2010-12 Jessica Koepfler

Paul Evan Peters Fellowship Recipient

2010-2012:
JESSICA A. KOEPFLER
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

Jessica A. Koepfler is the 2010 recipient of the Paul Evan Peters Fellowship for graduate study in the information sciences or librarianship. Koepfler is currently a doctoral student in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. The fellowship, which was established to honor the memory of CNI founding Executive Director, Paul Evan Peters, recognizes outstanding scholarship and intellectual rigor, as well as civic responsibility, democratic values, and imagination.

Koepfler has a BA in archaeology and classics from the University of Virginia and a graduate degree in museum studies from the University of Toronto; she has also served in the Virginia Army National Guard. Her research addresses issues of human-computer and human-information behavior and interaction, currently focusing on investigating information presentation and participatory design strategies for homeless and under served populations. “There are so many organizations providing resources for the homeless, but few resource Web sites that are actually designed with the homeless as stakeholders in the process,” Koepfler commented. “The role that public libraries and day shelters play in providing free computer and Internet access makes this an area of great opportunity for applying user-centered design principles to a specific user group’s crucial information needs.”

Judith Klavans, of the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, noted, “Jes is energetic, creative, and eager to make a difference, and Paul [Evan Peters] was committed to making a difference; they have that incredible quality in common.” Selection committee member Kathryn Monday, of the University of Richmond, recognized Koepfler for “the courage to tackle big challenges, a commitment to democratic values, and a great sense of humor,” qualities for which Paul Evan Peters was also known. Monday praised the candidate for including under served populations in her research, citing Koepfler’s statement of intent, “Improving intellectual productivity and information access for individuals in all walks of life will help create the informed citizenry this country needs…”

A four-member committee selected Koepfler for the award: Kathryn Monday, Vice President for Information Services at the University of Richmond; Patricia Renfro, Deputy University Librarian at Columbia University; Gary Strong, University Librarian at the University of California, Los Angeles; and Joan Lippincott, Associate Executive Director of the Coalition for Networked Information. “We had a wonderful pool of applicants this year,” commented CNI Executive Director Clifford Lynch, “and the choice was very difficult. Jessica captures the combination and balance of talent, potential, and commitment that I think will make her a great selection to carry on the fellowship’s high level of excellence.”

About the Fellowship

The Paul Evan Peters Fellowship was established to honor and perpetuate the memory of the founding executive director of the Coalition for Networked Information. Funded by donations from colleagues, friends, and family, the fellowship provides a two-year award of $5000 per year to a student who demonstrates intellectual and personal qualities consistent with those of Peters, including:

— A commitment to the use of networked information and advanced technology to enhance scholarship, intellectual productivity and public life;

— An interest in the civic responsibilities of networked information professionals, and a commitment to democratic values and government accountability;

— A positive and creative approach to overcoming personal, technological, and bureaucratic challenges; and

— Humor, vision, humanity, and imagination.

Application information is available online.

For more information, please contact:
Diane Goldenberg-Hart
Communications Coordinator
Coalition for Networked Information
21 Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20036
diane@cni.org
202-296-5098