New Employee Spotlight: Kristina Bloch, Engineering Librarian

Posted: April 2, 2024 | Author: Cecilia Durbin | Filed under: Ekstrom Library, People, University of Louisville Libraries | Leave a comment

With lots of activity around the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University Libraries are pleased to introduce Kristina Bloch, our new Engineering Librarian. With a background in STEM education and a passion for innovation and research, Kristina is ready to redefine the roles of libraries in engineering.

Kristina’s path to librarianship, however, was not predetermined. “I just finished school for my doctorate in December,” she shares. “I fell in love with researching and realized that I had a talent for helping my classmates do work through the peer review process and just finding information in general.”

Drawing from her diverse experiences in school libraries and STEM education, Kristina brings a fresh perspective to University Libraries. “I’ve always enjoyed being with kids and their natural curiosity,” she muses. “But I realized there’s more to it. I like working with adults and the process of coaching and learning through that.”  

Kristina is excited about supporting collaboration and inclusivity among scholars across the university. “My number one goal is to remove barriers for research,” she states. “I want to build partnerships so library services are integrated within not only the curriculum but also through different outreach programs as well.” Focusing on bridging the gap between knowledge and access, she aims to empower students and faculty to reach their full potential.

But holding the Engineering Librarian position isn’t Kristina’s only tie to UofL. “My dad played football at UofL and my mom played tennis, and that’s how they met. But they also said that neither one of them ever went to the library when they were here, so it’s funny to them that I’m here in this library that they never went to.”

Kristina urges the campus community to get to know more about University Libraries. “Reach out to us!” she encourages. With her unique blend of experience and passion, we look forward to the lasting impact Kristina will have on University Libraries and the University of Louisville community. Please join us in welcoming her.

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“I wouldn’t have graduated without this job”: Graduating Library Student Workers Reflect On Their Roles

Posted: December 14, 2023 | Author: Cecilia Durbin | Filed under: Ekstrom Library, People, University of Louisville Libraries | Leave a comment

As the end of the semester approaches, it is a significant time for three library student workers who are set to graduate this week. Beau Howard, Bri McCrea, and Hevin Ramsey sat down to reflect on their experiences, lessons learned, and the community they built while working at University Libraries over the past four years.

The popularity of employment at Ekstrom Library among students stems from its reputation as the heart of academic and recreational student activity on campus. Each semester, dozens of students apply for a library job. “It’s cliché to say, but I always wanted to work at the library because in high school, it was the one place where I could get peace and quiet,” says Hevin. “So I knew coming into college that if I didn’t get a job at the library, I didn’t want to work anywhere else.” Beyond the studious atmosphere, students are drawn to University Libraries for their resources, academic ambiance, and the opportunity to be a part of a community that values learning, growth, and community.

“I’ve made a lot of friends working in the library, so it was always fun to be at work. But it was also a place where I could study while I worked. It was a good environment for that because I couldn’t just get up and leave whenever I wanted,” adds Beau, a communications major. The endless possibilities at the libraries make them a coveted workplace for students seeking a conducive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment.

“Working at the library also helped me because, as a photography major, a lot of my work requires interacting with people and getting to know them, so it was a bit of a sociological advantage too,” says Hevin.

Beau, Bri, and Hevin say that being able to empathize with and understand patrons’ experiences and challenges made their roles at the libraries that much more fulfilling. “I’ve learned how to work with all different types of people,” Bri says. “I’ve been here for so long, I’ve helped literally hundreds of people. Sometimes it’s challenging, but it’s definitely valuable experience.”

“It takes some patience to understand that not everyone is a student and not everyone is from Louisville or even Kentucky. Sometimes we’re the first people that someone who is from another country meets on campus, and I like knowing that I can help them get around or find what they’re looking for,” says Hevin.

Beau remembers applying that empathy. “As a student, I get it. You have a printing problem. You have to get a paper done. I understand. So it’s nice to be at a place where when they call and are having trouble explaining something, because I’m also a student—I get it. I know how to help you out.”

“It’s really nice to be in a position where we can say, we can actually help you with this and not have to transfer you three different times because we know what you need,” adds Hevin.

When asked about favorite memories from their time at the library, they were not short on material. Hevin recounts an incident involving someone in a gorilla suit handing out rubber ducks. Bri recalls one unusual phone call. “I remember one Saturday morning, a patron called the front desk and asked for Russia’s phone number. I told them I could try to find the U.S. Embassy’s phone number there, but it is, like, three o’clock in the morning, and I don’t know who is going to answer the phone.”

But uncommon interactions are, paradoxically, often the norm when working the service desk and often rewarding experiences. The students remember helping patrons fill out paperwork for housing, immigration visas, and other non-academic services. “I have helped people print out a lot of resumes,” Bri says. “I actually had one person come back and say, ‘Hey, I got that job!’ And it was so exciting for all of us.” These interactions highlight the diverse and unexpected experiences the students had while working at Ekstrom Library.

Beau, Bri, and Hevin say they learned practical skills beyond customer service. “I learned how to be able to talk on the phone without being scared,” says Beau. “I hated it at first, but I learned.”

“I feel like I’ve trained about 75% of the people who work here,” says Bri. “I’m looking at all these people and thinking, if I didn’t do something right, they might still not know how to do it. But thankfully, I feel like I did a pretty good job on a lot of things. I don’t think they would keep letting me train people otherwise.”

Hevin talks about her individual contributions to the library. “I did a lot of stuff for the newspapers here. It’s one of those things that people literally don’t know about. If someone says they want to read the New York Times or Washington Post,I’m the one who gets those papers ready for patrons. I was the one who would sort through them and shelve them. And no one even knows.”

Learning to collaborate with co-workers was a big steppingstone. Bri remembers a large-scale cataloging project for the Student Government Association’s (SGA) DVD Collection. “We had to go through and make sure all the DVDs were organized correctly, make sure we had all the physical DVDs and all the cases. I remember that took the entire summer, and there were five of us working on it, all doing different things on different days. And we did it!”

Hevin, who spent time helping with the Robotic Retrieval System (RRS), learned a lot about working with professional staff too. “People would come in and ask for a book but not know where it is, like five books in the RRS, so I’d have to ask Alice to keep an eye out for certain books, or ask someone for help finding interlibrary loans or missing items upstairs. So you’re collaborating not just with student workers but staff members too. And in some cases, faculty.”

“I’ve started joking that working at the library was like joining a sorority. I’ve gotten such a big sense of community from the staff members as well as student workers that I honestly don’t think I would have graduated if I wasn’t working here,” says Bri.

Their commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive presence at the library naturally lends to the community they have found among fellow student workers. The supportive environment they describe in the library is a product of the friends they have made which transform co-workers into a “close-knit family.”

“There are times when other student workers and I stayed after work for hours helping each other with school projects because, it’s like, we’re not going to get this done if we don’t hold each other accountable. I’ve gained a lot of really good friendships from working here. In general, it’s been a well-rounded job because it’s helped me balance school and work and friendships.” Bri continues, “Sometimes it can feel like you’re going through so much either in school or outside of school, and you get to talk to your co-workers about it, and they sort of become your brothers and sisters,” says Bri. “I warned everyone I’m working with tonight that I will probably cry at some point because it’s my last shift.”

In addition to gaining valuable friendships, they say they’ve learned many lessons about themselves and their peers while working at the library. “Some people have never been to a library and that makes me sad,” says Beau. “Some people come in and are like, ‘Is it really free to check out a book?’”

Hevin adds, “I’ve gained a large love for libraries in general by realizing that this is a place where people can come for almost anything … not only books but also phone chargers, laptops, movies instead of having to pay for streaming.”

“I can’t imagine not going to the library. I actually want to be a librarian full-time after college,” says Beau. His affinity for libraries began as a teenager, and he knew that the opportunity to work at Ekstrom Library would provide valuable experience to propel his professional endeavors. He says that his time as a student worker deepened his appreciation for the role of libraries and allowed him to witness the positive impact librarians, library staff, and student workers can have on individuals and communities.

““[The library] is just an epicenter of information but also like a literal home. It is the one place where, because it’s open late, people can study or just have a place to be warm and have somewhere to eat,” says Hevin. “I’ve seen people literally get a study room and have a blanket and take a nap, which—I get it. It’s in the middle of campus, it’s free, it’s open 24 hours, and it’s open to anybody.”

With graduation on their minds, the conversation turned toward future endeavors. Beau acknowledged the diverse network he has built and expressed excitement about the different paths his colleagues would take.

In a few words, the students sum up their overall experience working at the library. Bri says, “I made so many connections. Like, I met my future roommate here, which is nice.”

Community seems to be the overarching theme for their time at the library. Hevin notes, “There are so many diverse majors that work here. I’ve worked with pre-med majors who were EMTs. I’ve worked with Speed School students who are about the start their co-ops. I’ve worked with social work students. It’s crazy, the different types of people you meet. And really cool English majors.”

Bri laughs. “If I ever need a mural done, I know to call Hevin.”

“You do have a pretty diverse professional network to have immediately graduating college. You know what I mean? Like Bri said, EMTs, engineers, artists, writers, that’s a pretty good start.”

As these graduating seniors bid farewell to University Libraries, they reflect on what they will miss most.

“I genuinely think this is going be the probably the biggest part of college that I’m most nostalgic for,” says Hevin.

“I’m a very nostalgic person,” adds Bri. “This is the first time I realize that I’m not going to be able to sit at the circulation desk again. Now I’m emotional. I’m never going to be in the backroom bothering my co-workers again.”

“This is the job I’ve had since I was a freshman,” says Hevin. “It’s literally the only job I’ve ever had. I called my mom after my last day and told her, ‘I’m leaving. I’m literally leaving. You don’t understand. This was my dream job.’”

The stories of Beau, Bri, and Hevin show just how profound an impact working at University Libraries has had on their time as undergraduates. Beyond routine tasks and responsibilities, their experiences reflect a shared sense of community, personal growth, and the overall positive influence University Libraries have had on their lives. As they prepare to graduate, their words of nostalgia and gratitude echo the sentiment that the library was more than their workplace—it was a home, a source of support, and a place where friendships flourished. As they transition into the next stage of their lives, we express our gratitude for their dedication to University Libraries and the campus community. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing good luck as they embark on the next chapter.

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“I Love the Stacks”: Students Across Majors Share Why They’re Thankful for UofL Libraries

Posted: November 30, 2023 | Author: Cecilia Durbin | Filed under: Ekstrom Library, People, University of Louisville Libraries | Leave a comment

All semester, University of Louisville students have had the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on a multitude of topics—and even give words of encouragement to fellow classmates—on our talkback dry erase boards. From revealing their favorite activities within the libraries—which spanned from studious pursuits like writing essays to the more leisurely pastimes of chatting, eating, and visting “Starbies”—to giving tips on the best spaces to learn, read, and nap, their many different responses show the various ways in which students engage with the libraries. Students didn’t stop at sharing on the dry erase boards, however; many made a point to vocalize gratitude for University of Louisville Libraries. Here’s what some of them had to say.

“I’m thankful for the libraries because, due to my major, I have to find a lot of different sources and read a lot of different books. I can always find what I’m looking for at the library, and I can use interlibrary loan when I can’t. I’m just really grateful for the access to knowledge that I get through the libraries.” –Mandala, Humanities major, English and History minor

“I love the libraries because they’re an excellent resource for whatever you need. They offer research help, writing help, quiet places to study and places to study with your friends and classmates.” -Emily, Asian studies major

“I’m thankful for the Starbucks in Ekstrom. I hope to never need a coffee at ten o’clock at night, but I’m glad to know it’s there just in case!” –Morgan, Engineering major

“I love working at the library. I like being able to study in any of the floors. I especially love the Bingham Poetry Room because it’s comfy and quiet and there are so many poetry books.” –Morgan, Psychology major

“Along with beneficial help centers like the Writing Center and the Research Assistance and Instruction office, there is a broad range of books that offers genres for entertainment, research, data, statistics, and more. I recently learned that the library allows students to check out text books and view eBooks through the library’s website. That’s definitely good to know!” –Regina, Civil Engineering major

“I spend a lot of time in the library, and I really love it here. All my best experiences have been in the library, so I like that about it too. My favorite part of the library would be the stacks. I like to be around books. It makes me feel academic and interesting in learning all the things because there are so many books I want to read and I don’t have a lot of time before finals. But it’s enough to be around them and it makes me feel like I’m a good student. I plan to catch up on my reading over winter break with a book called Imperial Knowledge which is about post-colonialism applied to Russian literature.” –Tuesday, Philosophy and Humanities double major

“I love hanging out at the library because it’s an indoor space where people can come and get to work. But there are different types of areas where you be quiet if you need to be and areas where you can talk freely. Go Cards!” – Allie, Music Education major

“As a former student worker turned staff member at Ekstrom Library, I’ve come to appreciate that our students’ success often hinges on knowing who to turn to for help. Now, I get to pay it forward by supporting the next generation of students. And I have so much fun!” –Christian, staff member

“The libraries are all healthy and easy environments to do you work in. They’re really great.” –Ellie, Film Studies major

“I’m thankful for a library scavenger hunt we did in my English class. It was easily one of the best ways to prepare us for research at UofL as familiarity with library resources makes coursework way less stressful. Since then, I’ve studied on every floor of the library at least once and gotten to know some library employees. If our success as students is linked the most to anything, it is probably knowing who to talk to for help.” –Logan, Mechanical Engineering major

“I benefit vastly from visiting the library more often.” –Tyler, Organizational Leadership major and Military Science minor

“Our libraries are an expansive collection of information and resources. Ekstrom is also an extremely flexible academic space beyond its use for research and information. The variety of study areas allows students to access spaces that cater to their needs. For instance, I love that there are closed study rooms, open areas with tables for group work, and more quiet spaces for those who struggle with noise distractions. I also noticed that many educational events are held in library spaces, some of which even offer free food for taking a moment to learn about a topic or participate in the usage of a library resource.” –Zack, Political Science major

As the semester comes to a close, it’s important to express that this appreciation is a two-way street. University Libraries are thankful for the vibrant and diverse community of students whose enthusiasm and engagement enrich the library experience and create a dynamic environment for shared learning and growth. Thank you!

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