By Andy Rutkowski and Raymond Pun

Maps are incredible and powerful primary sources that can be used to inform and engage learners about the complexities of human geography. Today there are tons of free digital map resources such as NYPL’s Map Warper and the Library of Congress’ Digital Map Collections. These digitized maps can be used to teach visual literacy across the disciplines, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what’s possible when incorporating maps and geographic information systems (GIS) in library instruction. In this interview, Andy Rutowski, Visualization Librarian at the University of Southern California (USC) Libraries, shares some ideas that he’s been working on to promote information and data literacies through maps and GIS tools.

By Annie Pho and Raymond Pun

With rich library collections and services, UCLA is considered to be among one of the top academic research libraries in world. In this interview, FYE Correspondent Ray Pun interviews Annie Pho from UCLA Library. Annie shares how the library supports FYE through a number of activities including the common book program, embedded librarianship, and collaborative assessment services.

Many libraries from around the world are celebrating Open Access (OA) Week by hosting events, activities, and workshops for their larger academic communities to discuss the issues, challenges and benefits of open access in scholarship and research. This is an opportunity to exchange new ideas and discoveries freely, share scholarship and data, form collaborations and partnerships, and dismantle barriers to education and research.

I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd National Joint Conference of Librarians of Color also known as JCLC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 1000 registered attendees from all over the country, the theme for this year’s conference was “Gathering All Peoples: Embracing Culture and Community.” From “Cultural Humility for Library Workers” to “Environmental Justice at Your Library and in Your Community,” many exciting sessions offered opportunities to engage and develop professionally and personally.

Last Monday, October 8th, many states and cities observed Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing indigenous peoples of America in order to appreciate their shared culture, history, and contributions. I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic lately in relation to my work as an academic librarian.

Data literacy is defined as the ability to read, interpret, understand and create data as information. We’ve written a blog post on how to teach data literacy using Credo including tips and assignments to engage with your students. A great resource for delving even deeper is the new open access publication, Creating Data Literate Students  (2017) edited by Kristin Fontichiaro, Jo Angela Oehrli, and Amy Lennex.

By Ann Matsushima Chiu and Raymond Pun

Zines are fascinating primary sources for self-expression, creativity, engagement, and research. They are self-published work that often include a variety of texts and images on any topic such as health, literature, activism, science fiction, and many more. Providing useful perspectives, some are written by marginalized voices not often included or cited in scholarly resources. By encouraging readers to visualize and reconsider topics, zines can help people reflect upon their own experiences and the experiences of others. Many libraries have added zines into their collection, with some even organizing zine-events where participants can create their own zines. In this interview, Librarian Ann Matsushima Chiu shares her experiences supporting zines in library instruction and programming.

By Lisa Campbell and Raymond Pun

In this interview, FYE correspondent Ray Pun speaks with Lisa Campbell, an academic librarian at the University of Florida, about her work supporting first year students. Lisa talks about collaborating with student support programs such as AIM and PODEMOS, and discusses her strategy for overcoming the challenges of providing instruction at an institution with such a large student population.

The International Federation of Libraries and Associations (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2018 just ended last week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over 3500 attendees came to this year’s conference in Malaysia. Participants came from all over the world including Myanmar, Brazil, New Zealand, Serbia, Sierra Leone, and Spain, and the topics of discussion ranged from scholarly communication to sustainability to linked data.

By Christal Young and Raymond Pun

FYE Correspondent Ray Pun spoke recently with Christal Young of USC Libraries about her work supporting first year experience programs through a number of creative activities and engagements. In this interview Christal shares her thoughts on the importance of the library’s role in facilitating connections for students who are new to campus through many interactions and services including a virtual hub.