Meet the winner of the first annual ACS Publications Scholarship
The first annual ACS Publications Scholarship was awarded to Geri Olmstead for her essay. The award was presented at the DCHE Annual Business Meeting and Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, June 5, during the SLA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Olmstead received $1,500.
Geri Olmstead, winner of the first annual ACS Publications Scholarship, with Adam Chesler, ACS Publications
Olmstead majored in chemistry at Missouri State University and will receive a Master of Science, Library and Information Studies (MLS), from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) in August. She’s currently working as a graduate assistant at the UIUC Physics/Astronomy Library.
LiveWire interviewed Olmstead for the June/July issue:
LiveWire: How did your interest in becoming a chemistry librarian come about?
Geri Olmstead: Well, I came into my undergrad education knowing I wanted to do something in the sciences but was not sure which discipline. When I had to select a major, I had liked many chemistry courses, so I became a chemistry major. I made the correct decision because I enjoyed the theory of chemistry but not the practical application of chemistry. In other words, I liked class work but not lab work.
Through a chance meeting, I met a reference librarian at my undergrad school—Missouri State University—who introduced the idea of science (more specifically, chemistry) librarian. I did some research and decided to pursue my MLS. So here I am at UIUC, finishing up my education as a member of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science.
LW: What are your long-term career goals?
GO: I would like to work as a science or chemistry librarian for a large academic institution. I came into grad school thinking I would work in the corporate world; now I am not sure I want to end up there. I am open to various possibilities but would prefer to stay in the academic world. In fact, I am beginning my professional career as the librarian for National Park Community College. I am truly excited to begin this new position because it is an amazing learning opportunity.
LW: How do you feel about the relationship between publishers and chemistry librarians?
GO: My experience is in an engineering library and a physics library, so I cannot comment on the publisher–chemistry librarian relationship. However, I do have an understanding of the relationship between publishers and other types of science librarians. In some cases, it is a wonderful working relationship in which everybody is satisfied. Then there are times when the relationship is on the edge and one tiny act can change things for the worse or for the better. In general, I think it is safe to say the library–publisher relationship is a tender one but a valuable one. It needs to be protected for both the library and the publisher to function.
LW: Would you be interested in working more closely with ACS Publications to develop products and services specifically for your patrons?
GO: Definitely. I think when libraries and librarians work together with publishers, everybody benefits—especially the patrons and researchers. The best way for any library or publisher to discover what their users need is via communication and a working relationship.
LW: Have you noticed any areas that should be addressed?
GO: The electronic publishing issue is an ongoing area that needs addressing. By this I mean the issue of providing print and online or just online. As a graduate assistant at Grainger Engineering Library at UIUC, I have firsthand experience with the hassle and headaches associated with the electronic publishing debate.
LW: How important do you think libraries are? What about chemistry libraries specifically?
GO: Libraries are incredibly important. A public library is a vital component of every community it serves. A school library is an educational resource center designed to assist in the education process. The same can be said for an academic library. No matter the size of the academic institution, a library will be present. The students who attend a school need a place they can use for study and research purposes.
As for chemistry libraries, they are essential resources for researchers. The world of chemistry publications and databases can be verbose and taxing to navigate. However, the presence of a trade professional will aid the researcher in his or her quest for knowledge. This fact is universal to any library. Libraries are meant to serve their patrons, and librarians are meant to assist in this process.
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