Meet New Librarian Sylvia Owens
CSN Libraries extends a warm welcome to new Instruction and Reference Librarian Sylvia Owens! Sylvia will be helping students at the Charleston campus library. She has answered a few of our interview questions to help us get to know her!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background before coming to CSN? Where have you lived and gone to school?
Growing up my family was stationed overseas; I lived in Germany for ten years. I studied biological sciences during my first two years of college while living there. When we returned to the U.S., I worked on my undergraduate degree in education in Illinois and completed my student teaching. When my parents retired from the military, I moved to Texas and took courses at the community college, just for fun! Some of the ones that interested me were semiconductor technology, hospitality management, and non-profit management. After working a variety of jobs, I decided to attend graduate school at the University of North Texas to become an academic librarian. I worked in college libraries for eight years before moving to Las Vegas in 2016.
What was the most interesting job you’ve ever had?
I’ve had several interesting jobs that put some of the courses I’ve mentioned to work! I worked in a semiconductor fab (fabrication plant) making computer chips, in tourism managing events, and in youth programming. My most interesting job in libraries was working in a small historic building that held the distinction of being Austin’s first library, its first branch library for the African-American community, and the first African-American neighborhood museum in Texas. During my employment, I was fortunate to witness the citizens of the community advocate to transform it into a 36,000 square foot cultural and genealogy center.
What do you like best about working at CSN Libraries so far?
Working with students and staff from different backgrounds who have a wide variety of interests, knowledge, and life experiences is what I like best. I enjoy being in this environment of academic and personal growth. As an educator, I support lifelong learning no matter what degree or career that’s pursued, either along a straightforward path or one that meanders.
What activities do you enjoy when you’re not at work?
I enjoy reading, visiting parks and museums, traveling, hiking, Zentangle drawing, and spending time with friends and family.
What’s one fact about yourself you’d like to share?
I’ve lived in 11 states: Missouri, California, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and of course, Nevada!