Title of your position:
Reference/Instruction Librarian and Bibliographer/Liaison to the School of Education
Why did you choose to become a Librarian?
I feel like it just sort of happened as part of my natural evolution. Despite the fact that I worked in my high school library, the public library while I was in high school and college, and my college library (see next question), I never considered being a librarian. My bosses were always saying to me, "You should go to library school." And I always said, "No way!" Then one day I thought, "Hey, maybe I should get a degree and make more money." So I did!
How long have you been at Loyola?
This is a tricky question. I started in my current position on January 3, 2007. However, I first came to Loyola as an undergraduate in August of 1989. I was a student worker at Cudahy Library until 1994, when I was hired as a full-time Library Assistant. I was promoted to Library Associate in 1996. In 2000, I decided that I should get a Master's degree (see next question) and become a Librarian. The decision to leave Loyola was the most difficult of my life because I loved working here. That I was able to eventually return to Loyola as a Librarian is a privilege and an honor.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor's in English Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Spanish from Loyola University Chicago (1994). In 2001, I received my Master's in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and in 2006, I earned a Master's in Written Communication from National-Louis University. The Written Communications degree includes all aspects of creative writing, technical writing, editing and journalism.
How did you get involved in your subject area?
This is another thing that just sort of happened and begins with being laid off from Chicago Public Library in 2002. My next job was at National-Louis University, which has a strong concentration on teacher education. My position was "temporary," but ended up lasting for four years, so I got involved though my experience there. |
What is the most exciting part of being a Librarian?
Every day is different. At the reference desk, I get a lot of repeat questions, and that can sometimes be boring. But then there are questions that I've never had before and that really challenge me. That's when it gets exciting. That's when I feel like I'm a detective or on a treasure hunt. Every person who walks in the door has different needs each day. You never know what will happen!
What do you like best about Loyola?
I work at Lewis Library on the Water Tower Campus - which is awesome for food, shopping, theatre, etc. It's convenient for just about anything after work. And the commute is great! It sure beats sitting in traffic for hours each day, as I did for my last job.
What interests do you have outside of work?
I like to read, but I rarely make time. I write poetry and fiction, and I watch a lot of reality television. I like to travel, go to the theatre, hang out at the lakefront, eat out, and suffer all summer with the Cubs.
Where have you traveled?
I've been to a pitiful 21 out of 50 states, and the District of Columbia. This year I will add Montana to the list. I'm also planning a New Year's cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. I've been to England, France, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain (twice), Mexico (twice), Canada (thrice), and a one-day trip to Tangiers, Morocco. You haven't lived until you've been seasick on the Straights of Gibraltar, seen a snake charmer tame a cobra in the Kasbah, and eaten goat meat while being entertained by a belly dancer.
What books have you read recently that you would recommend to us?
I'm currently reading Thunderstruck by Erik Larson, in preparation for his visit to Loyola in April. It's good but not as captivating as The Devil in the White City. |
