Let’s shine the Member Spotlight on Austin McCray from Wittenberg University!

What is/are your role(s) in academic libraries?

I am the Student Success and Instruction Librarian at Wittenberg University. I began this position in early August; it is, in fact, my first librarian role since completing my MSIS in May. My background is in higher education. I hold a doctorate in history and previously worked as a historian for several years before deciding to transition into librarianship.

In my role at Wittenberg, I serve as the primary instructor for information literacy sessions and as the liaison between the library and disciplinary faculty. Beginning next fall, I will also be teaching my own first-year seminar course. Additionally, I’m collaborating with the student success center on outreach and instructional initiatives that will launch as the semester progresses.

What do you like most about academic library work?

I love the variety of students, faculty, and disciplines I get to work with. Working in an academic library encourages me to remain intellectually curious and continually expand my knowledge beyond my comfort zone. I am also passionate about instruction and engaging with students across all levels. I especially enjoy working with first-year and first-generation students and helping them discover available resources and watching their confidence grow as they develop research skills.

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

As the inaugural Student Success Librarian at Wittenberg, my primary focus is strengthening relationships between the library, student success center, and disciplinary faculty. This collaboration is particularly important for our first-year seminars. I’m working toward complete integration of information literacy sessions across all first-year seminar sections, building from our current partial coverage. This work includes researching how our students define success to ensure the library’s resources and services align meaningfully with their goals.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

As is, I believe, a requirement to become a librarian, my wife and I have two cats: Benjamin and Bella. These spoiled 8-year-old littermates have been with us since they were about two months old. Bella, who is white with a grey spot and dipstick tail, is chaos incarnate but surprisingly sweet when she wants to be. Benji has a beautiful brown and white coat, and he’s completely food-motivated and happiest when snuggled under a good blanket.

Why did you join ALAO?

As someone who is new to Ohio and the profession, I wanted to connect with other librarians in the state and become part of the larger community. I believe engagement and professional dialogue are crucial components of effective instruction and continuing to improve higher education. I’m excited to learn from ALAO’s experienced members and contribute to the community as I grow in the profession.

–Laura Birkenhauer, Membership Chair, Miami University