It’s time to shine the ALAO Member Spotlight on Tammy J. Eschedor-Voelker, Associate Professor at Kent State University.

What is your role(s) in academic libraries?

I am a subject librarian for English Studies, Modern and Classical Languages, and Applied Linguistics. My key roles are library instruction, research assistance, and collection development in those subject areas. I also manage our High School Outreach program.

What do you like most about academic library work?

What I enjoy the most is providing personalized research help for students. Working one-on-one with someone who is struggling with their research not only provides the best opportunity for us to use our knowledge to impact student success, it also allows us to better understand the experience and perspective of our students.

What are some interesting projects you’ve been involved with lately?

I have been fortunate to be added to our University’s new Parenting Student Taskforce. One of the projects we are planning is Family Friendly study times in our library starting in the Fall that will include the creation of a child-friendly space in our library.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I am a Drum Corps International fanatic! I attend the DCI World Championships every year in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19 which will leave me wanting for a good, loud, live brass-line in the coming year! ☹

What do you love about being an ALAO member?

I love attending the conference in the Fall each year to learn from colleagues around the state. I appreciate having an active and vibrant organization at the state level, as National conferences can sometimes be cost prohibitive to attend.

–Anita Slack, Communications Editor, Kent State University