Randal Harrison, Ph.D.
University of Norte Dame
Emerging Technologies Librarian
A little about Randal’s job:
My job is “Emerging Technologies Librarian.” The official description is: “I assist users with the identification, evaluation, and use of emerging technologies in the creation of a variety of media-rich projects, explore innovative online tools and related services, and identify learning and engagement opportunities to support student research and promote student success.” It’s a new position at Notre Dame and I’ve been in it for 7 months or so.
What are some things you like about your job or about working in libraries in general?
I’ve worked in libraries for about 3-ish years, though. My last position (2.5 years) was as the web developer for the Van Pelt and Opie Library at Michigan Tech, while I finished a PhD in communication, there. What I love about academia and about libraries in general is the intellectual calibre you usually find in them. Most people I’ve found in academia are both smart and well-meaning. Libraries, in particular, seem populated with people who aren’t here for the money, but for the chance to help spread access to information, and through this, increase the change of greater social justice. There are always exceptions, but this has proved the rule for me.
What got you interested in libraries?
I’m new to being faculty in a library setting, but chose this position over, say, an asst. professorship in communication because
of my great experiences in libraries, before. My job here affords the opportunity to be of use to people in all the ways I enjoy, including instruction, outreach, and even building digital interfaces. As an example, being in Academic Outreach and Engagement, I headed over today to our Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning and helped the Assistant Director there and his team to conceptualize and wireframe a new interface for the Remix portal (a multimodal teaching and learning space) that they want to turn into a single web presence (from, currently, three). With my background in both teaching and User Experience Design, I’m a fit to serve on/consult for teams like this that guide student workers in how to rebuild this portal. I think—keep in mind that I’m new to libraries—that if we want to keep libraries relevant moving forward, we would need to create the impression that libraries are the central intellectual hub (well, and social spaces, too) on campus, where rich collaboration happens, both lo-fi and with technological resources.
What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?
I’m new to this. My colleague and friend Kai Smith recommended to me to put my name out there to get involved. Getting involved in others’ projects and in conversation generally is a great way to start building those professional relationships .