Secretary/Treasurer Candidate:

Dr. Iulian Vamanu
Associate Professor
University of Iowa

Candidate's Statement:

I'm thrilled to be considered for the important role of treasurer in our association. As someone who conducts interdisciplinary research on public libraries, I value evidence-based practices and understand the significance of research excellence in driving advancements in teaching and creative content delivery within LIS and related fields. Moreover, I strongly believe in cultivating an environment within ALISE that is welcoming and inclusive for persons from diverse backgrounds and stages of their careers, from countries outside of the U.S. and Canada. In particular, I am committed to fostering participation, providing better support, and championing the needs of marginalized communities across equity, diversity, and inclusion lines. Finally, I am excited about helping forge collaborative partnerships with affiliate organizations and advocating for the interests of LIS educational institutions in the accreditation process. I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of ALISE, and ensure that it remains at the forefront of shaping and advancing the field of LIS.

Biography:

I am an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science. I have a PhD in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. My teaching and research areas include information uses, information evaluation, cultural heritage, and public library management. My articles have appeared in The Journal of Education for Library and Information Science; Information and Learning Sciences; Journal of Documentation; Libri; and Annual Review of Cultural Heritage Informatics. I am currently working as a Principal Investigator of an IMLS-funded team project, titled “Public Libraries for Disaster Resilience: Assessing Libraries’ Community Impacts in Times of Climate and Socio-Economic Crises.” We aim to assess the effects of public libraries on community resilience across the country and to increase their ability to meet patrons’ needs, especially those who struggle most with economic hardships, extreme climate events, and accessing resources. As part of this project, I am particularly interested in understanding how research can shape LIS curricula.

 

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