Assisting students with their research needs in a Christian environment is one of Angela Sample’s favorite parts of her position working in the Library. Being a former non-traditional student, Angela is excited with the opportunities her work provides for her to interact and work with students of all ages and backgrounds.
It was near the end of her undergraduate studies that she began to consider continuing her education in Library Science. Following the advice of a guest speaker in one of her senior classes who recommended graduate work in Library Science for those undecided in their choice of career path, she was accepted in the Master of Library Science program at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Early in her graduate work, she obtained a joint assistantship with the main campus library and the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies, in which she taught undergraduate Library Science classes and provided research assistance at the Reference Desk. She quickly realized that her love of teaching was fulfilled by her work teaching students how to use research tools while assisting students with their research. Angela later taught a Master’s level library instruction course, teaching future librarians fundamentals of pedagogy.
Still unsure of her desired career, she pursued a second Master’s degree in educational technology with an emphasis on learning design and development, and followed that degree completion immediately embarking on a doctorate degree in Library Science. Her research interests focus on information literacy, the digital divide, and adult learning. She thoroughly enjoys her work with ORU’s students in which she is able to draw from her education and research interests.
Angela Sample received her B.S. with a double major in History and English from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, her M.A. in Library Science and her M.Ed., from the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she also received her Ph.D. in Library and Information Science.