McFarlin Memo - LibGuides at University of Tulsa

How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure?
I joined McFarlin Library in September of 2023 as the Associate Dean and stepped into the Dean’s role in July of 2025.

Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you?
When I was considering graduate school, I had a friend and mentor ask me what it was that I enjoyed the most about my undergraduate work. I realized quickly it was not necessarily the subject matter (history), though I did in fact find it interesting, but it was the research. Digging through primary and secondary resources, finding gems in archives, and being able to answer seemingly unanswerable questions. That’s when it became clear that a Masters in Library Science would be the next step in my academic journey.

What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian?
I was a history major and political science minor. This degree taught me about the importance of archives and primary resources.

What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite?
The faculty study. There is something truly special about that space. Whether it's for studying or for a university event, it always takes my breath away when I step in there.

What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite?
It is going to sound cliché, but I love books. I both collect them and read them. Spending an afternoon in a bookstore is my favorite hobby.

What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin?
I love HathiTrust. We became members of the consortia last year and gained access to over 18 million titles. There are so many unique and amazing resources in HathiTrust. I’ve found early 19th century newspapers from around the world, out of print books, and artworks that have been so useful in my own research. Plus, as contributing members of HathiTrust, I’m pleased to see that our unique digitized materials are alongside collections from Harvard, UC Berkley, and more.

Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks.
A blanket and pillow in the stacks. I can think of much cozier places in the library to curl up!

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?
We need an elevator that connects all the floors!

You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?
I’m sure I’m not the first person to think about this, but racing through the stacks on book carts Mario Cart style.

What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating?
I’m excited about the new Digital Archive we are building. McFarlin Library has exceptional world-class materials that I believe digital access to would benefit researchers from around the world. Access to information is always my number one focus and I believe this is a huge step in increased access!

Recent Posts

Staff Spotlight - Andrea Callahan

Ever wondered how your books get from a request to the shelves? Well, people like Andrea work to process and catalog our print materials so they are searchable and ready when you need them. For two decades, Andrea has worked with McFarlin's collection. Read below to learn about her experience with our collection and spaces, as well as her care for patron access.How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure? I have worked in a cataloging position in the Bibliographic/Technical Services department for over twenty years. Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you? Books, knowledge, and information have always been essential in my life. Libraries and bookstores were comforting second homes when I was a child. My mom was a non-traditional student and attended college full-time while raising me, and I recognized early on how life-changing and transformative access to information is. Being partly responsible for providing that access for others is important to me. What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian? My B.A. in History provides a solid foundation in critical thinking/research and a user-centric perspective when creating bibliographic records and organizing/describing materials. What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite? Well, my office. But also, the Browsing Section. I remember that burned out feeling during a semester. Sometimes curling up with a book completely unrelated to what I was studying provided the perfect reprieve. Occasionally, a break is still needed now. Can you tell me about a memorable interaction you have had with a patron? Not necessarily a patron, because my job is back-of-house, but I stumbled across a love letter tucked away in book. It detailed a date the couple had the night before, very effusively. After some research, I discovered that the couple ultimately got married. What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite? Currently, books. I used to read almost exclusively nonfiction, irreverent books about history, but lately I’m delving back into fiction. Always physical (not electronic) books. And weekends are often about PBS Passport. What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin? Wandering the stacks is a great resource in a broad sense. The databases for more specific searches. Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks. Since most of my time isn’t in the stacks, I’ll mention another book I encountered. This one was from the early 1800s and was a book of poetry. It was inscribed by the original owner with his signature in what appeared to be faded brown ink and the words “written in my own blood.” After researching, it was determined to be an illegitimate teenaged grandson of George III. 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’d like to have several words with people responsible for the elevators. Additionally, next time a ‘grand staircase’ is constructed, might I suggest evacuating the staff on the other side of the wall to a quieter location, minus the jackhammering, etc.? You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around? Counter query: will my dog be trapped with me as well? If so, our version of fetch just got an expansive playing field. If it has to be just me, I would write because I imagine the atmosphere of an empty library might be inspiring. ...

Staff Spotlight - Jill Krefft

Not only is Jill Krefft the first female R.M. & Ida McFarlin Dean of Libraries, she is also a leader who puts the best interests of library staff, TU students and faculty first. Jill is not only passionate about increasing access to information for everyone, she is also a dedicated scholar and researcher who understands the importance of quality library resources and services. Keep reading to learn about the Digital Archive project Jill is spearheading, and how a popular video game would influence her activities if she was trapped in McFarlin for the night.How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure?I joined McFarlin Library in September of 2023 as the Associate Dean and stepped into the Dean’s role in July of 2025. Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you?When I was considering graduate school, I had a friend and mentor ask me what it was that I enjoyed the most about my undergraduate work. I realized quickly it was not necessarily the subject matter (history), though I did in fact find it interesting, but it was the research. Digging through primary and secondary resources, finding gems in archives, and being able to answer seemingly unanswerable questions. That’s when it became clear that a Masters in Library Science would be the next step in my academic journey.What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian?I was a history major and political science minor. This degree taught me about the importance of archives and primary resources. What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite?The faculty study. There is something truly special about that space. Whether it's for studying or for a university event, it always takes my breath away when I step in there. What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite?It is going to sound cliché, but I love books. I both collect them and read them. Spending an afternoon in a bookstore is my favorite hobby.What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin?I love HathiTrust. We became members of the consortia last year and gained access to over 18 million titles. There are so many unique and amazing resources in HathiTrust. I’ve found early 19th century newspapers from around the world, out of print books, and artworks that have been so useful in my own research. Plus, as contributing members of HathiTrust, I’m pleased to see that our unique digitized materials are alongside collections from Harvard, UC Berkley, and more. Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks.A blanket and pillow in the stacks. I can think of much cozier places in the library to curl up!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?We need an elevator that connects all the floors!You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?I’m sure I’m not the first person to think about this, but racing through the stacks on book carts Mario Cart style. What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating?I’m excited about the new Digital Archive we are building. McFarlin Library has exceptional world-class materials that I believe digital access to would benefit researchers from around the world. Access to information is always my number one focus and I believe this is a huge step in increased access!...

Staff Spotlight - Hannah Gibbs

Have you ever received your ILL request with remarkable speed? Are you ever amazed at what we are able to borrow for you? One of the people you can thank for this level of service is Hannah. One half of our dynamic ILL duo, Hannah uses her love of research and determination to help the TU academic community thrive. Keep reading to learn about an exciting new project she is spearheading!How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure?I have been at McFarlin Library for a year and a half, I am the Interlibrary Loan Librarian here at McFarlin and Mabee Legal Information Center.Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you?I love doing research. While I was working on my master's degree in history, I stumbled upon librarianship through spending so much time in the library. Upon graduating with my master's of history, I started the master's program for library and information science. What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian?I have a bachelor’s in history with a minor in philosophy and Spanish. I also have a master of history. These degrees in history have given me a great foundation in building my understanding of librarianship. They help me with organization of materials, understanding data sets and statistics, copyright, as well as assisting patrons with interlibrary loan requests.What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite?It is not necessarily a spot but my favorite aspect of the building is the stained-glass. It is an interactive art and the appearance can change with light and position. Be sure to look for it - we have stained glass in several rooms of McFarlin.Can you tell me about a memorable interaction you have had with a patron? Yes. A physics professor stopped by the reference desk to inquire about an ILL request. As we were going to retrieve his request I mentioned my grandfather was a physics professor. We had a discussion about physics and the joys of learning. What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite?I spend my free time reading books since I work on computers and online every day. I enjoy the escape from electronics through books. What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin?The stacks - you can find a resource there for almost any topic. Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks.I saw a gecko once in the stacks, running around.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 inquire about the desire to build underground. I want to know the why. You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?I would find a great book, curl up and read it in the Anderson Reading Room.What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating?I am currently working on a librarian office diorama. It will have old card catalogs, stamps and maps, reflecting a historical view of librarianship. The diorama will be placed in the intermediate level stacks with a QR code linking you to the history of McFarlin. I am presenting at Oklahoma library Association on this project in the coming year. ...

Staff Spotlight - Drew Henderson

Another integral member of our circulation and stacks management team, Drew Henderson may not be the most extroverted coworker, but he is dependable and thoughtful. Having worked at McFarlin for a decade, he has expert understanding of the building and collection. Read this interview with Drew to learn about his impressive academic background and his reverence for libraries.How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure? I have been working at McFarlin Library for 10 years. I am a full-time Library Associate I. Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you? I have always placed tremendous emphasis on the importance of both academic achievement and reading. Since childhood, I have had an insatiable hunger for knowledge. The library is a repository of knowledge.What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian? I earned my bachelor's degree in history/anthropology from Northeastern State University and my master’s degree in museum science and management from the University of Tulsa. Both degree programs placed emphasis on archival research, collections management, and stewardship of technology. This has been beneficial in helping me to keep abreast of the latest developments in the library.What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite? It would have to be the entire south quadrant of the browsing level stacks. That area contains most of the subjects that I am interested in. This includes museum science, archaeology, and ancient civilizations among other subjects.Can you tell me about a memorable interaction you had with a patron? On one occasion, I spoke with a patron who happened to be a member of the Seminole Nation. I have several Seminole ancestors on my father's side of the family. We had a fascinating discussion concerning the collaborative history between the Seminole tribe and African Americans.What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite? I avoid social media overall. I prefer books to other media. I always have and I always will. What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin? I would have to say the WMS database. Once you learn the intricacies of the database, you can use it for many purposes.Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks. Encountering an empty beer can tucked into the end of a shelf was quite bizarre.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 stress the importance of making sure the central heating system was installed correctly. The temperature variations in this facility can be frustrating at times.You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?I would stock up on archaeology and astrophysics books. I would also spend time dusting the furniture! What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating? I am currently conducting an inventory/database project in the Intermediate Level stacks. I am hoping to collaborate with the Gilcrease Museum once they officially reopen to the public in the near future. Bonus fact: This past year the McFarlin staff have discovered Drew's talent for baking. On several occasions he has treated the staff to sweets so delightful no crumbs remain....