Mrs. Jamia Williams | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award
University of Utah | United States
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits π
Mrs. Jamia Williams embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in history, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from The College at Brockport, SUNY in 2009. Initially enrolling in a Childhood Education Certification program in 2004-2005, her passion for research and knowledge led her to pursue a Master of Library Science (MLS) at North Carolina Central University. Graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018, she demonstrated exceptional academic commitment, setting the stage for a distinguished career in librarianship and information sciences.
Professional Endeavors π
Mrs. Williams has cultivated a dynamic career as a librarian with a focus on health sciences, consumer health information, and diversity initiatives. Her tenure at various prestigious institutions, including the University of Utah, State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Upstate Medical University, reflects her deep engagement in advancing library services and research support.
At the University of Utah's Eccles Health Sciences Library, she currently serves as a Consumer Health Program Specialist, spearheading a national program to enhance health information competencies among library staff. Previously, as a Health Sciences Librarian at SUNY Brockport, she played a pivotal role in integrating information literacy into coursework, conducting research support, and fostering student engagement. Her earlier roles at the University of Rochester and Upstate Medical University further highlight her dedication to medical librarianship, instructional design, and inclusive library practices.
Contributions and Research Focus π¬
Mrs. Williamsβ research and professional contributions span consumer health literacy, diversity and inclusion in libraries, and the intersection of librarianship with public health. She has authored book chapters and journal articles that shed light on microaggressions in library environments, diversity in health sciences librarianship, and trauma-informed library practices. She has also been a sought-after speaker and panelist at conferences hosted by the New York Library Association, Urban Librarians Unite, and the Black Caucus American Library Association.
Accolades and Recognition π
Mrs. Williamsβ impactful work has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and scholarships, reflecting her influence in the field. Some of her notable accolades include:
2023 North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 Alumni Award
2023 Medical Library Association Presidentβs Award
2022 AAHSL Leadership Diversity Scholarship
BCALA Leadership Institute Recognition (2022)
ACRL Early Career Scholarship (2019)
Her commitment to professional growth is further demonstrated by the numerous development awards she has received to attend national library and medical conferences.
Impact and Influence π
Through her national service roles in organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), Mrs. Williams has actively contributed to library policy, diversity initiatives, and professional development programs. Her participation in committees such as the Salaries and Status of Library Workers Committee, Committee on Diversity, and the Emily Drabinski Advisory Committee has helped shape conversations around equity and inclusion in librarianship. Her influence extends beyond traditional librarianship into public health literacy, where she continues to develop programs that empower communities with accessible and reliable health information.
Legacy and Future Contributions π
Mrs. Williams' legacy is one of dedication, advocacy, and transformation in the field of librarianship. Her efforts in health sciences, diversity, and community outreach have already set a high benchmark for future generations of library professionals. With her continued research and national contributions, she is poised to further bridge the gap between health information and community access, advocate for marginalized library workers, and advance trauma-informed library practices.
Publications
π Alcohol Use and Abuse Among Family Caregivers of People Living with Dementia in the United States: A Scoping Review
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Year: 2024
Authors: Afeez A. Hazzan; Jessica L. Sniatecki; Gary Metz; Jamia Williams
π Boundaries and Burnout: Thriving in the Academic Library
Journal: College & Research Libraries News
Year: 2024
Authors: Jamia Williams; Jessi Van Der Volgen
π Shannon D. Jones, MLS, MEd, AHIP, FMLA, Medical Library Association President, 2022-2023
Journal: Journal of the Medical Library Association
Year: 2023
Authors: Kelsa Bartley; Tamara Nelson; Jamia Williams; Aidy Weeks
π The Weaponization of Professionalism: Abolishing Unwritten Rules and Unknowable Work Cultures
Journal: College & Research Libraries News
Year: 2022
Authors: Jamia Williams; Dustin Fife
π Interventions for Quality of Life and Related Outcomes Among Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults with Visual Impairments: A Scoping Review
Journal: British Journal of Visual Impairment
Year: 2022
Authors: Afeez Hazzan; Pamela Beach; Lauren Lieberman; Jamia Williams