Notable News from University Libraries Part 2

As the OHIO community returns back to campus, Ohio University Libraries is pleased to announce the promotions of several staff members: Allison Weber, library support specialist; Debra Pierson, library support specialist; and Jacob Jakuszeit, library support specialist.

Allison Weber

“Allison has been hugely dependable assisting with managing the administrative processes for our student employees in her former position. She has earned herself the reputation of being diligent, thorough and precise,” said Janet Hulm, assistant dean for collections and digitization services. “I am very pleased she is in her new role in Interlibrary Loan, as it’s a big win for the Libraries and the University community to have her in a full-time position supporting our faculty, students and staff with their critical research needs.”

Allison Weber previously served as an administrative specialist focusing on human resources and administrative work. Here, she worked with the Libraries’ student employees, assisted with job searches and did “everything in between.” She also served in a temporary role managing the Libraries’ social media accounts for two years. In her new role as a library support specialist with the Interlibrary Loan program, Weber will transition away from a mostly administrative role to one connecting users with information from libraries around the world, as well as connecting global scholars to resources at OHIO. 

“I love solving problems, connecting people with what they need, and making sure everything is accurate and as efficient as it can be.  These are things that are pretty common with library folks, so every day it feels like I’m surrounded by my people. There are always new things to learn, and we’re surrounded by endless information, unique objects, and so many experts” Weber said. “It’s exciting to be around people who are excited about their work, and that is definitely what I’ve experienced in the Libraries.” 

Weber said she is looking forward to continuing to learn more about the Libraries, expand her knowledge, connect users with their resource needs and work with great colleagues. 

Debra Pierson

“Deb has been a key member of the Acquisitions department for several years now,” said Seth Sisler, the interim head of Acquisitions & Collections Services and electronic resources librarian. “Our department has seen a lot of change in the past year, and Deb has been valuable in many of the recent transitions we've experienced.  We're fortunate someone with her skillset and experience was able to step into the accounting role.”

Debra Pierson, who was recently promoted to serve as a library support specialist in Acquisitions & Collections Services, has been invaluable in her years of service to the Libraries.

“I can’t think of any assignment I have asked her to do that she couldn’t do expertly, so having her in this Libraries’ acquisitions role is especially reassuring,” said Hulm. “She takes her responsibility as a steward over [the] Libraries’ funds very seriously— and she also is a wonderful colleague!” 

Jacob Jakuszeit 

“In his new position [as library support specialist], Jacob will bring his customer service skills to bear with a new group of customers managing subscriptions, setting up resource trials and dealing with e-resources problems,” said Andrew Stuart, subject librarian for life and physical sciences and assistant head of User Services. “His flexible attitude and willingness to learn will serve him well in his new role.”

In 2017, Jakuszeit joined the Libraries as the overnight supervisor of Alden Library helping students’ study and connect with resources needed at all hours of the night. During his time in that role, he also helped analyze stakeholder data while serving on the stakeholder subcommittee of the Strategic Plan, and previously he was a member and later served as chair of Classified Senate.

“If you think of the Libraries as a restaurant, my previous job was a lot like being a server, directly assisting patrons with navigating their research and our resources. I helped folks find their way around our menu of resources and made sure they were satisfied with the experience,” Jakuszeit said. “My new job is in the kitchen, working with our librarian-chefs to order and receive the materials that go into our established menu of favorites.”

In his new role working in Acquisitions & Collections Services, Jakuszeit said he’s looking forward to learning more about the Libraries and, of course, continue connecting people with the Libraries resources.

“I am really looking forward to working more closely with Jacob,” said Hulm.   “I’ve always had an impression of him as someone who can see space for change and growth, and I believe he will learn fast and take his new job responsibilities to the next level.”

Congratulations to Allison Weber, Debra Pierson and Jacob Jakuszeit.