As part of our new series Library Perspectives we asked all of the Library employees 1. What is your role at HSLIC & how have you adapted that position to the current conditions? and 2. What is something you are doing right now that is helping you cope with day to day life?
See their responses below to learn about what services the Library has to offer and some possible tips/tricks for adapting to our current situation.
Kelleen Maluski, Student Success and Engagement Librarian
Kristin Proctor, Library Services Coordinator
As part of our public services team, you would typically find me smiling and waving at you from the front desk, ready to help you find the library resources you need or recommend a consultation with one of our faculty librarians. When not “on desk,” I am working behind the scenes processing your interlibrary loan requests.
While I don’t get to see your smiling faces, I am still working hard to provide customer service via chat. I also spend many hours each day clarifying citations, requesting copies from lending libraries around the world, and sending you PDFs of articles requested through our interlibrary loan and document delivery service. Other libraries are facing the same challenges we are, so they are mostly working from home and delivering digital articles as well.
I have been communicating a lot more with friends and family both near and far. I have a great group of friends I met through practicing and performing aerial circus, and we have a group messaging thread where we share both silly and serious stuff and support each other through the anxiety, boredom, and loneliness of social distancing.
I also commissioned this artwork from our studio owner to help support her while she is unable to open our circus studio ABQ Circus Arts. I feel a surge of love and gratitude for my circus family every time I look at it.
Laura's daughter Simone, dog Juno, and son Pablo
Laura Hall, Interim Co-director
Currently I am the Interim Co-director for the library, which basically entails supporting the library staff and faculty, so that we keep our doors open and the lights on (virtually or otherwise) to better serve the HSC and larger community. Our current circumstances of working remotely and living in the time of a pandemic, have certainly brought with them some significant challenges. The situation remains very fluid, which takes its own toll. However, challenging times also bring opportunities to learn from one another, gain new perspectives and in the process be creative. I continue to be impressed with the library staff and faculty’s ingenuity and ability to adapt.
Daily walks, having lunch on my patio, taking breaks and laughing with my kids – have been three of my favorite ways to cope. I am reminded the moment I read or listen to the news, how very fortunate I am. I find it important to take time every day to be thankful for those around me and the comforts of home. These are true blessings. It’s also fair to say, I have a new level of appreciation for school teachers, streaming media and incredible convenience of ordering from local restaurants for take-out and eating in!
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