Laura Saunders teaches and conducts research in the areas of reference, instruction, information literacy, and intellectual freedom. She has a strong interest in the connections between information literacy and social justice issues, as well as in the impact of mis- and disinformation.
Her books include Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, 6th edition, co-edited with Melissa Wong and the open access textbook Instruction in Libraries and Information Centers: An Introduction, co-authored with Melissa Wong. Her articles have appeared in a variety of journals, including College & Research Libraries, The Journal of Academic Librarianship, and Communications in Information Literacy. Saunders serves as a Trustee for the Somerville Public Library in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is the 2019 recipient of Simmons University’s Provost Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.
Education
- PhD, Simmons University
- MSLIS, Simmons University
- BA, Boston University
Area of Expertise
Information literacy, academic libraries, mis- and disinformation ("fake news"), reference services, assessment
Courses
- LIS 407 Information Sources & Services
- LIS 408 User Instruction & Information Literacy
- LIS 451 Academic Libraries
- LIS 493 Intellectual Freedom & Censorship
Research/Creative Activities
Saunders co-created and co-hosts LIS Pedagogy Chat, a community of practice hosting bi-monthly moderated discussions on topics of interest to faculty and practitioners who teach in library and information science.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- American Library Association
- Association of College & Research Libraries
- Association for Library and Information Science Education
Awards
- Simmons University’s Provost Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2019)
- Reference Services Press Award (2014)
- ACRL/NEC Best Paper Award (2014)
- Jean Tague-Sutcliffe Award for Doctoral Research (2010)
Laura Saunders in the News
Recognizing Freedom of Information Day 2025
According to the American Library Association, Freedom of Information Day (March 16), “promotes the public’s right to know and access to information.” To honor Freedom of Information Day 2025, Simmons News has compiled stories of faculty and student research, University initiatives, and alumnae/i accomplishments published over the last calendar year that advance access, reliability, and inclusivity regarding public information.
Simmons Receives Mellon Grant for Information Literacy
With funding from the Mellon Foundation, Simmons will establish the Center for Information Literacy, which aims to promote informed decision-making and nurture civic participation.
SLIS Professor Wins LIS Education Award
Professor and Associate Dean of SLIS Laura Saunders has been selected the 2024 Winner of the Award for Professional Contribution to Library and Information Science Education granted annually by the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE).
SLIS Professor Shares How Public Libraries Support Community Discussion
Professor Laura Saunders was quoted in the Singapore edition of The Straits Times, sharing how public libraries in the U.S. are assisting in building community during politically polarizing times.
Protecting the Freedom to Read: How to Support Libraries in a Time of Increased Challenges
Professor Laura Saunders shares how she supported an anti-book banning resolution in her town of Somerville, Massachusetts.
Freedom is Not Neutral: Libraries Leading the Way in the Fight for Intellectual Freedom with Dr. Laura Saunders
Laura Saunders , Interim Director of Simmons School of Library and Information Science shared details on her recent discussion about the library field's role in intellectual freedom, as well as the current ethical and legal implications of that support. "There...
Brighten Dark Winter Days with a Good Book
As we look forward to a break from our usual daily routines, many of us may be fantasizing about some time spent curled up with a good book. Reading is the perfect activity for a wintry day; to help you...
Tips for Taking Online Classes
SLIS Associate Professor Laura Saunders offers timely resources to the Simmons community.
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Kaitlin Allair ’21MS Researches Effects of Teen Media Use for the Digital Wellness Lab
Research librarian Kaitlin Allair shares insights on problematic teen social media use, the dangers of "sharenting," and other aspects of her research.
Mary Grahame Hunter ‘20MS Advocates for Intellectual Freedom for Youth in Libraries
Mary Grahame Hunter '20MS is a Youth Services Librarian at the Ferndale Area District Library in Ferndale, Michigan. She also serves on the Michigan Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Task Force, where they have a coalition called MI Right to Read...
At 94, Mildred Kagan Greenbaum ’22MS Receives Her Degree
At Simmons University's 117th Commencement, President Lynn Wooten officially conferred a Master's of Science degree in Library and Information Science to Mildred Kagan Greenbaum '22MS. This degree was fifty years in the making. "Education is an important subject in our...