RCL Call for Reviewers

Build expertise and contribute to the profession

Posted on April 23, 2021 in News, Press Releases

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. Reviewers are tasked with assessing the subject collection comprehensively, providing recommendations for editorial improvement and constructive feedback on how well the core title selections support the college curriculum. This is a one-time professional service opportunity.  

We are currently seeking referees for the following subjects:

RCL History and Interdisciplinary Studies

African American Studies • African History, Languages, and Literatures • American Studies • Ancient History • Asian American Studies • Asian History, Languages, and Literatures •  Criminal Justice •  Environmental Studies • European History • Film Studies • GLBT Studies • Gender Studies • Latin American History  • Latino Studies • Medieval Studies • Middle Eastern History, Languages, and Literatures • Native American Studies • Renaissance Studies • United States and Canadian History • Urban Studies • Victorian Studies • World and Comparative History

RCL Career Resources*

Allied Health • Building and Construction Trades • Business • Communication • Computer and Information Technology • Criminal Justice and Law • Education • Engineering and Technology • Graphic and Apparel Arts • Human Services • Sciences  

(*Subject collections for two-year programs and community colleges)

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 June 1, 2021. We are committed to pursuing equity and inclusion and seek reviewers with diverse backgrounds and new perspectives to the RCL work.

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, 2021.

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” and a “very good collection development exercise.” 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 at adoherty@ala-choice.org. To learn more about Resources for College Libraries, a co-publication of Choice/ACRL and ProQuest, visit: choice360.org/products/resources-for-college-libraries/.

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