Meryl Brodsky

Meryl Brodsky headshot
Describe yourself in three words:

Curious, early, persistent.

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

91´«Ã½

I am big fan of Nordic Noir, but I am just finishing up "The Latecomer" by Jean Hanff Korelitz. I spent many happy years in Ithaca, New York, and this book took me back there.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Learning, connection, professional.

What do you value about ACRL?

91´«Ã½

The programming that ACRL offers is generally quite good. The sessions that I've attended related to EBSS or Instruction have offered best practices and tips for improving my teaching techniques or knowledge, which makes my work more meaningful. I worked in corporate libraries and really enjoyed that experience, but when I returned to academia, I felt like I was back with my people. ACRL is composed of my people.

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

91´«Ã½

I support the Moody College of Communication and the School of Information. I help the students and faculty in those schools with their research by responding to reference requests, consulting on research quandaries, teaching course-related classes, and creating and staffing workshops. I am also involved with our Research Data Services team and help with data-related queries, such as finding datasets or creating data management plans. I also have my Data Carpentries Instructor certificate and have taught parts of several workshops. I am involved in collection development for my areas and also help to run a mentorship program between our Library and the iSchool on campus.

In your own words

91´«Ã½

I've been a librarian for more than 30 years, and it's been a great profession for me because it changes all the time. I started my MLS program when I was working as a clerk in a public library, and the librarians there tried to warn me against getting the degree, telling me that I would cry with boredom. That never happened. It's been super interesting and I'm still learning every day. My former colleague, Kelly Getz, and I recently published the Data Literacy Cookbook with ACRL. It's a book on how librarians can teach data-related skills. I am proud of this accomplishment, and hope that I have more to offer the profession.

Credentials:MLIS, MBA/ she/her

Title:Liaison Librarian for the Moody College of Communication and the School of Information

Workplace:University of Texas - Austin

Location:Austin, TX