Lynda Kellam receives 2013 UNCG School of Education Early Career Alumni Award
Congratulations to Lynda Kellam, winner of a 2013 UNCG School of Education Early Career Alumni Award! The Early Career Award recognizes achievement in the profession 8 years since graduation.
Biography:
Lynda Kellam graduated with her MLIS from UNCG in May 2007, and at which time assumed the position of Data Services and Government Information Librarian at UNCG Libraries. She has been active at UNCG in connecting students and faculty, especially those in the social sciences, with the information they need to ensure their academic success and research endeavors. She has also taught an undergraduate class for the Political Science Department as well as Ashby Residence Hall. In addition to her contributions to UNCG, she is active in the Library and Information Studies Alumni Association (UNCG), serving as Communications Officer since 2009 which includes maintaining its blog. Furthermore, she is currently serving as co-coordinator of the Library and Information Studies Department’s Professional Mentoring Program, which starting in January 2012 has been connecting library and information students with a professional mentor.
In the five years since graduation Kellam has been made over 30 presentations at regional and national conferences and taught five workshops focusing on library technology, and published five journal articles, one book chapter and a book. Co-authored with Katharin Peter, Numeric data services and sources for the general reference librarian (Oxford: Chandos Publishing, 2011) covers online data sources, numeric data services, Web 2.0 visual and mapping tools, and the use of statistics and data in library instruction. Furthermore, Kellam blogs about data sources and shares her library experiences on her own blog.
In addition to her scholarly and creative contributions, Kellam is active in state and national professional associations, taking on leadership roles such as Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, 2012-2013, of the Law and Political Science Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, and Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, 2009-2011 of the Government Resources Section of the North Carolina Library Association. Lastly, her achievements include being the recipient of several conference travel scholarships and in 2010 Kellam was selected as an American Library Association Emerging Leader, a leadership development program for new librarians. Here are links to her CV and her LinkedIn page.
Lynda Kellam will not be present at the following event, as she will be at the ACRL Conference. Please send congratulations along in person or electronically.
2013 UNCG School of Education Alumni Awards Celebration
Featuring a special panel discussion on NC Education Reform in Early Literacy
Friday, April 12, 2013 • 3:00pm
School of Education Building, Room #120
Please join the UNCG School of Education as we celebrate the accomplishments of distinguished School of Education alumni for their dedicated service to UNCG and their communities during our annual Alumni Awards ceremony.
The Alumni Awards Celebration will begin at 3:00pm with a panel discussion on North Carolina Education Reform in Early Literacy, followed by the Awards Ceremony.
Topics to be discussed at the panel discussion include the Read to Achieve Initiative, description of reading 3-D assessments required in K-3 grades for the State of North Carolina, the impact on school systems, principals and administrators on these initiatives, as well as discussion on how the Read to Achieve Initiative, including the new Foundations of Reading teacher licensure exam, affects higher education faculty in their teacher preparation planning.
Guest panelists to include:
* Beth Folger, Chief Academic Officer, Guilford County Schools
* Carolyn Guthrie, Head of Division of Early Literacy, NC Department of Public Instruction
* Constance Hash, Principal, Forest Park Elementary School (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools)
*Pamela Williamson, Associate Professor, Specialized Education Services, UNCG School of Education
Dean Karen Wixson of the UNCG School of Education will serve as moderator for this discussion.
Admission is free and open to the public.
2013 Cora Paul Bomar Lecturer: Susan Sharpless Smith
Susan Sharpless Smith
What is your current position and what does it entail?
I am currently Associate Dean at Z. Smith Reynolds Library. I was promoted into this newly created position in August of 2011. Officially, my responsibilities include “strategic planning, building renovation projects, budgeting, digital initiatives, grants and special projects and to provide oversight for the scholarly communication program and faculty.” Practically, these are fairly broad charges and I get the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of interesting projects.
Do you have any projects going on that you are particularly excited about?
I have several interesting projects either in process or on the horizon. Last year we went through a strategic planning refresh, and developed a set of priorities that we will be addressing over the next few years. One of these is to establish a Digital Scholarship unit that will be comprised of our current Scholarly Communication Librarian and a new Digital Initiatives Librarian. Within this unit, we plan to position ZSR Library to cover the wide range of digital needs that span the academic and administrative domains of the University. I’ve always loved being in a position to help shape new services and look forward to leading the development of this new unit in the Library. Another new initiative for our Library is our participation with the Wake Forest Fellows program, which gives recent WFU graduates the opportunity to work in a higher education environment for the year following graduation. For the first time, we will have a fellow at the library. We are in the midst of interviewing an impressive group of seniors to find our first fellow who will be with us for the next academic year. One smaller project that we will be undertaking this spring involves ZSR Library establishing two open-air reading rooms on campus. Modeled after the Bryant Park Reading Room, these will add to the other outdoor space enhancement projects being implemented on the Wake Forest Campus.
What makes you excited about our profession looking forward?
I find it wonderfully exciting that the very nature of libraries is being redefined and transformed. The systemic disruptive changes that are happening in the world of information are having, and will continue to have, great impact on libraries. For our profession, I think this translates into new roles and opportunities to make a difference in positioning libraries to stay relevant and vital.
Beyond the professional skills learned at UNCG, what personal skills do you bring to your job?
Over the past year, one of the things that ZSR Library has done has been to identify our faculty’s and staff’s strengths so that we can leverage those rather than focusing on how to improve weaknesses (which often isn’t too successful!). To that end, everyone participated in taking the StrengthsFinder assessment to identify our talents. We found that it appears to be a fairly accurate instrument, so I will share my top five “talents” that I bring to my job:
- Achiever: I am “driven” in a way that pushes me to achieve and I look for tangible results to feel that I’ve been productive.
- Activator: I like to get things done. Analysis has its place, but action gets things accomplished. I like to make a decision, take action, look at the result and learn from the experience.
- Maximizer: I like to capitalize on people’s strengths (and my own) and make those stronger.
- Arranger: I like to be faced with complex situations, manage all the variables and find the best solutions.
- Focus: This is related to my “achiever” strength, because I do best when I have a clear goal in mind. Focus helps me be efficient in getting to what I call “the end game.”
We have made a spreadsheet that contains everyone’s top five strengths and it has been very helpful in understanding team and personnel dynamics.
After graduating from UNCG, how do you keep up with trends and stay on top of ongoing research and information?
I stay active professionally through ALA/LITA and ACRL. I look for and take advantage of continuing education opportunities. At ZSR Library we have a committee that focuses on putting together staff development programs. We also are committed to sharing our professional development experiences within our faculty and staff through our Professional Development blog that has been in place since 2007.
What is your most recent favorite book? (Career related or not! Emphasis on the “or not!”)
My pleasure reading genre usually runs to crime mysteries (great for escaping reality for me!). But one of my goals for my personal reading is to branch out a bit. So I ask colleagues for recommendations and usually try to read the books chosen for our alumni online bookclub, DeacsRead. However, the one I’ve most enjoyed in recent months is the fantasy novel, Night Circus.
Alumni Luncheon 2013!
That’s right! The event you wait for all year long is coming up in just a few weeks! This year’s luncheon will be held on March 23, 2013 @ 12:00pm in the Virginia Dare Room of the UNCG Alumni House. This year the Cora Paul Bomar lecture on Librarianship will be delivered by Susan Sharpless Smith. We will also be presenting the Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement to this year’s deserving alumnus. Alumni, family, friends, and LIS faculty and students are all welcome to attend!
Our speaker this year: Susan Sharpless Smith is Associate Dean at Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Wake Forest University. Her responsibilities there include strategic planning, budgeting/financial management, building renovation projects, digital initiatives, grants and special projects. Prior to transitioning into academic librarianship in 1996, she worked in both special and public library environments. Smith started her career in the Charlotte Observer library, then worked at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County – first in the North Carolina Room and then helped create the original “Virtual Library”. Smith received a master’s degree in library and information studies from University of North Carolina-Greensboro (UNCG) and a master’s degree in educational technology leadership from George Washington University. She received the 2008 Association of College and Research Libraries Instruction Section (ACRL IS) Innovation award and was the recipient of UNCG LIS’s 2011 Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement . The third edition of her monograph Web-Based Instruction: A Guide for Libraries (ALA Editions) was published in 2010.
Tickets are $25 for alumni (and other non-students) and $15 for current LIS students. Please RSVP to ehsapienza@gmail.com. We hope you will join us on March 23!
Check out some of the highlights from past luncheons are here and here.
Job opening! Librarian III, Head of Children’s Services
SALARY:
Based on Experience.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association in library or information science or related field; experience as a librarian, media specialist or childhood educator; some supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Eligibility for North Carolina Public Librarian Certification. Valid NC driver’s license. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred, but not required.
DUTIES:
Manages headquarters library Children’s Services division; develops objectives and policies; delegates staff for tasks as needed. Directs the development, promotion and implementation of library services, programs and materials for children and their families and caregivers. Assists in the recruitment and selection of department personnel; ensures proper training; assigns, directs and inspects the work of and supervises and evaluates assigned personnel; recommends suspension and termination. Manages division budgets. Plans, schedules, promotes, conducts and evaluates programs for children. Identifies, reviews and selects materials for patrons. Provides research assistance using electronic and print resources to patrons. Provides computer instruction and assistance to patrons. Provides reader advisory services to patrons. Serves on committees, boards and teams as required; works with outside organizations as necessary. Performs related duties as required. Work hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 6:00pm. Some night and Saturday hours may be required.
APPLY BY:
5 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2013.
TO APPLY:
A Randolph County application is required and must be received at the above address by 5 p.m. of the closing date to be considered. Applications are available in the Human Resource Office, Randolph County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC, or from our website at www.co.randolph.nc.us. Selection procedures will include detailed review of applications, interviews and reference checks on the top candidate(s). Applicants for positions that require the use of county-owned vehicles or personal vehicle will be subject to a Department of Motor Vehicle check. Drug-Free Workplace Policy Requires Testing. Equal Opportunity Employer.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Kovacs Award nominations are neeeded!
The LIS Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement. You can read about the award and its expectations below. Nominate someone for exceptional achievement using our handy form!
The Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement is presented annually by the UNCG-LIS Alumni Association to a graduate of the UNCG Department of Library and Information Studies who has made significant contributions to libraries, library users, and Information Studies. The award honors former faculty member Dr. Bea Kovacs and recognizes individuals whose service to community and career achievements reflect those exemplified by Dr. Kovacs. Among these achievements are:
- Exceptional service to the users of libraries and school media centers
- Innovative and creative leadership that benefits colleagues, institutions, and professional organizations
- Scholarly excellence in research and publication
- Excellence in the education and mentoring of future librarians
Alumni Spotlight: Pete Turner
Enjoying his job!
Had you worked in other areas before entering library school?
Before returning to school for my LIS, I worked as an actor for about 20 years. During that time I did a lot of children’s theatre, and really came to love the audience and the literature. I was very fortunate to work at Nashville Children’s Theatre with their artistic director Scot Copeland. Scot refuses to talk down to children and loves to bring classic children’s literature to life. I’ve kept that philosophy myself, and encourage my students to check out a variety of materials.
What was your first library/information/technology job?
While at UNCG, I interned with Jenny Raabe at Jackson Library learning to catalog with her. I was also a reference intern at Jackson, and interned a bit with the ILL department. I really appreciate all the experience the fine people at Jackson shared with me during this time.
What do you remember most about your time in the UNCG-LIS program?
I remember the connections I made with the professors and the other students. I found the faculty engaging and approachable.
What is your current position and what does it entail?
I am the school librarian at the Greensboro Montessori School. We are a small, private school that serves children from toddler through 8th grade. As I’m the only librarian here, I get to do everything from story times to collection development, reference, and cataloging. I also work extensively with the middle school students, teaching a technology class for them as well as accompanying them to our land campus. The Land, as we call it, is perhaps the most unusual part of this job. 5 times a year, our middle school travels to a neighboring county and spends the week camping out and having classes. It is both exciting and exhausting.
Do you have any projects going on that you are particularly excited about?
I will be co-presenting a workshop about our land program at two upcoming conferences. I am also writing a children’s book.
Beyond the professional skills learned at UNCG, what personal skills do you bring to your job?
I think my experience as an actor serves me especially well for story time.
What is your most recent favorite book?
“This Dark Endeavor” by Kenneth Oppel. Also, “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern.
Anything else you’d like to say to the UNCG-LIS Alumni community?
I love my job!
Survey of LIS Alumni!
A few LIS grad students are doing a survey of alumni on the LIS curriculum. They would prefer alumni who didn’t do the school media track take the survey. Please help out our students (and maybe develop the future direction of the program!). Take the survey at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHg2d0hlc3l6WS1mM2J4eTh4U2tmOGc6MQ
If you have any questions, you can contact Mary Fabrizio by email at mafabriz@uncg.edu. We will be accepting responses until November 7th. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! – Mary Fabrizio, Jenna Stout and Sarah TayloI
UNCG offers library/information studies master’s online
GREENSBORO, NC - The Department of Library and Information Studies (LIS) in the UNCG School of Education is now offering its Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree online. The fully online MLIS complements the face-to-face program on the UNCG campus.
The 36-credit hour MLIS, accredited by the American Library Association and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, can be completed full-time in four semesters and prepares graduates for careers in public, academic, school, corporate and specialized libraries as well as other information settings locally, nationally and internationally. The MLIS-School Library Media Specialization is nationally reviewed and recognized by the American Association of School Librarians as a program in the School of Education, which is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Online students have access to Education Hubs (e-Hubs), a unique component of the online MLIS degree program where LIS staff/faculty connect virtually and/or face-to-face with potential and current students, alumni and professionals. For example, through the e-Hub in Charlotte, students in the local area have access to professional development and networking opportunities, the Distance Education Coordinator and local instructors.
“Online delivery of our MLIS is not just an opportunity to provide our quality program beyond our geographic area,” says department chairperson Clara M. Chu. “Through e-Hubs our online students will have the same opportunities as those on the Greensboro campus to connect and learn with our extensive professional and academic network.”
To learn more about the online MLIS, visit lis.uncg.edu, download a brochure at http://learnmore.uncg.edu/mlis-brochure-download/ or email lis@uncg.edu.
Message from the LISAA President
My fellow Librarians, ask not what your alumni association can do for you, but what you can do for your alumni association.
Whew! That’s out of my system and I can move on to the real reason for this post. Greetings! I’m so excited to be the president of LISAA this year. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Amy Harris Houk. I graduated from the program in 2005 and moved all the way down College Ave to work as the Information Literacy Program Coordinator at Jackson Library. I’m working with a great board this year: Kathy Shields is VP/president-elect, Mendy Ozan is secretary, Erin Sapienza is treasurer, Randall Bowman is past president, Lynda Kellam and Lara Crews are in charge of communication, Michelle Folkman is our student representative, and, last but certainly not least, the always marvelous Jim Carmichael is our faculty advisor.
We are looking forward to a great year! I hope you’ll go ahead and put March 23 on your calendar for the Alumni Luncheon. If you have other ideas for events LISAA should sponsor, I would love to hear from you.
I hope you will stay in touch with us through our Facebook page, by adding your information to the alumni directory, and of course by staying tuned to the blog. If you have any feedback for me, you can reach me at amy_harris @ uncg.edu.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the luncheon and staying in touch between now and then!
Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement Nominations!
The LIS Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement. You can read about the award and its expectations below. Nominate someone for exceptional achievement using our handy form!
The Kovacs Award for Outstanding Alumni Achievement is presented annually by the UNCG-LIS Alumni Association to a graduate of the UNCG Department of Library and Information Studies who has made significant contributions to libraries, library users, and Information Studies. The award honors former faculty member Dr. Bea Kovacs and recognizes individuals whose service to community and career achievements reflect those exemplified by Dr. Kovacs. Among these achievements are:
- Exceptional service to the users of libraries and school media centers
- Innovative and creative leadership that benefits colleagues, institutions, and professional organizations
- Scholarly excellence in research and publication
- Excellence in the education and mentoring of future librarians
