"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."      — Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

The highly technological environment of 21st century schools has significantly redefined the role of school librarians by presenting the opportunity to assume leadership through technology integration. Dr. Johnston’s research investigates current practice of school librarians to identify what factors are enabling some to thrive as technology integration leaders and what is hindering others. Her research contributes to her teaching so that she can more effectively equip students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed and lead in their future role as an information professional and as an educator.

Dr. Johnston’s international research agenda focuses on school librarianship on a global level and how school library professionals from all over the world are encountering and struggling the same issues. Her research examines the exchange of best practices between the United States and other countries and promotes the idea of building relationships through an international community of practice.

Dr. Melissa P. Johnston joined the faculty of School of Library and Information Studies in 2012. She obtained her PhD at Florida State’s School of Library & Information Studies where she also worked as a research fellow at The Partnerships Advancing Library Media (PALM) Center. Before entering the doctoral program, Johnston worked as a school library media specialist in metro-Atlanta, Georgia for 13 years. Both her Master of Education degree and her Bachelor degree are from The University of Georgia. Dr. Johnston has been honored for her scholarship and research with awards from Beta Phi Mu and The International Association of School Librarians. Johnston frequently presents at national and international conferences and has published in a variety of books and peer-reviewed journals including School Library Research, School Libraries Worldwide, and Journal of Education for Library & Information Science.