VCU Libraries Faculty Vita
Michael Wirtz
Head, Research and Library Technology, VCUQatar
(Instructor)
VCUQatar Library
Room 106-Q, VCUQatar Library
+974-4402-0734
mawirtz@qatar.vcu.edu
Education
- MA University of Arizona
- MFA University of Arizona
- BFA University of Wyoming
- BA University of Wyoming
Michael graduated with a MA in Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona. Previous to that, he received his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Arizona State University. For his undergraduate education, Michael attended the University of Wyoming where he received both a BFA, specializing in Painting and Printmaking, and a BA in Journalism with a minor in Religious Studies. Before joining the VCUQatar Library in 2009, Michael was the Library Supervisor for the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus library in Mesa, Arizona.
Previous Professional Experience
Michael Wirtz is the Head, Research and Library Technology and serves as Liaison to the Foundation Program, the Graphic Design Department and to the VCUQatar’s Masters of Fine Arts program. In addition to supporting the research of the MFA students and faculty, Michael provides instruction on research methods, information literacy and critical thinking. Michael’s research centers around the development of tools and techniques for information literacy and critical thinking instruction, and the use of technology in producing reliable information resources.
Publications
- Erickson, Mary, Jeana Klein, and Michael Wirtz. “Objective-Driven Evaluation: A Collaboration between Studio Foundations and Art Education.” FATE in Review, (article accepted, to be published 2011).
- Booth-Clibborn, Edward, and Nan Ellin. Phoenix: 21st Century City. United Kingdom: Booth-Clibborn, 2006.
- Open Studios Press. “Michael A. Wirtz.” New American Painting (Western States), no. 66 (2006).
Research Interests
- The use of digital technologies in information resource development.
- Information literacy and critical thinking pedagogy.
- The use of information delivery systems within the library environment.