“Over the past year and a half, working for University Libraries as an Ask Us Student Assistant and A+ Research Coach within the Research and Learning Collaborative (RLC) has supported my long-standing belief that I am meant to serve in a career geared towards helping others succeed,” reads the opening sentence of Anna Gardner’s Libraries Student Employee Scholarship essay. From aiding students in accessing resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to presenting at an American Library Association of Ohio conference alongside her faculty supervisors, Gardner has consistently proven herself as a leader whose desire to assist people drives her. We spoke to Gardner, one of this year’s scholarship recipients, to learn more about her, her time with University Libraries and her plans after graduation.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Anna Gardner. I am a fourth-year majoring in social work with minors in Spanish and health & society. I graduate this spring and will continue my education here at Ohio State this summer with the goal of obtaining my master's in social work. I will also be working as a full-time case manager within the university hospital system over the summer as I start my graduate degree program!
What drew you to working with University Libraries as a student employee?
I was drawn to working in the library system as Thompson was a central location in between my courses, club activities, and residence off-campus. I appreciated the idea of being able to squeeze in a few hours of work during days I was already on campus!
What is something you’ve learned by working for University Libraries?
Throughout my time working in Thompson Library, I learned that there are an exceptional number of resources available to us as students on this campus. Before working for University Libraries, I had no recognition of what materials were available to me as a student when completing various research essays and projects. I continue to be amazed by all the physical and online materials we have access to, as well as the work done by library staff members all geared toward helping students succeed.
How will this scholarship impact your time as a student at Ohio State?
Next year, I will be working as a social worker at a field agency in central Ohio in order to complete the internship hours required within the College of Social Work. This scholarship will ease the stress of needing to work further hours outside of this position to complete tuition payments for my three semesters of graduate school.
What would you say to other students who are considering working for University Libraries?
I would wholeheartedly encourage other students to apply for a position within University Libraries. Everyone I have worked with, from my fellow student co-workers to my supervisors, has shown me immense kindness. This job also offers flexibility that is needed in many students' busy schedules. My two years working for University Libraries have helped me build a more comprehensive resume with diverse experiences as well!