Education

B.A., Sociology, Boston University
B.S., Advertising, Boston University
M.L.I.S., Rutgers University
Ph.D., Library & Information Science, Rutgers University

Research

Dr. Vanessa Kitzie studies the information practices of marginalized groups, with a focus on individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. Her research findings inform how information centers, such as libraries, and systems can better serve these individuals. Kitzie's  work is interdisciplinary, spanning library and information science, communication, sociology, and critical studies.

Teaching

Dr. Kitzie's teaching is driven by students’ individual research and practice interests and supports these interests with class readings, lectures, and discussions. By the end of the class, she aims to have worked with students to develop their critical thinking skills, not only within the realm of theory and practice but also related to cultural competency. Currently, she is teaching Information Transfer and Introduction to Library and Information Studies.

Recent Publications

Kitzie, V. (forthcoming, 2017). Affordances and constraints in the online identity work of lgbtq+ individuals. Paper accepted for presentation at the ASIS&T Annual Meeting, Crystal City, VA, October 27 - November 1, 2017.

Connaway, L., Harvey, W., Kitzie, V., & Mikitish, S. (forthcoming, 2017). Academic library impact: Improving practice and essential areas to research. Chicago, IL: Association of College & Research Libraries.

Radford, M. L., Kitzie, V., Connaway, L. S., & Floegel, D. (2017). "Is it a journal title, or what?" Mitigating microaggressions in virtual reference. Paper presented at ALA/RUSA’s New Discoveries in Reference: The 23rd Annual Reference Research Forum, ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, June 22-27, 2017.

Kitzie, V. & Radford, M. (2017). “How do I do this right?”: Insider/outsider dynamics and information practices of lgbtq+ individuals. Paper presented at the ALISE 2017 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, January 17-20, 2017.

Kitzie, V., & Ghosh, D. (2015). #Criming and# Alive: Network and content analysis of two sides of a story on twitter. In Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 52(1). Retrieved from»

Service

Chair, Advocacy Committee, American Library Association Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Round Table (2017-2018).