Eliot Boden is E-Learning Librarian at Washington University in St. Louis. Eliot has been an ACRL member since 2014 and is your ACRL member of the week for July 6, 2015.
1. Describe yourself in three words: Motivated, organized, and creative.
2. What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device(s)? I’m usually reading fiction and listening to nonfiction at the same time but lately I’ve been on a Mississippi River kick (it must be the onset of another humid summer here in St. Louis). I just finished Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 by John Barry and now I’m reading Old Glory: An American Voyage by Jonathan Raban. I’m currently listening to Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain, which is read superbly by Grover Gardner.
3. Describe ACRL in three words: Inspiring, educational, and rewarding.
4. What do you value about ACRL? I really value the ideas and energy that come from such a dynamic group of people. I was overwhelmed when I first started in my new position, but I was able to make a strong beginning thanks to the publications and discussions coming from the various sections. I helped redesign our teaching space and establish new partnerships with campus offices in large part thanks to the resources of the Instruction Section, especially the tutorials featured in Peer-Reviewed Instruction Materials Online (PRIMO). They are so inspiring!
5. What do you, as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? The first question many people ask me is “What is an E-Learning Librarian?” I create a variety of online materials that support our mission of teaching and research. I started with the idea I would only be making videos about library resources but I’ve since branched out and I now collaborate with people across the university. I’ve made everything from screencasts about registering for classes to video introductions to chemistry experiments, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to share library resources and technology.
6. In your own words: I’m very glad to be in a position that allows me to exercise my passion for visual design and academic research. I always learn something new from the students and faculty who come to me for help, whether it’s about identity politics or chemical reactions of acids, bases, and salts. I hope they learn something from me as well – helping people discover new information is the most rewarding part of my job, and I look forward to sharing new ideas and viewpoints with people every day.
Editor’s Note: Are you an ACRL member? Would you like to be featured as ACRL Member of the Week? Nominate a colleague? Contact Elizabeth Caris at ecaris@ala.org for more information.