Jessica Epstein

Jessica Epstein headshot
Describe yourself in three words:

Inquisitive, loyal, contemplative.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

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I recently finished "I Will Die in a Foreign Land" by Kalani Pickhart (powerful novel about the war in Ukraine) and "Fair Play" by Tove Jansson. I'm currently reading "Notes on Her Color" by Jennifer Neal.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Replete with resources.

What do you value about ACRL?

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When I was still in library school, I received a scholarship to attend an RBMS conference, which was so informative and engaging. In the years since I've been a full-fledged librarian, ACRL has given me opportunities for committee and interest group membership and leadership, professional development, presenting at conferences, and publishing. All these opportunities have been and continue to be valuable for my learning and engagement in the field, and for the chance to meet and work with other librarians.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

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Productive relationships with faculty members, enjoyment in collaborating with colleagues, dedication to assisting students, curiosity, a sense of humor, a sincere desire to be of service, and a tendency to bring homemade ice cream to work.

In your own words

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A mentor and friend told me years ago I should be a librarian because I was a generalist, and librarianship was the only profession where, rather than specializing, one had to know a little about many things. (It took me about nine years to heed his advice). The longer I work in libraries, the more I find this to be true. Each year brings with it new skills to learn and to teach. Libraries tend to be at the forefront of adopting new technologies, of adapting functions, and of continuing to find ways to remain relevant to users in a constantly-shifting sea of information, research, and reading priorities.

Credentials:MPP, MSLIS (she/her)

Title:Unit Head, Online Learning & Technology Services

Workplace:Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

Location:Atlanta, GA