Natalia Umaña
Evening Circulation Supervisor- Lucy Scribner Library
Natalia Umaña
My work as the evening circulation supervisor at Scribner Library is dynamic and extremely
rewarding, specifically when it comes to supervising our crew of approximately thirty
student employees. I, along with my phenomenal daytime colleagues, work hard to train
our students thoroughly on the systems and procedures they will need to successfully
navigate the library and fulfill our department’s mission.
Herein is where I apply the pedagogical foundations established in my “former life”
as a primary school teacher; the most salient being establishing relationships with
students and involving student interests in the day-to-day functions of the job. The
former is my favorite part of what I do here at Skidmore, as I have had an opportunity
to get to know so many students who have inspired me with their resilience, leadership,
and passion for their studies.
It is also essential for me to establish an environment where students feel they have
an impact and that they are seen and heard. To this end, I engage students in conversations
about the importance of the tasks they complete and involve them in decisions within
the department as much as possible.
My love of librarianship, scholarship, and literature brought me to Skidmore; the
students are what keep me here!