Mia Partlow, Robin C. Davis, Dawn Pearce, and Silvia Sheffield of North Carolina State University, chosen for the 2023 STARS Publication Recognition Award
“Awarded for an excellent publication on incorporating user experience, information sharing, and student wellness goals into standard library communications” – Award Committee statement
Davis, R. C. & Partlow, M. & Pearce, D. & Sheffield, S., (2022) “Snippets, subject lines, and exclamation points: A case study in constructing better library emails”, Weave: Journal of Library User Experience 5(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.3998/weaveux.1634
This article provides a well-researched framework for analyzing, revising, and regularly revisiting libraries’ automated circulation and ILL notices to users. It provides concrete ways for resource sharing and access services professionals to incorporate user experience into everyday communications. The authors’ discussion of student wellness is particularly notable. They acknowledge that library communications have an opportunity to reduce student stress with tone, formatting, and word choice, and the authors provide examples of how their revised notices work toward the goal of being compassionate and informative. This article’s theme is at the heart of RUSA’s mission to inspire its members to constantly improve service to our users.
Mia Partlow, a member of RUSA STARS, is an active participant in the resource sharing community. She serves as a subject matter expert and a communications team member for Project ReShare. She has published and presented on numerous topics related to resource sharing, user-centered library services, assessment, and data visualization.
Robin C. Davis was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2022 in the “Innovation” category for her research on accessibility and work to remove barriers to information access. She has presented and published her research in many venues, including over 20 repositories of code on GitHub.
Dawn Pearce has won several NC State University awards for her unique contributions to the success of the NC State University Library. She began her library career in Access Services, but has worked in increasingly complex technology support roles for the past 20 years.
Silvia Sheffield has published and presented on a variety of topics, including textbook affordability and diversity and inclusion in libraries. She won the NC State University Libraries “Creating Community Award,” given to a staff person who embraces DEI efforts and fosters an inclusive work environment.
The annual RUSA STARS Publication Recognition Award was established in 2018.
The selection committee was Chaired by Megan Gaffney