Library Stories

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) held their annual meeting virtually August 11-13 2021.  This meeting draws librarians from a variety of fields including business, biotechnology, law, and academia. VCU Libraries Research and Education Librarian, Stacey Wahl, Ph.D., has been a member of SLA since joining the librarian field in 2018. Says Wahl: “SLA is a […]

Research and Education Librarian and liaison to the VCU School of Dentistry, Erica Brody, MPH, MSLS, is the new chair of the Medical Library Association (MLA)’s dental caucus. She has completed one year of service as dental caucus chair-elect and begins her term as chair in May 2021, which will be followed by a one […]

This interview series “Why We Choose Open: OER Stories” invites VCU community members to share why they use, adapt or create Open Educational Resources (OER) and what impact that work has on their students, teaching experiences, and/or career. Robert Godwin-Jones, School of World Studies2017 Affordable Course Content Award Recipient Project: Language and Culture in Context: […]

The landscape of scholarly publishing is changing with the shift from print to online and the introduction of open access journals, typically funded by author fees, to ensure free access to all. This environment has given rise to “predatory publishers” that engage in deceptive practices to make a profit. Consequently, researchers must be able to […]

Working with grant funding from the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and DBHDS, health sciences research librarian Talicia Tarver researched cost-saving and ways for Medicaid providers and employers to offer family and peer recovery and counseling services. This work is part of the Workforce Initiative project with DBHDS.   The project’s goal is to justify enhanced […]

Six long-time VCU Libraries employees have recently retired or will shortly be retiring: Pam Fraga, administrative office director Mary Jane (MJ) Green, Tompkins-McCaw Library service desk coordinator Diana Lively, library technician Thelma Mack, research and education coordinator Anita Mallory, acquisitions order manager John Ulmschneider, dean of libraries and university librarian An in-person celebration is, unfortunately, […]

The VCU Staff Senate has honored Research and Education Coordinator Thelma Mack of Tompkins-McCaw Library with the Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award. Mack was recognized for her tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in library services and programs. Over the course of her 14-year career with VCU Libraries, Mack has been actively engaged […]

In 2018, faculty members from the School of Nursing proposed redesigning a critical course in the curriculum–Nursing 371, which focuses on evidence-based practice. This core course, a requirement for graduation with a B.S. in nursing, is taken by about 300 students each year.   Using evidence in clinical decision-making is a key aspect of nursing practice that […]

Celebrate 2020 as the year of James Branch Cabell, beginning with the 100th anniversary of the seizure of the printing plates for Jurgen on Jan. 4, 2020. Jurgen was Cabell’s best known and most controversial book. A comic fantasy set in the mythical province of Poictesme (Pwa-tem), Jurgen was considered indecent by some. On Jan. 4, […]

After an exemplary 20-year career at VCU, John Ulmschneider, Dean of Libraries and University Librarian, has announced his decision to retire effective June 30, 2020.   Dean Ulmschneider began his role at VCU in 1999, having previously served in management roles at the North Carolina State University Libraries. “His leadership at VCU Libraries has played a […]