Dolsy Smith
About Dolsy Smith
Dolsy Smith is a Software Developer Librarian at The George Washington University, specializing in Angular.js customizations and data analysis. With extensive experience in library services and software development, Smith contributes to cross-functional teams and leads initiatives to enhance user experience and computational literacy.
Current Role as Software Developer Librarian
Dolsy Smith currently serves as a Software Developer Librarian at The George Washington University, a position held since 2018. In this role, Smith writes and deploys Angular.js customizations to enhance the user experience in the Primo library system. Smith is responsible for monitoring and testing monthly product releases and plays a significant role in consortial planning for a major system re-architecture. Additionally, Smith leads and supports web development and open-source application development projects, including the Social Feed Manager.
Previous Experience at The George Washington University
Prior to the current role, Dolsy Smith worked at The George Washington University in various capacities. From 2005 to 2016, Smith served as a Reference Instruction Librarian for 11 years. Following this role, Smith worked as a Collections Strategist & Humanities Librarian from 2016 to 2018. In these positions, Smith contributed to the library's mission by providing reference services, developing collection strategies, and supporting humanities-related initiatives.
Education and Academic Background
Dolsy Smith holds multiple degrees from reputable institutions. Smith earned a Master of Science in Information (MSI) from the University of Michigan - School of Information, completing the program from 2003 to 2005. Prior to this, Smith obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature and Russian Language and Literature from Oberlin College, studying from 1996 to 2000. Additionally, Smith achieved a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, completing the program from 2000 to 2002.
Technical Skills and Contributions
In the role of Software Developer Librarian, Dolsy Smith produces complex reports in Alma Analytics using custom SQL, providing actionable data to stakeholders. Smith serves as the primary administrator for the Alma library services platform at The George Washington University and develops solutions utilizing Alma’s APIs for bulk data extraction and cleanup. Smith also contributes to computational literacy by teaching workshops and providing consultations on software development and data analysis.
Collaboration and Advocacy in Library Services
Dolsy Smith actively leads and contributes to cross-functional teams within the organization and across a consortium of academic libraries. Smith works closely with the vendor Ex Libris to resolve bugs and advocate for enhancements that support the library's mission. This collaborative approach ensures that the library services remain effective and responsive to the needs of its users.