Name: Carrie Fry
Position: Nursing and Health Science Librarian
Institution: University of San Diego
Brief description of what you do at your institution
I am an embedded librarian for the Hahn School of Nursing. My office is in the nursing building, rather than the library, and I support around five graduate programs in nursing and health science. I work with students and faculty individually and in the classroom setting, and support in-person, online, and hybrid programs.
Why is MLGSCA important to you?
In January, I moved to California (from Seattle) into a tenure track position after 27 years as an academic librarian supporting all sciences (including nursing) and where research was encouraged, but optional. I knew that I would need support in finding my footing related to research and supporting more graduate-level health science programs. Seeking out the local medical library group was at the top of my to-do list when starting my new position. The Coffee Chats in particular have been a way to get to know people!
Why did you become a librarian?
I wanted to be a librarian as long as I can remember. When I was a kid going to the local public library, I thought the children's librarian there knew everything and had read every book. She should take me around the collection pulling books she thought I would like off the shelf and telling me about them. When I graduated from high-school, I briefly considered other options which lead me to major in biology, but by my junior year in college, I knew I wanted a library degree and when straight to library school from undergrad. My jobs have been quite different from that of a public library children's librarian. But I like to think I bring that same enthusiasm to getting people connected up with the information they need.
What was your first library job or professional position?
It took some networking to get that first job! There was a mini-recession the year I graduated and no one was hiring, or there would be over 100 applicants for the positions I applied to. I got started by volunteering at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library, which turned into a temporary librarian job there, then thanks to networking at the Pacific Northwest Chapter of MLA, I got a part-time position at Auburn Regional Medical Center, which parlayed into a full-time position at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA.
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?
I was part of the development of the Research, Reading, & Writing Studio at Seattle Pacific University. It was a partnership between the library and the writing program to make a space in the library where students could work on their writing craft. If you think about an art studio, people are there working on art and an expert comes alongside them and offers specific support - What if you add some shading like this? - this immediate and in-the-moment support lets the novice experiment, practice, and get back to their work. By contrast, in a writing tutoring appointment, the writer has to think of all of their questions beforehand, get help, then remember the suggestions when they get back to writing later. In the studio model, they are writing in a communal space, getting help at the point of need, and immediately get back to writing. In developing the space at SPU, we observed another writing studio in action, gave training to librarians in the use this method, and were able to implement this training along side student writing tutors. Being part of this project really changed my thinking regarding how research and reading, as part of writing support, is provided in libraries. Prior to this I had artificial boundaries, I will help you with finding information and in citing it correctly, but you are on your own when implementing this evidence in your paper. Now I am willing to offer support at any part of the paper, while still highlighting my skills around the research aspects.
What is something you have on your bucket list?
I just punched off a bucket list item recently. My favorite stuffed animal growing up was a koala and I always wanted to see one. I had been thinking to go to Australia some day, but discovered some live at the San Diego Zoo and I went to see them in June. Then I went to the San Diego Safari Park and saw a platypus as well! But I am sure there are other things to see in Australia!
What do you do in your spare time for fun, or to relax?
I love fiber arts. I think I have tried about everything, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting. But I most enjoy knitting and quilting. I will knit about anywhere, I always have a small project in my bag and will pull it out when waiting or in meetings. I can listen better when my hands are busy.
What is the best thing you have read/watched/listened to recently?
I love audio drama podcasts. I'm in a bit of a lull right now, so you have any suggestions, let me know. Here are a few of my favorites: Absolutely No Adventures, Alba Salix: Royal Physician, The Amelia Project, Elaine's Cooking for the Soul, Greater Boston, and Unwell, Victoriosity, and We Fix Space Junk.
