Jennifer Thiele

Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

PhD: Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2016

Master's Degree(s): MLIS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2005

Dr. Jennifer Thiele is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Louisiana State University. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2016 with her dissertation focusing on public library internet connectivity in rural areas of the United States, and the funding structures and programs that supported librarians bridging the digital divide. Jennifer was the recipient of the American Library Association's award for Notable Dissertations in 2017, and has taught classes in rural libraries, public library administration and readers' advisory.

Courses

LIS 7000 Information and Society

LIS 7002 Information Resources

LIS 7004 Management of Information Organizations

LIS 7010 Organization of Information

LIS 7011 Information Behavior

LIS 7401 Academic Libraries

LIS 7110 Adult Services

LIS 7807 Information Literacy

LIS 7100 Youth Services Librarianship

Research Areas

Digital Divides in Rural Areas, Public Libraries, Library Systems

Selected Publications

Moyer, J., Thiele, J. , et. al. (2017) Suspense, Adventure and Thrillers. Crossover Readers Advisory. ALA editions.

Thiele, J. (2016) Information Access In Rural Areas of the United States: The Public Library’s Role in the Digital Divide and the Implication of Differing State Funding Models. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Davies, Karen, and Jennifer Thiele. "Library Research: A Domain Comparison of Two Library Journals." Community & Junior College Libraries 19.1-2 (2013): 1-9.

Moyer, J.E. and Thiele, J. “Ebooks in Public Libraries: a Literature Review and Case Study.” New Library World, Spring 2012, Vol. 133, no. 5/6.

Selected Presentations

Wisconsin Library Ecosystem (August, 2021), Webinar, Wisconsin State Trustee Training Week

Surviving a Pandemic at The Public Library (2020) Louisiana State University Professional Development Webinar Series.

Wolfram, D., Bennett-Kapusniak, R. Glover, J. , McCleer, A., and Thiele, J. “Planning LIS Doctoral Education Around a Focused Theme: The B2A approach.”ALISE. Chicago, IL. January 27-29, 2015.

Thiele, Jennifer."Equity of Access in Rural Libraries: A Case Study of Low Broadband Speed and Its Impact on Practice ." Poster Presentation. LITA Forum, ALA. Louisville, Kentucky, November, 2013.

Thiele, J. 2nd International Symposium on Information Management In the Changing World. "The Digital Divide: A Case Study of the Impact of Low (or No) Broadband in Rural areas." Limerick, Ireland. September, 2013.

Professional/Community Services

Member, Wisconsin Library Association, 2005-present.

Board Member, M and O Literacy Council, 2016-present.

Awards and Honors

Notable Dissertation (2017). American Libraries Magazine. American Library Association. Retrieve dissertation at americanlibrariesmagazine.org.

Selected Participant, Summer Doctoral Program, Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford, UK (2014) Competitive summer program at an academic center for the study of the societal implications of the Internet.

B2A Fellowship (2011-2015): Awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports programs that enhance information science education and that help develop leadership. This includes four years of funding for research and travel as well as tuition and scholarship.