June 4, 2021
Graduate student attends ACRL virtual conference with support from MLS program
Carrie Watson
Master of Library Science graduate student Carrie Watson was awarded professional development funds from the MLS program to attend the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) 2021 virtual conference, “Ascending into an Open Future.”
Watson attended various sessions during three of the conference’s four days. During the first day, she attended the opening keynote address featuring Tressie McMillan Cottom.
“It was so interesting to hear her speak on her class that she teaches on information capitalism and structural inequality. I wanted to read and research so many topics after hearing her even briefly delve into the topics,” Watson said.
She also listened to several other sessions including “Taking the Temp: Research in COVID,” “The Criticalness of LIS,” “The Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework” and “Patent and Trademark Outreach and Indigenous Intellectual Property.” Throughout Watson’s time in higher education, she has completed course readings and papers on similar topics. She said the most interesting session she attended centered on a research project that is being done to help Indigenous peoples see the benefits and importance of having patents.
During Watson’s second day at the conference she attended several sessions including:
- “From Library Analytics to Learning Analytics”
- “Race, Information and Power in Prenatal Care and Childbirth: A Case Study in Information Privilege”
- “We Can Do Both: Learning Analytics Can Support Students and Protect Privacy”
Her favorite session was the “We Can Do Both” session since not only has she heavily researched analytics during one of her courses, but she also was able to listen to Megan Oakleaf, the presenter, whose work Watson used in her own research.
“I even asked a question which she responded to during the Q&A! It was my own mini-brush with celebrity!” Watson said. “I was also interested in these sessions because the Dean of the University of Denver Libraries was participating, and the DUL is where I will be doing my library internship this fall!”
During her last day of the conference, Watson’s favorite session was “Systemic Oppression Require Systemic Change: Recasting the Roles of Academic Libraries in Contemporary Contexts.” She said the session gave her a lot to think about and she was grateful for the women who spoke so honestly to the participants.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend ACRL, and I thank the faculty at ECU for making it possible,” Watson said. “I hope to attend next year — maybe as a real live academic librarian at my own school!”
The purpose of the fund is to support MLS students’ development outside the classroom and encourage participation in professional activities.