Author: Kimberley Giard

Howser, Michael

Michael is the Repository Manager for the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA) at the University of Connecticut Library. Michael coordinates with CTDA partner institutions across the state of Connecticut to provide training and support with using the CTDA to preserve and make discoverable cultural heritage material from a diverse range of collections. Prior to this role, Michael served as a Social Sciences & Data Librarian at San Diego State University with a focus on developing quantitative literacy skills for students through data visualization and data analysis approaches. Michael previously was at the UConn Library in various roles and was co-founder of the Connecticut Digital Archive (CTDA). Michael is well known for his work in geospatial literacy efforts with nearly two decades of experience working with students and faculty on geospatial data and mapping projects, instruction, and research. Michael has taken extensive PhD level courses in Geography at the University of Connecticut, has a Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Kent State University and a BA in Geography from the University of Cincinnati.

Tatarka, Karen

Karen Tatarka is Director of the UConn Hartford Campus Library. She has worked in both public and academic libraries, including the Weston Public Library, Wilton Library, Jeremy Richard Library at UConn Stamford, and Auburn University Libraries. She was drawn to librarianship by a desire to connect people with information, and actively works with library stakeholders to grow collections, services, and collaborative programs to integrate the library into the community. 

 Karen holds an MLS from Southern Connecticut State University and an MA in English Literature from Fordham University. She is active in professional organizations at the local and State level. She currently serves as Chair of the State Library’s Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD) and is on the steering committee for CT Libraries and Partners for Digital Equity (CTLPDE). 

Schaefer, Jennifer

    Jennifer L. Schaefer is the Research Services Librarian for Latina/o, Caribbean, & Latin American Studies and Spanish Studies at the UConn Library.

    Before joining the UConn Library, Jennifer was a Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Carleton College, a Roots of Contemporary Issues Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow at Washington State University Vancouver, and a Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Michigan.

    Jennifer is deeply committed to supporting undergraduate and graduate research and writing, especially drawing on her previous experiences working as the Education and Outreach Fellow in both the Emory Writing Center and the Woodruff Library and then as Interim Director of the Emory Writing Center.

    Jennifer earned a BA in History and Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago, and a PhD in History from Emory University. Her historical research focuses on political mourning and authoritarianism in late twentieth century Argentina, and she is currently working on a book manuscript titled Rebels, Martyrs, Heroes: Political Mourning in Authoritarian Argentina, 1966-1983. Outside of her work at the library, she enjoys cycling, running, playing pick-up soccer, and gardening.

    Subject Specialties

    • Latina/o, Caribbean, & Latin American Studies
    • Spanish Studies

    Website

    JenniferLSchaefer.com

    Professional Affiliations

    Recent Scholarly Activity

    • Presenter, “The Detroit of Argentina: Automobile Manufacturing and Labor Unions in Córdoba, Argentina,” American Historical Association/Conference on Latin American History, February 2022
    • Organizer and Chair, “Avocados, Sugar Beets, and Automobiles: Transnational Markets and Local Labor Practices in the Americas, 1950-2000,” American Historical Association/Conference on Latin American History, February 2022
    • Roundtable Participant, “Chile-Rio de la Plata Studies Section Meeting: Writing, Thinking, & Teaching the Southern Cone Today,” Conference on Latin American History, January 2021
    • Presenter, “‘Spilled blood will not be negotiated’: Acts of ‘Revolutionary Justice’ by 1970s Argentine Militant Groups,” Conference on Latin American History, January 2020

    Publications

    • “Mapping Politics into the Stadium: Political Demonstrations and Soccer Culture in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1973-1974,” Journal of Sports History Special Issue “Doing Sport History in the Digital Present” 44, no. 2 (Summer 2017):193-208.
    • (Review) Miradas médicas sobre la cultura física en Argentina, 1880-1970, Pablo Ariel Scharagrodsky Ed., Journal of Sport History.December 2015.
    • (Disciplinary Publication) Co-author, “Guide to Preparing Fellowship Applications,” American Historical Association, September 2016.

     

     

    Frati, Angela

    Angela joined the University of Connecticut in the fall of 2019 in the Department of Animal Science. She provided the department with financial and administrative support.

    Prior to coming to UConn, Angela worked within several Departments at EASTCONN Regional Education Service Center, supporting multiple directors, program coordinators, psychologists, therapists, students, and teachers. She brings with her significant experience in administrative support and managing daily business operations.

    Angela joined the UConn Library Office of the Dean in March of 2022 and currently supports Dean Langley, the Senior Leadership Team, and supervises the Dean’s Office student workers.

    Angela earned her BA in English and Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Connecticut.

    In addition to writing, Angela loves plants, animals, the beach, and reading. She has a passion for helping others and is not afraid of hard work.

    Nsilo-Swai, Fyansia

    Fyansia ( Fyiane) Nsilo Swai is the Social Science Librarian and liaison to Archaeology & Anthropology, Communications, and Sociology at the UConn Library.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Resources Economics from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Library Information Science from the University of Rhode Island.

    Fyiane is a 2007 recipient of the NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award and recently Co-authored a chapter in the 2018 ACRL Book “Undergraduate Research and the Academic Librarian: Case Studies and Best Practices”.

    Area of Expertise

    • Information Literacy Instruction

    Recent Scholarly activity

    PUBLICATIONS:

    Professional Affiliations

    Garcia, Vanessa

    Vanessa is the weekend and evening Access & Visitor Services Associate. Building upon their Interlibrary Loan experience and collections projects, such as Book Traces, they transitioned to support Access & Visitor Services with a passion for workflow assessment and great customer service at the iDesk. Previously a departmental assistant, they worked with student employees to conduct Babbidge Library’s Lost and Missing Items search and contributed to the development of a new iDesk staff program, training iDesk staff as well. In their new role, they are excited to continue supporting the iDesk, process physical course reserves, and engage with the broader UConn community. They graduated from UConn with a B.A. in Actuarial Science-Finance and a minor in Statistics.

    In their free time, they like to read children’s books, learn about art history, and listen to music with their dog.

    Boss, Samuel

    Sam is liaison to the Music Department and Head of Research Services at UConn Libraries. Sam’s primary function is to connect UConn Library collections, services, and spaces to stakeholders in support of research, scholarship, teaching, and learning at UConn and in the state of Connecticut.

     

    Subject Specialties

    • Asian American Studies
    • Music

    Reed, Chalynne

    Chalynne Reed serves as the Access Services Coordinator at the Avery Point Campus Library, where she plays a key role in ensuring students, faculty, and staff have equal access to library resources and services. With a background in both academic and public libraries, she brings a diverse perspective to her position, emphasizing student support, resource accessibility, and cross-campus collaboration. Chay is passionate about information literacy and deeply committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming library environment, helping students obtain the physical and electronic resources needed to aid in their academic success.

    Outside her work at the UConn Library, Chay enjoys exploring new places, visiting libraries across the region, working on regional library coalitions, and discovering unique local restaurants. She values spending quality time with her loved ones and enjoys walking along the coastline of the Avery Point Campus, appreciating its natural beauty. Chay is also an avid crafter, with a special interest in making handmade rugs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Eastern Connecticut State University.

    Professional Affiliations