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The Library Technology Innovation Profile Series spotlights academic librarians who promote technological innovation in their community

IGI Global Profiles Kelly Sattler, Head of Web Services at Michigan State University Library

By IGI Global on Mar 22, 2016
In effort to support the advancement of library technologies and services, IGI Global has implemented the Librarian Profile Series as part of our Library Technology Innovation Program. This series features the profiles of today's leaders and specialists in knowledge management advancement and technologies. For our next several profiles, we are spotlighting some of the tech specialists at Michigan State University Library. This week's innovator is Head of Web Services Kelly Sattler.


IGI Global Profiles Kelly Sattler, Head Of Web Services At Michigan State University LibraryKelly Sattler, Michigan State University Library's Head of Web ServicesName: Kelly Sattler
Position: Head of Web Services
Library: Michigan State University Library

How do you consider yourself a technological innovator?

It’s somewhat funny to be asked this question. I don’t necessarily consider myself a technological innovator, but I have brought many good changes to where I work. As the Head of Web Services, I have managed to reign in the chaos of having everyone write the content of the website and design the pages however they want, to just my team of 3 being responsible for our 1500+ page website, and then back again to everyone providing their own content. The difference is that now, each area of our website has a content owner and the content isn’t in flat html files but in a content management system and we control the design and what gets published. We switched to Drupal 7 in 2013 and trained over 70 people on how to properly update their webpages. I also was able to introduce and actively engage in user testing of our website to improve its functionality. Now, we have a whole unit at the MSU Libraries to do assessment and usability studies ran by the very person from my team who I had originally had doing the work. This has also enabled us to change our institution’s culture from only being able to change the website during semester breaks to making small, frequent, iterative changes. I also push my team to adopt current practices and applications, such as GIT for version control or Trello for task tracking, to help us stay relevant, if not innovative. In 2012, we made a quick mobile version of our site until we could implement a fully responsive version of the website. Finally, the incorporation of accessibility within the website has always been a priority. I’m pleased that we continue to work to improve not only the usability but also the accessibility of MSU’s website.

What programs are you currently involved in?

I’m involved in groups focused on bringing smart people together to learn from each other. I’m helping to bring IgniteUX to Michigan in March. The group is focused on creating an event for UX professionals, faculty, and students to hear great ideas in 5 minute Ignite style talks to spark discussions and provide networking opportunities. I’m also a leader of web developers from across campus who meet monthly to share new ideas, become informed of campus initiatives, and provide a network of people, who are able to help solve problems. Finally, I’m also active in LITA, Library and Information Technology Association, and LLAMA, Library Leadership & Management Association.

What areas of technological innovation do you consider the most exciting?

I’m torn on this question. I’m excited to see the innovations that are being made in making web content accessible to people with a varying degree of disabilities. As I get older, my eye sight is changing and that 8 point font is awfully tiny. It is wonderful to be a part of a group of people who can help others at the margins. That said, I’m also highly intrigued by data visualization. It is another way of making content more accessible by putting the raw data into a format that is easily digestible by a far greater audience.

What technology-related projects do you see librarians implementing in the future?

I have a background in computer engineering. I see how people everywhere are creating data. Programmers provide a layer to turn that data into information. Librarians excel at finding the information and providing it to the patrons, creating knowledge. I see librarians finding ways to better share the information with a wider group of people, whether it be through data visualization applications or simply better accessibility to the data.

What advice would you share with a librarian looking to become a leader in supporting technology advancements?

My advice would be to find an area you are passionate about. Learn what is currently happening in that field. Reach out to people everywhere whether in that area or not and discuss ideas with them. Make connections. Because the more connections you have the better able you are to influence, to understand, and to identify ways to advance your cause. Never stop learning.


Calling all innovators! Click here to participate in IGI Global's Library Technology Innovation Survey and share how your library strives to meet technology demands.

Related Newsroom Posts:
What Role do Librarians Play in Support of Technological Innovation?
IGI Global Profiles Michigan University Library Digital Curation Librarian Aaron Collie
IGI Global Profiles Michigan University Library Programmer Devin Higgins
IGI Global Profiles Raymond Pun Of California State University, Fresno
IGI Global Profiles Ms. Lia Hemphill, Director of Collection Development at Nova Southeastern University
IGI Global Profiles McGill University Research Commons Director, Sara Holder
IGI Global Profiles Technology Librarian Cindy Hart of Tidewater Community College
Browse for more posts in:
Knowledge ManagementLibrary and Information ScienceKnowledge DiscoveryKnowledge SocietyLibrary Information SystemsEvents & CollaborationsInterviewLibrary Technology Innovation SeriesNorth AmericaAuthor NewsResources for DistributorsResources for InstructorsResources for LibrariansResources for Researchers

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