VCU Libraries employs more than 100 students annually through internships, Federal Work-Study and hourly positions, and provides valuable support to daily library functions.

Several former student workers have found themselves returning to the campus as libraries employees. Their paths to library work were anything but conventional, with many of them initially pursuing degrees in fields that didn’t seem to have much in common with the library world. Yet, through connections, experiences and a shared sense of purpose, they’ve turned their student jobs–from working the circulation desk to cataloging assets, shelving books, repairing items and acquiring new materials–into fulfilling careers in library services.

For some individuals, the transition from graduation directly into full-time employee roles at VCU Libraries was a natural one. “Working at VCU Libraries as a student made me aware of an entirely new career,” said Liza Hazelwood, lead collections care technician who studied photography and film at the School of the Arts. “Of course, I knew that librarians existed, but it hadn't occurred to me as an option for my own career. The experience made me realize that many of the parts of documentary filmmaking that I enjoyed were transferable to library work and that it was a good environment for me to be in.”

Not all of these graduates stayed in library work immediately after graduation. Some left for a short time but found themselves returning because of their deep connection to the library and the VCU community. Benjamin Staton, evening facilities coordinator who pursued a degree in international studies and religious studies, found that the library aligned perfectly with his own values. "The library as a cultural institution has always provided a service and ethos I can really get behind,” Staton explained. “It just seemed a natural fit for me.”

For others, the decision to stay wasn’t just about a job – it was about being part of something greater. "There’s just something to me about libraries that represents a fundamental positive of humanity," said Liam Palmer, health sciences collection analyst and stacks coordinator who studied mass communication. “[It's] the idea that we should be able to better ourselves by maintaining materials for the benefit of our education or enjoyment, and not for someone else’s profit. It’s like [libraries are] treasure chests, and you just have to dig through to find even more treasure.”

While some alumni are content in their current roles and have no plans to pursue additional degrees, others, including Staton, Hazelwood, and Denise Branch, head of electronic and continuing resources department, have chosen to further their education with Master’s degrees in Library Science (MLS). The MLS degree is the credential required to become a “librarian.” 

“I chose to continue my career at VCU Libraries in the beginning because of my passion for working with books, despite my background in business,” Branch said. “Over time, the work has been both meaningful and fulfilling, making it a natural decision to stay. Having already adapted to the work environment, culture and expectations, the transition from student worker to full-time roles has been seamless. The strong relationships I built with colleagues and supervisors further reinforced my decision. Additionally, I saw opportunities for growth, skill development, and career advancement that allowed me to integrate my business background with library work.”

As full-time professionals, these alumni have taken on leadership roles, supervising student workers and drawing from their own experiences to mentor and guide the next generation. Their ability to guide and educate student workers is not only a testament to their leadership but also to the unique perspective they bring to their roles. Many supervise student workers, relying on their experiences as students to inform how they support and develop young talent in the library.

The diverse academic backgrounds of these VCU alumni have allowed them to thrive in a variety of roles within the library system. Whether working in preservation and collections care, overseeing projects, or developing new initiatives, they have all found meaningful, fulfilling careers at VCU Libraries that were sparked by their time as student workers, not by their degrees.

In a world where career paths are often unpredictable, the story of these VCU graduates is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected connections can lead to a career that feels like a perfect fit. As they continue to mentor students and contribute to the university community, their impact on VCU Libraries is undeniable. 

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This article is published during National Library Week, which honors the work of librarians and libraries’ staffs, and in support of the VCU Libraries Staff Excellence Fund. This fund is a resource for full-time staff who can apply for funding to aid in the cost of pursuing a library science degree.The fund can also be used for educational events for staff education. Here is the link to give: https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/fund?fund=4048