Jill Hurst-Wahl

Throughout her career, Jill Hurst-Wahl has blended library science, information technology and entrepreneurship. During her career, Jill has:

• worked in information technology as a trainer and a programmer/analyst. 
• managed two corporate libraries.
• started her own consulting practice.

Her areas of interest include:

• Digitization
• Digital libraries
• Copyright
• Online social networking
• Web x.0

Besides being an avid blogger on digitization and social media, Jill is a frequent author and speaker.

Jill is currently a member of the Special Libraries Association Board of Directors, 2011-2013.

In 2007, Jill was honored as the "Minority Small Business" Champion by the Syracuse office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  The Syracuse SBA office covers 34 counties in Upstate New York.  In 1993, she  received the  Distinguished Achievement Award from the South Central Research Library Council for work with the corporate librarians in the Southern Tier.

Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Jill has lived for more than half of her life in New York State.  She is graduate of Elmira College and received her MLS from the University of Maryland.

Short Bio:  Jill Hurst-Wahl is an associate professor of practice in Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies and the director of its library and information science program.  She is a member of SLA’s Board of Directors, Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, and  the USNY Technology Policy and Practices Council.  A former corporate librarian, Jill has always been an advocate for expanding the career opportunities for LIS graduates.

Research Interests

Rather than engaging in pure research, Jill participates in library, IT and entrepreneur communities to discover new ideas and bring them into the classroom.

Teaching Interests

In the last few years, Jill has taught:

• IST 600: Copyright Law in the Digital Age (now called IST 735: Copyright for Information Professionals)
• IST 605: Information Resources: Users & Services
• IST 613: Library Services Planning, Marketing & Assessment
• IST 626: Business Information Resources & Strategic Intelligence
• IST 676: Digital Libraries
• IST 677: Creating, Managing and Preserving Digital Assets

Professional Interests

Jill is active in the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and has held positions both at the local and association levels. Currently, Jill is member of the SLA Board of Directors (2011-2013) as serves as a liaison to several SLA units and committees.  She is also the Information Technology Division Professional Development Chair. 

Jill a member of the Rochester Professional Consultants Network (RPCN) and New York Library Association (NYLA). 

In 2007, Jill was appointed to the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, which advises the Regents on policy and  other matters concerning libraries across the state.  In 2009, she was appointed to the USNY Technology Policy and Practices Council (TPPC).

Personal Interests

A resident of Central New York, Jill likes working in the yard to grow flowers, herbs and a few vegetables. She enjoys spicy foods and has become a connoisseur of hot sauces.