Jennifer A. DeVito is a Director of Access & User Services at Stony Brook University Libraries in Stony Brook, NY. Jennifer has been a member of ACRL for 17 years and is your ACRL Member of the Week for October 6, 2025.
Describe yourself in three words: User-focused, adaptable, collaborative.
What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)? I am plodding through War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy which was something I challenged myself to get through at the beginning of this year. I’m also listening to This is Your Mother by Erika J. Simpson.
Describe ACRL in three words: Community, empowering, forward-thinking.
What do you value about ACRL? ACRL is a terrific organization for developing community, connecting with others, and growing professionally. Whether through the conferences, workshops, or serving on committees, ACRL has been invaluable for my professional development and in helping me keep informed about the direction of librarianship.
Through my work on the New Roles and Changing Landscapes (NRCL) Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to explore how libraries and the profession are evolving and responding to ever-changing user needs and technological advances. The NRCL Committee works closely with other ACRL committees which are also examining trends in librarianship and sharing knowledge with each other. It’s inspiring and energizing to work alongside people with experience and expertise they are willing to share with others.
What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus? I am an Associate Librarian and the Director of Access & User Services at Stony Brook University. I focus on maintaining and expanding equitable access to library resources and services. My work is rooted in a commitment to inclusivity and meeting the diverse needs of our community. Just as importantly, I champion lifelong learning and prioritize professional development opportunities for access services staff, ensuring they grow alongside the evolving demands of library service.
Beyond access services, I collaborate with departments across campus to support research and deliver information literacy instruction. Whether I’m teaching students to evaluate sources or guiding faculty to the right resources, I try to build connections between people and the information they need. I remain grounded in my access services background—advocating for the essential role libraries play in helping individuals become informed, thoughtful creators and consumers of information.
In your own words: This is feeling like a transformative moment for libraries—especially in academia. I’m grateful to collaborate with innovative colleagues through ACRL committees and conferences as we explore thoughtful responses to emerging trends.
Editor’s Note: Would you like to be featured as ACRL Member of the Week? Nominate a colleague? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!