Federal Librarian, Vol. 29, No. 4, Summer 2011

federal librarian summer 2011

Contents    

Greetings From The President
Air Force Library of the Year
Fabulous Feds
FAFLRT Supports Spectrum Presidential Initiative
In Memory of Patricia Berger
FAFLRT Events at ALA Annual Conference
Introducing the NewFeds
An American Librarian in Norwich, England

Greetings from the President    

Summer ALA is upon us and I want to highlight the exciting programs we have planned in New Orleans for the conference from Friday, June 24th to Monday, June 27th. While I know that it is difficult for many of you to attend ALA due to budget constraints, I hope that as many of you as possible can participate in the FAFLRT programs and events. The dates, times, and locations for each activity are listed within this issue of Federal Librarian and can also be found on the FAFLRT web page ( http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/faflrt/index.cfm).

First, we have the extremely successful FAFLRT Preconference on “Careers in Federal Libraries” organized by FAFLRT Past President Nancy Faget on Friday, June 24th from 9:00 to 3:00 in Room 244 of the convention center. Attendees will hear from resume and interview experts, learn to navigate the federal hiring process, and leverage the latest information on hiring reforms from a number of seasoned federal librarians. The preconference is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the numerous opportunities within federal librarianship, network, and possibly get your foot in the door for a new job. Space is limited for the preconference. You will need to register on the ALA Annual 2011 web site at http://alaannual.org. The event code is FAF1.

Later on that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will have the FAFLRT Awards Ceremony and Reception at the Hotel Monteleone Queen Anne Ballroom. It looks like we have a beautiful venue for the ceremony and reception. Food and beverages will be provided. Please come to congratulate the winners of our FAFLRT Achievement, FAFLRT Distinguished Service, the Adelaide Del Frate Conference Sponsorship, and the Cicely Phippen Marks Scholarship awards. The reception provides an opportunity for all of you to catch up with old friends and make new friends as well.

We have three programs planned for the conference. The first is on Saturday, June 25th from 1:30 to 3:30 in room 269 of the convention center on “Armed Forces Librarianship Today.” Roberta Berthelot, U.S. Army Military History Institute, U.S. Army; Ed Burgess, Combined Arms Research Library; Kathleen Hanselman, RAF Lakenheath Air Force Base Library Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle Barracks; and Carla A. Southers, Department of Defense Education Activity Headquarters will speak on the challenges and opportunities facing military libraries today. FAFLRT Board member Angelique Simmons, USAG Hohenfels - MWR Library, will moderate the program.

The second program is on Sunday, June 26th from 1:30 to 3:30 in Room 339 of the convention center. FAFLRT Past-President Richard Huffine and National Library Coordinator of the U.S. Geological Survey and Wayne Strickland of the National Technical Information Service will speak on “Grey Literature in the Digital Age.” They will explore how the definition of grey literature is changing and how government libraries are dealing with the material in new and innovative ways.

The third program, “Grooming Feds for Growth in the Workplace,” will be held on Monday, June 27th from 10:30 to noon in room 338 of the convention center. Unlike our “Careers in Federal Libraries” preconference, this program is geared toward individuals who already have positions in federal libraries or information centers. Blane Dessy of the Federal Library and Information Center (FLICC), Richard Huffine of the U.S. Geological Survey, Helen Sherman of the Defense Technical Information Center, and Meg Tulloch of the National Defense Library will share tips about professional development, finding a mentor, participating in professional organizations, networking, and using USAJOBS more efficiently to find promotion opportunities.

Finally, on Sunday, June 26th from 10:30 to noon in Rooms 346 and 347 of the convention center, the FAFLRT Board and Membership Meeting will be held. The agenda for the meeting has not yet been finalized, but, we will continue our discussions on ways to use social media to promote FAFLRT’s activities and reach out to possible new members. I will also turn over the FAFLRT gavel to our new board and next President, Vicky Crone of the National Agricultural Library. I want to end this, my last Greetings article as your President by thanking all of you for your support of FAFLRT over the last year. I’ve enjoyed my year as President and hope to continue to work on our important initiatives next year as your Past-President.

Karl Debus-López, President

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Air Force Library of the Year    

The RAF Lakenheath Library became Air Force Library of the Year for 2010 by doing more than required. They held 20 programs even though the Air Force Library Standards only require 7 programs. The Librarians responded to a power outage by using that time to clean the library shelves and only left after it became too cold to work. Library Staff won Quarterly awards for their exemplary work. Visitors increased 10% in FY10 even though Library closed for 5 extra days due to power outage.

The RAF Lakenheath Library is active in total Force Development focus; interfacing monthly with First Term Airmen Center, Airman Leadership School, the Education Center, Professional Development Classes, Airmen &Family Readiness Center, and both Child Development Centers impacting 4, 600 people. Provided The Auto Hobby Shop Mitchell on Demand CD’s solving technology problem—customers and staff use 7 days a week. Innovative programming; teamed with bowling center for a Read to Bowl program--155 youth enjoyed reading fun! Highlight Arts & Crafts classes by displaying books related to their current classes. It has raised their registrations by 12%.

Free WiFi! Incorporated wireless service/upgraded internet connectivity--customers raved at research access. The RAF Lakenheath Library held monthly Investment Club meetings--inspiring 20 customers to revise their investment planning and promoting use of the award-winning Morningstar database. First-ever “Teens Only” room--offered 300 books/movies/computers/--330 “Rad” repeat customers! Held Beyond reality art contest--teen winner designed Bookmark for Library Program; teens love it and use it. Always improving; the Library upgraded children’s easy fiction & adult core fiction reading material by 2,000 inventory items. The RAF Lakenheath Library provided personalized story times at both child development centers; sparking 90 young minds weekly.

The RAF Lakenheath Library served 149,000 customers in 2010 maintaining a customer satisfaction rating of 90%.

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FABULOUS FEDS    

Ms. Rosemary Marlowe-Dziuk has retired from The National Defense University Library after almost 35 years of military library service. Ms Marlowe-Dziuk also served as a Federal Librarian at Ft Belvoir, VA; Ft Monroe, VA; CGSC in Ft Leavenworth, KS and Augsburg, Heidelberg and Munich Germany. She will be staying in the Virginia area.

The U.S. Naval Academy announces that Mr. James Rettig has been selected as the Library Director and Associate Dean for Information Services. Rettig, who is currently the University Librarian, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Va. will assume the position at USNA Aug. 1, 2011. He served as president of the American Library Association from 2008-2009.

Verlene (Vee) Herrington, Ph.D. Chief, US Army Military Intelligence Library Division - Fort Huachuca, AZ has retired from Federal service and has taken a faculty position with City University of New York. Dr. Herrington was the 2008 Federal Librarian of the Year.

Ms. Elizabeth A. Luebchow, User Services Librarian, MCH Corporation, AFRL/Phillips Research Site Technical Library, Kirtland AFB, NM has been appointed Pres-Elect for the remainder of the 2011 term and will be on the slate as Pres-Elect for 2012 for the Rio Grande Chapter of SLA. Ms. Luebchow was recently acknowledged for assistance in Kevin Ruybal’s master’s thesis entitled: A VARIABLE COMPLIANCE CONTROLLER FOR COOPERATIVE VISION GUIDED ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY. His master’s degree in mechanical engineering was awarded by University of New Mexico. She also had previously been acknowledged in the AFRL Philips Research Site historian’s, Dr. Robert Duffner’s, book entitled “The Adaptive Optics Revolution: A History” published in 2009.

The United States Military Academy Library has selected a new library director, Mr. Christopher Barth. He comes from Luther College Library in Decorah, Iowa where he currently serves as executive director. He is expected to from 2011 start his new position on July 8. More information on him is available at http://infoneer.net/

The Marshall Center Research Library, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany announces staff departing and arriving.

Mr. Andrew Adaryukov was presented the Commanders Award for Civilian Service on 15 April 2011. He was recognized for his performance during the period October 19, 2004 through April 24, 2011 for his superior accomplishments. He was instrumental in initiating a wide variety of information literacy and outreach services as well as a streamlined collection development process within the Research Library.

Mr. Thomas L. Lynch was presented the Commanders Award for Civilian Service on 18 May 2011. He was recognized for his performance during the period July 5, 2009 through May 21, 2011 for consistently demonstrating superior accomplishments, outstanding performance and team spirit. Upon his assignment to the Marshall Center Research Library, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, German. Mr. Lynch quickly became familiar with the mission and information needs of the Marshall Center. Perhaps his most notable area of technical competency relates to his language skills. He provided customer support in English, Russian and German and purchased all supplies, equipment and furniture and completed the transactions in the appropriate language. His ability to identify, acquire and in-process library resources in all three languages resulted in substantial manpower savings. He excelled in a multi-cultural, multi-language environment, providing as little or as much assistance as needed to customers based on their library experience and expertise.

Ms. Rosemary Nelson has been selected to fill the senior library technician position that Mr. Tom Lynch vacated last fall. She arrived at the Marshall Center Research Library in March 2011 from Clarkston, WA. Rosemary had worked at the Marshall Center Research Library from 1994-1998 and we are pleased that she decided to join the library team once again. She is an outstanding addition to the team and is able to provide customer service in English, German and Russian!

Nye Library at Fort Sill, OK announces the retirement of Ms. Evelyn Mitchell and the promotion of Mr. Mark Berg. Ms. Mitchell was the Lead Library Technician. Her duties included monitoring circulation, training documentation, over-dues, and other administrative tasks. She will be spending time with her family in Albuquerque, NM before returning to Lawton, OK. Her 23 years of service to Nye Library is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Mark Berg replaces Evelyn. Mark is a 2010 graduate of Cameron University.

Mark was a Library Aid with several months experience at Nye Library. Prior to working at Nye, he worked at the circulation desk at Cameron University for four years. He is planning to start on his MLS at the University of Oklahoma in the fall.

Mrs. Tamara Collier, Library Technician (Circulation Services) and children’s coordinator at Shaw AFB Library, SC will graduate from Central Carolina Technical College on May 6, 2011 with an Associates of Science in Early Childhood Development. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Science with a minor in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina.

Ms. Stacey-Kobe Bellika, formerly Library Director, MCLB Barstow, CA was selected as Library Director, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Ms. Kobe-Bellika arrived at her new position May 22, 2011.

Ms. Pat Berger, former president of FLRT, and a past president of ALA and the former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library, passed away in early April (separate obituary in this newsletter).

Cynthia Shipley

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FAFLRT Supports Spectrum Presidential Initiative    

The Spectrum Presidential Initiative is a special campaign to raise $1 million for the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Through this initiative, ALA aims to meet the critical needs of supporting Master’s-level scholarships, providing two $25,000 doctoral scholarships, increasing the Spectrum Endowment to ensure the program’s future, and developing special programs for recruitment and career development. The Initiative is supported by ALA President Roberta Stevens, Immediate Past President Dr. Camila Alire, ALA President-Elect Molly Raphael and ALA Past President Dr. Betty J. Turock, chair of the Initiative. To date the Initiative has raised $585,372.

The Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) has generously provided $500 to support the Initiative. FAFLRT is among the first ALA Round Tables to express their support of the Initiative. Karl E. Debus-López, FAFLRT President 2010-11, said of the gift, “We are very happy to support the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Federal and military libraries and librarians support a diverse population at home and abroad. The work done by federal and military librarians cuts across all types of librarianship. FAFLRT’s mission and the Spectrum Scholarship Program are in complete alignment and I sincerely hope that others will contribute to this important cause.”

Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA’s national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians within the profession. Spectrum Scholars improve service at the local level through the development of a representative workforce that reflects the communities served by all libraries. Spectrum has provided more than 680 scholarships to qualified applicants enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an NCATE-AASL reviewed and approved school library education program.

According to a recent survey of Spectrum Scholars (41% response rate), Scholars live in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Internationally. 80% of Spectrum Scholars report having graduated from their program and another 19% indicate that they are still pursuing their degree. Scholars have held positions in a variety of library types, with the majority finding positions in academic and public libraries and several indicating positions in federal and government libraries. True to the mission of the Spectrum Scholarship Program, 65% of respondent indicated that they provided daily service to ethnically underrepresented communities. The results of this survey and the support shown by members of the Association make clear that Spectrum is working and is supported by the profession.

To learn more about the Spectrum Presidential Initiative, please visit http://spectrum.ala.org. There you can see the vision of the Spectrum Presidential Initiative, meet the Advisory Committee, and get involved through fundraising projects like the “Dinners for Spectrum Scholars” program. To make a donation to the Spectrum Presidential Initiative, visit http://www.ala.org/giveala

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In Memory of Patricia Berger    

Patricia Berger, 84, died on March 27 of congestive heart failure. She was a leader in the American Library Association serving as president in 1989-90, president of the Federal Librarians Round Table (FLRT) and as a member of board of the Freedom to Read Foundation. Her long federal career as a librarian included management positions at the National Bureau of Standards/National Institute of Standards and Technology, the US Patent and Trademark Office, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute of Defense Analysis. Pat was a member of the Cosmos Club and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, of the National Information Standards Organization and of the Special Libraries Association. In retirement, she chaired the Virginia State Library Board. Pat was awarded the District of Columbia Library Association’s President’s Award in 2001 and the FLRT Achievement Award in 1985.

Pat received a master’s degree in Library Science from Catholic University and received Catholic’s Distinguished Alumna Award in 1988.

Funeral services will be held at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA at 11 a.m. on July 7. A reception in the Officer’s Club will follow. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations to the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation, designated for the Cancer Center, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Anne Heanue

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FAFLRT Events at ALA Annual Conference, New Orleans, June 24th through June 27th, 2011    

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Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
FAFLRT Preconference: Careers in Federal Libraries
Ticket Prices: Free but have to register; Event Code: FAF1

Did you know that the average annual salary for all librarians in the Federal Government was $84,796 in 2009? Join ALA FAFLRT to hear from a panel of federal librarians. Hear from resume and interview experts, learn to navigate the federal hiring process, and leverage the latest information on hiring reforms. Use “lunch on your own” time to network with federal librarians.

Speakers: The panel will be determined at a later date, but, we often have speakers from the State Department, Library of Congress, National Agricultural Library, Government Printing Office, and other specialized federal libraries such as the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Friday, June 24, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FAFLRT Awards Ceremony and Reception • Hotel Monteleone, Queen Anne Ballroom
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Saturday, June 25; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
“Armed Forces Librarianship Today” • MCC-269 • FAFLRT

Military libraries are found on every continent, supporting military and civilian personnel, families, and veterans. They are diverse, including, research, academic and general libraries. While much of our work is similar to civilian libraries, there are differences and challenges to overcome. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the gates or considered becoming a military librarian, come hear this panel representing all the services.

Speakers: Roberta Berthelot, U.S. Army Military History Institute, U.S. Army; Ed Burgess, Combined Arms Research Library; Kathleen Hanselman, RAF Lakenheath Air Force Base Library Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle Barracks; Angelique Simmons, USAG Hohenfels - MWR Library; Carla A. Southers, Department of Defense Education Activity Headquarters
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Sunday, June 26th 10:30-noon
FAFLRT Board and Membership Meeting • MCC- Rooms 346-347
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Sunday, June 26; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
“Grey Literature in the Digital Age” • MCC-339 • FAFLRT

“Grey literature” is scientific or technical output produced by researchers and practitioners, often housed in agency repositories, and often containing more valuable details than other types of literature. Unlike peer-reviewed literature, Grey literature usually cannot be found in mainstream databases. Government Agencies often produce Grey literature and their users seek access to it as well. This panel presentation will explore how the definition of Grey literature is changing today and how government libraries are dealing with the material in new and innovative ways.

Speakers: Richard Huffine, U.S. Geological Survey; Wayne Strickland, National Technical Information Service.
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Monday, June 27; 10:30-12:00 noon
“Grooming Feds for Growth in the Workforce” • MCC-338 • FAFLRT

As federal agencies plan strategically for the future, are you prepared to master more demanding supervisory and management roles? Are you looking for ways to grow professionally and improve your leadership skills? Do you know how to look for promotions? It’s time to break out of the mold and move up in your career field. Join this panel of federal professionals who have succeeded in libraries and information centers and are ready to share tips about professional development, finding a mentor, participating in professional organizations, networking, and using USAJobs more efficiently to find promotion opportunities.

Speakers: Blane Dessy, Federal Library and Information Center (FLICC); Richard Huffine, U.S. Geological Survey; Helen Sherman, Defense Technical Information Center; Meg Tulloch, National Defense Library

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Introducing the NewFeds    

A group of new federal and armed forces librarians have recently joined forces to build community and support each other’s professional development. Informally referred to as the “NewFeds,” these early career librarians are eager to connect with other new professionals, and engage the broader library community.

It all began with a series of email introductions coordinated by FAFLRT member Nancy Faget. A self-described “instigator” and organizer extraordinaire, Faget has tracked and connected new federal librarians through the Careers in Federal Libraries Google Group and the ALA New Members Round Table (NMRT) listserv.

A small group of these librarians began corresponding online, and a few stepped forward to help spearhead these efforts. Faget was also instrumental in enlisting the collaboration of Federal Library and Information Center (FLICC) Executive Director Blane Dessey, who was equally interested in supporting this initiative. Dessey then created a listserv to facilitate communication between new librarians, and additional new librarians were brought on board.

One of the leaders of this emerging group is Aimee Babcock-Ellis, a new librarian at the Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Library. “I am involved in the NewFeds initiative because I’d like to help establish a community for the future new federal librarians and information professionals. Being new is tough, but knowing there is a support network available is comforting,” said Babcock-Ellis.

Once the FLICC listserv was created, she also teamed up with the author to create a NewFeds Facebook Group for social networking. The NewFeds Facebook Group is intended to serve as an informal forum to interact online and exchange ideas. It now boasts close to sixty members who represent diverse backgrounds, geographic locations, career paths, and types of library and information centers.

“I joined the group via an invite from a University of Maryland library school friend. I’m glad that I’m on it now. It’s a great way to informally discuss work and other professional issues. It is also an effective forum for learning about and organizing professional development opportunities. I look forward to seeing what the group accomplishes,” said member Leia J. Dickerson.

The NewFeds have been quite busy since their first online discussion in early 2011. They have organized three luncheons, written a charter to become an official FLICC Working Group, and have been invited to present a program at the upcoming Spring FLICC Forum. The NewFeds are eager to support the work of existing FLICC Working Groups, as well as partner with professional associations and round tables like FAFLRT.

As for Faget, she is very pleased with the direction this group is taking: “The more I interact with the NewFeds, the more hopeful I am about the future of the profession. I especially look forward to hearing their panel presentation May 17th at the Library of Congress.” It just took a few initial email introductions, and the rest is history.

Jessica N. Hernández is a librarian at the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Biosciences Library. She completed her MLS from the University of Arizona’s Knowledge River Program in 2009. Jessica is a new member of FAFLRT and active in the NewFeds.

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An American Librarian in Norwich, England    

In the summer of 2008, while I was working for the public library in Athens, GA and planning my upcoming wedding, my husband-to-be was awarded a scholarship to study at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England beginning that fall — right after our wedding. He had just graduated from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and he would be earning an LLM from UEA.

In addition to planning my wedding I began planning a move to Norwich. While reading the Wikipedia article on Norwich, I learned of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, located in the Norwich city center and a part of the Norwich and Norfolk Millennium Library. The 2AD library is a living memorial to the Americans who were stationed there during World War II. Their collection consists of materials on the war and on American culture. What initially attracted me to the 2AD library was the fact that they have American books. I figured I might be useful to them both as a librarian and an American.

On the 2AD website I found an email address and wrote to ask if I could volunteer. I explained my background as a children’s librarian and the reason I would be living in Norwich. I told them I would be happy to help out in any way.

Libby Morgan, who runs the 2AD library wrote back to me and said she was very interested in working with me. The library used to receive two American students every year through the Fulbright Grant, but this had been discontinued. One of the things the library would have these students do was speak to children in the local schools, so she was eager to have me take on that role during my stay.

The first thing I did for the 2AD library was create a small collection of American picture books. The library collection already contained a number of American books but none of them were for children.

I selected some classics, some books that illustrate particular aspects of American culture, and some books that are just about America. During my stay, I did several programs focusing on American culture for the 2AD library and some other libraries in the area. I used some of the American picture books in these programs. But the books also served as a way for the 2AD library to make more connections with children.

I didn’t know much about World War II going into this project, so I started out by doing lots of research. The 2AD library has general WWII books, but it also has locally published books that are very specific to what life was like for the Americans stationed in Norwich. It turns out that Americans stationed in other parts of Great Britain didn’t stay in those locations very long. As we won back land they were moved somewhere else. But, the Americans stationed in Norwich didn’t get moved. Some of them were there for several years. The Americans and the Britons of Norwich really formed relationships with each other and this is why there is still such a connection today.

I had the opportunity to go with Libby to a meeting of the 2AD memorial trust while I was still putting my presentation together. I met a veteran’s wife who gave me some great advice. She said that the children would be interested in my experiences and my pictures. She was right. They might have interest in the GIs of WWII, but I would be a live American standing right in front of them.

I created a Power Point presentation beginning with some of my own living in England as an American. I had a list of common words that are different in England than they are in America. I had pictures showing how the weather and food are different. In giving this presentation, I learned to open up the floor to allow the children to tell me about things they thought were weird about Americans. Their answers often surprised me. Our meaning for “pants” is weird? The way we pronounce “aunt” is weird?

To go along with my presentation, I put together a paper airplane craft. The 2011children made paper airplanes from a simple set of instructions and decorated them to look like WWII planes. And, of course, we had to fly the planes!

Volunteering with the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library was a wholly worthwhile experience and it helped me both professionally and personally.

Before moving to England I was a public librarian, but as I prepared to move home I decided to become a school librarian. I had done a few programs for school-aged children in the Athens-Clarke County Public Library, but the vast majority of my programs were for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Doing so many educational programs for school children in Norwich really helped me to start thinking like a teacher.

Volunteering also helped me keep my librarian skills sharp and prevented me from having a blank spot on my resume. And, because this was such a rich volunteer experience, I believe that it has had as much weight on my resume as any of my paid positions. It has been a talking point in every interview I have had since my return. I did not get a job immediately once I moved back to the United States, but the job I did finally secure is one I truly love and feel privileged to have.

Finally, volunteering kept me sane. Moving overseas is hard, even if language isn’t an issue. My husband was a full-time student and out of the house all day on weekdays. I needed something to occupy my time, because you can only watch so many Australian soap operas. The Memorial library gave my stay in Norwich purpose and structure. And, at the same time, I still had plenty of free time for long weekends in London and road trips across Wales when the University had holidays.

I learned a lot from the 2AD library and I am indebted to them for making Norwich feel like home.

By Sarah Beth Nelson Librarian for The Lovett School, Atlanta, GA

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