RCL Call for Reviewers: 2023

Apply your collection assessment skills and gain subject expertise

Posted on March 31, 2023 in News, Blog

Resources for College Libraries (RCL), the Choice/ACRL bibliography of essential titles for undergraduate teaching and research, seeks experienced subject librarians and academic faculty to serve as peer reviewers. We are currently seeking referees for the following RCL Arts and Humanities subjects:

American Literature • British Literature • Classical Languages and Literatures • Dance • Drama and Theater • French Language and Literature • General Language and Literature • Germanic Languages and Literatures • Italian Language and Literature • Music • Other Literatures in English • Philosophy • Religion • Russian and Eastern European Languages and Literatures • Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Literatures • Visual Arts

Reviewers are tasked with assessing the subject collection comprehensively, providing feedback and recommendations for editorial improvement. Peer reviewers evaluate how well the core title lists support the college curriculum, including collection assessment considerations centered on diverse publications, emerging scholarship, and historically underrepresented voices or perspectives.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a CV, along with a brief description of subject liaison and/or collection development experience in the discipline, to the RCL Project Editor, Anne Doherty, at adoherty@ala-choice.org. Preference will be given to those who apply by May 20, 2023. We are committed to pursuing equity and inclusion and seek reviewers with diverse racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, and disability experiences.

FAQs

What are the deliverables and deadlines? Reviewers typically produce a 1-2 pp memo with general recommendations, together with notes on particular titles to add/remove/update. Referee work is scheduled for completion by August 15, 2023.

What is the time commitment? The time commitment may vary based on the size of the subject collection and the reviewer’s knowledge and expertise. Most reviewers spend 7-20 hours, in total.

What materials will I receive? Selected referees will receive guiding prompts, an updated title spreadsheet, the subject taxonomy and scope note, and temporary access to the RCL database to help complete the review.

What are the benefits of participating? The RCL peer review can strengthen collection development skills, inform local projects, and build subject expertise. Past participants have noted that the review is “thoroughly rewarding,” “very educational,” and “invaluable from a professional development perspective.” Reviewers are acknowledged for their service to the professional service and contribution to a Choice/ACRL publications.

If you have additional questions, contact the RCL Project Editor. To learn more about Resources for College Libraries, a co-publication of Choice/ACRL and ProQuest-Clarivate, visit: choice360.org/products/resources-for-college-libraries/.

Related Posts