Larissa Garcia

Larissa Garcia is an Associate Professor and Information Literacy Librarian at Northern Illinois University Libraries, where she also serves as a subject specialist. She is based at Founders Memorial 145C and can be reached at larissagarcia@niu.edu.

Education:

• MLIS in Library and Information Science, Dominican University
• MA in English (Literature & Film), Northern Illinois University
• BA in English & French (Double Major), University of Washington

Research Focus: Her scholarly work centers on information literacy in art and design disciplines, with a strong emphasis on visual literacy, faculty-librarian collaboration, and affordable course materials initiatives. She actively integrates library instruction into studio arts curricula and explores innovative pedagogies for creative disciplines.

Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2014–2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on embedding information literacy into art education, including open educational resources (OER), photography pedagogy, and threshold concepts in creative processes. Her work bridges library science and studio arts, emphasizing practical applications for librarians and educators.

Grants & Initiatives: While specific grants are not listed, her co-authorship of Fundamentals of Photography and Creative Practice (2024) as an Illinois SCOERs publication indicates involvement in statewide OER initiatives. Her collaborations with faculty (e.g., Labatte, Phares) highlight ongoing projects to reduce textbook costs and enhance student learning.

Roles & Affiliations: Beyond her faculty role, she supports disciplines including Art and Design, Fashion Merchandising, Human Development and Family Sciences, and Theatre and Dance. Her work likely involves library instruction sessions, curriculum development, and repository management for scholarly art resources.