How I Can Help You
- Locate existing or new subject-specific resources to support course curriculum
- Navigate subject-specific databases
- Locate permalinks for you to post in Canvas
- Promote usage of the archives and special collections
- Give tours of the archival area and special collection rooms
- Promote engagement with archival work
- Investigate copyright restrictions
- Design research guides for specific assignments
- Give class presentations
- Assist with research projects
Education
- Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS): Archival Studies concentration, The University of Alabama, projected degree completion 2027
- Bachelor of Arts: English and History, Anderson University, 2023
Experience
My position at Anderson University is my first full-time position in librarianship, following a year of part-time work in the field at Tri-County Technical College as the Learning Commons Representative for the Anderson campus. I spent most of my undergraduate career preparing for the field by participating in development opportunities like working in the AU Writing and Multimedia Center to improve my writing, research, and editing skills; likewise with my participation in the editorial team for Phi Alpha Theta's historical research journal, Res Historica. I exercised my passion for student-oriented work on campus as well through the Student Development team as an Alpha Leader and a student senator. I began working on my MLIS degree in August 2024 and expect to graduate in May 2027.
About Me
- I started attending AU as a student in the middle of the pandemic, August of 2020, and graduated in May of 2023 with a double major in History and English: Writing and Digital Studies.
- After graduating from AU, I worked in the Learning Commons of Tri-County Technical College to gain experience in librarianship, and as a barista on nights and weekends at a local business, The Bradbury Bistro.
- I enjoy baking, cooking, and making coffee, from a quick drip coffee to a unique specialty latte.
- I have two cats who live with me named Nemo and Jack, and a dog who lives with my parents named Lucy. The three of them are some of the most special things in my life.
Publications
- Smith, Helen. "Apotropaic Practices in Ancient Mesopotamia: Communicating with Hateful Gods." Res Historica 1, no. 1. (March 2022): 5-18.
- Smith, Helen. "Grandmas Always Die." Ivy Leaves 97, no. 85. (February 2022): 154-159.
- Smith, Helen. "A Faithful Servant: Mary, the Cult of the Virgin, and Allah's Favor." Res Historica 2, no. 3. (April 2023): 33-55.
Professional Memberships, Associations, and Honors
- Alpha Theta: Alpha Rho Epsilon
- Lifetime Membership (2021)
- Vice President and Treasurer, 2022-2023
- Junior Editor, Res Historica, 2022-2023
- Nash Journal Prize, Second Place Undergraduate Print Journal 2023 for Res Historica vol. 2
- Anderson University Denmark Society (2023)
- American Library Association (2024-2025)
- Association of Christian Librarians