Letter from the Director
Welcome back! RIS is hitting the ground running this semester. We have several projects and task forces I’d like to share with everyone. This includes preparation for our reorganization and merger with graduate services. We are excited about these new opportunities and look forward to working along Crystal, Jennifer, Nashieli and Olga. (See more of their updates below!) We will also be continuing our virtual instruction and reference services during the spring semester.
— Karen
Spring Projects
Accessibility Task Force: Led by Amy and Mary Margaret, this task force will work with library staff in other units to revise the KSU Library System’s Accessibility Policy.
Research Guide Landing Page Task Force: Led by Amy, a group of RIS librarians will be working to evaluate the current Research Guide homepage and develop a new accessible and effective interface for our research support products.
Instruction Program Learning Outcomes Task Force: Led by Christina in collaboration with members of the RIS unit, this project will develop programmatic learning outcomes for the unit’s instruction program.
eLearning program development: Ashley H. will continue her work on the Content Development Guidelines, creating a tutorial storyboard template and coordinating a needs assessment in collaboration with other RIS librarians.
Fair Use Week: Led by Chelsee, this will be a new annual event that celebrates the importance of fair use (called fair dealing in Canada) and its doctrines. KSU’s celebration of Fair Use Week will incorporate presentations on topics such as copyright and author’s rights.
Continuing Services
- Virtual In-Person (VIP) Reference
- Undergraduate Online Instruction
- Virtual Research Consultations
Spring Practicum Student
This semester RIS will also be hosting a Practicum Student from Valdosta State University, Access Service’s Matthew Foley! He will be working with Carey at the Johnson library to grow and apply his skills in reference and instruction. Welcome, Matthew!
— Karen
What you hope to learn working with RIS this semester during your practicum?
In my years with the KSU Library system as the stacks coordinator, I have worked hand-in-hand with Technical Services and Collection Development, but very little with RIS. I love teaching, instruction, and outreach. I also love being in contact with students, staff, and faculty. I'm extremely extroverted and I work in libraries, which is a bit odd to begin with, but being in RIS, like Access Services, you get those opportunities more than most other library faculty and staff.
— Matthew
Scholarship
Ashley H. and Amy's article "Student-Centered Design: Creating LibGuides Students Can Actually Use" in January's issue of College & Research Libraries has received over 1,500 views!
Nashieli is excited to collaborate with Christina and Ana on their book Librarian Burnout.
Olga submitted her research report "Research Consortium: Building Research Capacity Through a Community of Practice" to the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education.
Professional Development
I began my fourth semester in Library School, and I am so grateful for the resounding support that I’m receiving from my colleagues at Sturgis. It really does take a village! I’m also looking forward to collaborating with Chelsee and Nashieli in the Fair Use Week Planning Committee.
— Jennifer C.
I started my first semester in KSU's Professional Writing Masters program. I'm exited to explore KSU and the library now as a student.
— Rachel
Good times with family and friends
Best wishes for a safe and healthy Spring semester!
Content copyright of 2021 RIS Unit. Layout by Jennifer Carter and Rachel Schrauben Yeates.
Credits:
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