As we continue celebrating National Medical Librarians Month, we wanted to shine a light on our lovely librarians! Every day, they help connect students and faculty with the information and the resources they need to make a difference in their research and education. Behind the work they do there is a deep sense of purpose and passion that drives them.
We asked our librarians to share what they love most about being a librarian and here is what they had to say:
There are a lot of things I love about being a librarian, for sure, but I think the thing I love most is that moment at the end of a reference transaction when a previously-panicked patron sighs that breath of relief because we worked together to find them either exactly what they need or got them past the obstacle that was frustrating them. The amount of information we have at our fingertips these days can be overwhelming, even to us librarians, so helping guide someone else along until that "aha" moment where all of the search strategies fall into place and make sense is the main motivator for me. Michael Chiles, System and Infrastructure Librarian
I love the ability to provide access to and connect library patrons to high quality eBooks, eJournals and other library materials that support their course work and help them make evidence-based decisions. Saskia Farber, Collection Analysis Librarian
I love being a librarian because every day I get to work directly with students to help them solve research puzzles and build long-term skills that will empower them as future researchers. Brittany Cain, Health Sciences Librarian
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping students through challenging moments. I’ve had students tell me they felt like quitting because finding sources for a paper seemed impossible. My response is always, "You did the right thing by reaching out to the experts. Don’t let a library component be the reason you give up!" Guiding them past that frustration and seeing the lightbulb moment when everything clicks is what makes this work so fulfilling. Layla Burroughs, Lead Reference and Campus Support Librarian
As a librarian, I find joy in helping students achieve their goals! I love working collaboratively with students to help them learn effective and efficient library research methods and strategies. I want students to spend less time identifying library resources, so they have more time for reading, analysis and writing. Christine Patterson, Health Sciences Librarian
As we continue our celebration of National Medical Librarians Month, we’re reminded of the heart and dedication our librarians bring to our academic communities. We also want to thank our students, faculty, and researchers who turn to our librarians for support. Your curiosity, determination, and trust are what fuel our librarians’ passion and purpose. Together, we’re building a stronger, more informed future.
Your Library, Your Voice!
Reminder: Our Your Library, Your Voice! board will remain open for submissions through the end of October. Many thoughtful posts have already been shared, and we’d love to hear yours too! If a librarian has made a difference in your academic journey, we invite you to share your story!
