Statement
I strive to ensure literacy surrounding data and information-visualization concepts, and work to support open, accessible data and software in the sciences and beyond. If elected, I would focus on membership initiatives--I strongly believe LITA is poised to do great things, and that the membership is ready, so let's mobilize and make stuff happen! In my time involved with ALA, LITA has consistently been the division that can reposition itself rapidly to address the concerns members raise. I'm running for Director-at-Large to contribute my hands and skills to the division that got me started at ALA and in my career.
Current Position
Librarian for Sciences and Research Data Support, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Degrees and Certificates
Syracuse University, Certificate of Advanced Study, Data Science, 2014
Syracuse University, MSLIS, 2013
Franklin Pierce University, BA Music, Biology, English, 2010
Division Affiliations
LITA
Round Table Affiliations
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT)
Offices Held in the ALA/APA, State, & Regional Library Associations, and Other Associations
LITA Assessment and Research Committee, Chair 2015-2016, Member 2013-2015
Lita/Ex-Libris Student Writing Award Committee, Member 2013-2014
Honors and Awards
ODU Libraries Superstar recognition (March 2015, April 2015)
Syracuse University Librarianship Into the Future scholarship award (2011-2013)
Franklin Pierce Honors Program (2006-2010)
Major Accomplishments
Served as co-convener (2016) and organizer (2015) of the Virginia Data Management Bootcamp. Developed and led library-wide training curriculum on Sharepoint 2010 at Old Dominion University Libraries. Facilitated Safe Space trainings for faculty, staff, and students across ODU's campus. Served as blogger (2011-2013) and editor (2013-2014) for the Hack Library School blog. Multiple presentations at ALA Annual, Computers in Libraries, NY Library Association Annual, and regional/local conferences on topics ranging from library education and internships to innovative technology policy and maker-ism. Member of editorial team for Hack Library School ebook. Chapter forthcoming in the Creating the 21st-Century Academic Library series (Brad Eden, ed.).
Publications
Lawton, Christopher: “Intentional Synergy: The Librarian as Co-Learner.” Creating the 21st Century Academic Library, Brad Eden, series ed. (Forthcoming)
Lawton, Christopher, and the Hack Library School Team: “The HLS Guide to Library School.” Hack Library School (Blog), 2013.
Links to Further Information
Member of ALA since
2012