Where I park my car is outreach librarianship.
My approach to librarianship is grounded in a philosophy that nearly everything I do is connected to outreach. Programming is an important form of outreach, but outreach is not just programming.
My diverse interests connect me to my students and faculty in unique ways. When I consciously park my car so that the path to my office leads me through my faculty’s office buildings, it keeps me in their mind and often spurs conversations. These conversations can lead to exciting partnerships and projects.
When I teach a course with study abroad, students with whom I have shared that experience connect to the library in ways they never anticipated, becoming more active users of the library as barriers are broken down and I become their portal to what can otherwise be an intimidating institution.
I’ve worked directly with student-run Tabletop Games and STEM clubs as well as with faculty looking to infuse games into their teaching. I created and curated an academic library tabletop game collection. I research games for teaching and games in academic libraries and enjoy speaking with faculty and students about these things. This is all outreach that ties the needs I see in the community with my own interests.
I have observed that these efforts raise library profile through getting out of my office and making contact with people in meaningful, and sometimes seemingly frivolous ways. If it is important to them, it is important to me.
When I dress up for Halloween? Outreach. Especially when I park far away.