TDL Member Profile: Louise Kidder
The July/August TDL Member Profile features Louise Kidder, Discovery Services Librarian at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Below is the full member profile with background information and a question and answer session with Louise.
Background
Education
- 2012: Master of Library & Information Science, University of North Texas
- 2009: Bachelor of Science, Biology, Angelo State University
Professional Experience
- September 2015 – present: Discovery Services Librarian, University of Texas Medical Branch
- I currently handle the library’s discovery service, troubleshoot e-resource access issues, work on the institutional repository, and manage the Academic Resources website (AR being the “umbrella” department that includes the library, print shop, and several other associated services). In May 2016, we launched a completely redesigned, usability-tested and institution-consistent website.
- March 2015 – September 2015: Acquisitions and Adult Services Manager, Rosenberg Library
- This position involved the management of reference services/staff and adult programming, in addition to continued duties of previous position (below).
- February 2014 – March 2015: Electronic Resources Manager, Rosenberg Library
- In this position, I managed e-resources and serials subscriptions and access, performed ILS maintenance and associated records management, managed maintenance of RFID security and circulation equipment, supervised the acquisitions process and cataloging/processing specifications, supervised technical services/staff, and continued teen programming.
- February 2013 – February 2014: Reference and Teen Services Librarian, Rosenberg Library
- My first librarian position involved collection development, programming for youth aged 13 – 17, community outreach, interlibrary loan, and general reference services.
Professional Affiliations
- Medical Library Association, South Central Chapter (January 2016 – present)
- Texas Library Association (January 2012 – December 2015)
- Spirit of Texas Reading Program – High School Committee (April 2014 – April 2015)
Volunteer Work
- Docent, Houston Museum of Natural Science (2011 – 2013)
Publications
Kidder, L. (2016). Exploring Discovery @ Rosenberg Library. In K. Varnum (Ed.), Exploring discovery: The front door to a library’s licensed and digitized content. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
Involvement with TDL
- Committee Work
- 2017: Texas Digital Library Awards Committee
Question and Answer
1) Why did you choose to work in libraries?
I started working at my college library as an undergrad and discovered that I was more interested in that kind of work than in pursuing a career in the subject I was actually studying. There’s just something really fulfilling about building up and organizing collections, and getting all that cool stuff out there where it can be of use to somebody. Helping people find whatever information or resources they need is super satisfying.
2) What projects or initiatives are you most excited about at your library?
We have so much going on right now, it’s difficult to choose! First, we’re hosting the MLA South Central Chapter conference here in October, which promises to be interesting. We’re also considering switching discovery services, from Summon to Primo (due to a pending ILS switch from Voyager to Alma) – if we go forward with this, I will have the chance to do a lot of the set-up and customization, which is something I’m pretty hopeful about.
Something a little more TDL-related is our current project of getting the papers of Dr. William E. Thornton, astronaut and pioneering space medicine researcher, digitized and publicly available through our DSpace repository (UTMB Health SHARED). We recently made our repository items discoverable through Summon as well, so Dr. Thornton’s work as well as our ETDs and other collections will be more accessible than ever.
3) What is your most memorable TDL experience?
The tech support team has been amazing. Every question or request, big or small, has been addressed promptly and satisfactorily. If only every vendor or company could offer the same level of service! I’ve only been working with TDL services for a bit less than a year, so my experience has been admittedly limited so far. I’m looking forward to learning more about what all TDL offers, and I really hope to be able to attend TCDL next year.