Cedar Crest College has announced Stefani Gomez, Ph.D. as the new director of the Cressman Library.
Gomez was previously the information literacy librarian at Kutztown University where she led the development of an information literacy education program that scaffolds student learning across the curriculum. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State University, a master’s in library and information science and Ph.D. in communication and information studies, both from Rutgers University.
“Dr. Gomez brings an engaged vision for the contemporary college library,” said Provost Bob Wilson. “Her expertise in seeing the library as a place for community will transform its role on our campus.
Gomez was raised in Center City Allentown, graduated from Allen High School and began her career as a reference and collection development librarian at Allentown Public Library. She conducted her dissertation research on the influence of family context on individuals’ information practices with local immigrant and Latinx families. Gomez is currently the president of the regional chapter of Assocation of College and Research Libraries.
Gomez is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible community at Cressman Library. “I am excited to work with the talented and dedicated library staff to develop equitable services, events and resources for Cedar Crest students and faculty. I am passionate about information literacy and the need to promote ethical participation in the modern information environment, civic engagement and the understanding of students as information creators,” said Gomez.
The library director position was previously held by Mary Beth Freeh, who retires after more than four decades at Cedar Crest.