Spotlight on Student Workers: Interviews

Which library department do you work for? I work in the Research, Outreach, and Instruction (ROI) Department and the Digital Media Commons (DMC) as a graduate assistant for the MLIS program.

What are your normal job responsibilities? My responsibilities include answering reference questions, providing support across different areas of the library, developing creative and research-based projects, designing assessment tools, LibGuides [research guides], and other interdisciplinary roles.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? I have worked for the UNCG Libraries for about eight years. I began working at the DMC in 2017 while earning my studio art undergraduate and my sociology masters’ degree. Currently, I work at the Reference, Outreach and Instruction (ROI) desk as an MLIS graduate assistant and at the DMC as a special project assistant. Last semester I [assisted with covering areas for] the Art & Design Librarian and provided library instruction to art history, media studies, theater, and design classes.

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? I completed my BA in Studio Art in 2019 with minors in American Sign Language and Community and Therapeutic Recreation. In 2022, I earned my MA in Sociology, and this semester, I will complete the MLIS program.

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? I am in my last semester of the MLIS program. I graduate in May 2026.

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working across multiple library departments has encouraged me to pursue interdisciplinary opportunities and design new research methods. I’ve gained essential skills through developing library projects, teaching and training students, and collaborating with library colleagues. I feel incredibly supported by them and am consistently inspired to explore my interests. Working at Jackson Library has proven to be very rewarding and has helped me discover my passion for community building, educational ​resource design and supporting students in their educational growth.

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: In 2018, I was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Florence, Italy. I curated a Follow-on Service Project to reflect on my experience and organized a collaborative art exhibition at Greensboro Project Space in 2018. In 2022, I completed my sociology graduate thesis on collective memory and categorized visual memories which had not yet been defined in the field. Last summer, I conducted visual art research in Prague, Italy, London and Ireland. As part of the the MLIS Study Abroad trip: A Critical Perspective of Ireland and Northern Ireland, I uncovered new research methods through inclusive game design.

Currently, I’m working with the Digital Media Commons and the Self Design Studio in the School of Education to create a game demonstration video with students. Next month, I’ll conduct pilot tests of the game in the library, welcoming students, staff and community members to join. As a result of this ongoing investigation, I will present my research and facilitate gameplay at the NCCC AFA conference Convergence: Where Art Meets Pedagogy at the North Carolina Museum of Art on Feb 13-14, and continue to develop this work to enhance social connection and digital resources to support student learning across different educational spaces.

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): After completing the MLIS program, I plan to publish this research and continue to develop it across library and other community spaces. I aim to work as an academic library researcher and earn my PhD in Information Science. During this time, I will collaborate with national programs and international professionals abroad. Combining my skills I gained from working at UNCG Libraries, I feel equipped and confident to continue a unique, interdisciplinary career in library science, visual sociology and research game design.

Which library department do you work for? Access Services Department (ASD).

What are your normal job responsibilities? Checking out materials to patrons, answer questions the patrons have, dealing with book returns.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? Since Spring of 2022.

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? Master of Science in Library Science.

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? Graduate student.

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? It’s been amazing to learn what goes on behind the scenes at the library as this is the kind of job I want to do after college so it’s a great experience. I also learn other valuable skills to bring into my academics.

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: I became an RA [Resident Advisor] in Fall 2023, and I won an OTM award last fall which was very heartwarming. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Information Science in fall of 2023.

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): Hopefully after graduating in the December I will get a job in an academic library.

Which library department do you work for? Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA)

What are your normal job responsibilities? My normal job responsibilities vary, but at the moment, they include making fore-flaps for books, pamphlets, artist’s books, and other special collections and archives materials. I cut the paper to the correct size for each book and foldit to protect the contents when on the shelf. On occasion, I’ve filed, shelved books, and organized shelves based on their Library of Congress call number.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? I started in October 2023, so for a little over a year, and I plan to stay until I graduate in 2027!

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? My major is Studio Art with a BFA concentration in New Media & Design.

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? Junior.

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working at the University Libraries in the SCUA department helped me gain experience in organizing information, preserving historical materials, and working with rare books and documents. This has taught me to pay attention to detail and be more mindful when handling unique and fragile materials. I have also improved and learned how to analyze and organize different materials. 

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: My proudest achievements so far have been keeping my GPA up to a 3.87 and being on the Chancellors List.  

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): In the next few months, I am looking to find a summer internship that aligns with my new media and design concentration. This opportunity will help me strengthen my skills in graphic design. I also want to work on getting my artwork into a show so I can start sharing my work with a wider audience.

Which library department do you work for? Research, Outreach, and Instruction (ROI)

What are your normal job responsibilities? Helping students and other patrons access information resources for their research.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? Since Spring of 2025.

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? Master of Library and Information Science.

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? Graduate student.

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? I am able to apply the learning I have done in class in a practical way. It’s one thing to turn in papers and projects, it’s another to actually do the work you are learning about in real time. I love being able to learn through this hands-on opportunity!

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: I currently have a 4.0 GPA and hope to keep it that way!

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): I have another year here at UNCG, but I am strongly considering PhD work regarding libraries and environmental conservation.

Which library department do you work for? Digital Media Commons (DMC)

What are your normal job responsibilities? My normal job responsibilities are opening and closing the service desk, assisting patrons by helping with any questions or concerns they may have, checking in/out equipment, etc.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? Since early 2025.

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? I am double majoring in Business Administration and Studio Art. 

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? I am a Sophomore.

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working at the library has impacted on my experience as a student by broadening my understanding of what the school offers. Before I started working here, I wasn’t aware of all the resources available at the DMC. It’s not just a place to hang out and relax, but also a space where we can study and take advantage of valuable resources like the 3D printing lab, sewing machines, VR lab, computers for academic work, and private study rooms. Additionally, the AAC is located next to the DMC, providing further support through tutoring and study assistance.

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: My proudest achievements at UNCG have been choosing a degree and persevering through the challenges, even when I’m new to the environment or uncertain about the path ahead. Despite moments of doubt, I consistently push myself to learn something new every day. Each day on campus presents an opportunity to grow, whether it’s through academics, personal development, or navigating the complexities of university life. I’m proud of my resilience and my commitment to embracing these experiences, even when they seem daunting.

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): I plan to continue working here, making the most of every resource available to support my growth and development. As I progress in my education, I’m committed to utilizing the tools and opportunities around me whether it’s through hands-on experience, accessing academic support, or engaging with new technologies. My goal is to keep learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and continue building skills that will prepare me for success in my future career and life beyond UNCG.

Which library department do you work for? ROI and SCUA 

What are your normal job responsibilities? Responsible for staffing the reference desk, operating the virtual chat service, assisting library staff with collection reduction and management, and developing outreach programs for students.  

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? Since August 2023  

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? Masters of Library and Information Science  

What is your year of study (first year, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate student)? Graduate Student 

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working with our University Libraries has greatly impacted my student experience. From gaining great practical experience working in academic libraries to applying my coursework to assist patrons, and learning how to best support our students. This work really opened my eyes in understanding how our libraries support our patrons and Greensboro community.  

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: Being nominated for Student Library Worker of the year for 2023-2024. This was a huge boost of confidence for me, and helped me see that my work was seen and positively impacting the UNCG community.  

What is next for you? (internships, starting new degree, new job, etc.): My next step is to start a new job following graduation in May, hopefully within an academic library or archives position. 

Which library department do you work for? Harold Schiffman Music Library (HSML)

What are your normal job responsibilities? I tend to do a little bit of everything! As a student manager, I’m helping lots of different kinds of students find scores, books, or other materials to help them with their classes or performances. I check out a lot of technology for people to record their auditions or rehearsals. I also organize and put back materials that have been turned in. At the HSML, my managers also let me be super creative! I make signage for patrons sometimes, as well as come up with questions and doodle on our patron engagement whiteboard.

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? I’ve worked with UNCG University Libraries since August of 2023. 

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? I am majoring in history with a concentration in public history and minoring in psychology.  

What is your year of study? I am a senior, graduating in May of 2025! 

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working at the University Libraries has fostered so many relationships with my co-workers, many becoming my friends. My supervisors have become mentors to me, and I have a greater appreciation for the work that libraries do as a whole to keep a university together. I have learned so much about the patrons and their interests, and I feel like I have made a difference on campus by helping students succeed by assisting them.  

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: Some of the things I am most proud of from my time at UNCG are participating in the Undergraduate Research Expo during my sophomore year, as well as graduating from Warren Ashby Residential College. I am also incredibly proud to be a part of the pilot group of the Humanities At Work program, interning at the Greensboro History Museum this semester to gain more experience in a museum, and to give back to the Greensboro community. I also got to have dinner with Chancellor Gilliam recently for being a student leader on campus!  

What is next for you? After graduating in May, I will be getting my MA in History w/ a concentration in Museum Studies in Fall 2025 from UNCG. I am going to continue working at the HSML as a graduate student worker. 

Which library department do you work for? Access Services  

What are your normal job responsibilities? Checking books in and out, assisting patrons with finding resources in the catalog, helping students locate resources found in the library (6-TECH, Reference, AAC, DMC), training new student workers, showing students the printing process

How long have you worked for the UNCG University Libraries? Almost 4 years! I’ve been working here since my first semester of my freshman year. 

What is your major(s)/minor(s)? Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies with a minor in Sustainability

What is your year of study? Senior 

How has your work at the University Libraries impacted your experience as a student at UNCG? Working at the library has motivated me to stay in school at UNCG. It provided me the opportunity to get more involved on campus, meet new people, and even build new friendships with some of my coworkers. It is also just a great place to be since we are right in the heart of campus. 

Tell us about your proudest achievements at UNCG: Earning my degree as a First-Generation college student 

What is next for you? After I graduate, I hope to continue to keep working in libraries in some form. I have applied to a few different MLIS programs and hope to earn my master’s degree in the next few years. With an undergraduate degree coming from the business school, business librarianship interests me. However, I would also like to explore public libraries too to expand my skillset.