I am ACRL Member of the Week

Curious, bubbly, adaptable.

I typically have NPR on in the car, I especially like Fresh Air, Hidden Brain and the TED Radio Hour. For fun I listen to RuPaul’s Podcast, What’s The Tee? Currently I am reading, "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas and "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren in preparation for a course I am teaching in the fall.

Engaging, motivating, community.

As a new member of ACRL I value that they help early career librarians get involved early on in their professional journey.  I have just been selected as a peer reviewer for the Education section of ACRL/Choice's Resources for College Libraries.  I am so thankful that I have been given this opportunity.  I value being part of a professional organization that provides so many opportunities for professional development, I have already participated in so many webinars in my short time being a member.  I also value the ability to talk to other members in discussion forums, so I can learn more about best practices, and also just make new friends from across the country.
 

I am a subject specialist librarian so I am a liaison to students (undergrad-doctoral,) faculty and staff in the School of Education.  My specialty areas include Counseling, Exercise Science, Disability Studies and Education.  I provide research assistance, provide one-on-one research consultations and instruction to my campus community in these disciplines, and I manage our research collections in these areas.  I also have a background in counseling, and have worked in higher education in counseling positions for over 20 years, so I also like to think as a librarian to students I can also provide a safe space for them to discuss frustrations, goals and accomplishments, give them support in stressful times, and be a compassionate ally.  To the campus community librarians are champions of intellectual freedom and inclusivity.

I changed careers in my 40's which was scary and also exciting! I am so happy I made the plunge because as an academic librarian I believe I have finally found my professional calling. I can marry my love of teaching, my thirst for continuous learning and my passion with working with college students. There are many pathways you can take as an academic librarian and I love being able to explore and learn new things along with my students. I can't begin to articulate how privileged I am to have found a career and a library that fits me so well and allows me to thrive.