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Glen Samuels, a proud UCF alumnus from the Class of 2010, is the Access Services Night Supervisor at the UCF Library. Dedicated to supporting students, he plays a crucial role in keeping the library running smoothly into the late hours—staying on duty until 1 AM on weekdays. Whether assisting with research, managing resources, or ensuring a welcoming study environment, Glen is a reliable presence for night owls who rely on the library as a hub for learning and success. We asked Glen a few questions about his experience here at UCF and what he finds most important about his career here at UCF.

Tell us about your background and your journey here at UCF. 
I am a 2010 UCF Alumnus and graduated with a Bachelors in Humanities: Philosophy, Religion, and Pop Culture track with a minor in Religious Studies. I began work with UCF Libraries in February 2006 where I started as a freshman student assistant in the Reserves unit of Circulation Services. Throughout my undergraduate career I worked throughout various units and departments. After graduating I went on to work with libraries across central Florida.  I returned to UCF Libraries in October 2019 as a Library Technical Assistant II and was promoted to Supervisor in August 2021. Overall, I’ve developed a robust nineteen-year career in libraries and I could not have done it without the foundation that was built at the John C. Hitt Library.

Who has been your biggest influence on your career?
The biggest influence on my career has been my parents. After being rejected numerous times while looking for jobs around campus as a freshman, my mom suggested that I apply to the library. She reminded me that as a kid I loved going to the library with her.  In middle school and high school, I often found myself in the library discovering new books, casually chatting with the media specialists and learning about new resources.  By extension, my dad helped foster a love of learning beyond school studies by regularly gifting me encyclopedias and educational toys. While they may not have seen libraries as a career path for me, the library environment has aligned with my values and sense of purpose in life and I’m happy to be part of this field.

What are three key things you want people to know about you and your position at UCF?

1. It is both an honor and a joy to work with the UCF community. No matter if it’s finding books or teaching patrons how to use electronic resources, it is a pleasure to help our students, faculty, staff, and guests achieve their goals.
2. Our team takes great pride in ensuring the safety and security of our library patrons. We have a strong relationship with the UCF Police department and work directly with Allied Universal Services to maintain an environment conducive to learning and engagement.
3. We value feedback from our patrons. If you have ideas about new books we can order or events we could hold, or enhance our services please let us know! We are here to not only provide access to materials but also provide world-class customer experience.

What are some personal hobbies and things you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy working out at the gym, hiking, and going to the beach. I’m a musician and enjoy dancing so I do my best to support local shows.  I appreciate local artists and restaurants, so you’ll find me at art shows and the trying the newest gastropub. I have a video game catalog that is ever growing along with an anime and manga list that I am slowly, but surely, getting through. Lastly, I love rollercoasters and thrill rides so I do my best to make it out to the parks whenever I can.

Do you enjoy working on a university campus with the bustling environment of students?
I love the energy on campus especially during the evening hours. It’s great seeing students and faculty on the green around the Reflecting Pond chatting. I’m always very proud and inspired to see the many groups in our study rooms and using our collaboration stations in the library.

What does a typical day look like for you?
As the Access Services Night Supervisor, I manage the space in the absence of library administration. This means that not only am I ensuring that patrons are experiencing excellent customer service from our staff at the service desk, but also corresponding with our Allied Universal Security guards to make sure the building is secure and if there are facilities issues, liaising with Facilities and Operations to address any safety concerns that we have in the building.

This said, a typical day starts with a debrief from Daytime staff as to any safety, security, or service concerns and highlights.  I share important updates with my Night staff. Check email and Teams correspondences and handle any invoices that need payment. Throughout the night, I support my desk staff in providing customer service to our staff whether at the desk or in the Automated Retrieval Center (ARC). At the end of the night, we ensure our patrons safely exit the premises and that the building is secure.

What motivates you to do your best work every day?
The students and the hope of a better future motivate me to do my best work every day. As Dr. John T. Washington stated, if it wasn’t for the students none of us – staff or faculty – would be here. I also feel that libraries are knowledge centers that are being rediscovered as important cultural institutions in our communities. Every day I come to campus, I’m reminded of the impactful work we do, and I am a proud ambassador of our services.  

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