Exploration of Knowledge: A Conversation with Sara Howard, the Less Celebrated Librarian in the Field of Gender and Sexuality Studies
Sara Howard, the Gender and Sexuality Studies and Student Engagement librarian at Princeton University, is passionate about working with students, even when representing Princeton in other capacities. She works with students from various disciplines, as well as various student centers and programs across campus, including SIFP students, the PACE center, the LGBT Center, and the Women's Center.
Howard's role involves supporting students and faculty in Gender and Sexuality Studies by curating and managing collections of academic resources, providing research assistance and instructional support tailored to gender and sexuality topics, developing digital and physical resource guides, collaborating with faculty on curriculum development, and offering workshops or sessions on research skills. She also engages with the student community to promote inclusiveness, equity, and access to information.
In these challenging COVID-19 times, Howard is excited to meet with students over Zoom. She facilitates access to resources and personalized support especially important during online learning, such as virtual consultations, online guides, and remote access to databases.
To best utilize her support during online learning, students should reach out directly via email or virtual office hours for personalized research help. They can also use curated digital resource guides or subject-specific databases she manages, attend any webinars, workshops, or discussion groups she offers related to Gender and Sexuality Studies, consult her for assistance with navigating databases and accessing e-resources remotely, and take advantage of any liaison support she provides for connecting with faculty or interdisciplinary initiatives.
For precise responsibilities and available support services, students should consult Princeton University Library’s official website or contact Sara Howard directly. Howard can be reached over Zoom or by phone, and she is available for communication via WASE and email. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks during the research process.
Howard became involved with the Scholars Institute Fellows Program (SIFP) due to her previous work in the non-profit sector, particularly with young people in the foster care system and LGBTQ youth. She works with students, researchers, faculty, and visiting scholars from all disciplines doing research in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Howard also mentions BorrowDirect, a service that allows students to request books from other libraries. She advises students to reach out to their subject librarian for assistance at any point in the research process. She is willing to find a time to connect, even if she is away on conferences or traveling. Howard emphasizes that now is an excellent time to reach out to a librarian for support. If students are experiencing difficulties in the research process, they should inform their librarian so that any gaps in the collection can be addressed.
Howard's role involves getting out of the library and meeting with students on campus. She encourages students to reach out to her at any stage in the research process.
- Sara Howard, in her role at Princeton University, provides support for students and faculty in areas like sustainable-living, education-and-self-development, home-and-garden, and lifestyle by offering resources such as e-books, articles, and databases for online education.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard serves students by providing personalized research assistance, online guides, and virtual consultations to help them make the most of their learning experience.
- Students can benefit from Howard's expertise by utilizing research resources she curates, attending her workshops or sessions on research skills, and consulting her for guidance on navigating databases and accessing e-resources. They can also reach out to Howard for help with specific research questions and to address any gaps in the collection.
