Jessica Critten

Jessica Critten headshot
Describe yourself in three words:

Full of emotions.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

91´«Ã½

I just picked up a copy of CJ Hauser's "Family of Origin" after reading her remarkable piece 'The Crane Wife' in the Paris Review. Also somehow like five Brene Brown books that I didn't realize I put on hold all came in at the same time so we'll see how that goes. I'll dare greatly to get through them all.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Opportunities, connections, influence.

What do you value about ACRL?

91´«Ã½

I think ACRL is at its best when it provides opportunities for librarians to make real contributions to the profession and grow and learn. Specifically, ACRL was a great partner to my co-editor Angela Pashia and I as we worked to put together our book, Critical Approaches to Credit-Bearing Information Literacy Courses. Our authors did such brilliant work and I appreciate ACRL for giving them a platform to share that work.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

91´«Ã½

Auraria Library is one library for three different schools (Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver) and we teach a ton in my department. Outside of my own teaching, my favorite part of my job is working with my instruction librarian colleagues to help develop thoughtful, meaningful lesson plans and grow in their teaching practice.

In your own words

91´«Ã½

I'm writing this on the first day of the semester and the library is full of people, full of energy. Every one here is working towards something, starting something new, making decisions. We should talk to these folks, listen to them, and orient our work to them in ways that respect their privacy and do not pathologize them. That is our real value.

Credentials:MA, MLIS

Title:Pedagogy and Assessment Program Lead Librarian

Workplace:Auraria Library

Location:Denver, CO