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Show FORUMFORTNIGHTLY.COM Westminster's new systems librarian Melody Van De Graaff Staff Reporter 7 Without a systems librarian, students cant pass their classes. They keep the library catalog and f databases functioning, services many students require to complete research projects. The library hired Christine Hartman for this position in early November. Hartman has a degree in library science and an of r MFA in poetry. I became a librarian because I like libraries, which sounds silly, but Ive always loved being in libraries and being around books said Hartand information, man. Along with systems work, Hartman functions as a liaison to the nursing school. She also works reference hours to help students in the library. Diane VanderPol, director of the Library, said that Hartmans versatility and background stood out. Seeing someone who had both the systems knowledge that we needed, someone that was a bit of a tech head, but who also had this background in doing instruction as a main job was really interesting, said VanderPol. Jason Knott, Database Analyst and member of the hiring committee, said that the committee liked Hartman from the beginning. Chris was our top candidate because of her previous skills and experience, said Knott. She had the web skills, she had personal projects she worked on which showed an interest and I liked that. VanderPol said Hartman doesnt fit the librarian stereotype. Shes not mousy in shushing people or wearing a bun or 1 -- anything like that, said VanderPol. I got the impression that she had a good balance between library and tech, said Knott. VanderPol said that Hartmans versatile experience made her the best candidate. We can hire a person who had all the tech skill in the world, but if they cant also be a good strong librarian, then theyre not a good fit for us, said VanderPol. Chriss background and experience demonstrated that she could do that. Before coming to Westminster, Hartman worked at Ft. Louis College in Durango and at a community college in central New Mexico. She worked mainly as a systems librarian, but also as a liaison and instructor. Hartman grew up in a small Jl. , Christine Hartman, Westminsters new Systems Librarian, sits in her office town in Ohio, near the town that VanderPol grew up in. Her family is small. I think every single member of my extended family, both sides, could fit at a -large table, said Hartman. As a child, Hartman wanted to be a writer when she grew up. I actually have an aunt who was a mildly famous movie actor and Ive always meant to write about her, said Hartman. Her name was Elizabeth Hartman and most people of our generation and below have never heard of her. Elizabeth Hartman is famous for her role alongside Sydney Poirier in A Patch of Blue. That performance earned her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe award. She really struggled with mental illness, said Hartman. She was schizophrenic and killed herself. So her career was actually ' v i 1 But when short-live- d. I think about getting serious about writing, the book that I have in me is about her. Along with writing, in her spare time Hartman sews and hikes with her dog and cat. Hartman is still transitioning and her office has nothing of hers in it. She V'V r said that if she could do anything to her office, she would paint the walls chocolate brown and light blue with white board paint. Im always trying to make e, said my life more paper-freHartman. I dont keep a lot of paper files but I do need to keep lots of lists for myself, so if I could just jot them on the wall that would make things easier. Hartman is excited about this opportunity because she will get to learn how to use new tools and support library technology. This job is going to keep me learning for a long time. I .6 - w J f With degrees in Library Science and "Poetry, Christine Hartman works as Westminsters New Systems Librarian. 4 |