Jennifer Thiele, PhD

Photo of Jennifer Thiele

Jennifer Thiele, PhD

Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

PhD: Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2016

Master's Degree(s): MLIS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2005

Bachelor's Degree(s): BS, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 1998

223 Peabody Hall
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
O: (225) 578-1481
F: (225) 578-4581

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Biography

Dr. Jennifer Thiele is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Information Studies at Louisiana State University. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2016 with her dissertation focusing on public library internet connectivity in rural areas of the United States, and the funding structures and programs that supported librarians bridging the digital divide. Jennifer was the recipient of the American Library Association's award for Notable Dissertations in 2017, and has taught classes in rural libraries, public library administration and readers' advisory. From 2008-2021, Dr. Thiele served as Director of the Marinette County Library System in northern Wisconsin.

Courses Taught

LIS 7000 Information and Society

LIS 7002 Information Resources

LIS 7004 Management of Information Organizations

LIS 7010 Organization of Information

LIS 7011 Information Behavior

LIS 7401 Academic Libraries 

LIS 7110 Adult Services

LIS 7807 Information Literacy

LIS 7100 Youth Services Librarianship

Research Areas

Digital Divides in Rural Areas, Public Libraries, and Library Systems.

Selected Publications

Moyer, J., Thiele, J. , et. al. (2017) Suspense, Adventure and Thrillers. ​Crossover Readers Advisory. ​ALA editions.

Thiele, J. (2016) Information Access In Rural Areas of the United States: The Public Library’s Role in the Digital Divide and the Implication of Differing State Funding Models. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.  

Davies, Karen, and Jennifer Thiele. "Library Research: A Domain Comparison of Two Library Journals." ​Community & Junior College Libraries​ 19.1-2 (2013): 1-9.  

Moyer, J.E. and Thiele, J. “Ebooks in Public Libraries: a Literature Review and Case Study.” ​New Library World​, Spring 2012, Vol. 133, no. 5/6.  

Selected Presentations

Thiele, Jennifer. Wisconsin Library Ecosystem (August, 2021), Webinar, Wisconsin State Trustee Training Week .

Thiele, Jennifer. Surviving a Pandemic at The Public Library (2020) Louisiana State University Professional Development Webinar Series.  

Wolfram, D., Bennett-Kapusniak, R. Glover, J. , McCleer, A., and Thiele, J. “Planning LIS Doctoral Education Around a Focused Theme: The B2A approach.”ALISE. Chicago, IL. January 27-29, 2015.  

Thiele, Jennifer. "Equity of Access in Rural Libraries: A Case Study of Low Broadband Speed and Its Impact on Practice ." Poster Presentation. LITA Forum, ALA. Louisville, Kentucky, November, 2013.  

Thiele, J. "The Digital Divide: A Case Study of the Impact of Low (or No) Broadband in Rural areas." 2nd International Symposium on Information Management In the Changing World. Limerick, Ireland. September, 2013.

Selected Professional & Community Service

Board Member, M and O Literacy Council, 2016-present.

Awards & Honors

Notable Dissertation (2017). American Libraries Magazine. American Library Association. 

Selected Participant, Summer Doctoral Program, Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford, UK (2014) Competitive summer program at​ an academic center for the study of the societal implications of the Internet.

B2A Fellowship​ (2011-2015): Awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports programs that enhance information science education and that help develop leadership. This includes four years of funding for research and travel as well as tuition and scholarship.