The Humans of the Libraries photo story celebrates the Smathers centennial student employee class of 2025. We are so proud of their accomplishments and the energy they have brought to our branches.
Working for the George A. Smathers Libraries has been the most unexpectedly delightful part of my undergraduate experience. In my eyes, the libraries are such an essential part of student life, especially at UF, and being part of the staff has been a genuine honor. The culture within the libraries is empowering in a way I didn’t anticipate. It’s a space where creativity is encouraged and where your ideas feel valued, no matter your role. From producing new social media series to dressing up as a Sasquatch for an event, every project I’ve taken part in has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I didn’t realize I needed. The work was never repetitive or predictable, and it gave me the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself: creating an inviting, engaging environment for students who rely on the libraries every day.
When I submitted my application in the summer leading into my Junior year, I could not have imagined I would be so involved in the simple, yet rewarding, experience of knowledge-seeking. Whether we shared similar research interests or came from totally different fields, having the opportunity to help others reach their goals– even if it just meant encouraging them from the front desk when I worked as a Student Assistant in the Grand Reading Room– is a feeling I would not trade for the world. Moving from the Grand Reading Room to working with the Latin American & Caribbean Collections wasn’t just facilitated by my passion for archival research, it was because I was surrounded by a community that welcomed me, believed in me, and pushed me out of my shell to take on new beginnings and unfamiliar situations with courage. Working in the Libraries has meant being given the opportunity to find a place for myself.
Finding a favorite moment is difficult; I have too many memories to choose from! When I worked in the Grand Reading Room, it was probably when I had gotten the chance to make small talk with the visiting researchers about what they were working on. At the time, I was working on a seminar paper, which was the longest work of research I myself had done at that point. Being able to hear the projects of seasoned Historians filled me with a joy I did not think possible. It was especially pleasing when they would name-drop a book I had already read! My favorite moment working at the Latin American & Caribbean Collections was either putting together an exhibit or the copious amounts of metadata work I would do. There’s some underrated joy in looking through the Digital Collections and seeing an item description that you had written! Really, with all of the memories I have acquired, my only complaint is that I did not start sooner.
Working in the libraries has been one of my greatest memories here at UF. What I’ve valued most is the opportunity to assist students and faculty in navigating what can initially feel like an overwhelming system. There is something deeply rewarding about helping someone move from uncertainty to clarity—whether that means locating a single book in the stacks or guiding them toward the right database for their research. Over time, I’ve developed a strong understanding of how information is organized and accessed, and that knowledge has not only made me a more effective employee but has also strengthened my confidence as a researcher. For future UF students, my advice would be to take full advantage of the libraries early on. Learn how the system works, ask questions, and don’t be intimidated by the process. For me, working in the libraries has not only supported my current studies but has also prepared me for future research opportunities and a career rooted in access, education, and knowledge-sharing.
Working at the George A. Smathers Libraries has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey at UF. I came in with an interest in data and technology, but what I found here was a space where that work could have real impact. One moment that stood out to me was helping bring together different sources of research data into a single system that faculty could use to better understand their work. It was the first time I truly saw how something I built could support researchers and their stories, and that made the experience incredibly rewarding.
Over time, the Libraries became more than just a workplace. It became a place where I grew both technically and personally. I learned how to think about data beyond just numbers, how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and how to communicate complex ideas in a simple way. My advice to future UF students would be to take opportunities like this seriously, because you never know where you’ll grow the most. For me, the Libraries played a big role in shaping my path in AI and data systems, and I’m really grateful for that experience.
I was looking for an on-campus job the summer before attending UF as a freshman, and I came across the Latin American and Caribbean Collection (LACC) at Smathers. As a first-generation Haitian American student, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me, so I applied. The next four years approached in the blink of an eye. I am eternally grateful for the years of support I’ve received from the staff at LACC.
When you go off to college, it can seem daunting and overwhelming. You’re learning about the world, yourself, and where you fit within all of it. My LACC family helped me through that journey, and now I go out into the world carrying that love and support with me everywhere I go.