Notes from the Stacks

Featured Articles

• Textbook Affordability

  As part of its commitment to supporting student success, CWU Libraries is promoting course material affordability through various strategies. Textbook costs continue to rise at a time when our independent campus bookstore is at a crossroads in service models to stay financially viable. Amidst these challenges, CWU Libraries is positioned to assist faculty in finding alternatives to expensive course materials, and we have implemented several initiatives to reduce the financial burden these materials place on students. 

  Working with data from the campus bookstore regarding which textbooks are assigned each quarter, CWU Libraries is reaching out to faculty when these materials are already available in our collection so that they can alert their students. By borrowing through the libraries when available, many students can save hundreds of dollars each quarter. For materials not already owned by the libraries, faculty may request to have CWU Libraries purchase eBooks for use in their courses, effectively transferring the cost of textbooks from the student to CWU Libraries; this option is only available within budget allowances and book availability. Faculty are also encouraged to place textbooks and other course materials on reserve at the libraries service desks for short-term checkout.  

  A particularly impactful initiative in support of course material affordability is the adoption of open educational resources (OER)– no-cost, freely available course materials– in place of traditionally published textbooks. OER are typically written by content and subject experts who are researchers or teachers, and many are customizable, permitting faculty to select or create course materials tailored to the needs of their students. CWU librarians are available to assist faculty in finding and using OER in their courses. 

  CWU Libraries aims to continue promoting the adoption of OER, creating incentives for faculty to use and create them. Faculty will also be encouraged to consult the library catalog or work with a librarian when selecting their course materials, so that they may choose materials that are freely available through the libraries. In helping the campus adapt and move forward in this dynamic textbook landscape, CWU Libraries is adopting a multifaceted approach to help reduce costs for students, including: seeking additional funding to facilitate eBook purchases, creating clearer directions for faculty when making textbook selections, and working to create a Courseware Affordability Librarian position to bring sustainable solutions to these ongoing issues.  

• CWU Libraries Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of the LIS Program

  

  The Library and Information Science (LIS) Minor and Certificate Program was established in 2014 to provide students an opportunity to learn more about the Library and Information Science profession through coursework and internships at the undergraduate level. Classes, taught by library faculty, are offered virtually so students not on the physical Ellensburg campus can also access them. Internships are also available, both in person at libraries, archives, and genealogical societies, or virtually, for course credit.  

  Both traditional and nontraditional students have received the minor or certificate, including individuals who have worked in a library for many years and want to increase their knowledge in the field, those wanting to learn more about LIS before continuing their education and pursuing a master’s degree in it, or those wishing to gain knowledge and experience before working in a library or related repository. Courses in the program focus on access, information sharing, digital research methods, archives, and developments and current trends in the field. An assessment of the program was conducted in 2019 at its five-year mark. Courses are also routinely assessed and learning outcomes are updated as needed.  

  There are 17 alumni of the LIS Minor and 21 alumni of the LIS Certificate. Current enrollment is 45 students. Tanisha Roman, a 2023 graduate of the LIS Program, was featured in the Spring 2023 issue of Notes from the Stacks. LIS program graduates have gone on to work in academic, public, and school libraries, pursue careers in data analysis, and are active professionally in state library associations.     

  On Friday, May 10 from 1 p.m.-2 p.m., there is an online event “Career Spotlight: Information Professionals” that is open to CWU community members and the public. The panel will discuss what is needed to become an information professional, their job responsibilities, and the type of repository they work in. Students considering a career in library and information science are encouraged to attend. Event information and registration is available on our calendar.  

  The LIS program currently offers an LIS certificate with a total of 14-16 credits. To learn more about it, course offerings, and how to apply, visit our program listing. 

  For questions about the LIS Certificate Program, contact Instruction Coordinator Professor Elizabeth Brown at elizabeth.brown@cwu.edu. 

• Meet CWU Libraries Partners: Wildcat Pantry & Basic Needs

  

  CWU Libraries values and recognizes our service partners: The Wildcat Pantry and Basic Needs, located in room 101C in Brooks Library. We recently caught up with Brady Smith and Andrea Guillen to explore their services and collaborative efforts in supporting food insecurity programs and basic needs initiatives at Central Washington University. 

  The Wildcat Pantry's mission is to empower students, remove barriers to essential resources, and support holistic well-being. Their goal is to make CWU a place of prosperity and belonging and to address systemic issues to ensure that every Wildcat has access to nutritious foods and basic needs. They provide free groceries, household items, essential clothing, and programming to engage students.  The Pantry serves as a hub for students to receive information about basic needs resources, one-on-one consultations, and navigating additional resources.  

  As Wildcat Pantry Coordinator, Brady coordinates all aspects of the Wildcat Pantry and is the only full-time staff member. He oversees three part-time student employees and a team of volunteers that are fundamental to keeping the pantry open. His role involves procuring food and other essentials, creating programming to engage students, and most importantly, ensuring the pantry is open and accessible to students. He also leads the Wildcat Essentials Coalition, a group of CWU and community leaders dedicated to creating solutions for students facing basic needs insecurities.  

  As Basic Needs Resource Coordinator, Andrea’s goal is to establish a hunger-free campus that addresses basic needs. She oversees connecting students to appropriate resources and services. Her role involves leading initiatives that focus on assessing existing systems and identifying ways to enhance basic needs resources at CWU. She also administers the WSAC Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Grant and is currently connecting eligible students with the grant and facilitating additional on- and off-campus resources. 

  Both Brady and Andrea work for the President’s Office supporting their essential services within the Wildcat Pantry; as Brady commented, “Neither would be successful without the other.” During spring quarter the Wildcat Pantry hours are: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Brady can be reached at wildcatpantry@cwu.edu and Andrea can be reached at guillenhera@cwu.edu. 

   

• Accepted Donation Items

  • Gently used books
  • New books
  • Paperback books
  • Hardback books 
  • Children's books
  • Young adult books 

• Donation Items Not Accepted

  • Records/LPs
  • Cassettes
  • VHS 
  • Magazines 
  • Textbooks
  • Books that have been stored in a barn