"This is your campus. This is your library,” says Chloe Barnett, the librarian for undergraduate engagement and student success.

Barnett’s role extends beyond what students might think of as a typical librarian’s role. Her mission is unique—to bridge the gap between the vast variety of academic resources and the busy lives of undergraduate students. With an aim to strengthen partnerships across campus, Barnett collaborates with the UO Libraries’s subject specialist librarians and works with divisions such as Undergraduate Education and Student Success and the Division of Student Life as well as academic programs such as the Clark Honors College.

“Much of the position is collaborating with others to think about ways in which we can broadly support undergraduates,” Barnett says.

Professional Journey

Initially attending Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and majoring in art history, Barnett and her passions landed at the University of Texas-Austin where she pursued a master's in art history and, later, a Master of Science in Information Studies. Barnett’s post-graduate experience consisted of working at universities across the country, from Bucknell University as an Arts and Humanities Librarian to Westminster University as a reference and instruction librarian.

In mid-2020, Barnett and her family moved to Eugene where she found herself faced with an uncertain professional landscape as COVID-19 swept across the world.

“The jobs that I had applied for disappeared because there were hiring freezes during COVID. I didn't work for a year and stayed at home with my one-and-a-half-year-old while taking online instructional design courses through Oregon State University, which was the most intense experience I've ever had,” Barnett says, highlighting the impact COVID had on her life—both professionally and personally.

New Opportunities

Nevertheless, her job search proved to be successful when she landed a position as a learning and development coordinator in the UO's Human Resources Department. In that role, she worked with employees from across the university to support their professional development. During that time, she also reflected on how academic libraries support lifelong learning.

“One thing I learned in my learning and development role was how much I value libraries. You can go into a library, and you’re granted equitable access to information.”

Meeting Students’ Needs

Barnett acknowledges some of the challenges that come with engaging a diverse undergraduate population, specifically ensuring that students feel empowered to use the library as a resource.

“In the library world, we call it ‘library anxiety.’ I absolutely experienced it as an undergraduate, and I think that it is a challenge for engaging students. The library is a central part of a student’s support system, but many students don’t feel like they belong in the library.”

With the library potentially perceived as intimidating, Barnett actively works to make sure students feel comfortable reaching out for help. For undergraduates, her advice is to embrace the unpredictable nature of their journeys.

“Life is going to take you on a journey. I think if you can maintain an open attitude in your life, you'll be able to learn from whatever experience life brings you.”

Her reflections illuminate a guiding principle—the library is not just a repository of books but a space for growth and discovery. This space for learning continues to evolve, meeting the changing needs of students and empowering them to navigate the obstacles life brings them.

Follow @UOLibraries and #MeetYourLibrarian on social media to learn more about subject specialist librarians and how they can aid you in your academic journey.