M. Kathleen Kern (MS '99) has been appointed incoming editor of Reference and User Services Quarterly (RUSQ), the journal of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Kern began as editor-designate in early February and will assume the position of editor on July 1, 2018.
"Kathleen is a fine writer and has been a thoughtful reviewer for RUSQ. Her understanding of scholarly communication as well as her commitment to RUSQ's goal of reaching the broadest range of librarians add to her strengths," said current RUSQ Editor Barry Trott. "Kathleen's experience, passion, and commitment make her an excellent choice to guide the journal."
Kern is currently director of the Miller Learning Center at the University of Georgia Libraries. She has published widely, including a book, multiple peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and other articles, and has worked as an adjunct instructor for the library schools at both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Rutgers University. She previously served as a column editor (Accidental Technologist) and a member of the RUSQ Board, as well as an occasional referee for the journal. She is also a past president (2013-14) of RUSA.
"RUSQ and RUSA have been important to my librarianship. Being editor will bring together many of my interests. I enjoy working with researchers and authors on developing their ideas and writing," said Kern. "In particular I look forward to continuing Barry's excellent work in expanding the reach of the journal by encouraging a broad range of authorship from across the profession to explore and highlight the range of activities that occur in library public services."
RUSA is a division of the American Library Association.