How long have you worked at CU Anschutz, and what do you do here?
I've been at CU Anschutz for a little over a year as an access services specialist. I've worked in libraries for more than 20 years, most recently the Denver Public Library, and I’ve always been interested in academic libraries. In my role I support circulation at the service desk, hire student workers and do a lot with our IT department. This year, I'm starting to train under a librarian, making use of my master's in library science.
Are there any hidden secrets about the library most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know you can check out nonfiction and fiction books. We also have a wide range of popular magazines you can read while at the library.
Students can also come and check out badminton sets and play outside. We have a few other games that students can check out to de-stress.
Also, the Strauss Health Sciences Library isn't the only place on campus that holds books. We are a part of PASCAL, the Preservation and Access Service Center for Colorado Academic Libraries. They can hold approximately 1.6 million volumes there.
What do you like about working at CU Anschutz?
I feel really welcomed here. We do welcome parties for people when they start, and I felt engaged by all of the staff. Even outside of the library, a lot of the things that are done on campus, I feel like it's really engaging, fun and welcoming. It's also fun to work with student workers, hear their backstories and where they come from. Another thing I like about working here is that there's a little bit of everything. Of course, our main focus is what the students need. I think that Strauss does a really good job of that.
What do you do when you're not working?
I have two kids, a daughter who is 16 and a son who is 9. My son plays club soccer and flag football ‒ and my daughter does gymnastics for her high school ‒ so we're at sports most Saturdays and Sundays, but if not, we like to go over to the Stanley Marketplace and just hang out.
Working in a library, you're surrounded by great books. What are your favorites?
I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I just finished “The Boyfriend” by Freida McFadden, and then I finally finished “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” which was really good. Those were the two that I just finished that I really enjoyed.
What three words would you use to describe CU Anschutz?
I would describe CU Anschutz as beautiful, welcoming and engaging.
