Tori Culler

NCSU Libraries Fellow

I'm an N.C. State University Libraries Fellow working in Digital Library Initiatives and Learning Spaces and Services. As part of Digital Library Initiatives, I am addressing challenges in recruiting candidates for technical positions in libraries via the development, delivery, and assessment of an annual symposium for first-year LIS students to prepare them for entry-level opportunities in library technology upon graduation. As part of Learning Spaces & Services, I oversee the instruction program for the Libraries' new Innovation Studio, wherein we invite the campus community to engage critically with what it means to be an innovator by using the interdisciplinary practice of futures thinking to inspire creative problem-solving.

Featured Projects

View selected projects below. More information can be found at my staff page.

jumpstart program photo

Library Technology Career Jumpstart Program

The Library Technology Career Jumpstart Program is a new opportunity offered by NC State University Libraries. Held for the first time virtually August 3-7, 2020 and slated to be held again in August of 2021, the Jumpstart Program is a free, immersive, week-long experience that helps to position first-year library school students for a career in library technology upon graduation.

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innovation studio rendering

Innovation Studio

The Innovation Studio at the D. H. Hill Jr. Library is a new type of learning space and program for the Libraries, focusing on two areas of activity: showcasing the innovative work of NC State’s students and faculty, and teaching innovation methods to the campus community..

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Work Experience

NCSU Libraries Fellow

NC State University Libraries

2019-2021

I am currently an N.C. State University Libraries Fellow. My home department is Learning Spaces & Services and my initiative, the "Library Technology Jumpstart Program" is based in the Digital Library Initiatives department.

Projects & Roles:

  • Delivering course-based instruction & campus-wide programming for the Innovation Studio
  • Leading implementation of the Library Technology Career Jumpstart Program
  • Member of the Libraries' Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee
  • Member of the Libraries' Making Space team, which brings diverse speakers and events to campus

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Michigan School of Information

2018-2019

Projects for which I served as an graduate student research assistant:

  • Engaging the Archives (UM Third Century Initiative grant) -- Through the Engaging the Archives project I gained experience in gathering and analyzing qualitative research data as part of an effort that seeks to foster collaboration between archivists and faculty to promote student learning with primary sources in at the Bentley Historical Library.
  • Library as Research Lab Fellowship (IMLS grant RE-95-17-0104) --I worked in concert with UMSI faculty, practicing librarians, and a team of my peers to execute an original research project aimed at assessing the nature of student learning in one-shot, in-person library instruction sessions.
  • CompuGirls (IMLS grant LG-80-16-0116-16) --CompuGirls is a program for adolescent girls from underrepresented populations to increase their engagement with and representation in STEM fields through tech-based makerspace programming in public libraries. As a member of the CompuGirls team, I contributed original work on how self-efficacy presents itself amongst the participants in this program.

Program Assistant for Michigan Makers

University of Michigan School of Information

2018-2019

As part of the Michigan Makers team, I helped in facilitating an after-school makerspace program that seeks to engage elementary school students with technology through tinkering and creating. I gained experience in promoting group work, peer mentoring, and design thinking. I also contributed chapters to the "Making in School and Public Libraries Handbook" to be published soon.

Education

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Master of Science in Information, Concentration in Digital Curation; 19'

  • University of Michigan School of Information Achievement Fellowship
  • Margaret Mann award recipient
  • University of Michigan ALA Student Chapter officer

Appalachian State University - Boone, NC

B.S in Psychology, Minors in Social Work & English; 16'

  • Honors College
    • Thesis title: "Exploring Effective Sex Education Programming in the United States"
  • Alternative Service Experience peer leader