University Authors’ Publications Honored at Annual Reception

Cheng Library showcases books and articles of University authors.

Brenda Marshall, Nursing Dept., Victoria Wagner, Cheng Library and Nhat Nguyen, Honors Student and Nursing major, authors of an article published in the journal, Psychology and Neuroscience.

The Cheng Library held its 27th annual reception for University authors on April 19, 2016 in the University Commons.  This yearly event acknowledges and celebrates the publications of William Paterson University’s faculty and staff.  It has evolved from a small gathering held in the  Library to a large, widely recognized and well-attended event. 

In recent years, the reception has become part of the University’s      Research and Scholarship Day activities.  This year, the events developed and expanded into more than a week of activities and was renamed   “Explorations 2016: Research, Scholarship and Creative Expression.” 

Dr. Edward Owusu-Ansah, Dean of Cheng Library, welcomed the faculty, staff and administrators to the reception.  He was impressed with the depth of knowledge and academic expertise demonstrated in the abundant publications exhibited. 

President Waldron noted the increase in the number and variety of publications.  Provost Sandmann mentioned the breadth and quality of the publications and how they truly represented the areas of research, scholarship and creative expression at the University. “This is a testament to what you do,” he stated.  Provost Sandmann also commented on the many articles which were co-authored by faculty and students. He also recognized the Research and Scholarship Council of the Faculty Senate for organizing the events and presentations associated with “Explorations 2016.”

In addition to the display of works at the reception, the library staff compiles and prints a bibliography of citations for all of the items displayed.  This bibliography is produced as a  booklet and includes citations for the books, journal articles, book chapters and other publications recently published by William Paterson University faculty and staff.  This year the bibliography was larger than ever.  Months before the event, announcements were posted, asking faculty to submit the citations of their publications.  Information was also gathered from the deans of all five colleges to compile the list of 364 entries, nearly double the amount of the previous year.

The variety of publications was also noteworthy.  Some faculty members published in both their ‘official’ area of expertise, as well as areas that they passionately pursue in their free time.  For example, Dr. Raza Mir of the Marketing and Management Department published numerous journal articles and book chapters in his field and he also edited and translated a book of poetry. 

Dr. Vince Parrillo of the Sociology Dept. published advanced editions of his textbooks, as well as a novel, Defenders of Freedom, a sequel to Guardians of the Gate published in 2013. Dr. Mathew Crick of the Communication Dept. wrote the book, Power, Surveillance, and Culture in YouTube’s Digital Sphere, and he also produced, directed and edited the documentary film Creature Feature: 60 Years of the Gill-Man, about the classic genre movie “Creature From the Black Lagoon.”  

In addition to publishing in traditional formats, some faculty have embraced electronic-only publishing and these works appear exclusively online.  One example of this growing trend is the essay co-authored by Prof. Lauren   Razzore, Art Dept., “Mary Reid Kelley” that was included in an online art journal, The Art Section.

One of the articles to include a student as co-author was published in Psychology and Neuroscience.  It was written by Prof. Brenda Marshall, Nursing Dept., Victoria Wagner, Cheng Library and Library liaison to the Nursing Dept. and Nhat Nguyen, an Honors Student and Nursing major.

The library staff plans to continue to support the growth of this event.  We are happy to accept publications and/or citations of publications by faculty and staff at any time of the year for inclusion in the next bibliography.  Many University authors also donate a copy of their book to the library.  Works by University authors are housed in a special collection in the Library’s Paterson Room.  

The next annual Authors’ Reception is scheduled to be held in April, 2017.  Please contact Pamela Theus, Asst. Dir. for more information about the reception:  by email at theusp@wpunj.edu or by phone at 973-720-2160.

May 31, 2016