Jennifer Rundels

Jennifer Rundels is a tenured Associate Professor and Research and Instruction Librarian at Central Michigan University Libraries, serving as the dedicated business librarian for the College of Business Administration. She provides comprehensive research support and information literacy instruction across all business departments including Business Information Systems, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Law, Management, and Marketing, Hospitality, and Logistics. Additionally, she teaches LIB 197: Introduction to Library and Information Research in both on-campus and online formats, reaching a broad undergraduate audience with foundational research skills training.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Arts in Educational Technology, Central Michigan University (2012)
• Master of Library and Information Science, Wayne State University (1995)
• Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude, Oakland University (1993)

Professor Rundels' research program bridges theoretical frameworks with practical library applications. She pioneers innovative methodologies like ATP bioluminescence technology for measuring library space cleanliness, explores career trajectory analysis for distance librarians, and develops enhanced research consultation models. Her work consistently examines the intersection of educational technology with information literacy instruction, particularly in business education contexts where threshold concepts present unique challenges. This focus on practical implementation distinguishes her contributions to library science literature.

Her publication record demonstrates sustained scholarly activity from 2013-2023, with recent high-impact work in The Journal of Academic Librarianship and Business Horizons. The 2023 publications reveal two distinct research trajectories: one applying biotechnology to physical library management, and another analyzing business research methodologies through unconventional lenses like golf. This diversity reflects her ability to connect library science with broader academic and practical concerns while maintaining focus on student outcomes and librarian effectiveness.

Professor Rundels maintains active scholarly engagement through conference presentations at venues like the Distance Library Services Conference and Great Lakes Conference on Teaching and Learning. Her editorial work on conference proceedings demonstrates leadership in the distance librarianship community. While specific grant details aren't public, her ongoing publication record in peer-reviewed journals indicates sustained research activity. She provides direct research consultation support for business students and faculty, with potential for student involvement in her active projects examining library space utilization and information literacy assessment.

Although she does not lead a named research laboratory, Professor Rundels operates within CMU Libraries' collaborative research culture. Her work frequently involves cross-departmental teams, as evidenced by the library cleanliness study and business networking research. She contributes to the academic community through editorial roles for conference proceedings and by developing practical frameworks for implementing information literacy standards in credit-bearing courses, demonstrating commitment to advancing professional practice beyond individual research projects.