Education Background:
I attended the University at Buffalo and have a M.A. in Sociology and an M.L.S. degree- Go Bulls!
What was your professional background before your current position?
I have worked downstate at a few private allied health schools and at CUNY-CSI/College of Staten Island. Most recently I expanded and received additional experience working at a vendor (Ingram Content Group) as a cataloger. I have also taught Sociology 101 and Career Guidance to nursing students as adjunct faculty at St. Paul's School of Nursing in Queens.
Describe your current position:
As the new Electronic and Media Resources Librarian/EMRL, I hope to expand our student’s knowledge, use, and understanding of online materials and resources while also promoting the physical resources that we hold in the NYCC media library. While there is a big push to digitize, it’s also important to remember that there are multiple learning styles and that physical interaction is another crucial part of active learning. In addition to medical journals and DVDs, our library also lends items such as bones and x-rays out to students to use while in the library. Because of this our library has remained active even during COVID-19 with students coming in to request our unique resources.
What do you like best about your work?
Working with people! I love teachable moments! Also being able to share my love of research.
What has been your biggest professional challenge during the pandemic?
The isolation. Thank goodness for Zoom! I’m grateful that my colleagues are just a webcam away and that we can still hold meetings like before.
How are you seeing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion play a more prominent role in your work environment?
There’s a bigger freedom (and need) to discuss topics that used to be saved for private. In our modern era there are a lot of myths and misconceptions being perpetuated online out of both ignorance and fear. Hidden disabilities are a great example of this! Unlike even recent history, the impetus to appear 'normal' has taken a back seat to an individual's ability to be who they really are. Today, people's inclination is to include (as opposed to exclude) based on differences as there is tremendous value in the variety of experiences everyone brings to the table. Our uniqueness is what makes us us!
What other organizations are you involved with?
One at the moment- I just moved to the area after living in Indiana.
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
Talk to everyone! Always be friendly even if you're having a bad day, try to think of the good in your life. If you stay positive the people around you will pick up on that and it will help them be more at ease too. This includes other librarians, students, staff and even the janitorial staff.
What software/web tools have helped you best pivot to remote work?
Zoom! I'm a collaborative person.
Are there any other tips you would like to share that have helped you work remotely?
Make your desk your work sanctuary. If you live with other people, commandeer a closet if you have to. Have a drawer dedicated to your work. Add a fake plant, hang a picture, it will help you focus on your work and let you create a work 'escape'.
Favorite blog or website:
Pinterest and YouTube, it's very easy to get lost on those sites!
What is bringing you hope or comfort right now?
Our students and what they're doing. NYCC is a chiropractic college offering a Doctor of Chiropractic, M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition, a M.S. in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction, just to name a few. Despite the pandemic, the students I have met remain upbeat and excited and look forward to being able to get out in the field. Things may be a little different, but it’s not stopping them.
What are you most proud of?
Surviving moving during a Pandemic! Having to navigate differing state laws was very hectic!
What would you like to learn?
I’m always grabbing new books to learn different things. I think that the next thing I want to learn is how to be handier! I’m a big fan of DIY.
Is there anything about you that others would be surprised to know?
I was a boy scout when the only way for girls to join was through Explorers, a coed outdoor adventure group for teens that I joined with some friends in High school during the 90s. I’m also a brother of APO, a fraternity based around the fundamental principles of the Boy Scouts. I was elected the service chair and helped organize our group’s volunteer service hours while I was in college at UB. It was a great experience!
Welcome to the region Elizabeth!
