Mariah Cherem

Biography

As an MSI candidate, I am exploring various intersections between communities, information and learning. My interests include the evolving roles of both public and academic libraries, and shifting ideas of authority and hierarchy. I believe that new methods of outreach and public engagement (as well as patron and user research) are critical to the future of libraries, museums, cultural institutions and organizations.

I am fascinated by emerging models of publishing, shifts in content creation and curation, developments in the field broadly defined as digital humanities, and the interplay between the social, cultural and technological elements of our lives.

Before coming to SI, I served as Yelp's inaugural Community Manager in Metro Detroit, quickly and effectively building robust online and offline community in the region from the ground up. With 10+ years experience in communications, outreach and public relations, my background putting outreach and engagement ideas into action strongly influences my academic interests.

At SI, I have been encouraged to think deeply and across disciplines about issues related to information, communication, identity, power and connection.