Spotlight

Linda Galloway was recently appointed as biology, chemistry and forensic sciences librarian at Syracuse University Library. In this position, Ms. Galloway works with faculty and students to facilitate access to the information resources and tools necessary for their academic success. She will be involved in a number of collaborative initiatives to promote the Library's value-added content and connect researchers to the Library.

Prior to her current appointment, Ms. Galloway was an instruction, grants and reference librarian at SUNY-ESF. She has a BS in chemistry from Long Island University and an MSLIS from Syracuse University.

Ms. Galloway has served in leadership roles in the Upstate Chapter of the Special Libraries Association and is a member of the Academic, Chemistry, and Science and Technology divisions. She also serves on the board of the Pi Lambda Sigma Chapter of Beta Phi Mu, the international library science honor society. She can be reached at 443-9766 or Galloway@syr.edu.

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin on February 25, 2011 | Permalink

Peter Verheyen, head of Preservation at Syracuse University Library, collaborated with senior curator Debora Ryan on Fit to be Bound, the second exhibit in the Everson Museum's The Edge of Art: New York State Artist Series. The exhibition features artist books created by thirty-four artists currently living in New York State, the first survey of its kind at the Everson.

Ryan describes the exhibition as "an exploration of the various means by which contemporary artists have expanded and reinterpreted the notion of the book form, from the traditional to the sculptural, from paper to mixed-media, small-scale and oversized."

Four artists were invited to participate: Miriam Schaer, Tatiana Kellner, Claire Maziarczyk, and Drew Goerlitz. Thirty additional artists were selected by jurors Ryan, Verheyen, and Hannah Frieser, book artist and director of Syracuse University's Light Work, a non-profit, artist-run organization that provides direct support to artists working in the media of photography and digital imaging.

Verheyen, who is also a widely exhibited book binder and founder of the Book Arts Web and its e-journal The Bonefolder, will give a free talk on the book arts in general and in New York State on Saturday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Museum.

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin on May 6, 2010 | Permalink

Nancy Turner is not your typical librarian. One day she's roaming the floors of Bird Library jotting down notes about how students are interacting with one another while they study. The next day she's sitting with a student on the first floor of the Library while they draw their ideal library with markers and crayons. Some may wonder what she's up to, unaware that she's conducting serious research as a part of her anthropological study of library users.

Nancy is head of user research and assessment at the Library, charged with finding out what library users need and how effective the Library is at meeting those needs. Equipped with her degrees in anthropology, social science, and library and information science, Nancy uses a 'toolbox of methods' to make her discoveries. She conducts personal interviews, structured surveys, and usability testing with Syracuse University students and faculty to better understand how they are using the Library and what improvements they need to help them succeed academically. "I believe talking with patrons directly is the best way to gain honest insight into how they view the Library," Nancy says.

Nancy also conducts quantitative research to determine the Library's impact across campus. In one fifteen-minute block of time, Nancy discovered that students from 24 departments at seven schools and colleges came in to use Library resources and services. She collects information like this in a systematic way to help uncover ways the Library can change as new technologies emerge and students' research needs change over time.

She often takes her findings to library administration, where the students' concerns are addressed and their requests considered. Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Suzanne Thorin believes Nancy's work demonstrates the Library's commitment to supporting the entire campus community. "Nancy's position exemplifies Scholarship in Action. She's putting students' needs first to ensure that we're doing all we can to help them succeed."

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin on November 17, 2009 | Permalink

This fall, Syracuse University Library welcomed new Learning Commons Resident Librarians Tina Chan and Fantasia Thorne.

The Learning Commons Resident Librarian Program is new to the Library and provides experiential learning opportunities for new librarians interested in working with undergraduate students. Each Resident Librarian is appointed to a term of either two or three years. During this time, they are able to explore career opportunities under the guidance of experienced librarians. In return, they provide the Learning Commons with a steady infusion of the latest scholarship, research, and practices regarding undergraduate services.

Resident Librarians are within two years of receiving their master's degree in library/ information science. To increase the diversity of the Learning Commons staff, the program also requires that individuals be members of underrepresented populations.

These new positions fill a need within the Library and also provide an example of best practices in the profession. Learning Commons Director Lesley Pease particularly appreciates the mentorship aspect of the program: "So many times, new graduates begin their first professional assignment without the support and guidance of library professionals. This program creates a support structure that allows residents to explore the profession while fulfilling an important role as Syracuse University Librarians."

Tina and Fantasia both graduated from Simmons College with Masters in Library Information Science (MLIS) degrees. As Resident Librarians, they provide core services, such as reference and student outreach, while contributing to other Learning Commons initiatives. They will also conduct research on undergraduate student learning and communication behaviors.

Both Tina and Fantasia are excited by the prospects of their new positions at Syracuse University Library. They share a passion for helping people and are looking forward to interacting with students.

As an undergraduate student, Tina spent a lot of time in the library and routinely asked librarians for help finding resources. "Not only did they help me in my research, they inspired me to become a librarian. After learning about my interests, they encouraged me to pursue an advanced degree. They are the reason I'm here at S.U." She looks forward to having a similar impact on student's life and work. She is particularly excited about the Learning Commons practice of "roving research" where librarians seek out students who may need help. She believes this is the best way to help students because it meets them where they are, both physically and literally.

Fantasia hopes her experience in technology will contribute to, improved communication with students. As a Resident Librarian, she will teach classes on conducting research to Writing 205 students. Fantasia enjoys teaching and looks forward to her role as a mentor. She was drawn to SUL's residency program because it specifically sought out members of underrepresented populations to enable the Learning Commons to reflect the diverse student body it serves. She believes encouraging diversity in the field is important and applauds the Library for this aspect of the residency program.

Posted by Pamela McLaughlin on November 5, 2009 | Permalink