Lawrence students have learned that Gretchen Revie can be a critical connection to discovering the information they need, a resource for navigating a rapidly expanding universe of resources inside and outside the Seeley Mudd Library. A reference librarian, instruction coordinator, and assistant professor at Lawrence, Revie has no doubt that librarians are, essentially, teachers.
“Not everyone realizes the teaching role librarians have. We help students deepen the work they are doing and develop learning skills that can be used in other settings,” Revie says.
While the Internet has changed the way librarians work during the past two decades, the presence of such a powerful resource has served to increase the value that a librarian brings to the learning process. Rather than spending hours searching for information online, Revie says a librarian will save students time in locating materials, allowing them additional time to think about the subjects they are studying.
Often, that involves meeting with an entire class to provide guidance in researching a specific assignment. In 2006-07, Revie worked with more than 30 classes of Lawrence students studying subjects as diverse as art, chemistry, English, government, psychology, and religion; each time preparing research guides and planning presentations with classroom faculty.
“We don’t offer a ‘How to Use the Library’ course, and our approach of working with individual instructors to help students locate what they need works much better,” Revie says. “We identify specific resources and strategies for assessing information related to coursework. We are here to help save time.”
Revie also served as a member of the Individualized Learning Committee in 2006-07, meeting frequently and participating in campuswide meetings, discussions, focus groups, and workshops. The committee’s work, she says, will serve to transform the college as faculty members receive increased support in providing opportunities for individualized learning.
Appointed to the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin in 2006, Revie is passionate about preserving intellectual freedom and first amendment rights. She also serves as a mentor to other librarians through WeLead, a Wisconsin program dedicated to developing the skills of new librarians.
Pictured with Revie is Caitlin Gallogly ’08, Los Angeles, Calif.View other faculty profiles from the president's annual report
