Jill is the Archivist at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1,400 FTE) in Fort Worth, TX. She has been a member of ACL since 2011.
Twitter Handle: @jillbotticelli
Describe yourself using a book title: Note to Self by Joe Thorn. I primarily learn through trial and error so this phrase is very much a part of my life!
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? For me the best thing about being a librarian is working with students. I love interacting with students from diverse circumstances, and getting to play a small role in their research achievements. Additionally, as an archivist, I really enjoy sharing stories of the past to teach truths through the examples of those who have gone before us. It is a true blessing to be able to combine my passion with my career. As a person who loves history and research, I can’t imagine a better job!
What are you currently reading? The Theology of John Smyth: Puritan, Separatist, Baptist, Mennonite by Jason Lee, When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat, and The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch.
Describe ACL in three words: Uplifting, instructional, and collegial.
How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is introducing students to historical resources. I have the opportunity to share in classroom instruction and lectures on topics within church and Baptist history. I really enjoy bringing history to life through the use of historical documents and artifacts, and nurturing students to further exploration and research. Additionally, I have the privilege of assisting faculty with research for academic projects and publication.
I began my career as a librarian… Actually, I kind of fell into librarianship. After working in a college business office for 10 years, I was asked to take the responsibility of the library. With no experience whatsoever I found myself as the Library Director of an academic library. During an accreditation year, no less! It was a difficult but rewarding challenge to take on this new role and learn the “nuts and bolts” of librarianship. ACL was such an informative and encouraging resource during that time. I’m not sure I would have succeeded had it not been for the Listserve and the wonderful librarians who patiently answered all my questions. Later, as I worked through an MLS degree, my relationship with Pamela Meridith through the ACL Mentoring Program proved to be invaluable. Over the years as my responsibilities have changed and evolved, ACL has been beneficial through every transition.
What do you value about ACL? The camaraderie of fellow believers within my professional field is a blessing. The love of Christ is manifest in the way we cooperate, assist, and serve one another which give this group a unique and valuable strength. ACL offers a venue to cultivate true friendships which exceed beyond just professional interaction. If I could say anything to my fellow ACL members, it would be THANK YOU for investing in my career and touching my life with your Christ-like love!
How were you introduced to ACL? As I recall, I first learned of ACL through an internet search.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I have attended Conference, indexed journals for CPI, served as an officer in the Bible Core Section, mentored other librarians, coordinated a prayer ministry within the Solo Librarian Interest Group, and served as Mentoring Coordinator for the Mentoring Program.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Archives, reference, and research.