Christine Foster (MLS '80) received the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students Distinguished Librarian Award for 2006. The award recognizes librarians who have made superior contributions to the University through outstanding accomplishment, dedication, and service on behalf of students.
She recently responded to the following email interview:
Tell us about the current position. What do you like about it? What do you find most challenging?
I'm currently Associate Director of Client Services at the Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M University. The most enjoyable part of my position is working with staff and librarians to provide excellent service to our clientele. The most challenging part is to provide this service in the most efficient, cost effective method that is the most valuable to our clients.
What SLIS course(s) have been most valuable to you?
Since my heart will always belong to reference, my favorite class was the basic reference class (L524 Information Sources and Services).
Was there someone who acted as your mentor while you were at SLIS? Tell us a little about this relationship and how it was valuable.
My first library position was at the Indiana University School of Dentistry Library and I was enrolled in library school at that time. Helen Campbell was the director of the library and was a wonderful example to me. She embodied all the values of service that became important to me as I advanced in my career.
What advice would you give to current SLIS students?
Be flexible and embrace change. Over the last 25 years, I've been a part of tremendous change in the library world. Any new librarian needs to be able to enjoy the challenges caused by all the changes and adapt to fit new models.
Posted December 07, 2006