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Alyssa M. Valenti
Electronic Resources & Web Services Librarian
I've been an academic librarian since 2005 and have been at RVCC since 2011. I have experience as a librarian working in the following ways:
- Information literacy instruction
- Reference and information services
- User experience & usability testing
- Electronic resources management including EZProxy and OpenAthens administration
- Discovery services management
- Web Services; web design & development
I am available for research consultations, one-on-one reference help, and other library specific needs.
Education
Master of Science, Information & Communications Technology - Web Design & Development
University of Denver, Denver, CO
Master of Library and Information Science
The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Bachelor of Arts, Music - Vocal Performance
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA
Creative Commons Certificate Graduate, 2024
Creative Commons
Diversity Statement
As a librarian, diversity is at the forefront of every single element of my work. Diversity of collections, materials, authors, resources, patrons, and more contribute to my approach to librarianship in so many ways.
One example of how I seek out diverse perspectives is in my work with user experience and usability testing. Ensuring participation from underrepresented or marginalized groups, users requiring adaptive services or devices, and those who may be reluctant to use the library is essential. True usability includes accessibility and although it can sometimes be a challenge to recruit individuals from these populations for usability testing, their perspectives can often be the most eye-opening when identifying design flaws and areas for improvement in whatever it is you are testing. Unique user experiences can only be discovered by working with the people who have them!
Next, diverse collection development ensures that a library is the best it can possibly be. When we are intentional in seeking out diverse voices to include in our collection, the library fulfills its essential mission of serving its population. Although each institution’s mission varies, providing materials by authors of color, disabled or differently-abled authors, LGBTQIA+ authors, women authors from historically male-dominated fields, and more contribute to a well-rounded physical and electronic collection from which users will ultimately benefit.
Acknowledging intersectionality and different experiences when teaching and providing reference services is how I approach working with library patrons including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the general public. When I work with anyone in the library who needs assistance, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental opportunity to be vulnerable and ask for help. Diversity extends beyond race, age, ability, socioeconomic status, gender, etc., and in order for anyone to find success, they must have a solid base from which to start. I can only hope my services help and propel users not only to meet but excel in reaching their goals