We hope you have enjoyed learning about the staff and services about Locke Library this semester. We are going to conclude the series with four profiles, including the Director, Russell Taylor.
Rachel Wilson, Part-Time Assistant Librarian
I started in February of 2018. I attended the University of North Carolina Asheville from 2012-2016. I studied Literature there all four years and was particularly focused on Appalachian Literature. I spend a lot of my free time sewing and really enjoy researching and analyzing costumes from film and television.
What do you enjoy about working in Locke Library?
I really love helping students and staff with navigating all the resources that Locke has to offer. I am firm believer that everyone has the right to access information and so I am happy I get to work in an environment that also believes in that principle.
Susan Toole, Reference Librarian, part-time
Started A-B Tech in June 2015, has BA in Mass Communication, UNC Asheville; Masters in Library Science, Appalachian State I love reading, traveling, camping, and all types of crafts; I am a Girl Scout leader and volunteer at the Buncombe County Detention Center Library. I have a husband, Greg, and an 11-year-old daughter, Laney, and two dogs – Barkley and Sophie.
What do you enjoy about working in Locke Library?
Doing research (it is like a scavenger hunt and I enjoy learning about new topics); helping students; and being around great books & dvds that I get to check out.
Whitley Albury, Part-time Reference Librarian
Started A-B Tech on January 14, 2019, has MLIS from UNCG, BS in Communication-Broadcasting from WCU, and half of an AA in Baking and Pastry Arts from A-B Tech!
I double up on library duties as I’m also in Pack Memorial Library’s Youth Services department, and I’m on air at 98.1 the River. Hobbies are photography, reading, writing, seeing how much coffee a human can consume.
What do you enjoy about working in Locke Library?
I love being able to help students find the information they need to succeed in their classes, and helping them be independent with their searches for information.
Russell Taylor, Director of Library Services
Started September 2015, has BA in History and Political Science from Warren Wilson College and Master of Library and Information Studies degree from University of North Carolina Greensboro. Work studied in the Library for my entire four years at Warren Wilson working on a Library automation project. This is where my interest in Library Science was born. Encouraged by the Director to attend Library school and get my Master’s degree. My hobbies are reading (I am a Librarian after all), wood working, gardening, hiking.
What do you enjoy about working in Locke Library?
I came to the Community College setting after 20 years at a private, 4-year college so there was a lot to learn about the academic programs at the Community College. I have enjoyed getting to know my colleagues, the administrators and the Division Chairs of all of the programs as I have expanded my knowledge. I was not as familiar with some of the programs since I had not been exposed to them at my previous job so I have enjoyed learning about programs in the Emergency Services area, the Engineering and Applied Technology area and Allied Health and Wellness. Learning about their unique program offerings has made be better able to work with them in selecting Library resources that support their academic programs. I have also worked with the other chairs and faculty to support their programs as well as worked at meeting the general interest needs of our community by purchasing books and DVD’s that interest our patrons.
Anything else you would like everyone to know?
I think the Library, and generally any Library, is the epitome of the RISE initiative. Libraries are by their very mission supportive of everyone by providing a space and materials for everyone to engage in learning that meets his or her own needs. The Library is an open space that supports everyone regardless of age, income, or other status or condition.