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| Bridge to the library, UCSC |
It's an exciting, and somewhat daunting, feeling to step to the other side of the reference desk after so many years since being a student. Being an online-only student will present new and unique opportunities, and interesting challenges. One thing that I expect will remain the same will be the element of service, giving and receiving, which is what fuels my passion for library work, and especially reference. There is nothing quite like helping an undergraduate navigate a new database or make sense of a difficult citation—or helping a retired professor who is writing a new book find the articles he needs, even though he has little experience with computers. What a privilege it is to be that friendly face for them when they are intimidated by the technology or asking for help. I hope that in switching roles I will learn even more about the user experience—and more about myself as a library professional, now refined by the experience of being a returning student.
