Library 101 — start with the librarians

Jessica: I grew up heavily relying on the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), so libraries are pretty comfortable spaces for me. I was drawn to academic libraries specifically because I love learning about all the different and really specific research on campus. Near the end of my undergrad I knew I wanted to do a master’s degree but didn’t know what kind, so I was feeling lost; I didn’t want to be a professor, but I still wanted to stay in academia. One day working in a restaurant my boss talked about his partner being a librarian, so I asked how they became one, and, well, here I am, lol!

Patricia: I always loved reading and libraries and worked for a summer shelving books in the education library on campus after getting my BA. Strangely, Random House was NOT calling me to be their new fiction editor, so I wasn't really sure what to do with my English degree...

Then I traveled and stayed overseas for a few years and weirdly worked a lot of temp jobs in libraries in London, England. Without an MLIS. Came home and was working at the U of A bookstore and thought, "well I get free tuition as part of my benefit package so I might as well do something and I think libraries would be a good fit". So I went to school part-time and worked full-time and it just about killed me, lol.

Jessica: It sounds basic, but I actually enjoy searching in databases — it’s like solving a riddle. Because of that, I like collaborating on systematic and scoping reviews. I’m also passionate about 3D printing and have been in the library's 3D Printing Services since 2015.

Patricia: I can rock readers' advisory pretty well although I don't get to do much of it in my current job. I became interested in business and entrepreneurial research when I had a couple of jobs as a business librarian (with an arts background…?). One at the Edmonton Public Library and one at the U of A before I switched to ALES. Researching startups and small businesses is interesting to me and gets me thinking about what works or doesn’t work in Edmonton, and why.

Jessica: I officially started this position in 2016, but I’ve been working in U of A libraries in different roles since about 2012.

Patricia: January of 2013.

Jessica: I know the best resources for ALES-related topics. For example, have you looked at the Handbook of Plant Biotechnology, or the Encyclopedia of Food Safety? I’m also an expert in evidence theses like systematic and scoping reviews, which happen in a lot of areas but particularly in nutrition and food science.

Patricia: Lots of specific database knowledge for sure, and search skills. It helps to be interested in the subject matter — the environment, renewable resources, Indigenous knowledge... And there is a weird crossover with business and ALES so I can bring that to the table as well.

Jessica: I want students to know that we (library people) really are here to help. I know library anxiety is a very real thing, but I don’t want that to stop you from getting the support you need. We’ve all been there when a paper is due and you’re struggling to add articles at the last minute. We can help.

Patricia: That they will not have access to them when they graduate so use them now!!

Jessica: I like going for bike rides in the river valley. There are so many great trails to explore, and I usually end up at a local coffee shop like Transcend or The Columbian for a treat.

Patricia: I see a lot of theatre and live music — I think Edmonton has a great pool of talent! A hidden gem. I also love the river valley and the Edmonton food scene. And I love to travel.