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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Magic, Serendipity, Discovery, and the Poetry Machine

Essay, , , , ,

Joshua Finnell
Associate University Librarian
Director of Research & Scholarly Initiatives
Colgate University

A Brief History of Vending Machines

The Hellenistic Age is not often considered a golden era of  automation, but inventors such as Archimedes, Heron of Alexandria, Ctesibius, Dionysius of Alexandria and Philon of Byzantium were some of the first inventors to ponder the development of a mechanized world. Some modern scholars have even revisited this time period to uncover Artificial Intelligence’s “ancient origins.”1 Fanti, Lucrezia, Dario Guarascio, and Massimo Moggi. 2022. “From Heron of Alexandria to Amazon’s Alexa: A Stylized History of AI and Its Impact on Business Models, Organization and Work.” Journal of Industrial and Business Economics 49 (3): 409–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40812-022-00222-4. Whereas Ctesbius invented the first self-regulated water clock, Philon of Byzantium developed the world’s first robot – a life-size servant that automatically poured wine into an empty cup placed in its left hand.2Rossi, Cesare. 2016. “The Beginning of the Automation.” In Advances in Robot Design and Intelligent Control, edited by Theodor Borangiu, 59–67. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21290-6_6. Perhaps the most surprising invention to emerge from this era is the vending machine. Credited to Heron of Alexandria, the world’s first vending machine dispensed water for ritualistic cleansing before entering temples in Egypt.

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  • 1
    Fanti, Lucrezia, Dario Guarascio, and Massimo Moggi. 2022. “From Heron of Alexandria to Amazon’s Alexa: A Stylized History of AI and Its Impact on Business Models, Organization and Work.” Journal of Industrial and Business Economics 49 (3): 409–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40812-022-00222-4. ↩︎
  • 2
    Rossi, Cesare. 2016. “The Beginning of the Automation.” In Advances in Robot Design and Intelligent Control, edited by Theodor Borangiu, 59–67. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21290-6_6. ↩︎