Shout-outs to Staff
The following are Libraries staff who have received a shout-out from one or more of their colleagues for going out of their way to be extra awesome at their job.
Shelly Black
Shelly recently won a t-shirt design contest that was part of an Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association's fundraiser. Her design was voted the winner by the APALA membership. For the contest, the APALA encouraged designs that spoke to the themes activism, advocacy, community, and/or solidarity. As the winner, Shelly will receive an honorarium, as well as a free year of membership in APALA. The t-shirt is available for sale through Bonfire (https://www.bonfire.com/store/apala/). Hannah and I want to give Shelly a shout-out for her work!
- Brian Dietz, Hannah Rainey, Mar 10, 2021
Zorica Craciun, Renee Smith-Davis, Flora Blackley, Terri Chance, Rob E Loomis, Lynn Whittenberger, Xioayan Song
I would like to shout-out to my team, the Monographs Unit of A&D department, Renee Smith-Davis, Flora Blackley, Rob Loomis, Terri Chance and Zorica Craciun, for all they have had to endure this last year. These folks took to their work at home as if they had been doing it all along. There were enormous challenges, lots of new workflows, keeping up with Zoom, computer issues and the struggles of communication, or lack there of. And with the focus on electronic exploding there were plenty of e-related projects to ensure access, especially for open access, notifications to faculty as soon as their request was accessible, more and more streaming orders and plenty of print for Reserves that all needed hands on cataloging. The volume for these materials has not yet dropped as in normal years so they all continue to order and pay and catalog and absorb the new changes that come their way, but the remoteness is still a struggle. Credit certainly goes to our Unit Head, Lynn Whittenberger, who provides amazing caring and support to all of us, no matter what the need. Thanks also to our ERL Yan Song for lending support and guidance through much of the electronic work. I am very fortunate to be part of this unit and department.
Ruth
- Ruth Gagliardi, Mar 8, 2021
Katharine Frazier
Katharine presented twice recently, and both were great. At the Designing for Digital conference, she presented "Say What You Mean!: Improving Communication about Research Services with UX Writing." Then she did a SWAP (Share With A Peer) presentation for us at the Libraries called "Bridging the Gap: Research Computing & Data Facilitation Services." Katharine does her homework (and then some) and then breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand and interesting. Bravo!
- Josh Boyer, Mar 3, 2021
Alex Valencia
Supervising Alex Valencia and having him as a member of the Student Success Team has been wonderful! He's been integral in helping us develop new partnerships and connect with key stakeholders. I appreciate him for always being on board with my ideas even when they may seem a bit out there. He's also always eager to work with students and delivers very cool, engaging programs. He has taken on a lot of responsibilities outside of the Libraries during the pandemic (chair-elect of HLAG, search committees, advisory groups) along with working at Ask Us and I definitely want to recognize how extraordinary that is!
- Lara Fountaine, Mar 3, 2021
Lara Fountaine
Lara Fountaine is a joy to work with! Over the last 3 semesters we have co-taught an 8 week course, and we recently developed a workshop for Honors Students. I am constantly impressed and inspired by Lara’s creativity. She comes up with the funnest ways of engaging students. Lara creates an inclusive learning environment wherein all feel welcome. Lara cares deeply for students, as well as her colleagues. Furthermore, Lara is incredibly reliable and gently keeps me on track whenever I get distracted.
- Hannah Rainey, Mar 3, 2021
Kelsey Dufresne
Kelsey has brought great new energy to the CDSC, and I especially appreciate her thoughtful and critical approach to digital projects. She is building a few prototypes for the kinds of work we are interested in doing in the future, and while building her skill set she is also adding so much to our capacity. We are excited to soon show off some of the great work Kelsey is making.
- Micah Vandegrift, Mar 3, 2021
Tina Adams
During COVID-19 Tina has stepped up to help out Libraries Human Resources after the departure of multiple administrative staff members. Tina has taken over bi-weekly timesheet duties in addition to her regular F&B responsibilities. Not only has Tina completed the bi-weekly work in her usual thoroughness and accuracy, she has done it with a great selfless attitude. Her willingness to take on additional duties to help out the Libraries is a huge help! Thank you, Tina!
- Joe White, Mar 2, 2021
Oliver Morris
During COVID-19, Oliver Morris has stepped up to work beyond F&B and help out Collections & Research Strategy after Katharine Frazier's departure from her ULT role in C&RS. Due to UNC System imposed hiring restrictions, C&RS has not filled the position and has relied on Oliver to lend support. Starting out, Oliver addressed the critical need of triaging collection requests that came directly from patrons. This has expanded into data collection and analysis related to collections as well as tracking and designating COVID-related collections purchases that could be eligible for reimbursement from the University.
A huge shout-out to Oliver for doing this work with he usual diligence, grace, and unsurpassed customer service! The Libraries is lucky to have Oliver!
- Joe White, Mar 2, 2021
Oliver Morris
Every year in C&RS we collect usage data for our online journals, databases and ebooks. We rely on this usage to evaluate the Libraries' collection in order to make sure we are providing faculty, students and researchers the best return on investment possible.
Publishers are constantly changing their admin portals making this process really complicated and confusing. Oliver stepped in from his normal job in F&B to help after Katharine started her Fellows position. He came in to a completely new workflow and domain and really saved the day. Thanks, Oliver!
- John Vickery, Mar 2, 2021
Clara Wilson
Thanks for doing such an awesome job for SCRC reference, despite all the obstacles COVID presents. It's been challenging covering reference without any desk student help but you have rocked it! Thanks for having everything so well-organized on the days I come in.
- Cathy Dorin-Black, Mar 2, 2021