Dwight Anderson Memorial Music Library 2024: Home

We are excited to introduce Melissa Johnson, the new Associate Director of Collections and Assistant Professor at Kornhauser Health Sciences Library. With a personal connection to libraries and a deep commitment to supporting students, Melissa is already making an impact in her role.

A first-generation student, Melissa’s family came to the U.S. from Cuba, and she saw firsthand how essential libraries were to her family’s success. “I saw how important the library was to me as a student and also to others,” she shared. “Libraries provided resources that we couldn’t otherwise access.”

Melissa brings much experience to her new position. She holds a master’s in history as well as in library science, and has worked at institutions like George Mason University and Nova Southeastern University in collection development, reference, and instruction. She is passionate about ensuring that the library collections meet the evolving needs of the university community, saying, “Each business that you entrust to take care of your collection is looking out for their shareholders. But a collection development librarian looks out for the library users, for the students, the faculty, and the staff.”

As Associate Director of Collections, Melissa is focused on making Kornhauser Library’s collections more agile and responsive to the needs of students and faculty. She is particularly excited to help first-generation and underserved students access valuable resources that support their academic success.

Outside of her work, Melissa is a fan of classic B-movies, especially old-school Godzilla films and Abbott and Costello comedies.

Her advice for students, faculty, and patrons? “Don’t be shy. Every person that works in the library is a resource that’s available to you. We are here to help you succeed.”

Please join us in welcoming Melissa to the University Libraries.

By Bethany Poston

For many years, Access & User Services (AUS) in Ekstrom Library has offered the circulation of physical media such as DVDs and Blu-rays. Now, alongside these physical materials, AUS offers streaming film services for educational use inside and outside of the classroom.

Winter weather like this is the perfect excuse to cozy up indoors and explore the wide range of streaming services offered by the University Libraries. Whether you’re snowed in or just looking for educational and entertaining content, platforms like Kanopy and Swank Digital Campus can keep you from getting cabin fever. Check out the many documentaries, films, and educational videos provided by the University Libraries that are all just a click away. Visit the LibGuide designed especially to help with requesting titles, accessing the platforms, and directing you to our Streaming Services Coordinator if further assistance is needed.  

Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform that offers films, TV shows, educational videos, and documentaries. Swank is an international non-theatrical film distributor and licensor. Both platforms provide an array of films that professors can use in the classroom and students can use for assignments. Links to both platforms are provided within the guide as well as current streaming polices, step-by-step instructions on how to use both, and a comprehensive up-to-date list of currently available films with license expiration dates. If a desired film is not available in Ekstrom Library’s physical media collections, professors can request film purchases directly on the appropriate website or by emailing the Streaming Services Coordinator, Bethany Poston.