October is National Medical Librarians Month. It is the perfect time to get to know your nursing liaisons. During this month, there will be profiles of the UIC Library nursing liaisons. The first profile is of Felicia Barrett from Rockford.
How long have you been working at UIC?
I started working for UIC in July 2006. I am starting my third year.
When did you get your degree?
I received my MLS in 1997. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s from Indiana University, which is where I worked before I came here.
Why did you decide to become a librarian?
I began working in a medical library right out of high school. After having worked there for several years, I decided to go to school and get my MLS. Of course I had to begin getting my bachelor’s which I did part-time while still working in the library. It took me 8 years to get my bachelor’s and another 2 1/2 years for my MLS. I have worked in a medical school library for over 25 years. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is helping people. We help a variety in the library. Starting with medical students, who need help finding their study materials, and nursing students who need help with their research projects; we assist them in their educational endeavors. We also assist the faculty and staff with their research. Ending with walk-in patrons who are looking for health information, which helps them have a better quality of life.
What is your favorite blog or website?
Lately I have been enjoying using the stumbleupon.com website. You pick your topics you enjoy browsing and then click the stumbleupon icon, which you have to download onto your desktop. You then stumble upon some very interesting websites.
What do you like to do for fun?
I play golf, love to go to the movies and love to read.
