Engage with Elaine!
Campus Location: Chicago
Title: Head of Access Services Librarian
Years in the field: 3
Hello! I’m the Head of Access Services Librarian at The Chicago School. Prior to switching careers to become a librarian, I worked in advertising for about 7 years. Outside of work I love reading, hanging out with friends, going to the movies, and seeing live theater. A few years ago, I read 124 books (including audio) in a year, and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
Q: What’s your favorite part of working at our library?
A: Helping the students! I love the moments when I’m able to help a student with something or tell them about a resource they didn’t know we had.
Q: What book made you fall in love with reading?
A: The Amelia Bedelia books were the first that made me get into reading.
Q: What’s one library resource you think students would be surprised to know we have?
A: Zotero! It’s such a huge help with keeping all your research and notes together. I didn’t learn about it until graduate school and kept thinking to myself how much I wish I’d known about it in undergrad.
Q: What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
A: Having people complete surveys outside of gas stations one summer in college to help an advertising professor with some market research for a client.
Q: What’s something you wish you had known in college that you know now?
A: You can’t be a perfectionist with every assignment. Sometimes good enough is good enough.
Q: What’s the funniest or most unusual thing you’ve ever been asked in the library?
A: I had someone call about a book when I worked at DePaul University and they asked if our copy had the same “Isbin” as the one they were looking for. It took a few questions to realize they were asking about the ISBN number.
Q: Are you a “pile it on the desk” or “everything in its place” kind of person?
A: I’m definitely a pile it on the desk person. Probably too much so.
Q: What’s your “happy place”?
A: My ultimate happy place is the beach in South Haven, Michigan. I’ve been going there since I was a baby. But if it’s not the specific portion of Lake Michigan in South Haven, I would say Lake Michigan as a whole is my happy place.
Q: What’s something you could give a 30-minute presentation on with no prep?
A: How romance/romcom books should not be treated as lesser forms of writing and why. This would also include recommendations of books and authors in the genre.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be an actress! However, sometimes that changed and I said I wanted to be a lawyer if I didn’t become an actress.
Finals season approaching? Research papers piling up? Take a deep breath – The Chicago School Library has you covered with our upcoming Library De-Stress Week!
What Is Library De-Stress Week?
We know that academic life can be overwhelming, and sometimes you need more than just books and databases to succeed. That's why we've transformed our libraries into wellness havens for one special week, combining our love of learning with much-needed stress relief.
When: November 15 - 21
Where: All Chicago School campus libraries
Cost: Absolutely FREE for all students, faculty, and staff
Online De-Stress Week Guide
Can't make it to campus? Our De-Stress Week guide has you covered with the Brain Break Arcade for games and puzzles, the Crafty Calm Corner for coloring pages and crafts, and more. Don't miss our Paws to De-stress page - you can meet the pets of the Library and ASC!
On Campus Experiences
Visit any campus library and discover creative stations with hands-on activities like adult coloring, origami, and more. We're also providing complimentary snacks at every location (because treats make everything better), along with designated relaxation spaces where you can recharge and connect with fellow students.
Whether you need a 5-minute meditation break between classes or want to dive into a craft project during your lunch hour, we've created flexible options that fit your busy, stressful schedule. We're here to support you and help you succeed across your academic journey!