October 4, 2022

You’ll find a mix of new and familiar faces in the Drexel University Libraries this fall as seven new staff and three co-op student employees join the organization. These new staff members bring strong instructional and research skills to the Libraries, as well as expertise in diverse areas including information literacy, scholarly communications, digital curation, data analytics, and integrated library systems, to name a few.

Over the last year, the Libraries’ staff have worked tirelessly to hire and on-board new staff to fill several vacancies. With these 10 highly skilled individuals joining the team, and with a few other searches under way, the Libraries is better positioned to continue to provide exceptional resources and expertise and redesign and fulfill its strategic priorities of containing the affordability of higher education, shaping future research, and inspiring the quest for life-long learning.

Among the newly filled positions is the Drexel Libraries’ first-ever Diversity Resident Librarian. The Libraries established the resident librarian position as part of its long-standing commitment to diversity and its participation in the ACRL Diversity Alliance. The residency provides entry-level librarians from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to develop skills and professional growth in an academic library setting. The program is designed to meet both the professional goals and interests of the resident, as well as the Libraries’ service and operational priorities.

These staff members not only bring their skills and expertise to the organization; they also bring fresh perspectives, energy, and ideas to the Libraries.

“Our talented and dedicated staff provide critical support for the Libraries to be successful in meeting its strategic obligations to support all Drexel faculty, staff, students. Thanks to Ann Yurcaba for shepherding the numerous recruitment details that enabled the Libraries to welcome such outstanding colleagues across a variety of programs that are so critical to our mission,” said Danuta A. Nitecki, PhD, Dean of Libraries. “Although many have only been with Drexel for a few weeks or months, their new perspectives have already energized our staff and challenged us to explore new ways of supporting the Drexel community. We welcome them each to campus with the Libraries’ friendly, warm, and inclusive character, and we look forward to seeing what creative ideas and initiatives they bring to the Libraries and to Drexel in the future.”

Please join us in welcoming our new staff to Drexel! 

Professional & Temporary Staff

• Deborah Bishov, Information Assistance Manager
• Jeam da Silva Camila, Evening & Weekend Service Desk Manager
• Anna Harper, Curricula Support Librarian
• Michael Johnson, Diversity Resident Librarian (starting October 31, 2022)
  
• Joan Kolarik, Manager, Library Integrated Technology Systems
• Chris Ludwig, Administrative Coordinator
• Matt Sherman, Digital Curation Librarian

Drexel Co-ops (fall/winter 2022-23)

• Wabii Doti, User Experiences Co-op
• Connor Makara, Library Integrated Technology Systems Co-op
• Maggie Patterson, Marketing & Communications Administrative Assistant Co-op 

In Memoriam

It is also with great sadness that we announce the loss of long-time Drexel employee Sharon Brubaker. Sharon passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022.

Sharon began her 26-year career as a Drexel University Libraries employee on May 20, 1996, as a clerk and moved to acquisitions technician in 2000, a role she held until 2022.

In addition to working in the Libraries, Sharon taught in the English and Philosophy Departments at Drexel University and Peirce College, often commenting on her joy in working more directly with students to help them learn to write and express themselves. Born in Ephrata, PA, she was a longtime resident of Philadelphia, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in vocal performance from Temple University. Many also benefited from her knowledge and willingness to coach others in her other passions of yoga and dance.

Sharon will be remembered fondly as an active member of the Drexel Libraries’ staff, being among the first to participate in events and offering thoughtful opinions and suggestions. We will miss her collegiality and friendship.