Experience, Current Work

University of Arizona Libraries

2023-Present - Full Librarian, Curriculum & Pedagogy
(2024 Academic Liaison Group Lead)
2016-2023 - Associate Librarian
2011-2016 - Assistant Librarian

  • Serve as Academic Liaison Group (ALG) Lead, providing leadership toward implementing a new liaison model, developing policies, and planning collaborative and thoughtful assessment practices

  • Incorporate critical information literacy and inclusive teaching practices throughout programmatic instructional efforts

  • Collaborate with faculty and instructors at the department and college level to integrate information literacy objectives and assignments into curricula and syllabi (as liaison to the College of Information Sciences; the University Center for Assessment, Teaching, and Technology/UCATT; and Sociology).

  • Create learning objects, content, and structures for information literacy instruction

  • Develop learning opportunities for faculty to integrate information literacy in their courses

University of Arizona School of Information

2015-Present - Adjunct Faculty

Education




Honors & Awards


Awarded Grants

MS  Instructional Design and Technology, University of Arizona
MLIS  Library & Information Science, University of Arizona
BA  Communication Science & Rhetorical Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

ACRL Academic Library Services for Graduate Students Interest Group Notable Works for UArizona’s Critical Information Literacy Tutorials, 2024
UArizona Graduate & Interdisciplinary Programs PhD student research award, 2022
ALA-LIRT 2021 Top 20 Instruction Article, 2022
ACRL-IS Miriam Dudley Instruction Librarian Award, 2021
ACRL-IS Special Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation, 2019
ACRL Ilene F. Rockman Publication of the Year Award, 2017
ACRL-ULS Professional Development Award, 2016
ALA Emerging Leader, 2011
The Margaret Maxwell Beta Phi Mu Award, 2009
Beta Phi Mu, 2009

“Assessing the effectiveness of a faculty minicourse," University of Arizona Libraries’ Support for Outstanding Academic Research (SOAR) Grant, 2022, awarded maximum $3,000 with an additional $2,000 added from administration. Primary applicant, Nicole Pagowsky; Co-applicant, Yvonne Mery.

The [SOAR Grant] supports UArizona Library Faculty Association members seeking to develop or complete projects of academic significance. These may be projects in librarianship, archives, or other disciplines related to the applicant’s field of expertise. Proposals should reflect new or significant contributions to scholarship.

Scholarship
& Service

Selected scholarly publications & editorial work

DeFrain, E., Sult, L., & Pagowsky, N. (2025 publication date). Effectiveness of academic library research guides for building college students’ information literacy skills: A scoping review. College & Research Libraries, forthcoming September 2025. Access to Author Accepted Manuscript prior to publication.

Seale, M., Pagowsky, N., & Mirza, R. (2024). Introduction to the special issue: Libraries and/as extraction. Canadian Journal of Academic Librarianship, 10. 1-5. https://doi.org/10.33137/cjal-rcbu.v10.44250
**All three co-authors also co-edited the CJAL December 2024 special issue, Libraries and/as Extraction.

Lacey, S., Clement, K., Nataraj, L., & Pagowsky, N. (2023). Making Publishing Less Painful: Shifting to a Relational Peer-Review Process. Urban Library Journal, 29(2). https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol29/iss2/2

Pagowsky, N., Freundlich, S., Gammons, R., & Drabinski, E. (2023). Teaching from the outside: Inclusive pedagogy and the adjunct instructor. In Brown, R., Foster, E., Nichols, J., Mallon, M., Santiago, A., & Seale, M. (Eds.) Exploring inclusive and equitable pedagogies: Creating space for all learners, (pp. 567-588). Chicago, IL: ACRL Press. [UArizona repository copy: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/668022]

Pagowsky, N. (2022). Critique as care: Disrupting narratives of the one-shot instruction model (introduction to the special issue). In N. Pagowsky (Ed.) Special issue. College & Research Libraries, 83(5), 713-725.
https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/25576 (article); https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/issue/view/1623/showToc (special issue TOC)
*Guest editor for this special issue

Pagowsky, N. (2021). The contested one-shot: Deconstructing power structures to imagine new futures (Guest Editorial). College & Research Libraries, 82(3), 300-309. https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/24912.
Noted as a top 20 library instruction article for 2021 by ALA LIRT

Stoffle, C., Pagowsky, N., & Mery, Y. (2020). Teaching future library educators using the ACRL Framework: A new graduate-level iSchool teaching certificate. In Julien, H., Latham, D., & Gross, M. (Eds.) The information literacy framework: Case studies of successful implementation. Lanham, MD: Rowan and Littlefield. [OA version in the University of Arizona Libraries’ Repository: https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/636753]

Pagowsky, N. (2020). [Invited review of the book Instructional design for LIS professionals: A guide for teaching librarians and information professionals, by M. Wong]. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 61(1), 159-160. DOI:10.3138/jelis.61.1.2019-0022.

Nicholson, K., Pagowsky, N., & Seale, M. (2019). Just-in-time or just-in-case? Time, learning analytics, and library value. Library Trends, 68(1), 54-75. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/736894
[OA version in the University of Arizona Libraries’ Repository: https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/634966]

Pagowsky, N. & McElroy, K. (Eds.) (2016). Critical library pedagogy handbooks, vol. 1 & 2. Chicago: ACRL Press.
[Book introduction, OA version in the University of Arizona Libraries’ Repository: https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/620823]

DeFrain, E., Pagowsky, N., Hathcock, A., Masland, T., Pho, A., Rigby, M., & Roberto, K.R. (2016). Reader Response [to Eric Jennings, “The librarian stereotype: How librarians are damaging their image and profession" College & Undergraduate Libraries, 23(2), 217–220. [OA repository version http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1357&context=libraryscience]

Pagowsky, N. (2015). A pedagogy of inquiry. Communications in Information Literacy, 9(2), 136-144. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/comminfolit/vol9/iss2/8/ [OA repository version https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/620822] (Invited)

Pagowsky, N. & Wallace, N. (2015). Black lives matter! Shedding library neutrality rhetoric for social justice. C&RL News, 76(4), 196-214. http://crln.acrl.org/content/76/4/196.full

Pagowsky, N. & Rigby, M. (Eds.) (2014). The librarian stereotype: Deconstructing presentations and perceptions of information work. Chicago: ACRL Press.
[Pagowsky & Rigby, authors of Chapter 1, Contextualizing ourselves: The identity politics of the librarian stereotype http://www.ala.org/acrl/sites/ala.org.acrl/files/content/publications/booksanddigitalresources/booksmonographs/stereotype_Prelim.pdf]

DeFrain, E. & Pagowsky, N. (2014). The survey of use of emerging technologies in information literacy instruction. New York, NY: Primary Research Group.

Pagowsky, N. & DeFrain, E. (2014). Memes on the menu: Tasty tactics to get your athletes on track. In Kvenild, C. & Calkins, K. (Eds.) The embedded librarian’s cookbook: Recipes for making long-term connections. Chicago: ACRL Press

Pagowsky, N. & DeFrain, E. (2014). Ice ice baby: Are librarian stereotypes freezing us out of instruction? In the Library with the Lead Pipe. http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2014/ice-ice-baby-2/.

Pagowsky, N. (2013). Keeping up with... Digital badges for instruction. ACRL Keeping Up With Series. http://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/digital_badges
*Added to MERLOT database through peer/editor review in 2015

Pagowsky, N., & Hammond, J. (2012). A programmatic approach: Systematically tying the library to campus-wide retention efforts. College & Research Libraries News, 73(10), 582–594. http://crln.acrl.org/content/73/10/582.full

Selected presentations

Pagowsky, N. (2024, August 13). One-shots and information literacy programs. Presented online for the University of Southern California Libraries (invited).

Hammons, J. (Moderator), Bruce, S., Gibson, C., Kaufman, K., Maybee, C., & Pagowsky, N. (2024, April 29). Celebrating 50 Years of Information Literacy: A Panel Discussion. Presented online through The Ohio State University Libraries (invited).

Pagowsky, N. (2024, April 18). Orchestrating the critical: Library instruction programs and our labor. Presented online at the Big Ten Academic Alliance (invited keynote speaker). https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/672274

Pagowsky, N. (2023, August 16). Critical information literacy in curricula: Designing for librarian and faculty collaboration. Presented online at the Digital Pedagogy Institute 2023 (University of Waterloo, Canada). Find slides here.

Clement, K., Lacey, S., Nataraj, L., & Pagowsky, N. (2023, May 11). Making publishing less painful: Shifting to a relational peer-review process. Presented online at LACUNY Institute 2023 (CUNY, New York City).

Almeida, N., Arellano Douglas, V., Becerra, M., Clement, K., Ding, Y., Donovan, C., Gadsby, J., Lechtenberg, U., Schlesselman-Tarango, G., & Pagowsky, N. (moderator). (2022, November 16). C&RL One-Shots Special Issue Conversations, Part 2 of 2. Presented at the ACRL / C&RL special issue webinar (online).

Brecher Cook, D., Lacey, S., Leung, S., Nataraj, L., Nicholson, K. P., Pho, A., Seale, M., Tranfield, W., Worsham, D., & Pagowsky, N. (moderator). (2022, October 21). C&RL One-Shots Special Issue Conversations, Part 1 of 2. Presented at the ACRL / C&RL special issue webinar (online).

Hostetler, K., Pagowsky, N. (moderator), Lourenco, M., O’Hare, S., Mery, Y., & MacMillan, M. (2021, October 29). Learning to teach in MLIS programs: Research, experiences, and ways forward. Presented at Project Information Literacy + University of Arizona School of Information webinar panel, Tucson, AZ (and global, over Zoom). [Information + registration page]

Mery, Y., Pagowsky, N., & Wallace, N. (2020, September). Critical pedagogy: Best practices for developing information literacy instruction programs. To be presented at the European Conference on Information Literacy (ECIL), Bamberg, Germany. [Accepted-canceled due to COVID.]

Pagowsky, N. (2020, April 15). Leaving the one-shot: Through a feminist approach to designing an instruction program. Presented at the ACRL New England Chapter (NELIG) program as invited speaker (online). [Slides]

Gross, M., Latham, D., Julien, H., Mehra, B., Dali, K., Mery, Y., Pagowsky, N., Stoffle, C., Rathbun-Grubb, S., & Burns, E. (2019, September). Information literacy in a global context: Incorporating the ACRL Framework into preservice education for information professionals. Presented at the Association for Library and Information Science Education Conference, Knoxville, TN.

Gammons, R., Drabinski, E., Freundlich, S., & Pagowsky, N. (2019, April). ‘I appreciate your no-nonsense takes’: Adjunct instructors and the future of the MLIS. Presented at the Association of College & Research Libraries Conference, Cleveland, OH.

Gunder, A., Mery, Y., Pagowsky, N., & Stoffle, C. (2018, October). New information literacy certificate at the University of Arizona School of Information: How, why, and what? Presented at the Arizona Library Association Conference, Mesa, AZ 

Nicholson, K., Pagowsky, N., & Seale, M. (2017, June). Curriculum, social justice, and the Framework. Presented at the American Library Association Conference (Pre-conference workshop), Chicago, IL.

Drabinski, E., Pagowsky, N., & Shirazi, R. (2017, March). Who steers the boat? On women in a feminized profession. Presented at the Association of College and Research Libraries Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Pagowsky, N. & DeFrain, E. (2017, January). Intentional instructional design: The workshop. Presented at UCLA Libraries as an invited full-day workshop, Los Angeles, CA.

Ellenwood, D., Elmborg, J., Harker, Y., Pagowsky, N., & Seeber, K. (2016, June). Authority is Constructed and Contextual: A Critical View. Presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. 

DeFrain, E., Glassman, J., Pagowsky, N., & Worsham, D. (2016, June). Breaking it Down and Climbing Back Up: Learning Theories and Approaches to Instruction. Presented at Library Instruction West, Salt Lake City, UT.

Seeber, K., Critten, J., Pagowsky, N, & Rowland, D. (2016, June). Critical Foundations: Intersections between Critical Librarianship and First-Year Experience. Presented at Library Instruction West. Salt Lake City, UT.

Bose, D., Godfrey, J., Pagowsky, N., & Sult, L. (2016, February). Framing the Framework webinar series: Webinar 2, Innovative instructional partnerships for librarians and writing faculty. Presented as a webinar for ACRL.

Pagowsky, N. & McElroy, K. (2015, November). Introduction to critical library pedagogy. Presented as an invited webinar for ACRL.

Drabinski, E., Ettarh, F., McElroy, K., Pagowsky, N., & Pho, A. (2015, June). "But we're neutral!" And other librarian fictions confronted by #critlib. Presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Pagowsky, N. (2015, April). Transforming our image through a compass of critical librarianship. Invited keynote at the Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians 2015 Conference (WAAL), Manitowoc, WI. https://www.nicolepagowsky.com/blog/waal-keynote-transcript-slides-bibliography-2015

Battista, A. & Pagowsky, N. (2015, January). Digital badges and general education revision: Recognizing learning across an integrative curriculum. Presented at the CUNY Games Festival 2.0, New York, NY. http://gamesfest2015.commons.gc.cuny.edu/.

Ford, E., Pagowsky, N., & Pho, A. (2014, June). [LITA] Dive into digital badges! A badge curriculum workshop. Presented at the ALA Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV. http://ala14.ala.org/node/14566.

Lee, Y., Pagowsky, N., & Pho, A. (2013, June). Achievement unlocked: Tracking and assessing user learning through digital badges. Presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference. Chicago, IL.

Pagowsky, N. (2013, March). Librarian Wardrobe: Style and stereotypes of information workers. Invited lecture at the Museum of Contemporary Art - Tucson, AZ.

Pagowsky, N. (2012, October). Librarian Wardrobe beyond the bun: Style perceptions of library workers. Invited presentation at LIM College Fashion: Now & Then Symposium, New York, New York: LIM College.

Service

National / International
2024-2025 ACRL Instruction Section (IS) Past-chair and IS Student Learning & Information Literacy Committee representative
2018-present              C&RL Journal peer-reviewer, invited
2016-present              Communications in Information Literacy Journal peer-reviewer
[Year redacted] IMLS Grant Reviewer, invited
2023-2024 ACRL Instruction Section Chair (elected)
2022-2023 ACRL Instruction Section Vice-Chair (elected)
2020-2023 C&RL Editorial Board
2023 MIT Press manuscript reviewer, invited
2023 Ref Serv Review special issue, invited peer-reviewer
2021-2022 ACRL Immersion Program Committee, Chair
2020-2021 ACRL Immersion Program Committee, Vice-Chair
2019-2020              ACRL-IS Instruction mentorship program, Mentor
2018-2020                  ACRL IS Management and Leadership Committee
2018-2020                  C&RL News Editorial Board
2015-2017                   ACRL Framework Advisory Board, invited
2012-2016                   ACRL Student Retention DG, Co-creator/convener
2013-2015                   ACRL 2015 Conference Innovations Committee
2013-2015                   ACRL Student Learning & Information Literacy Committee
2013-2014                   ACRL-IS Instruction for Diverse Populations Committee
2011-2013                   LITA Instructional Technologies IG, Creator & Co-chair
2012-2013                   ALA Young Professionals Subcommittee, Chair, invited
2012                            ALA Emerging Leaders Program, Team H Mentor
2012                            ALA Conference Reporter, invited
2011-2012                   ALA-NMRT Student & Student Chapter Outreach Committee
2011-2012                   ACRL-IS Local Arrangements Committee, Co-chair
2011                            ALA Emerging Leaders Program, Team G
2007-2012                  Radical Reference, Volunteer & Administrator      

University of Arizona
*UAL = University of Arizona Libraries
2015-present           UAL Critical Librarianship & Pedagogy Symposium
(Original Creator & Chair https://clps.arizona.edu)
2024 UAL Academic Liaison Group, Working Group (selected)
2024-2026 University Advisory Committee on Continuing Status & Promotion
2022-2023 UAL Library Faculty Association (LFA) Chair (elected)
2021-2022 UAL LFA Vice-Chair (elected)
2021-2024 Campus University Hearing Board (elected)
2021 UAL Hiring Review Committee for Unit Lead,
Learning & Student Success
2020 UAL Internship Taskforce
2019-2020              UAL LFA, Member-at-Large (elected)
2019                        UAL AHSL Assistant Director Hiring Committee
2017-2018               UAL LFA, Ad Hoc Committee, CS&P bylaws
2017                        UAL Assessment Librarian Hiring Committee
2016                        Honors College Faculty Teaching Review, Invited peer-reviewer
2016                        UAL AHSL Instruction Specialist Hiring Committee
2013-2016               Campus University-Wide General Education Committee
2015                        UAL Libraries Research & Learning Department Hiring Committee
2014-2015               Campus Digital Learning and Assessment Committee
2014                        UAL Compensation Committee
2014                        UAL Strategic Planning Committee
2014                        Campus 100% Engagement Leadership Committee
2013-2014               UAL SOAR Grant Committee, Chair
2013                        UAL ARL-CEP Fellows Program, Mentor
2012-2013               Campus Arizona Assurance Scholars Program, Mentor   
2012                        UAL Open Access Week Planning Committee     
2012                        UAL Olsrud Library Faculty Excellence Award Committee

Other
2014-2016               ALA Instructional Design Essentials ecourse, Invited instructor
2014-2016               #critlib Twitter chats, Creator & Co-moderator
2010-2015               Librarian Wardrobe, Creator & Administrator

Continuing Education & Training
2024 NHA: Documenting the Impact of the Humanities in Higher Education
2023 AORTA anti-oppression facilitation workshop
2021 Racial Equity Workshop Phase 1, Racial Equity Institute
2019            Navigating Difficult Conversations in Leadership, UArizona
2017            Unconscious Bias & Microaggressions in the Classroom, UArizona
2015           ACRL Immersion, Practical Management Track
2014           University of Arizona SafeZone training
2013           Indiana University: Educational Assessment Big Open Online Course
2013           ACRL Immersion, Program Track
2013           Educause: Badges, Designing/Developing Digital Credentials
2012           Quality Matters training