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JPEG of Mary Somerville

GIF image of envelopeE-mail
GIF image of PDF file. Curriculum Vitae

San Jose
Telephone:
  1-253-229-8816

Teaching & Professional Interests

  • Academic Libraries
  • Administration and Management
  • Evaluation of Service
  • Information Literacy and Instruction
  • Information Systems and Technologies
  • Information and Society / Culture
  • Strategic Planning / Marketing / Lobbying
  • Users and Uses of Information Systems

Research Interests

  • Academic Libraries
  • Administration and Management
  • Digital / Virtual Libraries
  • Evaluation of Service
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Information Literacy and Instruction
  • Information and Society / Culture
  • Social / Community Informatics
  • Organizational Development/Effectiveness
  • Knowledge Management

Dr. Mary M. Somerville

Lecturer

Dr. Mary M. Somerville is the University Librarian and Library Director at the Auraria Library, which serves the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and Community College of Denver. Previously, she served as Associate Dean of the joint academic-public Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on the San José State University campus. Earlier, she was the Assistant Dean of Information and Instructional Services at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Her leadership approach involves the application of participatory co-design principles and practices to further information sharing and knowledge creation through the framework of appreciative inquiry, action research, and shared leadership. Results are reported in Working Together: Collaborative Information Practices for Organizational Learning, published in 2009 by the Association of College & Research Libraries. Dr. Somerville also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of an international peer refereed journal, The Electronic Library.

Courses Taught

Education

  • Doctorate of Philosophy, Union Institute and University [formerly Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities], Cincinnati, Ohio, 1988
  • Certificate of Advanced Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1982
  • Master of Arts, Goddard-Cambridge Graduate Program, Goddard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1977
  • Master of Library Studies, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, 1972
  • Bachelor of Arts with Honor, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1971

Academic & Professional Experience

  • University Librarian, University of Colorado Denver, and Director, Auraria Library (serving the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and Community College of Denver) (2008-)
  • Associate Dean, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, San José State University, California (2006-2008)
  • Assistant Dean, Information and Instruction Services, Robert E. Kennedy Library, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2003-2006)
  • Adjunct Faculty, School of Library and Information Science, San José State University, California (2002–2006, 2009-)

Selected Publications  (last five years only)

For other publications and presentations, see Curriculum Vitae PDF above.

Book

  • Somerville, M. M. (2009). Working together – Collaborative information practices for organizational learning. Chicago, IL: Association of College & Research Libraries.

Refereed Book Chapter

  • Somerville, M. M., Rogers, E., Mirijamdotter, A., & Partridge, H. (2007). Collaborative evidence-based information practice: The Cal Poly digital learning initiative. In E. Connor (Ed.), Evidence-Based Librarianship: Case Studies and Active Learning Exercises (pp. 141-161). Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.

Invited Book Chapters

  • Mirijamdotter, A., & Somerville, M. M. (2009). Collaborative design: An SSM-enabled organizational learning approach. In S. Rummler & K. Ng (Eds.), Collaborative Technologies & Applications for Interactive Information Design: Emerging Trends in User Experiences (pp. 202-221). Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference, IGI Global.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Gillette, D. D. (2008). The California Polytechnic State University Learning Commons: A case study. In B. Tierney & R. Bailey (Eds.), Transforming Library Service Through Information Commons: Case Studies for the Digital Age. Chicago: American Library Association.
  • Somerville, M. M. and Harlan, S. (2008). From information commons to learning commons and learning spaces: An evolutionary context, (Ed.) B. Schader, Learning Commons: Evolution and Collaborative Essentials (pp. 1 - 36). Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.

Refereed Journal Articles

  • Somerville, M. M., & Brown-Sica, M. (2011). Library space planning: A Participatory Action Research approach. The Electronic Library, 29(6), in press.
  • Bruce, C. S., Hughes, H., & Somerville, M. M.(2011). Supporting learners in the 21st century. Library Trends, 60(Summer, part 1), in press.
  • Somerville, M. M., & EchoHawk, D. (2011). Recuerdos hablados /memories spoken: Toward the co-creation of digital knowledge with community significance. Library Trends, 59(4), 650-662.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Howard, Z. (2010). "Information in context": Co-designing workplace structures and systems for organisational learning. Information Research, 15(4): paper 446. Available at InformationR.net/ir/15-4/paper446.htmllink goes to non-SJSU web site.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Brar, N. (2010). From information to learning commons: Campus planning highlights. New Library World 111(5/6), 179-188.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Brar, N. (2009). A user-centered and evidence-based approach for digital library projects. The Electronic Library, 27(3), 409-425. [Selected for inclusion in The Informed Librarian current awareness service]
  • Mirijamdotter, A., & Somerville, M. M. (2009). Collaborative design: An SSM-enabled organizational learning approach. International Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach, 2(1), 48-69. Reprinted as: Collaborative design: An SSM-enabled organizational learning approach. In S. Rummler & K. Ng (Eds.), Collaborative Technologies & Applications for Interactive Information Design: Emerging Trends in User Experiences (pp. 202-221). Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference, IGI Global.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Collins, L. (2008). Collaborative design: A learner-centered library planning approach. The Electronic Library, 26(6), 803-820.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Howard, Z. (2008). Systems thinking: An approach for advancing workplace information literacy. Australian Library Journal, 57(2), 257-273.
  • Somerville, M. M., Smith, G., & Smith, A. M. (2008). The ETS iSkills TM assessment:A digital age tool. The Electronic Library, 26(2), 158-171. [Summarized in Library Hi Tech News 25(4, 2008).]
  • Somerville, M. M., & Nino, M. (2007). Collaborative co-design: A user-centric approach for advancement of organizational learning. Performance Measurement and Metrics: The International Journal for Library and Information Services, 8(3), 180-188.
  • Elrod, S., & Somerville, M. M. (2007). Literature based scientific learning: A collaboration model. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 33(6), 684-691.
  • Somerville, M. M., Lampert, L. D., Dabbour, K. S., Harlan, S., & Schader, B. (2007). Toward large scale assessment of information and communication technology literacy: Implementation considerations for the ETS ICT literacy instrument. Reference Services Review, 35(1), 8-20.
  • Davis, H. L., & Somerville, M. M. (2006). Learning our way to change: Improved institutional alignment. New Library World, 107(3/4), 127-140.
  • Mirijamdotter, A., Somerville, M. M., & Holst, M. (2006). An interactive and iterative evaluation approach for creating collaborative learning environments. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems Evaluation, 9(2), 83 – 92. Available http://www.ejise.comlink goes to non-SJSU web site.
  • Somerville, M. M., Schader, B., & Huston, M. E. (2005). Rethinking what we do and how we do it: Systems thinking strategies for library leadership. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, 36(4), 214-227.
  • Somerville, M. M., Huston, M. E., & Mirijamdotter, A. (2005). Building on what we know: Staff development in the digital age. The Electronic Library, 23(4), 480-491.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Vuotto, F. (2005). If you build it with them, they will come: Digital research portal design and development strategies. Internet Reference Services Quarterly: A Journal of Innovative Information Practice, Technologies, and Resources, 10(1), 77-94.

Invited Journal Articles

  • Somerville, M. M., Gaetz, I., & Lee, J. (2010). Rethinking libraries in terms of learning and working collaboratively: An interview with Mary Somerville. Collaborative Librarianship, 2(1), 38-43.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Yusko, G. (2008). Preparing a new generation of librarians to serve our communities. MultiCultural Review, 17(2), 34-38.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Schader, B. (2005). Life after the reference desk: Co-creating a digital age library. The Charleston Advisor, 7(1), 56-57.

Refereed Conference Presentations

  • Somerville, M., Gonzales, R., Montoya, D., & EchoHawk, D. (2011). Yo Soy Colorado: Two symbiotic Hispanic cultural heritage initiatives. REFORMA National Conference/RNC IV (REFORMA: the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking), Denver, Colorado.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Howard, Z. (2010). 'Information in context' workplace learning: A participatory co-design approach. Paper presentation at Information Seeking in Context Conference (ISIC 2010), Murcia, Spain.
  • Pan, D., Howard, Z., Somerville, M. M., & Mirijamdotter, A. (2009). From evidence to action: A shared leadership approach. Paper presented at the 5th International Evidence-Based Library and Information Practice Conference (EBLIP5), Stockholm, Sweden. [Highly Commended Paper.]
  • Somerville, M. M., Howard, Z., & Mirijamdotter, A. (2009). Workplace information literacy: Cultivation strategies for working smarter in 21st Century libraries. In Pushing the Edge: Explore, Engage, Extend - Proceedings of the 14th Association of College & Research Libraries National Conference, Seattle, Washington (pp. 119-126), Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries.
  • Howard, Z., & Somerville, M. M. (2008). Building knowledge capabilities: An organisational learning approach. In Harnessing Knowledge Management to Build Communities – Proceedings of the 11th Annual Conference on Knowledge Management and Intelligent Decision Support (ACKMIDS08), Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
  • Mirijamdotter, A., & Somerville, M. M. (2008). SSM inspired organizational change in a North American University Library: Lessons learned. In Public Systems in the Future – Possibilities, Challenges, and Pitfalls: Proceedings of the 31st Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia (IRIS31), Åre, Sweden. [Best Conference Paper Award]
  • Somerville, M. M. (2008). Collaborative design and assessment: Learning 'with and for' users. In S. Hiller, et al. (Eds), Building Effective, Sustainable, Practical Assessment: Proceedings of the Library Assessment Conference, Seattle, Washington (pp. 337-345). Washington, D.C.: Association of Research Libraries.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Yusko, G. (2008). Strategic organizational direction setting: A workplace learning opportunity. In Reflecting on Successes and Framing Futures - Proceedings of the 5th International Lifelong Learning Conference, Yeppoon, Australia. Rockhampton, (pp. 366-369), Queensland, Australia: Central Queensland University.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Brar, N. (2007). Toward co-creation of knowledge in the Interaction Age: An organizational case study. In H. K. Kaul & S. Kaul (Eds.), Papers of the Tenth National Convention on Knowledge, Library and Information Networking (NACLIN 2007), (pp. 367-376). New Delhi, India: Developing Library Network.
  • Somerville, M. M. (2007). A collaborative co-design approach for student-centric learning commons. Presentation at EDUCAUSE 2007 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. Available: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EDU07259.pdf
  • Somerville, M. M., & Nino, M. (2007). Collaborative co-design: A user-centric approach for advancement of organizational learning. In Measuring library performance and organisational effectiveness: From research to practice – Proceedings of the 7th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services (PM7), Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Smith, A. M., Smith, G., & Somerville, M. M. (2007). A national initiative to assess and advance ICT literacy in higher education and the workforce. In Measuring library performance and organisational effectiveness: From research to practice – Proceedings of the 7th Northumbria International Conference on Performance Measurement in Libraries and Information Services (PM7), Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Somerville, M. M. (2007). Participatory co-design: A relationship building approach for co-creating libraries of the future. In Libraries for the Future: Progress, Development and Partnerships - Proceedings of the 73rd International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Conference, Durban, South Africa. Available http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla73/papers/122-Somerville-en.pdf
  • Somerville, M. M. (lead), Kurfess, F., Mirijamdotter, A., Stringer, J., Tobin, B., & Gilbert, D. (2007). Campus learning spaces: Two innovation design approaches.Panel presentation at EDUCAUSE Western Regional Conference, San Francisco, California.Available: http://connect.educause.edu/library/abstract/CampusLearningSpaces/44205
  • Smith, G., Macklin, A. S., & Somerville, M. M. (2006). Scenario-based ICT literacy assessment: A new tool for evaluating the effectiveness of library instructional programs. Presentation at the Library Assessment Conference, Charlottesville, Virginia. Washington, D.C.: Association of Research Libraries.
  • Gillette, D. D., & Somerville, M. M.. (2006). Toward lifelong ‘knowledge making’: Faculty development for student learning in the Cal Poly learning commons. In D. Orr (Ed.), Lifelong Learning: Partners, Pathways, and Pedagogies: Keynote and Refereed Papers from the 4th International Lifelong Learning Conference, Yeppoon, Australia, (pp. 117-123). Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia: Central Queensland University.
  • Somerville, M. M., & Brar, N. (2006). Collaborative co-design:The Cal Poly Digital Teaching Library user centric approach. In Information Access for Global Access: Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Libraries (ICDL 2006), (pp. 175-187). New Delhi, India.
  • Schader, B., Somerville, M. M., & Harlan, S. (2006). Creative strategies for learning and leading: Learning commons purposes, relationships & outcomes. Pre-conference of the California Association of Research Libraries, Pacific Grove, California.
  • Somerville, M. M., Mirijamdotter, A., & Collins, L. (2006). Systems thinking and information literacy: Elements of a knowledge enabling workplace environment. In Proceedings of the 39th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences (HICSS-39), Koloa, Kauai. Los Alamitos, California: IEEE Computer Society.

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