Welcome Paul Luft

Paul has  Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University and a BS in Pharmacy from Butler University. He has experience as a Hospital Pharmacist at the Madison Center and Hospital in South Bend Indiana and Dukes Memorial in Peru Indiana as well as a librarian at Ancilla Domini College in Donaldson Indiana. Paul brings with him a great deal of experience in evidence based clinical education as well as enthusiasm for teaching undergraduates the research skills necessary to be successful students. Please join us in welcoming Paul to CSU!

CSU Librarian 2013 LIBRA Award Recipient



Linda Jones

Congratulations to CSU Librarian, Linda Jones for being the 2013 LIBRA Award recipient.  The Columbus Area Library Association (CALA) created the Library Recognition Award (LIBRA) as a way to distinguish individuals who have contributed significantly to libraries in the Chattahoochee Valley area.  It acknowledges those who have positively impacted libraries, reading, and literacy in our community.

In 2008, Linda accepted the position of Head of Cataloging and Periodicals with the CSU Libraries.  In 2009, Linda became Head of Technical Services where she manages the Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Periodicals Departments.  Linda was promoted from Instructor to Assistant Professor of Library Science in 2011.  Additionally, she serves as the library liaison to the Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy Departments at Columbus State University.

The LIBRA Award ceremony will be held in the Forum Area of the Main Campus Library on Thursday, April 18th at 3:00 p.m.

Welcome Mark Flynn!

Please join the CSU Libraries in welcoming Mark Flynn as the new Dean of Libraries at CSU!

Dean Flynn is the former director of the Florida Electronic Library and information technology programs for the Florida Division of Library and Information Services. He holds an education specialist degree in library science from the University of Alabama, a master’s in archives administration and records management from the University of New Orleans, a master’s in library science from the University of Alabama and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, English and fine arts from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

For more information about Dean Flynn, please read a profile about him in the CSU News!

Welcome Dean Flynn!

Shelby Smith: New to CSU Archives

On May 9th, Ms. Shelby Smith joined CSU Archives as an Archival Assistant.

Ms. Smith has just completed a Masters of Arts in Historical Administration and Public History, focusing on Historical Records Management, from Florida State University. She holds a BA in Anthropology with minors in history and music from Mercer University in Macon, GA.

Prior to joining CSU, Shelby was a processing archivist at FSU, an archives intern at the State Library and Archives of Florida, and worked as part of a team of researchers to nominate Tallahassee's canopy roads to the National Register of Historic Places. She is a member of the Society of Georgia Archivists and the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries.

Please join the Libraries and Archives in welcoming Shelby Smith to CSU!

Darlene Cooper Announced as Cougar Pride Award Recipient

We are proud to announce that Darlene Cooper, Cataloging Assistant in Technical Services is the proud recipient of the Cougar Pride Award. This quarterly award is designed to recognize staff employees who excel in the following:

1. Consistent demonstration of excellent job performance to include dedication to work ethic; and demonstrated methods of improving efficiency in the workplace, as well as other examples of excellence.

2. Commitment to CSU’s mission and values.

3.Demonstrated teamwork & exemplary working relationships with supervisors and peers.

4. Exceptional attitude and performance in serving the needs of students, staff, faculty and visitors.

5. Any other criteria offered by the nominator that reflects the performance of the nominee and meets the goals and objectives of the university.

Darlene is a tremendous asset to the Technical Services Department, the library, and the university. She contributes to student learning by making books and other library materials accessible in the online catalog. She attends university events when possible and participated in the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training.

Darlene has a strong work ethic and performs her job duties independently. She participates on library committees, helps with library events, and is willing to jump in when needed.

Congratulations Darlene.

Welcome Our New Staff Member: Eric Van Bibber

Please help CSU Libraries in welcoming Eric Van Bibber as our newest staff member!

Eric Van Bibber is our new Acquisitions Assistant. He keeps track of the library's finances by processing invoices, updating the library's ledger and funds and making sure that we spend our money wisely.

Eric Van Bibber has lived in Columbus since 1972. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1977 and received an AAS in Criminal Justice and a BS in Education from CSU. Eric has not only worked in libraries in the past, but he has also worked in printing, telecommunications, law enforcement, and teaching.

Eric Van Bibber is married and has two children and two grandchildren. He is also "claimed by" one very fat, fuzzy cat. His hobbies include photography, hiking, collecting rocks and sand, and writing.

Welcome to CSU Libraries, Eric!

Welcome Our New Staff Member: Rachel Cotney

Please help CSU Libraries in welcoming Rachel Cotney as our newest staff member!

Rachel Cotney is the new part-time Circulation Assistant. She processes GIL Express requests and also helps with other circulation activities, such as checking out library resources to CSU students, staff and faculty. Ms. Cotney also assists students in the ETC computer lab.

Rachel Cotney graduated from Lanett High School and has lived in the Chattahoochee Valley area her entire life. She graduated from LaGrange College with a BA in English in 2004. Since then, Rachel has worked as Circulation Assistant at Lewis Cooper Memorial Library in Opelika, Circulation Manager at H. Grady Bradshaw Chambers County Library in Valley, and is currently employed at Chattahoochee Valley Community College as an Associate Librarian.

Ms. Cotney has a Boston Terrier named Otis Redding who is an only child. Her hobbies include reading, playing the guitar and singing. She also collects vintage cookbooks and kitchen wares, and also kimonos.

Welcome to CSU Libraries, Rachel!

Staff Profile: Brian Hulsey is the Winner of a Salem Library Blog Award

Brian Hulsey's Libraries and Transliteracy Blog won first place in the Salem Library Blog Awards. Considered the best "General Library Blog," the Libraries and Transliteracy Blog discusses all literacies (digital literacy, media literacy, information literacy, visual literacy, 21st century literacies, transliteracies and more) with an emphasis on libraries of all types (academic, public, special and school). Brian Hulsey, CSU Libraries' Periodicals Assistant, co-authors the blog with Bobbi Newman, Buffy Hamilton and Tom Ipri.

Transliteracy is the "ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks" (definition is from www.transliteracy.com). It has become an important topic to libraries that offer resources in all digital and print media types.

Salem Press publishes both print and electronic library reference works used in public, school and academic libraries. It recognizes the unique intellectual efforts of blogs in the library world and awards blogs in the following areas: general, academic library, public library, school library and "quirky" blogs. Each award comes with a cash prize.

Congratulations to Brian Hulsey for winning such an honor!