Janis Shearer

Janis Shearer is an Assistant Professor and Public Services & Engagement Librarian at the University Library of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Based at the Funk ACES Library, she serves as the liaison to University of Illinois Extension and Agricultural Communications. Her role encompasses advancing library services through community outreach and academic collaboration.

Her research explores critical areas in library science, including:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Auditing library exhibits and workforce representation to promote equity.
• Community Engagement: Developing strategies to connect BIPOC communities with STEMM resources.
• Library Assessment: Evaluating service efficacy during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Agricultural Communication: Studying user interactions with agricultural information systems.

Recent publications highlight a focus on crisis adaptation in libraries, diversity initiatives, and evolving professional roles. Her work frequently employs methodologies such as scoping reviews, autoethnography, and case studies to address systemic challenges in librarianship.