Molly Beestrum

Molly Beestrum has 19 years of academic library experience in reference and research assistance, teaching, online instructional support, faculty collaboration, and program coordination. Molly leads and conducts instructional sessions with student programs in Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Through this role Molly integrates library instruction into curriculum threads for clinical programs in both introductory and capstone courses; this includes literature review support for various curricular threads in MD program, as well as literature review support and critical appraisal support for capstone projects and structured orsystematic reviews other programs. Molly also provides liaison support to the departments of Medical Education and Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a liaison, she delivers library orientations, instructs patrons on the use of biomedical databases,provides literature review and systematic review support, and collaborates with students, residents, fellows, andfaculty. These collaborations have resulted in 24 publications since 2018.  

Molly has taught as an adjunct in the School of Information Studies since 2005. She regularly teaches a required introductory course focused on information seeking behavior, reference interview and research consultation techniques, information literacy and fluency and teaching and learning principles in librarianship. Since 2005 she has taught dozens of course sections, mentoring future – and now, current – librarians. Engaging with library students in this manner, and as a practicum preceptor earlier in her career, Molly strives to relate theory to practice, making real-world connections to research services and information literacy instruction. 

Molly served as President of the Illinois Library Association from 2018-2021, working closely with the ILA Executive Director and fellow presidents learning the value of teamwork when accomplishing goals. She oversaw the strategic planning and implementation process for the organization, coordinated the 2019 Annual Conference, and instituted an appropriate conduct policy for ILA events. Her experience as ILA President during the COVID-19 pandemic and the social justice protests of summer of 2020 prepared her for leadership in the face of challenges and uncertainty. Her efforts during this time were recognized when she was named the 2020 ILA Academic Librarian of the Year.