#SubjectLibrarianSaturday is a social media and blog series highlighting LSU Libraries’ subject librarians, whose job is to help students and faculty with their research at any stage.

Elizabeth Allen is LSU Libraries’ Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian. The responses below have been edited for length and clarity.

What inspired you to become a librarian, and how did you become involved in your current field of expertise?  

I discovered my passion for libraries while working as a graduate assistant in the Interlibrary Loan department and earning my master's in history. This experience led me to pursue an MLIS with a focus on archival studies to complement my history background. While I began my career as an archivist at the Notarial Archives Research Center in New Orleans, when the Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian position opened closer to home, I eagerly applied. I've loved it here ever since.

What do you enjoy most about helping patrons with their research and information needs?  

My favorite part of helping patrons with their research needs is watching them shift from being overwhelmed or frustrated to being excited about the work they are doing. 

How do you approach research consultations to ensure patrons feel comfortable and supported?   

The goal of a consultation is to get patrons comfortable with the research process and empower them with the skills and confidence they need to continue on their own. So, I open all my consultations with a conversation. I ask the patrons I am meeting with to describe their research goals and what they have done so far. I reassure them that no matter where they are in the process it is okay, and we are going to get them where they need to be to reach their goals.  When we are looking for resources, I let the patron evaluate the source we are looking at and determine if it is something they want to look into more. This helps them feel empowered in their research. 

Can you share a memorable experience or success story from assisting a patron with their research project?

When I was helping a freshman with their ENGL 1001 paper, I could tell that they were dancing around what they actually wanted their topic to be. I took the time to chat with them, asking them questions and allowing them to explain what they were looking to research. Eventually, the student admitted what they actually wanted to research. After our chat, we were able to find many resources for the student to use, and they were much better prepared to write their paper. 

Around finals week that same semester, the student saw me in the library lobby, stopped to thank me, and told me that they had received an “A” on their paper! 

Outside of your work as a librarian, what are some of your interests or hobbies?    

Outside of being a librarian, I am a member of a parade group, the Baton Rouge BeignYAYs. I love crafting BeignYAY costumes and parades. I enjoy crocheting and, of course, reading. My favorite genre to read is “Romantasy” (romantic fantasy).

Contact a subject librarian to book a research consultation and become familiar with the most frequently used library databases and information sources in your specific area of study.