When you think “librarian” what comes to mind? A stiff-minded, strict enforcer of the old-school quiet library rule? Well, shove that image back on the shelf because the face of today’s academic librarian is a completely new chapter.

Meet librarian Dale Larsen. Dale has worked at the Marriott Library for more than two decades. He has seen all the changes and trends over the years and he’s excited about where things are today – librarians actively engaging with students where they are, and when they need the help.

“Instead of sitting behind a desk and waiting for students to come to you, we’re going out to classrooms where the students are. We’re working with professors to teach specific content that will be helpful to the students,” says Dale.

And so goes the story of Dale and Olivia Webster, an associate instructor who teaches a section of Public Speaking offered by the Communication Department. “I actually met Dale three years ago when I was a grad student. He taught an orientation class for new grad students in the Communication Department, and he really helped me become acquainted with library tools I needed,” explained Olivia. “So when I began teaching in the Communication Department, I thought, ‘I need Dale to come help my students learn how to do quality research’.”

What did Dale bring to the students in Olivia’s public speaking class?

• Understanding what evidence-based research is and why it’s important
• Interpreting and evaluating data gathered through research
• Navigating library products like databases in order to get the best content
• Learning how to cite sources correctly

On top of it all, being embedded in a classroom increases the number of students who reach out for one-on-one assistance. Comments Dale, “Once students realize that librarians are just ordinary people – not the stereotypical shushing librarian of the past – they’re much more likely to reach out for help, and in the long run, their learning improves as does the quality of their class assignments.”

“I was lost before I went to Dale. He taught me how to search for information by creating a “how to” video specific to my bees topic. He also provided links to databases that I needed. I couldn’t believe how helpful Dale was. I now know where to start when it comes to my next assignments.”

One such student is Jordan Anderson, who came to Dale with a need to find credible sources related to a project called “The Hive Mind,” which looks at the roles of bees in the natural world, how they communicate and the crucial importance of the queen bee for the hive’s survival. A sophomore majoring in biology with aspirations to be an orthopedic surgeon, Jordan explained his relationship with Dale, “I was lost before I went to Dale. He taught me how to search for information by creating a “how to” video specific to my bees topic. He also provided links to databases that I needed. I couldn’t believe how helpful Dale was. I now know where to start when it comes to my next assignments.”

Back in the classroom, Olivia is winding down for the semester, as final exam week looms.

“I really appreciate the collaborative spirit of the library,” says Olivia. “Not only is this the place for research materials, it’s the place you go to connect with people who can really enhance your teaching and connection to students.”

About Olivia Webster