Not So Frequently Asked Questions with Susan Jennings!

This month we're starting a new series of blog posts to introduce our staff to students. And to make it a little more interesting, we're going to ask some not so frequently asked questions. Our first interview is with Susan Jennings herself!

Susan Jennings, Dean of Library Services
423-697-2457

Susan Jennings is the woman running the show, aka Dean of Library Services. She spends her days advocating for the library, overseeing the renovation, and being the subject liaison for philosophy and religion students. Susan is a relative newbie to Chatt State (she started in 2012), but she's also a mover and a shaker. She's leading the Kolwyck Library's charge into the tech-driven future and we couldn't ask for a better leader during the digital revolution.

1. What is the last book you read?

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larsen

2. If you had a time machine, would you go back to the past or into the future?

I was a historian before I was a librarian so I would definitely go back to the past.

3. Who's your favorite movie/TV librarian?
Batgirl!

4. Favorite part of working in a library?

Solving “puzzles” (research problems), working with our students and faculty, and teaching.

5. Who shot first? Han or Greedo?

I would always say Han since I madly love Harrison Ford!

6. Something you hope to accomplish by the end of the year?

-Move into our beautiful new library. This will open up a brand new chapter in the history of Chatt State's Library.

-Rename our library the "Augusta R. Kolwcyk Library and Information Commons" ("KLIC") to reflect the changing nature of libraries, information gathering and information delivery.

7. Name an aspect of your job that most people don't know about.

I guess that would be that I teach library instruction classes.  It is the “dessert” of my job.  I love collaborating with faculty members and trying to figure out fun and creative ways to make our library instruction session fun and educational.

8. What inspired you to want to work in a library?

The inspiration?  I needed a job and it seemed to be a good fit for me with my being an alumna of ASU and having a heavy research background (history major in undergraduate and graduate school).  I started my library career working as a staff member in Appalachian State University’s Belk Library.  By being a staff member, I could get a certain number of classes for free.  My plan was to finish up my Master’s Degree in history and move on at the end of the 2 years it would take to finish my classes and my thesis.  Eleven years later, I was still there and the “job” became a “vocation” or calling.  At forty years old, I went back to library school to become a professional librarian.  It was the best thing I ever did.

9. Name one thing you think Chatt State students should know about the library.

That there are no dumb questions!  We are here to help you and all you have to do is ask!  We are a friendly bunch and if we don’t know the answer, we will try our best to help you find the answers you need!

10. What do you do with your off time? 

Since most of my job consists of meetings, analyzing data and making pretty much cut-n-dry decisions based on that data, I like to nurture my creative side in my off work times.  I quilt and knit… I love to cook and try new recipes and new restaurants. I am also addicted to Pinterest and find lots of crafty and D-I-Y things to do.  I am also addicted to technology so I’m permanently connected to email, IM’ing and social media!

CGR