04/22/2026
We are continuing to celebrate our Librarians for National Library Week by introducing Rebecca Daly. Rebecca is our Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, who helps to make sure our catalog records are accurate and complete.
We asked her a few questions about being a librarian:
1. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
Having a favorite book is like having a favorite child or pet, it's impossible to pick because we love them all equally ! I enjoy re-reading the following every few years: The Shell Collector by Anthony Doerr (best for summer reading), Mrs. Frisby and the rats of NIMH, and the His Dark Materials trilogy.
2. Tell us about your favorite part of being a librarian?
Being surrounded by books and information, constantly seeing newly published research and literature. Helping connect students with the resources they need. One of the highlights of being an academic librarian is seeing the amazing research, art, and creative writing that Northern students create.
3. What is your earliest memory of a library?
Not my earliest memory, but most memorable- going to the library in 5th grade or so and asking if there were any real books, non-fiction, about witches or witchcraft. The librarian recommended The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but I had already read the series and knew it was fiction. Went to the public library and found books (in the adult section) about witchcraft, loved that the librarians there didn't try to persuade me about what to read!
4. What is your preferred mode of reading these days--book, audiobook or ebook? And why?
Real book, I can skip ahead, browse, use the index, really enjoy any pictures, and read in any position I want!
8. What is your favorite citation style and why?
Chicago Style RULES! Love having footnotes and endnotes to discover more information, context, and go off on nerdy tangents!
9. What is one thing you wish faculty and students knew about Olson Library?
The librarians are part of the students' academic success team. We welcome questions and want to help with research questions.