Have you been on the 3rd floor of the library recently and noticed the inspirational Rocky Balboa poster in an office window? Well that office belongs to Laurie Borchard, one of the Digital Learning Initiatives Librarian. Learn more about her favorite books, why she became a librarian, and just how far her obsession with Rocky goes.
Where are you originally from?
I am from a really small town in southern Minnesota called New Richland, with a population of 1,200.
What do you admire most about CSUN students?
I encounter so many students who are really enthusiastic about their education and the determination with which they apply to their studies is truly inspiring.
What’s your favorite book or your top 5?
Favorite book of all time is The Brothers Karamasov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Honorable mentions: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
My Antonia by Willa Cather
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi
Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
What songs would you include on the soundtrack of your life?
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Gonna Fly Now from Rocky Soundtrack
No Easy Way Out by Robert Tepper
Hearts on Fire by John Cafferty
Why did you become a librarian?
I took a research methods class as an undergraduate that was taught by a librarian. She made research interesting, fun, and the more I learned about librarianship the more appealing it sounded. I really enjoy working with students and I find myself constantly learning from them. I also love that my job is so multi-faceted, I get to work with students and faculty, as well as develop projects and initiatives on my own.
What do you wish every student knew about the library or librarians?
I hope that students know that a library is not just about books and that librarians do not spend their day putting books on the shelf and shushing students. The library is a place for students to come to get the information and help they need to do their research, as well as a place to study and collaborate with fellow students. The Oviatt Library is currently undergoing renovations to turn the first floor into a Learning Commons. The changes are really exciting, we are getting new furniture, study rooms with monitors students can hook their devices up to, a brand new Freudian Sip in the lobby, and finally more power outlets!! For more info, check out our blog The Transforming Library.
What’s your favorite quote?
“It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them…the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas.”
―Fyodor Dostoyevsky
If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be?
Björk
If you could learn any skill what would it be?
I wish I could speak another language fluently, preferably Spanish or German, or maybe someday both!
What are some of your current projects that you are working on?
Along with my colleague Anna Fidgeon, we have developed the video series Research Therapy; we cover topics relating to finding articles and books, evaluating resources, topic exploration and more. Check out our YouTube playlist , along with the videos we also create a blog post that expands on the information provided in the video, check out our posts on the Cited at the Oviatt blog.
