Taylor Memorial Library

Taylor Memorial Library

Dr. Susan Van Alstyne: Library Director

Location: Taylor Memorial Library

Name of Department/Office: 

I’ve been the academic library director for around 20 years now, and this March will mark my fifth year at Centenary University.

Functions/descriptions: 

My role focuses on developing resources, facilities, events, and services to support our students and faculty in line with the University’s mission. This includes budgeting and planning to promote research, innovation, community service, and engagement. I love collaborating with faculty, staff, and community members to gather feedback on our collections and make sure they’re helpful and relevant. Plus, I get to lead and support our amazing library staff as we fulfill our mission. My favorite thing about being a librarian is getting to know students throughout their academic career, from their first day to graduation...I also get to learn something new every day!  

Most common inquiry from students: 

Besides printing, our most common questions usually revolve around research topics: think annotated bibliographies and finding peer-reviewed articles. As for non-library questions, we get a lot of inquiries about directions, especially to one particular building with at least three different names! Can you guess which one I mean? It’s attached to the library! 

Most students don't know: 

I’m still a licensed cosmetologist and was a makeup artist in a past life! 

Quote: 

“I have quite a few favorite quotes that change from time to time. Still, some that really resonate with me are: ‘Not all those who wander are lost’ - J.R.R. Tolkien, ‘Keep your face toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you’ - Walt Whitman, and one I’d share with my 18-year-old self: ‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life’ - Steve Jobs." (Susan Van Alstyne)

Rita Keene: Library User Experience Manager

Functions/descriptions:

I manage the user’s experience! Essentially, my job is to make sure everyone can find the information they need as easily as possible.

Most common inquiry from students: 

Can you help me print!? Jokes aside, the most common questions students ask are about study spaces. We have three study rooms in the Quiet Area, one upstairs in the Mezzanine, and a classroom that students can book through us.

Most students don't know:

Most students don’t know that if they have a suggestion or idea about a library program, a guest speaker they are interested in, or an event they want, we can make it happen within reason! 

Quote:

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” (Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own)

Amy Hayes: Digital Services Librarian

Functions/descriptions: 

• Support students with finding information, including in-depth research appointments.

• Teach workshops to help students build stronger research skills for coursework and workplace.

• Manage library website, Cyclone Search, and online database.

Most common inquiry from students:

Many students come to the library needing help printing or looking for a textbook. 

Most students don't know: 

Most students don’t know the library has a large collection of Centenary history on JSTOR, including past yearbooks, photos, event flyers and programs, and student publications like The Quill, Prism, and Spilled Ink. 

Quote: 

"Some days, you just have to create your own sunshine." (Sam Sundquist)