When RAIS created the User Engagement Librarian position two years ago we had some great ideas about what this position could do for RAIS and the Libraries. We also knew that the first person in this position would have an opportunity to help define and evolve the position. Fortunately we succeeded in bringing the right person in at the right time. In her role, Grace has been helping us communicate with our student leaders on campus. She has also helped us move our marketing and communication efforts forward, bringing positive attention to all of our work. I think that most of you are aware that Grace led the libraries’ participation in the successful student enhancement fee vote this past year. She has also been leading our University Libraries Student Advisory Council (ULSAC) and our Open Educational Resources (OER) Interest Group.
Our User Engagement Librarian position has been so successful that it has evolved beyond RAIS to one that needs to be integrated more fully with Ann and Shannon in Administration. While some details are still being worked out, Grace will be joining the Administration Team and assuming a new role, titled Outreach Librarian. Grace will move to Shannon’s old office in Admin (104H) and we expect these changes to be official on July 1st. Grace will continue to work on marketing and advocacy for the libraries. She will serve as the outreach librarian with our student governance organizations and coordinate our work with ULSAC (University Libraries Student Advisory Council) and our Student Ambassadors. Grace will also be leading our participation in System and Campus OER initiatives.
Grace will no longer have regular general reference, instruction, and liaison work responsibilities. However, she will remain on the sub-list for reference work (virtual and desk) and will continue to support instruction for Communication 1200. Responsibility for Film Studies will return to Anne Barker for the immediate future. We are still exploring how to best transition Grace’s work with Digital Story Telling.
Jeannette