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About Sandy Avila

Sandy is the Digital Library Sales Manager for SPIE- the international society of optics and photonics. She has over fifteen years of combined experience as an educator in the higher ed sector, as an academic science librarian, and now working in non-profit publishing for SPIE.
 
Sandy continues to serve the professional library community as as the Chair of the Science Technology Libraries Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Secretary of the IFLA Division D, and is the Co-Chair of the Association of College & Research Libraries/Science and Technologies Section (ACRL/STS)'s Hot Topics Discussion Committee. Her research areas of interest include: emerging technologies like AR/VR/MR, artificial intelligence, science librarianship, and online learning. Sandy hopes to pursue a PhD in Library & Information Science in the future.
 
Sandy was proudly named one of ATG Media's 2018 Up and Comers. The 2018 Up and Comer awards are only given to 15 recipients throughout North America each year and according to ATG Media, “Up and Comers are passionate about the future of libraries. They innovate, inspire, collaborate, and take risks. They are future library leaders and change makers, and we are excited to celebrate them with this award." In addition, Sandy is the recipient of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funded fellowship to attend this year's 2022 IDEA Institute on Artificial Intelligence. " The purpose of the IDEA Institute is to build and enhance the knowledge and skills of current and future library and information professionals in AI through developing theoretical (conceptual) and practical experiences in a collaborative learning environment.
 
Sandy received her MLIS degree from the University of South Florida in 2010, a MA in Religious Studies, and a MA in Asian Studies from Florida International University in 2008. Prior to her graduate work, Sandy studied Biology and Dance as an undergrad. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and seeking adventure! 

Positions

Present Science Librarian, University of Central Florida Research & Information Services
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Curriculum Vitae




Grants

2018 - 2020 Libraries Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Entrepreneurship
University of Central Florida
Quality Enhancement Project (QEP) Award
Role: Co-recipient
Colleague(s): Min Tong, Buenaventura Basco, and Rebecca Murphey
$3,458
2018 - 2019 A Survey of STEM Librarians in Academic and Joint-Use Libraries in Florida
University of Central Florida Libraries
Professional Development Research Award
Role: Recipient
Colleague(s): Buenaventura "Ven" Basco
$1,700
$
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2021 - Present Virtual Conference Logistics Committee- Chair, Florida Association of College & Research Libraries
2019 - Present Standing Committee- Science & Technology Libraries (Chair '21, Secrtry '19-'21), International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions
2018 - Present Member of Hot Topics Discussion Group, Science Technology Section of the Association of College & Research Libraries
2018 - 2020 STS Liaison to the American Physical Society (APS), Science Technology Section of the Association of College & Research Libraries
2018 - 2020 Board Secretary, state chapter of ACRL- Florida Association of College and Research Libraries
2017 - 2019 Member of Career Development Committee, Florida Library Association
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Honors and Awards

  • ATG Media's Up and Comer Award, 2018
  • UCF Information Technologies and Resources Division (IT&R)- 2019 Outstanding Partnership Award

Education

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2010 MLIS Library & Information Science, University of South Florida
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2008 MA Religious Studies, Florida International University
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2008 MA Asian Studies, Florida International University
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2002 BA Dance, Florida International University
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1998 BS Biology, University of South Florida
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Contact Information


407-823-1218

Email:



Publications (7)

Conference Proceedings (2)

Conference Presentations (27)