New to MLGSCA: Jill Crussemeyer
Posted on September 3, 2012 by Frances Chu | 1 Comment
New to MLGSCA
Welcome Jill Crussemeyer! A new member to MLGSCA. I have known Jill since 2006 when we worked together at a competitive intelligence company. She recently joined MLGSCA and I interviewed her to introduce everyone to our new member.
What was your first professional position?
My first paid professional position was working in competitive intelligence. It was a challenging position as it required not only knowing medical terms but also understanding how to search business and general information databases.
What is your current position?
I just finished a 6 month temporary part-time position as a Medical Librarian at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Since the school year has started, I’m back in the classroom at CSULB teaching biomechanics related courses and still searching for a library position.
What is your education?
I have a B.S. degree in Biology, a M.S. degree in exercise science (biomechanics/exercise physiology), and a Ph.D. in exercise science (biomechanics/sports medicine) to go along with my MLIS degree.
What do you Find Most Interesting about your current position?
In my heart, I am an educator and I enjoy helping others learn how to take information and then use it to generate knowledge. I believe librarians are in a unique position to be the ones that can show students how to find information, assess the credibility of that information, and then show how to use that information in the student’s given field of study.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest professional challenge has been finding the right library position that fits my skillset and goals. I’m hoping as the profession continues to emphasize education there will be an opportunity.
How did you become interested in medical librarianship?
I’ve always been interested in medical information and it was during my Ph.D. program that I noticed the other doctoral students and my advisors asking me to find research articles because they couldn’t figure out how to use the old MEDLINE (dummy terminal timeframe). Years later a colleague asked me to find some information for him. I became so absorbed in the task that I completely lost track of time and it made me remember how much I enjoyed searching for information. I started my application for the San Jose State Library program the next day.
What was your background before becoming a medical librarian?
Educator/researcher. I did do some bench science research as an undergraduate working with radioactive iodine and cancer cells. I was responsible for finding all the literature for those projects too.
What do you think is the most interesting issue in librarianship today?
For me there are 2 interesting issues/challenges. One is the rapid development of technology and trying to stay ahead (or afloat). It is important for librarians to understand what technologies are available and maybe even more importantly which technologies are being used by their students/clients. The second issue is the “information overload” that everyone is subjected to and trying to help people figure out what information is important and credible.
What advice would you give to new MLA members/new librarians?
Hang in there and continue to develop your skills. I finished my MLIS degree in 2005 and I’m still looking for that elusive job. I consistently attend local meetings and participate in educational workshops.
What are your future goals/plans?
I know what I want to do but the challenge is finding the correct path to get me there. I know I want to educate health professionals so that they can make the best clinical decision based on the best evidence using the best technology available. Unfortunately this position may not be in a library setting so I am searching to see what other paths may lead to the same outcome.
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October 19th, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
I am a new MLIS student and new to the MLGSCA and I find this interview to be very supportive of where I am as a student trying to find my way in this profession. Thank you!