Dr. Deborah Michelle Williams
ALA Divisions:
ALA Roundtables:
Tenacious, kind, adventurous.
I am listening to the Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. It is the story of Bella da Costa Green, an extraordinary librarian who was the first woman of color to become the personal librarian of J.P. Morgan and director of the library while passing for White in the 1920's. One of my colleagues visited the J.P. Morgan Library in New York over the summer and was so excited about the exhibit when she returned that I wanted to learn more.
Impactful, innovative, fluid.
I value ACRL's lens towards the future while addressing the issues and challenges faced by academic institutions in a politically-charged climate. I appreciate that there is a safe space available for academic librarians to explore personal and professional interests, and to give voice to their values. Finally, I value the professional development and networking opportunities I have received as an ACRL member which has led to lasting friendships and supportive colleagues.
As a Scholarly Communication Librarian, I support the faculty in their promotion and tenure processes by assisting them with gathering bibliometrics and altmetric data from various sources. I assist faculty members in identifying appropriate and reputable journals in their disciplines for publication with an emphasis on publishers who provide various open access models. I coordinate the librarian liaison activities which support disciplinary departments with library resources and services. Additionally, I am a member of the Instruction Unit of my library and I provide research consultations for individual students and faculty as well as information literacy instruction sessions for classes. I serve on several campus committees including the Research Council, Outreach and Exhibits Committee, and the Library Events Committee.
Life as an academic librarian has been fulfilling, challenging and even scary at times. I receive great satisfaction in being able to help students and faculty achieve scholarly goals and advance to the next stage of their academic careers. As a lifelong learner, I see myself in them every day.
Pronouns:She, Her, Hers
Credentials:Ed.D., MALIS, MPA
Title:Scholarly Communication Librarian
Job Function:Faculty Librarian in the Public Services Department of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Workplace:University of North Florida
Location:Jacksonville, FL