Library and Information Science Commons^™

Trans-Inclusive Design, Erin White

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The choices web designers make impact the online and offline experiences of real people who are transgender, non-binary, or gender-variant—choices that can affirm or exclude, uplift or annoy, help or harm. This article shines light on the decisions web professionals make every day and offers specific ideas for how to make content, images, forms, databases, IA, privacy, and algorithms trans-inclusive.

Advertising Icons: Preserving The Cultural Record Of Brand Ambassadors, Patricia Sobczak, Sam Byrd

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

The authors discuss the background and implementation of the Brandcenter Advertising Icons image collection, available at https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/brandcenter_icons/

Professional Development In Libraries: One Size Does Not Fit All, Patricia D. Sobczak, Agnes K. Bradshaw

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

With the constantly changing landscape in 21st century libraries, it would seem that professional development would be more important than ever. However, research indicates that few libraries have formal professional development programs and there are mixed messages from library leaders regarding the necessity and importance of professional development. It is no secret that libraries always seem to be facing budget cuts and funding for professional development is often seen as a low priority. We were curious to understand how professional development is viewed and executed in other academic libraries.

Professional development means different things to different people. To some, professional …

One Root, Many Trees: Reviving Collections Practices, Patricia D. Sobczak, Kevin D. Farley, Ibironke Lawal, Emily Davis Winthrop

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Collections are undergoing intense change and pressure from technology, budgetary uncertainties, and emerging perspectives on future approaches. Our case study -- drawn from our experiences as collections librarians -- examines these complex issues facing academic collections, large or small, across the profession. Through the development of “collections of distinction” within the local collection, collaborations and scholarly partnerships with colleagues and faculty, and advocacy for the importance of dedicated oversight to ensure that collections investments fulfill the academic mission, we explore possible solutions to the complicated issues defining contemporary collections practices.

Like A Boss: Moving From The Front Lines Into Middle Management, Megan Hodge, Nicole Spoor, Cassidy Sheehan

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Can an academic librarian who has only worked on the front lines compete with those who have supervisory experience for middle management positions? What traits are hiring committees looking for in middle managers for public services, especially in applicants with no prior supervisory experience? While the literature does provide tips and advice for new managers, as yet there are no studies examining what hiring committees look for in middle management applicants.

This study has taken a three-pronged approach to data collection: a qualitative study consisting of interviews with academic librarians who have served on hiring committees for middle-management positions, and …

Diversity Project: Poster Series Connects Core Values To Library Materials And Expertise, Bettina Peacemaker, Sue Robinson, Marilyn Scott

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Virginia Commonwealth University celebrates diversity as a core value, and VCU Libraries actively strives to foster inclusion and an understanding of difference. The diversity and culture poster series was envisioned as a way to connect education about diversity directly to library collections and expertise. This poster details the distribution, response, and impact of the series.