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Dean’s Note: Announcing the University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan, 2024-2027
Shortly upon my arrival at the University of Cincinnati Libraries, we began a participatory and data-informed process to draft a Strategic Plan. Through town halls, retreats, info sessions, surveys, discussions and debate we examined what is going well in the Libraries along with what opportunities exist for improvement and growth. This spring we embarked on an exercise to begin to determine and articulate our Values. We asked ourselves what are our organization’s core beliefs that will motivate our work and guide our efforts. How we work together will guarantee success of the plan. In developing our plan, we also concentrated on our role within the university and greater community. The…
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Charting a path forward: Our Strategic Directions
With the launch of the University of Cincinnati Libraries Strategic Plan, 2024-2027, we are increasing our impact by focusing on four strategic directions: Enrich Our Collections, Expand Our Impact, Strengthen Our Organization and Support Our Students. Enrich Our Collections Enrich and curate library collections that enable intellectual endeavors and inspire new discoveries. Expand Our Impact Expand our impact as a trusted academic and research partner through promotion, engagement and collaboration. Strengthen Our Organization Strengthen an inclusive library enterprise through an investment in our people, practices and spaces by creating a shared purpose with active participation and accountability. Support Our Students Support academic readiness, create access and foster success and belonging…
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Social activist with a press
Reprinted from a Sept. 30 LiBlog post by Chris Harter, university archivist and head of the Archives & Rare Books Library “I use letterpress printing, but I use it to disrupt the segregated realms of fine printing and artists’ books.”–excerpt from “My Manifesto” in the new book Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.: Citizen Printer To read Amos Kennedy’s manifesto is to glimpse into the passion and love that Kennedy holds for letterpress printing and his sincere belief in the power of the printing press. Kennedy is one of the leading practitioners of letterpress printing today, known mainly for his bold stylistic technique that foregrounds powerful messages against a colorful backdrop. He…
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Building connections: Mac-Anthony Cobblah visits UC Libraries
This summer, the University of Cincinnati Libraries hosted visiting scholar Mac-Anthony Cobblah from the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, Ghana. Cobblah is university librarian for the Sam Jonah Library at the University of Cape Coast. Visiting scholar grants are awarded by UC International to faculty from the university’s strategic partner institutions. They give recipients the opportunity to spend time on UC’s campus, form relationships with their UC colleagues and develop joint research projects in their discipline. More information about the Visiting Scholar Grants can be found online. In the months leading to his visit, Cobblah worked with Dean Liz Kiscaden and UC International to identify areas of interest.…
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Health Sciences Library offers Systematic Review Cohorts
Three librarians from the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library (HSL) – Melissa Previtera, Don Jason and Lynn Warner – launched a pilot 15-week Systematic Review cohort, which began this summer and wrapped up in September. This collaborative course invited teams and individuals to learn the systematic review process while working on a project with the advice and guidance of the librarians. The cohort consisted of six in-person meetings supplemented with Canvas modules. Topics covered included preparation and protocols, comprehensive searching, using Covidence and writing – all the required steps of completing a review from determining the research question to dissemination of the work. The goal was that this piloted…
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Welcoming new leaders to UC Libraries
An investment in our people is key to achieving the goals set forth in the Strategic Plan. Along with advancing current library employees, another key element of this goal is hiring people who will bring new skills and expertise to our organization. This fall we welcomed aboard an associate dean of collections and an association dean of operations and user services. These two individuals will collaborate with the dean, librarians and staff to identify UC Libraries’ needs, establish priorities and develop goals, objectives, actions and measures of success. Jéanne Brooks joined University of Cincinnati Libraries on September 30, 2024, as the new associate dean for operations and user services. In this…
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UC Libraries and the Learning Commons partner to Support Our Students
This fall, UC Libraries partnered with the Learning Commons to provide opportunities for tutoring and focused study sessions in the Walter C. Langsam Library. UC Libraries naturally attracts students who come to study and collaborate, making it a perfect location to integrate Learning Commons services. The After Hours program offers academic coaching, tutoring and writing support from 5-8pm conveniently in Langsam Library. Interested students can schedule to meet with a tutor who will meet them in the library. The Learning Commons put stickers on certain tables and pillars throughout the 4th floor of the library with information and a QR code for scheduling and to indicate where they are located.…
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Introducing the updated Accessible Technology Space in Langsam Library
Debbie Tenofsky, accessibility librarian, collaborated with UC’s Digital Technology Solutions and Accessibility Resources Office, along with colleagues in UC Libraries to update and rebrand the Accessible Technology Space. Located in the Walter C. Langsam Library room 408, the space provides access to accessibility hardware and software, along with other amenities, for use by all library patrons with disabilities. All University of Cincinnati students, employees and community members are welcome to use the devices and facilities offered in this space. The Accessible Technology Space is available any time Langsam Library is open. The space includes adjustable height tables, lighting options, a Dell computer all-in-one with a large screen, an iMac computer…
