Beth Young is a librarian at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa. Beth has been a member of ACL since 2012.
Describe yourself in three words: Enthusiastic, intentional, relational
What are you currently reading? Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Describe ACL in three words: Connected, supportive, inspiring
What do you value about ACL? I landed my first library job in August of 2013, fresh out of library school. There were so many things my first year on the job that I felt uncertain about and unprepared for! Going to the ACL conference in June (2014), connecting with folks through the list-serv, and getting involved with TCL gave me ample opportunities for mentoring and inspiration, as well as reassurance and encouragement as I plowed through my first year.
What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus? Last year was the first year Emmaus had an official information literacy instruction component. I was thrilled and slightly overwhelmed to spearhead this endeavor as I created and delivered (hopefully) exciting lesson plans according to specific IL standards. This year, I am seeing many of the same students I saw last year, and I am impressed at how much they remember from previous IL sessions! I’m enjoying offering the same content in more creative ways as students build on their knowledge of the library and its resources.
In your own words: I began my time at Emmaus as a student in 2006. After graduating in 2009, with a degree in theology, I started working full time in admissions at Emmaus. I worked on my MLIS through San Jose State University in a part-time capacity as I continued working full time for Emmaus organizing campus visit events, providing campus tours, ensuring accurate enrollment data, and overseeing the day-to-day functions of the admissions office. Through a series of providential events, Emmaus created a new librarian position and hired me as I was finishing grad school. I love serving the Lord by investing in students and giving back to a place He has used so much in my life!