Let’s shine the Member Spotlight on Lisa Morrison from Denison University Libraries!

What is your role(s) in academic libraries?
I am the Social Sciences Liaison Librarian, but I also work with the interdisciplinary fields of Black Studies, International Studies, Global Commerce, and Global Health. Most days are spent in some combination of instruction, reference consultations with students, and collection development for my subject areas.

What do you like most about academic library work?
I love working with the students in research consultations. We discuss their research and they teach me about what makes them excited about their topics. It’s fun to learn with them and help them find the resources they need to explore these interests.

What are some interesting projects you’ve been involved with lately?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to help students feel more of a sense of community during the pandemic. Denison University prides itself on in-person connections and relationship building and I could see that some remote learners were feeling anxious that they couldn’t participate in the same way as before. I brainstormed with other librarians on ways that we could include these students, especially first years, when they are learning remotely and craving that extra attention. I’m working with a team now to implement ways to increase our visibility to our virtual learners so that when they do return to campus, they can find a friendly face in the library.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Prior to going to library school, I taught English abroad for almost a decade. I lived in Vietnam for seven of those years. It was an amazing experience, but my Vietnamese is still terrible.

Why did you join ALAO? What are you looking forward to doing as an ALAO member?
I was very excited to join ALAO last year because my mentor in graduate school, Piper Martin, really loved ALAO and spoke with such affection for the people and the opportunities to get involved and learn from your colleagues across the state. So far, this is exactly what I’ve found!

–Maureen Barry, Membership Chair, Bowling Green State University