Education

PhD, Communication
Texas A&M University, May 2018

Dissertation: Slouching Towards Alexandria: A Critical Analysis of the Scholarly Communication System

MA, Communication Studies (Organizational Communication & Rhetoric)
University of Kansas, August 2009
Honors: Golden Key International Honor Society

MLIS
University of South Carolina, May 1998

BA, English, Theatre Minor
Clemson University, May 1993
Honors: Alpha Psi Omega, Honorary Dramatic Fraternity, Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Upsilon, Liberal Arts Honor Society, Golden Key National Honor Society

Work History

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Associate Professor, Coordinator of Library Marketing and Communication
July 1, 2019- Present

Director, NewFound Press
January 2019-Present

Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Library Marketing and Communication
April 2012-June 2019

Research Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Library Marketing and Communication
July 2012 –April 2012

Marketing and Communication

  • Write, edit, and produce publications and press releases for external and internal Libraries constituencies using a variety of media
  • Oversee production of established UT Libraries publications, such as the Library Development Review and the Libraries annual report
  • Prepare reports for the Library Administration giving results of marketing and public relations efforts
  • Collaborate with colleagues engaged in outreach and instruction to coordinate the Libraries social media communications
  • Help plan and implement Libraries events
  • Serve on the Libraries’ Web Interface Group
  • Manage implementation and evaluation of marketing and public relations activities
  • Create media and marketing campaigns on behalf of the Libraries and assess results
  • Develop and maintain a Libraries’ brand
  • Monitor key industry trends and utilize information in the design of Libraries marketing efforts
  • Engage in strategic planning for the Libraries internal and external communications
  • Advise Administration on budgeting for communications and marketing program and monitor annual allocation
  • Work with Development Director and Library Friends in support of events and other donor activities
  • Serve as liaison to Vice-Chancellor for Communications, UT Creative Services and local press and media outlets
  • Manage design and creative services utilized for marketing and publication
  • Supervise one exempt staff member In Library Communications office
  • Other duties as assigned related to Libraries communication and outreach

Subject Liaison for the following departments: Journalism and Electronic Media, Communication Studies, Public Relations  

  • Provide individualized research assistance for students and faculty
  • Provide classroom instruction on the use of the Libraries’ resources and services
  • Prepare instructional materials for distribution in print or via the University Libraries’ web site
  • Perform collection development activities including selection, collection maintenance, evaluation, and fund management
  • Promote Scholarly Communication issues and education with faculty and students
  • Provide support for scholar services including information on digitizing, open access, citation management, intellectual property and copyright, data management

Scholarship, Service, Professional Development, and Continuing Education

  • Function as a member of the Libraries faculty and serve on library and university committees, as necessary and appropriate
  • Serve the library profession through participation in professional organizations and through cooperative efforts with other library and information professionals
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to enhance and update skills in the fields of librarianship and library education
  • Engage in scholarship and dissemination of knowledge in the profession

NewFound Press

  • Serve as Director of NewFound Press
  • Provide leadership, vision and management of the Press
  • Ensure the publication of high-quality books for both scholarly and general audiences
  • Oversee all administrative aspects of the operation including budgeting, marketing, sales, editorial, acquisitions, fundraising and strategic planning.

 

Texas A&M University Libraries, College Station, TX

Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Marketing & Communication
July 2010 – June 2012

Assistant Professor, Learning & Outreach Librarian
January 2010 – July 2010

  • Formed and directed a new library unit, the Marketing & Communication team, to establish and maintain marketing and communication strategies to support the mission and goals of the University Libraries
  • Worked closely with other units in the libraries to promote library resources, services and programs
  • Developed a marketing campaign for the Libraries with the slogan “There’s a librarian for that”
  • Directed efforts for a local Texas A&M READ campaign, including a contest in which students were able to enter to be the subject of their own READ poster
  • Worked with units to provide marketing material for and promote events such as Open Access Week and GIS Day
  • Collaborated with University Marketing and Communication team to ensure the Libraries’ marketing efforts comply with branding guidelines
  • Directed and developed digital media strategies, including social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and YouTube
  • Produced a regular series of video “bumps” that feature on the Libraries YouTube channel and other social media to promote Library services
  • Worked closely with Employee Resources to produce a video to be used in new employee training
  • Provided bibliographic instruction sessions for English 104 students
  • Worked with other library faculty and staff to increase awareness of undergraduate research needs and other academic interests
  • Coordinated giveaways and volunteers for new student orientations

 

The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Consultant
Office of University Communications, September 2009 – December 2009

  • Developed a content syndication strategy for the university, with recommendations on how to streamline processes and ensure the quality and accuracy of content on the KU web site

Associate Director, Digital Media Services
Office of University Relations, August 2006 – September 2009

Communication

  • Developed relationships throughout the KU community to ensure that the overall digital media strategy supported the mission of the university and its various divisions
  • Developed communications plans to ensure that the community was aware of new developments
  • Assisted the KU community with understanding the guidelines as they contributed to creating a consistent user experience for the web and compelling digital media
  • Ensured tools were provided where necessary for use by departments in production of their own web sites or other digital media projects
  • Served as the primary contact for digital media-related content issues for public relations and marketing communicators across the university

Web Strategy and Design

  • Responsible for development of the user-experience strategy for the main University of Kansas web site
  • Developed new and refine existing standards and guidelines for the integrated development of the KU web site (including the KU web template available for use on all KU department web sites)
  • Oversaw continuing development of the content strategy, information architecture, visual design and navigation system for the main web site
  • Functioned as a key member of the KU Web Strategy Team, a collaboration between University Communications, University Relations (KU’s public relations office), Information Services and Enterprise Web Services (KU’s Web administration office)
  • Worked in close cooperation with the Enterprise Web Services Director to ensure the continued successful evolution of the KU Web presence
  • Oversaw design, production and maintenance of social media such as YouTube , Facebook, and Twitter

Radio and Television

  • Responsible for KU’s television and radio image
  • Oversaw production of digital media projects, including national TV spot, radio commercials and other video/audio projects for dissemination via the web
  • Managed production of award-winning KU Works for Kansas radio spots, Research Matters and other Kansas Public Radio productions that promoted the University of Kansas

Symantec Corporation, Cupertino, CA

Online Communications Editor/Information Architect
Global Channel Office, December 2002 – August 2006

Information Architecture/Design

  • Ensured Symantec’s partner extranet (PartnerNet) conformed to corporate design guidelines
  • Created schematics for PartnerNet and associated applications
  • Maintained feedback loop with regional and global content owners
  • Developed content strategy for complete redesign of PartnerNet
  • Developed site map for PartnerNet and reconciled regional content disparities
  • Designed and maintained a team library for storage of PartnerNet content offline
  • Worked with customer experience team on a usability study and delivery of findings
  • Created and executed on an action plan based on the results of the study
  • Designed copy decks for use in gathering content from subject matter experts
  • Defined and maintained a list of requirements for the PartnerNet CMS
  • Worked with IT on development of functional specifications
  • Designed graphics for use in Partner Program presentations
  • Created style guidelines for delivery to regional content owners

Editing/Copywriting

  • Worked with regional and global teams to ensure PartnerNet content was relevant, up-to-date and grammatically correct, and ensured content conformed to corporate editorial guidelines
  • Wrote and edited content for global PartnerNet promotions and communications for internal and external customers
  • Edited all web content for launch of new Partner Program and for complete redesign of PartnerNet

 

Sportissimo, Los Gatos, CA

Information Architect, January 2004 – August 2006

Information Architecture/Design

  • Developed site map and content strategy
  • Developed schematics and concept for flash introduction
  • Designed concept for marketing tagline “Fulfill your promise”
  • Worked with owners on continued improvements to the site

Editing/Copywriting

  • Wrote training manual for updating the web site
  • Edited copy for use on the web site

 

Knight Ridder Digital, San Jose, CA

Product Manager/Information Architect, December 2000 – July 2002

Charlotte.com/The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC

Entertainment Channel Manager, April 2000 – December 2000
Just Go Editor/Cybrarian, February 1999 – April 2000
Web Design Consultant, November 1998 – January 1999
Web Site Builder, July 1998 – November 1998

Project Management

  • Developed and maintained project budgets and schedules
  • Maintained a feedback loop for local sites, network affiliates and vendors
  • Managed the prioritization of bug fixes according to stakeholder requirements
  • Reconciled stakeholder requirements with overall business strategy
  • Managed the launch process of entertainment database development

Information Architecture/Design

  • Designed structure and content strategy for national coverage of the September 11th attacks
  • Coordinated editorial strategy and standards across 32 online publications for news, business and entertainment channels
  • Designed taxonomies for the Real Cities network and associated products
  • Recommended workflow for various content management systems
  • Coordinated with Creative Director on improved user interface and usability
  • Developed metadata strategy for national network of newspaper sites
  • Reviewed analytics for Charlotte.com Entertainment Channel and developed content strategies based on those numbers
  • Increased traffic on Charlotte.com Entertainment Channel from 500,000 page views per month to 2.5 million page views per month over a one-year period
  • Guided web site builders in the construction of customer web sites
  • Designed web sites and advertising banners for yellow pages customers
  • Developed marketing campaigns to support web strategies for Charlotte.com Yellow Pages customers
  • Designed sections for large motion picture releases and promotions
  • Composed network style guide for use by local sites

Product Management

  • Authored portions of the product plan for an $8 million development effort
  • Developed strategic plans for national business, news and entertainment channels
  • Reviewed demographics and competition to establish product strategies
  • Evaluated third-party offerings for bolstering network content
  • Informed national and local news and entertainment programming strategies
  • Prepared tool documentation for city guide and entertainment database

Writing/Editing

  • Edited newspaper copy for use on the web
  • Wrote marketing/ad copy for yellow pages web sites

 

Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC

Instructor – Part Time
September 1999 – December 2000

Classes taught:

  • Introduction to the Internet
  • Data Communications and Networking

 

Coker College, James Lide Coker III Memorial Library, Hartsville, SC

Cataloging Assistant
August 1993 – July 1998

  • Cataloged books and periodicals for addition to library collection
  • Developed system for running reports from online catalog
  • Worked on retrospective conversion and transition from card to online catalog
  • Performed book repair
  • Shared reference desk responsibilities

 

Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity

Broadcast

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. (Host), (2020-Present). For Your Reference. [Video Podcast]. University of Tennessee Libraries. Season 1  |  Season 2

Articles Published in Refereed Journals

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. (2016) “Marketing is Our Game: Tackling the Library Awareness Gap.” Public Services Quarterly. 12(4). Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2016.1231603

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. (2014). “Librarian, Interrupted: a plea for scholarly communication reform.” Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews. 43(5). DOI: 10.1177/0094306114546118. [Invited essay]  Available: http://csx.sagepub.com/content/43/5/615

Bedenbaugh, R., & Mercer, H. (2012). The Embedded Repository: Introducing an Institutional Repository to a New Audience Via Location-Aware Social   Networking. Practical Academic Librarianship: The International Journal Of The SLA Academic Division, 2(1), 26-40. Available from: http://journals.tdl.org/pal/index.php/pal/article/view/6062

Weimer, Katherine H., Miriam Olivares and Robin Bedenbaugh. GIS Day and Web Promotion: Retrospective Analysis of U.S. ARL Libraries Involvement. Journal of Map & Geography Libraries 8(1) 2012.

Contributions to Edited Volumes

Editor of Library Development Review 2012-Present, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2019.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “Live From the Pandemic, It’s For Your Reference.” Library                     Development Review 2020-2021, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2021.

Caldwell, Rachel, Robin A. Bedenbaugh (2019). “Into the Great Wide Open.” Library Development Review 2018-2019, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2019.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. (Ed.). (2018). From the Remains: Reflections on Station Eleven.Knoxville, TN: Newfound Press.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. (Ed.). (2017). Toward Justice: Reflections on A Lesson Before Dying. Knoxville, TN: Newfound Press.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “An Award-Winning Anniversary.” Library Development Review 2016-2017, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2018.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “The Marketing Team Being Awesome.” Library Development Review 2015-2016, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2016.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “What do librarians do? You’ll be surprised.” Library Development Review 2014-2015, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2015.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “Game on! Marketing the libraries.” Library Development Review 2013-2014, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2014.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. “The unicorn in the library with the disco hoodie.” Library Development Review 2012-2013, Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Libraries, 2013.

Refereed Presentations

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., Christine White. 2021.  “For Your Reference: A Livestream Series Focused on Information and Media Literacy” To be presented at Library Marketing & Communication Conference, November 2-3, 2021. Virtual Event.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., 2020. “Discipline & Publish: A Critical Crossroad for the Scholarly Communication System” Presented at the National Communication Association Conference, November 19-22, 2020. Virtual Event.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., 2018. “Managing the Reputation-Reality Gap in the Academy through Open Access” Presented at International Communication Association Conference, May 24-28, 2018. Prague, Czech Republic.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., Holly Mercer. 2018. “Toward Justice: Reflections on A Lesson Before Dying: Community Engagement through Library Publishing.” Presented at the Library Publishing Forum, May 21-23, 2018. Minneapolis, MN.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., Peter Fernandez. 2016. “Reframing the culture of scholarship.” Presented at the USAIN conference, April 24-28, 2016. Gainesville, FL.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., 2015. “We have resilience; we need revolution.” Presented at the Global Fusion conference, October 23-25, 2015. College Station, TX.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., Peter Fernandez, Brian Rosenblum. 2015. “Making Scholarly Communication Sustainable.” Presented at the Advancing Research   Communication & Scholarship conference, April 26-28, 2015. Philadelphia, PA.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A., Sojourna Cunningham, Steven Milewski. 2014. “Capturing your audience with streaming video.” Presented at the Tennessee Library Association Conference. May 2, Murfreesboro, TN.

Bedenbaugh, Robin A. 2014. “Alexandria & The Ivory Tower: Deconstructing Myths in the Scholarly Communication System.” Paper presented at the Social Thought Conference. April 5, Penn State University, State College, PA.

Service

Service to the Libraries

  • University of Tennessee Libraries Departmental Review Committee Chair, August 2020-Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Exhibit Committee, July 2019-Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Departmental Review Committee, August 2019-Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Artists in the Archives Committee, July 2018 – Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Digital Library Steering Group, November 2016 – Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Strategic Planning Working Group, April 2016 – June 2016
  • University of Tennessee Libraries ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award Committee, September 2016 – December 2016
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Faculty Research Incentive Program Review Committee, August 2016-July 2017
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Faculty Research Incentive Program Committee, July 2016-July 2017
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Promotion and Tenure Criteria Working Group, January 2016 – May 2017
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Search Committee for Coordinator of Learning Outcomes, July 2015 – Sept. 2015
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Open Access Policy Working Group, Jan. 2015 – Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Web Interface Group, 2013 – Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Programming Committee, 2014 – Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries Search Committee for Digital Humanities Librarian, June 2013 – September. 2013
  • Texas A&M Libraries Faculty Brief Task Force, June 2010 – June 2012
  • Texas A&M Libraries Diversity Program Coordinating Committee, July 2010 – June 2012
  • Texas A&M Libraries Diversity Task Force, November 2010 – June 2011
  • Texas A&M Libraries Mobile Task Force, January 2010 – July 2010

Service to the University

  • College of Communication and Information Academic Program Review Committee, April 2021-May 2021
  • University of Tennessee Press Editorial Advisory Board, September 2020-Present
  • University of Tennessee Scenario 2 Planning Committee, June 2020-August 2020
  • University of Tennessee Faculty Senate Alternate, August 2019-Present
  • University of Tennessee Libraries and IT Committee, August 2019-Present
  • University of Tennessee Search Committee for School of Information Sciences Communications Specialist, June 2018 – July 2018
  • University of Tennessee Digital Signage Task Force May 2015 – October 2015
  • University of Tennessee Faculty Co-Advisor, National Society for Leadership and Success Dec. 2013 – Present

 Service to the Profession

  • Library Publishing Coalition Program Committee (Member), July 2019-Present
  • Association of College and Research Libraries Library Marketing and Outreach Interest Group (Member), January 2016 – Present
  • Tenn-Share Marketing Committee (Member), January 2015-Present
  • Tenn-Share Marketing Committee (Co-Chair), January 2013-2015
  • Media Rise Research Fellow, August 2013 – Present
  • HathiTrust Communications Working Group, January 2011 – July 2012
  • EDUCAUSE Annual Conference 2011 (Digital Library Technologies track) proposal reviewer. Philadelphia, PA, October 18-21, 2011

Continuing Education/Professional Development

  • University of Tennessee Leadership Development Program, 2019-2020
  • University of Tennessee Supervisory Foundations Certificate Program, July 2019
  •  

Honors

  • Association of Research Libraries, ARLies, Winner: Best Performance, “We Got Your E-books” 2020
  • Special Merit Award, CASE District III, Editorial Design/Graphic Design, Periodical: “The Library Development Review 2016-2017,” 2019
  • Grand Award, CASE District III, Graphic Design, Periodical: “The Library Development Review 2016-2017,” 2019
  • John Cotton Dana Award, American Library Association, Winner, “Information Is Our Game.” 2017
  • PR Xchange Award, American Library Association, Winner, Advocacy materials -electronic, $15,000,000 plus budget category. “Information Is Our Game: Librarians Being Awesome.” 2016
  • Association of Research Libraries, ARLies, Winner: Best Performance, “Information Is Our Game: Librarians Being Awesome.” 2016
  • Excellence in Service to Students Award, National Society of Leadership and Success, 2014
  • Silver winner, CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) Region VI: Excellence in Writing, radio or video script: “KU Works for Kansas,” 2010
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: Excellence in Advertising, television ad: “This is Kansas,” 2010
  • Bronze winner, CASE Region VI: Excellence in communications, periodicals—electronic newsletter or magazine: Oread online, 2010
  • American Graphic Design Award, Graphic Design USA: Chancellor’s Annual Report online, 2009
  • Gold Medal, Educational Advertising Awards, Higher Ed Marketing for “This is Kansas,” 2009
  • Bronze winner, CASE Circle of Excellence Awards (national), University of Kansas, Discover KU Video, 2009
  • Gold winner, CASE Region VI: excellence in multimedia-radio, KU Works for Kansas, 2009
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: excellence in multimedia-video, See Why KU Is a Great Place to Be, 2009
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: excellence in institutional relations-media placements on a single topic, KU architecture students help rebuild tornado-devastated Greensburg, KS, 2009
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: excellence in writing-radio, video or DVD script, KU Works for Kansas, 2009
  • Bronze winner, CASE Region VI: excellence in communications-periodicals – electronic newsletter or magazine, Oread Online, 2009
  • American Graphic Design Award, Graphic Design USA: Remaking Greensburg online feature, 2008
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: for excellence in writing (radio script) KU Works for Kansas, 2008
  • Silver winner, CASE Region VI: for excellence in fundraising materials: “Circle of Success,” 2008
  • Bronze winner, CASE Region VI:  for excellence in multimedia (radio): KU Works for Kansas, 2008
  • Gold winner, CASE National, Web-Based or Electronic HTML Internal Audience Periodicals, Oread online, 2007