Teaching Team

This former mechanic believes that nothing beats the right tool for the right job. When your job is online research, Eric teaches the specialized techniques that make databases your best research tool—for this job & many, many more to come!

A knowledge of research essentials is necessary for the education and future employment of our students, and Tom imparts that knowledge through teaching. He makes himself available to students both in and out of the classroom, to continue their learning experience. During that process, he shares the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor, which will enrich their lives in ways yet unrealized.

Isaiah’s main focus as an instructor is to provide students with the tools they need to trust in their own critical thinking skills. He believes they already have a wealth of valuable knowledge to bring to the academic table; he just provides the resources they need to start engaging in the conversation. To ensure students gain this expertise in academic settings and in their daily lives, Isaiah strives to treat each class and each student as complex individuals with their own goals and skillsets. 

Caitlin’s teaching philosophy focuses on empowering students to learn and critically think for themselves. She aims to provide instruction that helps students to develop skills that can be applied in and outside of the classroom. Caitlin’s main goal when teaching is to meet students where they are and help them get to where they want to be.

Ryn aims to help students develop skills and search strategies which will aid them wherever they go in life. They want to draw students into learning by engaging existing interests and experience to foster conversation and guide instruction.

Nancy believes library instruction should equip students with “tools, not rules”: flexible research strategies and critical thinking skills they can adapt across disciplines, workplaces, and everyday life. Her goal is to empower students to confidently navigate information and make thoughtful choices that fit their unique contexts and needs.

Rhiana accompanies students throughout their research journeys, recognizing and celebrating the strengths and experiences they bring to the table. She strives to empower students to confidently navigate the research process, not only during their academic programs but also as lifelong learners. Her teaching fosters a supportive, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to explore new ideas that will benefit them well beyond the classroom and after graduation.

Understanding, empowering, and resourcing student success is at the core of Sara’s instruction philosophy. Students come to higher education with unique life experiences and skills that enhance their capabilities as researchers and creative thinkers; she aims to design student-centered library instruction to support critical thinking around information and provide tools students can effectively use as they pursue their lifelong educational journeys.

Curiosity is a core aspect of Kodi's information literacy instruction. Encouraging students to choose topics relevant to them and harnessing their interests and curiosity allows students to take ownership of their research process. She works to empower students as they find and evaluate the information they need to reach their learning goals.

Karen believes in developing transferable skills through her library instruction. She also believes that library instruction serves as an equalizing force in the classroom, empowering students with all kinds of educational backgrounds to perform successful research.

Lynn believes that all people have skills and value and should be treated with dignity and respect. She breaks down information searching by talking through the critical thinking and reading steps needed to help you reach your information needs. By viewing information seeking as a game, she helps students think about the terms they choose and the context of their questions. No matter what the quest, a sense of humor is part of her teaching style. She helps students understand that finding and evaluating information should be fun, not scary!