Sierra Purcell says that while a student circulation assistant position may sound boring, she’s “never loved a job more.” As a student employee at the Architecture Library, Purcell relishes the opportunity to help others and surround herself with knowledge. Her enthusiasm and hard work recently led to her selection as University Libraries Student Employee Scholarship recipient. We interviewed Sierra to learn more about her, her job and what it’s like to work for University Libraries.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Sierra Purcell, and I am in my fourth year of college but going into my third year at Ohio State. My major is Early Childhood Education. I plan to be a kindergarten teacher and I would like to stay here in Columbus. I'm from Elyria, Ohio and have lived in Ohio my entire life. My hobbies include working on and riding mopeds, which you may see me riding through campus!
What initially drew you to working with University Libraries as a student employee?
One of my friends worked at the Architecture Library all four years he went to Ohio State, and I thought it sounded fun! I grew up loving to read and still do, and the vibes in a library are always nice and calm. I love the opportunity to have quiet time when shelving or scanning books, but I also love sitting at the front desk and being able to help people. I knew nothing about architecture when I started working here, but I always love the chance to learn something new!
How will this scholarship impact your time as a student at Ohio State?
This scholarship will help me immensely; I always assumed I wouldn't be able to attend college because of financial issues, but scholarships and grants have made my dream come true!
What would you say to other students who are considering working for University Libraries?
Absolutely do it! I've never had a better boss, and they're very understanding that we are also students. I've also met genuine people who happen to be my coworkers and now friends. A library job offers so many learning opportunities, like developing customer service skills by dealing with users daily and learning how a library works. A library is filled with books, so no matter what, you are surrounded by so much knowledge. What's cooler than that?