Catherine Findorak joined us at the start of the fall semester as our new Collections Strategies Librarian. She plays a key role at our Library, leading the development, management, and assessment of our collections. Catherine will be managing the Library’s collections budget and endowment funds, working with vendors, and utilizing data analysis to inform collection decisions. As the head of the Collection Development and Management Committee (CDMC), she works collaboratively with Faculty Partnership Program librarians to ensure that the Library’s collections are diverse, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the academic community.
Catherine holds a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from St. John’s University, and a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Connecticut. Her last role as the Head of Teen Services and Makerspace Manager at the Wilton Library in Wilton, CT.
We asked Catherine some questions, as we do with all new hires, to get to know her:
What made you want to become a librarian?
I’ve always been a big reader, and when I was a kid, the library was my favorite place. When I was in college I also got a work-study job at the campus library, and I really enjoyed working there. I wanted to do something that involved books and helping people, so being a librarian was what I eventually decided on.
What are you looking forward to this semester?
Since this is my first semester here, I’m looking forward to attending events and getting involved on campus!
What makes you excited about working at Fairfield?
There is something energizing about being surrounded by all the students, faculty, and staff who are learning and contributing to so many different areas and fields. I’m excited to support the learning and research that is happening here through my work managing the library’s collection and resources.
What trend/topic in the library field are you most excited about?
Although it’s been disheartening to see so many book challenges in libraries in the last few years, it makes me happy to see so many people outside of the field talking about the importance of libraries when it comes to intellectual freedom. I have been seeing a lot of support in local communities for the work librarians do in response to the increased challenges, and that makes me feel optimistic for the future of libraries.
What is your favorite book or author?
My favorite book for nostalgic reasons is probably The Catcher in the Rye. When it comes to contemporary fiction, I will read anything by Sally Rooney and Brandon Taylor.
Can you recommend a good podcast?
My favorite book-related podcast is Overdue, which is just two friends reading and discussing books from their to-be-read list. It is really funny but also a good overview of popular and classic books.
Do you have any study tips to share with students?
I find it helpful to break big projects into small steps. When I find myself procrastinating, I really enjoy the Pomodoro method to force myself to focus. Usually if I tell myself to work on something for just a few minutes I will keep going once I get into the groove.
Is there anything you want students to know about the Library?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The Library is a great resource for research help, and for everything else there are people all over campus whose job it is to help students succeed, so don’t feel like you have to go it alone.