San Diego State University                                        Library and Information Access

Pamela Jackson joined the SDSU Library as its new information literacy librarian on July 25. "When I saw the position description I thought, 'This is my dream job.' The position offers a unique combination of teaching, collaborating, and scholarship. SDSU shows a dedication to teaching and learning in a digital age, and to exploring how technology and other innovative teaching practices might strengthen information literacy," she said. Previously, Jackson was the reference/instruction librarian at the San Jose State University Library. She received her master of arts degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which was the first time Jackson, a native of Whittier, California, had lived outside of her home state. "While it was an invaluable experience attending college in a different cultural region of the U.S., I was very happy to return to California three years ago," she said.

In her new position, Jackson will provide leadership in expanding and promoting the library's information literacy program. "I plan to collaborate with colleagues both in the library and throughout campus to coordinate our information literacy efforts," Jackson said. "I see my role as somewhat of an information literacy guru and a facilitator who can assist library liaisons with the support they need to launch innovative and engaging projects for their departments. As a liaison myself, I hope to collaborate on new information literacy activities and assessment tools in my assigned departments."

Although Jackson has lived most of her life in California, she has not spent much time in San Diego. "I am really looking forward to exploring San Diego - I've seen some websites for some great 'urban hikes' in my new neighborhood." Outside of work, she enjoys baking, watching horror movies, creative memoir writing, and a rather unusual duo of activities: "On Saturday mornings in the fall, I can usually be found crocheting in front of a college football game on TV. The hilarity of tossing down a crochet needle to jump up and cheer is not lost on me," she said.

Pamela Jackson can be reached by e-mail at pjackson@rohan.sdsu.edu or by phone at (619) 594-3809.