By Luci Parrish

On the first day of Dia de los Muertos, 25 students gathered with library staff in the Robert W. Van Houten Library at the New Jersey Institute of Technology to participate in a unique paint-and-sip event. The event lasted for one and a half hours, but the preparations for the event had been months in the making due to the nature of the “sugar skulls” the students were painting. We commissioned local Newark artist and educator Vazquez to design a sugar skull as a prototype to be 3-D scanned and printed in the NJIT Makerspace which our students would then paint and personalize at the event.

After the artist designed a unique sugar skull for the event, we used NJIT’s Makerspace to create a 3-D scan of Vazquez’s sugar skull. A student specialist in the Makerspace helped us clean up the final scan and print 20 3-D printed sugar skulls for our event. Once printed, the skulls were sanded down and primed with spray paint to better retain the paint that the students would add. Once the sanding and priming were finished, the skulls were ready to be personalized.

One of our major learning objectives for the event was that students would walk away better informed and inspired to authentically make from their own cultural and personal context. Vazquez shared personal experiences and struggles in learning to find her voice and to express her authentic self in her art in the face of opposition and also shared about the indigenous roots of Dia de los Muertos. She encouraged the students to be people who culturally appreciate rather than appropriate and answered questions about the difference between the two. After showing some examples of her own sugar skull-inspired artwork, she told the students to play, have fun, and express themselves as they painted their sugar skulls.

Using paint markers, the students designed skulls with themes ranging from the expression of dual cultural heritages to loving makeup design. The results were visually stunning and the students really enjoyed themselves. We asked what brought them to the event and one student responded that his first time painting was the day before painting a pumpkin and he wanted to try painting again. Another responded that she was from a different Latin - x/e culture that doesn’t celebrate the holiday but had started celebrating it on her own when her pets passed away. By the end of the event, the attendees walked away knowing more about the indigenous roots of the holiday, creative ways they can use the NJIT Makerspace, and carrying a personalized work of art that they created in collaboration with a local Newark artist.

Luci Parrish (luci.parrish@njit.edu) is the Library Access Services and Outreach Coordinator at the Robert W. Van Houten Library at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

by Maryalice Rocks

The 2023–2024 academic year is off to an energizing start for SCARLA (the Student College, Academic and Research Libraries Association at Rutgers University) with the enthusiasm generated by its recent event BANNED: A Virtual Banned Books Read-Out & Discussions on the Freedom to Read, held Thursday, October 5 in conjunction with Banned Book Week.

Among the guest speakers was Rutgers alum Emily Knox, associate professor of information science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, fresh from her testimony in September at the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Hearing on “Book Bans: Examining How Censorship Limits Liberty and Literature.” In addition to flash-talks on censorship and free speech—given by Knox and by public and school librarians, SC&I faculty, and alumni—the BANNED event gave all participants the opportunity to read from, listen to, and celebrate their favorite banned/challenged books, open-mic-night-style.  SCARLA was pleased to collaborate with its sister organization LISSA (Library and Information Science Student Association) in offering this program.

SCARLA is currently finalizing arrangements for its next big event: a virtual panel with Rutgers School of Communication & Information (SC&I) Alums scheduled for November 14. The board is excited about the group of speakers it has assembled, including Fobazi Ettarh (independent scholar and consultant for library organizations/training), Wafa Fatima Isfahani (Librarian for Special Collections, Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation), Lorin Jackson (executive director for Region 2 Regional Medical Library at Medical University of South Carolina), and Vanessa Kitzie (associate professor, University of South Carolina). Panelists will discuss their professional/research interests, life after graduation, job searches, and advice for current students. Their presentations will be followed by a Q&A session, with participants having the option to submit questions ahead of time or ask them during the event.

Meanwhile, plans are also underway for the opening event of the spring semester, SCARLA’s popular CritLib Collective, an annual offering in which participants read a selected scholarly article about some aspect of critical librarianship and discuss it in an open forum comprised of current Master of Information (MI) students, faculty, and practicing librarians. The SCARLA e-board will meet in December to review and select an article to disseminate among the Rutgers community and beyond, so that participants have time to read the article in preparation for the group discussion, targeted for late January/early February. Conversation tends to be lively, as participants engage with current issues in academic librarianship with a critical eye and discuss ways to address them, sharing best practices from personal experiences and the literature. 

Also coming up in the new year, members of SCARLA have been invited to serve as volunteers at the New Jersey Academic Libraries Conference on January 5, 2024, at Middlesex College. In addition to assisting with check-in and related tasks, SCARLA volunteers look forward to the opportunity to attend breakout sessions, listen to the keynote address, and network with future colleagues. 

SCARLA is the graduate student organization at Rutgers University dedicated to academic and research librarianship; it is affiliated with the NJLA College and University Section and the New Jersey Chapter of ACRL. SCARLA’s current president is Carolyn Quimby; Erin Mustard is vice president. Current executive board members include Bethany Falcon, David Moles, and M.A. Rocks. SCARLA’s faculty advisor is Dr. Marie Radford. For more information, including details about upcoming events, visit https://scarla.rutgers.edu. 

If you are interested in connecting with SCARLA, you can join the listserv by sending an email to comminfo_scarla-join@email.rutgers.edu, with the word “subscribe” as the subject line. You can also email Dr. Marie Radford, faculty advisor, at mradford@comminfo.rutgers.edu. 

If you have an employment or internship opportunity you would like to post to the SC&I Job Board, please email details to Ildi Koczan, Assistant Director of Student Services for Careers at ildi.koczan@rutgers.edu.

Maryalice Rocks is the SCARLA Treasurer 2023–2024, Rutgers University Chapter. She can be reached at mr1673@scarletmail.rutgers.edu. 

By Muhammad Hassan

We take immense pride in our institution's unwavering dedication to providing high-quality education while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all our students. We understand that the cost of education, including textbooks and course materials, can be a significant barrier for many students. Therefore, we are firmly committed to the principles of Open Educational Resources (OER) and their transformative potential to advance these core goals. In the following short report, I will elaborate on our journey with OER and the steps we've taken to make education more affordable, accessible, and of the highest quality for our students.

Our Commitment to OER

Kean University's commitment to OER is formalized in a comprehensive guideline that establishes a framework for the adoption, creation, and utilization of OER. This framework is designed to benefit not only our students but also our dedicated faculty and the broader academic community. Kean University commits to the following:

• Affordability: Kean University will prioritize the adoption and development of OER to reduce the financial burden on students and enhance their access to quality educational materials.
• Access: Kean University will ensure that OER materials are easily accessible to all students and that no student is disadvantaged due to the lack of access to required course materials.
• Quality: Kean University will maintain the academic rigor and quality of OER materials and ensure that faculty members have the resources and support to create or adopt high-quality OER.

Adoption of OER

• Faculty members are encouraged to explore and use existing OER materials in their courses, where applicable, in alignment with their academic goals.
• The institution will provide resources and support, including professional development, for faculty to identify, evaluate, and adopt OER.
• Departments and programs will periodically assess the potential for OER adoption and report their findings to promote OER integration.

Our Journey

Our OER journey commenced in the fall of 2018 when we began to explore innovative ways to reduce the costs associated with higher education. We launched in the Spring of 2019 and offered seven sections that didn’t require students to purchase traditional textbooks. To effectively support this initiative, we formed a dedicated working group consisting of library staff, faculty, and other stakeholders who collaborated closely with our faculty members. The Learning Commons staff facilitated training sessions and workshops aimed at equipping faculty with the knowledge and skills required to transition to OER. Throughout 2019, we conducted monthly workshops, actively engaging with our faculty to address their concerns, provide guidance, and share best practices. These workshops were invaluable in nurturing a community of educators committed to OER, leading to more widespread adoption of OER materials in our courses.

In 2020, the landscape of education underwent a seismic shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we adapted to the new challenges brought on by remote learning, our OER efforts evolved as well. While we initially planned to continue offering one workshop per month, the unprecedented circumstances compelled us to shift our focus toward supporting the university's transition to remote learning. This unexpected turn of events, however, provided us with a unique opportunity to assess our OER initiatives comprehensively and develop new strategies to promote equity and inclusivity in education, even in the face of adversity. In spring 2021, we achieved another significant milestone in our OER journey. We hosted our inaugural OER conference, a testament to our commitment to open education. The conference not only showcased our dedication to OER but also allowed us to build valuable relationships with other institutions, fostering new collaborations and inspiring innovative ways to support our students.

This conference was a turning point in our OER journey. We gained insights into the best practices and successful strategies employed by other institutions, enhancing our own approach to OER. It also enabled us to forge partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions that shared our vision for affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. These partnerships have been instrumental in furthering our OER initiatives. In the spring of 2022, we initiated new collaborations with our faculty to promote the use of resources available at our Learning Commons. This collaborative effort expanded the array of resources available to our students and faculty, furthering our commitment to quality and accessibility. Perhaps one of the most significant milestones was reached in the fall of 2022 when approximately 22% of all sections offered at Kean University don’t require students to purchase traditional textbooks. This achievement reflects our dedication to making quality education affordable and accessible. We remain resolutely committed to continuous assessment and updates to our OER initiatives. Our dedication to equitable access to education is a journey, not a destination, and we are always striving to do more for our students.

As we look to the future, Kean University is committed to expanding its OER efforts even further. We aim to increase the percentage of sections that do not require traditional textbook purchases. Our goal is to provide a textbook-free education for as many students as possible, reducing the financial burden they face.

We are also working on establishing partnerships with OER content providers and open textbook initiatives to enrich the pool of available resources. These partnerships will provide us with a wider range of high-quality materials, further enhancing the quality of education we offer. We are investing in faculty development and support to encourage more educators to create and adopt OER materials. Our faculty is at the heart of this transformative journey, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, training, and recognition they deserve for their dedication to OER.

Kean University's journey with OER is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making education affordable, accessible, and of the highest quality. We have made significant strides, but our work is far from complete. We are constantly assessing and updating our efforts to ensure that we stay true to our mission of providing equitable access to education. Our commitment to OER is not just a practical solution to textbook costs; it's a reflection of our values and a commitment to our students' success. As we continue this journey, we are excited about the future and the potential of OER to reshape education in ways that benefit all.

We look forward to further collaborations, innovative strategies, and, most importantly, the success of our students, who will benefit from an education that is truly affordable, accessible, and of the highest quality. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey with us, and join us on March 21, 2024, for our OER conference. You can find more details on digitalcommons.kean.edu.

Muhammad Hassan is the Executive Director of the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons at Kean University. He can be reached at hassanmu@kean.edu. 

By Susan Van Alstyne

I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the Certified Entrepreneurship Library program through the New Jersey State Library and Creative Startups. Creative Startups is a New Mexico-based non-profit organization focused on building the creative economy and growing creative businesses (see  https://www.creativestartups.org/(link is external)). Librarianship is my second career—I have a business background, and I always thought libraries need to develop more services for businesses—there is a gap, and the “Entrepreneurship Librarian” program is a brilliant idea and opportunity. The opportunity was everything I envisioned to support future and current business owners, especially in this gig economy. Some more background about the program may be helpful. Below is a portion of the Creative Startups summary:  

The Taylor Memorial Library (TML) is participating in the Libraries as Launchpads initiative thanks to The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush's 21st Century grant. The grant was awarded to the New Mexico State Library Foundation in partnership with The NM State Library and Creative Startups over two years. Through the grant, they worked with recruiting partners, The New Jersey State Library, The Cuyahoga County Library System, Memphis Public Libraries, the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and the San Jose Library System to identify 30 libraries from the six regions to participate in Phase One of the program and become Certified Entrepreneurship Libraries.
 
Along with six other libraries, the Taylor Memorial Library is currently in Phase 2 of the program. We are in the process of creating a hub to support entrepreneurs and near the end of Phase 2. Phase 2 is a 6-week pre-accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners looking to reach more customers. Participants test their ideas to determine if they have a viable business idea or should make changes to their existing business and determine if they are ready to move forward. After the pre-accelerator, the libraries will continue offering community support and be a starting point for anyone starting a business. 

I have learned so much throughout this process and I am grateful for IMLS, the NJ State Library, and Creative Startups for offering this innovative and much-needed opportunity. This experience further solidified my belief that libraries are perfect partners for entrepreneurs. Libraries provide access to resources and information. There are many networking opportunities through programs and workshops  to share ideas, experiences, and even practice pitches. Libraries also provide a welcoming space for everyone including traditionally underrepresented groups. From one of the libraries on the west coast, I learned there is an urgent need for services to support entrepreneurs whose primary language is not English, and those individuals new to this country. The one common barrier is access to funding resources. Libraries—both public and academic can be conduits and connectors to information about grants, venture capitalists, and many other funding sources depending on the business entity and goals of the individual.  As drivers of innovation and creativity, supporting entrepreneurship advances our missions for community engagement and lifelong learning.

I am intrigued by working with people at various stages of their businesses. One of the first things I learned is that the students at Centenary University do not use the term "Entrepreneur." Instead, some students refer to themselves as CEO, owner, and president. At the start of my training with Creative Startups, my colleague and I partnered with a marketing professor to create an assignment for a team of students to create a strategic marketing plan for the Launch Studio at TML. We have implemented many of the students’ recommendations along with keeping the name “The Launch Studio at TML.” The participants in the 6-week accelerator at TML include a wonderful group of  alumni and students—one with a marketing consulting company, and another with an auto detailing business. I have created a  research guide with local information for support once the 6-week program is over. Business Launch Studio@TML - Small Business Management - LibGuides at Centenary University(link is external).

Libraries play a vital role by providing access to resources, education, and networking opportunities, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and developing a business. This in turn contributes to the overall economic and social well-being of the community. We are planning two events—one to celebrate the end of the 6-week pre-accelerator program, and the other in January that will be open to a wider audience. . TML is  now seeking additional partnerships with libraries and external organizations such as the NJSBDC to create programs and services to support those on their path to business ownership.  Please contact Susan Van Alstyne with any questions about the program.

Susan Van Alstyne (susan.vanalstyne@centenaryuniversity.edu) is the Director of the Taylor Memorial Library at Centenary University. 

Library services at Essex County College (ECC) underwent major a transformation during the Fall of 2023. The highlight was the re-opening of the West Essex campus in West Caldwell, NJ. On September 29, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. joined ECC administrators, faculty, staff and students for a ribbon cutting ceremony for West Essex Campus.  The new campus now includes a 51,700-square-foot, two story building equipped with modern, state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, and an Information Commons Library. Amenities also include a synthetic grass surface soccer field for the College’s teams and local high schools, and 325-car parking garage.   

The new campus, replacing a 100-year-old renovated elementary school, means that West Essex campus students once again have access to library services in a state-of-the-art facility. In addition, under the direction of newly appointed Associate Director Professor Ruth Christina Ware, the Essex County College Martin Luther King, Jr. Library expanded to include Virtual Library Services to meet the increasing needs for online students.

With a growing Online Program Catalog that now includes over a dozen programs, the Essex County College Virtual Library was created to increase student access to multi-modal Library instruction services. Featuring over 250,000 e-books, 65,000 print, and digital Ask-a-Librarian service - ECC Libraries is now equipped to provide on demand access for students to much of the Collection.

In September of 2023, the Essex County College Board of Trustees accepted a $10,000 Grant Award for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library from the American Library Association. The American Library Association Building Capacity grant will be used to expand Information and Digital Competency services through asynchronous courses, in addition to providing opportunities for skills development. Funding will also support professional development of faculty through workshops focused on engaging students in the classroom as well as addressing emerging trends and issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

On October 10, 2023, Essex County College Libraries began a relationship with the United States Library of Congress Book Surplus Program.  Through its surplus books program, the Library of Congress provides new books to qualifying libraries, schools, and non-profit organizations.  Valued at approximately $10,000 a semester, identifying this type of strategic relationship, ECC Libraries is using innovative funding approaches to extend the unique experiences of student offerings at Essex County College.  

Community engagement remains the cornerstone of the Newark campus to the residents of Essex County.  ECC Libraries hosted an in-person event with the Newark Public Library (NPL) on October 16, extending the offerings for students to establish a reading practice and learn about the public services available through NPL.

Located in Newark, NJ and West Caldwell, NJ, Essex County College is an open access community college serving the diverse needs of students through comprehensive educational programs, training, and continuing education. 

Essex County College is One College – 2 Great Campuses! 

Additional information on Essex County College is available be at essex.edu.

For more information about the Essex County College Martin Luther King, Jr. Library or the Essex County College West Essex Campus Library, please contact Associate Director Ware at rware2@essex.edu. 

The CUS/ACRL-NJ Newsletter is edited by Joan Dalrymple, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Bergen Community College and Katie Maricic Cohen, Interlibrary Loan, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Natalie Lau of Princeton University recently joined the Newsletter Committee and assisted with editing and reviewing articles for this issue.

Editors Katie Cohen and Joan Dalrymple pose for a picture at Ramapo College's George T. Potter Library in Summer 2022.