When I began my Library Engagement Fellows project, I expected to spend most of my time organizing resources and learning a new digital platform. What I did not expect was how much I would learn about a region connected to my own family history. Over the course of two semesters, I worked with Librarian Jeff Martin to develop a research guide on Odisha, a state in eastern India, while gaining new perspectives on research, accessibility, and digital resource creation.
Project Description
My Library Engagement Fellows project began during the Fall 2025 semester and has continued into the Winter 2026 semester. Working alongside Librarian Jeff Martin, I have been helping develop a South Asia LibGuide focused on Odisha, a state in eastern India. The guide is intended to serve as a resource for students, researchers, and community members interested in learning more about the region's history, culture, language, politics, and scholarly resources.
This project was particularly meaningful to me because my mother's side of the family is from Odisha. Growing up, Odisha was always a part of family conversations and stories, but I had never explored the region through an academic lens. Through this fellowship, I was able to learn about aspects of Odisha's history, culture, politics, and literature that I had not previously known. It was very rewarding to discover resources that deepened my understanding of a place that is connected to my own family history. The project felt like an opportunity to connect personal identity with academic research, making the experience especially memorable.
Learning the Research Process
Much of the Fall semester was dedicated to learning. Before I could begin building the guide, I spent time becoming familiar with Odisha and India more broadly through books, reference materials, and conversations with Jeff Martin. One of the most surprising aspects of the project was realizing just how
much information exists about a single region. During the Fall semester, I spent many hours reading books, exploring online materials, and browsing databases. At times, it felt overwhelming because every resource seemed to lead to several more. However, this process helped me learn how to think critically about which materials would be most useful to future users and how they could be organized in a way that encouraged exploration without overwhelming the reader.
Jeff's expertise was invaluable during this stage of the project. He shared his knowledge of Odisha and introduced me to many resources that I might not have discovered on my own. These conversations helped prepare me for the next phase of the project, which was to transform a large collection of information into an accessible digital resource.
Building the LibGuide
Towards the end of the Fall semester, I was given access to the UMich LibGuides platform and began learning how to build and organize content within the site. I spent time exploring the platform, watching instructional videos, and learning about accessibility considerations that influence how digital resources are designed.
One of the biggest challenges was determining how to organize such a large amount of information. I experimented with different categories and layouts to create a structure that would be both intuitive and useful for users. Once I became more comfortable with the platform, I began adding books, articles, videos, and other resources to the guide.
The project remains ongoing. As I continue developing the guide, I am learning how to balance comprehensiveness with accessibility. With so many available resources, one of the most challenging aspects of the project has been deciding what to include, what to condense, and how to present information in a way that is informative without becoming overwhelming for the reader.
Anticipated Results
Although the guide is still under development, significant progress has been made in organizing and compiling resources related to Odisha. A growing collection of books, articles, videos, and reference materials has already been incorporated into the guide. Once completed, the LibGuide will provide students, faculty, and broader community members with a centralized starting point for learning about Odisha. By bringing together resources that are currently scattered across multiple platforms, the guide will make information more accessible and support future research, teaching, and cultural/personal education.
Next Steps
The project will continue beyond the completion of my fellowship. My immediate goals include adding and expanding the number of resources available within each section, refining the guide's organization, and continuing to improve accessibility and usability. Ultimately, the goal is to create a resource that remains useful and adaptable as new information and materials become available.
Support and Mentorship
Throughout this project, Jeff Martin provided invaluable guidance and mentorship. During the early stages of the project, he introduced me to key resources on Odisha and shared his incredible passion and knowledge of the region. His expertise helped me navigate the large volume of information available and better understand how librarians curate resources for different audiences.
As a graduate student balancing coursework, research, and other commitments, managing a long-term project alongside my academic responsibilities could sometimes be challenging. Jeff was consistently supportive and flexible throughout the process, helping me set realistic goals and encouraging me as the project evolved. His guidance allowed me to continue making progress while developing new skills in research, information organization, and digital resource creation.
Beyond content expertise, Jeff also encouraged me to think critically about organization, accessibility, and user experience. Support from the University of Michigan Library and the Engagement Fellows project provided me with opportunities to develop new research and digital literacy skills while contributing to a meaningful resource for future users.
Reflection
Looking back, this fellowship taught me so much more than just how to build a LibGuide. It strengthened my research skills, introduced me to the importance of accessibility and user experience design, and gave me a greater appreciation for the work that goes into creating library resources. It also reminded me that learning is often a gradual process. Before I could begin building the guide, I first needed to spend time understanding the subject matter and becoming comfortable with the tools available to me.
Beyond the skills and knowledge I gained, one of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the mentorship I received from Jeff Martin. Over the course of the project, I developed a relationship with someone whose passion for learning, teaching, and sharing knowledge was clear in every stage of the process. His encouragement and guidance not only helped me navigate this project but also made the experience more meaningful and enjoyable. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with him and know that the mentorship and connection that developed through this fellowship is something I will continue to value long after the project is completed. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Library Engagement Fellows project and look forward to seeing how the guide continues to grow in the future.