Librarian(s) Matter(s)

Vol 2. No. 9

From time to time, I will invite a guest to blog in my place...this is one of those times.

Once upon a time, an English Professor befriended a newly hired librarian. The professor poked and prodded the librarian, coaxed her out of her office and out onto campus, to meet people and to get involved. And the librarian was better for it. The librarian started to notice students that could use the same sort of nudging encouragement and started reaching out to them, just as the professor had for her.

And that, right there, is why Honors Studies is so dear to me. It’s a home within a home where I have never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. It is a group of engaged and interested and quirky individuals who are all looking after each other. Supporting and encouraging each other all while sharing thoughts and ideas and adventures.

I should probably introduce myself. My name is April Broughton, and I am the Honors Librarian. I am also an author, an editor, wrangler of chickens, artist who works with bone and hide, video game geek, and lover of plants. All of that compressed down makes for a rather lively librarian who is exceedingly happy to be working with Honors Studies. Please consider me your go-to person for library questions and assistance.

All of the librarians here at the college have subject areas they specialize in. One of my areas happens to be Honors Studies. In that capacity I will likely be helping you meet other librarians who work in the subject areas you are exploring. If you need a hand with research, citations, finding materials, or finding resources across campus please come see us.

The first floor of the Library is where we keep our circulating collection. Any book you can check out of the library can be found there. If you need a hand locating a book, just ask. We also have quiet study areas and places to relax on the first floor. The second floor, where the main entrance is located, is where we keep our reference collection. Those books do not circulate out of the library, but can be an incredible resource for your work or curiosity. Our circulation desk is where you can borrow class textbooks or materials your instructors have placed on reserve to use in the library. You can also borrow technology like iPads, laptops, and calculators. The second floor is also where you can find the Library MakerSpace, a space to create and collaborate and experiment. On this main floor you will also find computers that you can use. The third floor contains our Library Classroom as well as our periodicals collection. Many student services as well as collaborative work spaces are also on this floor. The Library utilizes an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, which allows you to borrow books and access articles the college does not own. We have a library chat service (Ask Us 24/7), which is invaluable if you find yourself, as I often do, trying to get some work done around 2am and find yourself in need of assistance.

More important than the physical resources in the library are the Librarians. Consider us one of the important and integral resources available to you here at FLCC. My office (room 2525) is always open. You can email me at any time (april.broughton@flcc.edu). Come be involved in our ComiCon and Study-A-Thon. Visit the Human Library to hear and share stories. Experiment and learn in our Makerspace. Get to know myself and your other librarians - we are here to listen and help.