“If you learn, teach. If you get, give.”
Outreach
As academic librarians, I believe that it is up to us to break down existing library stereotypes so that students see us as essential partners for their academic success. My goal has always been for our library to be seen as vibrant, bright, energetic, friendly, and - above all - helpful. Outreach allows us to meet students and stakeholders where they are and reframe their expectations of us and our services.
Therapy Dogs of Vermont
Every semester, I partner with the Therapy Dogs of Vermont to plan visits during stress-filled finals weeks. These events always draw huge crowds of students, and I have really enjoyed watching the students’ tension and stress melt away after spending just a few minutes with our friendly and furry visitors!
Lego Playing Station
In the summer of 2016, I read about Megan Lotts, a librarian at Rutgers, who set up a Lego Playing Station in her university’s Art Library. Her goal was to create a space where students could think critically, connect with others, and flex their creative muscles. I was incredibly inspired by her idea and, after pitching it to my colleagues, we installed our own Lego Playing Station on our Mezzanine level. It’s still going strong, and I regularly get positive comments about it from students and parents alike!
Service
Servant-leadership is an integral part of my philosophy of librarianship. I believe that we lead best when we serve others selflessly with the goal of moving everyone forward. Below, you’ll find examples of committees and projects that I have either led or served on.
Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences - Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Spring 2017 - Present
Semester Course Use Award Committee - Chair, Fall 2015 - Spring 2019
Norwich University General Education Committee - member, Fall 2015 - Spring 2016
Library Assessment Team - Chair, Fall 2017 - 2020
Student Library Advisory Council - Chair, Fall 2015 - Spring 2018
Norwich University NECHE Standard Four Committee - member, Fall 2018 - 2021
Friends of the Kreitzberg Library Newsletter Committee - Co-Chair, Spring 2016 - Spring 2019
Library Promotion & Tenure Committee - member, Fall 2016 - Spring 2017
GUIDE Mentoring Program - mentor to an undergraduate student, Fall 2016 - Spring 2017