Nancy Foasberg, Scholarly Communication Librarian.

Nancy Foasberg recently joined Research Services and Scholarly Engagement (RSSE) as the Scholarly Communication Librarian. RSSE works to “support research, teaching, and learning at Villanova University; enabling the discovery of, access to, and stewardship of a vast array of scholarly resources.”

“I’ve been doing scholarly communication work as part of my job for quite some time, but it was one of many responsibilities for me, so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to focus on it exclusively,” Foasberg shared of her new role. “Villanova seems like an exciting place to be! I also love this area – the natural beauty of the forests and the hills – and have many friends and family members nearby.”

Growing up in Gold Country (“Nevada County, home of the Empire Mines and the famous Malakoff Diggins!”), Foasberg earned her bachelor’s degree in english and spanish, and master’s degree in english from California State University, Chico. “I wrote my master’s thesis on Coleridge’s enigmatic, unfinished poem Christabel.” She earned her master’s degree in library science from Drexel University. “Once I graduated [from Drexel], I got a job at Queens College, CUNY, as the subject librarian for English and a few other subjects, which I enjoyed very much, but I gradually moved toward scholarly communication as I became convinced of the urgency of supporting open access.”

Foasberg is looking forward to supporting scholarly communication at Villanova University. “I plan to do a lot of outreach and education around scholarly communication issues including open access, authors’ rights, establishing a scholarly profile, choosing a publisher, and more.”

She will also be working to further develop the library’s scholarly communication initiatives including the Scholarship Open Access Reserve (SOAR) Fund. “SOAR can help you pay fees associated with open access publishing. I dream of one day establishing an institutional repository to support self-archiving. I am also very interested in pursuing some of the many other strategies by which libraries can support open access.”

In her free time, Foasberg enjoys playing board games. “I’ve been playing Eurogames since around 2004, but more recently have also come to appreciate more story-driven campaign-style games, since they play well with two players in quarantine conditions. I’ve enjoyed all three Pandemic Legacy games (yes, I decided to play Pandemic during a pandemic!), Gloomhaven, and most of all, Sleeping Gods, with its beautiful artwork, complicated world, and the ability to play on an atlas.  Having taken up competitive games again, though, I have really been enjoying Woodcraft, by Vladimir Suchy, who may well be my favorite of all game designers.”

Her reading recommendations for Falvey staff: “Right now, I’m in the middle of two series. The first is Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch series; so far, I’ve only read the first book, Ancillary Justice, which is incredible. It’s a story about a sentient spaceship, but it’s also a brilliant examination of identity and imperialism, set in an absolutely fascinating world (or set of worlds). It’s astonishing in all the ways that the best science fiction is, and I’m eager to read the other books in this series. I’m also re-reading Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series, a classic which I revisit quite often.”

She is looking forward to getting to know the community and encourages faculty, students, and staff to reach out. “I’m happy to be here, and I’m available to answer questions about copyright, publishing, and related subjects.” Foasberg’s office (218C) is on the second floor of Falvey Library.

Email nancy.foasberg@villanova.edu; 610-519-5075.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott wrote, “Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.”

In life, there is a lot of trying, and only a fraction of that trying ends up succeeding. It’s one of the few universal experiences of being human. In college, especially, trying at everything can become quite tiresome.

But to grow tired of trying is to never experience growth and to never succeed, and 0ftentimes, the things that are tiring are worth trying for. Remember, it is always possible to grow and get better, no matter the task. Perseverance rarely goes unrewarded.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, September 18

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Health Services Building 200 | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, September 19

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, September 20

Fall 2023 Falvey Forum Workshop: Gale Digital Scholar Lab-a-Text Analysis Platform | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Philosophy and Film Series on “Creativity and Madness”: Ed Harris’ Pollock (2000) | 5:30 p.m. | Room 415 | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Community | Light Refreshments Served

Thursday, September 21

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday, September 24

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash

If you’re a bookworm, today, Sept. 18, is Read an eBook Day, and luckily, Falvey’s vast collection of online books is at your disposal. Need a snack to go with your ebook? Today is also Rice Krispies Treats Day. If you don’t have any of these delicious marshmallow-y treats on-hand, the ones in Falvey’s Holy Grounds are amazing.

What’s the perfect way to end the last day of summer? An ice cream cone, of course. National Ice Cream Cone Day is this Friday, Sept. 22. If you want to get a taste of autumn, I highly recommend the pumpkin ice cream from Trader Joe’s (or Longacre’s Modern Dairy if you’re ever up in the Barto area).

Although it’s been fall for Dunkin’ and Starbucks lovers for weeks, Saturday, Sept. 23 is the Fall Equinox, the first official day of fall. Although we don’t have the perfect fall weather yet, hopefully it’ll be time to bring out your sweaters, flannels, and boots soon.

Need a self-care day? Innergize Day, a day dedicated to recharging your inner battery, is this Sunday, Sept. 24. Even if you only have a few hours, take some time to tend to your inner needs and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Tomorrow is 1842 Day, and Falvey invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, as well as friends, family, and supporters to join the fun by supporting the Library!

We will be celebrating on our social channels and in-person on the first floor of Falvey, so stop by! You might even win a prize!

Located at the heart of main campus, Falvey Library is the interdisciplinary academic center of the Villanova University community. Students, faculty, and staff visit Falvey over half a million times each year. Whether to discuss research with a librarian, attend a book talk with an accomplished author, or find a quiet place to write or study, a visit to the Library is an essential part of a student’s life at Villanova.

Gifts to the Library on 1842 Day over the past six years have helped enhance and impact many areas of the Library, and students and faculty benefit for generations to come. Past donations were used to purchase public health materials and preservation supplies for rare materials.

“Falvey Library connects so many aspects of Villanova’s past and present,” says Millicent Gaskell, University Librarian. “It is an intellectual hub on campus for students from every college. It is where treasures from the University’s history and collective memories are stored and preserved. And with the support from 1842 donors, we will continue to elevate our services and programs.”

Make your gift now!

Anne Morgan, Metadata Librarian.

Anne Morgan, Metadata Librarian, joined Resource Management & Description (RM&D). RM&D “builds and cultivates collections through acquisitions, licensing, description, discovery, and access to resources for Villanova scholars and community.”

“I will mostly be creating and editing metadata for library materials,” Morgan shares of her new role. “For example, I will be creating metadata for print books and eBooks—generally speaking, making sure that useful information about the books (title, author, etc.) is available for library users, and that the books can be physically located or accessed online.” Having done research with materials from the Digital Library’s Catholica collection, Morgan recalled her prior experience with Falvey Library when applying for the role.

Originally from St. Louis, MO, Morgan received a bachelor’s degree in history from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and a master’s degree in information studies from the University of Texas at Austin. In her free time she enjoys going to concerts. “I like listening to metal and industrial music.” She is also learning German. Her reading recommendations for Falvey patrons: I and Thou by Martin Buber. “I learned that Martin Luther King, Jr. referenced this book in his Letter from Birmingham Jail.”

Morgan’s office is located on the second floor of Falvey Library.

Email a.morgan@villanova.edu; 610-519-7821.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week.

Today marks the first day of Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month. Running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the diversity of Hispanic and Latine cultures globally and honors the honoring the contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout history. In celebration, this weekend’s recs will highlight some content to help get you into the spirit of the month.

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

If you have 4 minutes and 35 seconds…and love Pedro Pascal, watch this SNL sketch from when he hosted this year.

If you have 10 minutes…and want to better understand the differences between the labels “Hispanic” and “Latine,” read this article.

If you have 14 minutes and 2 seconds…and love America Ferrera, watch her TED Talk on her identity and representation in Hollywood.

If you have 1 hour and 46 minutes…and want to watch a Mexican film that made a big splash in the 2000s, watch Y tu mamá también, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. This film manages to perfect the formula for somewhat raunchy hijinks and emotional pull, everything you want in a road trip movie.

Bonus: if you’re interested in learning more about this film from the filmmakers and actors, read this article from the New York Times.

Photo by Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

If you have 2 hours and 3 minutes…and love historical biopics, watch Frida, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. This 2001 film follows Mexican artist and icon Frida Kahlo, famously known for her self-portraits.

Bonus: if you’re a fan of based-on-a-true-story films, you can also watch Roma, which follows an indigenous women navigating the political climate of 1970s Mexico while working as a live-in housekeeper and nanny for a wealthy Mexican family.

If you have 3 hours…and are a superhero fan, go see Blue Beetle in theaters. If you were a fan of DC’s Shazam, I think you’ll like this one. Featuring actors like George Lopez, Xolo Maridueña, Susan Sarandon, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Trujillo, and Becky G (among many others), this movie follows recent college graduate Jaime Reyes as he becomes Blue Beetle, a superhero located in the fictional Palmera City (that definitely seems to take inspiration from Miami).

If you have 8 hours…and are looking for a new book, read Neruda on the Park, available through inter-library loan. This book uses storytelling to highlight the impacts of gentrification on a Dominican family living in New York City.

Bonus: for more book recs, check out past GA Jenna’s Hispanic Heritage Month book list.

For more ways to celebrate, you can find a list of Villanova’s campus-wide Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month events here, including Falvey’s co-sponsored History of Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia event and sponsored Speaker: Dr. Irma Leticia Robles Moreno: “Peruvian Grupo Cultural Yuyachkani: Weaving Shared Memory Landscapes Through Theatre and Performance.”

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

“Access Services decided to add the power packs to our collection as part of a broader effort to revamp and expand the tech resources available to students at the service desk,” said Nicole Daly, Social Science Librarian, and former Access and Collections Coordinator.

“We wanted to make sure we were anticipating the needs of our students, and throughout the fall and spring semesters students were asking about charging stations. To meet that need we decided to add a selection of the most popular device chargers. We also added power banks so that students weren’t restricted to study spots near a power outlet. Adding these power banks offers students the ability to move around and find the perfect study spot, which is especially important during midterms and finals when study space is a hot commodity.”

View a full listing of equipment loans and borrowing policies here. Courtesy patrons are also eligible to check out items on an hourly basis. For additional information on courtesy memberships and borrowing policies click here. Please visit the service desk on Falvey’s first floor to check out equipment.

Questions? Stop by the service desk. View service hours here.

Email: circ@villanova.edu.

Phone: 610-519-4270. 

Portable power pack.

Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Library.

Hi, I’m Rebecca Amrick, Falvey’s newest Cat in the Stax! I’ll be writing articles covering a broad range of topics, from academics to hobbies to random events. All the while highlighting how Falvey Library can enhance your Villanova experience!

This Friday, Sept. 15, marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures and people of Hispanic and Latino descent. More specifically, recognizing and honoring the influence and achievements of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

In honor of the approaching holiday, I would like to highlight three important figures and their contributions to the Hispanic/Latinx community.

Julia Alvarez (Photo by Brandon Cruz González

Julia Alvarez

Though born in New York City in 1950, Julia lived in the Dominican Republic until she was ten years old, which was when she and her family moved back to the United States. She attended Middlebury College and graduated in 1971 before moving on to Syracuse University to earn her Master’s in Creative Writing. A prolific writer, much of Alvarez’s work explores the immigrant experience and bicultural identity, as seen in her novel How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents.

Dolores Huerta (Photo by Jay Godwin)

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta was born in April of 1930 in New Mexico. After graduating from Delta College, she taught elementary school in Stockton, CA before she was moved to help improve the working conditions of migrant laborers. She joined the Community Service Organization in 1955 where she met Cesar Chavez, and the two later founded the United Farm Workers Union. Huerta fought for to provide workers livable wages, safe working conditions, and protections through non-violent protests, boycotts, and strikes. Her negotiations with companies on workers’ behalves earned her the nickname “The Dragon Lady.”

Jorge Ramos (Photo by Bill Ingalls)

Jorge Ramos

Jorge Ramos is a bilingual journalist who was born in Mexico in 1958 and later moved to America. In 1986, he became the anchorman for the Spanish broadcast Noticiero Univision. As an anchor, in both English and Spanish programs, he interviewed many presidents and international leaders such as Barrack Obama, Fidel Castra, and Nicolas Madura. Ramos is known for asking tough questions and holding leaders accountable as well as for advocating for immigrants.

Rebecca Amrick is a first year graduate student in the English Department and a Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Today, Sept. 11, is the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the morning terrorists hijacked four American airplanes resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, including fifteen alumni.

Falvey Library honors the Villanovans, all those who lost their lives, and the first responders, by displaying a tribute each year to mark the tragic anniversary. The display, located in the lobby, lists the names of the Villanovans killed on 9/11 and is juxtaposed against flag designs and vases containing red, white, and blue flowers.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Emma, Jane Austen wrote, “You must be the best judge of your own happiness.”

Happiness looks different for everybody. For some, it’s in a room full of their closest friends, having fun without a care in the world. For others, it’s peacefully enjoying a good book or relaxing in the sunshine. Maybe it’s success in whatever you’re most passionate about. For me, it’s enjoying a cool Vermont morning in the summer, drinking an iced coffee, and enjoying the company of my loved ones.

Whatever it is for you, and you’re the best judge of your happiness, make time to do the things that make you happy. It’s important to enjoy the good moments in life, especially as stresses begin to pile up.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, September 11

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Health Services Building 200 | Virtual Option | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, September 12

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, September 13

Fall 2023 Falvey Forum Workshop: Introduction to Digital Humanities | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | ACS-Approved | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, September 14

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday, September 17

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

If video games are one of your favorite pastimes, tomorrow, Sept. 12, is National Video Games Day. No matter what game you’re into, whether it’s The Sims, Minecraft, GTA, or World of Warcraft, this is your opportunity to let loose and enjoy some video games.

Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash

If you need an excuse to let your inner child relive some happy moments, Roald Dahl Day is this Wednesday, Sept. 13. Roald Dahl was a children’s author who wrote memorable classics like Matilda, The Witches, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You can browse Falvey’s collection of Roald Dahl books, articles, and adaptations here. Personally, I will take any excuse I can to re-watch Matilda, available through Falvey’s DVD Collection. As a bonus, check out my blog on the library in Matilda, as a part of our Libraries Go to Hollywood series.

A great candidate for a PA state holiday, this Thursday, Sept. 14, is Eat a Hoagie Day. If you need a great on-the-go meal, you can celebrate by grabbing a hoagie (and, if you really want to roll with the regional vibe, grab one from Wawa).

Friday, Sept. 15, is the start of Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month, a month dedicated to honoring the contributions of Hispanic Americans in history and celebrating the diverse Hispanic and Latine cultures around the world. Be on the lookout for Falvey’s upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events on our Events & Exhibits page here.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

Photo courtesy of Jadyn Piotrowski.

As summer winds down, we’ve been seeing some of the prettiest sunsets.

Jadyn Piotrowski ’26 VSB, Communication & Marketing Student Assistant at Falvey Library.