Jung Mi Scoulas, PhD

Jung Mi Scoulas headshot
Describe yourself in three words:

Persistent, resilient, responsible.

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

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I am currently reading "Pachinko" written by Min Jin Lee, a Korean-American author. It is a historical fiction novel that describes the experiences of a Korean family across four generations.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Professional, engaging, collaborative.

What do you value about ACRL?

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After receiving my PhD in Educational Psychology in 2018, I joined the University of Illinois Chicago Library as the Assessment Coordinator. I was new to the library field, and was advised to join the ACRL to learn about the people and library work. ACRL allows me to expand my professional network by attending ACRL conferences, meetings and interacting with library staff in institutions of higher education. I also currently serve in a leadership role, the vice chair of the ACRL Value of Academic Libraries Committee and a member of the Project Outcome Editorial Board. Because members of the ACRL Value of Academic Libraries Committee and ACRL staff liaisons value my opinion, educational knowledge, library assessment and research skills, I feel connected, motivated, and included.

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

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As the Library Assessment Coordinator, I plan and implement library assessment initiatives, and lead regular internal and external assessments (e.g., student and faculty surveys) to identify their needs and provide evidence-based data to administration and leadership for improvements and decision-making. Decision-making is challenging without consulting our students and faculty. The University Library is committed to our users' needs and responding to their needs. I appreciate my role as the Assessment Coordinator, being involved in the decision-making process through consultations and collaborating with those inside and outside of university library, and being able to demonstrate our library's value to our users' academic success.

In your own words

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When I was a graduate student, I needed a place to study and needed resources (e.g., journals), and services (e.g., how to manage my citations) for my coursework and research. I received strong support from the university library and the librarians. Without the UIC Library, I could not have accomplished my academic goals. Now, as an academic/research librarian, I am happy to give back to our students and faculty by exploring their needs and providing the evidence-based data to our stakeholders for making improvements.

Title:Assistant Professor and Assessment Coordinator

Workplace:University of Illinois Chicago Library

Location:Chicago, IL