The Agenda - Faculty and Staff Newsletter

Category: Units

  • Virtual Posters from State of the Libraries 2026

    Minimal video media player Interface on blue background

    The annual State of the Libraries was held as a virtual event on July 29, 2026. Eleven virtual posters provided a glimpse into the diverse work of Rutgers University Libraries faculty, staff, and student employees. Below are descriptions and links to these posters, which are housed on the Rutgers University Libraries Staff Resources Site.

    A Guide to Generative AI Features in Major Databases & Platforms – Many e-resources providers are adding generative AI features to their platforms, and the Rutgers University Libraries electronic resources unit needed a simple way to share practical information about them with Rutgers University Libraries personnel and patrons. To accomplish this, we created the Generative AI Features in Major Databases & Platforms LibGuide, which provides information about generative AI features that are currently available in Rutgers’ major databases and electronic resources platforms of broad interest to students, staff, and faculty. This presentation will cover the guide’s purpose, scope, and design, as well as the process for adding new generative AI features to the guide and announcing them to the Rutgers University Libraries Community. Presented by Elizabeth York (Collections and Digital Strategies).

    Automating Multimedia Captioning with Whisper AI and High-Performance Computing – As multimedia assets in library collections grow, providing accurate, timely closed captioning remains a significant accessibility and workflow challenge. This poster presents a scalable solution developed at Rutgers University Libraries that utilizes Whisper, an open-source speech recognition model, deployed on the Amarel high-performance computing cluster. By automating the generation of WebVTT caption files for diverse audio and video assets, this project significantly reduces manual transcription time, ensures compliance with accessibility standards, and enhances the discoverability of institutional media collections. Presented by Chad Mills (Libraries Applications and Development).

    Building Belonging Through Onboarding: A “One Libraries” Approach to Welcoming New Employees at Rutgers University Libraries – This poster provides an overview of the development of the Onboarding Task Force, including its formation, objectives, and current progress in the implementation process. Presented by Kalaivani Ananthan, Mary Beth Weber, Amanda Clay Powers, Ann Marie Latini, Francesca Giannetti, Hadiyah Sellers, Jennifer Reiber, Naomi Gold, Priyanka Naik, Richard Jutkiewicz, Soo Lee, and Victoria Wagner.

    Overdue Since 1776: Curating America’s 250th Birthday With the Rutgers–Camden History Department – During the spring semester of 2026, Paul Robeson Library partnered with Professor Carly Goodman’s undergraduate History 304 class on an exhibit celebrating America’s birthdays. Members of the class each selected an item to showcase the variety of ways Americans marked these milestones. Together, they reveal two dimensions of our shared identity: on the one hand, spectacle and consumerism, and on the other, the unfinished work of the Revolution. Presented by John Powell (Paul Robeson Library).

    Evaluating AI-Generated Subject Terms for Cataloging Assistance – Brief MARC records lacking subject headings limit discovery. This study evaluates whether generative AI can assign accurate FAST subject terms using only call numbers, titles, and authors. Presented by Li Sun (Cataloging and Metadata Services).

    Evidence Synthesis Service Models and Current Practices among Academic Health Sciences Libraries in the United States – Academic health sciences libraries (AHSLs) have been providing systematic reviews (SRs) and other evidence synthesis (ES) services for many years. However, there are no established guidelines or standards for providing such services, let alone for integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) tools into the workflows of supporting evidence synthesis projects. A project was conducted to examine how academic health sciences libraries in the United States provide SR-ES services. This poster presents the findings from this examination. Presented by Yingting Zhang (Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences).

    Media without Limits – We are a team of student Accessibility Quality Assistants dedicated to making audio-visual content more accessible to diverse audiences by creating and refining accurate, high-quality closed captions for select videos provided by Rutgers University Libraries. Our process complies with closed-captioning guidelines that follow federal accessibility standards and aligns with industry practices used by major streaming platforms. We subsequently meet on a weekly basis to review, interpret, and modify guidelines with respect to contexts specific to each film or video. Our presentation gives an overview of our work and how we proceed with fulfilling the Libraries’ commitment to accessibility. Presented by Sanchita Dighe, Franzen Quicho, Snehal Sinha, and Cynthia Sitarz.

    Shipping Centralization: Delivering Success – An overview of the preparation, steps taken, and current progress of centralizing Shipping for the libraries. Presented by Luke Sangiamo (Logistics, Shipping, and Handling).

    Stronger Together: One RUL IT – A centralized IT model provides streamlined support, improved service delivery, and a more consistent experience across the organization. It strengthens communication, increases transparency, improves efficiency, promotes staff development, and enhances team coverage and backup support. By working as one team, we can deliver more reliable service and better support for you, our customers. Help us serve you better by submitting all technology requests through the IT ticketing system. Every ticket helps us prioritize requests, route them to the appropriate team member, distribute workloads effectively, track issues from start to finish, and ensure that no request falls through the cracks. Stronger Together: One RUL IT. Submit a ticket and let us help you! Presented by Abigail DiPaolo, Kalaivani Ananthan, and John Gibson (Administration and Technology).

    The Journey Towards Accessibility Compliance – Rutgers University Libraries have been working to comply with Title II ADA requirements for providing accessible digital content for users with disabilities. The Libraries Applications and Development team has taken the lead in the auditing, reporting, training and technical remediation of the Libraries’ interfaces and content. In this presentation, we’ll give an overview of the past year’s work and look ahead to areas of future focus. Presented by Antonio Barrera (Libraries Applications and Development).

    The State of Digital Strategies – The Digital Strategies department was formed within Collections and Digital Strategies as part of the 2025 reorganization of Rutgers University Libraries. This poster shares some of the developments, events, and accomplishments from the department’s first year. Presented by Isaiah Beard, Paige Morgan, and Caryn Radick (Collections and Digital Strategies).

  • Letter to the Libraries

    It has already been a full year since we set our reorganization in motion! In August 2025, we implemented a new organizational structure that replaced the historical divisional silos and aligned our staffing with functional priorities.  

    For a full year, we have had instruction and reference services that are coordinated across Rutgers; a universitywide research services team; and centralized digital services, information technology services, and shipping and receiving; and we have invested in professional enrichment opportunities for all faculty and staff. Through these coordinated efforts, we’ve realized a higher level of service, numerous work efficiencies, and cost savings. We’re also closer than ever to achieving our One Libraries vision. It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on and celebrate how far we’ve come. 

    As we all gear up for the busy fall semester, I want to thank you for all you are doing to welcome incoming and returning students, support teaching and learning, advance research and innovation, and engage our communities. 

    Please know that you have my appreciation (always) and enjoy the remaining weeks of summer! 

  • New Milestones for Robeson Undergraduate Research Award

    A group of people poses, smiling, with five people in the middle holding certificates.
    Left to right: Zara Wilkinson, Samantha Kannegiser, Tiffany Chan, Renuka Kumar, John Powell, Thaha Alam, Niayla Silvera, Emma Bogdan, Tom Risch, Regina Koury

     

    Paul Robeson Library celebrated the sixth annual Undergraduate Research Award on April 16 as part of the official campus SPARK! week (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge). Five undergraduates were awarded cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000 for their exemplary research projects making use of a range of library resources, collections, and services. Friends, family, and the Rutgers University–Camden community were invited to the award ceremony to hear the winners discuss their research.

    There were many firsts celebrated in this award cycle. This was the first time that:

    • All awardees are women.
    • There was a tie for first place.
    • One first-place winner is a junior.
    • A poster project won an award.
    • The New Researcher (first-year undergraduate) awardee scored as highly as some of the upper-level student awardees.

    This was also the second award cycle in which one of our previous awardees won for a second time. Emma Bogdan, 2026 runner-up, also won an honorable mention as a first-year student in 2023.

    Each year, Samantha Kannegiser, student success librarian, and Zara Wilkinson, reference and instruction librarian, facilitate the yearlong Undergraduate Research Award cycle. This year’s evaluation committee included Oscar Holmes IV, professor and director of the Rutgers University Student Executive Program and a professor and researcher in human resources/organizational behavior, School of Business–Camden; Jennifer Oberle, associate teaching professor, Department of Biology; and John Powell, reference and instruction librarian, Robeson Library.

    All winning projects will be added to the Paul Robeson Library Undergraduate Research Award digital collection.

  • Special Collections and Digital History Class Collaboration in Camden

    Image on left shows a person photographing a rolled up red blanket with a Rutgers Camden logo printed on it. Image on the right shows a room full of people seated at tables, working.
    Digital history students worked in groups to digitize and create web content featuring items from Special Collections at Robeson Library.

     

    Special Collections and Digital History Class Collaboration in Camden

    Over the Spring Semester, Special Collections at Robeson Library hosted Jesse Bayker’s digital history class as part of their class project commemorating Rutgers University–Camden’s centennial. Robeson librarian Bart Everts met with Bayker during the fall semester to plan how students might interpret the history of Rutgers–Camden and the region through items in the collection. When the class began in January, Everts provided an orientation including a history of the campus, best practices for handling archival items, and access and publication guidelines and restrictions.

    The students worked in groups, consulting with Everts to find items that best fit their area of focus, including Queer history, athletics, Black and Latinx activism, the Bancroft School, and campus publications. They then worked to digitize the items, create metadata, describe and interpret their selections, and ultimately host them on the course website with a finding aid. The class presented their project to history and library faculty at the end of the semester. Feedback from both students and faculty bodes well for further collaboration between Special Collections at Robeson Library and the Department of History. You can view the students’ work on the Digital Camden Archive.

  • Engagement Day 2026 Builds Connectedness

    Collage of two images. A person poses behind a 2-dimensional sculpture of a dress, and a group of people gathers around a different sculpture.
    Team-building activities included a sculpture and landmarks walk on Livingston campus.

     

    Engagement Day 2026 was held on Friday, May 22 at Livingston Student Center. About 90 Rutgers University Libraries faculty and staff gathered for a day of professional development and team building.

    The theme was Building Bridges: Creating a Connected Workplace. Connie Cinko, a human resources professional with a focus on learning and development, led the morning session. Framing the discussion with The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, Cinko led attendees through a series of interactive exercises to examine the core behaviors for a work environment that supports connectedness. Topics explored include trust, unconscious bias, respect, and communication skills.

    In the afternoon, employees chose from a variety of team-building activities. Tai Chi lessons on the patio were led by John Gaddy of John Gaddy’s Karate and Boxing Studio in High Bridge. Meditation sessions in the Gathering Place were led by Reka Somodi, senior director, promotion of well-being, from the Rutgers Health Office of Clinical and Health Affairs. Art librarian Megan Lotts led button making, events and program manager Elena Schneider led stone painting, and additional options included a self-guided sculpture and landmarks walk on campus, in addition to cards, board games, bocce, and giant Jenga.

    “Engagement Day is an important event for us as an organization,” said Consuella Askew, vice president for university libraries and university librarian, in her opening remarks. “It gives us the opportunity to come together across campuses, roles, and units—to reconnect, to reflect, and to strengthen the relationships that make our work possible and our organization successful.”

  • Staff Advisory Committee Town Hall: November 2025

    Andy Martinez, Chiaki Mills, and Corinne Suarez also contributed to this report.

    Powerpoint slide showing two silhouettes of human profiles, with the words, "Welcome. Purpose: Update, Engage, Listen. Responsibilities: Amplify staff voice, Advise leadership, Foster transparency.
    The Staff Advisory Committee Town Hall in November aimed to emphasize the importance of staff voices in shaping the committee’s initiatives.

    The Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) held a town hall on November 6. The purpose of the event was to emphasize the importance of staff voices in shaping the committee’s initiatives by encouraging participation from the Rutgers University Libraries staff. The committee hopes to amplify staff voices to advise leadership and foster transparency between the Libraries’ units.

    Report of the VPUL/UL

    Consuella Askew, vice president for university libraries and university librarian, began the meeting with an update on the Libraries’ strategic planning progress. She thanked Tony Nguyen and the faculty and staff who served on the Strategic Goal Writing Task Force for producing a comprehensive report and hosting a town hall. As a next step, the Libraries Leadership Team will take the task force’s recommendations and develop a more refined set of goals, objectives, and activities, along with an accompanying narrative to flesh out the strategic plan.

    Askew updated the group on the Libraries’ core services. A small group from the Libraries Leadership Team will develop documents that communicate these core services visually. The team will draft internal documents, which will be used to help inform operational decision-making, as well as external documents for advocacy to stakeholders.

    Mary Beth Weber’s work in her new role as coordinator for training and mentorship was also highlighted by Askew. Weber is working with a host of internal and external stakeholders, including SAC leadership, Planning Committee leadership, and the Libraries’ human resources manager, to create and deliver enrichment programming. She’s also charged with launching an internal leadership program, as well as externally focused educational programming that centers the Libraries as the intellectual hub of the university. The University Librarian’s Symposium Series on AI in Higher Education, launched on November 10, is a prime example of this external programming.

    Askew concluded her report with her thoughts on how the staff can demonstrate the Libraries’ contributions to the academic and research priorities of the university. She stressed how the SAC has played a vital role in building an inclusive work environment to further these goals.

    SAC Overview and Highlights

    John Gibson, SAC chair, gave an overview of SAC’s accomplishments for the year. He highlighted the development of the governance foundation, a staff resources page, and an anonymous feedback form. He also mentioned the group’s participation in workforce planning, DEI initiatives, and the AI task force. In addition, the committee is looking to launch mini-town halls, discuss enrichment proposals, and explore mentorship opportunities.

    Gibson also acknowledged the work of Secretary Roselyn Riley-Ryan and Ex Officio Hadiyah Sellers.

    Standing Committee Reports

    The standing committee chairs gave their group reports, highlighting each committee’s key contributions from the staff.

    The Governance Committee, led by Tracy Meyer, focused on bylaws, elections, and nomination cycles. The group is now preparing for Spring 2026 elections and is seeking new members to help with the committee.

    Andy Martinez of the Communications Committee reported on the workflow development of posting SAC minutes and the creation of a procedural manual. The group’s future goals include content writing and new stories published on the staff website and in The Agenda.

    The Enrichment Activities Committee, chaired by Andrew Ruggiero, reported on its goals of promoting wellness, leadership, and professional development. Current projects include safety training, tech learning, and staff recognition.

    Ruggiero concluded with some complimentary words for fellow committee member Grace McGarty. Ruggiero talked about how she brings out her best to serve others and that this was a guiding vision of the work of the Enrichment Activities Committee.

    Unit Representative Updates

    The town hall then moved on to some general updates from the individual units.

    Rutgers–Camden, represented by Jennifer Rieber (Robeson Library), asked if anyone with questions or feedback could please reach out to her as the unit representative.

    Isaiah Beard from Central acknowledged the work of retiring staff member Renee Clark. She has served in a range of roles in the Technical Services Building (TSB). Working for Rutgers since 1979, she had been in TSB making sure our materials reach our sites and the community we serve.

    Rutgers–New Brunswick, represented by Jamey Silverstein (Carr Library/Annex), acknowledged his fellow staff colleagues who, like him, are wearing many hats due to staffing shortages. He provided an update on Douglass Library, where work is in progress to renovate the Media Service Point for use by University Online Education Services.

    Video of the full town hall is accessible here:

    Staff Advisory Committee Town Hall – November 10, 2025

     

  • Realigning Library Services to Scale Research Support

    close-up of a hand holding research notes on top of a desk
    The Research Support Services group was formed to coordinate the development and delivery of library services that support research across the life cycle.

    In 2022, Rutgers University Libraries embarked on a comprehensive review of their organizational structure with the goal of improving operational efficiency, clarity, and communication. Part of this process involved the identification of service areas that could benefit from greater system-wide coordination and support. One of those areas was research support, which encompasses a broad range of specialized, high-touch services such as managing research data, conducting systematic reviews, and evaluating research impact.

    While traditional services like reference and borrowing have been centrally coordinated for years, research support evolved much more opportunistically in response to local needs, resources, and expertise as well as rapidly changing technologies, funding expectations, and modes of scholarship. While this approach allowed for the development of responsive and innovative services, it also led to inconsistencies in quality, coverage, and integration. It therefore became necessary to explore ways of scaling these services to meet growing demand across the university and ensure their sustainability.

    To help address this challenge, the Research Support Services (RSS) group was formed in the fall of 2025 to coordinate the development and delivery of library services that support research across the life cycle. Under the direction of the coordinator for research support services, this group is responsible for providing training, outreach, and support to researchers on topics such as:

    • Artificial intelligence
    • Copyright
    • Evidence synthesis
    • Open access
    • Research data
    • Researcher identity and impact
    • Scholarly publishing

    Reporting to the associate vice president for campus libraries, the goals of RSS are to:

    • Support researchers at all stages of the research life cycle, from project design to publication and beyond
    • Increase campus awareness and use of library research support services
    • Build capacity among library faculty to provide specialized research support
    • Foster a culture of open, ethical, and impactful scholarship
    • Continuously evaluate and adapt services to emerging research needs and trends

    RSS is composed of library specialists across the Libraries and organized in the following teams:

    Artificial Intelligence

    Members: Katie Anderson, Joanne Dera, Triveni Kuchi, Mei Ling Lo, Jonathan Torres, Sonia Yaco, Yingting Zhang

    Supports researchers in understanding how to use and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their research workflows, including guidance on:

    • Identifying and evaluating AI tools appropriate for research
    • Writing effective prompts, evaluating outputs, and documenting use of AI
    • Understanding the technical limitations and ethical implications of AI
    • Ensuring ethical and transparent AI use in compliance with academic integrity, intellectual property, and data privacy standards

    Evidence Synthesis

    Members: Matthew Bridgeman, Maria Deptula, Bart Everts, Mina Ghajar, Pam Hargwood, Samantha Kannegiser, Mei Ling Lo, John Maxymuk, Stephen Modica, Yingting Zhang

    Supports researchers in performing scoping, systematic, and other structured literature reviews, including guidance on:

    • Formulating a viable research question
    • Choosing an appropriate review methodology
    • Selecting relevant databases
    • Developing an effective search strategy

    Research Data

    Members: Francesca Giannetti, Triveni Kuchi, Laura Palumbo, Susan Oldenburg, Jonathan Torres, Ryan Womack, Sonia Yaco, Yingting Zhang

    Supports researchers in collecting, analyzing, documenting, and sharing research data, including guidance on:

    • Finding and accessing specialized datasets
    • Using data analysis and visualization tools
    • Creating data management plans
    • Selecting a repository for data sharing

    Researcher Identity and Impact

    Members: Joanne Dera, Mei Ling Lo, Jonathan Torres, Yingting Zhang

    Supports researchers in promoting their scholarly work and evaluating its reach, influence, and engagement, including guidance on:

    • Creating researcher profiles and identifiers
    • Interpreting bibliographic metrics like citation count, impact factor, and h-index
    • Using bibliographic tools to perform citation analyses
    • Using scholarly networking tools to promote their research and identify potential collaborators

    Scholarly Publishing, Open Access, and Copyright

    Members: Jeffrey Carroll, Maria Deptula, Rhonda Marker, Janice Pilch, Zara Wilkinson, Yingting Zhang

    Supports researchers in navigating the complex landscape of scholarly publishing, open access, and copyright, including guidance on:

    • Identifying reputable, high-impact journals for publication
    • Understanding author rights and negotiating publisher agreements
    • Identifying funding for article processing charges (APCs)
    • Ensuring compliance with funder and institutional open access policies
    • Navigating copyright and licensing issues

    Each team has a designated team representative who serves as a member of the RSS Steering Committee, which meets monthly to coordinate the delivery of research support services across libraries, develop standardized policies and best practices, and act as the primary decision-making and strategic advisory body for RSS. Additional information, including the group’s charter and meeting minutes, can be found on the staff website.

    To support this exciting work, a new Research queue has been created in LibAnswers. The queue can be used to direct questions on any of the aforementioned topics to the appropriate library specialists. Patrons can also send their questions directly to the queue by emailing ask_research@libraries.rutgers.edu.

    Library faculty and staff interested in learning more about the work of RSS are invited to attend an information session to be held in early spring. Details will be distributed via email. In the meantime, feel free to send any questions to me at jdeodato@rutgers.edu.

     

     

     

  • Promoting Well-Being Through Crocheting and Knitting

    Collage of images depicting people working with yarn and a close-up of a pumpkin craft
    Joyful Collégialité through Crocheting and Knitting, a monthly initiative at Smith Library, is funded by the Rutgers Health Joy at Work Mini-Grant Program.

    George F. Smith Library of the Health Sciences has successfully hosted four open crochet/knit gatherings in collaboration with the NJMS Crochet and Knitting Club, with a strong turnout of 36 participants, including New Jersey Medical School students, faculty, and staff. This monthly initiative, Joyful Collégialité through Crocheting and Knitting, is funded by the Rutgers Health Joy at Work Mini-Grant Program, which aims to promote a culture of well-being in the workplace, fostering belonging, human connection, and collegial support.

    Participation in the events has surpassed expectations, and the waiting list continues to grow. While the project is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, the Smith Library team remains committed to continuing the program well beyond the grant period.

    The workshops offer group and one-on-one skill-building opportunities for beginners and experienced crafters, creating an enthusiastic and engaging environment. Instructors Chun Yen Chen and Purvi Shakelly, both NJMS students, and Ermira Mitre, a library technician in Access Services at Smith Library, prepare pattern handouts and offer hands-on guidance. In addition, library technology, including OkidCam and SmartBoard, enhances live demonstrations of crocheting techniques through large-screen displays of stitching and pattern techniques, ensuring clear visual learning for all participants.

    The creative projects these workshops undertake are both joyful and skill building, ranging from seasonal items (e.g., pumpkins and holiday-themed coasters) to detailed, three-dimensional anatomical pieces (e.g., hearts and blood cells). The instructors also have incorporated a brief Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping practice to begin each session, sending calming signals to the nervous system and promoting a relaxing atmosphere for crocheting sessions.

    Survey responses highlight the program’s positive impact: reduced stress levels, increased joy through creative expression, and strengthened interpersonal connections. Participants consistently describe the workshops as restorative, uplifting, and community-building.

    Overall, this initiative has contributed to a more supportive campus environment and reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to promoting well-being, creativity, and collegial engagement across the Rutgers Health community.

  • Behind the Title: What I Really Do

    headshot of Rhonda Marker
    Rhonda Marker is head, open knowledge strategies, for Rutgers University Libraries.

    You’ve probably seen my job title—head, open knowledge strategies—and wondered what it means. My position is new, but it builds on work that many people in the Libraries have been doing for a long time. The short explanation is that my job touches on all things “open” at the Libraries to help our services thrive. Collaboration, leadership, and outreach are woven throughout all facets of my work.

    I have several distinct areas of responsibility. For each of these, I’ll summarize my role or give an example of what programs and services I’m responsible for.

    Rutgers’ Open Access Policy and Institutional Repository

    I’m responsible for increasing awareness of the university’s open access policy and institutional repository, Scholarly Open Access at Rutgers (SOAR). I keep our outreach materials up to date. Presentations and other resources on SOAR for use by library employees are available on the Staff Resources page under Project Outreach Materials. The latest addition is a single PowerPoint slide about SOAR that librarians can download and insert into their presentations about general library services.

    Open and Affordable Textbooks (OAT) Program

    I coordinate the OAT Program. So much is contained in that simple statement! Through OAT, the Libraries award research funds to Rutgers faculty who redesign their courses to use free or low-cost materials or who create a new open (and free) textbook.

    Open Access Publishing

    I advise current and potential journal editors and managing editors of the Libraries-hosted open access journals on best practices. All these journals are adding accessibility requirements and implementing workflows to ensure that articles are accessible. They have also begun to articulate their journals’ expectations of how editors, reviewers, and authors can use artificial intelligence tools.

    Transformative Agreements

    I lead outreach and promotion of open access publishing opportunities through the Libraries’ transformative agreements. I collaborate with others to report on the use of these agreements (e.g., Rutgers units and subject areas). Coming soon: a full presentation and a single slide about our transformative agreements.

    Electronic Theses and Dissertations

    I provide consultative guidance and programming to help our graduate programs uphold institutional policies and best practices. This year, the emphasis is on ensuring that all submitted electronic theses and dissertations comply with ADA Title II requirements for accessibility.

    Open Access Issues (access, ownership, and rights)

    I lead the planning of our annual Open Access Week programming. If you couldn’t attend October’s events, check out our recordings of the presentations.

    The best part of my work is the opportunity I have to collaborate with so many people. For SOAR, I get to work with Library Applications and Development and Cataloging and Metadata Services. For OAT, I team up with liaisons from all our chancellor-led units, Libraries central offices, and instructors across the university. I’ve included library liaisons in conversations with graduate programs about accessibility. By virtue of my position, I also participate in organizations such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance (with Jeff Carroll, I am a member of the BTAA’s Scholarly Publishing Peer Group), the Library Publishing Coalition, and SPARC’s Coalition of Open Access Policy Institutions (COAPI). Each of these groups is active and grappling with similar issues at our respective institutions.

    As the Libraries evolve, so will my role. I’m excited to keep learning and collaborating with you.

  • New Media Recording Studio at Robeson Library

    a room with a green screen and video recording equipment
    Robeson Library now has a Media Recording Studio.

    In Fall 2025, under the leadership of Rutgers University–Camden’s executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, Paul Robeson Library—along with the Office of University Online Education Services (UOES) and Rutgers–Camden IT—opened a Media Recording Studio on the second floor of the library (Room 290). This is the first recording studio of its kind at Rutgers–Camden.

    Current faculty and staff with a valid Rutgers NetID can use the studio to create video content for teaching and learning. Whether for short lectures, course introductions, updates, or hosting live sessions with students, the studio offers a simple and professional-quality production experience. No prior video experience is required—just bring your content and press a button.

    Individuals who need support can book a consultation with the Office of University Online Education Services (UOES). If no assistance is needed, the space can be reserved directly.