Teaching & Learning Committee (Governance Responsibilities)

As stated in the Libraries’ Pattern of Administration (POA), the Teaching & Learning Committee plans annual activities and professional development related to pedagogy, information literacy, and library instruction on behalf of University Libraries, the Health Sciences Library, and the regional campus libraries, including coordinating the Undergraduate Research Library Fellowship program.  

The committee is responsible for key governance functions for the University Libraries. Per the POA, the committee serves as the curriculum review body for credit courses offered through the Libraries. In addition, the committee is responsible for coordinating the Peer Evaluation of Teaching process for tenure-track faculty.  

Curriculum Review

Proposals for courses to be offered as a part of University Libraries curriculum, or for significant revisions of existing courses, must be reviewed by the Teaching & Learning Committee as the first step in the university’s course approval process. Courses that are part of University Libraries curriculum will also be assessed on a regular basis by the committee. 

Peer Evaluation of Teaching

Periodic peer evaluation is required for tenure-track faculty who are instructors of record delivering for-credit courses. The Teaching & Learning Committee is responsible for communicating requirements related to the peer evaluation process to Libraries’ faculty as well as coordinating the review process. The committee also manages the review process for the Libraries annual teaching awards. 

Committee Members

  • Zach Walton, Chair, Reference Librarian, OSU Lima (2024-2026) 
  • Mara Frazier, Chair-Elect, Curator of Dance, (2024-2026)
  • Craig Gibson, Professional Development Coordinator (ex-officio) 
  • Amanda Folk, Head, Teaching and Learning Department (ex-officio) 
  • Beth Black, Undergraduate Engagement Librarian (ex-officio)
  • Jane Hammons, Teaching & Learning Engagement Librarian (ex-officio) 
  • Hanna Primeau, Instructional Design Associate (ex-officio) 
  • Danny Dotson, Head, Geology Library, Science Education Specialist (ex-officio) 
  • Kerry Dhakal, Health Sciences Library (appointment 2023-2025)  
  • Dai Newman, Reference & Instruction Librarian, OSU Newark (2023-2025)
  • Rocki Strader, Catalog/Authorities Librarian (2022-2024) 
  • Deidra Herring, Education Librarian (2022-2024) 
  • Sarah Murphy, Data Literacy and Visualization Librarian (2024-2026) 

Teaching Awards

Annual Teaching Excellence Award 

The University Libraries Annual Teaching Excellence Award recognizes outstanding teaching achievements that advance the mission of the library over a single calendar year by an individual faculty or staff member employed by University Libraries, the Health Sciences Library, the Law Library, or the regional campus libraries.

2022: Zach Walton and Mara Frazier

2021: Jane Hammons 

2020: Ann Marie Davis 

2019: Leigh Bonds 

2018: Jennifer Schnabel 

2017: Hilary Bussell and Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros 

2016: Caitlin McGurk 

2015: Amanda Rinehart 

2014: not awarded 

2013: Stephanie Schulte 

2012: Brian Leaf 

2011: Danny Dotson 

2010: Eric Johnson 

2009: Miriam Conteh-Morgan and Maureen Donovan 

2008: Beth Kattelman 

2007: Danny Dotson 

2006: Karen Diaz 

2005: Tina Schneider 

2004: Carol Powell 

Virginia Tiefel Achievement in Teaching Award

University Libraries’ Virginia Tiefel Achievement in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding teaching achievements that advance the mission of the library by an individual faculty or staff member employed by University Libraries, the Health Sciences Library, the Law Library, or the regional campus libraries over five or more years. It is the highest honor given by University Libraries to recognize quality, innovation and impact in all aspects of teaching.  

2022: Danny Dotson 

2021: not awarded 

2020: Eric Johnson 

2019: Beth Black 

2018: not awarded 

2017: not awarded 

2016: not awarded 

2015: Nena Couch 

2014: Maureen Donovan 

2013: not awarded 

2012: not awarded 

2011: Fred Roecker 

2010: Carol Powell 

2009: Karen Diaz 

2008: Anne Fields 

2007: Katherine Webb 

2006: Gerry Greenberg 

2005: Ted Riedinger 

2004: Nancy O’Hanlon