spotlight on: Julie Cook     return to other professionals

Primary Responsibilities:
I have been at the Engineering Library since I was a student at the iSchool from 1998-2000. I worked first as a Graduate Reference Assistant, then with a temporary appointment after graduation. When my current position became open, I was able to obtain a full-time appointment. Information Services comprises Reference Services. I am primarily the coordinator for our Reference Desk, although being an academic librarian involves being an active member of not only the Engineering Library staff but also of the entire UW Libraries System.

The Engineering Library supports research and instruction for faculty, students, and staff of the UW College of Engineering. As a United States Patent and Trademark Depository Library, we also have many patrons from the general public. I am the subject selector for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, which means I identify and maintain the Engineering Library's collection in these disciplines. As the coordinator for reference, I am also responsible for the general maintenance of the Library's reference collection. I recruit, hire and train our Graduate Reference Assistants, and schedule the coverage for the Reference Desk. I do a bit of library instruction, though it is primarily on a one on one basis at this time. This part of my job will most likely be expanded in the future. On the system-wide scale, I participate on various UW Libraries' committees and task forces. The most exciting group I am involved in now is the Digital Reference Services Group, which has just launched a pilot project for a campus wide digital reference service, called Q&A Live. Librarians at the UW are also expected to participate in professional development activities outside the UW Libraries. I am able to attend conferences and workshops which are great opportunities to learn, network, and gain inspiration.

The knowledge and skills required to do your job:
For my position as Information Services Librarian, I think the desire and ability to work with patrons is essential. Excellent reference work is based on the ability to successfully perform a reference interview, so you can best satisfy a patron's information needs. It is very important to understand your user group and their unique needs and seeking behaviors. As well, it is necessary to know how to use and clearly explain the myriad services that the UW Libraries offer, so that they are able to take full advantage of all the amazing resources that exist here. It is important to keep abreast of developments in the fields of databases, publishing, and technology, as well as academic library trends and issues, on local, national, and global levels. Excellent writing and communication skills are called upon constantly, whether answering a reference question face to face, by phone or email. Presentation skills are useful for teaching and serving on library committees.

The Future:
I think librarianship in general is headed toward a more collaborative space. Perhaps forced by budget and space constraints, but made possible by the innovations that technology allows, collaboration will become an essential factor for providing efficient and comprehensive library services. I think libraries will continue to join forces with other libraries, librarians, researchers, and technology to develop the most effective ways to join users with the information they seek This scenario requires all the skills mentioned above in order to continue to provide excellent services to users, but perhaps demands strengths in creative problem solving and collaborative thinking as well.

(February 2002)