Student-to-Student: Library News
with Nick Freed

An Interview with John Montre, the New Parks College Liaison Librarian

Nick:
I’m Nick Freed, the student voice of Pius Library, and I’m here with John Montre, the new liaison librarian for Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology.  He’s going to tell us a little more about his position, and we’re going to find out more of what it entails.  John, how are you?

John:
I’m doing fine Nick. Thank you for having me on.

Nick:
Now, can you tell us a little about your new position?

John:
Yeah Nick!  Previously at Pius Library, I’ve been the Government Documents librarian, and working with public policy, political science, and economics.  I’m now moving over to Parks College, to represent the students at that campus.

Nick:
What do you think that you can bring to the Parks family that we haven’t had in recent years?

John:
Well, I’ve got a lot of experience in teaching, and having been the interim librarian at Parks, I realized that the students are a really great group, and the faculty is sharp, and I think that my background in government documents and in technical documents, in particular, will help me out in making the transition to Parks College.

Nick:
Fantastic!  Do you have any special projects planned, or anything that you in specific that you would like to see changed?

John:
Well, I’m hoping to make myself known at Parks in a physical presence, if you will. I’m going to be spending time at the campus, both in the labs and in the academic area. I’m hoping the students will be able to find me there and make it a little more accessible. I am also hoping to work with faculty and their research and teaching in the classroom.

Nick:
How important do think that personal involvement is with students and their liaison librarian?

John:
Well Nick, in the 9 years that I have been here at SLU, I’ve developed some really great relationships with the students in the social sciences area and I’m really looking forward to working with students in the sciences. The sciences represent a different kind of challenge.

Nick:
How difficult has it been transitioning into Parks?

John:
The transition coming into Parks hasn’t been very difficult because I know the university and I’ve met with the faculty a number of times. I’ve co-taught classes with Chet Bunnell, who is the Parks librarian before I was. Research involves listening to students’ questions and aiming them in the right direction for resources. So I think it’s not going to be that difficult. Although I don’t have a background in science, I do have a background in journalism. As a reference librarian, you find part of the job is active listening, and I have a lot of background doing that.

Nick:
Do you find there is a difference between reference questions, between say a mechanical engineer and an aerospace engineer?

John:
Absolutely. It is interesting that you talk about engineers in general because one of the wonderful things about Parks students and the programs is the fact that when you’re an engineer, you’re not allowed to run on the curve, as they say. If you do not design something properly, you have lives at stake. It is very important that you are accurate in your research. I’m looking forward to working with these students because they are very highly motivated.

Nick:
What do you have planned as far as collection development for Parks College?

John:
Well Nick, at Pius Library, we are moving a lot towards online access versus physical access. In that respect, one of the things we’ve added recently is the IEEE collection of journals. We went from 28 journal subscribed to more than 100, with all online access. It’s difficult to negotiate these contracts, but I think in the long run it benefits both the students and the faculty.

Nick:
Do you have any plans on going over to Parks and specifically being there physically?

John:
Yeah, I’m hoping I can spend sometime in the senior design room or the small lounge area. The students and faculty can bring questions to me and we can work them out on-site.
Nick:
What are you doing personally to acclimate yourself to the constantly changing field of engineering?

John:
Nick, I’m working with faculty and I’m getting to know them and their research agendas. I’m also hoping to observe classes so I can get a first hand feel for the student’s assignments.

Nick:
Have any professors tried to get a hold of you to work so you can have special instructional sessions with the library?

John:
There’s a freshmen orientation for engineers. I have a short class with them, so they can get to know who I am and how they can contact me. I’m hoping to do more classes with advanced students in aviation, engineering and biomedical engineering.

Nick:
Well that is about all of the questions I have for you right now, John. If some of the students have questions for you…

John:
Nick, it’s been wonderful talking to you. If the students have any questions for me they can reach me at my email, montrejr@slu.edu or 977-3590. Thanks again.

Nick:
Thank you. For answers to these or any other questions you may have, please call the reference desk at 977-3103 or visit http://libraries.slu.edu.