Hello!
I’m Laurel Whisler, Director of Edens Library. I also am the lead instructor for the First-year Experience courses (LA 100 and LA 110) and am providing facilitative leadership for the Learning Commons. I have a B.A. in Music from Earlham College, where I enjoyed a term abroad in Vienna before going on to Penn State for a Master’s in Music. I started a Ph.D. in Musicology at Indiana University and studied at the Earlham School of Religion for a year before taking a gap semester. I earned my Master of Library Science from Indiana University with a specialization in Music Librarianship. I have worked at a variety of institutions as a librarian, in academic support, and most recently as Associate Dean for the Library Learning Commons at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA. Current scholarship involves self-directed learning and peer-to-peer learning. I enjoy biking, gardening, photography, and quilting, in addition to spending time with my family.
For students, faculty, and staff:
I am your contact person for feedback and ideas about library services. I view the library as a partner with the curriculum and a laboratory for learning. Let me know how we can support your learning, scholarship, research, and teaching. I have significant experience with communities of practice – learning groups, if you will – and would be glad to help you set up a community of practice or study group in any setting – student or professional. I also have experience with active learning techniques and authentic assessment and am glad to consult with you, especially if you’re a student who wants to develop a plan for meeting your learning goals.