Kimberly Shotick

Kimberly Shotick serves as an Assistant Professor and Student Success Librarian at Northern Illinois University's University Libraries, working from Founders Memorial Library (Room 145F). She can be contacted at 815-753-5290 or kshotick@niu.edu.

Education

• MA in Communication, Media, Theatre from Northeastern Illinois University
• MLIS in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois

Research Focus

Shotick's scholarly work centers on critical information literacy instruction, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning in academic library contexts. Her research examines how library spaces, collections, and services can better support diverse student populations through inclusive design principles and equitable access frameworks.

She has developed particular expertise in addressing the needs of first-generation college students, examining copyright implications in academic settings, and implementing collaborative approaches to collection development that prioritize representation and inclusion.

Publication Analysis

Shotick's recent publications (2021-2024) reveal a significant shift toward critical examinations of diversity, equity, and inclusion in library practices. Her 2024 work on uncovering whiteness in academic library collections represents a major contribution to critical race theory applications in librarianship, while her publications on accessibility in online instruction demonstrate practical applications of Universal Design for Learning principles. The consistent theme across her work is the intersection of social justice with practical library applications.

Professional Engagement

As Student Success Librarian, Shotick develops and implements library services that directly support student academic achievement and persistence. Her collaborative approach is evident in numerous co-authored publications with colleagues across multiple institutions, addressing assessment tools for student engagement, EDI policy evaluation, and innovative instructional design for diverse learners.

Her role bridges academic scholarship with practical service delivery, positioning her as a key contributor to contemporary discussions about the evolving role of academic libraries in student success initiatives.