Sarah L. Johnson
Professor of Library Services
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL  61920
(217) 581-7538 / sljohnson2 @ eiu.edu

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Master of Information and Library Studies, with specialization in Reference Services, 1994.

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Master of Arts in Linguistics, 1992.

Drew University, Madison, NJ, Bachelor of Arts, French, 1991. Minors in Mathematics and Linguistics.

• Provided professional reference service to students, faculty, and staff in person and via telephone, e-mail, and live chat.
• Conducted library instruction sessions and tours for students, faculty, staff, and outside groups.
• Developed bibliographies and instructional materials for library workshops.
• Selected new materials for library collection in the areas of mathematics/computer science and economics; served as library liaison to these academic departments. Monitored monographic and serial budgets in both areas.
• Maintained electronic journal database; served as technical liaison with electronic journal vendors. Implemented and maintained SFX e-journal linking service and Serials Solutions data.
• Served as one of two system administrators for automated library system, Endeavor's Voyager. Installed/configured client software, configured circulation module, and created custom reports with MS Access.  Trained library staff and patrons in online catalog searching.
• Served as Interim Co-Head, Library Technology Services, July-December 2011.

Reference/Systems Librarian, The Clement C. Maxwell Library, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA, April 1998-January 2002.  Tenure granted 2000.
Reference Librarian, July 1995-April 1998.

• Oversaw all aspects of automation for Maxwell Library; supervised one professional staff member.
• Managed implementation of new integrated library management system, Endeavor's Voyager, for two campus libraries.  Developed plans for data migration; configured all modules. Designed web interface for both libraries' online catalogs. Conducted training sessions for library staff and campus community. Served as partner with system vendor for development of Z39.50 service.
• Provided reference service to students, faculty, and staff in person, via telephone, and via e-mail;  prepared instructional handouts and bibliographies.
• Conducted instruction sessions; designed, organized, and led workshops for faculty and staff.
• Developed electronic reserve system for Library.
• Selected new print, electronic, and audiovisual materials for main and reference collections; served as liaison to Departments of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts and Foreign Languages, as well as for Canadian Studies and Women's Studies minors.  Developed collections in these areas; served as contact for Canadian government depository.
• Developed and maintained web site for Maxwell Library; served as library's liaison to college's Web Development Team.
• Installed and upgraded software on library machines; diagnosed computer problems.

Freelance Researcher/Web Designer, 1999-present.

• Maintained website for the Historical Novel Society (2004-2012).
• Designed interface for web-based online catalog of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (a Voyager site).  Configured search/display options to the institution's desired specifications.
• Developed database of web resources for Stylesight.com.

Reference Intern, University of Michigan Undergraduate Library, Ann Arbor, MI, September-December 1994.

• Provided reference service to primarily undergraduate population.
• Worked with Information Technology staff to improve access to Digital Library Reserve documents; conducted focus groups for electronic reserve pilot project.

Library Assistant, University of Michigan Information and Library Studies Library, Ann Arbor, MI, September 1993 - August 1994, December 1994 - June 1995.

Library Assistant, Serials and Microforms, University of Michigan Graduate Library, Ann Arbor, MI, April-August 1994, December 1994-June 1995.

Volunteer Librarian, Nonprofit Enterprise at Work, Ann Arbor, MI, October 1993 - May 1994.

Microcomputer Lab Monitor, University of Michigan School of Information and Library Studies, Ann Arbor, MI, May - December 1994.

Proficiency with:

• IBM and compatible PCs.
• Windows 95/NT/2000/XP, Unix, and VMS operating systems.
• Searching and administration of electronic databases, including EBSCOhost, Wilsonweb, Ovid, ABC-CLIO, FirstSearch, and Gale Group/Infotrac databases, among others.
• Administration of SFX link resolver and Serials Solutions client center.
• Voyager system administration and custom report creation with MS Access.
• Word processing, communication, database, authoring, and spreadsheet applications.
• Internet resources and services, including web development and HTML authoring.

• Louis Shores Award, American Library Association/Reference & User Services Association, 2012.
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Research/Creative Activity, fall 2009.
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Research/Creative Activity, fall 2006.
• Booklist Editors' Choice distinction for Historical Fiction: A Guide to the Genre, 2006.
• Library Journal Mover & Shaker Award, 2006.
• Technology in Research and Scholarship Award, 2005.
• Achievement and Contribution Award for Research/Creative Activity, fall 2003.
• Booth Library Faculty Research Grant, summer 2003.
• Listed in Who's Who in America, 2002-present.
• Listed in Who's Who of American Women, 2003-present.
• Listed in Who's Who in American Education, 2006-present.
• Listed in Who's Who of Emerging Leaders, 2007-present.
• Highly Commended Award, MCB University Press, London, for article "Collins Series 100 Multilingual Dictionary" (Electronic Resources Review, September 1998).
• Beta Phi Mu, 1995-present.
• Joseph B. Rounds Scholarship, University of Michigan, 1993-1994.
• University Fellowship, Ohio State University, 1991-1992.
• Drew Scholarship, Drew University, 1987-1991.
• Dean's List, Drew University, 1987-1991.
• Phi Beta Kappa, 1990-present.

Editorial/Columnist Positions

Professional Reading Column Editor, Public Services Quarterly, 2004-present.

Book Review Editor, The Historical Novels Review, 2006-present. Coordinating Editor (USA), 2000-2006.

NoveList "What We're Reading" columnist and Read-Alike author, 2005-2010.

Library Job Postings on the Internet (electronic publication). This site receives over 1,800 hits daily. 1995-present.

Historical Fiction Editor, NoveList/EBSCO Publishing, 2000-2005.

Regional Editor (North America), Reference Reviews, 2000-2004.

Editor, Electronic Resources Review, 2000 [merged with Reference Reviews].

Books

Johnson, Sarah L. Historical Fiction II: A Guide to the Genre. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2009.

Johnson, Sarah L. Historical Fiction: A Guide to the Genre. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.

Nesbeitt, Sarah L., and Rachel Singer Gordon.  The Information Professional's Guide to Career Development Online.  Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2002. 

Articles, Reviews, and Interviews  [Go to detailed list of publications]

Johnson, Sarah. "Historical Fiction." Chapter forthcoming in Genreflecting, 7th ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2013.

Johnson, Sarah. "Career Development and Planning."  Chapter in Ruddock, Bethan, ed., The New Professional's Toolkit. London: Facet Publishing, 2012.

Johnson, Sarah. "Roberta Rich." The Canadian Encyclopedia, August 2011.

Johnson, Sarah.  "Looking Forward to the Past." Booklist, April 15, 2011.

Johnson, Sarah. "From Abkhaz to Zulu: A Comparative Look at World Language Guides."  Reference Reviews, v.25 no.3 2011.

Johnson, Sarah. "Masters of the Past: Volume II." Bookmarks Magazine, November 2008.

Johnson, Sarah. "Giving Voice to the Voiceless" (interview with Mary Sharratt).  Historical Novels Review, August 2006.

Johnson, Sarah. "Masters of the Past: Twenty Classic Historical Novels and Their Legacy." Bookmarks Magazine, Jan/Feb 2006 (cover story).

Johnson, Sarah. "Something Old, Something New: Leslie Burbank Discusses the Historical Fiction of Medallion Press."  Solander: The Magazine of the Historical Novel Society, November 2005.

"Pioneering Efforts in Christian Historicals: A Profile of Bethany House."  Solander: The Magazine of the Historical Novel Society, May 2005.

Johnson, Sarah L. "Cover Letters: Tips for Making a Good First Impression." Chapter in The Librarian's Career Guidebook, ed. Priscilla Shontz. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2004.

Johnson, Sarah L. "Beef Up Your Resume for a Tough Job Market." Informed Librarian Online, August 2004.

Interviewed in the Globe and Mail (Toronto) for Conlogue, Ray, "Their Grist Is History," May 31, 2004, p.R3.

Nesbeitt, Sarah. "Librarian Recruitment Process at Home in the Wired Nation."  American Libraries 34.6 (July/August 2003).

"Career Q&A with the Library Job People."  With Rachel Singer Gordon.  Bimonthly column for Info Career Trends, May-September 2003.

Nesbeitt, Sarah.  "Random House's Crowning Glory" (interview with Crown Publishing editor Rachel Kahan).  Solander: The Magazine of the Historical Novel Society, May 2003.

Nesbeitt, Sarah.  "Such Great Stories in History" (interview with Cecelia Holland).  Solander: The Magazine of the Historical Novel Society, December 2002.  

Nesbeitt, Sarah.  "The Devil in Massachusetts" (interview with Megan Chance).  Solander: The Magazine of the Historical Novel Society, December 2002. 

Interviewed in Info Career Trends, September 2002.

Nesbeitt, Sarah L. "The Queenmaker" (interview with India Edghill). Solander: The Journal of the Historical Novel Society, May 2002.  

Interviewed in Poets & Writers Magazine, January/February 2002.

Nesbeitt, Sarah.  "Historical Fiction in 2001: The Report From America."  Solander: The Journal of the Historical Novel Society, December 2001.

Gordon, Rachel Singer, and Sarah L. Nesbeitt.  “Market Yourself Online!”  MLS: Marketing Library Services, October/November 2001 [cover story].

Nesbeitt, Sarah L.  "Exploring Library Associations via the Internet."   Info Career Trends, July 2001.

Nesbeitt, Sarah L.  "The Accidental Systems Librarian."  Info Career Trends, September 2000.

Book reviewer for CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, 1999-present.

Nesbeitt, Sarah. "Trends in Internet-Based Library Recruitment: An Introductory Survey." Internet Reference Services Quarterly, v.4 no.2 1999, p. 23-40.

Software, database, and web site reviewer, Electronic Resources Review, 1998-2000.

Gordon, Rachel Singer, and Sarah Nesbeitt. "Who We Are, Where We're Going: A Report from the Front" [cover story]. Library Journal, May 15, 1999, p. 36-39.

Nesbeitt, Sarah. WebWatch: Online Nonprofit, Philanthropic, and Charitable Organizations. Library Journal, September 1998, p. 126-128.

Nesbeitt, Sarah. "WebWatch: Online Phone and Address Directories." Library Journal, December 1997, p. 35-36.

Interviewed in the Chronicle of Higher Education: Academe Today (electronic publication), May 15, 1997.

Nesbeitt, Sarah L., and Richard Truxall. Internet Resources for Nonprofit Public Service Organizations (electronic publication). 1994-1996.

"Reader's Advisory for Town and Gown: Academic and Public Library Partnerships for RA Service."  Co-presented with Julie Elliott, Barbara Fister, Rosanne Perkins, and Ruth Perkins.  RUSA/CODES, ALA Annual conference, Anaheim, June 25, 2012.

"Past Perfect: Historical Novels and Readers' Advisory Service."  Concord Public Library webinar.  July 14, 2011.

"Federated Search Falls Short."  Co-presenter with Stacey Knight-Davis and Karen Whisler.  Illinois Library Association conference, Peoria, October 9, 2009.

"Job Hunting in a Recession." Co-presenter with Deb Schwarz and Pat Hawthorne. NMRT President's Program, ALA annual conference, Chicago, July 11, 2009.

"The Best New Historical Fiction: What to Read and Why."  Co-presenter with Georgine Olson and Joyce Saricks.  Historical Novel Society 3rd North American conference, Schaumburg, IL, June 13, 2009.

"The Best New Historical Fiction: What to Read and Why."  Co-presenter with Diana Tixier Herald and Georgine Olson.  Historical Novel Society 2nd North American conference, Albany, June 9, 2007.

"Past Perfect: Historical Novels and Readers' Advisory Service."  Western Massachusetts Regional Library System, half-day workshop, Whately, MA, June 5, 2007.

Keynote speaker, "Crossing the Aisle: Readers' Advisory for History, Fiction and Nonfiction." PLA Preconference, Boston, March 21, 2006.

"Getting the Job You Want: Tips for Job Seekers (with Hints for Employers)."  Keynote address, ACRL-Oklahoma Chapter / SLA Oklahoma Chapter Conference, November 19, 2004.

"Market Yourself Online." Breakout session leader, ACRL-Oklahoma Chapter / SLA Oklahoma Chapter Conference, November 19, 2004.

"The Accidental Systems Librarian" (moderator; co-presented with Robin Boulton, Rachel Singer Gordon, and Jennifer Masciadrelli).  Illinois Library Association annual conference, October 17, 2003.

"Recruiting Beyond the Stereotype: Stop Grumbling and Start Doing" (co-presented with Stacey Knight-Davis).  Illinois Library Association annual conference, October 15, 2003.

"Casting Our Nets or Ice Fishing? Recruiting Future College Librarians" (co-presented with Maureen Sullivan, Prudence Dalrymple, and Jean Donham).  College Libraries Section, American Library Association annual conference, June 22, 2003.

"Your Online Presence: Who, What, Where, Why, and How?"  Keynote address, Special Libraries Association-Upstate New York Chapter Fall Meeting, November 8, 2002.

"Digital Resources in the Sciences and Mathematics."  Stockman Institute, Eastern Illinois University Department of Continuing Education, October 11, 2002.

"The Successful 21st Century Librarian" (panel with Rachel Singer Gordon and Susan Scheiberg).  ALA Annual Conference: NMRT President's Program, June 14, 2002.

"What Are the Rules for Historical Fiction?" (panel with Peter Owens, Sharan Newman, and Ernest Hebert).  Association of Writing Programs Annual Conference, March 7, 2002.

"Library Resources in Canadian Studies."  Invited speaker for the SACHEM (Southeastern Association for Cooperation in Higher Education in Massachusetts) Summer Institute on Canada, June 5, 2000.

"Assessment: Library Web Sites" (co-facilitator with David Carlson). Association of College and Research Libraries-New England Chapter Conference, March 10, 2000.

"Intellectual Property, Plagiarism, and the Internet" (co-presenter with Arthur Dirks and Fera Karakaya). Celebration of Teaching, Research and Technology II, Center for the Advancement of Research and Teaching, Bridgewater State College, May 1998.

"Introduction to the Internet" (co-presenter with Ratna Chandrasekhar and Cynthia Svoboda). Old Colony Library Network, Bridgewater, MA. March 1996.
 

National

• American Library Association, 1993-present.
• ALA New Members Round Table, Ad-Hoc Resume Reviewer, 2002-present.
• ALA Reference and User Services Association, 2002-present.
• ALA Association of College and Research Libraries, 1997-2006.
• ALA New Members Round Table, Resume Reviewing Committee, 2000-2002.
• Association of College and Research Libraries (New England Chapter), 1995-1996.

Regional

• Screening Committee for Fiction, Massachusetts Book Award, Massachusetts Center for the Book, 2001.

Eastern Illinois University

• Booth Library, Staff Development Committee, 2002-present. Chair, 2004-present.
• Booth Library, Search Committee for Head of Library Technology Services.  Chair, 2011 and 2012.
• Booth Library, Departmental Personnel Committee, 2006-present. Secretary, 2007-08; Chair, 2008-09. Alternate, 2009-11.
• Booth Library, Collection Development Committee, 2002-present.
• Booth Library, Web Development Committee, 2002-present.
• Booth Library, National Library Week/Book Sale Committee, 2002-present.
• EIU Achievement and Contribution Awards Committee, 2010-11.
• EIU Council on Faculty Research, 2009-2012.
• EIU Faculty Development Advisory Committee, 2002-2007. Grants subcommittee, 2005-2007.
• Phi Beta Kappa Association of East Central Illinois, 2002-present. Secretary, 2007-present.  Subcommittee chair, PBK Young Scholar Award, 2007-present.
• Judge, PBK Young Scholar Award, 2003-2006.

Bridgewater State College

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Steering Committee for Self Study, 2001-2002.
• Chair, Writing Committee, Standard 7: Library and Information Resources, NEASC Self Study, 2001-2002.
• Strategic Planning Survey Committee, Maxwell Library, 2001-2002.
• Advisory Board, Center for the Advancement of Research and Teaching, 1998-2000.
• Chair, Search Committee for Staff Associate, Systems, Maxwell Library, 1998.
• Web Advisory Group [College-wide], 1996-present.
• Maxwell Library Web Advisory Group, 1996-present. Chair, 1997-2002.
• Search Committee for Serials Librarian, Maxwell Library, 1996-1997.
• Search Committee for Staff Associate, Library Systems, Maxwell Library, 1996.

Literary

• Member, National Book Critics Circle, 2010-present.
• US Liaison and Promotions Coordinator, Historical Novel Society UK conference, 2011-present.
• Treasurer/Registration Coordinator, HNS Conference, 2005-2011.
• Co-chair, Historical Novel Society Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, April 2005.
• Member, Historical Novel Society, 1998-present.