Health Sciences Librarian, Eastern Kentucky University
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what did you study? Where are you currently based?
I’m from Kentucky, and I went to Berea College, where I earned a B.A. in Communication. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s library program at the behest of my boyfriend-now-husband, but was hellbent on returning home to practice. The iSchool’s career services director once asked me where I planned to work, and I said, “The holler.” Two days after I graduated from UIUC, I interviewed here at Eastern Kentucky University. In academia, the rule is you can either do what you want or live where you want. It’s a miracle I have both.
Describe your current role and organization. What are your main responsibilities? What type of organization do you work for?
I am the teaching and reference librarian who oversees library initiatives with the College of Health Sciences, meaning I teach students and faculty how to access, assess, and build on information. My work differs from my coworkers in other disciplines because I teach evidence-based practice research standards and assist with systematic reviews. EKU is a profession-focused undergraduate school, according to the new Carnegie system, whose service region encompasses one of the poorest parts of the United States. This strongly influences how my school is run, how I practice, and my scholarly interests.
What do you wish you knew more about in your field?
I wish I could learn more about research funders: How do they choose what research to fund? What is the process like? What stresses them? Faculty, of course, are always stressed about funding, but I have no idea what it’s like to be on the funders’ side.
What motivates you in your work? What keeps you passionate about your role in scholarly publishing?
Librarians burn out for a reason–most folks point to vocational awe as the foundational issue. I think this is somewhat less severe in academic settings, as we get more time off, higher pay (mileage may vary), etc. So, most of the challenges I face at work are self-inflicted. I could quietly sit on the faculty senate until my three years are up, but instead, I’m vocal about funding and policy issues. Ultimately, I believe the students and region I support offer unique–and much-needed–perspectives. Zero healthcare options, for instance, isn’t an abstract issue–it’s what’s waiting for them at home over Christmas break, so of course, they’ll think about it differently. I’m also aware that my first-gen students will have to work twice as hard to get as far professionally. If you’re one of my first gens who are also black or brown? You’re working twice as hard to get half as far. I endeavor to find them more opportunities through my work and connections- and I have fun with that.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals in scholarly communications?
Live and work in love–bell hooks can help you there: ISBN 0060959479
