Author Archives: Kristina Thomas

Title: Deric Hardy, Librarian for Science and Engineering

Library/Department: Perkins Library, Natural Sciences & Engineering

Location: Perkins 233

Years at Duke: 1.4 year

In a nutshell, what do you do at Duke University Libraries? As the Science and Engineering subject librarian, I liaise with researchers, staff, and students within the Pratt School of Engineering. I collaborate with fellow DUL staff to deliver library instruction, reference/research assistance, user-centered programming, and library services. I also work with several committees and programs in Duke University Libraries and the Pratt School of Engineering.

If you had to pick one thing, what’s the best part of your job so far? The best part of my job is helping to foster lifelong connections and partnerships with the Duke University academic community. I work daily towards accomplishing these goals through a highly responsive and customer service-focused approach to library patron’s requests for reference/research information, library resources, and services.

What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently? A great book that I have recently read is titled, “Becoming an Embedded Librarian: Making Connections in the Classroom” by Michelle Reale. Becoming an embedded librarian is essential to my knowledge of current and emerging engineering research, pedagogy for library instruction, and best collection practices.

What do you like most about living in The Triangle? The Triangle has so much to offer by way of colleges and universities, sports venues, outdoor recreation, and entertainment. It’s a great place to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What do you like to do outside of work? During the warmer months, I am an avid bank fisherman. I enjoy small tackle fishing.

Title: Collection Services Associate, Circulation Manager 

Library/Department: Duke Law Library, Collection Services 

Location: Duke Law Library, 210 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708 

Years at Duke: 30 years 

In a nutshell, what do you do at Duke University Libraries? I manage student assistants daily in the Collection Services Department. 

 If you had to pick one thing, what’s the best part of your job so far? Working while learning together with my student assistants. 

 What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently? I spent time with my granddaughter watching Paw Patrol at the Brier Creek Theatre. 

 What do you like most about living in The Triangle? There’s always something to do, places to choose from for excitement, relaxation, or whatever you’re interested in at the time. 

 What do you like to do outside of work? Spend time with my family, relax and watch good movies. 

Title: Staff Assistant

 Library/Department: University Librarian

 Location: Library Administration Office, RL Suite 254

 Years at Duke: 2 years in January 2024

 In a nutshell, what do you do at Duke University Libraries?

In a nutshell, I provide support to the Libraries’ Executive Group and help colleagues throughout DUL with administrative/logistics issues. As the Libraries Event Management System (EMS) administrator, I also serve as a liaison to the greater Duke Community using certain spaces/hosting events in the library. 

 If you had to pick one thing, what’s the best part of your job so far?

The best part of my job is the way I’ve been able to learn from my colleagues. Before starting this job, I was a paralegal so, many of the programs that I work with were new to me. My colleagues have been so kind and generous with their time and skills, and I have learned a lot from many of them.

I also love that I get to engage with the myriad departments and goings on in the Libraries and at Duke University. For example, I have attended lectures on climate change solutions hosted by the Nicholas School, volunteered at Duke Campus Farm, attended Women’s and Men’s soccer games, and I’m currently attending PRIDE Foundational Seminars at Duke’s Center For Sexual and Gender Diversity. And so much more! There are always opportunities to learn and do something new and it’s so much fun.

 What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?

Loki! It’s a TV series based on Marvel Comics about the heroes and anti-heroes of the Sacred Timeline, a multiverse and the Time Variance Authority (TVA). (Disclaimer: I don’t read comic books.)

 What do you like most about living in The Triangle?

I like that there are so many vegan restaurants to explore. I like eating and not cooking, so this works out nicely. So far, my favorite restaurant remains Pure Soul in Durham, but Element in downtown Raleigh is a close second.  

 What do you like to do outside of work?

I like spending time with my family, Luis (husband) and Emily (daughter; 3.5 years old). We enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming, and indoor activities, like watching movies. I also like exploring libraries with Emily, and resting.