bound together
AppState University's Library Science Program News v2, iss3
From the Program Directors' Corner
Happy Spring, Mountaineers and Friends!
The App State Library Science faculty have had a busy semester as we continue to work from ALA Accreditation Pre-Candidacy status toward Candidacy status, which will hopefully be granted by early 2027. Thank you to those of you who have helped us along the way, especially the Library Science Student Association and the Library Science Alumni Association. Those serving on these committees have done some important work to help the program move forward. Thank you, folks!
The Program faculty have also been busy preparing for new changes to the Program. As many of you know, as of July 1, our Program’s name will change to Library and Information Science (LIS). This name change comes as the Program continues to expand its offerings beyond school librarianship and starts to include an information science curriculum. The Program is also moving to a new department within the College of Education. We will be developing this new department with our School Administration and Research colleagues, which we hope will lead to more expansive teaching and learning opportunities.
This term, we have also been preparing for the launch of two new initiatives; offering a path for those seeking NCDPI 078 Media Supervisor Licensure; and offering a Public Library Graduate Certificate program. The three-course curriculum for 078 licensure begins this summer with Dr. Melanie Honeycutt teaching our first course. The 15-credit hour Public Library Graduate Certificate program, starting this Fall, offers training for an alternative career path to those who hold a current MLS (or equivalent). Please contact Dr. Kim Becnel or Dr. Robin Moeller if you’re interested in adding either of these areas to your education.
In addition to all of this, Dr. Julie Marie Frye and Dr. Jennifer Luetkemeyer are both exploring study-abroad opportunities for our students in Ireland, Kenya, and Romania.
If you want to stay on top of news from our Program, in addition to job postings, grant opportunities, and professional development opportunities, please consider joining our listserve - just email Dr. Robin Moeller with “subscribe” in the subject line.
We hope you enjoy some Spring weather!
Dr. Kim Becnel and Dr. Robin Moeller
MLS Program Directors
Romania - Study Abroad
In May, Dr. Luetkemeyer will be in Romania, exploring potential study abroad possibilities for graduate students next year. She is chaperoning a group of current Appalachian State University students.
Congrats to graduate student Crystal Beverly!!!
We are thrilled to celebrate Crystal Beverly! Crystal is a graduate student in Library Science at Appalachian State University, holding a B.A. in English. Her academic profile is defined by a global lens; she has traveled to eight countries (including India, Peru, and Australia). Crystal has received a total of $750 from the GSGA to conduct a research study titled "From Storytime to Citizenship: Examining Picture Books as Tools for Democratic Agency." Through this project, located in Kenya international schools, Crystal seeks to examine picture books to analyze how narratives foster civic engagement and student agency.
If you are interested in research or travel funds, reach out to the GSGO, a professor with whom you'd like to do research, or Dr. Frye for more information.
Ireland & Northern Ireland - Study Abroad
In March, Dr. Frye visited Ireland and Northern Ireland, exploring potential study abroad possibilities for students next fall.
Adjunct Professor Spotlight on Deana Guido
Dr. Deana Guido joined our adjunct faculty team this spring to teach Cataloging. She brings a rich professional background as a public librarian in Tarboro and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, before advancing community college libraries and more recently in higher education administration. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Research & Public Policy, Deana contributes a comprehensive leadership perspective to her teaching, along with experience as a strategic grant writer.
Deana’s instructional design philosophy thoughtfully honors the complexity of students’ experiences and professional goals. She demonstrates a strong awareness that learners enter the program at different stages, bringing varied levels of confidence and prior experience. In response, Deana intentionally scaffolds assignments and feedback to build confidence over time, ensuring that both emerging and advanced students feel supported while still being meaningfully challenged.
She is equally committed to designing learning experiences that translate across diverse library contexts, creating opportunities for students to connect course content to their individual career pathways. Deana approaches her teaching with a reflective, equity-minded lens, recognizing the importance of creating space for students from historically marginalized and non-traditional backgrounds. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students can see themselves and their growth meaningfully supported.
Thanks, Deana, for your service this spring!
Drs. Becnel and Moeller presented at the Third Annual Northwest Regional Education Service Alliance Media Coordinator's Summit!
Drs. Becnel and Moeller presented at the Third Annual Northwest Regional Education Service Alliance (NWRESA) Media Coordinator's Summit in North Wilkesboro. Not only did they get to learn from others, but their real treat of the day was to catch-up with so many MLS grads! Thanks so much to everyone for attending our session on bibliotherapy!
