Holly Flynn's position as outreach librarian is a new position for the Michigan State University Libraries, but is also a fairly new position for academic libraries across the country.
Flynn began her career at MSU in 2002 as a mathematics librarian for the math library in Wells Hall. She took one her new role as outreach librarian for the main library in March.
As an outreach librarian, Flynn recognizes that students have lives outside of class and targets library events and programming to better interact with students on a level other than academics.
"My job is to be a liaison to the non-academic units of the university – like the residence halls, student groups like ASMSU, admissions and the counseling center," said Flynn.
Her daily responsibilities range from doing publicity for the library’s events to helping students find materials. Flynn also is a reference librarian, so she spends time helping students and faculty at the reference desk or through chat or email.
Flynn said she especially enjoys helping students learn how to utilize the libraries' range of services.
###