John Gibson

Instructional Technology Specialist

Innovative Instructional Technology leader with a track record of transformative solutions. My expertise spans Computer Science, ITIL, and project management, complemented by in-depth knowledge of Generative AI (through training and research). I excel in technology support, system configuration, imaging, deployment, and integration, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing user experiences within educational and library settings.

Library Systems Digital Learning Technical Leadership Innovation ITIL Certified AI & Emerging Tech
JG

Professional Experience

November 2001 - Present

Instructional Technology Specialist

Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Library

  • Led technology initiatives, overseeing operations, training, and deployment of library technologies
  • Collaborated with faculty to integrate innovative technologies, enhancing library services and educational outcomes
  • Provided technology consultation and support to faculty and staff
  • Developed resources and tools for students, including multimedia-based courses and interactive programs
  • Designed and implemented applications to improve information access, including award-winning touchscreen interfaces and the "Plagiarism Quiz"
  • Supported library technology infrastructure and provided software training
  • Created engaging animations for online tutorials, enhancing student learning
  • Developed multimedia software to enable seamless remote access
  • Designed an instant messaging program for reference librarians, improving communication and efficiency
  • Contributed to the Camden Base database project, bridging academia and community resources
  • Administered technical operations for hundreds of computers and other equipment within the library system
  • Developed various resources and tools for students, including a 7-week multimedia-based course for the Psychology Department
September 1997 - November 2001

Computer Technician

Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Library

  • Responsible for all aspects of hardware and software support for library faculty and staff, including training, maintenance, setup, and troubleshooting
  • Created and assisted with graphics, HTML, and animation for the library's website using web page editing software such as Macromedia Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop
  • Developed prototype CD software for student remote access configuration
  • Facilitated networking of computers in the library
  • Designed user-centered websites
  • Provided system support and configuration
  • Programmed tools to facilitate remote access
June 1996 - August 1996

Data Apprenticeship

South Jersey Port Corporation

  • Conducted data analysis from spreadsheets and inventory, comparing them in a database
  • Managed the "Daily Ledger" tracking software
Summer 1995

Student-Technician

All Current Electrical, Camden, New Jersey

  • Analyzed circuit breaker components and corrected structural problems
  • Performed pattern matching and input into the delivery cycle

Education

2006 - 2008

Master of Science in Computer Science

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Projects:

  • Mathematical biology program tracking heart rates and morbidity using MATLAB/Python
  • OpenGL video game with sound
  • Advanced computational analysis reports
1997 - 2001

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Honor's College

Highlights:

  • Graduated with Honors from the Honor's College
  • Rutgers University Camden Honors College Service Award (1999)
  • President, Honors Student Organization, Student Chapter (1999-2000)
  • Provost Scholarship (1997-2001)

Key Courses:

Software Engineering AI Operating Systems Object-Oriented Dev Java Databases C/C++ Network Programming
1993 - 1997

Certified Electronics

Camden County Institute of Technology, New Jersey

  • 3rd Place States in Electronics National Competition, VICA Scholarship (1997)
  • Garden State Scholarship for Academic Excellence (1997)
  • Top Student in Electronics
  • Activities: VICA, Honors Society, Student Government, Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling
1995 - 1996

High School

Camden Catholic - Cherry Hill NJ

Committees

Current Committees

  • Chair-Elect, Executive Council, RUL Staff Advisory Committee
  • Member, RUL AI Taskforce
  • Chair, Robeson Library Technology Committee

Previous Committees

  • Former Co-chair, RUL Staff Advisory Planning Committee
  • Former Member, RUL AVP Search Committee
  • Former Member, RUL VP/UL Evaluation Committee

Additional Service

  • Member, RUL PC Staff Working Group
  • Member, Robeson Library Events and Exhibits Committee
  • Member, Robeson Library Space Committee

Publications

  • "Staff Representation and Partnerships in the Academic Library." NJAL Conference, November 26, 2024.
  • "Whither Libraries? User-Driven Changes in the Future of Reference." Reinventing Reference: How Libraries Deliver Value in the Age of Google. Ed. Katie Elson Anderson. Chicago: ALA Editions, an Imprint of the American Library Association, 2015. 123-32. Print.
  • "LibraryNext: Reference in 2052." Reinventing Reference: How Libraries Deliver Value in the Age of Google. Ed. Katie Elson Anderson. Chicago: ALA Editions, an Imprint of the American Library Association, 2015. 147-51. Print.
  • "Creating a tutorial: background, theory, and practical application." Stop Plagiarism: A Guide to Understanding and Prevention. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010.
  • "Cite it Right." In Cvetkovic, Vibiana. (Eds.), The plagiarism plague: A resource guide and CD-ROM tutorial for educators and librarians (pp 61-70). Neal Schuman, 2004.
  • Everything You Need to Succeed! Sep 2003 Rutgers, The State University, Camden Campus Remote Access CD

Professional Certifications

IT Information Library Foundations (ITIL)
Managing a Cross-Functional Team
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Setting Team and Employee Goals (SMART)
Generative AI Skills for Creative Content
Prompt Engineering: How to Talk to AIs
Moving Your Class Online Quickly
Learning Canvas
Camtasia: Advanced Elearning Editing
Camtasia 9: Creating Instructional Videos
Learning Zoom
Zoom: Leading Effective Calls
Learning Git and GitHub
Microsoft Teams Essential Training
After Effects 2022 Essential Training
Acrobat DC Essential Training
Programming for the Web
Troubleshooting Common PC Issues
Building Your First iOS 13 App
Learning iOS Animations with UIKit
Employee Engagement
Creating Change: Diversity in Tech
Supporting the Whole Self at Work
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Critical-Thinking & Problem-Solving
Problem Solving Techniques
Critical Thinking
Better Judgment and Decision-Making
Improving Judgment
Making Quick Decisions
Questions to Foster Critical Thinking
The Persuasion Code: Selling Remotely
Communicating Culturally Sensitive Issues
Phone-Based Customer Service
Lightroom: Get Professional Results
Organizing and Archiving Digital Photos
After Effects Apprentice: 03 Advanced
RU Training: Rutgers IT Certification
RU Training: Professional Development
RU Training: Service Excellence
CISCO MCU Training
Microsoft Connect Training
Learning WebEx
After Effects Apprentice: 02 Basic
After Effects Apprentice: 01 CC Pre-Roll
Photography Foundations: Exposure
Word 2016 Essential Training
Outlook 2016 Essential Training
Office 2016 New Features
iOS 9 App Development (Swift 2)
iOS App Development Essentials
Creating a Rotating Carousel (jQuery)
Windows 10: Tips and Tricks
Windows 10: Administration
Cross platform mobile app (Phone Gap)
MAGPIE Video Certified
Web 2.0 Certified - Camden County Library

Awards & Honors

  • NJ ACRL Technology Innovation Award - "Access in the Stacks"
  • Rutgers-Camden Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Service in the Community
  • Cited for work on Camden Base in Creating Web Accessible Databases: Case Studies for Libraries Museums, and Other Non-Profits

Professional Presentations

  • SAC Task Force Town Hall
  • SAC Poster Session
  • Presented at national, state, and local conferences on technology, including:
    • "How to Use PsycInfo: A Camtasia Tutorial" (VALE Users Conference, 2005)
    • "Post-Modern Intellectual Honesty: Plagiarism, Copyright Protection, and the Ownership of Information" (University of Memphis, 2004)
    • "The PATRIOT Act: Ewoks and AT-ATS" (NJLA/AJ ACRL Research Symposium, 2004)
  • Presented Access in Stacks software to NJARL
  • Guest Lecturer for the Honor's College (Designing Web Accessible Sites)
  • "Camtasia," Rutgers University, Camden Campus, Faculty Symposium, April 30, 2004
  • "Camtasia/Adobe Premiere/Real One: Creating Streaming Video for Instruction," Rutgers University Libraries workshop, December 15, 2003
  • Paul Robeson Library Undergraduate Tutorials, Rutgers University State of the Libraries, November 12, 2003
  • "Remote Access CD," Rutgers University State of the Libraries, November 11, 2002

Technical Projects

Applications & Games

  • Developed an efficient 3D "OpenGL" graphics game ("Asteroids-GL") with real-time projectile and trajectory calculations (9/01 – 12/01)
  • "Password Keeper" interactive Macromedia Flash / MYSQL authentication program for secure password storage
  • LC Call Number Quiz - Javascript
  • Call Number Finder PHP/MySQL & Newer Javascript Version

Library Systems

  • Affiliate Barcode Login Software Kiosk - Visual Studio.Net
  • Access in the Stacks - Visual Studio.Net
  • Prototype of New Paul Robeson Library
  • Creator and Maintainer of Current Paul Robeson Library
  • French Department's Web Site

Multimedia & Education

  • HETI Project Zoom Room Logistical and Technical Support
  • "How to Use Electronic Reserves" video tutorial using Camtasia
  • "Access from Home" interactive flash tutorial for accessing library resources remotely
  • "The Plagiarism Show" video animated game show about plagiarism and how to avoid it
  • "Everything you need to thrive!" web-based module for freshman student success at Rutgers

Volunteer Experience

  • MLK Day of Service 2025: "Keep the Village Warm" Coat Drive
  • Camden Rescue Mission Christmas Toy Drive, Former Coordinator for Paul Robeson Library
  • St. Paul's Episcopal Church Food Bank, Volunteer
  • Created multi-media video and computer art presentation utilizing Adobe Premier, FlaskMPEG; Pinnacle Studio for Glad Tidings, Mount Ephraim, New Jersey
  • Developed and Maintained Glad Tidings website
  • Volunteer computer support for several departments at Rutgers University, Camden Campus, including Honors College, French Department, and the Center for Children and Childhood Studies
  • Volunteered at Urban Promise, Camden, New Jersey