Dylan McGlothlin and Micky Carignano joined our University Libraries team as the humanities librarian and natural sciences librarian earlier this year.
Dylan supports many College of Arts and Sciences programs, including English 1050—the essential studies writing course for most first-year students.
Micky will support programs focused on natural sciences, like physics, biology, and chemistry, in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Read our 'Five Questions' Interviews with Dylan and Micky to learn more about their work.
Five Questions with Dylan McGlothlin and Micky Carignano
"During my studies, I became fascinated with the craft of research and how to do it efficiently. I've always known I wanted to work in education, and the library ended up being the perfect fit for me." —Micky Carignano
What inspired you to become a librarian?
Dylan: Growing up, I really liked the librarian in the book "Because of Winn-Dixie." I thought it was so cool that she lived in a library. I didn't really think about it again until I was an undergraduate music performance major and started thinking about getting a minor or certificate in something that would help me find a job with consistent pay and health insurance. I was walking out of the library one day when I saw a table with information about my university's minor and certificate programs in library and information science. Luckily, I was able to complete the certificate program my senior year, became a symphony librarian, and got accepted into Kent State University's iSchool!
Micky: I decided to become a librarian when I realized in my graduate studies that I preferred teaching other people how to do research over doing my own research. During my studies, I became fascinated with the craft of research and how to do it efficiently. I've always known I wanted to work in education, and the library ended up being the perfect fit for me.
What have you learned about WMU and our Broncos so far?
Dylan: I've learned that WMU has built a community of people who really want to see students succeed and are happy to collaborate and help each other out to make sure that happens.
Micky: I've been very happy to find a community that cares deeply about its students and their learning. Plus, I think it's the perfect size for a university-not too big and not too small.
What are you most looking forward to at Western?
Dylan: I'm most looking forward to building relationships across campus and hearing about other people's research areas. There's so much to learn about the world from each other! It definitely helps to inspire my own research and love of life-long learning.
Micky: I'm looking forward to meeting more faculty and students in my liaison departments, and spring! Moving in the winter is hard; I feel like I won't really be settled in here until I see warmer weather, flowers, and people outside.
"I love showing something new that will make their lives easier and seeing their face lights up with that ah-ha moment and a drive to discover and search on their own." —Dylan McGlothlin
What's been your experience working with students? Any tips you can offer?
Dylan: I've had the opportunity to work with some curious students. I love showing them something new that will make their lives easier and seeing their face lights up with that ah-ha moment and a drive to discover and search on their own.
Micky: Before getting into libraries, I taught several semesters of first-year writing, as well as serving as a TA in bigger courses. Then as a reference assistant at a law school, I worked one-on-one with law students to help them find sources for their research and assignments.
What I've found is that no matter if you're working with a law student or a first-year undergrad, it's important to observe their strengths and weaknesses and meet them where they are. Preconceived notions about what students should already know or what you knew when you were their age don't help anybody.
What's a fun fact about you?
Dylan: I shared a stage with "Weird Al" Yankovic during his "String's Attached" tour.
Micky: Before working in libraries, I was actually studying to be an archaeologist. I spent several summers in Greece analyzing ancient pottery before spectacular views. Volunteering on a dig is a fantastic way to spend a summer. I highly recommended it!
For research support and instruction: