About 

Professor Perveen Rustomfram joined the University of Memphis in 1995, and was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2002. She has served in several roles at the University Libraries including Reference Librarian, Instructional Services Librarian and Interim Head of Research and Instructional Services. She is the Government Publications Coordinator and is responsible for the Tennessee Regional Federal Documents Depository, which supports and advises the twenty other federal documents depositories across the state. Other responsibilities include library instruction, reference service, embedded librarianship, and research consultations. Her professional interests include the provision of user services, research and information services, and government publications.

Education

• B.S.W., Social Work, Bombay University, India, 1979.
• B.L.S., Library Science, SNDT University, India, 1980.
• M.A., Sociology, University of Hyderabad, India, 1984. 
• M.L.S., Library/Information Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1987.

Work Experience

• Associate Professor, Head, Government Publications Department - University of Memphis - 2018-present
• Associate Professor, Interim Head, Research and Instructional Services Department - University of Memphis - August 2017-August 2018
• Associate Professor/Government Publications Coordinator, Research and Instructional Services - The University of Memphis - 2013-2018
• AssociateProfessor/Instructional Services Librarian, Instructional Services Department/University Libraries - The University of Memphis - 2008-2012
• Associate Professor/Reference Librarian, Reference Department - The University of Memphis - 2001-present
• Assistant Professor/Reference Librarian, Reference Department - The University of Memphis - 1995-2001
• Reference Librarian, Business, Sciences, Social Sciences - Memphis/Shelby County Public Library & Information Center - 1988-1993

Honors and Awards

• Tennessee Electronic Library Trainer of the Year (with others) - Tenn-Share - 2015
• James E. Ward Library Instruction Award - Tennessee Library Association - 2013
• Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise - Graduate School of Library & Information Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville - 1987
• MLS Prize - Shree Hansraj Pragji Thackersey School of Library Science - 1986
• Best All-Round Student - Shree Hansraj Pragji Thackersey School of Library Science - 1980

Journal Articles

• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Extra Credit: Opening the Door to Free Educator Resources from the Feds.” Proc. of Tennessee Library Association Annual Conf., 24 – 26 April 2019, Chattanooga Convention Center. Tennessee Libraries 69.3 (2019): n. pag. Web. 26 Sept. 2019. https://www.tnla.org/general/custom.asp?page=69_3_Rustomfram_Robinson 
• Robinson, Bess, and Perveen Rustomfram. “50 Ways to Recognize Outstanding Employees.” Proc. of Tennessee Library Association Annual Conf., 24 – 26 April 2019, Chattanooga Convention Center. Tennessee Libraries 69.3 (2019): n. pag. Web. 26 Sept. 2019. https://www.tnla.org/page/69_3_Robinson_Rustomfram 
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Online Government Resources for Financial Literacy.” Financial Literacy, a special issue of the Journal of Business and Finance Librarianship 20.1-2 (2015): 95-115.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. "A Smorgasbord of Free Financial Literacy Resources." Tennessee Library Association Annual Conf., April 23-24 April 2015. PowerPoint submitted as a conference proceeding. http://schd.ws/hosted_files/tnla15/06/Smorgasboard%20of%20Free%20Financial%20Literacy%20Resources.pdf 
• Robinson, Bess, Perveen Rustomfram, and Steve Knowlton. “Everyone Has a Place at the Table. Now What?” Tennessee Library Association Annual Conf., April 23-24, 2015. Tennessee Libraries 65.3 (2015): n. pag. Web. 21 May 2016. https://www.tnla.org/page/TL65_3_mtgs 
• Merriman, Kevin, Betsy Park, Perveen Rustomfram, and  Damone Virgilio. "Focusing on the User." Tennessee Libraries  62 no.2, (2012). http://tnla.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=489
• Robinson, B., Rustomfram, P., Allison, L., Earl, M., Liedtka, T., & Tolley-Stokes, R. (2011). "Charting a New Course: Smoothing the Transition for New Librarian Hires." Tennessee Libraries (Online), 61(3), 2. http://www.tnla.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=448 
• Rustomfram, Perveen and Jane Qualls. A Library User Survey: What Undergraduate Students Think of Services at the University of Memphis Libraries. Memphis. Univ., TN. University Libraries, July 2000. ERIC Document Reproduction Service, ED 445 679.
• Rustomfram, Perveen. "Democracy on Wheels." Tennessee Librarian 50, no.1 (Summer 1998): 22-33.
• Johnson, Ross, Joyce McKibben, and Perveen Rustomfram. "Everything Matters: Creating a Reference Web Page -- The University of Memphis Library Experience." Tennessee Librarian 49, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 5-11. This article was used as reserve reading material by Dr. Judith Robinson, Professor, School of Information and Library Studies, State University of New York at Buffalo, for students in her Reference class July 1999.
• Johnson, Ross, Joyce McKibben, and Perveen Rustomfram. "Everything Matters: Creating a Reference Web Page -- The University of Memphis Library Experience." Tennessee Librarian 49, no. 2 (Winter 1997): 5-11.  

Presentations

• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson, session organizers. Bandel, Stephanie, Misti Jenkins, and Courtney Mercurio, panelists. Panel discussion. "AI AI OH!!!: How Public and School Librarians are Innovating with AI." 2024 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, 4 April 2024, Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN.
• Robinson, Bess, and Perveen Rustomfram, session organizers. Krajecki, Lisa, and Scott Shumate, panelists. Panel discussion. "Making New Connections: Academic Librarians Engage with AI in Library Instruction and Beyond." 2024 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, 3 April 2024, Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Think-Pair-Share: Discover and Explore Free .gov Resources for Teaching.” Presented at Banned: Band Together, Tennessee Association of School Librarians (TASL) 2023 Conference, November 6, 2023,  Murfreesboro, TN. Conference Presentation.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Takin’ it to the Streets: Promoting Government Information.” Tenn-Share Showcase 2023, October 18, 2023, virtual. Conference Presentation.
• Rustomfram, Perveen and Bess Robinson. “Spreading the Word: Promoting Government Publications to K-12.” Fall 2023 Federal Depository Library Conference, October 17, 2023,virtual. Conference Presentation.  
• McDonald, Elizabeth, and Perveen Rustomfram. “From Depository to Repository: The Case of Tennessee State Documents.” 2022 Tennessee Library Association Conference, Thursday 14 April 2022, Knoxville, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Using the 2020 Census to Cultivate Community.” 2022 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Wednesday 13 April 2022, Knoxville, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Library Services District Learning Day: Educator Resources from the Feds; TEL.” Shelby County Schools Professional Development Day, Tuesday 3 November 2020, Memphis, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson, preconference organizers. Ronald L. Williams. "Not the Same Old Story: Using Census Data to Identify New Opportunities." 2021 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, 6 April 2021, virtual. Preconference Presentation.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. "Building on Imagination: Free Educator Resources from the Feds." Tennessee Association of School Librarians Annual Conference, Monday 30 September 2019.
• Robinson, Bess, and Perveen Rustomfram. “50 Ways to Recognize Your Outstanding Employees” 2019 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Friday 26 April 2019, Chattanooga, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. "Extra Credit: Opening the Door to Free Educator Resources from the Feds." Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Thursday 25 April 2019.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Exploring America’s Communities with American FactFinder.” Tennessee library Association Annual Conference, Friday 7 April 2017.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. “Don’t Perish as you Publish: How to Avoid Being Prey to Predatory Publishers.” Tennessee library Association Annual Conference, Thursday 6 April 2017.
• Robinson, Bess, and Perveen Rustomfram. "Money Smart Week and Beyond: Financial Literacy Programs at Your Library." Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Friday 8 April 2016.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. "Realize Your Dreams with Reliable Statistics from Uncle Sam." Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Friday 8 April 2016.
• Robinson, Bess, Perveen Rustomfram, and Steve Knowlton. “Everyone Has a Place at the Table. Now What?” Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Friday 24 April 2015.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, and Bess Robinson. "A Smorgasbord of Free Financial Literacy Resources." Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Thursday 23 April 2015.
• Rustomfram, Perveen and Bess Robinson. “Free Federal Resources for Financial Literacy.” Tenn- Share Fall Conference, Nashville, September 26, 2014.
• Robinson, Bess and Perveen Rustomfram, “Exploring Fund Raising Idea$ for Your Library”, Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, Trevecca Nazarene University, September 27, 2013.
• Rustomfram, Perveen. “Websites for All: Free from the Feds.” Tennshare Datafest, Nashville, September 19, 2013.
• Rustomfram, Perveen and Mary Freilich. “Docs Out of the Box.” Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, Chattanooga, April 25, 2013.
• Rustomfram, Perveen and Susan Wood. "LibGuides." West Tennessee Area Library Consortium, October 15, 2011.
• Robinson, Bess, Perveen Rustomfram, Leah Allison, Martha Earl, Theresa Liedtka, and Rebecca Tolley-Stokes. “Charting a New Course: Smoothing the Transition for New Librarian Hires.” This presentation was selected for inclusion at the Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, 24 March 2011, Murfreesboro, TN.
• Rustomfram, Perveen, Clark Nall and Mary Freilich. “Consolidation of Reference Services: Coping with and Training for Change.” Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference, 11 April 2008, Kingsport, TN.
• Higher Education for Immigrants for “We the People”: Becoming American, The Educational Journey of Americans, East Shelby Branch, Memphis Public Library, 16 Sep 2006.

Outreach

• “STEM Resources from the Federal Government for Elementary School Library Information Specialists.” - Memphis-Shelby County Schools Reimagining 901 Library Services District Learning Day - February 21, 2022 -  
• “Humanities Resources from the Federal Government for Elementary School Library Information Specialists.” - Memphis-Shelby County Schools Reimagining 901 Library Services District Learning Day - February 21, 2022 -  
• “STEM Resources from the Federal Government for Middle and High School Library Information Specialists.” - Memphis-Shelby County Schools Reimagining 901 Library Services District Learning Day - February 21, 2022 -  
• “Humanities Resources from the Federal Government for Middle and High School Library Information Specialists.” - Memphis-Shelby County Schools Reimagining 901 Library Services District Learning Day - February 21, 2022 -  
• “TEL Resources for Middle and High School Library Information Specialists." - Memphis-Shelby County Schools Reimagining 901 Library Services District Learning Day - February 21, 2022 -  
• "Searching for Information" - Participants of Thistle and Bee, Memphis - December 13, 2017 - Thistle and Bee, Memphis
• “Using LearningExpress Library to Prepare for the ACT.” - Arlington High School Parent Teacher Student Association - Monday 14 March 2016 - Arlington High School, Arlington, TN
• “Using LearningExpress Library to Prepare for the ACT.” - Arlington High School Parent Teacher Student Association - November 12, 2015. - Arlington High School, Arlington, TN
• Free Federal Resources for Financial Literacy for 6 – 12th Graders. - Arlington, Bartlett, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington Teachers/ Librarians In-Service Day, - August 6, 2015. - Arlington High School, Arlington, TN.
• TEL: Tennessee Electronic Library Resources for K – 5th Graders. - Arlington, Bartlett, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington Teachers/ Librarians In-Service Day - August 6, 2015 - Arlington High School, Arlington, TN.
• “Basic Research.” - Researchers for the Shelby County Board of Commissioners staff. - 13 March 2015 - Shelby County Board of Commissioners
• “Collection Development with Government Publications” - University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Library and Information Science Students - April 10, 2013. - School of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Service

• University Libraries - Metrics Committee - 2024-present
• University Libraries - Strategic Planning Committee - 2023-present
• University Libraries - Select Committee for Faculty Handbook Guidelines and Criteria Reconciliation Committee - 2022-present
• University Libraries - Model Accreditation Report Ad Hoc Committee, Chair - 2019-2024
• University Libraries - Electronic Resources Management Committee - 2010-2012, 2017-2020
• University Libraries - Libraries Administrative Council - 2017-present
• University Libraries - Libraries Administrative Council, Faculty Representative - 2000-2001, 2008-2017
• University Libraries - Library Services for Off-Campus Users Committee, Chair - 2012-2014
• University Libraries - LibQual+ Survey - 2010-2011
• University Libraries - LibQual+ Survey, Primary Liaison - 2001-2008
• University Libraries - User Services Committee, Chair - 2011-2012
• University Libraries - Survey Committee, Chair - 1999-2008
• University Libraries - Faculty Group, Secretary - 1997-2000
• University Libraries - Faculty Group, Chair - 2002-2003
• University of Memphis - University Council of Graduate Studies - 2022-2025
• University of Memphis - Faculty Senate Facilities and Services Standing Committee - 2014-2016
• University of Memphis - Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee - 2011-2014
• University of Memphis - Faculty Sick Leave Bank, Trustee - 2008-2010
• University of Memphis - Faculty Senate Libraries Representative - 1998-2000
• University of Memphis - Faculty Senate, Academic Support Committee, Chair - 1998-1999
• University of Memphis - Faculty Senate, Administrative Support Committee - 1999-2000
• University of Memphis - Works in Progress Symposium Evaluator - Fall 1998, Fall 1999, Fall 2000, Fall 2002
• Government Publishing Office - South National Collection Service Area, Steering Committee - 2024-2026
• American Library Association, Government Documents Roundtable - Government Information for Children - 2021-2024
• American Library Association, Government Documents Roundtable - Education Committee - 2019-2021
• Regional Federal Depository Libraries Steering Group (REGIL) - Chair - 2017-2019
• Regional Federal Depository Libraries Steering Group (REGIL) -   - 2016-2019
• Tennessee Library Association - Annual Conference Registration, Co-Chair - 2023-2024
• Tennessee Library Association - Advisory Committee on State Documents, Chair - 2014-
• Tennessee Library Association - Annual Conference Planning Committee - 2017-2018
• Tennessee Library Association - Annual Conference Registration,Co-Chair - 2017-2018
• Tennessee Library Association - Bylaws/Procedures Committee, Co-Chair - 2012-2013
• Tennessee Library Association - Intellectual Freedom Committee, Co-Chair - 2005-2007
• Tennessee Library Association - College and University Libraries Section, Chair - 2002-2003
• Tennessee Library Association - College and University Libraries Section, Vice-Chair - 2001-2002
• Tennessee Library Association - Public Relations Committee - 2000-2001