‘Sup, everyone!
So, I’m a first-year doctoral student at the iSchool. My research interests include cultural heritage institutions such as historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and particularly their libraries. I’m also interested in the information worlds of underrepresented groups. I’m inspired by the work of the late Dr. Elfreda Chatman, who studied the information realities of janitors, incarcerated women, the elderly and others. My interest in small worlds or information worlds (the latter is Dr. Gary Burnett’s “baby,” really) speaks to my reason for enrolling in this course; I appreciate the contextual and cultural insight that qualitative studies can elicit.
I worked in academic libraries for 11 years in various capacities but mostly public service. I enjoy outreach and instruction. I received a B.A. in Literature from the University of Florida in 2004 and an M.L.I.S. from the iSchool in 2007 (though, I’m not sure that it was Florida’s iSchool then). As the ten year mark approached I thought a lot about the next step in my career, in terms of advancing to middle management or changing jobs altogether. Pursuing a Ph.D. felt like a natural next step. I am extremely grateful to be in the program.
I love spending time with my family, watching Dance Moms and cooking…sometimes all at the same time!