This fall, Elizabeth Dill joined Laramie County Community College as the Associate Dean for the Ludden Library and Learning Commons.
“I was eager to work in a leadership role at a community college,” Elizabeth said. “I think the mission and vision and values of community colleges are extraordinary. I mean, we educate the first responders in this country. What a privilege it is to be involved in shaping their futures.”
Elizabeth is originally from Athens, Georgia. She came to LCCC from Troy University in Dothan, Alabama, where she was the Director of Library Services. Prior to that, she was the campus librarian at the Art Institute of Tucson in Tucson, Arizona.
As she takes on her new role, the entire LCCC Ludden Library team is embarking on strategic planning and are excited about the process of charting their future.
Thanks to Elizabeth’s efforts, the library is about to add a mini-makerspace from the University of Wyoming’s Innovation Wyrkshop. She recently won a grant award of $35,000 in equipment and expenses for what they plan to call the Golden Eagle Wyrkshop. She hopes to develop that space into a well-used site that promotes active learning for students, faculty, and members of the community.
Next year, she has two major publications coming out. She and Mary Ann Cullen co-edited a special journal issue of Library Trends called “OER (Open Educational Resources) and the Academic Library.” The two are also currently editing a book for ACRL Press on OER-enabled pedagogy and information literacy. Both are expected in 2021.
When asked what strengths she sees at the Ludden Library, “Without a doubt, it’s the faculty librarians and staff. They’re exceptionally intelligent and so caring of the students and faculty. It’s a real honor to work with all of them.”
Not to mention, the library itself is “really gorgeous” after its major renovation, completed in 2019. “We’re very privileged to work in such a beautiful library. Please come visit us!”