Becka Rich
Mary Paige Smith
Eric W. Young
novalltc
William
Steph Hess
mitchsilverman1
Alison
circdude
faerwoman
cpharaoh
RayAndrade
yunascott
akadigjam
nsuwebguyz
Rob Beharriell
douglasedwardsWhere did you grow up?:
I was born in Brooklyn,New York, but grew up in Knoxville,Tennessee, where my family moved when I was four. I received my B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee and upon graduation, accepted a position as Graduation Assistant in the Dean of Admissions Office. I loved working with the students but felt their disappointment if they failed to make their required GPA and could not graduate. I loved being with those who did graduate and shared the joy of seeing happy faces on graduation day. After several years, I wanted a change, but only went across the street to the College of Law Library. My Dad retired that year and my parents moved toFlorida’s west coast. After eight years of frequent visits toFlorida, I decided I wanted to be closer to family. Broward County Law Library was in the process of developing a reference librarian position, and I was recommended for the position by the TVA Law Librarian. I had no idea where Broward County was located until I came for an interview. I was offered the job and accepted.
Where did you work prior to LLTC?
I began my law library career at the University of Tennessee, College of Law Library, where I was very fortunate to have a nationally known law professor as my supervisor and mentor. I took his legal research class, which gave me the background I would later use to teach legal research in the paralegal program at BCC. I left Knoxville and accepted a position as Reference Librarian at Broward County Law Library. After two years, I became the first law librarian for a major Miami law firm. Three and a half years later, when a Ft.Lauderdale law firm decided they wanted to hire a firm librarian, I became their first law librarian, where I stayed for twenty two years. Sadly, the firm dissolved at the end of 2001, and I went to work for the Broward County Public Library as Assistant Branch Head of the Dania Beach Branch. I wanted to return to a law library and kept in touch with the then director of Nova’s Law Library. When a position opened, I was offered the job and accepted.
When did you begin working for the LLTC?
I began working at the LLTC on December 16, 2002.
What do you do at LLTC?
I began at the LLTC in a full time position as Assistant Head of Collection and Bibliographic Services for Acquisitions and Serials. This title was too long for me, so I introduced myself as Acquisitions Librarian. I worked with the publishers’ representatives and did a lot of problem solving. By this time, I wanted to go part time, so when a part time reference librarian position was offered, I accepted. This is my current position.
What do you like best about your job?
Working with faculty and students, because that is really our reason for being here. Our faculty is very supportive of the library and this makes our work enjoyable. This fall, we initiated Movie Night as a joint project between the LLTC and the Law School Faculty. It is intended to be fun and also to teach legal issues that are incorporated into movies.
What are your proudest accomplishments on the job?
I expressed an interest in reading an article that Prof. Charlene Smith was authoring with two other professionals. I told her that I have a strong background as an editor and she invited me to edit her article. I am very honored that she has give me footnote recognition for doing so, and I look forward to seeing the article when it is published next spring.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like going to plays and especially enjoy community theater. I also love college football and I am a loyal fan of my school, The University of Tennessee. I support the Vols in good years and in bad, and unfortunately, this has not been a good year. I enjoy visiting with family and friends and I do some volunteer work at my church. I also like puzzles, such as Sudoku.
What is your favorite food?
Mangos are a real treat when right off the tree.
What is your favorite book?
I don’t read much fiction, because I like to read for information. I guess my favorite book, which I read in college, is the Diary of Anne Frank. No fiction could compare to her story.
Is there any particular advice you would like to share with the students?:
Don’t be discouraged if things take a while to understand, and let those of us in the library be of help when we can. Also, learn to use the books for research because they will help you understand computer research, and you never know when the power will fail and you have a client waiting for a result.
