معرفی
Mona Kerby serves as Professor of Education at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, specializing in school library science within the School of Education. Holding a Ph.D. and M.L.S. in Library Science from Texas Woman's University, she bridges practical classroom experience as a former kindergarten teacher with academic scholarship in children's literature and library management.
Her research focuses on collection development, school librarianship, and history/science books for children and teens. Kerby's work emphasizes creating engaging library environments that foster global citizenship through literature. Her publications consistently address practical applications for school librarians, with particular attention to curating collections that develop knowledgeable, caring learners.
Kerby's award-winning publications demonstrate her dual expertise in children's literature and library science. Her book Owney, the Mail Pouch Pooch received multiple state awards and national recognition including Bank Street College's Best Children's Books list. Similarly, 38 Weeks till Summer Vacation earned the Minnesota Maud Hart Lovelace Award and Kirkus praise for its "Cleary-like veracity." The thematic consistency across her work reveals deep commitment to authentic childhood experiences and practical library applications.
- McDaniel College L. Stanley Bowlsbey Professor of Education Endowed Chair (2016-2020)
- Four-time McDaniel College Faculty Book Award recipient
- Fulbright Senior Specialist for school librarianship (2006-2011)
- California Young Readers Award and Vermont Red Clover Award for Owney
- Grant funding 12 Maryland teachers' master's degrees in School Librarianship
Student testimonials consistently highlight Kerby's preparation, accessibility, and expertise, with comments calling her "the gold standard of the SLM department." Her professional service includes leadership roles in the American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, and Maryland Association of School Librarians. Kerby maintains active engagement with school library communities through workshops, publications, and her Authors Guild membership.
