Melissa Fortson Green Research and Instructional Services Librarian (Assistant Professor) The University of Alabama Libraries Box 870266 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0266 205-348-6220 mbfortson@ua.edu melissafortson.com EDUCATION Master of Library and Information Studies The University of Alabama December 2009 Bachelor of Arts, English Teacher Education Program (Endorsement in English 7-12) Sewanee: The University of the South May 2001, magna cum laude EMPLOYMENT 2010- Research and Instructional Services Librarian, The University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama 2010 Academic Coordinator, Virginia College Online 2009 Library Assistant, Talking Books and Braille Library, Tuscaloosa Public Library 2009 Student Assistant, Cataloging and Metadata Services, The University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama 2009 Library Intern, Brewer-Porch Children’s Center, The University of Alabama 2009 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Cataloging and Metadata Services, The University of Alabama Libraries 2005-2008 Information and Referral Specialist/Program Coordinator, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Vanderbilt University 2003-2005 Information and Referral Specialist, Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability 2003 Outreach Worker, YWCA Domestic Violence Center 2002-2003 Family Support Counselor, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee 2001-2002 Family Health Educator, Nashville Health Corps/AmeriCorps Research and Instructional Services Librarian, The University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama, 2010- Serves as a liaison to the Department of Anthropology, Center for Instructional Technology, College of Arts and Sciences Office of Educational Technology (eTech), College of Continuing Studies, and Foster Child Initiative. Coordinates the department’s development and production of instructional tutorials. Manages, maintains and assesses usage of the Libraries’ Springshare web applications: LibGuides, LibAnswers, and LibAnalytics. Monitors Gorgas Library’s social media accounts. In collaboration with other Gorgas Information Services librarians, develops, delivers, and assesses First-Year Writing Program instruction; explores and implements the use of emerging technologies for instruction, outreach, and assessment; and participates in large-scale outreach activities. Provides one-on-one research consultations and participates in on-call, evening, and Sunday reference rotations. Academic Coordinator, Virginia College Online, 2010 Oversaw virtual classroom operations. Published, edited, and maintained online course content. Supported faculty in the delivery of web-based instruction. Monitored, analyzed, and reported faculty performance. Served as liaison among students, instructors, and institutional student services. Library Assistant, Talking Books and Braille Library, Tuscaloosa Public Library, 2009 Oversaw the daily operations of a countywide Subregional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped [sic], serving patrons unable to access traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability. Conducted all library operations: information services, acquisitions, technical services, interlibrary loan, and maintenance of the library’s collection of Braille, audio cassette, and digital materials. Initiated a large-scale weeding and inventory project. Student Assistant, Cataloging and Metadata Services, The University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama, 2009 Prepared books, audiovisual, and other materials for circulation by applying call number labels and stamps and inserting security devices. Assisted with repair and other projects as needed. Library Intern, Brewer-Porch Children’s Center, The University of Alabama, 2009 Served as the sole librarian for the center. Responsible for all library operations, including materials selection, circulation, and cataloging activities. Facilitated scheduled group library visits and kept “drop-in” hours to assist students and staff with the utilization of library resources. Provided research assistance and developed a web-based collection of reference and instructional materials. Graduate Teaching Assistant, Cataloging and Metadata Services, The University of Alabama Libraries, The University of Alabama, 2009 Assisted the Cataloging and Metadata Services department with routine copy-cataloging and database maintenance. Inventoried the library’s serial holdings, correcting holdings and item information in the Voyager integrated library system. Maintained statistics and assisted with other projects as needed. Information and Referral Specialist/Program Coordinator, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Vanderbilt University, 2005-2008 Assisted callers with disability information and services. Researched and evaluated community services and systems. Maintained program websites and web-based resource directory. Developed instructional modules and workshop materials. Provided training to consumers, families, center staff, and community partners. Oversaw statewide community outreach activities. Worked cooperatively with community partners through board representation, committee participation, and informal collaboration. Researched and wrote articles for Breaking Ground, the newsletter of the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities. Wrote and disseminated program newsletter and mailings. Supervised staff, students and interns. Assessed and reported program service delivery. Provided office and administrative coverage and support. Information and Referral Specialist, Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability, 2003-2005 Provided comprehensive information, referral, and assistance. Maintained resource database and researched community services. Participated in community and professional partnerships. Outreach Worker, YWCA Domestic Violence Center, 2003 Promoted awareness about domestic violence through training, presentations, and work with media and community organizations. Facilitated support group for persons experiencing domestic violence. Provided information and resource linkage to helpline callers and shelter residents. Family Support Counselor, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, 2002-2003 Provided in-home parent coaching, support, and information to expectant parents and families with at-risk newborns. Offered emotional support, discussed infant care and development, modeled parenting skills, and connected families with community resources. Served as a parent helpline counselor, providing supportive listening, information, and referral to parents and other callers. Family Health Educator, Nashville Health Corps/AmeriCorps, 2001-2002 Developed training materials for fellow Corps members and families served by the program. Assisted with the provision of social services to patients of a health care clinic serving the uninsured and underinsured. Participated in service projects. Provided in-home parent coaching, support, and education to expectant parents and families with at-risk newborns. Offered emotional support, discussed infant care and development, and linked families with community resources. PUBLICATIONS Articles (Non-Peer Reviewed) Fortson, Melissa, Josh Sahib, and Brett Spencer. “Step Right Up to the Library!: The Week of Welcome Carnival at the University of Alabama Libraries.” College and Research Libraries News 72.6 (2011): 350-352. Fortson, Melissa. “I’m No Expert: A New Librarian Becomes a Subject Specialist.” NMRT Footnotes 40.3 (2011). Fortson, Melissa. “SLIS Faculty, Students, and Alumni ‘Invite, Involve, Inform, Inspire’ at ALLA Convention.” ALA Student Voice 5:2 (2009): 2. Fortson, Melissa. “SLIS 2.0: UA SLIS-ers’ Presence on the Collaborative Web.” ALA Student Voice 5:1 (2008): 2. Fortson, Melissa. “People with Disabilities and Real Estate Professionals.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 41 (2008): 10-11. Fortson, Melissa. “Summer Camps and Programs for People with Disabilities.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 36 (2007): 16-17. Fortson, Melissa and Jennifer Legg. “Braille Transcription Services: Breaking the Code.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 35 (2007): 6-7. Fortson, Melissa. “Making the Connection: Pathfinder and the Information and Referral Community.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 33 (2006): 19. Fortson, Melissa. “The Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities 24th Annual Recognition Reception.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 29 (2006): 4-5. Fortson, Melissa. “A Storm Of Caring: Tennessee’s Disability Community Responds to Hurricane Katrina.” Breaking Ground: The Newsletter of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities 28 (2006): 13, 15. Reviews Green, Melissa Fortson. “Book Review: Mates, Barbara T, and William R. Reed. Assistive Technologies in the Library. Chicago: American Library Association, 2011. Print.” NMRT Footnotes 41.2 (2012). Green, Melissa Fortson. “Web Review: Library Services to People of All Abilities.” NMRT Footnotes 41.2 (2012). Other Green, Melissa Fortson. MelissaFortson.com. Web. Fortson, Melissa. “Dream Job.” The Young Librarian Series. The Young Librarian Series, 13 Sept. 2009. Web. Other (Subject of Publication) Murray, Caroline. "Library Teaches Students How to Tweet." The Crimson White 21 Sept. 2011. Wolverton, Robert and Karen Davidson. "E-Resource Round Up," Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship 23.1 (2011): 68-95. Erdman, Jacquelyn. "MSU Emerging Technologies Summit Notes." Technolust and Loathing. Technolust and Loathing, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. Sammonds, Laurel. "Summit Blogging: The Disability Experience in a Post-2.0 World: Implications for Libraries." MSU Libraries Emerging Technologies Summit. Mississippi State University Libraries, 17 Sept. 2010. Web. PRESENTATIONS "Doing More for Less: Windows and Mac Accessibility Features" (accepted), Alabama Library Association Annual Convention, Hoover, Alabama, April 2012. "Five Things to Know about Online Conferencing for Reference and Instruction" (accepted), Alabama Library Association Annual Convention, Hoover, Alabama, April 2012. “Twitter as an Information Source,” invited speaker, Lunch and Learn Series, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, April 2012. “Designing Web-Based Support Materials,” guest lecturer, LS 527: Library User Instruction, School of Library and Information Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, February 2012. "Museum Accessibility: Why and How," co-presenter, Alabama Museums Association Annual Meeting, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, February 2012. "Emerging Technology as Assistive Technology: The iPad, Accessibility, and Libraries," presenter, Mississippi State University Libraries Emerging Technologies Summit, Starkville, Mississippi, August 2011. “Keeping Up: Current Awareness Tips and Tools for Educators,” presenter, Alabama Educational Technology Conference, Birmingham, Alabama, June 2011. “The Disability Experience in a Post-2.0 World: Implications for Libraries,” presenter, ASCLA Virtual Convergence, January 2011. “The Disability Experience in a Post-2.0 World: Implications for Libraries,” presenter, Mississippi State University Libraries Emerging Technologies Summit, Starkville, Mississippi, September 2010. "Access to Electronic Resources and Patrons with Disabilities," presenter, Alabama Library Association Annual Convention, Huntsville, Alabama, April 2010. "The Brewer-Porch Children's Center Library Initiative: Serving the Needs of a Specialized Community through Communication and Collection Building" (poster), co-presenter, Alabama Library Association Annual Convention, Auburn, Alabama, April 2009. SERVICE Professional American Library Association (ALA) New Members Round Table Alabama Library Association Liaison, 2010- American Library Association (ALA) Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies Membership Promotion Committee, 2009-2011 Tennessee Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (TN-AIRS) Board Member, 2006-2008 Tennessee Disability Coalition Secretary and Executive Committee Member, 2007-2008 Board Member, 2005-2008 University ADA Technology Compliance Working Group, 2011- University of Alabama Safe Zone Safe Zone Ally, 2010- University Libraries Gorgas Emergency Response Team, 2011- LibGuides Task Force, 2012- Library Faculty Organization Publication and Grants Committee, 2010- Chair, 2011- Public Interface Working Group, 2011- MEMBERSHIPS Alabama Library Association, 2009- American Library Association (ALA), 2008- Learning Round Table, 2012- New Members Round Table, 2009- Social Responsibilities Round Table, 2009-2011 Association of College and Research Libraries, 2010- Anthropology and Sociology Section, 2010- Distance Learning Section, 2011- Instruction Session, 2010- Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), 2008-2011 Libraries Serving Special Populations Section, 2009-2011 Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), 2003-2010 Tennessee Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (TNAIRS), 2003-2008 Tennessee Disability Coalition, 2005-2008 HONORS AND AWARDS Inductee, Beta Phi Mu Beta Kappa Chapter, 2010 H.W. Wilson Foundation Scholarship, The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies, 2009 Graduate Teaching Assistantship, The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies, 2008-2009 Endowed Scholarship, The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies, 2009 Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities Professional Award (awarded to the Access Nashville Advisory Board), 2004