Lydia Jackson
Associate Professor, Instruction and Reference Librarian

Research Focus:

Information Literacy.

Academic preparedness of incoming freshmen.

Impact of technology on adult and older returning students.

Recent Honors / Awards / Recognition:

Assessment Scholar, SIUE, 2007-2008:  Assessing the Information Literacy Skills of New Freshmen.

Active participant in the BRIDGE process, General Education Reform, 2005 to present.

Participant in the nationally recognized, Association of College and Research Libraries, Immersion Program, 2002.

Primary Courses Taught:

Library Instruction for General Education courses.

Freshmen Experience.

Education:

MS, Library Science, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997

MS, Instructional Technology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1993

BS, Government and Sociology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1983

How does SIUE support your professional growth or activity as a Teacher-Scholar?
"SIUE supports my professional growth by allowing me to explore and develop skills to modify my teaching and enhance learning. 

"The University has continually supported my research endeavors.  This support has been extended through my participation in conferences related to information literacy, library instruction, higher education, and assessment.  I have also been able to take advantage of numerous continuing education opportunities offered at the University.  The support for travel, grants, and graduate assistants has also been advantageous for my research.  Finally, it has been rewarding to have acknowledgement of my research and commitment to the University."

What is a unique aspect of your professional life that enhances your service to the academic or greater community?
"I bring the ability to continually reflect on the processes of instruction, the University’s curriculum and mission.  My responsibility for general library instruction makes me keenly aware of the differing objectives and clienteles of the academic library.

In planning instructional programs I constantly tailor instruction based on the University’s mission, its curriculum, and assessment benchmarks. 

In terms of reference service, I influence users directly through instruction.  I understand there’s the continuum between completely answering the question and teaching or facilitating an environment where users become independent researchers.

I am actively involved in publishing and presenting on various topics relevant to information literacy and library science.  Currently, I am serving as a member of the LOEX 2008 Conference Committee, planning the national conference for library instruction."

How has one mentor or event shaped your career decision to become a university professor?
"My mentor was the late Ina P. Sledge, a devoted librarian at the SIUE, East St. Louis Center.  Ina later became the Education Librarian at Lovejoy Library.   I worked under her auspices as a student assistant and staff member.  She took an interest in me personally and actively guided my educational path.  Ina shared her knowledge of how to locate, evaluate, and use resources effectively. "