Member A-LIRT: David Sherwood
Member A-LIRT: David SherwoodThis issue's noteworthy LIRT member is the newsletter Editor, David Sherwood. As he answered the interview questions, it became apparent that David is a dedicated and involved Instruction Librarian. His official title, Reference Librarian, Internet and Support Services Coordinator at the Reinert/Alumni Library, Creighton University, does not begin to describe his enthusiasm for his two self-avowed professional obsessions: instruction and technology. When asked about his favorite and least favorite job activities, David indicated that his favorite tasks involve coordinating and teaching an Internet training series, called Internet 101, for faculty, staff, and students. The least favorite part of his job is having so many non-instructional responsibilities.
David's philosophy toward instruction can be helpful to other librarians who are trying to fit instructional activities into a limited slot. He states that, "to my way of thinking, every contact I have with a library client should be about instruction." Additionally, students should not only find the information needed right now, but should also learn to be more independent information seekers. Instruction is a matter of "teaching them to analyze their topics, identify the kind of information they need, select appropriate tools, and use the tools effectively to locate information that will help them." He says the toughest challenge of the future will be teaching students to be both digital and analog information seekers.
David's research and professional publications and presentations have definitely supported his interest in technology issues and applications. He has written about his Internet 101 Workshop Series, electronic publishing issues, and the use of a library web site as an instructional tool. He also serves as his library's webmaster. He finds it "fascinating to try to help users understand and more effectively use technology, but it is the human part of that dynamic that is most interesting."
David was introduced to LIRT by Billie Peterson and Kari Lucas before he even started library school. While finishing his MA thesis in English, David worked in the Reference Department in the library at Baylor University. Confronted with an emerging interest in libraries, David juggled both academic interests. Fortunately for us, he decided to become a librarian. Since 1994, when he turned in a committee volunteer form, David has generously served LIRT. Initially assigned to the Liaison committee, David moved to the Newsletter and was appointed Chair and Editor in his second year on the committee. He feels rewarded for his efforts when he holds the printed newsletter in his hand or points his browser to the web edition and sees the work completed. He takes pride in knowing that the newsletter committee's work has come together to keep the membership informed. Finally, he feels that LIRT News can be more fun to edit and to read than most professional publications because the articles are "substantive and informative, but not in a heavy-handed, academic way."
David is also involved with the Nebraska Library Association as a member of the College and University Section. He has worked in the ALA booth and gave a presentation at the last state conference. Supporting his interest in technology, he attended last year's LITA/LAMA conference in Pittsburgh. David has already left his mark at Creighton University. In the summer of 1996, he became the first librarian to be appointed a fellow of the US West Academic Development and Instructional Technology Center.
In his spare time, David looks after a 7-year-old Shetland Sheepdog named Trevor and a 12-year-old cat named Charlotte Sophia. He also sings in the choir and serves on the vestry of the Episcopal Church of St. Barnabas. One constant in his life is that he never misses an episode of the British sit-com "Keeping up Appearances." LIRT is very fortunate to have an individual such as David as an active participant.
Pixey Anne Mosley is the Coordinator of Instructional Services at Texas A&M University and a member of LIRT's PR/Membership Committee.
LIRT News, March 1998. Volume
20, number 3.
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