Stevenson Library Launches “Read” Poster Campaign

April 6, 2012

Lock Haven University’s Stevenson Library celebrates National Library Week from April 8-14 with the publication of three “Read” posters. The prints feature individual faculty members from the English, Chemistry and Criminal Justice departments, and can be seen in the library and at various points across campus.

The “Read” poster format, popularized by the American Library Association, promotes reading by featuring authors, celebrities and public figures with favorite books in hand. Stevenson Library continues the idea in what it hopes will be an ongoing tradition. Interim director Brenda Corman says, “We wanted to localize this ALA campaign and invite several faculty members outside of the library to participate. It’s not only a fun project, but it also gets an important promotional message out there to faculty and students.”

Drs. Tracey Cummings, Kevin Range and Edward Bowman participated in this first series of posters. The prints feature each faculty member holding a book, and standing in front of a discipline-related background. Dr. Bowman states, “There’s an intimate connection between reading and writing. You absolutely cannot do one without the other. I read to enhance the effectiveness of my rhetoric. These posters are a great way to get this message across to my students and to others.”

Project supervisor Brian Ardan notes that the library has increased its journal holdings from several hundred to over 30,000 electronic periodicals, and continues to grow its book collection with over 80,000 electronic books, in addition to around 200,000 print titles. While students are aware of the large amount of resources available in the library, he feels that outreach efforts to faculty are equally important. “Faculty members are incredibly busy, and often don’t have time to check out the latest collections and services here in Stevenson. We want to make sure that we’re on their radar as an integral part of their instruction as well as their own research. A project like this represents a highly visible, and fun, means of working together to promote library services among our colleagues.”

Anyone desiring additional information on Read posters, or wishing to obtain a copy for display in their own building or departmental office can contact Brian Ardan at 484-2321.