Africa S. Hands (she/her)
Assistant Professor
INFORMATION SCIENCE
Specialty/Research Focus
Information Science; Access and Equity; Library Science; Higher Education; Online and Distance Learning; Qualitative Research Methods
Education and Training:
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology, Information Systems (2018)
- Master of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University, Library and Information Science (2008)
- Master of Arts, Golden Gate University, Applied Counseling Psychology (2003)
- Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Davis, Psychology
Awards and Honors:
- Outstanding Faculty Research Scholar; East Carolina University, College of Education; 2022-05-09;
Recent Publications:
Journal Article:
- Crumb, L., Chambers, C., Azano, A., Hands, A., Cuthrell, K., & Avent, M. (2022). Rural cultural wealth: Dismantling deficit ideologies of rurality. Journal of Multicultural Education.
- Hands, A. (2022). Public libraries: Your partner in increasing college knowledge among nontraditional prospective students. Adult Learning.
- Rapchak, M., Hands, A., & Hensley, M. (2022). Moving toward equity: Experiences with ungrading. Journal of Library and Information Science.
- Hands, A. (2021). Toward belonging and mutual hospitality: Decentering whiteness in the “new normal.” Reference Services Review.
- Hands, A. (2020). Tapping into the assets of first-generation students during times of transition. Information and Learning Sciences.
Recent Presentations:
Conferences:
- Hands, A. & Candela, R. (2022). Educating the “Middle”: Public Library Support of Sustainable Development Goal 4. Poster presented at the Association of Science and Information Technology 85th Annual Meeting.;
- Hands, A. & Candela, R. (2022). In support of adult learners: An examination of one civic institution in central Appalachia. Poster presented at the Appalachian Studies Association conference at West Virginia University.;
- Hands, A. & Candela, R. (2022). Positing a role for public libraries in expanding higher education access. Presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education Annual Conference.;
- Hands, A. & Candela, R. (2022). Supporting college-bound patrons in Central Appalachia. Presentation presented at the LibsWork Meeting on Workforce Development.;
Recent Grants:
Grant:
- Public Library Support of College Literacy in Appalachia; Federal; Institute of Museum and Library Services; Continuing; (09/01/2021-08/31/2024)
Recent Activities:
Professional Service:
- Planning Committee, Virginia Tech Faculty Women of Color Academy
11/01/2022-04/30/2023 - Past-Chair, ALA Library Research Round Table
08/01/2022-06/30/2023 - Member, ALSC Batchelder Book Award Committee
07/01/2022-06/30/2023