Lisa R. Horowitz
assessment librarian, Administrative Services & User Experience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries
About
Horowitz was selected for her sustained contributions to RSS since its founding. She provided excellent section leadership and played a major role in developing the mission and vision of the section. As chair-elect (2006-07) and later as chair (2007-08) of the section, her leadership was evident in conducting meetings, guiding the sections committees and discussion groups and fostering a strong relationship with the MARS: Emerging Technologies in Reference Section of RUSA, as well as the division at large.
In addition to her strong leadership record, Horowitz has participated in some of the significant work of the section: she was part of the group that worked on the new Definition of Reference - one of the core statements in the profession of reference librarianship - from 2002 up through the definition’s approval in 2008. She also played a key role in the Management of Reference Committee when the Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers were revised and helped solidify a fundamental component of reference service today. She has also made substantial contributions to the five-year section review, which has helped RSS continue to grow and evolve.
Horowitz earned her MLS from Rutgers University and has worked at MIT Libraries as an assessment librarian since June 2010. She has also served the libraries as coordinator of central reference services and digital reference coordinator and has been a part of numerous teams that have received the MIT Libraries Infinite Mile Award for significant accomplishments in their area of work within the university. As a part of RUSA, she has served in many capacities for the division as well as RSS and the MARS: Emerging Technologies in Reference Section. Her contributions include service on the RUSA Board of Directors and as chair of RSS, as well as roles on the RSSOrganization and Planning Committee, the RSS Management of Reference Committee and many MARS committees. Horowitz has also had several articles published on the topics of assessment and user services. Her most recent article, “Assessing Library Services: A Practical Guide for the Nonexpert,” was published in Library Leadership &Management, vol. 23, issue 4.
