Jenni Is the Science & Education Librarian and Assistant Professor at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN (FTE 5, 500). She has been a member of ACL for 3 years.
Librarian Career
I began my career as a librarian…by accident! As a 6th grade Reading teacher, I was on a mission to help a few of the boys who “hated reading” find books that they connect with. I would take the class to the library and after a few weeks of successfully finding interesting and fun reads for these boys, the Librarian pulled me aside and asked if I’d ever considered going to library school. After thinking on it and asking a lot of questions, I began my journey in this field! I dearly love the adventure of research, instruction, tech services, collection work, programming, and all that goes into this field. It stretches me in ways I didn’t expect, allows me to serve folks from all walks of life, and has given me a lot of satisfaction in my work life. There are plenty of things I could’ve chosen to do for work, but I’m glad that God led me here!
Between the Pages: Getting to Know Our Member of the Month
Describe yourself using a book title: I’ll use a title of my own making, rather than a real one: Where Did My Bunny Go? Oh, What a Nice View!: The Life and Rabbit Trails of an ADHD Librarian
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Being a “connector”. Librarians preserve, gather, share, and connect ideas, information, knowledge, and skills. Getting to be the person who connects folks with these things is so wonderful. Not only does it serve to make this life better, but it has also provided a way for me to connect with people on an eternal level as well. Seeing others find those ideas and services and knowing that I was able to help them along their journey is a beautiful thing.
What are you currently reading? Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey and Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
How do you as a librarian contribute to your campus or community? Librarians at Butler provide all of the normal “library things” like classroom instruction, consultations, collection management, etc. I currently support a bit of an unusual combo (formal and natural sciences along with education). This position was altered based on my experiences and backgrounds, which is great for my brain. We have a fairly small campus, so we also have the wonderful opportunity to be deeply involved with other faculty members in extras like providing and attending trainings, bookclubs, continuing education, and interdisciplinary workshops. On a more personal level, though, I think I provide a soft, safe space for the students. Not only can they come to the Science Library for some rest, quiet, and security, they also know that I am an “adultier adult” who doesn’t give them grades and can just listen to them. Whether it’s stress over a paper or they’re thrilled that they got a cool opportunity, I love when my students come to me with news and share their lives with me.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Having ADHD, I have tended to be all over the place in my career, bouncing and learning about all the different aspects of our industry. I’ve worked in schools (6-12), public libraries (teen, adult, and technology librarian), records libraries (oil & gas and special district law), and academic (general instruction librarian and a liaison specialist). Ultimately, I gravitate toward educating. I love to be with the patrons, particularly in workshop/classroom/group settings, connecting what we offer to PEOPLE!
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? I feel most at home outside. I like to hike and kayak and even just sit on my back patio and watch the wildlife. I’m a terrible gardener, but I am working on it! I enjoy board games, tv shows, nerdy book series that I can really “get into” (I have a whole bookshelf of Lord of the Rings collectibles in my office!), and LEGO. I love exploring with my family and hanging out with friends. I’m also not too shabby at cooking and baking.
ACL Involvement
How were you introduced to ACL? The lovely and wonderful Tonya Fawcett
Describe ACL in three words: Supportive, fun, and connected
What do you value about ACL? The sense of home. I have been a librarian in multiple states and multiple organizations, but ACL will always be a part of my librarian journey! I love how supportive we are of each other and how integrated you can become in ACL. We are still a fairly small organization, comparative to other international groups, but we are mighty in our impact for those looking for a place to belong.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I currently serve as the newly minted Assistant Mentor Coordinator and Conference Poster Coordinator. I have also been a mentor since the beginning and have been HUGELY blessed to have a mentor through ACL myself. I am part of the Christians in Secular Academic Libraries group as well as the Information Literacy Interest Group and the Prayer Group. I have presented at conference (poster and sessions) and was an Indexer for a year.