Sometimes, if you’re lucky, a job gives you a chance to discover an area of interest you didn’t know you had. Such is the case for Tess Ruggeri, a student employee with University Libraries’ Special Collections.
“I never knew that I was interested in history,” she said. “Every day at work I get to see new and exciting things that scholars or researchers in the past have created. I always leave the library with new knowledge that my coworkers or supervisors have shared with me.”
Her enthusiasm for her job made Tess a standout employee, and she was recently selected as a recipient of a 2023 University Libraries Student Employee Scholarship. We interviewed Tess to learn more about her and her thoughts on working for Libraries.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a sophomore studying speech and hearing science with a minor in developmental psychology. With that, I'd like to be a speech pathologist working with kids!
What drew you to working with University Libraries as a student employee?
Honestly, I stumbled into this job without knowing what I was getting myself into. I wanted to work in the library due to the calm and quiet atmosphere; I thought it would be a nice escape from the non-stop nature of school. I applied to a number of positions at the library, and I heard back within 24 hours from my current boss. I had no idea what Special Collections did, and I remember asking her in the interview what exactly they did. She wasn't thrown off though, because I got the job!
What is something you’ve learned by working for University Libraries?
I've learned a ton working in Special Collections! When materials are brought up from the stacks, the curators will often share information relating to them. I've learned a lot about history, especially how books were made and printed in the past. I've also learned a lot about specific authors and artists who I would have never known about before.
How will this scholarship impact your time as a student at Ohio State?
This scholarship will help me pay for my next semester of school. When I came to college, I didn't expect to have to go to grad school, and now that I do, any money saved is a great help to me.
What would you say to other students who are considering working for University Libraries?
To any other student considering working at the libraries, do it! I've learned so much and met so many amazing people. Having a job in the library has definitely benefited me in many more ways than just making money.