I am the liaison librarian to the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. I am very involved with instruction with the school's Evidence-Based Dentistry (dental version of EBP) course and helping to support the school's Problem-Based Learning curriculum. Along with my colleague, the Head of the Wilson Dental Library, I manage and post to our library's Instagram and present at monthly Dental Faculty Association meetings. I also serve on many committees as part of the larger USC Libraries, including recently being elected as President-Elect to our Library Faculty Council.
Why is MLGSCA important to you?
MLGSCA allows me to meet and connect with other medical librarians in the So Cal region. I never get tired of spending time with other librarians at in-person events, so I really love that MLGSCA provides opportunities for local librarians to come together.
Why did you become a librarian?
I originally wanted to be a teacher. I went to college intending to teach, but things did not work out once I started student teaching. While I was an undergrad at San Diego State University (SDSU), I had a job as a student worker at the library and realized I enjoyed helping people find resources. This experience landed me a Library Assistant job at a school district and my supervisor was the District Librarian. She convinced me to go to library school and now I've been a librarian for 12 years. I have realized that librarianship still provides plenty of opportunities for me to use my teaching skills.
What was your first library job or professional position?
As I mentioned, my very first library job was as a student worker at SDSU's library while I was an undergraduate. I specifically worked in the "Current Periodicals & Microforms Center," so I will always have a soft spot for microfiche. My first professional position was as a Librarian I at San Diego Public Library. At SDPL you can be hired as a Librarian I before you have completed your degree as long as you have completed a certain number of units, so I was a professional librarian before I officially had my degree.
What is your advice to someone new to medical librarianship?
Volunteer! The main reason I was hired at SDPL so quickly is because I was volunteering there while I was still in school. Volunteering is the best way to get experience in any kind of library environment you hope to work in. Medical Librarianship does require you to be familiar with certain databases and terminology so it is helpful to join medical librarianship organizations like MLGSCA or take free online courses like the ones offered by NNLM.
What is something you have on your bucket list?
I'm a big Disney nerd so definitely some Disney experiences like visiting Aulani or Disney Parks in Asia.
What is the best thing you have read/watched/listened to recently?
I recently rewatched all 6 seasons of the TV show Lost. Although it ended in 2010, it still holds up pretty well. It was fun to rewatch and I forgot most of the mysteries, so it was like watching it for the first time!
Describe yourself in five words
Sarcastic, Funny, Outgoing, Sensitive, Helpful
A Chapter of the Medical Library Association
