Augusta University Libraries is delighted to announce three new appointments, which will be integral to the growth and success of AU Libraries and its mission to support the students, faculty, and AU community at large.
Rod Bustos is the new Director of Library Technology and Systems. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University. He is a systems librarian with 25+ years of academic libraries experience and has been with Augusta University for eleven years. He spent many years supporting enterprise library applications, including a critical role in the migration to Ex Libris Voyager at Georgia State University and serving as the Augusta University Libraries project manager for the implementation of Ex Libris Alma. In addition to his leadership role and systems duties, Rod also serves as the liaison librarian to the Hull College of Business and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, working closely with the students and faculty to provide library services in support of their academic goals.
Kathy Davies is the new Director of Greenblatt Library. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and has numerous publications to her name. She previously served as Interim Director of AU Libraries until the recruitment of the inaugural Dean of Libraries, during which time she led the AU Libraries during the transition to an online environment during the pandemic and represented the AU Libraries as part of the planning process for AU’s return to campus. She was awarded the 2022 Library Faculty of the Year Award for her contributions to the institution. Kathy has witnessed a myriad of change over her 21 years at Augusta University and is excited about potential new collaborations for online learning, student success, and supporting the future goals for Augusta University.
Melissa Johnson is the new Director of Reese Library. She is an alumna of Augusta University, having received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. She received both her Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Arts in English degrees from Valdosta State University, and is currently a doctoral student in the Higher Education Leadership and Practice EdD program at the University of North Georgia. She began working at Reese Library in 2012, first, as the Electronic Resources and Serials Librarian, then as the Assistant Director of Reference and Education Services, and most recently, as the Interim Associate Director. She has been teaching information literacy to students since 2012, and also teaches credit-bearing courses in Inquiry and freshman composition. Her areas of interest in research include student engagement, using pop culture as a teaching tool, open pedagogy, and library history. She has published several journal articles and book chapters, and recently co-edited Integrating Pop Culture into the Academic Library, released in October by Rowman and Littlefield.
