Meghan Kowalski, M.S.L.S., is the Outreach and Reference Librarian and an Assistant Professor at the Learning Resources Division of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). With expertise in library outreach, marketing, and information literacy, she actively contributes to faculty research support, leadership mentoring, and scholarly publications on library service, management, and instruction.
Experience
Education
Master of Science in Library Science The Catholic University of America Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Politics, Summa cum Laude, The Catholic University of America
Roles
Outreach and Reference Librarian, Assistant Professor, UDC, 2019-Present MSCHE Standard III Committee, UDC, 2022-Present DEPC, UDC, 2021-Present Faculty Senate, UDC Admissions and Retention Committee, UDC, 2020-24 Research and Development Committee, UDC, 2020-24 Washington Research Library Consortium UDC Convener and Chair, Outreach Interest Group, UDC, 2022-Present Scholarly Communications Interest Group, UDC, 2020-Present Instruction Interest Group UDC, 2019-Present Textbook Affordability Working Group UDC, 2019-Present Digital Preservation Assessment Task Force, UDC, 2017 Preservation Advisory Committee, UDC, 2012-18 Head of Preservation, The Catholic University of America, 2016-18 Washington Research Library Consortium, The Catholic University of America Digital Preservation Assessment Task Force, The Catholic University of America, 2017 University Social Media Roundtable, The Catholic University of America, 2017-18 Alma/Primo VE Implementation Committee, The Catholic University of America, 2016-18 Preservation Advisory Committee, The Catholic University of America, 2012-18 Academic Senate, The Catholic University of America, 2017-18 Programming and Marketing Committee, The Catholic University of America, 2013-18 Stacks Inventory Project Manager, The Catholic University of America, 2011-15 Stacks Supervisor, Stacks Management, The Catholic University of America, 2007-11 Collection Management Technical Services Assistant, The Catholic University of America, 2006-07 Stacks Assistant, Stacks Coordinator, The Catholic University of America, 2003-06
Expertise
Library outreach and marketing (social media, newsletters, web design, video content, print media) Customer service and relationship management Library instruction (classroom instruction, embedded librarian, asynchronous material) Reference and research support
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Person-centered service, management, and leadership; library outreach and marketing; information literacy and library instruction; faculty research assignment design and teaching; personal archiving
Kowalski, M., Meals, C., & Rusk, F. (2021). Transforming theory into practice: Creating student-centered instructional activities rooted in the framework. College & Research Libraries News, 82(3), 114. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.82.3.114
Kowalski, M. (2024). Beg, borrow, steal: Finding and implementing ideas for library outreach. Library Marketing and Communications Conference, St. Louis, Missouri.
Kowalski, M. (2024). Preserving community cultural heritage. Internet Librarian Connect, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2024). Inside and out: Supporting & empowering your staff by promoting their achievements. Medical Library Association Conference, Portland, Oregon.
Kowalski, M., & Meals, C. (2023). Course design and teaching research: Faculty reflections and implications for librarian practice. The Innovative Library Classroom, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Kowalski, M. (2022). Stop that! Management techniques that need to die. Confrence on Academic Library Management, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2020). Customer service: Sending a positive message. Computers in Libraries and Internet Librarian Connect, Virtual.
Recognitions
Edward J. Belanger Jr. Staff Award for Excellence in Service, 2013 Honors: University Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Gamma Mu
Invited Participations
Kowalski, M. (2024). Building trust: Empowering and promoting the work of your library team.NC Live, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2022). Pics or it didn’t happen: Upping your photography.Library Marketing Conference, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2022). So long, silos: Using internal communications to create collaboration.Center for the Advancement of Learning, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2021). Leading from afar: Creating a cohesive remote team. American Library Association, Virtual.
Kowalski, M. (2019). Picture this: Using Instagram to connect with and engage your users.Cartrette Webinar Series, Virtual.
