7 Questions with Research Engagement Superstar, Dawn Tripp!
John C. Hitt Library Posted: August 28th, 2024Today we’re celebrating one of our Library superstars, Dawn Tripp. Dawn works as a Library Technical Assistant in our Research Engagement department and is responsible for many of the touch points that we have with our students and faculty. As she successfully leads our incredibly popular “Ask A Librarian” chat functionality, Dawn has been integral in providing services that are innovative and move our mission forward. As a member of the UCF Libraries that consistently goes above and beyond her call of duty, Dawn exemplifies what it means to be a caring team member of our Library. She’s thoughtful, kind, and takes pride in the work and services she provides. We sat down with Dawn to get a little bit of insight on what makes her work so fulfilling.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how long you’ve been with us at the UCF Libraries.
I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and have called Orlando home since 1998. My library journey began in 1992 as a part-time shelver in the Children’s department at the Palm Beach County Library System. After moving to Orlando, I was fortunate to secure a full-time shelver position at the Orlando Public Library just two months later, eventually transitioning to a full-time reference clerk in 2004 until 2010. After a hiatus from library work, I realized how much I missed it. This led me to my first academic library role as a Senior Library Technical Assistant for UCF’s Ask a Librarian service in July of 2013, I am now an LTA III. Although I was initially nervous, my colleagues quickly put me at ease, and I remain deeply grateful to them.
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