Helen Bischoff
Supportive, inclusive, adaptable.
I am currently re-reading The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. As my kids begin encountering the same texts I read in high school and college, revisiting these works with a new generation has sparked fresh conversations and insights. I highly recommend re-reading books at different seasons of your life with new people--it's enlightening and offers new perspectives.
Connect, empower, transform.
What I value most about ACRL are the colleagues I've met through this community--they have challenged and inspired me. Whether through committee work, events, or informal conversations, these connections have helped me grow as a librarian and reflect on how we build stronger, more inclusive library communities. Connect. Empower. Transform. aren't just words--they reflect the relationships that drive our shared work and help shape institutions that serve our communities and provide access to information and resources.
As Coordinator of Liaison Services and liaison librarian, I help create a more inclusive, accessible, and student-centered research and learning environment. I collaborate across library and university departments to support faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates through instruction, consultations, outreach, and program development. My work connects people to resources, ideas, and each other—ensuring that the library remains a vital partner in academic success.
As a first-generation college student from rural Kentucky, I understand the barriers many students face. Growing up below the poverty line, books were a rare luxury--until a bookmobile librarian went off her route to ensure I had access. Her actions weren't just about service; they were about recognizing and dismantling barriers to access. That experience shaped my philosophy: true accessibility means meeting people where they are, with empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous reflection.
My professional journey across Kentucky's educational institutions--from K12 to academic libraries--has deepened my commitment to inclusive, patron-centered services. I strive to break down barriers—whether physical, technological, or systemic—to make education and resources more equitable. I believe that accessibility is not just intention, but responsive action. And like my bookmobile librarian, I know the work is ongoing--and best done in collaboration.
Pronouns:she/her
Credentials:MLIS, MAEd
Title:Coordinator of Liaison Services
Workplace:University of Kentucky
Location:Lexington, KY