Whitney Russell

Whitney Russell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Libraries at Augusta University, where she contributes to academic librarianship with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her work bridges digital curation, metadata practices, and inclusive digitization, positioning her as an emerging leader in critical information science.

Educational Background:

• MLIS in Library and Information Science, University of Southern Mississippi, 2019
• BA in History, Mississippi University for Women, 2013

Her research centers on transforming metadata and digitization workflows to ensure equitable representation of marginalized communities in digital archives. She advocates for structural changes in how cultural heritage materials are described and accessed. Her scholarship intersects with digital humanities, archival ethics, and social justice in information systems.

The publication in her record highlights a case study approach to improving inclusivity in metadata design and digitization projects, reflecting a growing trend in critical librarianship and anti-racist cataloging. This work contributes to broader efforts in reimagining library technical services through an equity lens.

Professional Service and Leadership:

• Committee Member, Creative Technology Lab (College Service), 2025–Present
• Committee Member, Marketing & Social Media Committee (College Service), 2025–Present
• Committee Member, Undergraduate Research and Fine Arts Conference Planning Committee (University Service), 2025–Present
• Committee Member, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Digital Scholarship Section, ACRL, 2025–2027
• Committee Member, Nominating Committee, Digital Scholarship Section, ACRL, 2025–2027
• Officer (Secretary), Society of Southwest Archivists, 2022–2024

Whitney Russell actively engages in service that advances inclusive practices across institutional and national levels. While no formal advising or grant activity is listed, her leadership in EDI-focused committees underscores her commitment to systemic change in librarianship. She also holds professional certifications in Digital Curation (Library Juice Academy, 2021) and as a Digital Archives Specialist (Society of American Archivists, 2021).