Describe yourself in three words:

Reflective, collaborative, realistic.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

I am currently reading The Cider House Rules by John Irving and listening to The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Supportive, forward thinking, opportunity.

What do you value about ACRL?

ACRL has provided me with many opportunities to grow in my librarianship and connect with others. Getting involved with the Politics, Policy, and International Relations Section (PPIRS) has allowed me to draw on and learn from experts around the country and keep up to date with trending issues in my liaison area. Serving on the ACRL Framework Review and Revision Task Force has allowed me to organize and deepen my thoughts around information literacy and pedagogy for college students. And participating in events coordinated by the Academic Library Services for International Students (ALSIS) Interest Group has provided me with best practices and approaches for delivering library services to international students.

No matter what position you hold, who your patron population is, or what interests you the most about academic librarianship, ACRL has a place for you.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

At Penn State Harrisburg, I serve as liaison librarian to the School of Public Affairs, I coordinate first-year library instruction, and I coordinate library services for our international student population. I view my role as a connector, connecting people with information or services.

My favorite part of my job is meeting with students and faculty during research consultations. I love to learn about what topics students and colleagues are researching! Watching them organize information and contribute new knowledge to their fields is inspirational, reminding me that we resist ignorance and stagnancy, choosing to learn more about the world around us and continually do what we can to improve it.

In your own words

I became an academic librarian because I wanted to serve and improve my community by connecting learners with resources. In my ten years as an academic librarian, some of the most valuable lessons I've learned to sustain motivation and inspiration include:

  • Strive for balance. This won't always be achievable, but attempt to find the right balance of time and energy, and work to maintain it between work-life, various library responsibilities, service opportunities, research projects, and independent projects versus team-based collaborations.
  • Thinking time is working time. Picking up an activity just so that you're "doing something" without intention or reflection will not be as fruitful as you think.
  • Trust yourself. No one knows you better than you do. If you have an instinctual reaction to something, reflect on why that may be, and advocate for yourself. Build on your strengths.

Pronouns:she/her

Credentials:MLIS

Title:Reference and Instruction Librarian

Workplace:Penn State University Libraries, Harrisburg

Location:Middletown, PA