Valerie Colston

Valerie Colston is a Lecturer at the School of Information, San Jose State University, where she teaches courses such as INFO 246 – Information Technology Tools and Applications - Advanced, with a focus on Graphic Design for Librarians. She also teaches through Infopeople and American Public University Systems, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to online and continuing education in library and information science contexts.

• BA in Art, University of California, San Diego (1980)
• M.A. in Art, San Diego State University (1986)

Her teaching and research interests center on graphic design, STEAM education, and makerspace integration in libraries. She emphasizes practical, hands-on design skills tailored for librarians, promoting visual literacy and creative problem-solving. Her work bridges the gap between artistic practice and information science, supporting librarians in developing engaging, visually compelling programs.

Her recent publications and art projects reflect a strong trend in collaborative, community-based art and educational design. Themes include cultural storytelling, youth engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly within library and educational settings.

Valerie Colston is the author of several influential books in the field, including:

• Graphic Design: A Practical Guide for Librarians (Rowan & Littlefield, 2019)
• Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools and Themes in YA Programming (Barrons, 2012)
• 200 Projects to Strengthen Your Art Skills (Barrons, 2008)

She has advised and developed curricula for numerous online art courses and has been instrumental in advancing graphic design education for information professionals. Her entrepreneurial work includes founding Art Teachers on the Net and Artmuseums.com, supporting art educators globally. She has also led course development initiatives with Infopeople since 2018.

Her artistic work has been exhibited in venues such as Valdez High School (Alaska) and the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, including the 'Traveling Kimono Exhibit' (2019) and the 'HOME Exhibition' (2014). She is actively involved in promoting art education through digital platforms and collaborative networks.