Feinberg Library Liaison Bios

Joshua Beatty — Anthropology, Art, History, & Political Science

I’ve been a librarian at SUNY Plattsburgh since 2010. I have a doctorate in early American history, and have also worked as an archaeologist and architectural historian.

Currently I’m researching the interwoven history of library classification, the publishing industry, and the nascent discipline of naval science in the late nineteenth century. Past projects have included the Stamp Act of 1765, the travels of a Jacobite spy in Revolutionary America, and the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire’s influence on North American libraries.

Tim Hartnett — Criminal Justice, Expeditionary Studies, Music, Philosophy, & Sociology

I am a genuine SUNY product. My family moved to Plattsburgh from the Boston area when my father joined the Mathematics faculty here. Upon earning my BA in History from SUNY Plattsburgh, I attended SUNY at Albany where I completed my Masters of Library Science. Consequently I have experienced SUNY from multiple vantage points – faculty brat, undergraduate student, graduate student, and faculty member.

The core of my professional responsibilities and interests lies in reference and instruction. As a librarian, I am most happy and fulfilled when assisting others with their research and empowering them to do even more for themselves. In addition to my liaison areas I have a background in government and legal information.

I am a longtime resident of the City of Plattsburgh who revels in the natural beauty and culture of the North Country, including Vermont and Canada. Some of my favorite activities include performing and listening to live music as well as DJ’ing for area events.

Gordon Muir — Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, & Physics

Gordon Muir

Elin O’Hara-Gonya — Counselor Education, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Human Development & Family Relations, Psychology, & Social Work

Elin O’Hara-Gonya is an Instruction & Reference Librarian. She holds a Master of Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from American University. Her research has focused on undergraduate information literacy topics, as well as the effects of student emotional problems on the practice of reference librarianship. Recent publications include a book chapter entitled “Reconsidering Reference for a Generation without Boundaries" in The Psychology of Librarianship and a book entitled Information Literacy & Technology (5th ed.) co-authored by List-Handley, C., Heller-Ross, H., O’Hara-Gonya, E., & Armstrong, (Kendall Hunt, 2013).

Anne Rowland — Communication Studies

Mila Su — Computer Science, Gender & Women’s Studies, Mathematics, Nursing & Nutrition, & Sport and Wellness

I have been a librarian at SUNY Plattsburgh since August 2006. I was in the Penn State system prior to coming to Plattsburgh. My degrees include a BA in classical studies from Drew University, an MLIS from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and a M.S. in Kinesiology in Sport History from the Pennsylvania State University @ University Park.

In 2009, I was appointed by Dr. Ettling to serve as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) for the college.

My professional focus includes Interlibrary loan, information literacy, sports, gender women’s studies.

I enjoy gardening, small hikes, and playing recreational ice hockey.

Michelle Toth — English, Journalism & Public Relations, Theatre, & the branch campus at Queensbury

I have been a librarian at SUNY Plattsburgh since 1999. I have a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Toledo and a Masters in Library Science from Indiana University. During my graduate work I was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Toronto.

My professional focus is on information literacy, instruction (particularly active and student-centered learning), assessment, and general education.

I live in the Adirondack Park, in the town of Saranac, where I enjoy the warmer months outside walking/hiking and gardening. In the colder months I am indoors quilting. I currently serve as the webmaster for the Champlain Valley Quilters’ Guild of New York.

Karen Volkman — Accounting, Business & Global Supply Chain Management, Latin American Studies, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, Management, Information Systems, & Analytics, & Modern Languages & Cultures