Faculty

In August 2008, the Mardigian Library proudly announced the appointment of Lavada Smith as our newest librarian. Smith is not a newcomer to the library; in fact, she worked as a Library Student Assistant from June 1995 through 1998 while earning her Bachelor of General Studies in Education degree. After graduation, Smith worked as a Library Assistant at Marygrove College until 2000 when she came back “home” to work at the Mardigian Library.

Because we were highly impressed with her work in both the Circulation and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Departments, we encouraged Smith to pursue a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS). In 2005, she decided to take the plunge and began her studies at Wayne State University (WSU), one class at a time, with tuition assistance from UM-Dearborn and the library. It wasn’t long before WSU professors saw the same outstanding qualities that we see every day and awarded Smith scholarship money, enabling her to take two classes a semester. In June 2008, Smith finished her MLIS degree and officially graduated from WSU. In August, her position and responsibilities were expanded and restructured, resulting in a promotion to Assistant Librarian.

Smith manages ILL, a fast-growing service as faculty and students search the Internet and request research materials owned by libraries in Michigan and around the world. In 2007-08, over 20,000 items were either borrowed for UM-Dearborn patrons or sent to other libraries for their patrons. This was an increase of 9.2% over the previous year. Hundreds of items arrive or are shipped each week, requiring an efficient and swift workflow performed under Smith’s watchful eye. She has also become an expert at locating hard-to-find materials for our users who frequently come to her for help and advice.

Smith didn’t intend to become a librarian when she started her academic career at UM-Dearborn fifteen years ago. “I wasn’t planning to work for the UM-Dearborn library but a friend of mine, who was a Library Student Assistant, begged me to come work with her at the library. But I didn’t want to work at the Circulation Desk so I started in Shelving. I also worked one semester in Technical Services but then Margaret Kruszewski, Head of Circulation, asked me if I wanted to help out with ILL and that’s when I found my niche!”

It has been rewarding to follow Smith’s progress from undergraduate student assistant to professional librarian. She is an inspiration to all who have watched her these last fifteen years and we’re proud to have her on our staff, as both a UM-Dearborn alumna and a professional librarian! Way to go Lavada!!

Betrayal! Revenge! Murder! Redemption!

Join the Mardigian Library and the Arab American National Museum for one of two book discussions held on the UM-Dearborn campus. Both events are open to the public.


Book title: The Thief and the Dogs
Author: Naguib Mahfouz

Tues., March 10, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Mon., March 23, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Room 1210 in the Mardigian Library.

See The Big Read website for information about the novel and the author and for a full list of events hosted by the Arab American National Museum.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. Grant support for this project was provided by the Detroit Area Library Network (DALNET).


For more information about the book discussions scheduled at the Mardigian Library, contact Kathy Irwin at 313-593-5598.