bound together
AppState University's Library Science Program News v3, iss1
From the Program Directors' Corner
Happy Summer, Mountaineers and Friends!
Welcome to the new era of the Appalachian State University Library and Information Science (LIS) Program! We are so excited for this significant change that reflects the substantial amount of work our faculty and staff are putting into making the LIS Program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). As you know, the LIS Program was awarded Pre-Candidacy status in the Fall of 2025. We’re often asked by alumni and students who are looking for positions, what it means, exactly, to be a Pre-Candidacy program. By being awarded Pre-Candidacy, the LIS Program has proven that it meets the standards for accreditation set forth by the ALA but ALA also requires a process period for a program to demonstrate that it can sustain its efforts. We are currently in the early stage of that process.
With the new Program name comes a move to a different academic department within the College of Education. This will allow us to more readily collaborate with School Administration, Research, and the Doctoral Program. We are excited for this opportunity to explore different ways to create teaching and learning opportunities.
If you’re a school media coordinator, teacher, or administrator who will be attending NCBOLD in Concord or Marion, connect with Dr. Becnel (becnelke@appstate.edu) or Dr. Luetkemeyer (luetkemeyerjr@appstate.edu). We’d love to hear how things are going and catch up with you.
At this time of year, there are many interesting “summer reading lists” going around. Challenge yourself to pick up a book or two this summer that’s outside of your usual favorite genres and authors. Here’s a list from The Charlotte Observer you may want to check out: Charlotte NC summer reading list: Here’s 70 books to read | Charlotte Observer. Kristin Hannah’s The Women makes the list. Dr. Becnel just finished it and highly recommends! Summer reading is for grown-ups too. :)
Dr. Kim Becnel and Dr. Robin Moeller
Educational Opportunities this Fall!
As of Fall 2026, we will be offering a 15-credit hour Public Library Graduate Certificate program which will provide training for an alternative career path to those who hold a current MLS (or equivalent). Please contact Dr. Kim Becnel if you’re interested or would like more information.
We are currently offering a path for those seeking NCDPI 078 Media Supervisor Licensure through a three-course curriculum program. One course of the program is offered each term. Please contact Dr. Robin Moeller for more information.
Congrats to our Spring 2026 Graduates!
We are thrilled to celebrate our Spring 2026 graduates! Congrats!
- Cristina Gillard, MLS
- Jen Kent, MLS
- Carey Hubbard, MLS
- Lindsey Stamey, MLS
- Brandy Webb, MLS
- Willow Larson, MLS
- Kira Gaines, MLS
- Emerson Reiff, MLS
Spotlight on Graduate Brandy Webb
Spotlight on Graduate Jen Kent from California
She enjoyed taking Critical Issues in Literature and Media. She loved the amount of children’s literature she read and got to reconnect with. She also appreciated considering what to do when a piece is culturally insensitive, even though it’s a beloved classic. She found the class really interesting and timely!
Every professor Jen had was great and supportive in her learning journey. She had Dr. Jen and Dr. Becnel a few times, and they always fostered a great environment in class.
Jen appreciated the size of the MLS program. She felt like she was able to go through it with the same classmates in most of her classes. Even though it was a 100% remote program (and she'sin California!), she felt connected to her classmates, which she loved.
Jen did this program from California (specifically the Bay Area). She also got pregnant with her first child in her second year, and completed her final classes while on maternity leave. Her son sat in on a few App State classes with her (he was a big fan!)
We're grateful for our adjunct professors, including Ashley Rose
Ashley Rose brings a wealth of experience in both education and librarianship to Appalachian State University's Library & Information Science program. As Branch Manager of the Archdale Public Library with Randolph County Public Libraries, she leads library operations, collection development, community programming, grant writing, staff development, and strategic partnerships that expand access to learning throughout her community. Before entering public librarianship, Ashley spent more than a decade as a classroom educator and school library media specialist, experiences that continue to shape her teaching philosophy today.
A proud graduate of Appalachian State University's Master of Library Science program, Ashley has built a career centered on connecting people with information and opportunities. In addition to leading one of Randolph County's busiest public libraries, she is a Libraries for Entrepreneurial Advancement Fellowship (LEAF) Fellow, mentors county employees through Randolph County's Leadership Academy, supervises MLIS interns, and collaborates with community organizations to develop innovative programming for learners of all ages.
For Ashley, inclusive teaching begins with recognizing that every student enters the classroom with unique experiences, strengths, and learning preferences. Rather than expecting students to adapt to one instructional style, she intentionally designs learning experiences that provide multiple pathways for engagement and success.
In her courses, Ashley encourages participation through a combination of whole-class discussions and small-group breakout conversations, creating opportunities for students who may be less comfortable speaking in larger groups to contribute meaningfully. She also makes assignments available early in the semester, allowing students to plan around work, family, and other responsibilities while supporting different learning and time-management needs. Her goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and comfortable contributing their perspectives.
Ashley also believes that inclusion extends beyond classroom practices to the curriculum itself. In the True Crime course she teaches, she intentionally incorporates cases and scholarship representing diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic communities while encouraging students to critically examine whose stories receive attention...and whose are too often overlooked. By exploring issues of representation and bias, students are challenged to think more deeply about equity, information, and the social responsibilities of information professionals.
Looking ahead, Ashley continues to explore new ways to make learning authentic and relevant by connecting students with practitioners and encouraging research that amplifies historically underrepresented voices. Whether leading a public library, mentoring future librarians, or teaching in higher education, she demonstrates a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students feel seen, supported, and successful.
Crystal Beverly's Kenya Fieldwork
Thanks to the generous financial support of the LIS department and the GSGA committee, Crystal Beverly was able to conduct fieldwork in Kenya from June 2nd to June 12th. Her itinerary included three rural public schools near Lake Victoria, The Nairobi School Trust (Karen), Aga Khan Academy (Nairobi), and Aga Khan Academy (Mombasa). Her primary objective was to take what she learned from her Collection Development & Management course with Dr. Frye and practice collection evaluation in International school libraries in a consistent, unbiased manner. According to Crystal "Developing the framework and collecting data was as difficult as I imagined, but once I got over the initial jitters, it became easier." Crystal's next adventure is to work with Dr. Frye to analyze her data and share her findings.
Dr. Julie Marie Frye traveled to Nairobi, Kenya in June, where she collaborated with Crystal Beverly and educators in IB Schools. She is working with the ILM Academy to strengthen school library services and establish a new international partnership supporting the school's pursuit of International Baccalaureate (IB) accreditation.
During her visit, Dr. Frye worked alongside Crystal Beverly and school leaders to evaluate library collections, explore strategies for developing inquiry-centered learning environments, and deliver more than $1,000 in books to support student learning.
The partnership reflects the Library & Information Science program's commitment to global engagement and preparing future librarians to lead in diverse educational settings.
Dr. Frye looks forward to continuing this collaboration as ILM Academy advances its IB journey and to creating future opportunities for Appalachian students to engage in international learning and service.