Alison Valk

Biosketch

Alison Valk is the Emerging Technologies Librarian for the Georgia Tech Library, a position held since 2010. She studied art at the University of Georgia and holds a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University and a Master's in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University. In 2016, she became the program manager and service owner of the Library's Media Scholarship Commons. She coordinates the multimedia services and training, having over a decade of experience designing educational programs with a focus on technical communication skills tools including video & audio editing and graphic design. She serves as part of the core team that provides outreach and support for the College of Computing. Prior to her current roles she served as instructional coordinator where she oversaw the development of the Library’s educational curriculum and led specialized programs including a federal IMLS (Institute for Museum and Library Services) grant funded initiative that integrates arts-based projects and library resources into the curriculum. She works closely with the campus XR (Extended Reality) working group on advancing the use of emerging technology into teaching and learning at the institute. She currently leads research initiatives focused on the use of virtual reality and emerging technologies in libraries. Her book “Making Virtual Reality a Reality” discussing this work was published in 2023.

Research Interests

Alison Valk’s research explores how technology is being used to expand access and engagement with library resources. She also investigates the role of the arts within STEM education, examining how creative practices enhance student learning and problem-solving. Her research centers on the impact of multimodal communication and emerging technologies on student engagement by developing and evaluating learning experiences that integrate digital tools, interactive media, and varied expressive modes. Her work explores how inquiry-based learning and design thinking motivates students, improves comprehension, and fosters more inclusive participation.

Teaching Interests

Alison Valk teaches a VIP (Vertically Integrated Project) research course. This course explores the use of virtual reality to extend the reach and impact of library archival materials, studying how immersive environments can support cultural preservation, user engagement, and public understanding.

Education

M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Studies - 2009
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

B. B. A. in Computer Information Systems - 2006
Georiga State University, Atlanta, Georgia

Recent Scholarly Output

1. Valk, A. (2025, October 28) The Future is Archived: Reimagining Library Collection Access and Engagement through Virtual Reality[Poster presentation]. Educause Annual National Conference 2025, Nashville, Tennessee.
2. Valk, A., Wright, J. Manci, C., Lynch, C., Henderson, K. and Sheldon, K. (2025, October 23). Making Space for Creativity: Arts-Based Programming in STEM Institutions. a2ru Annual Conference 2025. Madison, Wisconsin.
3. Valk, A., Mi, X. and Schick, A. (June 2023) Making Virtual Reality a Reality: Designing Educational Initiatives in Libraries with Emerging Technologies. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://www.abc-clio.com/products/a6452p/
4. Valk, A. (2019) Systems Thinking and Arts Integration through Library Educational Programming on a STEM campus., New Review of Academic Librarianship, DOI: 10.1080/13614533.2019.1623271
5. Valk, A., Pellerin, A., Mi, X. (2018) Realizing the Past: Charting a Course for Sustainable Instruction and Engagement with Archival Materials Using Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies. The Journal of Interactive Technology and Pedagogy (14).