Michael Howser is an Undergraduate Instruction & GIS Librarian at the University of Connecticut and also serves at the Connecticut State Data Center Coordinator. Michael's focus is on developing interactive mapping interfaces, assisting users with locating GIS data, and collaborating with researchers, state agencies, and organizations to increase public access to Connecticut related GIS dat and maps.
Prior to joining the staff at the University of Connecticut, Michael served as the Information Literacy Coordinator/GIS Librarian at Miami University (Ohio), (2003-2007) where he was co-facilitator of a faculty learning community for improving student research fluency. With a focus on integrating liberal education and information literacy principles within the curriculum, he works with librarians and faculty to encourage collaboration and to ensure that these principles are integrated within course assignments. His research interests are in the areas of geographic literacy and information literacy with particular interest in fostering critical thinking by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to analyze issues from a geographic perspective. Michael completed his MLIS at Kent State University (2002), and has a BA in Geography from the University of Cincinnati (2001).
