Elizabeth is the Digital Services Librarian at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL (3500 FTE). Elizabeth has been a member of ACL since 2013.
Describe yourself using a book title: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I find it really challenging to sit on the sidelines. I would much rather have a seat at the table and help make things happen.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Getting to learn about a wide variety of topics. Connecting people to the resources they need to achieve their goals, whether that’s books or articles, other departments on campus, or other opportunities of which they might not be aware.
What are you currently reading? Brand Luther by Andrew Pettegree
Describe ACL in three words: Welcoming, helpful, fun
How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? I serve on faculty committees and task forces, but my favorite part is talking about new resources with teaching faculty. I love when new books or databases become available and I get to share them with individual faculty members based on their particular interests.
I began my career as a librarian . . . as a student worker in the Special Collections at Florida Atlantic University. I was hired to process the music collection which included sheet music from World War I, personal collections from retired Cantors, and a particularly fascinating manuscript by a Russian composer from the early 20th century.
What do you value about ACL? I value that ACL is a small organization where you really get to know the other members. Everyone I’ve met through ACL has been so kind and caring. I also appreciate that we are all connected by our common faith. It’s wonderful to be able to pray and rejoice with other librarians.
How were you introduced to ACL? Previous library directors at Friends University were active ACL members, so I learned about ACL through them. Max Burson, in particular, encouraged me to join.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I started the Emerging Library Professionals Interest Group and currently serve as its coordinator. I am a member of the Information Literacy Interest Group, helping to maintain the LibGuide: https://acl.libguides.com/ILIG. I have also presented at the annual conference a few times.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? As the Digital Services Librarian, eresource management and emerging technologies are interesting to me. My background is in Archives, which I also still really enjoy.