Library News
F.D. Bluford Library Assists Publishing Academic Journals
For the first time, F.D. Bluford Library is serving as the original publishing platform for academic e-journals. Founded by Dr. Alisa Taliaferro Russell, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs in the College of Education, the library’s inaugural journal, The Journal of Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs (QAGP), has been launched. Dr. Jacqueline L. Roebuck Sakho’s The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice debuted November 2024. Dr. Sakho serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership Studies and Adult Education. Both journals will be hosted in the library’s Institutional Repository.
The Journal of Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs (QAGP)
The Journal of Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs (QAGP) is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary academic publication focused on advancing quality assurance practices in educational settings. The journal features scholarly research, best practices, and innovative approaches to quality assurance within education and graduate programs. Key topics include:
- Program evaluation and assessment methodologies
- Accreditation standards
- Quality enhancement strategies
- Continuous improvement in educational settings
Dr. Taliaferro Russell said of this publication: “Academic institutions are under increasing scrutiny regarding their effectiveness and accountability, making the importance of quality assurance paramount. This journal aims to meet essential needs in our field, share best practices across various educational contexts, promote a culture of continuous improvement, and bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application.” She also thanks co-editors Dr. Nichole Smith, Dr. Paige Dunlap, and Dr. Sydney Richardson of NC A&T, and Dr. Quintin Boston of of the University of the District of Columbia for their contributions and support to the journal.
A significant goal of the journal is to support graduate students as emerging scholars and practitioners. Graduate students are encouraged to contribute as authors and reviewers, gaining valuable experience in the publishing process. This supportive environment helps them build credentials for careers or advanced academic pursuits.
The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice
Created by Dr. Jacqueline L. Roebuck Sakho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership Studies and Adult Education, The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice is a peer-reviewed journal that amplifies the voices and intellectual contributions of Black women.
This journal serves as a dynamic platform for exploring the intersections of race, gender, labor, and community through scholarly and creative works that challenge dominant narratives and offer new theoretical insights.
Dr. Sakho highlights the importance of this publication: “Despite significant contributions and experiences in academe, there remains a striking dearth of dedicated scholarly attention to the labor, writing, and research of Black women. As an open education resource, The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice aims to be a vanguard for epistemic justice and social transformation, globally.”
The journal welcomes diverse and innovative submissions, including essays, oral histories, ethnographies, poetry, and multimedia content. Key areas of focus include:
- The lived experiences of Black women across various contexts
- Theoretical frameworks rooted in cultural knowledge and activism
- Exploration of race, gender, and labor dynamics
- Challenging traditional epistemologies and narratives
F.D. Bluford Library’s Role
Digital Services Librarian Shavon Stewart, a member of the recently launched Digital Scholarship and Research Data Services department, who co-manages the Library's Institutional Repository underscores the significance of this initiative:
“As a digital services librarian with a background in data curation, I understand the importance of making research accessible. F.D. Bluford Library’s Institutional Repository becoming a publishing platform for academic e-journals is a significant milestone for the university. It underscores our commitment to open access, strengthens the library’s role in scholarly communication, and provides faculty and students with a platform to share their work with a global audience.”
Submit Your Research
To learn more about these journals and their submission guidelines, visit the library’s institutional repository:
- The Journal of Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs
- The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice
Are you a professor planning to launch an academic journal? Consider collaborating with F.D. Bluford Library. For more information, contact Digital Services Librarian Shavon Stewart at snstewa1@ncat.edu
For journal-specific inquiries, contact their founders:
Dr. Jacqueline L. Roebuck Sakho: jlroebucksakho@ncat.edu, The Journal of Creative Inquiry: Black Women Theories & Practice
Dr. Alisa Taliaferro Russell: astaliaf@ncat.edu, The Journal of Quality Assurance and Graduate Programs