Have you ever exchanged a smile with Sergio at the circulation desk or noticed him quietly working in the library? Despite his reserved nature, Sergio is an integral member of McFarlin Library, tirelessly updating our stacks to make them more accessible. Dive into my interview with Sergio to discover the hidden gems of McFarlin and see how his dedication to patrons creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure?
I have been working with McFarlin a little over three years now. I started with my title being Library Associate, but it changed into Weekend Lead. However, the responsibilities remain relatively the same. I open and close the building where it is needed and I supervise evening operations of the library. I help in the circulation department by working the front desk and also providing assistance to patrons when they have questions. I work additional projects as needed in order to improve and maintain the library’s functionality.
Why librarianship? What made this job appealing to you?
I wanted to work in a library because I grew up surrounded by books. I loved visiting libraries as a child and could spend hours there reading or using their computers. As I got older the idea of working in a library seemed like a neat one, and when I saw an opening in McFarlin I decided to take it.
What is your dream career, or your ideal next job?
I have always wanted to be a writer. Since I was in middle school, I would write all kinds of stories and poems, and I have dreamed of making a career out of it. Reading and writing have been very important in my life, and despite all the years that have come and gone, I still want to see if I can make them into something that I can turn into a career.
What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite?
My favorite spots in McFarlin are the Faculty Study and Third Floor Reading Room. It can be either of these rooms because the main thing I like is looking out of the windows on the west side of the building. We get a beautiful view of the downtown area, and any time I have to work in these rooms I take a moment to stop and just look out and admire the view.
Can you tell me about a memorable interaction you have had with a patron?
The most memorable interactions I have with patrons are those where you go beyond your normal responsibilities in order to help them. There have been a couple instances where a patron comes to the building when our browsing floor is closed but they really need to print something out. Despite being in the process of closing up the building, I have allowed students access to this floor so they can get done what they need done. The gratefulness they give you makes the interaction worth it.
What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite?
The main media I consume nowadays is TikTok, which is not my proudest thing to say as someone who works in a library, but it is what it is.
What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin?
The best non-human resource at McFarlin would have to be our study spaces. We have many areas that can be used to study, from our quiet reading rooms to our more open browsing level where group work can be done. For those needing a more private space to study, whether individually or in a group, we also offer study rooms to check out which are very popular among our students.
Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks.
The most bizarre thing I have seen while walking through the book stacks is a life-size cut out of Samuel L. Jackson. I did not know it was going to be there so it scared me when I walked down the stacks and the lights turned on to reveal him glaring at me.
If you could go back in time and talk to one of the designers who modified the building, which phase would you jump to and what would you tell them?
I would go back to when they decided to put in the windows to the reading rooms and urge them to make sure no water can come through.
You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?
I will sleep. There are ghosts in the stacks and I do not want to be awake when they decide to walk around at night.
What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating?
Books are being shifted to different shelves that are allowing us to tidy them and organize them to make for a more spacious and appealing look to our stacks.
The next installment in our Digital Discoveries resource overviews is our Personalized Research Assistance form.
Although the online form is the only “digital” element of this resource, it is the crucial first step to accessing one of the most personally tailored assistance services available at McFarlin. Below are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully help you to better understand how one of these sessions can help you.
What is a Personalized Research Assistance session?
These sessions, called PRAs for short, are research information meetings that are designed to meet the unique needs of every TU student or staff member who schedules one. Scheduling a PRA session means that you will receive a one-on-one session with a librarian focused on what you need for your research or understanding of McFarlin’s resources.
Examples of these sessions include but are not limited to:
Truly, we want these sessions to reflect your needs and be a respectful use of your time. If you are not sure if a PRA is for you, just ask and we’ll help get you connected with a librarian or other campus resource.
Who can use this service?
This service was designed to help both undergraduates and graduate students but is open to professors as well! The goal is that faculty and students at TU know that the library’s resources are made available with an assumed proficiency. Sometimes you need a little guidance or redirection when you’re frustrated with research and that’s when this service can save your sanity and time.
How long does it take?
To schedule a session, we ask that you give us one to two business days to get back to you, but we are usually quicker than that at slower times of the semester. The sessions themselves can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 2 hours. Again, the personalized aspect of these sessions is that you leave feeling like you were helped which can look different for everyone in terms of time.
Do I have to come to McFarlin to meet with a librarian?
While you can of course get help in-person at McFarlin, we also offer these meetings online through Teams. Online meetings do not require the students to be on camera, but we do recommend being in a somewhat quiet location and using a laptop or desktop. We often share screens during these meetings, and a phone screen is too small.
If you choose to meet in person, it’s very helpful to bring your laptop, but we typically have an extra computer available if needed. Being able to save the articles we find or make notes on the process is incredibly valuable to your workflow after the PRA is over.
Can you only help students from any major?
YES! We work with students from all disciplines across campus. Part of the PRA form that you fill out asks you to specify the information needs you have, and we use that section to help match you with the best librarian.
Where is this form you keep mentioning?
On the homepage of the library!
Need help finding articles? Schedule a PRA!
Need someone to explain how to find, view, and use the features of an eBook? Schedule a PRA!
Not sure whether or not your sources are scholarly or peer-reviewed? Schedule a PRA!
Doing a group assignment and have multiple members who need help? Schedule a PRA!
Feeling very overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the research process? You guessed it – schedule a PRA!
If this feature didn't do enough to convince you, please read this feedback from real, live, actual TU students who have used the service.