New Faces in the Library

This December, Vassar College Libraries welcomed a new librarian, Heidy Berthoud

Q. What work do you do at Vassar College Libraries?

A. I am the Continuing Commitments Librarian, which means I work with any resource that we purchase on an ongoing basis. This includes our print serials and most of our electronic resources.

Q. You’ve worked at other libraries before coming to Vassar?

A. Yes, I have. I worked in various roles at the University of Chicago Library since 2002. Before coming to Vassar, I had been Supervisor for Continuing Resources Orders and Cataloging for almost five years.

Q. What did you do there and how is it different from your work here?

A. I was working with similar kinds of materials, but my position at Vassar gives me more freedom and independence to do activities that aren’t strictly in my job description. For example, I’m hoping to work more with managing discovery tools than I did at Chicago, and I would also like to learn some computer programming skills.

Q. Why do you like working in libraries? Or not like?

A. I’ve always liked research, solving puzzles, and bringing order to chaos. Every career I’ve ever considered has had some of those elements mixed in, but librarianship fits my temperament the best.

Q. What are your interests outside of work?

A. I like to travel and plan crazy vacations. Since moving to Poughkeepsie, I’ve been trying out the local restaurants and visiting the movie theater—a lot. I also enjoy stereotypical librarian pursuits, such as reading, knitting, and making fun of my cat.

When I’m not doing any of the above, I’m feverishly writing my doctoral dissertation; I am ABD in history at the University of Chicago.

Veronica

Tips for Surviving the End of the Semester

Hey, students! It’s almost the end of the semester and we know you are busy working on papers and studying for exams. Don’t forget to take advantage of the study space and services offered by the library. Check out the tips below to help you get through these last few weeks.

  • Need a place to study late? The library has an After-Hours Study Space located in the north wing of the library. This space is open Sunday through Thursday from midnight to 8 a.m.
  • Need help with library research? Click the yellow Ask-A-Librarian button on the library’s website to email, phone, chat, or text a librarian.
  • Need help citing sources for a paper? Check out our guide to citation styles.
  • Need a break from studying? Check out a film from the library! You can find films by searching the catalog and limiting to the video collection. Films can be checked out at the Reserves & Technology Help Desk (located in the north wing of the library). If you need additional help, check out this in-depth film guide.

Good luck as your semester winds down!