Karen Niemla

Hello Students!

Hi there, I'm Karen Niemla, the Reference and Research Librarian at the Hammermill Library. I conduct all and information literacy instruction at the library, and I answer reference questions about the library. If you need help finding resources for a class research project, navigating one of our databases, citing sources, or anything else, you can contact us librarians here or email me at kniemla@mercyhurst.edu. We can even schedule a time to meet in person at my office.

Hello Faculty & Instructors!

Perhaps most of your students grew up with the Internet, but that doesn't mean that they have academic research skills. You don't have to teach that yourself, though: I would love to teach your students about the research process! How much I can cover and in what detail depends on how much class time we have, and I'll always work with you beforehand to make sure I can meet your needs. If your class can't meet with me in person, I can make online video tutorials or arrange a teleconference.
Topics I can cover include:

• Using the Library
• How to evaluate resources
• How to find scholarly / Peer-Reviewed resources
• Avoiding plagiarism
• How to cite resources
• Navigating particular databases
• And more!

Email me at kniemla@mercyhurst.edu or our online request form to schedule a class. Also contact me if you have any questions about the library and our resources, and as with students, you may certainly contact me for help with your research.

More About Me

I grew up in Erie County and spent my undergrad years at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College before earning my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences. For the next nine years or so I was an Assistant Professor & General Reference Librarian at the University of Louisiana at Monroe Library in Monroe, Louisiana, where I was also active in the Louisiana Library Association and The Association of College and Research Libraries Louisiana Chapter. My website niemla.info has more information about my professional activities.

In the Spring of 2017 I was blessed with an opportunity for employment at Mercyhurst, and I'm pleased to be back in Erie and honored to be here on campus!