Academic Libraries as a Science Communication Hub Presenter(s): Eli Wachter, Data Visualization Librarian, Michigan State University; Jodi Coalter, Life Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University
Academic libraries act as a hub for science communication, supporting the dissemination of knowledge, facilitating discussion, and encouraging informed decision-making. To highlight some of the science communication work done, this poster describes the education, research, and outreach support offered by two librarians in differing positions and stages in their careers. Through sharing these insights, this poster encourages further conversation about how academic librarians can engage with and facilitate science communication.
Academic, Public, or a Secret Third Thing? Where Library Users Are Really Going to Access Scholarly Work Presenter(s): Amber Dierking, Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University
While academic libraries offer access to hundreds of thousands of publications, usage can often be less than what we might hope. This poster dives deep into a sample set of academic titles available through Queer Liberation Library, compared to public and university libraries as well as MeL. Usage statistics invite us to consider where library users are really accessing academic works and if university libraries are effectively connecting scholarly work with communities who need it.
AI as Wayfinder or Deceiver? Google Lens and Human Catalogers in Describing Detroit's Murals Presenter(s): Joan E. Beaudoin, Ph.D., MLIS, MA, Associate Professor, School of information Sciences, Wayne State University; Sarah L. Offerman, BA, MLIS Candidate, School of information Sciences, Wayne State University
This poster reports findings from a small-scale study comparing Google Lens' assisted and human-only descriptive metadata creation for murals in Detroit. AI-supported workflows aided visual identification and reduced initial descriptive effort but introduced epistemic friction, including misidentifications and non-authorized terminology, requiring verification. Results position Google Lens as workflow support rather than replacement, underscoring the continued necessity of human involvement in authority control, contextual interpretation, and culturally grounded description in AI-integrated environments.
Building Community on Knowledge Commons: Strategies for Spreading the Word About an Open Access Platform Presenter(s): Larissa Baca, User Engagement Manager, Knowledge Commons, Michigan State University
Knowledge Commons is a non-profit project centered in the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University. Knowledge Commons includes five key components: KCWorks (an open access repository built on InvenioRDM), profiles, groups, sites, and a Mastodon server, hcommons.social. Particularly focusing on KCWorks, this poster will demonstrate the strategies the team has used to promote and share their work, which have included customized workshops, regular meetings of a user advisory group, and active social media accounts.
Citation and Acknowledgement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Presenter(s): Rebecca Renirie, Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University
As generative AI use becomes more prominent in higher education, librarians can take a proactive, practical approach and lean on their expertise in achieving transparency, maintaining academic honesty, and avoiding plagiarism, by teaching the citation and acknowledgment of generative AI tools. This poster will demonstrate existing templates used to acknowledge generative AI use in research and writing, as well as citation strategies for any content those tools generate.
Did ChatGPT Write This Job description? The Changing Landscape of Academic Library Job Descriptions Presenter(s): Sara Klink, Assistant Director of Library Services, Stark State College; Melissa Bauer, Online Learning Librarian, Kent State University
In 2025, ACRL adopted AI competencies to support the needs of academic libraries and AI integration. This poster reviews current academic library job postings in response to the explosion in artificial intelligence. Libraries are creating positions with responsibilities to meet the new and emerging needs of students. Examining job announcements ranging from 2022-2026, collected from national job boards, mailing lists and individual college and university websites to analyze trends on preferred AI skills.
Different Platforms Report Researcher Output in Different Ways Presenter(s): Amy Seipke, Engineering Librarian, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Jeneen Jadallah, Computer Science Student and CIS Mathematics, University of Michigan-Dearborn
In this poster presentation, we will show the differences we have found in what types of research are reported in the various bibliometric data reporting platforms. We will also show how the same researcher could appear to have drastically different output when searched in different places. We will demonstrate why you must carefully investigate the data which is captured and shared by a system before using that data to make any decisions.
Guided by Discoverability: Simple System to Improve Accessibility of Multiple Collections Presenter(s): Samantha Shannon, Learning Resources Technician, Oakland Community College
In our academic library, many resources such as anatomy models and LoT items were hidden from view behind the circulation desk or in workspaces, limiting discovery. To "light the way" for our students, we created a browsable display that acts as a navigational tool, better connecting students with the collection. This poster shares how a simple visual system increased visibility, improved workflows, and helped our library find its "True North" in navigating discoverability.
Leveraging Early Librarian Status for Optimal Strategic Career Advancement Presenter(s): LaCharmine Jefferson, M.B.A., M.L.I.S., Research & Instruction Librarian, Wayne State University
Early career librarians (within five years of entering the profession) can strategically accelerate advancement by reframing their status as an asset. Part-time roles provide flexibility for publishing, presenting, and leadership development, as well as gaining experience in multiple disciplines of the profession. Targeted programs through the American Library Association and the Association of College & Research Libraries offer mentorship, grants, and networking opportunities that enhance visibility and professional growth. Intentional engagement during this phase builds momentum for long-term career success.
Librarian Perspectives on the Factors Influencing Research Confidence and Competence among Tenure-Track Academic Librarians: A Pilot Study Presenter(s): Elizabeth Heitsch, Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University
New tenure-track librarians often find themselves at sea when presented with the scholarship requirements of their faculty positions. While existing research has covered the reasons librarians may be or feel underprepared to engage in scholarship, as well as the varied support measures offered to build their confidence and competence, this poster investigates librarians? perceptions of the most effective support they received during their initial library scholarship and publication endeavors.
One Question, Three Perspectives: Views on AI Among LIS Students, Faculty, and Librarians Presenter(s): Vaughn Xavier Haynes, Graduate Student Assistant, Wayne State University Libraries
Generative AI is altering information work and learning, but campus groups often discuss it from separate vantage points. This poster outlines a survey comparing AI perceptions among LIS students, academic librarians, and LIS faculty at the same institution: Wayne State University. A survey measures usefulness, risk, trust, self-efficacy, and policy preferences. Results will inform targeted training and practical guidance for responsible, transparent, and equitable AI use across campus and library services.
Participatory Design for MLIS Coursework in Computing Presenter(s): Evan Gomish, University of Michigan
How can MLIS programs better prepare students for computational thinking and computer programming in libraries? This participatory design project integrates library perspectives, examples, and datasets into introductory programming coursework, with the intention of creating course materials that align with the interests and needs of library students.
Why We March: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter Presenter(s): Erik Ponder, African and African American Studies librarian, Michigan State University
Why We March, Special Collections pop-up exhibition is an excellent example of integrating library collections in the classroom and in course work. The exhibitions do not have to be one-offs but can also be used as educational tools in the classroom. The poster explores the various elements that went into developing a successful collaborative program between the teaching faculty and the library.