Kara Reuter

Employment history

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Digital Library Manager, Jul. 2007 - present
Worthington Libraries
Worthington, OH

Oversees the design, development, and daily operations of websites, digital services, and applications in alignment with the library’s strategic plan and in support of the needs of library patrons and staff. Supervises web development staff and local history librarian, leads library workgroups, collaborates on marketing and branding, and participates in strategic planning. Manages data analytics and conducts original research to inform library planning and operations.

Key accomplishments include:

Research

• » "Envisioning What's Next" research study, 2023
• » Data visualizations in Excel and Power BI used to track KPIs and monitor pandemic recovery, 2022
• » "Worthington Community Coronavirus Recovery Survey" in partnership with the City of Worthington, 2020-2021
• » "Standing Out from the Crowd" research study in partnership with OCLC, 2018-2021
• » Assessment of community needs and solicitation of staff feedback for strategic planning, 2019
• » Patron activities and interests survey and staff data gathering, 2016
• » Assessment of community needs and solicitation of staff feedback for strategic planning, 2015-2016
• » Assessment of community needs, solicitation of staff feedback, and revision of library mission and core values as part of strategic planning, 2012-2013
• » Patron materials, program, and service priorities survey, 2009
• » "Extreme Makeover" community research project, 2007-2008

Product management

• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Innovative Mobile app, 2023-present
• » Development and launch of Recommendation Station kiosks, 2022-2023
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of MessageBee email notifications, 2021-present
• » Responsive redesign of staff intranet, 2020
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of CapiraMobile app, 2020-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Library Market calendar and room reservation software, 2018-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of LibCal appointments software, 2017-present
• » Responsive redesign of library website, 2017
• » Redesign of local history website with migration to Islandora framework, 2015
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of hosted EZProxy, 2015-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Polaris PowerPAC, MobilePAC, and ExpressCheck, 2013-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Mailchimp e-newsletter, 2012-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Boopsie app, 2011-2018
• » Redesign of staff intranet with migration to Drupal content management system, 2010
• » Launch of mobile website, 2009
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of LibraryH3lp chat software, 2009-present
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of Evanced calendar and room reservation software, 2009-2018
• » Customization, rollout, and maintenance of AquaBrowser discovery layer, 2008-2013
• » Redesign of library website with migration to Drupal content management system, 2008

Teaching Assistant, Aug. 2006 - Jun. 2007
College of Information Studies, University of Maryland
College Park, MD

Assisted in teaching online version of LBSC 601 (Information Use) and preparing online version of LBSC 741 (Seminar in School Library Media Program Administration).

Web Librarian, Jan. 2006 - Aug. 2006
Food Safety Risk Analysis Clearinghouse
Joint Institute of Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Maintained digital library of materials for risk analysts in the field of food safety. Monitored, selected, and indexed websites for inclusion in the digital library.

Graduate Research Assistant, Aug. 2002 - Jan. 2006
International Children's Digital Library
University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Worked on interdisciplinary, intergenerational research team to develop a digital library of international children's books. Key accomplishments included:

• » Redesign of project website, 2005
• » Research study with elementary school students, 2003-2006
• » Prototype testing with children and adults in public libraries, 2003
• » Design and coordination of prototype testing with research partners across the United States and Canada, 2002-2003

Graduate Assistant, Jul. 2001 - Jul. 2002
Project NEThics, Office of Information Technology
University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Promoted responsible use of university computing resources. Investigated complaints of instances of misuse of university computing resources. Informed community members about the legal and ethical implications of computer use.

Instructor, Jul. 2000 - Apr. 2001
Division of Continuing Studies, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Developed curriculum and provided instruction for Web Site Design 1 (HTML) and Web Site Design 2 (Web Authoring Tools)

Policy Advisor, Jul. 2002 - Feb. 2003
Managing Producer, Aug. 1999 - Jun. 2002
eCUIP Digital Library, Chicago Public Schools / University of Chicago Internet Project
Digital Library Development Center, University of Chicago Library, Chicago, IL

Managed all aspects of a grant-funded K-12 digital library of materials supporting Chicago Public Schools curriculum. Evaluated, selected, and indexed websites and curriculum materials for inclusion in the digital library. Promoted and provided training and support for use of website in the Chicago Public Schools. Key accomplishments included:

• » Usability testing of Chicago Web Docent modules with elementary school students, 2001
• » Usability testing of University of Chicago Library Catalog with undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and librarians, 2001
• » Usability testing of eCUIP Digital Library website with teachers and school library media specialists, 2000

Producer, Apr. 1999 - Aug. 1999
Assistant Producer, Jun. 1998 - Mar. 1999
cars.com
Chicago, IL

Contributed to the production of a large, national, commercial website as a member of the editorial staff with duties including coding and scripting, image processing, layout, and content development. Managed the launch and maintenance of several packages as lead producer.

Office Manager, Jun. 1997 - May 1998
Sheridan Consulting
Chicago, IL

Provided administrative support services for mobile consulting staff and fixed office staff. Prepared reports, proposals, and other documents for clients. Wrote and edited monthly newsletter. Coordinated development, launch, and maintenance of website.

Teaching Assistant, Sep. 1996 - Jun. 1997
Department of English, Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Assisted faculty in teaching undergraduate courses, English C70 (American Literature Before 1914), English B10 (English Literary Traditions), and English B34 (Introduction to Shakespeare), in various capacities, including: developing assignments, delivering lectures, leading discussion, advising students, and grading

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Presentations

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Reuter, K., Clark, T., & Langer, S. (2024). RA meets AI: Building a Reader’s Advisory Kiosk. Public Library Association. April 3, 2024, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K., Clark, T., Langer, S., & Lewis, S. (2023). RA meets AI: Building a Reader’s Advisory Kiosk. RightClick. November 3, 2023, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. & Fuller, L. (2021). How They See Us: Research on What Public Library Patrons Value About the Library. Ohio Library Council Convention & Expo 2021. October 13, 2021, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K., Welsh, J. & Santucci, L. (2021). Reinventing Your Services and Yourself: Libraries Post-COVID and What That Looks Like. Ohio Library Council Service for All Conference. June 9, 2021.

Reuter, K. (2018). Snow or Rain or Heat or Gloom of Night: Creating a Dynamic System to Promote Library Services. RightClick. November 16, 2018, Columbus, OH.

Matteson, M. & Reuter, K. (2018). Real-World Assessment: Demystifying Research (Parts 1 & 2). OhioNET. June 4 & June 18, 2018, ohionet.org.

Reuter, K. & Connaway, L. S. (2018). User-centered Assessment: Leveraging What You Know and Filling in the Gaps. WebJunction. April 24, 2018, webjunction.org.

Reuter, K. (2017). Building understanding of community needs to shape library direction. Continuing Education Forum. August 28, 2017, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. & Smith, L. (2017). Bucket lists and day dreams: Building understanding of patron needs to shape library direction. Dive into Data 2. July 20, 2017, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. & Fields, M. (2016). Customizing the Polaris PowerPAC. Ohio Innovative Users Group. October 7, 2016, Columbus, OH.

Matteson, M. & Reuter, K. (2016). Real World Assessment: Using Data to Evaluate Library Products and Services. Ohio Library Council Convention & Expo 2016. September 28, 2016, Sandusky, OH.

Reuter, K. & Southard, M. (2016). Who are the People in Your Neighborhood? Engaging the Community with Digital Archives. Society of Ohio Archivists 2016 Annual Meeting. May 20, 2016, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. & Langer, S. (2015). Render unto Drupal: Redesigning Worthington Memory with Islandora Sync. Islandora Conference 2015. August 4, 2015, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.

Reuter, K. & Fields, M. (2013). Round Table: PAC Customization options— what's been tweaked at your library? Ohio Polaris Users Group. August 23, 2013, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. & Langer, S. (2012). The Dream of Data Integration. LITA Forum. October 5, 2012, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. (2009). Extreme Makeover: Redesigning digital services. Internet Librarian. October 27, 2009, Monterey, CA.

Reuter, K. (2009). Extreme Makeover: Redesigning your library's digital services in the era of Web 2.0. TechConnections 2.0.0.9. May 19, 2009, Columbus, OH.

Reuter, K. (2008). "Children selecting books in a library": Implications for encouraging effective book selection. Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference: Youth Services SIG Business Meeting. January 10, 2008, Philadelphia, PA.

Reuter, K. (2008). "Children selecting books in a library": Extending a model of information behavior to a recreational setting. Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference: Awards Panel. January 9, 2008, Philadelphia, PA.

Radford, M. L., Connaway, L. S., Cooper, L. Z., Reuter, K., Zhou, N., & Agosto, D. (2007). Behaviors and preferences of digital natives: Informing a research agenda (SIG USE). Annual Meeting of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. October 24, 2007, Milwaukee, WI.

Reuter, K. (2007). Children selecting books in a library: Extending a model of information behavior to a recreational setting. Association for Library and Information Science Education Annual Conference. January 16, 2007, Seattle, WA.

Murray, G. C. & Reuter, K. (2005). Children's acquisition of categories and the implications for research in the development of classification schemes. 16th ASIS&T SIG/CR Classification Research Workshop. October 29, 2005, Charlotte, NC.

Reuter, K., & Liao, S. (2005). Demonstration of the International Children's Digital Library. 22nd Human Computer Interaction Lab Annual Symposium and Open House. June 3, 2005, College Park, MD.

Reuter, K., & Druin, A. (2004). Children's book searching and selection behavior using the International Children's Digital Library. 21st HCIL Annual Symposium and Open House. June 4, 2004, College Park, MD.

Druin, A. & Reuter, K. (2003). Children as our technology design partners: It takes one to know one. College of Information Studies Open Forum Lecture Series. September 16, 2003, College Park, MD.

Reuter, K., & Rose, A. (2003). The International Children's Digital Library. Reading the World Conference V. March 1-2, 2003, San Franciso, CA.

Cunningham, C., Lorch, B., Viltz, S., Reuter, K., Borst, J., & Thomas, C. (2001). CUIP: A university/public schools partnership supporting technology in local schools. National Educational Computing Conference. June 25, 2001, Chicago, IL.

Reuter, K. & Thomas, C. (2000). eCUIP: A digital library project. 2001: A Technology Odyssey for the New Millennium [Chicago Public Schools Principals' Technology Conference]. December 4, 2000, Chicago, IL.

Reuter, K. & Thomas, C. (2000). eCUIP: A digital library project. Rising to the Challenge [Chicago Public Schools Professional Development Conference]. October 27, 2000, Chicago, IL.

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Publications

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Reuter, K.. (2024). Making Magic Happen: Building and Launching a Reader's Advisory Kiosk. Information Technology and Libraries, 43(2).

Reuter, K., Fuller, L., Doyle, B., Connaway, L. S., Brannon, B., & Cyr, C. (2021). From Alone to Together Again: Using Data to Deliver Value. Public Libraries Online.

Reuter, K. & Langer, S. (2015). Building a better library calendar with Drupal and Evanced. In N. C. Engard (Ed.), More Library Mashups (pp. 77-91). Medford, NJ: Information Today.

Reuter, K., Cofer, S., Pechacek, A., & Simon, M. (2010). Following and leading teens online: Using digital library services to reach teens. In D. E. Agosto & S. Hughes-Hassell (Eds.), Urban Teens in the Library: Research and Practice (pp. 169-186). Chicago: ALA Editions.

Reuter, K. (2008). "Children Selecting Books in a Library": Extending Models of Information Behavior to a Recreational Setting. VDM Verlag: Saarbrücken.

Reuter, K. (2008). Teaching effective book-selection strategies and inspiring engaged readers in the library media center. Library Media Connection, 26(7), 18-20.

Reuter, K. (2007). Assessing aesthetic relevance: Children's book selection in a digital library. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 58(12), 1745-1763.

Reuter, K. (2006). Feelings, Muriel. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 2, p. 67). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2006). Greenfield, Eloise. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 2, pp. 173-174). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2006). Hogrogian, Nonny. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 2, p. 247). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2006). Pinkney, Gloria Jean. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 3, p. 256). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2006). Pinkney, Myles. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 3, pp. 257-258). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2006). Pinkney, Sandra. In J. Zipes (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (Vol. 3, p. 258). London: Oxford UP.

Reuter, K. (2005). Weaving a Library Web: A guide to developing children's Websites [Book Review]. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 56(14), 1555-1556.

Hutchinson, H. B., Druin, A., Bederson, B. B., Reuter, K., Rose, A., & Weeks, A. C. (2005). How do I find blue books about dogs? The errors and frustrations of young digital library users. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2005) [CD-ROM]. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Reuter, K., & Druin, A. (2004). Bringing together children and books: An initial descriptive study of children's book searching and selection behavior in a digital library. Proceedings of the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (pp. 339-348). Medford, NJ: Information Today.

Anthony, J., Weeks, A.C., White, J., Druin, A., Bederson, B. B., Farber, A., Grosjean, J., Guha, M. L., Hourcade, J. P., Lee, J., Liao, S., Reuter, K., Rose, A., Zhang, L., Kahle, B. (2004). To the point: Children's literature and the technology age - the International Children's Digital Library: Exploring digital libraries for children. Bookbird, 42(2), 8.

Druin, A., Bederson, B. B., Weeks, A., Farber, A., Grosjean, J., Guha, M. L., Hourcade, J. P., Lee, J., Liao, S., Reuter, K., Rose, A., Takayama, Y., & Zhang, L. (2003). The International Children's Digital Library: Description and analysis of first use. First Monday, 8(5).

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