University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

On May 5, the Catholic Research Resources Alliance (CRRA) recognized University of Dayton associate professor and collections librarian/archivist Stephanie Shreffler for her outstanding leadership and service to the organization.

Shreffler has served on the CRRA’s collections committee since September 2014 and became its chair in August 2016. Along with Diane Maher, head of archives, special collections and digital initiatives at the Copley Library at the University of San Diego, Shreffler was acknowledged for their commitment to understand, grow and promote the Catholic Research Resources Portal, which provides global, free access to its curated collection of rare and unique Catholic materials from libraries, seminaries, special collections and archives.

Under the leadership of Shreffler and Maher, the committee expanded the reach of the portal — known informally as the “Catholic Portal”; revised its collection scope and policies; and developed subject guides that provided topical pathways for finding materials in the portal. 

The CRRA also recognized Shreffler for facilitating dialogue within the organization and the profession by highlighting online Catholic resources. One example was a popular webinar Shreffler led with University Libraries colleague Kayla Harris, associate professor and librarian/archivist in the Marian Library, describing two collections they created to document Catholic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congratulations to our colleague, who continues to serve on this important, mission-driven committee.

— Katy Kelly is an associate professor and the University Libraries’ coordinator of marketing and engagement.