Amy is an Instructional Services Librarian at Asbury University (FTE: 1500) in Wilmore, KY. She been a member of ACL since 2013.
Describe yourself using a book title: Present Over Perfect
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is seeing that “aha!” moment when a student learns something new or discovers the joy of research as pure exploration (going beyond fulfilling an assignment).
What are you currently reading? Never just one book! Currently I am reading Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly and J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy.
Describe ACL in three words: Caring / Helpful / Connecting
How do you, as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? In the course of my regular job duties, I teach a fair number of information literacy instruction sessions and work with students one-on-one to answer reference and research questions. In addition, I serve on our campus Liberal Arts Council, teach classes in our Instructional Design program, mentor students through our campus ministries office, and arrange a monthly lunch for a group of women faculty.
I began my career as a librarian . . .somewhat by accident. I had a job in higher education finance and decided to take LIS classes as my free tuition perk. The job at Asbury came up right as I was finishing my degree and it seemed like a sign from God that my career was heading in a new direction. I’m forever thankful that I applied and began my library career at Asbury!
What do you value about ACL? ACL is such a welcoming community. The ACL Discussion List is an easy place to ask questions and get thoughtful responses from librarians across the globe. I attended my first conference last year and really enjoyed how quickly people welcomed me into groups and discussions.
How were you introduced to ACL? My colleagues first got me involved with ACL. (Hi, Jennifer!)
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I participated in the mentoring program as a new librarian and most recently I was on the conference planning team for the 2018 ACL Conference. I try to regularly contribute book reviews to The Christian Librarian and I am a member of the Information Literacy Interest Group.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Information literacy instruction is my primary passion, but I’ve recently begun delving into how the library can contribute to faculty/staff development and social issue discussions.