September 21, 2013
When Dr. Shari Lee realized that many adults didn't understand the concept of a library—that they could check out books to read on their own or with their children and grandchildren—a passion for literacy was ignited.
This passion took her from finishing a Master of Library and Information Science degree at St. John's to receiving a Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles, before returning to St. John's, where she took an assistant professor position in the Division of Library and Information Science. "I have really always enjoyed the feel of the school and faculty and my program of study," Shari says. "I didn't hesitate to take the job because it was like coming home."
Through her research and teaching, Shari emphasizes the importance of education and service to the underserved. "My research considers the changing notions and physical structures of the public library as place and space," Shari explains. "I'm primarily concerned with how architecture and design elements affect human behavior and how this applies to the public library settings—specifically to teen spaces."
In addition, Shari developed a Global Studies Program in a partnership with the University of the West Indies at Mona in Jamaica. Designed to strengthen cultural literacy, the course addresses a long acknowledged and growing concern among library leaders that today's librarians need unique skills, knowledge, and abilities to provide the cutting-edge library services this country's growing number of distinctly urban environments require.
The course provides an opportunity for students to live and learn in Jamaica, a country that is heavily represented in our local communities and that contributes to the diverse cultural richness of New York City. Students in the course are encouraged to maintain correspondence and collaborate with faculty, information professionals and library science students in Jamaica.
"I stress to the students that library science is not just a career or a job," Shari relates. "This is an opportunity to really make a difference in a community and in people's lives. That's what our department at St. John's is really about."
Learn More
If you have an interest in learning more about the DLIS program through attending a class, lecture, symposium or lunch, or if you would like information on planning a gift to support the programs important to you, please contact Susan Damiani at [email protected] or 718-990-7562.