Hi! I'm Jess.

I use she/her/ella pronouns. I would almost always rather be in the woods or at the river. I believe in front porches. 

Notes by Jess is my digital garden. I gather lovely words that others write, grow my own ideas over time, and make imperfect notes to share what I learn. 

As an attempt to learn in the open, you will undoubtedly notice notes that are unfinished and [bracketed words], which I use as an indicator and reminder to myself to return to the content for future revision. 

Professionally, I am a first gen academic librarian doing my darndest to lead my team with empathy, be a better ally, and put students first. I currently serve as the Director of Teaching & Learning at Texas State University Libraries, the area dedicated to library research instruction, first-year experience, open education, learning experiences, and student success. I am a SPARC Open Education Leadership Fellow and recently served as a 2023 Educause Horizon Report Panelist.

My research interests include leadership and change management, relational cultural theory,  personal knowledge management, and creating inclusive learning materials. I love experimenting with new technology, including using AI for teaching, learning, literature reviews, and augmenting knowledge work.

Personally, I'm a working mom with a few too many side projects and too few hobbies (I'm working on it). I've been happily hitched to my partner for 13 years; you can find us lost in conversation at 1 am more frequently than we ought. 

Topics you can expect to see on Notes by Jess include personal knowledge management, academic libraries, higher ed leadership, labor (especially of the domestic, emotional, and invisible sort), poetry, anti-racism, open education, knowlege maps, and joy. 

Unless otherwise indicated, all content on this site is [cc license].