This spring, LSU Librarian Randa Lopez Morgan was elected president of the United States Agricultural Information Network (USAIN), an organization that connects librarians and information professionals working in agriculture nationwide.

Morgan’s three-year term marks the first time a Louisianan and an LSU faculty member has been elected to lead their peers in this organization, which is at the forefront of creating, sharing, and disseminating agricultural research and innovation. Her role as president-elect presents a unique opportunity to impact agricultural topics and issues nationally. 

“As a land grant university, LSU is at the forefront of agricultural research, so we need to be in this space and sharing ideas—building on what others have done so that others can build on what we're doing.” Morgan said. “From ideation to creation to publication, librarians are involved in the research process every step of the way. It’s so important to have an organization like USAIN supporting agricultural librarians and other information professionals because it gives us a common place to share ideas. It is a great place to find collaborators and work with other people from different universities.” 

USAIN members address emerging themes and issues that affect agricultural information professionals and provide input on legislation affecting the National Agricultural Library and the US agricultural community. Morgan has been an active member of USAIN since 2016, and her term as president-elect begins on July 1 of this year. 

Since joining LSU Libraries in 2013, Morgan has played an integral role in our community. Currently, she serves as the subject librarian for the College of Agriculture and LSU AgCenter assisting students, faculty, staff, and extension agents in the field with all aspects of their research.

Beyond the library, Morgan’s interests extend to several non-LSU organizations. She serves on the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International’s (CABI’s) North American Library Advisory Board (NALAB) and the board of the Baton Rouge BeignYAYs, a local dance troupe. 

In her role as president of USAIN, Morgan’s dedication and expertise will help elevate agricultural research and information and provide valuable insights that will benefit LSU and the agricultural community of Louisiana.