Collins Library welcomes Eli Gandour-Rood as the new Science Liaison Librarian. Eli will receive his Master of Library & Information Science from UW in June of this year and has an undergraduate degree in Linguistics (with strong coursework in sciences) from Simon’s Rock College in Massachusetts. Currently Eli is serving as a graduate reference specialist at the Suzzallo & Allen Libraries, where is he actively involved in provision of reference and teaching services. He is working closely with UW Science librarians in projects associated with library resources and services. Eli also serves as a graduate teaching assistant. He has a strong commitment to diversity and outreach and has been involved with the establishment of many programs to support the LGBT community and to support student engagement and inclusion. Prior to graduate study, Eli served as the Assistant Registrar for the College at Rindge, Franklin Pierce University as well as served in an administrative support position in the Humanities Department.
We had the chance to talk with Eli about his joining the Puget Sound community:
What are you looking forward to most at Puget Sound?
I’m looking forward to rejoining a liberal arts college community! I went to a small liberal arts college myself, and also worked in higher education administration at a small college in New Hampshire for a few years before library school, and I can’t wait to return to a smaller community where I can be involved with all aspects of campus life.
What attracts you to this position?
Again, the chance to work in a small liberal arts college environment is a primary draw for me. I love the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the intellectual rigor and enthusiasm, and the chance to work closely with students and faculty from a wide range of disciplines. I’m also excited to delve deeper into the realm of science librarianship! I’ve gotten a taste of it working at the University of Washington, and am leaping at the chance to work in a position where my fascination with science and my passion for information science can both thrive.
Anything you would like to share?
I grew up in Portland, OR, and left to go to Simon’s Rock College in Massachusetts. I spent about 10 years on the East coast (Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire) before coming back to the Northwest for library school. I’m delighted to be back in the Pacific Northwest, and my spouse and I are both looking forward to moving to Tacoma and exploring what it has to offer.