Susan Smith

Susan Smith serves as Associate Dean at Z. Smith Reynolds Library (ZSR) at Wake Forest University, where she has played a significant leadership role from at least 2004 through 2015 as documented in the Sutton Years archive. She holds faculty status as evidenced by her designation as a "Charge Faculty Fellow" in 2015 and has presented extensively on library science topics.

Her research interests span academic libraries, information literacy, digital humanities, library finance, social media applications in libraries, and community engagement strategies. Smith has pioneered innovative approaches to library services, including the integration of Web 2.0 technologies for information literacy instruction and developing community-focused events like the "Wake the Library 5K."

Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent focus on practical library applications, with emphasis on assessment, digital humanities projects (particularly Digital Forsyth), financial management, and creating holistic student experiences. Her work demonstrates a trajectory from traditional library services toward more innovative, community-engaged, and digitally-focused approaches.

Among her notable recognitions are the ACRL-IS Innovation in Instruction award (2008), UNCG-LIS Outstanding Alumni award (2011), and the Charge Faculty Fellowship (2015).

Smith has been actively involved in library leadership, serving as Associate Dean and participating in numerous university committees and initiatives. She has championed collaborative projects like Digital Forsyth, a multi-year digitization effort, and has been instrumental in developing the library's physical spaces and programming. Her involvement in the "ZSR Zingers" running team and organizing the "Wake the Library 5K" demonstrates her commitment to community building both within the library and across campus.