Spotlight: Alice Pakhtigian
Tell us about you and your role at your library: I am a reference librarian, but like anyone working in a small library, I wear a few different hats. One of my main roles is teaching information literacy to the students. I also help with promoting the library resources in various social media formats. I also wear the hat of the Inter Library Loan Specialist. Sometimes I train the student workers.
What is a current or recent project that you’re proud of or excited about? My colleague and I created a non-credited Information Literacy and Library Resources class for Canvas. It consists of 16 modules and multiple quizzes. The Harcum community has already embraced it and utilized it.
What inspired you to work in a library? It’s my love of knowledge, and the means to find the information in the books, and databases. I love having access to information all around me. Alternatively, I love helping people find information. Information and knowledge helps people improve their lives. I wanted to see people improve their lives, with the right information.
Do I see the challenges or opportunities for TCLC?
Prior to COVID, the challenges I saw for TCLC members was the time to travel to where-ever the meetings took place. Not everyone was comfortable or interested in with the option of zooming into the meetings, in spite of presented opportunities. Now, with the experience of working from home, everyone is used to working virtually, and in online meetings. People are more open to signing into a meeting virtually, if unable to make it in person. Over the past year, TCLC has experimented with online summer sessions and interest groups, with success. TCLC has also revamped the website, and is communicating more smoothly with TCLC members. With the rise of online meetings and webinars, I see that opportunities will arise for the TCLC members to participate more fully in the different offerings. With the freedom of utilizing online space, TCLC can expand their offerings to more online events and professional development opportunities.
| Institution Name: | Harcum College |
| Library Name: | Charles. H. Trout Library |
| City, State: | Bryn Mawr, PA |
| Univ. size / student enrollment: | 1,000 |
| Degrees offered: | Private institution offering 2-year Associate’s Degrees |
| Guiding principles or notable attributes: | Harcum is known as the College of Possibilities providing students with an opportunity for outstanding academic, career, and life preparation. Harcum’s emphasis on its core values of excellence, civility, empowerment, integrity, service, and respect for diversity assure that every member of our community is valued, supported, included, and equal. |