underclassmen for their valuable contributions!
Taylor Boyle – Psychology; Daniel Coates – Advertising; Julia Klotz –
Kinesiology; Olivia Ophinsky – International Studies; Stephanie Panicali – English.
—Kym Fetsko, Assistant to the Dean of the Library
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David Kaminski Penmanship Collection and Exhibit Payson, Dunton & Scribner’s Combined
System of Rapid Penmanship (below), published in 1855 by Crosby, Nichols, Lee & Company, Boston. This series, along with manuals from P. R. Spencer, were formative in later 19th century American penmanship.
Lamson’s New American System of Penmanship by Warren H. Lamson (above), published in 1883 by Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York. Lamson was penmanship instructor for New York City public schools and later worked in Bridgeport, Conn., and Boston.
to a Plain and Easy System by John Jenkins, through manuals produced by the ZanerBloser Company in the later 20th century. The exhibit will run through Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, contact Michael Knies at Michael.Knies@scranton.edu or 570941-6341. —Professor Michael Knies, Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist
Staff Changes Jennifer Galas became the Library Systems Developer & Coordinator on June 20, 2023.
Mary Kovalcin became the Sr. Library Systems Specialist on June 20, 2023. Brooke Leonard joined the Library staff as the Slattery Center & Schemel Forum Assistant on November 7, 2022. for Student Success on July 31, 2023.
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Elin Woods joined the Library faculty as Research & Instruction Librarian
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The McHugh Family Special Collections is delighted to announce the donation of the David Kaminski Penmanship Collection. The collection contains American penmanship manuals and related publications, examples of daily life handwriting by Americans who were not professional scribes, and artifacts related to late 19th- and early 20th-century handwriting reproduction. Mr. Kaminski has taught literature and writing to students of all ages. His interest in handwriting, penmanship, and the teaching of penmanship began around 2012 when he returned to the English classroom and observed students writing in many styles, and unable to read their own handwriting. He began collecting American handwriting and penmanship to discover the remnants of the daily and practiced penmanship of previous generations. Mr. Kaminski has also published articles on the history of American handwriting and has created websites related to the history of penmanship. Mr. Kaminski has had his collection digitized and it will be available at the Internet Archive in the near future. Several artifacts used to copy handwriting, like a cyclostyle, stencils, and related items are on display in the fourth-floor Special Collections reading room. The Kaminski Collection is in the final stages of processing and is available for research. The Kaminski Penmanship Collection complements the Weinberg Memorial Library’s extensive ZanerBloser Penmanship Collection and other smaller collections related to American handwriting. Learning to Write: American Penmanship Manuals from the David Kaminski and ZanerBloser Collections 1791-1980 is the autumn exhibit in the Heritage Room. The exhibit presents a wide range of manuals used by students of penmanship in the United States, from the first known manual, The Art of Writing Reduced
Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Winners Announced
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2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize winners (Left to Right): Ashley Dugasz, Graduate winner; E Kerr, Graduate winner; Allison Magee, Undergraduate Foundational winner; and Abigail Christine Gillen, Undergraduate Upper-level winner.
George Aulisio, Dean of the Library at The University of Scranton, awarded the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize in the Undergraduate Foundational category to Allison Magee, a first-year mathematical sciences major on the actuarial science track; the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize in the Undergraduate Upper-level category to Abigail Christine Gillen, a second-year occupational therapy major; and the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize in the Graduate category to E Kerr and Ashley Dugasz, graduate students in the five-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Currently celebrating its 12th year, the Weinberg Memorial Library inaugurated the Library Research Prize in 2011 to recognize excellence in research projects that show evidence of significant knowledge of the methods of research and the information gathering process, and use of library resources, tools, and services. In 2017, the prize was named for Professor Emerita Bonnie W. Oldham, who founded the prize at the University in 2011. The Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize was fully endowed in 2019 and consists of a prize of $500 awarded to winning projects in each of the three categories: Undergraduate Foundational (100-level projects), Undergraduate Upper-level (200- to 400-level projects), and Graduate. In academic year 2022-2023, the Library updated the selection criteria for the research prize to make the criteria more inclusive and diverse in terms of the types of projects and researchers it honors. Magee submitted to the competition her paper titled “Genetics in Life Insurance,” completed in Prof. Dawn D’Aries Zera’s WRTG 107: Composition course. Tasked 6
with researching an argumentative contemporary issue related to her major, Magee used Library resources that included the databases Academic Search Elite (EBSCO) and ProQuest Central, attended an information literacy instruction class with a faculty librarian, and took advantage of the Library’s Interlibrary Loan service to “expand [her] knowledge of the subject of life insurance,” as she shares in her description of research. From the information literacy class, Magee applied advanced search techniques including “Boolean operators in database search fields paired with filters for academic journals,” noting that academic journal keywords “were a great tool to expand [her] searches within the databases.” She found a balance of academic and popular sources for her project, and by doing so exceeded the minimum source requirement, an example of the restless desire for excellence characterized by the magis. Magee comments on this in her description of research when she shares, “Something I have learned about the research process is that it can be draining at times. The perfect source is not going to appear out of thin air and it can take some time.” She goes on to say, “While all the library’s tools and resources make research easier, I realized the best skill for researching is patience, a love of learning, and a passion for your research topic.” In her description of research, she also reports that at the start of the project she was going to argue against the use of genetic information in life insurance underwriting, but through her research she changed her position in favor of its use in life insurance because doing so keeps life insurance affordable for all, an example of cura personalis applied to research. Sponsoring faculty Prof. Dawn D’Aries Zera comments on the Ignatian learning evident in Magee’s project and shares, “Allison fully embraced her own agency on this assignment. She came up with a challenging research
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George J. Aulisio (above), Dean of the Library, gives remarks at the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Awards Ceremony. Donna Witek (below), Information Literacy Coordinator, presents
the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Awards.
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research in my own space and eventually help clients in the future then I couldn’t just complete this paper to check something off my to-do list.” She goes on to argue for the necessity of research in her field: “Research is necessary, especially in occupational therapy” [because we have to] “prove to people that we make a difference” and also “prove that our interventions work, that we as a profession are truly making a difference in our communities.” Sponsoring faculty Dr. Lisa Kozden says of working with Gillen, “Abby showcases her hard work and dedication to the scientific writing process in this assignment. She actively participates in class and demonstrates a sincere interest in learning about the research process. It is my absolute pleasure to work with Abby. This award is well deserved.” Honorable Mention awards in the Undergraduate Upper-level category were presented to Elizabeth D. Behling, a third-year student in the Occupational Therapy program, for her paper titled “The Effect of Movement Therapy on Symptom Severity in Adults with Parkinson’s Disease: An Evidence Review,” completed in the course OT 350: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for Dr. Ann Romanosky; and to Jessica Tsu, also a thirdyear student in the Occupational Therapy program, for her paper titled “Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation Versus Virtual Reality in Improving Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: An Evidence Review,” completed in the course OT 350: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for Dr. Deborah Budash. Graduate category winners Kerr and Dugasz submitted to the competition their project titled “Occupational Therapy, Medicine, and Queer Identity,” completed in the course OT 501: Leadership in OT for Dr. Marlene Morgan. Their project was a historical literature review requiring they find sources on their
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topic [...] which seemed beyond the scope of a 100-level foundational writing course and a topic which may have been better suited for a 300- or 400-level course. [...] During the process of tackling the argument-research assignment [...] it became clear Allison is a person who demonstrates magis through exceptional commitment to excellence, and persistence through challenges.” Honorable Mention awards in the Undergraduate Foundational category were presented to first-year accounting major Gabriella Greene, for the project, “What Is Odinism? How Has It Developed Over Time?,” completed in COMM 121X: Mythology in the Media for Dr. Howard Fisher; and to first-year computer engineering major James William O’Malley IV, for the project, “Batteries: Sustainable or Unsustainable?,” completed in WRTG 107: Composition for Prof. Dawn D’Aries Zera. Undergraduate Upper-level category winner Gillen submitted to the competition her paper titled “Effectiveness of Yoga on Symptom Management for Persons Living with Breast Cancer,” completed in the course OT 250: Scientific Writing and Information Literacy in OT, taught by Dr. Lisa Kozden. Gillen’s project was a literature review on a topic which changed through the course of her research process. In her description of research, she shares that she discovered “a new world of research that I was unaware existed because of [her] accidental findings” which set her down a “new path” for her project. Gillen used a variety of Library resources, services, and techniques, including the databases CINAHL and ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, and attended an information literacy instruction class with a faculty librarian. The judges were especially struck by the high number of sources she found, consulted, and integrated into this 200-level literature review assignment: her list of references contains 55 sources. The judges also observed Gillen’s personal learning and understanding of the research process and how it connects to Ignatian values; on this, Gillen says, “Magis: a restless desire for excellence. This Ignatian value was constantly on my back [...] if I can really help people or at least develop a better understanding of my
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Honorable Mention honorees for the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize (Left to Right): Taylor Baloga, Graduate honorable mention; Jessica Tsu, Undergraduate Upper-level honorable mention; Elizabeth D. Behling, Undergraduate Upper-level honorable mention; and James William O’Malley IV, Undergraduate Foundational honorable mention. Not pictured: Gabriella Greene, Undergraduate Foundational honorable mention; Kerri Breznak, Hannah Woodeshick, Jessica Book, and Karllo Pozo, Graduate honorable mentions; and Kameron Matthews, Matthew Schreck, and Carli Tetla, Graduate honorable mentions.
topic from each decade dating back to 1910. Their research “yielded a timeline of sorts, in that it mapped out the prevalence, classification, and opinions held by society, with regards to gender and sexuality,” as they share in their description of research. But there were challenges they faced in pursuing research on this topic. They go on to share: “Up until very recently, even with progress towards equity and diversity in the late ’90s/ early 2000s, information was hard to come by regarding queer identity, except for articles that focused on queer identity as an ailment, or as a condition that needed to have a specific ‘cause.’” There were also challenges in executing the search process for sources; they explain, “We had to adjust some of the terminology throughout our searches, since different time periods used and referred to what we now know as ‘queer identity’ in different ways (such as an illness, mental health condition, etc.).” Kerr and Dugasz’s persistence through these challenges was not only academic but personal. They share in their description of research, “[...] we wanted to trace the history of our shared queer identity, specifically with regards to our future profession, so we could gather a better understanding of how we got where we are today, and where, potentially, we still need to go.” Given these challenges, they were able to find, read, and synthesize 49 sources on their topic of “queer identity and presence within the medical realm” dating from the 1910s through the present. To do this, they used resources such as the CINAHL, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost Library databases, advanced search techniques such as citation chasing, which they learned in an information literacy instruction class with a faculty librarian, and new-to-them technology in the form of microfilm and the readers needed to read and access it. In all this, they understood their research as supported and connected to Ignatian values. In particular, the “restless desire for excellence” characterized by the magis can be 8
seen in their persistence through search challenges related to their topic and the dearth of ready historical information about it. And cura personalis for them is evident both in their personal connection to the topic and in their connection to using what they learned in the future “as occupational therapists who focus on working with the whole person.” Sponsoring faculty Dr. Marlene Morgan comments on Kerr and Dugasz’s project, “This is the first time that queer identity has been the focus of a historical analysis” and that the “researchers did a remarkable job locating primary resources on this topic from the early years to the present. They identified medical journals, life stories, legislation, and reports of social perspectives.” Dr. Morgan also highlights the impact of the project when she says, “The need for occupational therapy practitioners to value cultural diversity and practice cultural humility are evident in this project.” Honorable Mention awards in the Graduate category were presented to Doctor of Physical Therapy students Kerri Breznak, Hannah Woodeshick, Jessica Book, and Karllo Pozo, for the project, “Virtual Reality for Gait and Balance in Adults with Unilateral Amputation: A Systematic Review,” completed in PT 773: Scientific Inquiry III in PT for Dr. Renée Hakim; and to Kameron Matthews, Taylor Baloga, Matthew Schreck, and Carli Tetla, students also in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, for the project, “Impact of Service on Social Responsibility and Cultural Competency in DPT Students: A Systematic Review,” completed in PT 773: Scientific Inquiry III in PT for Dr. Dana Maida. Prize winners were honored at an awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Information about the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize can be found on the website: http://www.scranton.edu/ libraryresearchprize. For more information about the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize, contact Prof. Donna Witek, Information Literacy coordinator, at donna.witek@scranton.edu. —Professor Donna Witek, Information Literacy Coordinator
Library Employees Honored Honorees Mackenzie Machell, Professor Donna Witek, Kym Fetsko, Amanda Campbell, Patricia Savitts
Library employees and colleagues were honored at multiple ceremonies throughout the academic year. The University celebrated International Women’s Day by honoring 65 women of vision and courage, five of whom demonstrate their courage and vision with their work at or with the Library. Graduate student Mackenzie Machell is an active member of the Library’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. Donna Witek is the Research & Scholarly Services Coordinator and the Information Literacy Coordinator. Kym Fetsko is the Assistant to the Dean of the Library. Amanda Campbell represents Student Government on the Academic and Scholarly Affairs Committee and sits on the Library Advisory Committee. Patricia Savitts is the Circulation Services Coordinator. Congratulations to these amazing individuals making a difference on campus and in the Library. Assistant Professor Colleen Farry, Digital Services Librarian, was honored at the Faculty Appreciation Celebration. Prof. Farry received the Provost Faculty Enhancement Interdisciplinary Award which honors a faculty member who has demonstrated noteworthy academic leadership in promoting and strengthening cross-disciplinary or interdepartmental teaching and learning. Her nominator writes, “[Prof. Farry] empowers students to develop their own digital exhibits, and to this end, she has worked collaboratively with students on Honors projects, Slattery Fellowships, and Presidential fellowships.” Congratulations, Prof. Farry. Assistant Professor Ian O’Hara, Research & Instruction Librarian for Health Science, received the Sheldon I. Rosenberg Union Leadership Development Grant from the Faculty Affairs Council (FAC). This grant covers travel and attendance at the AAUP Summer Institute, where attendees learn about and build their skills in collective bargaining, organizing and shared governance. Congratulations, Prof. O’Hara. —Associate Professor Sheli Pratt-McHugh, Research & Instruction Librarian for Technology & Outreach
George Aulisio, Dean; Assistant Professor Colleen Farry, award winner; Associate Professor Sheli Pratt-McHugh, Department Chair
Associate Professor Adam Pratt, FAC secretary; Assistant Professor Ian O’Hara, award winner; Professor Stacey Muir, FAC president
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Earth Week 2023 at the Library The Library had a large slate of events to celebrate Earth Week ’23. First, we joined the Lackawanna Heritage Valley for a trail cleanup on the Heritage Trail adjacent to the University’s Quinn Athletic Fields. We had more students join us than ever before, along with faculty, staff, family, and friends. We found some interesting items, including bike parts, tires, and a cooler. Some sustainability efforts can feel insurmountable, but cleaning up our city is tangible and a wonderful way to stay motivated. We also held our annual Environmental Art Show. This year’s theme was “Welcome to My World” and featured both an in-person
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exhibit and an online component. The show promotes the natural beauty of our environment and the ideal practice of sustainable living through artworks of all types, including painting, photography, repurposed goods, sculptures, and more. The Environmental Art Show featured artist Stéphanie Williams, a designer, beekeeper and educator. We were honored to have her visit the Library to host an interactive art piece and a presentation discussing her work. Stéphanie set up large paper with drawing and sketching materials in front of the Library. Passersby were able to add their artwork to the piece throughout the day. It was so wonderful to see students and
employees pause for a moment to participate in the drawing. We ended up with numerous bees, hives, and honey images! Finally, the Library hosted a mat-making workshop with retired librarian Leah Rudolph. We learned how to cut strips of plastic shopping bags, tie them into plastic yarn known as “plarn,” and follow the steps to crochet the plarn into a sleeping mat for unhoused people. Sheli PrattMcHugh, Research & Instruction Librarian for Technology and Outreach, received a
$500 CommunityBased Learning Grant to support the event and purchase supplies like scissors, rotary cutters, cutting mats, and crochet hooks. Students, staff and faculty enjoyed learning the process and contributing to keeping plastic bags out of landfills and creating materials that can be used for vulnerable populations in our community. —Associate Professor Sheli Pratt-McHugh, Research & Instruction Librarian for Technology & Outreach
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Introducing Our Staff: Jennifer Galas Jen joined the Weinberg Memorial Library Systems department in 2004 as the evening Library Systems Specialist. Her title changed to Library Systems Specialist III in March 2020. In June 2023, Jen was promoted to Library Systems Developer & Coordinator. Sheli PrattMcHugh (SPM), Information Update co-editor, recently interviewed Jen (JG).
SPM: Tell us about your new position in Library Systems and your previous role?
Jennifer Galas
JG: Most of my duties in the developer and
coordinator position will remain the same as in my previous roles: troubleshooting hardware and software issues in the Library building and with Library resources, developing and maintaining websites and applications, and looking for opportunities to integrate emerging technologies into the Library’s services. I will remain the web developer for the Digital Services department. In addition, I have taken on supervisory and administrative duties. I am glad that I can continue to collaborate with and now lead the great Systems team that I’ve worked alongside for many years.
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SPM: Was this your first library job? Or what did you do before coming to libraries?
JG: A meandering path led me, eventually,
to librarianship. I have done many different types of work over the years. I’ve worked on a farm, in retail, in an electronics factory, in a computer repair shop, and as a software developer: all of which have contributed to my skills and my understanding of the great diversity of people and knowledge in our world. With degrees in computer science and mathematics, it may have seemed obvious that a career in technology was in my future, but at the time of my graduation the traditional career options didn’t appeal much to me. I was unsure what I wanted to pursue when a job opportunity arose at the library, where I spent 12
much of my time growing up, and it sounded perfect for me. My interview was held on Sept. 11, 2001, so you can imagine that it was quite a unique interview experience, but I got the job at the Abington Community Library as a reference librarian and technology specialist. That was my first library job, and I enjoyed it so much that I’ve remained in the field for another 20 years! With the support and encouragement of my WML colleagues, I earned an M.S. in library and information science from Drexel University in 2009. Academic librarianship allows me to combine my love for learning, technology, and service in an environment that is comfortable, but always challenging and evolving.
SPM: What do you enjoy most about
Library Systems? What are you excited to take on in the coming year?
JG: Library Systems work changes constantly, and my creative problem-solving skills are put to the test nearly every day. There is always a mix of many types of projects in the works at any given time, ranging from big-picture, long-term projects to unexpected issues that arise and must be resolved quickly. I enjoy working closely with every department in the Library and having the opportunity to innovate and to propose — and lead the development of — my own projects. In Systems, we are often on the front lines, diagnosing an issue we’ve never seen before with an anxious student, busy faculty member, or classroom full of curious community members looking on. These can be stressful moments, but it’s very rewarding to resolve the issue and see relief and gratitude expressed on the faces of our patrons. In the coming year, I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on implementing our new Library Services platform, FOLIO, and improving communication between our department and the Library as a whole.
SPM: How has library technology changed since you joined WML?
JG: So much has changed in 20 years. Just as an example, when I first joined the staff of WML, we maintained an entire room of computers dedicated to the use of CD-ROMs for our databases! Not to mention all of the reference works originally in print that are now available electronically. Ubiquitous internet connectivity has drastically changed all aspects of life on campus, and I’m proud to say that the Library has done a lot to remain on the forefront of emerging trends. The Library has undergone several renovations since 2004, and each time, we focused on anticipating and providing for the emerging technology needs of our students and faculty. Overall, thanks mostly to the diligent work of our University IT department, our hardware and software systems have become vastly more reliable and robust. The technological literacy of staff members and patrons has increased too, so that the types of questions that are passed along to Library Systems now tend to involve more complicated issues than we encountered years ago, which keeps things interesting. SPM: What do you enjoy doing in your
free time?
JG: I try to focus on activities that get me
away from computer screens. I love being outdoors, exploring little-known local areas and photographing wildlife and relics of infrastructure like old trolley lines. I also enjoy baking bread, growing and propagating cacti, building with Lego, and (I have to admit) working on my personal websites.
SPM: Where are your favorite places to hike/travel?
Or what are you currently reading?
JG: I read mostly nonfiction, with interests
centering around computer science and the history of computing, the life sciences, and local history. Choosing a favorite author is difficult, but I have never been disappointed by anything written by John McPhee. Stephen Jay Gould was an early favorite of mine who popularized great science writing and sparked my interest from a young age. Currently, I’m reading The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee.
Affordable Learning Implementation Grant Update The Weinberg Memorial Library continues to
award Affordable Learning Implementation
Grants in an effort to encourage faculty to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) and Library-licensed materials in their courses.
In Spring 2023, an interdisciplinary judging panel comprised of volun-
teers from the Library Advisory Committee selected two outstanding applicants to receive Affordable Learning Implementation Grants for courses that will be taught in the Fall 2023/Intersession 2024 semesters. The grant recipients are:
• D r. Satyajit Ghosh, Professor of Economics
• D r. Benjamin Willis, Professor of Counseling and Human Services
Adoption of OER and other no-cost resources in these courses is expected
to save an estimated total of $3,535 for approximately 40 students.
The next round of Affordable Learning Implementation Grants will be for
courses taught in Spring/Summer 2024.
— Assistant Professor Sylvia Orner, Collections and Resource Management Librarian
Welcome to the Newest Friends of the Library We would like to thank the newest members of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for their contributions: Nina Flanagan Nina Humphrey Thomas & Alexis Keen Philip & Diane Manwarren 13
Kyle Moreno Marianne Pagnotti James Roan Jerome Scott
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are Downeast Maine, specifically the Acadia National Park region, and extreme southern Arizona (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and surrounding areas). I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of landscape, wildlife, and human history that I can experience in both locations, and there is always something new
SPM: Do you have a favorite book or author?
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JG: My two favorite places to travel for hiking
there to explore. But our local hiking is great, too! You can’t go wrong exploring the mountains and valleys of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Leaves of Class XXIV Winners The Ann Moskovitz Leaves of Class XXIV Raffle is an annual fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment Fund. Thank you to our Friends volunteers and all the wonderful donations from local and regional businesses. We hold four drawings per year – one for each season – and tickets can be purchased throughout the year, online or in person. Visit www.scranton.edu/ library for more information.
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January 2023
Congratulations to Debbie Pann of Scranton, Pa., who won the following prizes: Grand Prize: Montage Mountain Resorts (four extended lift vouchers) Culinary Delights: 3 Jacks Burger Bar ($20 gift card); Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar ($25 gift card); Café Classico ($25 gift certificate); Casa Bella Ristorante ($100 gift certificate – courtesy of Denise Gilroy); Cuppa Cake Café ($20 gift certificate); Gerrity’s ($25 gift card); Grico’s ($50 gift card); Jack’s Draft House ($25 gift certificate); New Amber Indian Restaurant ($25 gift certificate); Olive Garden ($50 gift card – courtesy of Marian Farrell); Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse ($50 gift card – courtesy of Metz Culinary Management); Sibio’s Restaurant ($50 gift card – courtesy of Nina Flanagan); Susquehanna Brewing Company ($50 gift card); Zummo’s ($25 gift card – courtesy of Rosemary Shaver) Entertainment: Dietrich Theater (movie gift bag); Everhart Museum (family membership); Hardback editions of Circling My Mother and The Splendid and the Vile; PNC Bank (four club seats to the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins vs. Utica on March 11, 2023); Scranton Cultural Center (voucher for four tickets) Tres Chic: Boscov’s (Adrienne Vittadini leather tote bag including clutch, Isotoner gloves, pashmina scarf, and a pair of reading 14
glasses); Hand-knit Shawl (courtesy of Bonnie Strohl); Liztech Pins (two, courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady) Wellness: Crunch Fitness (one threemonth Peak PLUS membership with two personal training sessions & t-shirt) And More!: Anthropologie Cheese Spreader Set (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Guy’s Barber Shop ($25 gift certificate); Kalahari Resorts and Conventions ($100 gift card); Kalahari Plushie Bear Souvenir (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); One Point (office supply basket); The University of Scranton, Advancement (gift basket); Yankee Candle (vanilla cupcake scent – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady)
March 2023
Congratulations to Christopher Kelly of Clarks Summit, Pa., who won the following prizes: Grand Prize: Mount Airy Casino & Resort (gift certificate for overnight stay in deluxe king suite, two entertainment tickets to show of choice, couple’s massage, and $200 food credit) Culinary Delights: Bella Faccias ($50 gift certificate); Morgan’z Pub and Eatery ($25 gift card); Stirna’s Restaurant ($25 gift certificate); Susquehanna Brewing Company ($25 gift card); TGIF ($25 gift card – courtesy of Metz Culinary Management) Entertainment: Comics on the Green ($25 gift card); Electric City Trolley Station & Museum (two admission tickets); Hardback edition of A Necessary Evil (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Library Express (gift basket); NEPA Philharmonic (two tickets to the April 22, 2023, PNC Pops John Williams Concert); Scranton Cultural Center (voucher for four tickets) Tres Chic: Hand-knit Shawl (courtesy of Bonnie Strohl); Liztech Pins (two, courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady) Wellness: Bird House & Gardening Gloves And More!: Cape May Wickery Gift Bag
(courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Hilton Scranton & Conference Center (overnight stay for two and breakfast in Casey’s); Jim Shore Garden Gnome; Lackawanna Heritage Valley (gift basket); Lease Dry Cleaners ($25 gift certificate); Swede Things Gnome Figurine (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); William Edwards Florist ($75 gift certificate)
Varady); The Settler’s Inn ($50 gift card – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); The University of Scranton Bookstore ($150 gift card); Tossware Reserve Martini Glasses (set of four – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Wooden Serving Tray
June 2023
Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Hold Annual Book Sale The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library hosted another successful Book Sale the last weekend in April. This highly anticipated annual event was well received and attended by members of The
University of Scranton and the community. The book sale was held in the
newly renovated and dedicated Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room located on the fifth floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room provided a welcoming and spacious area to browse for items, enjoy refreshments, and converse with others.
The annual Book Sale, occurring over three days, included a wide variety
of items for sale, including books in various genres and media items, such
as DVDs and CDs. The book sale benefited greatly from the support and
assistance from volunteers who included Weinberg Memorial Library staff and faculty members, student volunteers, Friends of the Weinberg
Memorial Library members, and community members. All proceeds from
the Book Sale went to the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment Fund. The Friends’ Endowment directly benefits the Library in a multitude of ways, such as enhancing the Library’s collection and sponsoring programs for the University community and beyond. We
look forward to continuing to grow this annual Book Sale tradition for our patrons for many years to come.
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—Melisa Gallo, Interlibrary Loan
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Congratulations to Eve Walsh of Scranton, Pa., who won the following prizes: Grand Prize: The University of Scranton, IT Division (iPad, 10.2 inches, 64GB, Wi-Fi only) Culinary Delights: Akita Asian Cuisine ($25 gift card); Café Rinaldi ($25 gift card); Callahan’s Café ($25 gift card); Cooper’s Seafood House ($50 gift card); Dunkin’ ($25 gift card – courtesy of Rebecca Dzikowski); Gertrude Hawk Chocolates ($50 gift card); Peculiar Kitchen ($25 gift card); Ragnacci’s ($50 gift certificate); Red Lobster ($50 gift card – courtesy of Marian Farrell); Ruth’s Chris Steak House ($50 gift card – courtesy of Metz Culinary Management); Sacco’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant ($25 gift card); Stirna’s Restaurant ($25 gift certificate); Susquehanna Brewing Company ($25 gift card); TGIF ($25 gift card – courtesy of Metz Culinary Management); Thai Rak Thai ($40 gift card); The 16th Ward ($25 gift certificate); Wegmans ($100 gift card) Entertainment: Anthracite Heritage Museum (gift basket including four admission tickets); Cinemark (two guest passes); Hardback editions of The Bone Vault and The Last Thing He Told Me (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Lackawanna County Children’s Library (gift basket) Tres Chic: Hand-knit Shawl (courtesy of Bonnie Strohl); Liztech Pins (two, courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady) Wellness: Greater Scranton YMCA (threemonth family membership) And More!: Amazon ($50 gift card – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); $250 Cash (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-4634
update
A Newsletter from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library Scranton, Pa 18510-4634
Co-Editors: Sheli Pratt-McHugh and Marleen Cloutier Dean of the Library: George J. Aulisio Phone: 570-941-7816
The University of Scranton is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policies may be directed to Elizabeth M. Garcia, J.D., Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equity and Diversity, (570) 941-6645.
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