We are excited to announce that we hired a Research & Learning Librarian for the new Fairfield Bellarmine campus: Ivelisse Maldonado.
Ivelisse will provide on site research services and instruction, access services, tech support, and offer programming for academic support and community building. She started working at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library in August and is already integral to developing library services and outreach to meet Bellarmine student needs and looks forward to working with Bellarmine faculty to identify information literacy opportunities. Prior to coming to Fairfield, Ivelisse worked at Naugatuck Valley Community College as their Danbury Campus Librarian.
We like to ask new librarians some questions as a way to show their journey to librarianship, their interests, and their advice for students...
What made you want to become a librarian?
IM: As a young girl I always loved to read but absolutely loved to research. The public library was a place for me to read and explore with my siblings. I was inspired to be a librarian because I wanted to help nurture students’ love of learning. The library was a place that changed my life by helping me understand readers are leaders, and knowledge is power.
What are you looking forward to this semester?
IM: I am excited to help support all students and staff members in any way I can. I would like to do monthly events/classes at our campus to support research and literacy. I am also eager to learn more about the students and staff in order to design events that meet their needs and interests.
What makes you excited about working at the Fairfield Bellarmine campus?
IM: I grew up In Bridgeport and it means a lot to me to be serving and giving back to the community that helped me to become the leader I am today. I look forward to inspiring and supporting students in their journey. I believe in the mission of the college which includes to provide an education that is accessible and affordable and empowers underrepresented students to realize their God-given potential and serve their communities.
What trend/topic in the library field are you most excited about?
IM: As a Spectrum alumnus, I feel passionate about the Spectrum scholarship which is offered by the American Library Association and affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians to position ALA to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services.
Do you have any library or study tips to share with students?
IM: I think using a calendar, flash cards, note taking and a To Do list is essential to incorporate as a college student.
What is your favorite book or author?
IM: I do not have a favorite author but I do enjoy self-help books. One book that I enjoyed that changed my life is Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman. In the book it explains how global warming, rapidly growing populations, and the astonishing expansion of the world’s middle class through globalization have produced a planet that is “hot, flat, and crowded.
Can you recommend a good podcast?
IM: I enjoy the OnPurpose with Jay Shetty.
Favorite random item in your office?
IM: My money tree, positive vibes sign and Puerto Rican flag are definitely some of my favorite things.
Do you have any advice for students?
IM: My advice would be to keep pushing yourself and don’t give up. It is very important to set a long-term goal and keep going back to that whenever you feel defeated. There were many nights as a single mom where I was overwhelmed by my course work and felt like giving up, but I kept remembering why I started. One of my favorite quotes is, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” (Winston Churchill 1871- 1965) Always stay focused with your goals and keep striving for the stars!
Ivelisse can be reached at imaldonado@fairfield.edu