UC Clermont Librarian Re-conceptualizes the Way Students Learn

Katie Foran-Mulcahy started as a librarian at the University of Cincinnati in 2010 and became the interim director of libraries for UC Clermont College in 2014.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in a leadership role in libraries,” Foran-Mulcahy said. “I love Clermont a lot. I love the community.”

As interim director, she oversees all library instruction. In the fall, she started e-book acquisitions, so that Clermont faculty can order e-books along with print editions for their classrooms. 

Another one of Foran-Mulcahy’s responsibilities is to make sure online students and distance learners get library experience. She collaborates with Sharon Burns, a Clermont College English professor, to teach students about library resources.

Foran-Mulcahy creates learning modules for Burns’ students to communicate about the library resources in a contemporary way. The modules have videos and assignments, and encourage discussion among students and the instructor. Foran-Mulcahy puts the modules on Blackboard, utilizing the Wiki feature, discussion board and Kaltura to encourage student engagement.

“I try to make the experience interactive,” Foran-Mulcahy said. “When I create a module, I’ll have them create something with it — watch a video, and then do something with it — whether it’s an annotated bibliography or finding an article that supports your research.”

Along with teaching students about the typical library resources, such as using the database to find scholarly articles, she wants students to learn critical thinking skills and why library resources are important.

“I think it’s transferable and can be used throughout a person’s lifetime,” Foran-Mulcahy said.

She doesn’t want to merely recreate the in-person library experience online. She wants to re-conceptualize it to fit the needs of different types of learners. Hybrid courses are exciting, she said, and are ways to enhance the time you have in person.

“Online learning has always been an interest of mine, particularly in regards to teaching,” Foran-Mulcahy said. “It’s definitely not going away.”