Yearly Archives: 2025

Filling the Lacuna: The Ozarks Jewish Archives – A Piece of Ozarkiana and American Judaica

Peer-Reviewed Article

Anne M. Baker,
Head of Special Collections and Archives, Missouri State University

Mara W. Cohen Ioannides,
President of Midwest Jewish Studies Association

Abstract

“Filling the Lacuna” explores efforts to discover and preserve the Jewish history of the Missouri Ozarks. As late as the 1990s little was known about the Jewish story in the region. A research project exploring the role of women in the Jewish community brought home the need to preserve the archival record of the community. With support of Jewish leaders, Missouri State University founded the Ozarks Jewish Archives in 2004. Today the Archives holds records of the local synagogue, family papers, oral histories, photographs, and ephemera, adding to the story of a group not often associated with the Ozarks.

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Discovering the Dynamic World of Online Learning Librarians

Peer-Reviewed Article, , , , ,

Daniel E. Feinberg, Online Learning Librarian
Sarah Moukhliss, STEM Online Learning Librarian
Thomas G. Carpenter Library
University of North Florida

Abstract

Historically, the role of Online Learning Librarians (OLLs) has been ambiguously defined within the literature. This paper, authored by two OLL colleagues at the University of North Florida, aims to clarify the roles and perspectives of an OLL and a STEM OLL, thereby contributing to the clarity of their profession and the existing literature. The authors also explore key attributes that new professionals can develop to succeed in this dynamic role, addressing common questions posed by colleagues and faculty.

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Not Just a School Librarian: Navigating Identity During a Career Pivot

Essay, , , ,

by Kaitlyn R. Carpenter, MLS, MLIS

Introduction – A Moment of Tension

Sitting in the cafe with a colleague I admire, I watched as she tore my first attempt at a curriculum vitae (CV) apart. Every criticism held an undertone of ‘I know you do more than this’ and ‘this is a CV of just a school librarian’. Her daughter recently graduated from the high school I have been serving as the solo librarian at for the past three years, so she was well aware of the extent of work I put into my current position. She gave me the valuable advice that the hardest part of my transition from high school librarian to an academic librarian would be “breaking the bias” because so many librarians are siloed in their own areas that we each have our own preconceived notions of what each other does. Next, she gave an example of what many academic librarians would think when seeing my current CV, “How cute, you gave little Jenny a romance book!” This comment both raised my hackles ready to fight and defend school librarians, but also made me hang my head in defeat and think ‘yeah, who am I kidding trying to make this leap? I am obviously not qualified.’ As a school librarian, I feel this dichotomy often—the feeling of fierce independence and confidence, while also feeling that I have no value as a librarian outside of the k12 environment.

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We Have Glue and a Dream: A Case Study on Just for Fun Outreach at the Lemmen Library and Archives

Peer-Reviewed Article, , ,

Leigh Rupinski, Archivist for Public Services and Community Engagement
Katelyn Fletcher, Research Services Assistant
Grand Valley State University Libraries

Abstract

Although the archival field has come a long way towards making outreach a more integral function of archivist positions, it remains difficult to fully define and assess. Categories of outreach are broad, often focusing on time-consuming or budget-hefty projects such as exhibitions and workshops. Less has been written about “just for fun” outreach; the kinds of activities that center fun and joy with less immediate payoff in assessment and impact reports. However, they remain one of the only ways to engage the community with archival holdings outside of the Reading Room or classroom. It is through these more modest outreach efforts that archivists can reach further than traditional audiences and embrace the idea that archives are for everyone.

This case study will discuss three examples of how just for fun outreach in the Lemmen Library and Archives at Grand Valley State University has created a community-centered space that encourages students to interact with the archives, even if they are not actively researching with the holdings.

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Shaking Up the Shelves: Navigating Change at Mississippi State University Libraries

Peer-Reviewed Article, , ,

KC New, Assistant Professor, Digital Humanities Librarian
Blair Booker, Assistant Professor, Education Librarian
Melody Dale, Associate Professor, Science & Engineering Librarian
Mississippi State University Libraries

Abstract

Librarianship in our country has transformed from the early days of book-boxes to the dynamic service centers of today. Mississippi State University Libraries is no different and has seen a rapid transition from the rooms of a dormitory basement into a vibrant system of libraries providing user-centered service to a dynamic university. Over the last 150 years, MSU Libraries staff and faculty have engineered key developments in departmental structure, resource management, and virtual reference integration all while navigating major personnel changes. By examining the library as a “third place” and improving communication strategies, MSU Libraries has adapted to technological, institutional, and cultural shifts while maintaining its core mission of service and access.

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